ECUADOR 2 25 NOVEMBER 2007 TOUR REPORT

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1 ECUADOR 2 25 NOVEMBER 2007 TOUR REPORT LEADER: JÁNOS OLÁH Ecuador undeniably offers the best of the Bird Continent with most species of birds per square mile in the World! On this unbelievable tour we travelled through a wide range of habitats, all full of birds. Birdquest has operated a very long series of successful tours to Ecuador over the last fourteen years. The 2007 tour was a great success and extremely eventful with a good number of Ecuadorian and other South American specialities. We recorded a staggering 800 species of which 728 were seen and all this happened in a mere 22 days. We visited the regular birding hotspots for which this tour has been known for a long time plus, as usual, some exciting new additions to the itinerary! This was the first time we visited the magnificent Antisana Volcano in the heart of the National Park of the same name. The visit proved very successful with all the usual high altitude birds plus the highly localised Black-faced Ibis, as well as a wide range of raptors from the huge Andean Condor to the small winter visitor, Merlin. Following the last two years successes in the pioneering visits to the Angel Paz antpitta forest we made another superb day-trip to this magical place. Not only did we get heart-stopping views of two Giant Antpittas but even the smart Yellow-breasted Antpitta and the ultra shy Moustached Antpitta performed brilliantly! It is simply an amazing experience as these shy forest floor denizens take a juicy earthworm from Angel s hand! This superb place can be really appreciated if you spent many many hours looking for antpittas in the pre-angel era! Other highlights were the wonderful lodges throughout the tour starting in the Mindo area at Septimo Paraiso, continuing with La Selva and Gareno in Amazonia and finishing in San Isidro near Cosanga. The Wildsumaco lodge on the east slope unfortunately was not open yet (now expected in February 2008) but their hummingbird feeders were superb, with Napo Sabrewing and Many-spotted Hummingbird. Septimo Paraiso was a great base to explore the western foothills with a whole selection of goodies like Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Ocellated Tapaculo, Clubwinged Manakin and a great variety of hummingbirds. The well-known La Selva was as brilliant as ever with specialities like Zigzag and Agami Herons, Lined and Buckley s Forest-Falcons, Sungrebe, Undulated and Cocha Antshrikes, Black-spotted Bare-eye, Orange-crested Manakin and White-lored Antpitta all appearing nicely on cue! Our luck continued in the rather simple, newly opened, Gareno Lodge, set amidst Huaorani Indian Territory, where day-roosting Rufous Potoo, a fascinating pair of Crested Owls (voted the bird of the trip), Cinnamon Neopipo and a magical army ant swarm with 1 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

2 Reddish-winged Bare-eyes, White-plumed Antbirds and Hairy-crested Antbird were the highlights. The cabanas San Isidro area with the Huacamayos ridge is famous for some of the best Andean birding and it certainly lived up to this billing with a wide range of mouth-watering birds such as Collared Forest-Falcon, Golden-headed Quetzal and Yellow-whiskered Bush-Tanager just to name but a few plus extremely fruitful nightbirding with a gorgeous male Swallow-tailed Nightjar, the rare Andean Potoo, White-throated Screech-Owl and numerous Rufous-bellied Nighthawks! We had numerous breathtaking encounters with those gaudy colour combinations no human artist could ever have come up with such as the displaying male Andean Cock-of-the Rocks at Angel s antpitta forest, superb cotingas and toucans in the lowlands and those multicoloured manakins and tanagers on both slopes of the Andes. Among the procession of specialities that performed beautifully (and not mentioned above) the glowing red-eyed Silvery Grebe, Slate-coloured Hawk, the rare Semicollared Hawk, the localised Aplomado Falcon, Rufous-fronted Wood-Quail, Torrent Duck, the handsome Sunbittern, Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, both Andean and Noble Snipes, White-throated Quail Dove, Red-and-green Macaw, Great Horned Owl, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, the lovely Wire-crested Thorntail, the amazing Sword-billed Hummingbird, Velvet-purple Coronet, Giant Hummingbird, Ecuadorian Hillstar, Great Jacamar, Barred Puffbird, the hard-to-see Lanceolated Monklet, Creamcoloured Woodpecker, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Long-billed Woodcreeper, the localised Double-banded Greytail, Uniform Treehunter, Tawny-throated and Black-tailed Leaftossers, Foothill and Río Suno Antwrens, Yellow-browed and Striated Antbirds, both forms of the marvellous Spotbacked Antbird, the shy Striated Antthrush, the nicely coloured Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Chestnutbelted Gnateater, the glowing Orange-breasted Fruiteaters, Grey-tailed Piha, Southern Nightingale- Wren, the gorgeous Wire-tailed Manakin, the Moss-backed Tanagers and the rare Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak spring to mind! We visited an amazing cross-section of habitats and a multitude of hummingbird feeders resulting in an incredible total of 67 species of hummingbirds, which is the highest total for any Birdquest tour ever of this family! Within the steamy lowland and foothills jungles featuring hundreds of tree species we found an enormous diversity of antpittas, antthrushes, antshrikes, antwrens and antbirds, and recorded a staggering total of 78 species. Other family totals to highlight this year s tour were 10 species of trogons; 8 jacamars including white-chinned and yellow-billed; 10 species of puffbirds; 6 species of barbets; 14 species of toucans, 22 species of woodpeckers with point-blank views of Scalebreasted and Yellow-throated; 43 species of furnarids ; 13 species of cotingas and 14 species of manakins to mention a few. We also recorded 27 species of nightbirds of which we managed to see 19! Every tour to this wonderful country is different but there is always something really special for us Birdquesters! It will certainly take some time to digest all the fantastic experiences we took home from this memorable tour! We started out birding in the arid temperate shrubbery north of Quito, where our main target, the large and localised White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant was very elusive this year. It was raining and we were in the clouds most of the time but we flushed the shrike-tyrant several times and most people had some views of it. If we had known what wonderful looks we would get at the Papallacta Pass I guess we would not have tried so hard! We also had some quite widespread Andean birds like the Blackchested Buzzard-Eagle, the impressive Black-tailed Trainbearers, Tufted Tit-Tyrants, Cinereous Conebill, a wet Burrowing Owl (which is usually not seen on this circuit at all) and both sexes of the splendid Golden-rumped Euphonia. From here we went over the pass and started our descent along the west slope of the Andes. Next we halted at El Pahuma Orchid Reserve where two female Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks were seen nesting on a steep cliff-face down in a ravine. Our main target was the western race of White-tailed Hillstar, which we saw very well, plus a small understorey flock, which contained a pair of the scarce Rusty-winged Barbtails. An hour s drive away, while indulging on some excellent coffee, at the Mirador Rio Blanco we could watch bird tables, which were eagerly visited by a few Pale-mandibled Aracaris, Crimson-rumped Toucanets, Ecuadorian Thrushes and many colourful tanager species. Most often Golden and Silver-throated Tanagers visited but patience 2 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

3 yielded the localised Rufous-throated Tanager too. The hummingbird feeders on the balcony attracted Green-crowned Woodnymph, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Green Thorntail and a variety of plumages of Green-crowned Brilliant. In the afternoon we made our first visit to the birdy upper foothills along the Milpe road at 1100 m, where the Milpe Bird Sanctuary and Milpe Garden protected forest patches held lots of goodies. While having our picnic lunch we soon spotted a fine Moss-backed Tanager, which was one of the highly prized birds in this area. Mixed flocks regularly made their round and featured Red-headed Barbet, Scarlet-backed Woodpecker, Scaly-throated and Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaners, Western Woodhaunter, Red-faced Spinetail, Ornate Flycatchers, Blackand-white and One-coloured Becards, Tropical Parula, Blackburnian and Chocó Warblers, Yellowthroated Bush-Tanager and Ochre-breasted Tanager. Purple-crowned Fairy showed to some of us but the understorey skulking hilaris race of Grey-breasted Wood-Wren (likely to be a distinct species) revealed itself extremely well. Many other goodies were seen in this area, and to name just a few there were Pale-mandibled Aracari, Chocó Toucan, Plain Xenops and the albigularis race of Goldenfaced Tyrannulet (probably a good species). Later we drove to the Septimo Paraiso Lodge near Mindo, our home to the next three nights. We just got there before dusk to see the last attack of the hummingbirds on the feeders before daylight was completely gone. Four more days of rich west slope birding were to follow, and during this time we amassed a great list of specialities and more widespread birds while sampling the rich variety of habitats comprised between 1100 and 2200 m. On our second day we started early and headed for the Tandayapa Valley. We were very lucky with having absolutely brilliant weather, no rain and no clouds, which is rare in this area. We had our first good bird still before Bellavista when a nice pair of Chestnutcrowned Antpitta granted superb views as they were feeding along the edge of the road. We barely got out of the bus in our first proper stop when we heard the unmistakeable loud calls of the Ocellated Tapaculo so we wasted no time in selecting a suitable place and went for it. It took a while to get everybody on this remarkable bird which came as close as one meter and was well appreciated! Next we got very good scope views of two obligatory specialities, the Toucan Barbet and the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, both of which are extremely colourful and always high on people s wish lists. The former gave us a superb show with a pair duetting in the full morning sunlight a sight difficult to forget! Later we visited more feeders with a great set of hummers, including Tawny-bellied Hermit, Western and Andean Emeralds, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Brown Inca, Bufftailed Coronet, Gorgeted Sunangel, Booted Racket-tail, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Violet-tailed Sylph, Purple-throated Woodstar and a surprise female Little Woodstar too. Also due to the superb sunny weather we had a great selection of raptors like a displaying pair of Barred Hawks just overhead, a soaring rare Semicollared Hawk and a White-rumped Hawk. Near the top of this range we visited the Bellavista Lodge, where the compost heap featured unusually tame White-throated Quail-Doves. We also had great looks at Green-and-black and some of us even Scaled Fruiteater, the colourful Rufouswinged Tyrannulet and some tame Russet-crowned Warblers. Many more goodies were found while birding in the Tandayapa Valley, and I d particularly like to mention the many mixed species flocks containing birds like Montane Woodcreeper, Masked Trogon, Turquoise Jay, Streaked Tuftedcheek, White-tailed Tyrannulet, Flavescent Flycatcher, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Dusky Bush- Tanager, Plushcap and Beryl-spangled Tanager just to name but a few. Understorey birds included Striped Treehunter, Narino Tapaculo and Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant. On the third day we started early to arrive in time at Angel Paz antpitta forest, which is no doubt one of the west slope highlights. The nightbirds were not too cooperative as we only distantly heard Colombian Screech-Owl but just as some light was coming through the mountain forest we saw a Yellow-breasted Antpitta hopping on the trail. It was not in the best light but according to Angel they were breeding at the moment so we were lucky to see them at all. Next we descended deeper into the steep gully and positioned ourselves in a little hide from where we could see several bright red males of the sanguinolenta race of Andean Cock-of-the-Rock at the height of their full display. This sight together with the strange call they gave is special regardless how many times one has experienced it before. There was still not yet enough light in the understorey for our prime targets so 3 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

4 we searched for fruiting trees. This produced more finger-licking stuff like a nice pair of Goldenheaded Quetzals, Crimson-rumped Toucanet and absolutely excellent looks at a slow-moving pair of Orange-breasted Fruiteaters. It was now time for the mega birds and after waiting for some half an hour or so two Moustached Antpittas came in silently and started to feed on the earthworms Angel was throwing into the leaf litter. However even trained individuals of this ultra shy, montane forest floor species, which was first found in Ecuador as recently as the early nineties, are rather nervous and skittish. As soon as these antpittas left a calling Uniform Antshrike caught our attention but at exactly the same as it appeared the first Giant Antpitta arrived, leaving this special but drab coloured bird completely ignored! We had unparalleled views of two Giant Antpittas, however whilst Angel s friend Maria came really close one of last year s juvenile birds was not quite as co-operative. We spent an absolutely magical 30 minutes with these antpittas before we climbed back uphill. As we got out of the forest we watched some hummingbird feeders with countless Empress Brilliants and a superb Velvet-purple Coronet. At the end of the birding session we were treated to coffee, tea, biscuits with local cheese and empanadas. We still picked up a few birds from the balcony such as Bran-coloured Flycatcher, White-winged Brush-Finch and Yellow-faced Grassquit. Reluctantly leaving this great place behind we travelled back to Milpe Road for the afternoon. We saw many open country birds like Laughing Falcon, Hook-billed Kite, Maroon-tailed Parakeets (the western Chocó race which is a likely future split), Snowy-throated Kingbird, Black-striped Sparrow and many others. We also visited a nearby reserve for Club-winged Manakins but they were not in their usual lekking area so we had to retreat only with Broad-billed and Rufous Motmots in the bag. Before returning to our lodge in Mindo we still visited a nearby quarry and had a female Lyre-tailed Nightjar to finish this wonderful day! Next day we started with a predawn birding session around our lodge but we only heard the Colombian Screech-Owl distantly and the very strange call of Wattled Guan. The latter always seems much closer than it is but our attempt was luckless. Our first stop after breakfast was at the Mindo junction where the streetlights attract huge quantity of insects and all the birds know this so the first hour of the day here is usually very productive. After yesterday s failure we did not give up on the Club-winged Manakins and were back to Milpe Cloudforest Reserve soon afterwards. This time we had magnificent views of these splendid birds at their lekking area - well worth the return! We also had a few other goodies this morning like a superb male Chocó Trogon and Immaculate Antbird. We visited another trail nearby where we had a Narino Tapaculo and Flavescent Flycatcher. After lunch we drove to the newly established Rio Silanche Reserve in the increasingly deforested lowlands near Pedro Vicente Maldonado. Arriving when the afternoon activity was low we still managed to pick up a few good birds like Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Western Slaty Antshrike and a fine male Purplechested Hummingbird. While we have now birded the area on our tours for over ten years a new feature is the recently constructed canopy tower. We were back to this amazing place the following early morning however, unfortunately it rained for most of the morning and it was very hard work to get some of those birds we were hoping for. We visited the newly built canopy tower three times but as there were no fruiting trees around we had to wait for mixed flocks to pass by. Amidst the tree tops we finally enjoyed scope views of garrulous Pale-mandibled Aracaris, Western White-tailed Trogon, gaudy Chocó Toucans, noisy Masked Tityras, the smart Rufous-winged Tanager, Yellow-tufted Dacnis and Black-winged Saltator. One of the highlights of our Rio Silanche visit was a large mixed flock which came through in a flurry of confusion along the roadside just before we were about to leave. Constituents included Spotted Woodcreeper, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant, Orange-fronted Barbet and more gaudy tanagers like Tawny-crested, Dusky-faced and Scarletbrowed Tanager. Some of us also managed to see the easily overlooked Double-banded Greytail but unfortunately it disappeared before we could all get on it. The icing on the cake however was a singing Lanceolated Monklet that allowed wonderful scope views for all of us! It is not so easy to come across this little fellow and even neotropic regulars usually have to wait for this inconspicuous species. Not everybody as lucky as David was, with the Lanceolated Monklet being his first ever puffbird! We sadly had to leave the Rio Silanche area and travel back to Quito. We took the old 4 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

5 Nono-Mindo road on our way back still picking up a few more cloud forest species like Broadwinged Hawk, Striped Treehunter and Long-tailed Antbird. After our only lie-in on the tour we had a leisurely walk around the garden of the Hosteria el Jardin with a colourful male Vermillion Flycatcher and a fine Rusty Flowerpiercer. We could even squeeze in a little sightseeing in downtown Quito before we left the capital on a flight to Coca. Arriving in the steamy lowlands we embarked upon the two-hour boat journey to one of the finest Amazonian Lodges, La Selva. On our boat journey we saw a nice and increasingly rare Black Skimmer and a Large-billed Tern. Upon arrival our local guides José and Manuel, our loyal and quick-eyed companions for the next five days, were waiting for us. We slowly made our way to the lodge through a superb varzeá forest and then with a dugout canoe across Garzacocha Lake to be greeted by the manager and some wonderful cocktails! Early next morning we started with point-blank views of the usually hard-to-see Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl, before climbing up to an emergent tree into a canopy tower. This was where our real Amazonian birding started! We found the canopy tower an excellent place to study the birdlife of the upper strata of the Amazonian Rainforest and on every single occasion we had a new set of birds. Our first morning visit was the longest and the most productive and with over three hours spent above the jungle floor both our bins and telescopes were red hot with great looks at such splendid birds as Greater Yellow-headed and King Vultures, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, the rare Buckley s Forest-Falcon, Chestnut-fronted Macaw, Dusky-headed Parakeet, Neotropical Palm-Swift, Amazonian Violaceous Trogon, White-fronted and White-necked Nunbirds, Gilded and Lemon-throated Barbets, Many-banded and Ivory-billed Aracaris, White-throated Toucan, Scale-breasted and Cream-coloured Woodpeckers, Slender-footed Tyrannulet, Black-crowned Tityra, Plum-throated and Spangled Cotingas, the diminutive White-browed Purpletuft, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, Olive Oropendola and a wonderful palette of multi-hued tanagers and allies, including such gems as Purple Honeycreeper, Blue Dacnis, White-lored Euphonia, and Opal-crowned, Paradise, Green-and-gold, Yellow-bellied and Flame-crested Tanagers. Mixed canopy flock coming through the branches above our heads featured Zimmer s Flatbill, Blackpoll Warbler and Duskycapped Greenlet, all birds that can be quite hard to see from the forest floor. Our other visits to this high ground throughout our stay yielded Slate-coloured Hawk, the rare Scarlet-and-green Macaw, the shy Lined Forest-Falcon, Black-headed Parrot, the rare Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak (the genus was named in honour of Ted Parker), Green Oropendola and Moriche Oriole. On one occasion we also had a superb Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper singing loudly just about three meters away from us! Chocolate and biscuits always carried around by José and Enrique usually kept our stomachs quiet after the very early breakfasts until one of La Selva s gourmet boxed lunches arrived. A great variety of interesting birds was observed while floating along in small boats on scenic Garzacocha (an old oxbow lake), the smaller Mandicocha Lakes and along the stream draining them, the Mandiyacu. On our first attempt we were lucky enough to locate one of the most highly prized birds of the area, Zigzag Heron! It was late afternoon when we were quietly drifting along Mandiyacu when a distant Zigzag Heron was heard. It took a few nerve wrecking minutes to tape it in but he was very cooperative and perched out in full view on a branch right in front of us. Suddenly a female bird started to call as well from the other side of the stream and while the male disappeared where it came from now the other replaced it on the branch. It was a fantastic experience to see both sexes out on an open branch! We had other noteworthy birds here on these lakeside excursions like Rufescent Tiger-Heron, Agami Heron, clumsy Hoatzins, Azure Gallinules, both Sunbittern and Sungrebe, ungainly Greater Anis, Ringed Kingfisher, Long-billed Woodcreeper, strikingly patterned Plumbeous and Silvered Antbirds, the plaintive Cinnamon Attila, Lesser Kiskadee and the lovely Red-capped Cardinal. However we had to walk a bit to reach the back of one of the swamps, and our patience was rewarded with nice looks at the endemic Cocha Antshrike, another of the top La Selva targets. Visiting another swampy area we stumbled across the lovely White-chinned Jacamar and had absolutely first class views of Dot-backed Antbird and some of us also had the yessupii form of Spotbacked Antbird that lives in varzeá forest. This was when we heard a close White-lored Antpitta so 5 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

6 we bushwhacked into the swamp but despite two different attempts only David and János managed to see it. Strewn across the Napo River are a number of young river islands, where early successional vegetation holds a whole avifauna of its own. A visit to one of these islands resulted in excellent views of such obligate island birds as Olive-spotted Hummingbird, White-bellied and Parker s Spinetails, Barred and Castelnau s Antshrikes, Black-and-white Antbird, Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant, Spotted Tody-Flycatcher, River Tyrannulet, Orange-headed Tanager and Oriole Blackbird, in addition to such other good birds as Capped Heron, Pied Plovers, Ladder-tailed Nightjars, Caqueta Seedeaters and by far our rarest La Selva bird a Hudsonian Whimbrel. This is a very significant observation as it was a new bird for La Selva and is very rarely recorded away from the coast let alone in the eastern lowlands. According to the Birds of Ecuador there is only a single previous record from the eastern lowland in 1976 also along the Napo near Limoncocha. This was also the first Amazonian record at that time! Amongst La Selva s biggest attractions are the clay licks on and near the Napo River. Here hundreds of parrots congregate on sunny mornings to feast on the rich mineral soil. A big hide now provides close-up access while minimizing human impact but owing to the rainy weather the parrots did not came down to the lick and instead just gathered in the surrounding trees. The avian spectacle of hundreds of Dusky-headed Parakeets, dozens of Blue-headed Parrots as well as Mealy Amazons and a few Yellow-crowned Amazons was simply unbelievable in spite of the rain. Next we went to the smaller forest interior lick but again we had no luck as this stakeout for the rare Scarletshouldered Parrotlets failed to produce this time, although we got pretty good flight views of this species later on the tour near Gareno. While waiting for the parrots we all had fantastic views of a singing Southern Nightingale-Wren (the entirely white-breasted Amazonian form), which was a longawaited species for Geraint! Some of us also had a pair of the shy Spot-winged Antbird foraging close to the ground but they disappeared way too fast before everybody could get on them. We returned next day but again no parrots visited, although we managed to pick up few Orange-cheeked Parrots in amongst the hundreds of assembled Cobalt-winged Parakeets. The bulk of our time at La Selva was spent walking the extensive network of forest trails on both sides of the Napo River (Yasúni National Park south of the river). Mixed understorey flocks were a regular feature, and in addition to the leading Cinereous and Dusky-throated Antshrikes and their faithful followers we managed to pick out some of the less frequently attending species such as Red-billed Scythebill and Elegant Woodcreeper. A mixed flock on the south bank of the Napo featured the rarely seen Green Manakin, Pink-throated Becard, Eastern Syristes, Warbling Antbird and not less then six species of antwrens such as Plain-throated, Ornate, Rufous-tailed, White-flanked, Long-winged and Grey! Many other memorable birds were found during our La Selva exploits, and to name just a few there was a hard-to-find and super elusive Undulated Antshrike which finally granted excellent looks, Reddish Hermit, both Collared and Amazonian White-tailed Trogons, a fine Purplish Jacamar, a very confiding Black-tailed Leaftossers, a nice pair of Striated Antthrushes, handsome Rufous-capped Antthrush, stunning Black-spotted Bare-Eye, an unobtrusive Chestnut-belted Gnateater, Brown Nunlet, a log-loving Rusty-belted Tapaculo and the localised Orange-crested Manakin. To top it all there was the welcome hospitality of the La Selva staff, the great food, comfortable beds and most interesting butterfly house. Nightbirds are always an indispensable feature of a visit to La Selva and it was no different this year with Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl obliging very well, a nice pair of Blackbanded Owls, which were spotlighted along the entrance boardwalk, Great Potoo seen at a dayroost, a Common Potoo watched hunting, two sightings of the shy Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl and the daily flight of the impressive Sand-coloured Nighthawks leaving their roost at dusk was equally fantastic. The day had to come for us to say goodbye to this wonderful jungle lodge, and after heading back up the Napo River we settled into our hotel in Coca, from where we had to leave early the next day along the Loreto Road to reach the lower slopes of the Sumaco volcano, where we engaged in a great ticking extravaganza. Our birding took place at the newly opened Wildsumaco Lodge property 6 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

7 that gives access to excellent east slope foothill forest. The Lodge is due to be ready by early 2008 but the trails are already constructed and are fantastic! The morning was a really memorable one with really good views of Chestnut-tipped Toucanet, a pair of Foothill Antwrens, Blackish Antbirds, the fast-moving White-backed Fire-eye, the enigmatic Grey-tailed Piha, the Olive-chested Flycatcher - an east slope specialty and the localised Rufous-naped Greenlet. Several canopy flocks were encountered in the Lodge area and the hilly terrain permitted eye-level views of Montane Foliagegleaner, Yellow-breasted Antwren, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet, Cerulean Warbler, Canada Warbler, Fulvous Shrike-Tanager and Spotted Tanagers. A new attraction was the amazing selection of scarce hummingbirds on the feeders, where we enjoyed terrific views of the near threatened Napo Sabrewing, the rare Many-spotted Hummingbird, lovely Black-throated Brilliants, the eastern race of the Booted Rocket-tail, Golden-tailed Sapphire and the tricky-to-see Ecuadorian Piedtail! We even spotted a female Amethyst Woodstar on the top of a dead tree as an added bonus to our ever-growing hummingbird list! After our nice picnic lunch we checked out a White-crowned Manakin lek, where with patience we saw three males superbly. This coracina race in the foothills is likely to be split off from the nominate lowland race as Sclater s Manakin. In the afternoon we drove to Archidona along the Loreto Road where a brief roadside stop at the bridge over the Rio Hollín produced Whitecapped Dipper, Green-fronted Lancebill and Torrent Tyrannulet. Next day we started early from Archidona and headed out for a short visit to Gareno Lodge, located in Huaorani Indian Territory south of the Napo River. Our journey was livened up by a stop at a large stand of Mauritia palms, where we had scope views of two palm-specialists, a lovely pair of the strikingly patterned Point-tailed Palmcreeper and the handsome Sulphury Flycatcher. Two or three short stops on the way to the lodge gave some good birds like Yellow-billed Nunbird, Dusky-billed Parrotlet, Brown Jacamar, Black-eared Fairy and Casqued Oropendola. We arrived for lunch and it was raining. We lingered around the simple porch of the lodge, where recently installed hummingbird feeders attracted Great-billed Hermit. After a while we decided to push on despite the rain so we hit the steep muddy trail to find the localised Rufous Potoo, which has made Gareno famous. We were taken to the regular day roost area but without the eagle eyes of Pedro we could not locate the bird. We continued on the trail to meet with Pedro who had just found two Crested Owls also on a day roost. This was the time when our luck turned in Gareno and not only did we all enjoyed mind-boggling views of the Crested Owl pair but within ten minutes we also located the splendid roosting Rufous Potoo. It must have been amongst the best ten minutes of neotropical birding! The Crested Owls with the absolutely soaking wet crest curled down and raindrops dripping down from the end were so special that they became the bird of the trip with the Rufous Potoo following it on the second place. We finished the day walking along the entrance road where we picked up a fine Yellow-billed Jacamar, Gould s Jewelfront for David, Black-eared Fairy, the rare napensis race of the Ocellated Woodcreeper (or Tschudi s), Dugand s Antwren for Mike and both Opal-crowned and Fulvous-crested Tanagers. The latter was seen feeding a juvenile bird so we could all get good looks of this understorey tanager. In spite of the brief nature of our visit to Gareno Lodge we had more good stuff next morning, although it was still raining. We started with a pair of the striking Yellow-browed Antbird just outside the lodge then a Tawny-throated Leaftosser and two Lawrence s Thrushes along the entrance track. We soon hit the Harpy trail and that proved to be a great decision! We had barely started along the trail when a small mixed flock came through with Black-bellied Cuckoo and Grey-crowned Flatbill. After another ten minutes we found ourselves in the middle of a superb army ant swarm with all the professionals around. We stayed with the ants over an hour until everybody had enough looks (if you ever can get enough) of White-plumed Antbirds and Reddish-winged Bare-eyes. Geraint and János even saw a Hairy-crested Antbird briefly. The best moment was when the antbirds moved to the bottom of a gully where we had a good view of the ground so we could watch them hopping around. We had at one point three White-plumed Antbirds, a Bicoloured Antbird and a gorgeous male Reddish-winged Bare-eye in the scope! Absolutely brilliant! Finally we managed to drag ourselves away and soon found another rare bird, a Cinnamon Neopipo which unfortunately showed to only half of the group but a nice Thrush-like Schiffornis of the rare Amazonian race showed beautifully for everybody. Continuing along this great trail through 7 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

8 magnificent terra firme forest we saw the theresae race of the Spot-backed Antbird. Finally, just as we turned around we hit a huge mixed species flock that had birds from the canopy to the undergrowth and we counted 43 species in it (and no doubt we missed some!). This superb flock gave us a gorgeous male Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Lafresnay s Piculet, Chestnut-winged and Olive-backed Foliage-gleaners, Eastern Woodhaunter, Chestnut-winged Hookbill, Fascinated and Mouse-coloured Antshrike, Rió Suno Antwren, Greyish Mourner, Tawny-crowned Greenlet and Fulvous Shrike- Tanager. Reluctantly we had to return to the Lodge and then leave this amazingly birdy place. One more roadside stop on the way to Archidona produced a few flocks of Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlets, a Chestnut-eared Aracari and a Glittering-throated Emerald. The following day we visited El Para, a private forest reserve at about 750m elevation. Our best bird here was undoubtedly the Striated Antbird a relative of the Long-tailed Antbird, and lost in Ecuador for over 50 years (being known from a small number of specimens from the first half of the 20th century), until rediscovered in the tall Guadua bamboo thickets here in the late nineties. We had a pair high in a bamboo clump that allowed good views. Other interesting birds in the bamboodominated understorey were a White-bearded Hermit, an unusually tame Eastern Woodhaunter, a skulking pair of White-shouldered Antshrikes, Black-faced and White-browed Antbirds (although the latter giving much better views in our hotel garden back at Archidona), Large-headed Flatbill, Yellow Tyrannulet and an elusive Thrush-like Antpitta for some. On our drive home we had a fast-moving Spot-breasted Woodpecker and the best of all a female of the rare Blue-chinned Sapphire on a flowering tree. This morning we birded several places along the Loreto Road, again with some excellent mixed species flocks. While having our breakfast we were disturbed by an Orinoco Strong-billed Woodcreeper, a pair of White-backed Fire-eyes and Golden-eared Tanagers. Other species here included the Olivaceous Woodcreeper, Little Woodpecker, the east slope race of Golden-faced Tyrannulet, Black-and-white Seedeater, Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer, Bronze-green Euphonia, Olivaceous Greenlet and Olivaceous Siskin. We moved on towards the Cordillera de Huacamayos and made several stops along the way with some good birds like a responsive Equatorial Rufousvented Tapaculo, Chestnut-bellied Thrush and Rufous-crested Tanager just to mention but a few. Unfortunately most of the afternoon was lost when we faced a classic South American problem, a landslide. Almost at the Pass the road was blocked so arrangements were made to get across on foot and be picked up on the other side. Finally we got to San Isidro Lodge safely, where we visited the superb hummingbird feeders adding Bronzy Inca, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Long-tailed Sylph and also seeing several other hummers we d had before. Whilst admiring the hummers a few Highland Motmots showed up too and we finished the day with brilliant views of the calling Rufous-bellied Nighthawk! Our next morning was spent around the lodge garden and along the superb trails. First we birded around the lights by the restaurant that attracted a huge number of insects overnight so birds were numerous in the morning with the prospect of an easy meal! We had many species within only one hour like Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Masked Trogon, Andean Solitaire, Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet, Streak-necked Flycatcher, Pale-edged Flycatcher, Black-billed Peppershrike, Inca Jay, Bluish Flowerpiercer and Subtropical Cacique. Unfortunately the worm-fed antpittas were not cooperative and neither White-bellied nor Chestnut-crowned came. Fortunately we saw the latter on the west slope. The trails here have been improved greatly and were a delight to walk, and in the course of our wanderings here and along the nearby road we added a fine selection of quality birds to our lists like the stunning Collared Forest-Falcon, the endearing Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Spotted Barbtail and the mixed canopy flocks held Handsome Flycatcher, the dreaded Variegated Bristle-Tyrant, Saffron-crowned, Flame-faced and Beryl-spangled Tanagers. In the understorey flocks we saw the bamboo-loving Long-tailed Antbird, Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, Black-eared Hemispingus and Russet-crowned Warbler. In late afternoon we drove to the Huacamayos Ridge 8 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

9 again where we picked up Grass-green Tanager just before dusk but the prize went to the fabulous pair of Swallow-tailed Nightjars that we saw perched and in flight! The following morning on the east slope we walked the Huacamayos Ridge trail. We arrived well before dawn and spotlighted a rare Andean Potoo, rather distant but quite visible. This was a lucky start and we had more success as managed to tape in a White-throated Screech-Owl, which showed well albeit only for a short time. The angry expression on its face was obvious however. We enjoyed the calling and hunting Rufous-bellied Nighthawks while having our well-deserved packed breakfast. As the daylight broke we all enjoyed great views of Andean Guans, magical calling flocks of Whitecollared Swifts zipped by, Green-and-black Fruiteaters were moving sluggishly through the trees and a party of three Yellow-whiskered Bush-Tanagers showed as well. Mixed bird parties were frequent with Handsome Flycatcher, Blue-and-black Tanager and Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager. We had several goodies in the thick undergrowth too. First a long-awaited Spillman s Tapaculo showed up and then Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant and a responsive pair of Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant gave us excellent looks. We came across several Rufous Wrens but the Slate-crowned Antpitta did not want to play despite hearing it on two occasions. Just before midday the activity dropped and we slowly walked back to the bus and drove back for another gourmet lunch in San Isidro! In the afternoon we set off for Quito but we soon stopped and were watching a family party of Torrent Ducks with a newly-hatched duckling in the rushing, white-foamed river. Our next port of call was at the famous Guango Lodge to relax at yet another set of hummingbird feeders, where that mother of all hummers, the astonishing Sword-billed Hummingbird, stole the show. Nonetheless also the numerous Tourmaline Sunangels easily captured our interest, and so did Mountain Velvetbreast, Collared Inca, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, Tyrian Metaltail and the amazing number of White-bellied Woodstars. Finally we also spotted a diminutive superb plumaged male Gorgetted Woodstar, which was the fifth species of woodstar on the tour! This was a splendid way to finish this bird-filled day. The next day we dressed as well we could to face the cold of the Papallacta Pass and vicinity. Well before the pass we had a Green-tailed Trainbearer, Shining Sunbeam, Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant and Black Flowerpiercer in the shrubbery. Still before the pass we stumbled across a pair of the rare White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant that gave absolutely excellent views this time, putting our first day effort into a different light! Once we reached the pass the high-elevation bonanza started, with fancy birds such as Stout-billed and Bar-winged Cinclodes es, Many-striped Canastero, Andean Tit-Spinetail, White-chinned Thistletail, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant and Red-crested Cotinga, all obliging well. The weather was miserable with low clouds and rain. The nearby Polylepis forest gave us a stunning male Bar-bellied Woodpecker, a perched Great Horned Owl and Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager. The chunky Tawny Antpitta was easy to see (coming onto the dirt track), especially compared to its relatives! Climbing up to the radio antennae high above the pass we had to work hard not to be blown away by the howling wind. After some wandering around in these harsh conditions we spotted an Andean Snipe feeding on the ground and allowing close approach! This was a clear favourite of the day for Geraint (and even made it into his top five of the trip!). We were just about to give up when we found a rather confiding pair of Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe, our main target here. A little lower down we visited a shimmering Andean lake where the scopes were essential to pick out Andean Ruddy-Duck and Andean Coot. Dropping further down to Papallacta Lake we had our picnic lunch and in the nearby patch of temperate forest we found a skulking Paramo Tapaculo too. We started to climb back to the pass and stopped at a swampy area where we first heard then flushed a Noble Snipe that showed its rufous tail beautifully to all of us! What a great experience to see three special Andean shorebirds within two hours. One of the Polylepis specialities was still missing so we concentrated the rest of our time to find a Giant Conebill, which we finally did alongside with Bluemantled Thornbill and White-throated Tyrannulet. Early next morning we were off again to another high elevation birding area: Antisana Volcano. This new area for Birdquest provided further great high Andean birding with Giant Hummingbird and Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant close to the entrance gate. While driving towards the higher elevation we spotted a Cinereous Harrier, several Carunculated Caracaras and a wintering Merlin. The latter was trying to catch some of the Plain- 9 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

10 coloured and Band-tailed Seedeaters. Other birds along the way included Baird s Sandpiper, Streakbacked Canastero, Paramo Ground-Tyrant, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch and Hooded Siskins. Memorable birds around the reservoir and the plateau area were some red-eyed Silvery Grebes, Black-faced Ibises in flight (very rare in Ecuador), screaming Andean Lapwings, Andean Gulls, gently floating Andean Teals, Paramo Pipits, and fine pair of Aplomado Falcons. Around the Hacienda we saw several near-endemic Ecuadorian Hillstars and Black-winged Ground-Doves were particularly common. Then there was snow-capped Antisana itself, one of the highest active volcanos in the world, and an unforgettable backdrop to our high-elevation birding. On our return journey a pair of the majestically Andean Condors appeared granting superb views of this high Andean speciality to the delight of Inge! For the final leg of the tour we headed back down into the western lowlands and foothills, based at the legendary Tinalandia Lodge. Early next day we travelled to Rio Palenque Biological Station that was rather quiet to start with but when the rain stopped we had great birding. Our forest walks delivered such wonderful goods as Pallid Dove, Striped-throated Hermit, Pied and Barred Puffbirds, striking Orange-fronted and Red-headed Barbets, Lineated and Guayaquil Woodpeckers, and several White-bearded Manakins on a fruiting tree. A mixed flock held Western Slaty Antshrikes, Greenish Elaenia, the localized Grey-and-gold Warblers and Dusky-faced Tanagers. We had many Collared and Western White-tailed Trogons but eventually we also managed to track down a nice pair of the Ecuadorian Trogon that granted great scope views. A singing male Great Antshrike, a shy Blackheaded Antthrush and both Bay and Whiskered Wrens were pulled out of the understorey while more open areas held Grey Hawk, Ecuadorian Ground-Dove, White-tipped Dove, Pacific Parrotlets and Olivaceous Piculet. Scoping the river we found Pied-billed Grebes, Little Blue Heron, Snowy Egret, Blue-winged Teal and Pied Plover. Dozens of other birds were seen well today, and just a few that come to mind are Baron s Hermit, Golden-olive Woodpecker, White-whiskered Puffbird, Chestnutbacked Antbird, Plain Antvireo, Brown-capped Tyrannulet, Ecuadorian Thrush, Band-backed Wren, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Slate-coloured Grosbeak and Blue-black Grosbeak. Our final morning was spent on the trail system at Tinalandia, and here we jammed some more goodies into our bag like two White-throated Crakes out in the open, two Rufous-fronted Wood-Quails for some of us, the strikingly patterned Black-striped Woodcreeper, Pacific Streaked Antwren, the pacifica race of the White-backed Fire-eye, two Uniform Treehunters in a big mixed species flock and a fine Slatycapped Shrike Vireo. It was difficult to finish birding in this amazingly bird-reach country but it was time to finish this superb three week odyssey and drive back to the airport! 10 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

11 SYSTEMATIC LIST Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL). TINAMIDAE Great Tinamou Tinamus major : The largest tinamou in the eastern lowlands, heard several times at La Selva and one was seen briefly by some of us on our walk to the interior parrot-lick of the Yasuni National Park. Unfortunately tinamous in eastern Ecuador are extremely shy, undoubtedly due to thousands of years of intensive hunting by man. Therefore they are mostly detected by their distinctive and often eerie voices, making for unforgettable choruses. The exclusively Neotropical tinamous are one of the most primitive families, and together with the ratites (ostriches etc.) are often separated in the super order Palaeognathae. They retain certain reptilian features, such as their blood proteins and the shape of the palates, which are similar to those found in the dinosaur Tyrannosaurus! Another interesting fact is that tinamous are one of the few bird families that are believed to have reversed sex roles. Apparently most of the singing is done by the females, and in most if not all species the incubation is carried out by the male. Cinereous Tinamou Crypturellus cinereus (H): A typical voice of the more swampy areas in Amazonia, heard a few times in the varzea forest at La Selva. Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui: Regularly heard in both the eastern and western lowlands. We flushed one at El Para along the bamboo trail and some of us saw it in flight and upon landing. We got close to another one at Rio Palenque Biological Station but it finally managed to sneak away. Brown Tinamou Crypturellus obsoletus (H): We heard it calling in the afternoon at Gareno just as it finished raining. This local form is likely to be split as Chestnut Tinamou. Variegated Tinamou Crypturellus variegatus (H): A classic terra firme forest tinamou what we heard a few times in the eastern lowlands at La Selva. Bartlett s Tinamou Crypturellus bartletti (H): A few were heard at La Selva mainly at night, at dawn or at dusk. The presence of this species in Ecuador, in spite of it not being rare, passed unnoticed until the late eighties. PODICIPEDIDAE Silvery Grebe Podilymbus occipitalis: More then twenty of these lovely grebes were seen very well on the highland reservoir at Antisana National Park. Some were close enough to see the red eyes. This year they were absent on the highland lake at Papallacta Pass. This species is a very localised bird in Ecuador and somewhat nomadic too. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps: We saw at least ten birds on the river at Rio Palenque Biological Station while taking our picnic lunch. PHALACROCORACIDAE Neotropic Cormorant (Olivaceous C) Phalacrocorax brasilianus: We had our fist observation of three birds at Los Bancos looking down on the river. Later on the trip we saw several along the river at Rio Palenque Biological Station and also at Tinalandia. ANHINGIDAE Aninga Anhinga anhinga: Almost daily sightings of at least two different birds (adult and immature) at La Selva. ANATIDAE Torrent Duck Merganetta armata: Our first sighting was a lovely family party with a freshly hatched duckling on the east slope near Cosanga. Later we saw some more along the drive to Tinalandia on the west slope. The birds here belong to the northern race colombiana. 11 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

12 Andean Teal Anas andium: About six birds were seen at Papallacta Pass and another fifteen were counted on the highland reservoir at Antisana National Park. This one is often considered to be a dark-billed subspecies of Speckled Teal A. flavirostris. Yellow-billed Pintail Anas georgica: Only two birds of this high elevation species were seen this year, at Antisana National Park. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors: A single bird was seen along the Napo river on our return boat journey from La Selva. This is a rather scarce bird in the eastern lowlands. Also a party of four was seen on the river at Rio Palenque Biological Station while taking our picnic lunch. Andean Ruddy-Duck (A Duck) Oxyura ferruginea: Eighteen birds were scoped distantly on a lake near the Papallacta Pass and the next day about fifteen were seen much closer on the highland reservoir at Antisana National Park. ARDEIDAE Zigzag Heron Zebrilus undulatus: Absolutely superb views of this shy and localised forest heron at La Selva. This year we were lucky to see a superb performance from both male and female along the Mandiyacu River on our first attempt! First we heard the male bird in response to playback and after a few nerve racking minutes he flew in and landed right in front of us in full open, on a horizontal branch allowing magnificent looks. Then it moved into cover and started to call so the female did the same as him from the opposite side of the river also giving wonderful views. Our unforgettable experience with this retiring species was certainly one of the highlights of our 2007 tour and no wonder it achieved third place of the overall bird of the tour contest, despite almost all of the participants having seen it before on our Venezuela tour with Pete! Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum: We saw a skulking immature bird close to the jetty on our first afternoon at La Selva. Tiger-herons and bitterns are the only members of their family that don t breed in colonies. Cocoi Heron (White-necked H) Ardea cocoi: A few sightings in the eastern lowlands at La Selva. The Cocoi Heron is the largest member of its family in Ecuador. Its name is derived from one of the Indian languages, in this case from that of the Cayenne Indians from northeast South America. Great Egret Ardea alba: Small numbers were seen both in the western and eastern lowlands. This species was formerly placed in the monotypic genus Casmerodius. Snowy Egret Egretta thula: Another one which was encountered in both the eastern and western lowlands. First was seen at Mirador Los Bancos and then along the Napo River and Rio Palenque Biological Station. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea: Two adults were scoped on the river at Rio Palenque Biological Station. This species was formerly often placed in the genus Florida. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis: Regular sightings in the western lowlands and foothills. This year we even saw some in the eastern lowlands! First recorded in the country in 1958, Cattle Egret is now a numerous and widespread resident in large portions of Ecuador. Striated Heron (Green-backed H) Butorides striatus: Two were seen at La Selva and two more were on the river at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Agami Heron (Chestnut-bellied H) Agamia agami: Two sightings of this rare heron at La Selva this year. Probably the same bird was seen on the Garzacocha Lake on two different days. Some of the usually very shy and skulking varzea swamp-forest birds were very much in evidence this year because of the unusually low water levels. Great views of this wonderful species were an unexpected bonus. Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus: A superb breeding plumaged adult was seen on the Napo River on our island excursion-day at La Selva. Again the Napo River was very kind to us this year with several scarce to rare birds seen along the river. This species has sometimes been placed in the genus Nycticorax. 12 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

13 THRESKIORNITHIDAE Black-faced Ibis Theristicus melanopis: Three birds were seen at Antisana National Park. The first was a pretty distant flight view but later we saw two more in flight as they circled above us. This large ibis is very rare and localized in Ecuador. This is the northernmost limit of this species range and well isolated from the remainder of the range. This is the branickii race sometimes treated as a separate species, Andean Ibis. CATHARTIDAE Andean Condor Vultur gryphus: We saw two of these magnificent Andean raptors at Antisana National Park after a lot of scanning! We had bad weather around the Papallacta Pass area this year so it was great relief to see them after all. Unfortunately this magnificent species is both threatened and declining in Ecuador. The last census (in the nineties I believe) came up with between 60 and 100 birds in the entire country but numbers may have declined further since then, with the population around Antisana volcano (once the biggest in the country) possibly having slid down to about 7 birds. Apparently recruitment of young birds into the population is way below what it should be, and I m afraid this Pleistocene relict may ultimately meet with the same fate as it Californian relative, at least in the northern part of its range. King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa: We had two sightings of this wonderful raptor in La Selva this year. The first we saw on our first canopy tower morning and we had a prolonged great views as it was circling with other vultures. Later we saw one along the Napo River close to La Selva when visiting the parrot licks. Black Vulture Coragyps atratus: Numerous and widespread at lower and middle elevations. After the opinions of a few 19th century taxonomists were long ignored, recent genetic studies have indicated that New World vultures are modified storks and don t belong with the raptors! Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura: Frequent sightings in all sorts of habitats both in the west and east. Greater Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes melambrotus: Regular sightings in the eastern lowlands, especially at La Selva and Gareno. We even saw one as high up into the foothills as! It is remarkable that some of these lowland birds get well into the Andean foothills. ACCIPITRIDAE Osprey Pandion haliaetus: Near-daily sightings at La Selva and along the Napo. A cosmopolitan species, though in South America Ospreys are only found as wintering or occasionally over-summering birds. Note that, following recent genetic studies, it has been suggested that the four or five recognized subspecies be treated as distinct phylogenetic species. Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus: One was seen over the remnant forest patches along the Milpe Road. Swallow-tailed Kite (American S-t K) Elanoides forficatus: Repeated and excellent views of soaring birds. Up to 16 birds were counted at Rio Silanche. It is probably the most graceful Neotropical raptor, and is always nice to see. White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus (NL): One bird was seen by Geraint on our drive back from Rio Palenque Biological Station. This is a rare bird in Ecuador but spreading with deforestation. This species used to be considered conspecific with Black-shouldered Kite (E. caeruleus) of the Old World. Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus: Several of the nominate bidentatus race were seen in the eastern lowlands. Our best views were from the canopy tower and along the entrance boardwalk at La Selva. Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea: A single bird was seen on our drive to Gareno. In some years we see them everywhere and in some years it is scarce. This widespread species has some poorly understood seasonal movements. Cinereous Harrier Circus cinereus: This rather rare paramo bird was found by our driver Wilson at Antisana National Park and we all had great views of it as it passed close to us in his 13 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

14 characteristic buoyant harrier-flight. It is still a puzzle why this bird is so rare in northern Ecuador and is in fact missing from Southern Ecuador and northern Peru while being relatively numerous further south. Semicollared Hawk Accipiter collaris: This rare forest raptor was seen circling just above Bellavista on the west slope. This was the clear morning after a lot of rain when we had many species of raptors soaring over the cloud forest. This species is rare in Ecuador and considered Near-threatened by Birdlife International. Slate-coloured Hawk Leucopternis schistacea: First we heard one on our first afternoon at La Selva by the Garzacocha Lake and later we were lucky to see this rather uncommon bird on one occasion from the canopy tower. Barred Hawk (Black-chested H) Leucopternis princeps: This forest raptor was seen exceptionally well this year in the Mindo area. We had a pair calling and displaying virtually over our head while we were watching hummingbirds. If you have a clear day in a proper cloud forest area raptors are evident! Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle Geranoaetus melanoleucus: An adult gave brief views on our very first morning in Ecuador above Quito but soon disappeared in the mist despite landing close to us and the clouds never cleared. Later on the tour we had excellent looks both at Papallacta Pass and at Antisana National Park. Gray Hawk Buteo nitidus: One was seen from the lookout point at Rio Palenque Biological Station. This is a scarce bird in the western lowlands. It used to be in the Asturina genus, which has been placed to Buteo recently. The form concerned is sometimes renamed as Greylined Hawk to differentiate it from B. plagiatus of North and Middle America, which is sometimes split off as a separate species keeping the same English name. No evidence for such split has been published though! Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris: Common and widespread at lower and middle elevations. White-rumped Hawk Buteo leucorrhous: We had nice views of this rather rare montane forest raptor from Tony s porch while watching hummingbirds on our raptor-morning. Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus: Excellent looks at this one in the Tandayapa Valley on our return journey to Quito. Variable Hawk (Gurney s H) Buteo polyosoma: Small numbers at high elevations, mainly at Papallacta Pass and Antisana National Park. Here the large highland form, is often considered a separate species, the Puna Hawk B. poecilochrous. A new paper in Bull. B.O.C. argues in favour of the latter treatment, but the case put forward is weak and recent genetic data are consistent with the earlier hypothesis that both forms are conspecific. Ornate Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus ornatus: One was seen from the canopy tower at La Selva by some of us on our first morning and later Carl and Otti saw another one while not coming out one afternoon. FALCONIDAE Black Caracara Daptrius ater: Small numbers were seen at La Selva along the Napo River and also two or three briefly at Gareno. Mainly a riverine carrion feeder. Carunculated Caracara Phalcoboenus carunculatus: Well over a hundred of this handsome nearendemic bird were seen in Antisana National Park this year. Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima: We saw three or four birds along the Napo River around La Selva. An open country species and in Ecuador it is mainly confined to large rivers in Amazonia. It only recently seems to have colonized from adjacent countries (probably Colombia), the first record dating back to With ongoing deforestation it seems that Yellow-headed Caracaras are now starting to spread away from the immediate vicinity of big rivers. Barred Forest-Falcon Micrastur ruficollis (H): Several were heard in the Mindo area in the west but they did not want to play. 14 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

15 Lined Forest-Falcon Micrastur gilvicollis: Absolutely wonderful views of this shy forest raptor from the canopy tower at La Selva on our last morning there! Collared Forest-Falcon Micrastur semitorquatus: Another rare and elusive forest raptor which is not often seen in Ecuador. First we heard it on our first dusk at San Isidro and next day we had two sightings of what was probably the same bird along the Cock-of-the Rock trail. This was the nominate semitorquatus race. Buckley s Forest-Falcon Micrastur buckleyi: Our luck with the infrequently encountered forestfalcons was incredible this year! We saw this species from the La Selva canopy tower on our first morning there. It was rather distantly perched on a dead tree but the ID was not in question as we had a direct size comparison with Russet-backed Oropendolas and could easily rule out the more common Collared Forest-Falcon. Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans: We saw our first one along the Milpe Road. Later we had a very strangely moulting immature one at Rio Silanche and finally we had two more at Rio Palenque Biological Station. We also heard its characteristic laughing call at La Selva. American Kestrel Falco sparverius: A few sightings in open country at higher elevations. Merlin Falco columbarius: We had nice flight views of this rather uncommon boreal visitor at Antisana National Park. A male bird tried to catch one of those seedeaters we were watching. This is the nominate columbarius race here. Aplomado Falcon Falco femoralis: Another uncommon paramo raptor in Ecuador. We had two birds in the higher parts of the Antisana National Park one of which gave pretty good views. Bat Falcon Falco rufigularis: A few were seen at La Selva and two or three on our drive from Gareno to Archidona. A delightful little raptor and always nice to see! CRACIDAE Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata (H): Regularly heard in the eastern lowlands, mainly at La Selva and once in El Para but we did not see it. Andean Guan Penelope montagnii: A pair was seen on the Huacamayos ridge trail and we all had good looks at this brooki race, which has a heavily-mottled breast. Common Piping-Guan Pipile pipile (H): We heard the characteristic cardboard ripping sounds on our first evening at La Selva as we walked back from the Mandicocha area. This form often split off as a separate species: Blue-throated Piping-Guan P. cumanensis. The residual P. pipile is then renamed Trinidad Piping-Guan. Wattled Guan Aburria aburri (H): This secretive guan was heard several times both in the west and in the east. It was commonly heard at San Isidro both at dawn and dusk. ODONTOPHORIDAE Marbled Wood-Quail Odontophorus gujanensis (H): Heard on a few occasions around the canopy tower at La Selva. They were usually active at dusk but did not want to play. Rufous-fronted Wood-Quail Odontophorus erythrops: This secretive forest floor denizen was seen by some of us in the western lowlands at Tinalandia on our last morning. First two birds crossed the trail and then responded to tape but always kept in the dense undergrowth. Rufous-breasted Wood-Quail Odontophorus speciosus (H): This east slope speciality was heard distantly at El Para and in the Huacamayos area. RALLIDAE White-throated Crake Laterallus albigularis: Superb close-ups of a pair on our last morning of the trip at Tinalandia. Two adult birds were feeding on the small the lily pond - certainly the rail experience of the trip. Grey-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajanea: Heard near-daily at La Selva and János saw one at the White-lored Antpitta swamp while trying to move the antpitta towards the group. A leader-only sighting. 15 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

16 Azure Gallinule Porphyrula flavirostris: A few were observed on La Selva s Mandicocha lake. Note that some works (but not the AOU checklist) place this species in the genus Porphyrio. Andean Coot (Slate-coloured C) Fulica ardesiaca: Small numbers were found in the highlands, first at Papallacta Pass and later we had better looks at both colour morphs (chestnut forehead/yellow bill; yellow forehead/white bill) at the reservoir in the Antisana National Park. EURYPYGIDAE Sunbittern Eurypyga helias: One was seen nicely at La Selva this year. We even saw the bird fly so the superb wing-pattern was revealed. This was another bird, which was visible mainly because of the low water level. This was the nominate helias subspecies here. HELIORNITHIDAE Sungrebe Heliornis fulica: Another swamp skulker which we saw twice in La Selva thanks to the unusually low water! First one was seen at Garzacocha virtually side by side the sunbittern, causing a bit of confusion and another was seen at Mandicocha on the same afternoon. SCOLOPACIDAE Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca: A singleton was seen at La Selva on the Napo river and there were a few sightings in the highlands. It was especially common around the reservoir in Antisana National Park. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes: A few birds were seen at La Selva on the Napo river islands. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia: The most frequently encountered species in the family. There were many sightings along large rivers and also in the highlands. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus: A singleton was seen on a river island on the Napo River close to La Selva. This is a very interesting observation as it was a new bird for La Selva and very rarely recorded away from the coast let alone in the eastern lowlands. According to the Birds of Ecuador there is only a single previous record from the eastern lowland in 1976 also along the Napo near Limoncocha. This was also the first Amazonian record at that time! The bird we saw was the new world subspecies, hudsonicus. Baird s Sandpiper Calidris bairdii: A single adult in worn plumage on the grassy plain close to the entrance hut in the Antisana National Park was the only sighting. Noble Snipe Gallinago nobilis: First we heard this enigmatic species responding from a wet grassy area at Papallacta Pass and after that we flushed it twice, allowing pretty good views of this large sized Andean snipe with an obvious rufous tail tip. This was certainly a great sighting and superb bird. Adding to the flavour of the observation this was the second species of snipe within two hours! Andean Snipe Gallinago jamesoni: Absolutely terrific views this year! We found a bird in the Papallacta area which allowed going as close as three metres. Although it is not uncommon it is rarely seen on the ground like this! This was the bird of the trip for Geraint, even though he had seen it in Peru before! This species is sometimes placed in the Chubbia genus. THINOCORIDAE Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe Attagis gayi: We had gale force winds and low clouds at Papallacta this year so took us a while to find them. Finally a pair of these strange high elevation waders gave excellent views. These splendid birds are of the endemic and highly isolated subspecies latreillii, darker than southern birds and possibly representing a separate species, Ecuadorian Seedsnipe. 16 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

17 CHARADRIIDAE Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens: About 25 individuals in Antisana National Park. Some of them must have had tiny chicks as they were very noisy. A smart lapwing indeed, formerly placed in the monotypic genus Ptiloscelys. Pied Plover Hoploxypterus cayanus: This is a rather scarce species now in Ecuador as it seem to have undergone a general decline in recent decades. We saw four birds along the Napo near La Selva on two different days plus we even saw one in the west at Rio Palenque Biological Station where it is rare and the western population must be very small. LARIDAE Andean Gull Larus serranus: We had ten birds around Papallacta Pass and had great views of about 100 birds in Antisana National Park. Yellow-billed Tern Sterna superciliaris: A few sightings along the Napo River and one very close at Garzacocha in La Selva. This species seems to have declined along this major river in recent years, surely as a consequence of greatly increased boat traffic (in addition to the traditional egg collecting). Large-billed Tern Phaetusa simplex: This is another of the river-haunting larids that we encountered along the Napo River on this years tour. We saw single birds on two occasions. This one along with the previous and the next species declining seriously in Ecuador and should deserve Near-threatened status. Black Skimmer Rynchops niger: We had a single bird on our boat journey on the way to La Selva. Probably the most rare of these obligate large river terns nowadays. COLUMBIDAE Rock Pigeon (feral) Columba livia: A handful of sightings. Feral populations of the Rock Pigeon exist in many Ecuadorian cities and towns, but none are known to exist in wild areas away from human habitation. Band-tailed Pigeon Columba fasciata: The common pigeon at higher elevations and we had several sightings, with flocks of up to 40 or more. Pale-vented Pigeon Columba cayennensis: The nominate race in the east is the common pigeon of islands and riverine habitats along the Napo. We had repeated good views at Mandicocha and on river islands near La Selva. We saw the western race occidentalis at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Ruddy Pigeon Columba subvinacea: We had good views of the subspecies berlepschi at Milpe Garden where we could even see the reddish iris. Plumbeous Pigeon Columba plumbea: We saw two very distinct races on the tour, the western chapmani and the eastern delicata, both with the noticeable whitish irises. The latter is paler and decidedly greyer on head, neck, and underparts. Dusky Pigeon Columba goodsoni: We saw two birds very well near the canopy tower at Rio Silanche. This is a Chocó endemic, defined as a bird confined to the humid lowland/foothill/montane forests of western Colombia and western Ecuador. Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata: A common bird in the Central Valley and the most common in Quito. They were roosting in good numbers around Hosteria El Jardin with maximum of 300 there. Here of the white-tipped race hypoleuca, quite different from chestnut-tipped birds some of you have seen in Venezuela. Common Ground-Dove (Scaly G-D) Columbina passerina: Three or four were seen briefly on our first morning at the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site. In Ecuador only found in dry intermontane valleys. Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti: One bird was observed by most of us on the river island near La Selva and later we all had good views of several others en route to Gareno Lodge and El Para. The first record of this species in Ecuador only dates back to 1976, and with continuing deforestation the Ruddy Ground-Dove seems destined to continue to increase and expand its range in Ecuador. 17 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

18 Ecuadorian Ground-Dove Columbina buckleyi: We had only six birds at Rio Palenque Biological Station. A species Paul first noted here fairly recently (1998; though there are several unconfirmed reports from the early nineties onward), which is spreading fast into more humid areas in the wake of deforestation. Black-winged Ground-Dove Metriopelia melanoptera: Numerous in Antisana National Park with several excellent looks! This is the saturatior race here. White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi: Our first sighting of this widespread species was at the entrance road of Septimo Paraiso Lodge and we only saw another at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Pallid Dove Leptotila pallida: Another Chocó endemic, regularly heard in the western lowlands and foothills. Some of us saw it at Rio Palenque Biological Station and we also had good views at the bamboo stands near Tinalandia on our last morning. Grey-fronted Dove Leptotila rufaxilla: A common sound at La Selva and in the eastern lowlands. János saw one briefly at La Selva and most of us saw another one at flying across while we were watching the hummingbird feeders. White-throated Quail-Dove Geotrygon frenata: Superb views of two birds at Bellavista s compost heap. The characteristic deep cooing of this species was also heard regularly. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon Montana: The most widespread of all quail-doves, seen briefly at La Selva by some of us and we also heard it at Gareno. PSITTACIDAE Red-and-green Macaw Ara chloroptera: We were lucky enough to see a pair from the canopy tower at La Selva. This is a very rarely seen bird in Ecuador nowadays. Generally all the great macaws have declined in Ecuador tremendously in the last 15 years but this species always been the least numerous. Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severa: Small numbers were found at La Selva with flocks of up to twelve birds seen. Red-bellied Macaw Orthopsittaca manilata: We only saw two birds in flight at La Selva. A smaller macaw associated with Mauritia ( moriche ) palms, in which they roost and nest. White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalmus: We had a flock of about 30 birds on one of our roadside stops on the way to Gareno Lodge and another five on the way back from Gareno. Also heard at Wildsumaco and El Para. Note that Aratinga and Pyrrhura parakeets are called conures in the fairly recent Juniper & Parr parrot monograph. Dusky-headed Parakeet Aratinga weddellii: We had great scope views of several birds when a minimum of a hundred raucous birds was present at the salt lick in the Yasuni National Park. One was seen perched from the La Selva canopy tower too and fly-over flocks were encountered daily. Maroon-tailed Parakeet Pyrrhura melanura: We saw two subspecies in flight and also perched. First we saw the pacificus race in the western lowlands and foothills along the Milpe Road and later the nominate race on the way to Gareno Lodge. The western birds may represent a separate species, Chocó Parakeet. Barred Parakeet Bolborhynchus lineola (H): We heard some on the east slope along the Huacamayos ridge trail. This species often flies so high that it can t be detected by the naked eye. Blue-winged Parrotlet Forpus xanthopterygius (H): We only heard this little parrot at El Para. Pacific Parrotlet Forpus coelestis: Six birds were seen in largely deforested country near the Silanche Reserve but it was only in the last days at Rio Palenque that we had scope views of this, the most handsome parrotlet of its genus. This species is confined to the Tumbesian region (EBA 045) and part of the Marañon Valley in Peru (EBA 048). Most numerous in drier regions further south, it has nonetheless expanded greatly into deforested country in more humid areas. Dusky-billed Parrotlet Forpus sclateri: First we heard a pair at as they flew over us and next day we had excellent views of a pair on one of the roadside stops to Gareno Lodge. This is a 18 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

19 rather hard-to-find species which prefers the canopy of terra firme forest in the eastern lowlands. Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera: Numerous in the La Selva area, where the hundreds of birds around the interior salt lick were a great experience. Small numbers were also seen at Gareno Lodge and at El Para near Archidona. Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet Touit huetii: We only heard this species from the canopy tower at La Selva. Later we had pretty good flight views of several flocks from the same lookout point both on the way to and from Gareno The expected show at the interior salt lick in the Yasuni National Park did not materialize this year either. Black-headed Parrot Pionites melanocephala: Five birds were seen very well from the canopy tower at La Selva on our last morning. We also heard it in the Gareno area. Rose-faced Parrot Pionopsitta pulchra: Unfortunately only very brief flight views of three birds from the Rio Silanche canopy tower. This rare and declining species is easier to see on our Remote Ecuador tour! Orange-cheeked Parrot Pionopsitta barrabandi: We had about six birds close to the interior salt lick near La Selva. They were playing hide-and-seek with us but finally all of us had great views. Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus: Regular sightings of the nominate race in the eastern lowlands, the most unforgettable being the birds around the salt lick in the Yasuni National Park. We also observed this species in the western lowlands at Rio Silanche, here of the race rubrigularis. Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus: We saw five birds in flight on the west slope at Tony s place in the Tandayapa Valley. Later we also encountered this species on the Huacamayos ridge trail where we also had scope views. White-capped Parrot Pionus seniloides: We saw it in both the west and east. Our first flight views were in the Bellavista area and later we also recorded them at San Isidro. Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus: Several encounters with this widespread species this year. First we saw several flocks along the Milpe Road and later we had a few in the Rio Silanche area too. Yellow-crowned Amazon (Y-c Parrot) Amazona ochrocephala: Nice views of this handsome parrot in La Selva. The best views were at the main parrot lick in the Yasuni National Park while it was raining and we watched one in the scope for several minutes. Later we also saw it from the canopy tower. Orange-winged Amazon (O-w Parrot) Amazona amazonica: Almost daily flight views of this species in the La Selva area. We also had a few perched at the main parrot lick in the Yasuni National Park. Even in flight the characteristic yellow cheek patch is clearly visible. Mealy Amazon (M Parrot) Amazona farinosa: Several sightings of this common and noisy parrot in the eastern lowlands, the most impressive of which were the birds around the main salt lick in the Yasuni National Park. CUCULIDAE Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana: Several sightings at lower elevations. We saw the race mesura in the east and nigricrissa in the west. Amongst other features they differ in the colour of their orbital eye ring, the amount of black on the belly and the colouration of the upperparts. Black-bellied Cuckoo Piaya melanogaster: We had brief views of this terra firme canopy-flock species on our first afternoon at Gareno but the next day we had no less then five birds in different mixed-species flocks. Greater Ani Crotophaga major: A conspicuous bird of lake and river edges in the Amazonian lowlands. We saw several around Mandicocha at La Selva on our boat journeys. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani: This one was very common in both the eastern and western lowlands and foothills. 19 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

20 OPISTHOCOMIDAE Hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin: Several good looks at this strange creature at La Selva with its unforgettable un-bird-like call. One of the very few birds that almost entirely subsist on a diet of leaves, this odd species has some peculiar attributes, including microbial foregut fermentation to convert plant cellulose in consumed foliage into simple sugars, and a highly modified skeleton to accommodate its large crop. The Hoatzin was long considered a rather primitive bird because of the claws on the chick s wings (see the photograph in the third volume of the Handbook of the Birds of the World ), and it was only fairly recently that a close proximity to the cuckoos (and in particular the anis) was suggested. An even more recent paper though revealed, through genetic comparisons, that hoatzins seem to be most closely related to the turacos of Africa. STRIGIDAE Tropical Screech-Owl Otus choliba (H): Surprisingly we only heard it once at La Selva and it did not respond at all. Last year it even came into the restaurant so it was a slight disappointment to miss this delightful little owl. Colombian Screech-Owl Otus colombianus (H): Several heard in the Septimo Paraiso Lodge garden around Mindo but always rather distantly and they did not want to play. Always a tricky species to see, it is often lumped in Rufescent Screech-Owl O. ingens. Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl Otus watsonii: It was heard at dawn and dusk daily in La Selva where we all saw one superbly just about 7 metres away on our first pre-dawn owling session. Later we did not concentrate on this species but José spotted a roosting juvenile in the forest while bushwhacking after army-ants. First it caused a bit of an ID discussion until we realized it was a very young bird and only just recently fledged. The southern form (usta) is sometimes split off as a separate species: Southern Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl. The form we saw is then renamed Northern tawny-bellied Screech-Owl. White-throated Screech-Owl Otus albogularis: This rather scarce highland species was seen on the Huacamayos ridge trail on this year s tour. A fair sized screech-owl with a very angry look on its face. Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus: Another of the three star species seen very well this year. We spotted a roosting bird at Papallacta Pass in the Polylepis forest, where we all had excellent looks. Cloud-forest Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium nubicola (H): This recently described species was heard distantly in the Septimo Paraiso Lodge garden but it remained well out of sight. Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum: Regularly heard in the eastern lowlands and one was seen very well on our first afternoon in La Selva so we did not bother later. Burrowing Owl Athene cunicularia: A single bird was spotted at the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site on our first morning as it was sitting on a post in the rain. Another three star species on this circuit. The bird we saw belonged to the highland pichinchae race. Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata: Heard a few times at La Selva but always distantly. We had the most remarkable sighting at Gareno however! Two birds were seen at a day-roost in the pouring rain. The crest was wet and down-curved and water was dropping from it. Magical! This was the bird of the trip this year with five nominations out of six. Spectacled Owl Pulsatrix perspicillata (H): Heard a few times at La Selva but we did not get close to it. We also heard a begging juvenile at Gareno in the evening but rain blocked our attempt to look for it before dawn next morning. San Isidro Owl Strix sp. nov.. (H): Despite much effort we only heard this species close to our cabins at San Isidro. It was not using its regular perches on any of the evenings and mornings and playback use is not permitted here. Only first found here about six years ago, these birds look like intermediates between Black-and-white Owl S. nigrolineata (in Ecuador only known from the western lowlands) and Black-banded Owl S. huhula of the eastern lowlands. We originally thought these birds might be referable to what was originally described by Sharpe as a distinct species (Syrnium spilonotum) in 1875, later 20 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

21 regarded as a race of Black-and-white Owl and subsequently even synonymized with the latter (a treatment followed by all recent authors), but San Isidro birds look quite different from the spilonotus type specimens, and could be something completely different A paper on the taxonomic status of this form is in preparation. Black-and-white Owl Strix nigrolineata (H): A species which was only heard by the leader on our last morning in Tinalandia, when everybody decided to stay in bed. Black-banded Owl Strix huhula: Two birds were seen along the entrance boardwalk at La Selva. They were using the highest tree-tops so our views were not the best and even the spotlight ran out of energy in the end. Mottled Owl Strix virgata: Heard regularly at Septimo Paraiso Lodge garden near Mindo. It was usually calling around the bird house, where some of us were accommodated but only Carl, Otti and János got to see it. Rufous-banded Owl Strix albitarsus (H): Heard only once at San Isidro. NYCTIBIIDAE Great Potoo Nyctibius grandis: Two sightings of this great bird on this year s tour. First good scope views of a very pale, almost white individual close to the parrot licks in the Yasuni National Park. Another roosting one at Wildsumaco Lodge, which is a rather high elevation (1300m) for this species as The Birds of Ecuador suggests only up to 400m. This was a much darker individual. Mike noted how differently coloured they were, one was like a Snowy Owl, whilst the other was like a Great Grey Owl. This must be an adaptation to its roosting surroundings. Long-tailed Potoo Nyctibius aethereus (H): We heard one individual distantly at La Selva close to the jetty along the Napo River but no luck. Common Potoo (Grey P) Nyctibius griseus: We had excellent views of one along the Mandiyacu River at La Selva while returning from the Zigzag Heron site. We also heard its unforgettable call. Andean Potoo Nyctibius maculosus: Rather brief views of this Andean rarity. We spotted one along the Huacamayos ridge trail simply by scanning with the spotlight. Its huge eyes gave him away but he did not stay long. They were absolutely silent this year - we never heard a thing. Rufous Potoo Nyctibius bracteatus: Superb views of a bird at a day roost at Gareno Lodge after a strenuous hike, which we had to do twice. A real specialty of the place and this bird achieved second place of the overall bird of the tour contest. CAPRIMULGIDAE Rufous-bellied Nighthawk Lurocalis rufiventris: A superb tour for this species with no less then four sighting in the San Isidro and Huacamayos area. First one was seen around our cabins at San Isidro and later several excellent views while nightbirding in the Huacamayos. Sand-coloured Nighthawk Chordeiles rupestris: Up to about 95 birds were seen almost daily as they flapped away from their day roost at the edge of La Selva s Garzacocha. They were regularly roosting by the jetty on a small bush allowing superb daytime views as well! Pauraque (Common P) Nyctidromus albicollis: Several sightings this year and many more heard. Band-winged Nightjar Caprimulgus longirostris: We had two rather brief sightings around Quito. This is the ruficervix race. Ladder-tailed Nightjar Hydropsalis climacocerca: Several flushed on one of the river islands at La Selva, plus a pair seen roosting on the edge of the Napo River. Swallow-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis segmentata: Fantastic views of both the male and female of this enigmatic species in the Huacamayos area. Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra: A female was seen very well in the Mindo area as she was perched on a cliff face. We could see the detailed markings in the scope. It is a pity the male was not in the mood. 21 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

22 APODIDAE White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris: The most frequently seen swift on the tour. We had groups up to 500 birds (Tinalandia). The highland and lowland birds sound completely different and both forms were seen. It was magical to see them going across the Guacamayos ridge at dawn in several tight flocks and starting to call just after they cleared the ridge. Chestnut-collared Swift Cypseloides rutilus: A few sightings in both the west and the east. Sometimes placed in the genus Streptoprocne, both genera forming the distinctive subfamily Cypseloidinae. They all show a distinct affinity for water and waterfalls as an essential ingredient of their nesting/roosting ecology. Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura: A few sightings in the eastern lowlands at La Selva, Gareno and El Para. Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris: We saw two distinct races on the tour. We encountered the endemic occidentalis race in the west, and the sclateri race in the east. We could not really compare their field marks, although the differences are such that two separate species may be involved: C. occidentalis could be called the West Ecuadorian Swift (vocalizations of both forms are quite similar though). Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift Panyptila cayennensis: A couple of birds were observed along the Milpe Road in the west and two birds at La Selva in the east. Neotropical Palm-Swift (Fork-tailed P-S) Tachornis squamata: Daily sightings at La Selva and at Gareno. This species is tied to the presence of Mauritia palms, and we observed them at their breeding places at a Mauritia palm patch on our way to Gareno. It was formerly placed in the genus Reinarda. TROCHILIDAE Rufous-breasted Hermit (Hairy H) Glaucis hirsuta: It was seen by some of us at the White-lored Antpitta swamp in the La Selva area. The first of an amazing total of 68 species of hummingbirds encountered on this year s tour, the vast majority of which were seen well by all! This is the highest hummingbird total for any Birdquest tour ever! With some 328 currently recognized species, these incredible birds form one of the largest avian families in the New World. On this year s tour we actually saw one in five of the world s hummers. Amazing little creatures, hummingbirds have a resting heart rate of 1000 beats per minute (compare this to the average human rate of around beats per minute!). This carries tremendous amounts of oxygen and energy to the relatively massive breast muscles. In addition, birds need a huge lung capacity in order to keep up with the large amounts of oxygen needed. Their respiratory system is so highly developed that they can actually breathe in and out at the same time. Band-tailed Barbthroat Threnetes ruckeri:. One was seen form Rio Silanche canopy tower by half the group in the western lowlands. White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui: Many good views of this smart Chocó endemic, especially at the feeders. Green Hermit Phaethornis guy: This bird is regularly visiting the feeders at Wildsumaco now so we had about five different birds. It is the apicalis race along east slope. Tawny-bellied Hermit Phaethornis syrmatophorus: Two sightings of the nominate race in the Mindo/Tandayapa area but only by the leader. Finally we all had excellent views of the columbianus race along the Huacamayos ridge trail. Baron s Hermit Phaethornis baroni: A few very brief fly by views of this near-endemic bird at Rio Palenque. Great-billed Hermit Phaethornis malaris: Small numbers at La Selva, including great views of a lekking bird. We had a few at the new feeders in Gareno. Birds here belong to the race moorei, formerly assigned to Long-tailed Hermit P. superciliosus. Note however that the new hermit taxonomy proposed by Hinkelmann is controversial, and some authors continue to follow the traditional treatment. 22 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

23 White-bearded Hermit Phaethornis hispidus: We had repeated great looks at one in El Para while waiting at a some Heliconia stands in the rain. Straight-billed Hermit Phaethornis bourcieri: A single bird was seen on the south side of the Napo River on the trail to the interior parrot lick. Reddish Hermit Phaethornis ruber: We had nice looks at a single perched bird in terra firme forest when we were taping an Undulated Antshrike. Obviously we did not pay much attention to it despite it being a rather scarce bird in Ecuador. Grey-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis: Several sightings at the feeders in Wildsumaco and a single bird in Gareno. Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis: A singleton was seen in the western lowlands at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae: We found three or more birds feeding over a torrential river along the Loreto Road, catching insects. Another was seen feeding on some tubular flowers in the Huacamayos area. Napo Sabrewing Campyloptera villaviscensio: This bird is regularly visiting the feeders at now and we had about four different birds of both sexes. This near endemic species inhabits second-growth woodland at 1,050-1,500m along the east slope and is considered near threatened by Birdlife International as most of its montane forests are under intense pressure from conversion to agriculture and cattle pasture, mining operations and logging, with widespread destruction of its habitat also caused by peasant farmers, and tea and coffee growers. White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora: Single birds were seen at the feeders in the Septimo Paraiso Lodge garden by János. This was a leader-only species. Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus: Two birds were seen at Tony s and a few others at the feeders in San Isidro. Thalassinus is Latin for sea green. Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans: A rather common hummingbird with regular sightings at middle and higher elevations throughout the tour. Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti (H): We heard the distinctive lekking sound in but we had something more important to look for. Wire-crested Thorntail Popelairia popelairii: Great views of a splendid male feeding at an Inga tree along the Loreto Road. The genus name honours Baron Popelaire de Terloo, a 19th century Belgian collector and naturalist in Peru. Green Thorntail Popelairia conversii: Several birds, including a few handsome males, were seen in the western lowlands and foothills. It was common at the feeders in mirador Los Bancos. Blue-chinned Sapphire Chlorestes notatus: We had good views of a female close to El Para feeding on a flowering tree. We were hesitating slightly about the ID but concluded it must have been this species with its dark rounded tail and spotted green throat and flanks. This is apparently a rare bird in Ecuador but possibly just overlooked! Western Emerald (West Andean E) Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus: We had many good views at the feeders in the Tandayapa valley, especially at Tony s and a few along the Milpe Road. Somehow females hardly ever, if at all, seem to come to the feeders?! Note that Schuchmann (in HBW 5) and also the new edition of The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World lump this and a whole range of other species in this genus into Blue-tailed Emerald C. mellisugus. Fork-tailed Woodnymph (Common W) Thalurania furcata: A handful of sightings in the eastern lowlands and foothills. A few females were seen at La Selva and several birds at the feeders of both sexes. Green-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania fannyi: Regular encounters in the western lowlands and foothills, including birds visiting the feeders at mirador Los Bancos. Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone: We had several excellent views of both sexes at Lodge where this species become one of the most common hummingbird at the feeders! 23 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

24 Many-spotted Hummingbird Taphrospilus hypostictus: This is a real speciality of WilSumaco now as a few birds regularly visit their feeders, We had about four different birds there. This species used to be very difficult to see along the eastern slopes. This monotypic genus is sometimes subsumed into the genus Leucippus by some authors. Olive-spotted Hummingbird Leucippus chlorocercus: Some of us had seen one of this obligate river island species near La Selva. Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl: Numerous at various localities in the western lowlands and foothills, and allowing prolonged studies at several sets of feeders. Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae: This one was present in good numbers at Tony s feeders in the Tandayapa Valley and also at Septimo Paraiso Lodge. Note that the genus Amazilia has been split up in HBW 5, with this species being assigned to the genus Agyrtria. This treatment was not followed in the Ecuador field guide though. Glittering-throated Emerald Amazilia fimbriata: A single male was seen feeding on a flowering mistletoe on our way back from Gareno when we stopped at a nice lookout point. Purple-chested Hummingbird Amazilia rosenbergi: Despite the very quiet afternoon on our first visit to Rio Silanche we have found a nice male of this Chocó endemic feeding on a small flowering tree. HBW 5 places this species in the genus Polyerata. Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys: We saw the maculata race on the west slope where it was particularly numerous at Tony s feeders and the nominate race on the east slope at San Isidro. In facial pattern a little reminiscent of a hermit. Purple-bibbed Whitetip Urosticte benjamini: Many more sightings then usual, with at least ten seen in total. We had excellent looks at several males at the Septimo Paraiso feeders, along the Milpe Road and at Tony s place. This is also another Chocó endemic. Ecuadorian Piedtail Phlogophilus hemileucurus: This often tricky-to-see furtive species was seen exceedingly well this year as we were lucky to spot one at the feeders of Wildsumaco. Similar to Napo Sabrewing this bird is also considered near threatened by Birdlife International mainly for the same reasons as they both occupy very similar habitats. Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix: Fantastic views of this smart Chocó endemic at several feeders in the Mindo area. Best views were obtained at Tony s place and Angel Paz feeders. Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula: We saw several birds with great variety of plumages on the feeders at Milpe (Mindo Cloudforest Foundation), at mirador Los Bancos, Septimo Paraiso Lodge and Tinalandia on the west slope plus a few more at the end of the trip at Tinalandia too. Ecuadorian birds belong to the near-endemic (only recently first found in southern Colombia) and geographically isolated race jamesoni. Black-throated Brilliant Heliodoxa schreibersii: Great views of three different females both at the feeders and in the forest at WildSuamco. Later we also had a single female perched over a small stream at Gareno. This species is said to be rare to uncommon and apparently local in the undergrowth of terra firme forest in the lowlands of east. The nominate race was seen. Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides: Another one showing extremely well at several sets of feeders both on the west and the east slope. We saw the aequatorialis subspecies on the west and the cervinigularis race on the east slope. They differ in the coloration of the greater wing-coverts. Gould s Jewelfront Heliodoxa aurescens: Unfortunately only David and János had good scope views of this rare Brilliant at Gareno. David spotted it while watching a Euphonia and a hummer flew into the scope! Note this species was formerly placed in the monotypic genus Polyplancta. Ecuadorian Hillstar (Chimborazo H) Oreotrochilus chimborazo: We all had great looks at this stunner in Antisana National Park. Several were breeding under the bridge and a few were attending the feeders at the Hacienda. A hummer with a very interesting life history. To overcome the harshness of its environment it goes into torpor at night to save energy! 24 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

25 An ex-ecuadorian endemic, only recently found in Colombia for the first time, on Volcán Chiles, just across the border. White-tailed Hillstar Urochroa bougueri: A single bird of the nominate race (endemic to the Chocó region), with an obvious rufous malar stripe, showed well at the El Pahuma feeders. Paul suggests it should be called Rufous-gaped Hillstar. Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas: A splendid male was spotted by our driver Wilson in Antisana National Park and we could watch this fair sized hummer for as long as we wanted! Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis: About five birds were seen at Papallacta Pass and another three were in Antisana National Park. Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi: One of the few non-hermit hummers in Ecuador with a strongly decurved bill, with both sexes showing well at the Guango Lodge feeders. Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena: A minimum of ten were seen on the feeders at San Isidro Lodge in the east. Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni: Another Chocó endemic showing very well at Tony s and the Septimo Paraiso feeders on the west. Collared Inca Coeligena torquata: Stunning views of two races on this year s tour! The greenish fulgidigula race on the west slope, and the more blackish nominate race on the east slope. Those of you, who have been to southern Peru and/or Bolivia, note that southern birds, with their rufous instead of white collar, have now been split in some works (e.g. HBW 5) as a separate species, Gould s Inca C. inca. Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae: At least four were visiting the Guango Lodge feeders. Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera: Several great views of this unbelievable bird at the Guango Lodge feeders. This must be amongst the best hummers of the world! Buff-tailed Coronet Boissonneaua flavescens: Many good looks at the race tinochlora at the west slope feeders especially at Tony s place and at Septimo Paraiso Lodge. We also saw the nominate race at Guango lodge. Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii: A handsome east slope speciality showing well at the San Isidro and Guango feeders. Velvet-purple Coronet Boissonneaua jardini: A superb species seen well at Angel Paz antpitta forest. This stunning Chocó endemic is by far the most spectacular member of the genus! Gorgeted Sunangel Heliangelus strophianus: An endearing near-endemic, showing well in the Bellavista area. Tourmaline Sunangel Heliangelus exortis: Numerous at the Guango feeders, where we could study this species in a multitude of plumage variants, including birds with the wonderful tourmaline throat. Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii: A gorgeous little bird visiting several sets of feeders in the Mindo/Tandayapa area, especially numerous at Tony s and at Septimo Paraiso Lodge. The birds we saw in the west were all of the white-booted race melanantherus. We also had a female of the peruanus race with its spangled underparts and buff crissum. Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae: Several nice males were found at higher elevations such as the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site, the suburbs of Quito at Hosteria El Jardin and the lower parts of the Papllacta Pass! Green-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia nuna: This year we had no sightings at Tony s place in the Tandayapa Valley as they had already gone. We had a nice male in the lower parts of the Papallacta Pass visiting a Eucalyptus flower. Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina: Nice views of both sexes at the Guango feeders, in the Antisana National Park and in the Papallacta Pass area. The observed birds belong to the quitensis race with a more prominent rusty-tail. Blue-mantled Thornbill Chalcostigma stanleyi: We all had excellent views of a female bird at the Papallacta Pass as it was foraging close to the ground! Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingi: Quite numerous at middle elevations on the east slope, most memorable being the birds at the San Isidro and Guango feeders (note that males were 25 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

26 seen much more frequently than females here!). We saw the mocoa race, in which males have a glittering blue throat patch. Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis: The most gorgeous hummer and another Chocó endemic, which was seen in good numbers in the Mindo area, particularly conspicuous at the feeders. We saw the nominate race, in which males show a glittering blue gorget. Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti: First we had a female at Milpe Garden and later at the end of the tour another female on the trails of Tinalandia. Black-eared Fairy Heliothryx aurita: A largely insectivorous hummer, first seen along the entrance road at Gareno Lodge while we were watching a Yellow-billed Jacamar and later another one along the Loreto Road. Purple-throated Woodstar Calliphlox mitchellii: Another superb feature of the feeders in the Mindo/Tandayapa area, with excellent studies of both sexes both at Tony s place and at Septimo Paraiso Lodge. Amethyst Woodstar Calliphlox amethystina: We had a female perched high on a dead tree along the entrance road of the Lodge so everybody had good scope views of it. This is a rather rare bird in Ecuador. White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant: Nice views of both sexes at the Guango feeders, and two or three female-plumaged birds were also seen at Tony s feeders in the Tandayapa Valley. This and the following species are often placed in the genus Acestrura, which was merged into Chaetocercus in HBW5. Gorgeted Woodstar Chaetocercus heliodor: No sign of this species at the San Isidro feeders this year, but we had a superb male and female at the Guango Lodge feeders giving repeated excellent views! This was the fifth species of woodstar of this remarkable hummingbird tour. It was such a favourite amongst the participants that it finished on the sixth place of the overall bird of the tour contest. Little Woodstar Chaetocercus bombus: This is another rare species in Ecuador, especially along this circuit so it was a real surprise to have wonderful views of a female at Tony s place in the Tandayapa Valley at 2000 metres elevation! It was visiting the feeders too but spent more time on the flowers. TROGONIDAE Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps: Several sightings of this stunning bird on both the west and east slopes. The best views were at Angel Paz antpitta forest and on the San Isidro trails this year. Black-tailed Trogon Trogon melanurus (H): It was regularly heard at La Selva Lodge in the eastern lowlands but we never got close. Ecuadorian Trogon Trogon mesurus: After a little bit of hide-and-seek a fine pair showed superbly for all of us at Rio Palenque Biological Station. We could see the white eye plus the red eye ring easily in the scope. Chocó Trogon (White-eyed T, Blue-tailed T) Trogon comptus: Another Chocó endemic, which we saw very well in the Milpe area. Amazonian White-tailed Trogon Trogon viridis: Regularly heard and several seen at La Selva and at Gareno Lodge. Probably the most common of the Amazonian trogons. Western White-tailed Trogon Trogon chionurus: This large trogon showed nicely at Rio Silanche and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. At this latter site we had a flock of six birds calling and fighting plus they kept pushing the pair of Ecuadorian Trogons away. Collared Trogon Trogon collaris: The nominate race was seen well at La Selva and Wildsumaco. The virginalis race was encountered along the Milpe Road and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Masked Trogon Trogon personatus: Several good views of two subspecies. The assimilis race was seen on the west slope at Bellavista (a female with a huge stick insect) and the nominate race on the east slope at San Isidro. 26 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

27 Black-throated Trogon Trogon rufus: This species was seen in loose association with a huge flock in Gareno. There were two more species of trogons (Amazonian White-tailed and Amazonian Violaceous) in this big mixed species flock, which had birds all the way from the lower storey to the canopy. Amazonian Violaceous Trogon Trogon violaceus: A smart canopy trogon, seen very well from the La Selva canopy tower with a few more from ground-level at Gareno. ALCEDINIDAE Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata: It was seen daily at La Selva on our boat journeys plus another one in the west at Tinalandia. The largest kingfisher in the Americas, and the world s second largest. The New World Kingfishers, together with some Old World forms, are sometimes split off as a separate family, the Cerylidae. Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona: Several encounters at La Selva in the eastern lowlands. Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana: The first was seen at La Selva by Geraint and later another was seen by the river at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the west. American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea: Superb views of this very secretive tiny kingfisher along the Madiyacu River at La Selva. This was a nice female with a pectoral band. MOMOTIDAE Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum: Wonderful views of a stationary bird in the Milpe area. Later we heard this nominate race a few more times at Rio Palenque too. The pyrrholaemum race was seen at Gareno Lodge in the east. A bird with a rather varied diet, this apparent Rufous Motmot mimic is one of the few birds that feed on the large, stinging bullet ants (Paraponera). Note that, while nowadays motmots are confined to the New World tropics, a motmot-like Oligocene fossil from Switzerland, Protornis, suggests that the ancestral motmot originated in the Old World!! There is fossil evidence that suggests that by the early Tertiary, about 60 million years ago, coraciiform birds were the dominant arboreal perching birds in Europe and North America. Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii: Two subspecies were recorded on the tour. Some of us saw the semirufus race in the western lowlands in the Milpe area. The nominate race was heard in the eastern lowlands. Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota (H): A common pre-dawn/dawn sound at La Selva but they kept out of sight this year. Highland Motmot Momotus aequatorialis: Absolutely brilliant views of this larger cousin of the previous species at San Isidro. On our first afternoon we had three birds lingering around the hummingbird feeder area and the next early morning one was collecting the insects around the lights. GALBULIDAE White-eared Jacamar Galbalcyrhynchus leucotis (H): We only heard this bird on the south side of the Napo River close to La Selva. Brown Jacamar Brachygalba lugubris: A lovely pair of this small but very long-billed jacamar showed well on our boat journey back from the river island in La Selva and several were seen along thegareno entrance road. Yellow-billed Jacamar Galbula albirostris: Excellent scope views of a responsive bird for everybody along the main road at Gareno Lodge on our first afternoon! White-chinned Jacamar Galbula tombacea: Yet another of these handsome birds. Good views of this smart lowland jacamar at La Selva around the White-lored Antpitta swamp. Coppery-chested Jacamar Galbula pastazae (H): This smart foothill speciality was only heard in the area this year. This species is named after the Rio Pastaza, the most important river in the southern half of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda: This most widespread jacamar was seen very well at Rio Silanche and heard at Rio Palenque Biological Station. 27 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

28 Purplish Jacamar Galbula chalcothorax: Great views along the trails at La Selva and we also saw a calling bird at El Para, which was an unusually high elevation for this species at 750 metres. Great Jacamar Jacamerops aureus: We heard one calling from the canopy tower at La Selva on our last morning. After descending from the tower we all had magnificent looks at this scarce jacamar. This was the isidori race. BUCCONIDAE White-necked Puffbird Notharchus hyperrhynchus: It was observed a few times from the canopy tower at La Selva. Note the different scientific name compared to the one given in the checklist, following the split into this form and Guianan Puffbird N. macrorhynchos. Both forms differ strikingly in both plumage and vocalizations. Pied Puffbird Notharchus pectoralis: The subtectus race was seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the west. After the morning rain it was perched in a cecropia tree looking very miserable. Barred Puffbird Nystalus radiatus: Very fine scope views of this rare bird at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the west. A nice pair was seen very close as they were calling continuously, a surprise that this species still holds on in this tiny patch of forest! The genus Nystalus has occasionally been merged into Notharchus but most authors maintain it as distinct. White-whiskered Puffbird Malacoptila panamensis: About three different birds were seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the west. Lanceolated Monklet Micromonacha lanceolata: Excellent scope studies of this highly sought-after speciality at Rio Silanche again. We have seen this species at the same location for three years in a row now! Brown Nunlet Nonnula brunnea: Terrific scope views of this upper Napo endemic at La Selva on our last morning. A pair came in while we were looking for the Chestnut-belted Gnateater and allowed magnificent looks. Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons: About five birds were seen well in the La Selva area. White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus: A noisy species, and we had repeated good views at La Selva and even more birds at Gareno. Yellow-billed Nunbird Monasa flavirostris: We saw a singleton at La Selva and two more in the Gareno area. Swallow-wing (S-winged Puffbird) Chelidoptera tenebrosa: Numerous along the Napo river and a few at Gareno Lodge. CAPITONIDAE Scarlet-crowned Barbet Capito aurovirens: Good looks at both sexes of this handsome species on our very first afternoon at La Selva and several others heard later. Orange-fronted Barbet Capito squamatus: Superb scope views of this smart Chocó endemic first at Rio Silanche and later in the forest at Rio Palenque Biological Station, where we had a lovely pair on a fruiting tree for almost an hour. Gilded Barbet Capito auratus: The most frequently encountered barbet in the eastern lowlands and foothills. We had many sightings at La Selva, in Wildsumaco and at Gareno. Note that this is one of the species resulting from the splitting of the original, enlarged Blackspotted Barbet C. niger. It is found from southern Venezuela through western Amazonia to northern Bolivia. The other resulting species are Brown-chested Barbet C. brunneipectus, ranging in a limited area of Amazonian Brazil (the northern part of the region between the Madeira and Tapajos rivers), and the residual C. niger, confined to extreme eastern Venezuela, the Guianas, and Amazonian Brazil north of the Amazon and east of the Rio Negro. The Gilded Barbet itself still shows a very complex pattern of geographic variation, birds in Ecuador belonging to the race punctatus. A recent mtdna study (which confirms species status for the three mentioned taxa) found a deep split in the Gilded Barbet complex, with two groups separated by the Amazon and Ucayali 28 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

29 rivers, and the authors state However, mtdna variation suggests that C. auratus contains at least two evolutionarily significant units which might indicate two geographically separate species level taxa. Lemon-throated Barbet Eubucco richardsoni: A pair was observed from the La Selva canopy tower and others were heard both at La Selva and Gareno. Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii: We encountered both Ecuadorian races on this tour. The aequatorialis race was seen several times in the west both at Rio Silanche and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. The males have red extending lower on the underparts and contrasting more with the yellow on the upper belly on this race. The orientalis race on the east slope was seen at and along the Loreto Road. Toucan Barbet Semnornis ramphastinus: A superb bird with several sightings on this year s tour. It was a great experience when we first heard the unmistakable call at Bellavista and saw a pair duetting in the morning sunlight. This striking multi-hued Chocó endemic was one of Mike s favourites. RAMPHASTIDAE Chestnut-tipped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus derbianus: Three birds were seen through the scope at the hummingbird feeders at Wildsumaco. Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus: Regular encounters in the western foothills. Best views were at Los Bancos and along the Milpe Road. This is the sexmotatus subspecies here. Golden-collared Toucanet Selenidera reinwardtii: Heard several times both at La Selva and at Wildsumaco. This was a most-wanted species for Geraint so naturally he was amongst the last one to get a good view! All of us had excellent views finally. Pale-mandibled Aracari Pteroglossus erythropygius: Many good looks in the western lowlands and foothills. Up to eight were seen really close up from the Rio Silanche canopy tower. It is no longer a true Ecuadorian endemic as it was recently found just across the border in extreme northwestern Peru. Note that HBW 7 and SACC (the South American Classification Committee of the A.O.U.; you can easily google your way to the web page which is full of interesting information) lump this form (and Stripe-billed Aracari P. sanguineus) in Collared Aracari P. torquatus. Chestnut-eared Aracari Pteroglossus castanotis: One was seen at the lookout place on the way back from Gareno and another one next day at El Para. Many-banded Aracari Pteroglossus pluricinctus: The most frequently encountered aracari at La Selva and seen at Gareno too. Ivory-billed Aracari Pteroglossus azara: Great looks at a pair finally from La Selva s canopy tower. At least four more birds were seen at Gareno. Lettered Aracari Pteroglossus inscriptus: A single sighting of four birds along the entrance boardwalk at La Selva. Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan Andigena laminirostris: Several fantastic views of this magnificentlyclad montane frugivore near Bellavista, the cover star of the Birds of Ecuador. The croaking call of this Chocó endemic is a classic sound in the Mindo/Tandayapa region. This was the third favourite bird for Geraint. Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus: Seen twice and heard many more times both in La Selva and at Gareno. The croaker of the eastern lowlands and foothills. Birds in eastern Ecuador are often split off as Yellow-ridged Toucan R. culminatus, but there is a wide zone of inter-gradation in e.g. southern Venezuela. This one is a smaller plumage-mimic of White-throated Toucan, but they are readily told apart by their calls. Chocó Toucan Ramphastos brevis: Several great views of this largely Chocó endemic, though it has recently been found for the first time just across the Colombian-Panama border. Chestnut-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos swainsonii (H): We heard one distantly at Rio Silanche. Black-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus (H): We heard it distantly while walking along the Loreto Road. 29 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

30 White-throated Toucan Ramphastos tucanus: The yelper of the eastern lowlands which was seen a few times at La Selva, at Gareno and at El Para. PICIDAE Lafresnaye s Piculet Picumnus lafresnayi: One was seen by everybody in the big mixed species flock along Gareno s Harpy trail and another was seen at the Loreto Road. Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus: Two sightings in the western lowlands. We saw one briefly in bamboo and later an obliging pair at Rio Palenque Biological Station on our last full day. This is the harteri race here in Ecuador. Spot-breasted Woodpecker Chrysoptilus punctigula: A pair was seen rather briefly on our way back from El Para as they were flying from tree to tree. It is represented by the guttatus race in Ecuador. Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Piculus rivolii: Several great views of this stunning high elevation woodpecker on both sides of the Andes. First we saw it in the Tandayapa Valley and later in the San Isidro area. Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus: Two sightings of the buenavistae race in the east at and the Loreto Road. Yellow-throated Woodpecker Piculus flavigula: First we heard the un-woodpecker like distinctive hishhing call of this rather rare species from the canopy tower at La Selva but had no success in attracting it. Later we saw a brilliant male in the big mixed species canopy flock along Gareno s Harpy trail. It is a terra firme forest species, probably preferring more hilly terrain. Represented by the magnus race in Ecuador not the nominate, as is suggested by HBW 6. Chestnut Woodpecker Celeus elegans: A singleton of the short-crested, dark-crowned race citreopygius was seen from the canopy tower at La Selva. We heard a Ringed Woodpecker and for a moment we thought the bird that flew in had responded to our playback but alas it was only a Chestnut Woodpecker! Later we saw a pair in Gareno too. Scale-breasted Woodpecker Celeus grammicus: Really good views of the verreauxii race from the canopy tower at La Selva. Cream-coloured Woodpecker Celeus flavus: A pair of this spectacular Celeus showed very well from the La Selva canopy tower. Ringed Woodpecker Celeus torquatus (H): This scarce terra firme canopy woodpecker was heard twice from La Selva s canopy tower. In fact at one time it was calling over our heads but we were still at the bottom of the canopy-tower tree and by the time we got up there it was gone. We heard it on another morning too but it did not come in and only a Chestnut Woodpecker caused some short-lived excitement. Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus: We saw both Ecuadorian subspecies on this year s tour! We saw the larger and more blackish nominate race at La Selva and the browner, smaller fuscipennis race at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus: One of the prettiest of its the genus, seen frequently in the eastern lowlands. We had our best views around our cabins at La Selva. Only the yellow-tufted morph (as opposed to the black-headed morph) is found in Ecuador. Cruentatus is Latin for blood-stained, obviously referring to the red belly patch, not only found in this species but also in most other members of the genus. Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani: Several good looks at this smart woodpecker in the western lowlands and foothills. Smoky-brown Woodpecker Veniliornis fumigatus: János and Otti saw one at and most of us had two birds along the Loreto Road, also in the east. Little Woodpecker Veniliornis passerinus: Finally some of us saw a female of this common woodpecker along the Loreto Road. Red-stained Woodpecker Veniliornis affinis: A pair was found along the trails at La Selva. 30 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

31 Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii: The cecilii race of this small woodpecker showed briefly along the Milpe Road. Named after John Kirk, a 19th century collector on Tobago. Bar-bellied Woodpecker Veniliornis nigriceps: The equifasciatus race of this rare woodpecker was seen in the Polylepis wood at Papallacta Pass. We all had excellent scope views as a nice male was feeding on some dead branches. Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus: This smart little woodpecker was seen on our first afternoon along the Milpe Road in a mixed species flock. Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos: Nice views of this spectacular bird at La Selva, close to the jetty at the end of the entrance boardwalk. Guayaquil Woodpecker Campephilus gayaquilensis: Great scope studies of both sexes at Rio Silanche and another pair was seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the western lowlands. It is a restricted-range species ranging from southwestern Colombia into northwestern Peru. Powerful Woodpecker Campephilus pollens (H): Frustratingly we heard this mountain woodpecker both around Bellavista in the west and along the Huacamayos ridge trail in the east but it did not show. FURNARIIDAE Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior: We had three of this terrestrial paramo furnariid near the Papallacta Pass and it was common on in the Antisana National Park. Bar-winged Cinclodes Cinclodes fuscus: Several sightings at Papallacta and in the Antisana National Park. Carl have even found the nest of one close to the road at Papallacta. This bird is a smaller relative of the previous species, here of the race albidiventris. More than one species may be involved. Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus: We had several encounters with this bird along the Milpe Road and in the Rio Silanche and Rio Palenque areas. A common open-country bird in the western lowlands and foothills. Pacific Horneros are prominent birds in the drier regions in southwestern Ecuador, but in recent decades they have spread with forest clearance into more humid areas such as Tinalandia. Horneros build the domed mud nests that resemble the primitive ovens (hornos, in Spanish) from which the family takes its vernacular name. Andean Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura andicola: The only tit-spinetail reaching tropical latitudes, seen well at the Papallacta Pass. Azara s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae: We saw several of the media race on both slopes. We had brilliant looks at a nest-building pair in Angel Paz antpitta forest. A characteristic sound in cleared areas within its altitudinal range. Birds in this genus are typically skulkers of brushy edges, shrubby areas and/or forest understorey. Dusky Spinetail Synallaxis moesta (H): Mainly a bird of the eastern foothills but despite extensive searching in the Sumaco and Loreto areas we only heard it once. Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura: Regularly heard in the western lowlands and foothills. We saw our first ones along the Milpe Road. Dark-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albigularis (H): This common species eluded us on this year's tour as we always had a bigger fish to fry when it was calling, and finally we ran out of its range. White-bellied Spinetail Synallaxis propinqua: We saw about eight in total and finally everybody got good views of this skulker. A classic inhabitant of pioneer vegetation on young river islands. Several obligate river island birds like this one have extremely high densities compared to birds in the forest. The young successional vegetation types are quite stressful environments (regular river floods) with relatively few bird species, but usually high numbers of each. Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa (H): We heard twice this Chusquea bamboo specialist along the Huacamayos ridge trail but only distantly. 31 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

32 Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata: Three sightings in the eastern foothills usually in mixed species flocks. Unlike Synallaxis spinetails, members of this genus are typically arboreal, often favouring vine tangles in the mid-storey and subcanopy. Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops: Many sightings in the forests of the western foothills. Parker s Spinetail (White-breasted S) Cranioleuca vulpecula: Another obligate river island bird, eventually showing very well in response to the tape. This species, recently split from the Rusty-backed Spinetail C. vulpina, is named after Ted Parker, a Neotropical ornithological legend who died in a plane crash in White-chinned Thistletail Schizoeaca fuliginosa: Despite the harsh weather conditions we had very nice views of this high elevation furnariid at the Papallacta Pass. Streak-backed Canastero Asthenes wyatti: We all had fantastic scope views of this somewhat local paramo bird in Antisana National Park. Many-striped Canastero Asthenes flammulata: Another striking paramo inhabitant, showing beautifully near the Papallacta Pass. It is usually more numerous then the previous species. Double-banded Greytail Xenerpestes minlosi: Some of us got to see one of these tiny and usually very hard to see furnariids at Rio Silanche, but unfortunately it soon disappeared in a fastmoving big mixed species flock. It was in the same area that Paul first found this species in 1995, at the time representing a first record for Ecuador and a huge southward range extension. Orange-fronted Plushcrown Metopothrix aurantiacus: This odd, almost warbler-like furnariid, was seen well at La Selva and Archidona. We had the best views right after arriving to La Selva as it was moving in and out of its tiny stick nest! Later we saw two birds in our hotel garden in Archidona, which was a rather high elevation record for this species. Yet another example illustrating the unparalleled diversity and radiation into different forms, shapes and habits in this rich Neotropical family (this radiation seems to have largely taken place before the oscine passerines arrived in the continent via the Central American land bridge). Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii: A couple of sightings of this striking bromeliad specialist in mixed species flocks. We saw the nominate race in around Mindo and the orientalis subspecies on the east slope at San Isidro. Point-tailed Palmcreeper Berlepschia rikeri: We heard one briefly at La Selva and later had excellent views of a singing pair at the stake out Mauritia palm stand on the way to Gareno. The genus is named after Karl von Berlepsch ( ), German ornithologist and collector specializing in the Neotropics. Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger: Regular observations of this most handsome cloud forest denizen around San Isidro and the Huacamayos area. It also reaches into high elevation Polylepis woodland as we could see around Papallacta Pass. Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens: Rather elusive on this year s trip but after hearing it in the Bellavista area we finally tracked one down along the trails of San Isidro. Rusty-winged Barbtail Premnornis guttuligera: Two of this secretive furnariid showed well on our first day at El Pahuma Orchid garden. Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris: Two encounters with the nominate race on the west slope and we saw the mentalis race at the trails. Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner (S-breasted F-g) Anabacerthia variegaticeps: Good looks at this canopy foliage-gleaner along the Milpe road. Birds here belong to the race temporalis, which has sometimes been treated as a race of the next species, and which alternatively may represent a distinct species, the Spot-breasted Foliage-gleaner. Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis: A few were seen at and along the Loreto Road on the east slope, where it replaces the previous species. Eastern Woodhaunter Hyloctistes subulatus: Unusually we had two superb sightings of this normally secretive understorey species. First we had one in the big mixed species flock along the 32 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

33 Harpy trail at Gareno and later we had a calling, tame bird (nesting?) on the bamboo trail at El Para. Western Woodhaunter Hyloctistes virgatus: We had a brief but good sighting of this skulker on our first afternoon at Milpe Garden. Chestnut-winged Hookbill Ancistrops strigilatus: We had two encounters with this bird at La Selva and Gareno. Our best views were obtained in a mixed species flock on the south bank of the Napo in the Yasúni National Park close to La Selva. A monotypic genus, the name of which is derived from the Greek words ankistron (fishhook) and ops (face), and refers to the distinctive hooked bill. Chestnut-winged Foliage-gleaner Philydor erythropterus: Another high canopy species, the best views of which were in the big mixed species flock at Gareno. Since the gender of the genus name is neuter the scientific name should be P. erythropterum (cf. HBW 8 and the new Howard & Moore). Rufous-rumped Foliage-gleaner Philydor erythrocercus: One was seen along the trail eight at La Selva. Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner Philydor rufus: Repeated good views of the western race riveti at Milpe. Since the gender of the genus name is neuter the scientific name should be P. rufum. Olive-backed Foliage-gleaner Automolus infuscatus: Rather elusive at Gareno, where one showed to some of us along the Harpy trail. Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner Automolus ochrolaemus: This widespread species was first seen at La Selva by János, here of the buffyish-throated turdinus race. Later we all saw the whitethroated pallidigularis race at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus: This Chusquea bamboo denizen showed superbly in the Bellavista area. Streak-capped Treehunter Thripadectes virgaticeps: Poor views of a pair crossing the road with a mixed species flock in the Huacamayos area. Black-billed Treehunter Thripadectes melanorhynchus (H): This one was only heard. Uniform Treehunter Thripadectes ignobilis: Superb views of this scarce and skulking species on our last morning at Tinalandia. We had two birds moving with a big understorey flock. A nice furnariid to end this action-packed tour! Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans: Most of us saw one along the trails at but so much happened at once that some of us got diverted. Later we had another along the lower parts of the Huacamayos area. This was the heterurus race we saw. Recent research seems to indicate that of all living furnariids the xenopses are the ones most closely related to the woodcreeper lineage. Plain Xenops Xenops minutus: A few birds of the race littoralis were found in the western lowlands and foothills. The obsoletus race was seen at La Selva and at Gareno. Tawny-throated Leaftosser (G-t Leafscraper) Sclerurus mexicanus: Good views of this skulking bird for most of the group at Gareno just by the entrance road. Unfortunately David and Geraint could not get on it. Short-billed Leaftosser (S-b Leafscraper) Sclerurus rufigularis (H): Unfortunately heard only on one occasion at dawn in the La Selva area. Black-tailed Leaftosser (B-t Leafscraper) Sclerurus caudacutus: We all had good views of the brunneus race on this year s trip at La Selva. When you find a leaftosser without using playback it usually gives good views as happened with us along trail eight. Apparently the earliest furnariids were mostly terrestrial, leaftosser-like birds. DENDROCOLAPTIDAE Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa: Several sightings of both races on this year s tour. We had the ridgwayi race in the west and the phaeochroa race in the east. More than one species may be involved. Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus: Several sightings of both races. The very similar sublestus races in the west and castelnaudii race in the east. The smallest in the family 33 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

34 and also one of the most primitive, with cranial specialization for hammering on wood like a diminutive woodpecker, a feature lost in more modern woodcreepers. Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus: The larger and darker amazonus race was seen along at in the eastern foothills and at Gareno. The hitherto monotypic genus Sittasomus certainly consists of a handful of species but the detailed taxonomy remains to be worked out. Long-billed Woodcreeper Nasica longirostris: Two sightings of this superb woodcreeper at La Selva. Both observations were from our boat around Mandicocha. Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper Dendrexetastes rufigula: An absolutely brilliant show by this nice woodcreeper at La Selva as one was singing just two metres away in the canopy tower one day late afternoon and the following early morning. Orinoco Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes orenocensis: Two sightings in the east, first in a mixed species flock at and later along the Loreto Road. Note this form is lumped in Strong-billed Woodcreeper by Ridgley & Greenfield as the orenocensis race but this bird best regarded as separate species because of highly different plumage, call and distribution! Amazonian Barred Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes certhia (H): It was only heard once in Gareno. Black-banded Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes picumnus: A group of four were seen superbly along the trails at La Selva. Straight-billed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus picus (H): This lakeside species was heard once at La Selva but did not show. Striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus obsoletus: Another woodcreeper of lakesides and swampy areas, which we saw at La Selva. Ocellated Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus ocellatus: The napensis race of this rarely seen woodcreeper was seen at Gareno Lodge. This napensis race could also be included in Tschudi s Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus chunchotambo but note that Ridgley & Greenfield lump this form in Ocellated Woodcreeper X. ocellatus. It is also possible that this napensis may represent a separate species in its own right. A taxonomic revision of this complex is urgently needed, but more vocal data is essential! Elegant Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus elegans: Regularly heard at La Selva, and we had several encounters with this devilishly difficult-to-see woodcreeper this year. A typical member of the roving Thamnomanes-led understorey parties in the eastern lowland forests, here of the race ornatus. Lafresnaye s Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus guttatoides: Several sightings of this common eastern lowland and lower foothill species. Note that trans-andean birds (Central America and north-western South America) are nowadays split off as Cocoa Woodcreeper X. susurrans, though this treatment seems to be a great oversimplification and see the discussion on this issue by C. Marantz in HBW 8. The same author suggested possible species rank for western Amazonian races as Lafresnaye s Woodcreeper X. guttatoides in an earlier paper but kept them within Buff-throated Woodcreeper in the HBW accounts. Nevertheless Clements splits it in his web updates. Black-striped Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus: Great views of this most striking woodcreeper on our last morning at Tinalandia. This is at the southern edge of its range as most sightings are from Esmeraldas and occasionally as far south as northwest Pichincha but we saw it in southern Pichincha! Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius: Small numbers were found throughout the western lowlands and foothills. Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis: Several sightings on the east slope at, along the Loreto Road and at San Isidro. Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii: Several were seen at Rio Silanche and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger: A small woodcreeper of middle elevations, regularly seen on both slopes. 34 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

35 Red-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus trochilirostris: We came across both Ecuadorian subspecies of this spectacular woodcreeper. First we had superb views of the eastern napensis race at La Selva and later we saw the isolated western lowland thoracicus race at Rio Palenque Biological Station. THAMNOPHILIDAE Fasciated Antshrike Cymbilaimus lineatus: A female bird was seen in the big mixed species flock along the Harpy trail at Gareno Lodge. Undulated Antshrike Frederickena unduligera: We heard the soft call of this large sized antshrike close to the interior parrot lick in the Yasuni National Park. It took us a long while though to get good views for everybody of this shy bird but it was definitely amongst the highlights of La Selva this year. This is the fulva race in Ecuador. Great Antshrike Taraba major: First we had brief views of a male along the Madiyacu river in La Selva. It was the melanurus of the eastern lowlands. Later we all obtained terrific looks at a singing male of the western race transandeanus at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Lined Antshrike Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus: Great studies of both sexes of this striking east slope speciality. Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus: A fine male of the race subradiatus showed well for some of us on one of the Napo river islands on our way back from La Selva. We were busy with Castelnau'sAntshrike so not everybody got to see this species. The taxonomy of the Barred Antshrike complex is in need of study and possible revision, more than one species probably being involved. Note it is a river island specialist in Ecuador. Cocha Antshrike Thamnophilus praecox: We had a nice male of this very localised endemic bird at La Selva. We had to work hard as they not as easy as they were in the early 90's but eventually we lured one into view at a swampy area. Castelnau s Antshrike Thamnophilus cryptoleucus: Another obligate river island species of which a pair was seen well on our way back from La Selva. White-shouldered Antshrike Thamnophilus aethiops: We heard the male s rather trogon-like song at Gareno Lodge but we could not get him out of the thickets. Later we were lucky to find a foraging pair along the bamboo trail at El Para. Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor: Unfortunately the nominate race was only seen by the leader at Angel Paz because after a long taping session it appeared exactly the same time as the Giant Antpitta and naturally everybody was more interested in that one! Plain-winged Antshrike (Black-capped A) Thamnophilus schistaceus: Several were seen at La Selva and many more were heard there and Gareno. Another typical constituent of the understorey parties in the eastern lowlands and foothills, here of the black-crowned capitalis race. The new name is preferable to the old one since in large portions of its range males do not have any black in the crown at all. Mouse-coloured Antshrike Thamnophilus murinus: Only a single bird of this rolling terra firme species was seen by half of the group in the big mixed species flock along the Harpy trail at Gareno. Western Slaty-Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha: Several sightings of both sexes at Rio Silanche and at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west. Russet Antshrike Thamnistes anabatinus: A rather furnariid-like canopy antshrike, of which we saw the intermedius race on the west slope at Tinalandia. Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis: We only heard the napensis race on the east slope but we had nice views of the aequatorialis race at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west. Bicoloured Antvireo Dysithamnus occidentalis (H): We heard briefly this rare species along the trails at San Isidro in the rain. Dusky-throated Antshrike Thamnomanes ardesiacus: Regular sightings in the eastern lowlands. Often seen in the company of the next species. 35 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

36 Cinereous Antshrike Thamnomanes caesius: Frequent encounters in the eastern lowlands and especially numerous at Gareno. In plumage very similar to the previous species but this one is the leader of most of the roving mixed understorey flocks. Pygmy Antwren Myrmotherula brachyura: Surprisingly we heard this common species only once and János saw one at Gareno. Pacific Antwren (Pacific Streaked-A) Myrmotherula pacifica: We had good views of a pair and heard several others on our last morning at Tinalandia. Plain-throated Antwren Myrmotherula hauxwelli: Almost daily encounters with both sexes at La Selva. Of all the western Amazonian antwrens this is the one that lives closest to the ground. Checker-throated Antwren Myrmotherula fulviventris: This western species was only observed by the leader at Rio Palenque Biological Station in a mixed species understorey flock. Foothill Antwren Myrmotherula spodionota: Most of us had good views of a pair in thick bamboo understorey along the trails. This scarce east slope specialists is sometimes called Ecuadorian Antwren. Ornate Antwren Myrmotherula ornata: A pair of this spectacular antwren was seen very well at La Selva around the interior parrot lick. We had no less then six species of antwrens within half an hour! Rufous-tailed Antwren Myrmotherula erythrura: An easily overlooked species but we enjoyed good views of several birds of both sexes at La Selva and at Gareno too. This species is a regular member of the terra firme understorey flocks and is a typical dead-leaf specialist: tangles of big, curled-up dead leaves are an important year-round foraging substrate in the tropical rainforest, and several birds specialize on feeding in them (note that this niche is absent in temperate forests as all dead leaves tend to fall off the trees much sooner). White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris: First we saw the western albigula race at Rio Silanche. Later the melaena subspecies was a regular member of the understorey flocks in the eastern lowlands both at La Selva and at Gareno Lodges. Vocal differences within the White-flanked Antwren complex seem to indicate that at least two species are involved. Slaty Antwren Myrmotherula schisticolor (H): We only heard the nominate race at Milpe on the west slope. Long-winged Antwren Myrmotherula longipennis: Great views of a responsive pair in a mixed understorey flock at La Selva. As in many other members of the family, female plumage shows more geographic variation than male plumage. More than one species may be involved, our birds being of the race zimmeri. Río Suno Antwren Myrmotherula sunensis: A male of this rare and little known antwren was seen by some of us in the big mixed species flock along the Harpy trail at Gareno. It represented by the nominate sunensis race in Ecuador. Grey Antwren Myrmotherula menetriesii: At least two pairs showed well at La Selva and others were seen at Gareno. A bird of mid-storey vine tangles, of the race pallida here, males lacking the throat patch shown by southeastern Peruvian birds for example. Dot-winged Antwren Microrhopias quixensis: Frequent observations of both sexes in the western lowlands and foothills at Rio Silanche and at Rio Palenque Biological Station, of the race consobrina, in which females have entirely rufous/chestnut underparts. A pair of the larger nominate race was seen at El Para in the east. Dugand s Antwren Herpsilochmus dugandi: A male of this high-canopy species was taped in at Gareno but only Mike got to see it in the scope. Next day we heard another one but it did not respond to our tape. Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris: Great looks at a nice male even in the scope at and another was seen along the Loreto Road. A canopy antwren that is often very hard to see. 36 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

37 Long-tailed Antbird Drymophila caudata: One obliged well in Chusquea bamboo in the Tandayapa Valley and several were seen in understorey flocks in bamboo at San Isidro in the east. One of the smartest antbirds in Ecuador! Striated Antbird Drymophila devillei: Excellent views of a pair at El Para high in a bamboo clump. A relative of the previous species, and lost in Ecuador for over 50 years (being known from a small number of specimens from the first half of the 20th century), until rediscovered in the tall Guadua bamboo thickets here in the late nineties. It is quite widespread though, and easy game in places like Manu. Grey Antbird Cercomacra cinerascens: A bird of mid-storey vine tangles in the eastern lowlands. We heard it several times at La Selva, and eventually most of us saw a male at Gareno Lodge. Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina: Heard regularly in the west and seen only by János at Rio Silanche. Blackish Antbird Cercomacra nigrescens: A pair of the aequatorialis race was seen at on the east slope. This species exhibits a complex pattern of geographical variation and at least two species are definitely involved, see the next species! Riparian Antbird Cercomacra fuscicauda: Half the group saw a pair in a swampy area at La Selva while waiting for the White-lored Antpitta. Note this bird was lumped with the previous species as the fuscicauda race of it. Paul Coopmans had a paper on this quagmire in the planning stages for a considerable time. Note that Cercomacra is one of the most productive antbird genera as far as new species discovered/described in the last few decades are concerned. Fairly recently Parker s Antbird C. parkeri was described from Colombia, as was Willis s Antbird C. laeta from Amazonian Brazil. Black Antbird Cercomacra serva (H): A close relative of the previous, which was only heard on the east slope at El Para. White-browed Antbird Myrmoborus leucophrys: Some of us saw a female briefly along the bamboo trail at El Para but it was in our hotel garden in Archidona where we all had a lovely male of this smart antbird. Black-faced Antbird Myrmoborus myotherinus: Several absolutely brilliant views on this years tour! We first saw this handsome understorey antbird at La Selva and later along the bamboo trail at El Para. More than one species may be involved, though at least part of the geographic variation within this widespread Amazonian/Guianan antbird seems to be clinal. Ecuadorian birds have been assigned to the race elegans. Warbling Antbird Hypocnemis cantator: All of us had good views in the eastern lowlands both at La Selva and at Gareno, here of the whitish-bellied race saturata. The wide-ranging Warbling Antbird probably consists of more than one species, and detailed taxonomic work is currently being undertaken. Yellow-browed Antbird Hypocnemis hypoxantha: Superb close-ups of this very smart species at Gareno Lodge, where it seems to be fairly common in its typical rolling terra firme forest habitat. Spot-backed Antbird Hylophylax naevia: We saw both the terra firme form and the várzea form very well on this years tour. Paul Coopmans suggested that at least two different species are involved and he was working on a paper on this subject. The yessupii race of the várzea forest was seen around the White-lored Antpitta swamp at La Selva and the theresae race of terra firme forest at Gareno. Not an official split yet but as they have different song and habitat requirement Paul was certain about these forms being two different species! Dot-backed Antbird Hylophylax punctulata: Superb sightings of this lovely antbird at La Selva by the Cocha Antshrike swamp. Scale-backed Antbird Hylophylax poecilinota: A couple of sightings in the eastern lowlands at La Selva. We saw them along the trails by themselves and also with professional antfollowers at a small ant swarm. Black-and-white Antbird Myrmochanes hemileucus: A nice pair were seen on a river islands on the Napo near La Selva. This secretive obligate river island bird is not always easy to see! 37 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

38 Spot-winged Antbird Percnostola leucostigma: A pair was seen by Mike, Geraint and János while waiting at the interior parrot lick and another singing male was seen by Geraint at Gareno. It is a secretive antbird, usually found near forest streams. Silvered Antbird Sclateria naevia: Four were seen and many others were heard at La Selva. The argentata race occurs in Ecuador, which lives along the borders of lakes and sluggish streams. This genus and many other taxa are named after the Sclaters, a father and son. Philip Sclater was the founder of The Ibis, the journal of the B.O.U. White-backed Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota: We first saw the eastern castanoptera race at briefly and then along the Loreto Road. On our last morning we came across the pacifica race at Tinalandia when we saw a male in bamboo. Note that this is another species showing a considerable amount of geographic variation in female plumage, the female of the pacifica race is distinctly different. Plumbeous Antbird Myrmeciza hyperythra: We heard this nice antbird regularly in the eastern lowlands at La Selva. Half of the group had good views of a pair along Mandiyacu River on our first afternoon and later we all saw females on at least two different occasions in várzea forest. White-shouldered Antbird Myrmeciza melanoceps: Great looks at a nice male of this large antbird at La Selva and several others were heard there. We even saw the white shoulders, which are usually not easily visible. Sooty Antbird Myrmeciza fortis: This one was repeatedly heard in the eastern lowlands both at La Selva and at Gareno and we had first class views of a singing male along trail eight at La Selva and saw a pair with the other professionals following army ants at Gareno. Immaculate Antbird Myrmeciza immaculata: Reasonable views of a male in the Milpe area and others were heard at Rio Silanche. It is represented by the macrorhyncha race in Ecuador. A species, which often follows ants, and which probably died out at Rio Palenque in the eighties or nineties. Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul: This forest understorey species of the western lowlands and foothills was regularly heard, and some of us managed to see a male at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Birds here belong to the spot-winged race maculifer. Esmeraldas Antbird Myrmeciza nigricauda (H): We heard it singing briefly at Tinalandia on our last morning. This Chocó endemic is named after the country s northwestern province Esmeraldas, where it is often the most common antbird in the very wet foothill forests. White-plumed Antbird Pithys albifrons: We had two encounters on this years tour with the king of the antbirds. First only some of us (causing much frustration) saw two birds in a small army ant swarm at La Selva. In Gareno however we hit a proper army ant swarm with all the professional ant followers around and we estimated that there were no less then 15 of this species, often only two or three metres away. We stayed with the ants for an hour and a half until everybody was bored with all these rarely seen goodies! This bird came fifth in the overall bird of the tour contest. Bicoloured Antbird Gymnopithys leucaspis: Some of us saw two birds along the trails at La Selva but they were far from obliging. Others were heard there but did not want to play. We all had about four birds, however with the other professional ant followers at Gareno. Hairy-crested Antbird Rhegmatorhina melanosticta: This scarce and somewhat local professional was seen briefly at Gareno by Geraint and János with the army ant swarm. Black-spotted Bare-eye Phlegopsis nigromaculata: Some of saw a nice male from our canoe when we were birding in várzea forest close to the entrance boardwalk at La Selva. As usual too many things were happening at the same time with White-shouldered, Silvered and Plumbeous Antbirds around us saw when he was perched out in the open and not everybody got onto it and unfortunately it kept in cover when responding. Reddish-winged Bare-eye Phlegopsis erythroptera: First János saw a male briefly with the small army ant swarm at La Selva but nobody else got on it. Later we had minimum four birds at Gareno with the big army ant swarm but it took us a while for everybody to get a good 38 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

39 view. It was one of the most memorable moments of the tour when we had a male with three White-plumed plus a Bicoloured Antbird in one scope view! Excellent! FORMICARIIDAE Rufous-capped Antthrush Formicarius colma: Absolutely superb scope views of this terra firme bird at La Selva and several others heard only at Gareno. It is represented by the nigrifrons race in Ecuador. Black-faced Antthrush Formicarius analis: Regularly heard in the eastern lowlands and lower foothills, and after several attempts we finally saw one at La Selva. Here the race zamorae, named after a town at the eastern base of the Andes in the southern part of the country. Black-headed Antthrush Formicarius nigricapillus: First we heard one along the Milpe road and later regularly recorded it at Rio Silanche and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. We had a very responsive bird at Rio Palenque but only Geraint managed to catch a glimpse of this skulker. Rufous-breasted Antthrush Formicarius rufipectus (H): A loud double whistle, repeatedly heard from the cloud forest understorey at several locations in the west. Short-tailed Antthrush Chamaeza campanisona (H): This year we only heard this shy and skulking bird. Striated Antthrush (Noble A) Chamaeza nobilis: We put a lot of work into this one and most of us had really great views at La Selva. In the first few attempts only Geraint managed to see it but finally, when we had a male and female on different sides of the trail, we managed to lure it into view! Giant Antpitta Grallaria gigantea: Unbelievable views of the extremely confiding bird called Maria on the trail in the Angel Paz forest. We also saw a fully grown juvenile bird, which could have been one of Maria's offspring from last year. This juvenile was much shyer and did not approach too closely. Twenty years ago this was still a mythical bird, and no one would ever have imagined that they would be hand-fed with earthworms in the not to distant future. Our birds were of the west slope race hylodroma. Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis (H): Probably the same bird was heard at Septimo Paraiso lodge on two consecutive days in the west. Moustached Antpitta Grallaria alleni: Unbelievable looks at a silently feeding pair at Angel Paz antpitta forest. Only those who have looked for this mega skulker in the pre-angel Paz era can truly appreciate these views - recent visitors to Ecuador are very privileged indeed! This species used to be known as a rare Colombian endemic until the early nineties when we first found it in Ecuador. Plain-backed Antpitta Grallaria haplonota (H): A few were heard at and in the Loreto Road areas. This extremely retiring species is much more easily seen at Rancho Grande on our Western Venezuela tour. Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla: The first antpitta of the tour. We had a lovely pair feeding along the edge of the old Nono-Mindo road at first light. It was great to see it as the worm-fed bird on the trails at San Isidro was not showing this year at all. Apparently become rather unreliable. This was the nominate race we saw. White-bellied Antpitta Grallaria hypoleuca (H): This skulking montane forest denizen was only heard this year on the trails at San Isidro as the worm-fed bird was not performing. Yellow-breasted Antpitta Grallaria flavotincta: We saw one of these lovely Chocó endemics at dawn on the trails at Angel Paz forest. According to Angel they were breeding, hence no further sightings later in better light. Tawny Antpitta Grallaria quitensis: South America s easiest-to-see antpitta, and indeed we saw two superbly on the track near the Papallacta Pass. White-lored Antpitta Hylopezus fulviventris: Heard at few times at La Selva and despite a lot of effort sadly only David and János got to see it. It was in a swampy area with very thick undergrowth making it really difficult terrain to move around in. The bird came 39 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

40 frustratingly close to us a number of times. This species was formerly called Fulvousbellied Antpitta, but this name is now used for the H. dives, which was split off as a separate species. Thrush-like Antpitta Myrmothera campanisona: Quite a few were heard in the eastern lowlands at La Selva and Gareno. We heard this mega skulker at El Para again pretty close we tried to see it but it was a leader-only bird as János got on it briefly. Slate-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula nana (H): Heard from the Huacamayos Ridge trail on the east slope. A note to antpitta collectors it is much easier to see on our Southern Ecuador tour and in Venezuela! CONOPOPHAGIDAE Chestnut-crowned Gnateater Conopophaga castaneiceps (H): It was only heard along the main trail in the east. Chestnut-belted Gnateater Conopophaga aurita: Excellent repeated views of a gorgeous pair at La Selva, interrupted by Brown Nunlets! RHINOCRYPTIDAE Rusty-belted Tapaculo Liosceles thoracicus: Regularly heard in the eastern lowlands, and one of these colourful tapaculos was seen very well at La Selva. It is represented by the erithacus race in Ecuador. Blackish Tapaculo Scytalopus latrans: It was as uncooperative as usual but half the group managed to see one in thick bamboo undergrowth in the San Isidro area. Ridgley & Greenfield lump this form in Unicoloured Tapaculo S. unicolor. Equatorial Rufous-vented Tapaculo (Long-tailed Tapaculo) Scytalopus micropterus: It took some work but finally most of us saw this east slope speciality in the thick understorey vegetation by the roadside. This form is sometimes lumped in Peruvian Rufous-vented Tapaculo S. femoralis, with the name Rufous-vented Tapaculo being used for the enlarged species. Northern White-crowned Tapaculo Scytalopus atratus (H): This one replaces the previous species at lower elevations. We only heard it at on the east slope. This form is sometimes lumped in Southern White-crowned Tapaculo S. bolivianus, with the name White-crowned Tapaculo being used for the enlarged species. Nariño Tapaculo Scytalopus vicinior: This Chocó endemic was first seen just above Mindo along Paul's trail. This form was formerly lumped Pale-throated Tapaculo S. panamensis. Spillmann s Tapaculo Scytalopus spillmanni: An old time favourite on this years trip with many heard without so much as a glimpse. We finally we got lucky along the Huacamayos Ridge trail and saw Mr. Spillmann's tapaculo. Very similar-looking to the previous species (in fact largely told apart by voice and measurements), and on the west slope replacing it at higher elevations. Paramo Tapaculo Scytalopus canus: We heard a single bird just below Papallacta Pass and it came in after a few minutes in the very thick vegetation and climbed across the trail above us ( in untapaculo height). This form and several others were formerly lumped in Rufousrumped Tapaculo S. griseicollis, with the name Andean Tapaculo being used for the enlarged species. Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx : We heard this magnificent tapaculo on our very first day at Bellavista and after some hard work it came as close as one metre and everybody had good views! We also heard it later on the tour along the Huacamayos Ridge trail but did not have sufficient time for another attempt. Owing to the great performance it achieved fourth place of the overall bird of the tour contest and it was highly ranked in both Carl and Otti s top five list. It is one of the most highly sought-after species in the Neotropics and has a weird-looking straight hind claw. 40 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

41 TYRANNIDAE Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps: Good views in the western lowlands along the Milpe Road, at Tinalandia and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Ashy-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias cinereiceps: We had two briefly at Milpe on the west slope and another was seen well along the trails at San Isidro. Slender-footed Tyrannulet Zimmerius gracilipes: Good views from La Selva s canopy tower. The genus is named in honour of John Zimmer ( ), a US ornithologist who wrote the monumental Studies of Peruvian Birds (1931). Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops: We saw two distinct races, the nominate form on the east slope and albigularis in the western lowlands and foothills. More than one species may be involved and the latter would be Chocó Tyrannulet. Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillum: We had one along the trails at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the west. Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum (H): We only heard this species in the suburbs of Quito in the garden of the Hosteria el Jardin. The conglomerate currently known as Southern Beardless Tyrannulet is a taxonomic mess, with more than one species certainly being involved. Birds in western Ecuador belong to the race sclateri. Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus: Several sightings of this one in the east and heard in the west. This one has the free beer call. Foothill Elaenia Myiopagis olallai (H): We only heard this easily overlooked species along the Loreto Road. In the same genus as the previous one, this is the new species of tyrannid discovered by Paul in southern Ecuador in 1992 and described in 2000, but is only included as a footnote in Birds of Ecuador. Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata: Two different birds were seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station, one at the car park and the other along the trails. Mottle-backed Elaenia Elaenia gigas (H): We heard this river island species in the east. Sierran Elaenia Elaenia pallatangae: Two were seen in the Tandayapa Valley and one at San Isidro. It was named after the west slope town of Pallatanga. White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys: Good views of two birds near the Papallacta Pass in a mixed species flock. White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus: Repeated encounters with this Phylloscopuslike little flycatcher on both slopes throughout the tour. Rufous-winged Tyrannulet Mecocerculus calopterus: One showed very well at Tony s garden in the Tandayapa Valley. Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet Mecocerculus minor: Several birds were seen on the trails at San Isidro on the east slope. River Tyrannulet Serpophaga hypoleuca: Two were seen on the river island excursion on the Napo near La Selva. Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea: A few of these fast-flowing river specialists were seen on the east slope along rivers. Lesser Wagtail-Tyrant Stigmatura napensis: Another obligate river island species, which was seen very well on the Napo near La Selva. Tufted Tit-Tyrant Anairetes parulus: Good numbers of this smart bird of high-elevation shrubbery showed well at the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site. Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis: Several sightings on the west slope, here of the race viridiceps and two singles of the columbianus race on the east slope at San Isidro. This and the next species are unusual in being frugivorous rather than insectivorous flycatchers. Hence, like many cotingas and manakins, they also have lek systems. Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus: About three birds of the hederaceus race were seen at Rio Silanche in the west and a single bird on a fruiting tree along the Loreto Road on the east slope, here of the race fasciaticollis. Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus: Heard regularly in the east and one was seen at La Selva. 41 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

42 Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris: Several sightings of the western transandinus in the west around Milpe and Rio Silanche and two birds of the nominate race. Rufous-breasted Flycatcher Leptopogon rufipectus : A single bird was seen in a mixed species understorey flock in bamboo at San Isidro. Replaces the Slaty-capped Flycatcher at higher elevations on the east slope. Ecuadorian Tyrannulet (E Bristle-Tyrant) Phylloscartes gualaquizae: Good views of this eastern foothill speciality at, a duller and smaller version of the Foothill Elaenia with a noticeably smaller bill. Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus: A single bird was seen by some of us in a mixed species flock. Variegated Bristle-Tyrant Pogonotriccus poecilotis: Several of this often tricky-to-see species were located in mixed species canopy flocks at San Isidro this year. Yellow Tyrannulet Capsiempis flaveola: The east slope cerulus race of this Guadua bamboo specialist was seen along the bamboo trail at El Para. Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus pelzelni: It was a leader-only bird along Paul's trail on the west but disappeared way too fast in the thick montane undergrowth. Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps: Superb close-ups of this delightful Chusquea bamboo denizen along the Huacamayos Ridge trail. Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant Myiornis atricapillus: Great views of this tiny flycatcher at Rio Silanche, here at the southern edge of its range. Along with the other Myiornis species, this is the world s smallest passerine. Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus: Several of this noisy critter were encountered in the west, here the squamaecrista race. It was particularly common at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Double-banded Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus vitiosus: We heard it on the trails to the interior parrot lick near La Selva but only half the group managed to see this little fellow in the canopy. Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher (R-c T-Tyrant) Poecilotriccus ruficeps: This endearing little flycatcher showed well after a long search in the bamboo area of San Isidro. Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus calopterus (H): This gaudy east slope speciality was heard at El Para and also along the Loreto Road but did not want to play. Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps: Two of these smart forest canopy species were seen at Rio Silanche. Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum (H): A heard-only canopy species at La Selva. Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum: We observed the yellow-throated and usually pale-eyed peruanum race of this attractive little flycatcher at El Para on the east. Spotted Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum maculatum: Really nice views of this perky little flycatcher on the river island near La Selva. This is the signatum race here in Ecuador which was first reported in 1989 on a Napo river island near La Selva. Brownish Twistwing Cnipodectes subbrunneus (H): We heard the distinctive call of this undergrowth-loving flycatcher at La Selva close to the interior parrot lick but did not respond. Large-headed Flatbill (Bamboo F) Ramphotrigon megacephala: We had good views of this bambooloving bird at El Para. Yellow-olive Flatbill (Y-o Flycatcher) Tolmomyias sulphurescens: A bird of the race aequatorialis was seen along the main track at Rio Silanche in the west. More than one species is certainly involved, and taxonomic work on this mess has just started. Zimmer s Flatbill (Z s Flycatcher) Tolmomyias assimilis: A few in the eastern lowlands both at La Selva and at El Para, here of the race obscuriceps. More than one species may be involved. Best views were obtained from the canopy tower at La Selva. Grey-crowned Flatbill (G-c Flycatcher) Tolmomyias poliocephalus: We saw one on our morning session along the Harpy trail at Gareno, and a few others were heard at La Selva. 42 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

43 Olive-faced Flatbill (O-f Flycatcher) Tolmomyias flaviventris: Only heard around our cabins at La Selva and later one was seen very well in our hotel garden near Archidona. Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus: One of the prettiest Ecuadorian flycatchers, of which we saw two races, phoenicircus on the east slope (with an all rufous tail) and stellatus on the west slope (tail dusky, showing rufous only at its base). Cinnamon Neopipo Neopipo cinnamomea: A great surprise to see this rare species at Gareno along the Harpy trail! Unfortunately only half the group could get on this tiny little flycatcher. We even made a recording of it! It was recently concluded that Neopipo, long considered a manakin genus, is not a member of the Pipridae but is actually a tyrant flycatcher in the Myiophobus group. This species was formerly called the Cinnamon Manakin but given the doubts concerning its familial affinities, its English name was modified to Cinnamon Tyrant-Manakin and then to Cinnamon Tyrant, however Ridgley & Greenfield gave it the unambiguous name of Cinnamon Neopipo. Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher Terenotriccus erythrurus: One was seen in the big mixed species flock along the Harpy trail at Gareno. Whiskered Flycatcher Myiobius barbatus: We saw a single bird at La Selva and two at Gareno in terra firme forest. Both sightings were in mixed species flocks. The La Selva observation was very high in the canopy (a lower growth species according to Ridgley & Greenfield) preening so we could even scope it. Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher Myiobius sulphureipygius: Two different birds were observed with mixed understorey flocks in the west - one in the Milpe area and one at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Flavescent Flycatcher Myiophobus flavicans: A few were seen on both slopes, here of the nominate race. The genus name is derived from ancient Greek, and can be translated as the one who terrorizes the flies. Bran-coloured Flycatcher Myiophobus fasciatus: We saw one at Angel Paz forest while eating those magnificent empanadas. This is the western race crypterythrus and possibly more than one species involved. Olive-chested Flycatcher Myiophobus cryptoxanthus: We all had very good views of this rather unimpressive east slope speciality at and at El Para. Handsome Flycatcher Myiophobus pulcher: A few of the bellus race were seen at San Isidro and along the Huacamayos Ridge trail. Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea: This cute cloudforest flycatcher was numerous at middle elevations on the east slope particularly at San Isidro and the Huacamayos Ridge trail. In Ecuador the pyrrhoptera race occurs on both slopes. Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens: A few at La Selva and at Gareno Lodges. Most if not all wintering flycatchers establish winter territories and are thus quite vocal so we could identify them with certainty. Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidulus: Quite a few sightings on both slopes. A North American breeder wintering mainly in the foothills (Eastern winters mainly in the lowlands). It was very common along the Milpe road this year! Smoke-coloured Pewee Contopus fumigatus: We encountered both very similar races, ardosiacus on the east slope and zarumae on the west slope. The taxonomy of the Greater/Dark/Smokecoloured Pewee superspecies is rather complex and still needs to be worked out properly. Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi: We saw four of these boreal migrants at La Selva, Gareno and. We also heard the quick three beers call a few times. Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens: Three were seen well at Rio Silanche and others heard. Another wintering flycatcher from North America, fairly common (but inconspicuous except by voice) in the western lowlands and foothills. Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii: A calling bird of this wintering flycatcher showed well at El Para for everybody. 43 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

44 Euler s Flycatcher Lathrotriccus euleri (H): We only heard this one along the main track at. Named after Carl Euler, a 19 th century Swiss consul in Rio de Janeiro (hence terribly mispronounced by most Anglo-Saxons). Fuscous Flycatcher Cnemotriccus fuscatus: This flycatcher is confined to river islands in Ecuador and some of us saw two near La Selva on the Napo River. Note that the Fuscous Flycatcher complex seems to hold at least two different biological species. Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans: Regularly seen at rushing mountain streams on both slopes. Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus: Several males and females seen in the garden of Hosteria el Jardin at the suburbs of Quito. Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor: Nice views near Papallacta Pass and in Antisana National Park, here of the white-browed race brunneifrons. More than one species may be involved (see Ridgely & Tudor, Vol. II). Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris: A pair of this handsome streamside bird responded beautifully to the tape along the Huacamayos Ridge trail on the east. Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca diadema: The gratiosa race showed to some of us near Bellavista on the west. Drab Water-Tyrant Ochthornis littoralis: A singleton of this mud-coloured flycatcher was seen along the Napo River. This species typically inhabits the steep earth riverbanks. Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis: Distant scope views on our way to Papallacta Pass. Cliff Flycatcher Hirundinea ferruginea: Good looks at steep cliffs along the Loreto Road. An attractive east slope species that may have increased somewhat over the past few decades due to road construction (artificial cliffs are often created through dynamite blasting). Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis montana: The solitaria race was seen in the Antisana National Park at the Giant Hummingbird area. White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant Agriornis andicola: Excellent prolonged scope views of a pair close to Papallacta Pass after we had very brief views at its stake-out north of Quito (the only locality with recent records in the northern half of the country!). It was a great surprise to see it around Papallacta Pass! A poorly known and rarely encountered bird, here of the nominate race. A survey in the region is needed to get a better assessment of the population of this threatened species. Note that the new Howard & Moore calls this species A. albicauda, and explains why the name of the race concerned has been changed from andicola to pollens. Also note the belly coloration is much more cinnamon than it is depicted in the Birds of Ecuador. Paramo Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola alpina: Nice looks at this high-elevation species in Antisana National Park. Note that Muscisaxicola is masculine, so the correct scientific name for this species is M. alpinus. Also note that the SACC (South American Classification Committee) maintains the name Plain-capped Ground-Tyrant for this form, calling the split-off M. grisea Taczanowski s Ground-Tyrant, while confusingly other authors use the name Plain-capped Ground-Tyrant for the latter. Best to get rid of that name altogether! Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus: A pair was seen at Lodge and one on our drive to Gareno. This is the fuscicapillus race on the east slope. Masked Water-Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta: A very handsome, almost wheatear-like terrestrial flycatcher, granting several good views in the western lowlands and foothills. Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus (H): Heard from the canopy tower at La Selva but did not come in. Cinnamon Attila Attila cinnamomeus: Excellent views of this handsome flycatcher along the Mandiyacu River at La Selva. Greyish Mourner Rhytipterna simplex: One was seen in the big mixed species flock along the Harpy trail at Gareno. Eastern Sirystes Sirystes sibilator: Pretty neck-breaking views of this canopy species at La Selva. 44 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

45 Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer: Several encounters with the nigriceps race in the west. One of the most widespread species in the Americas, ranging from southwestern USA into Argentina. However, a recent paper shows that more than one species may be involved, and that (as has been suggested before) the Sad Flycatcher M. barbirostris of Jamaica may be just a race of one of these. Short-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox: We had nice scope views of two birds on the Napo river islands near La Selva and another on our way to Gareno. Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes: Nice views of a pair outside our cabins at San Isidro. Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus: Ubiquitous in the eastern lowlands. Lesser Kiskadee Philohydor lictor: A species of lake and stream edges obliging well at La Selva. Formerly placed in the genus Pitangus, but recently a new, monotypic genus was created for this bird, based on its different syrinx and its cup-shaped nest, the latter very different from the Great Kiskadee s large globular nest with a side entrance. Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua: Two races of this species were seen on the tour. The nominate in the east and the near-endemic chrysogaster in the west. The latter differs in having a tawny-orange (not yellow) coronal patch, but this is usually not visible in field conditions. Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis: Another one of which we encountered two subspecies. We commonly saw the nominate race in the east and had a few sightings of the nearendemic grandis in the west. Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis: Numerous in the western lowlands. Grey-capped Flycatcher Myiozetetes granadensis: A few encounters with the race obscurior in the eastern lowlands and foothills both at La Selva and at Gareno. This species is named after New Granada, a former republic of South America (early 19th century), variously incorporating Panama, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. White-ringed Flycatcher Conopias albovittata: A family party of four were seen at Rio Silanche. Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus: Several sightings of the resident chapmani race in the western lowlands and foothills. Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus: A large montane flycatcher with a squeaky toy call, showing well several times in the Tandayapa Valley and in the San Isidro area too. Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius: Regular sightings in the eastern lowlands. Sulphury Flycatcher Tyrannopsis sulphurea: Excellent looks at this obligate Mauritia Palm specialist at a stake-out near Gareno. Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus: Ubiquitous, and ranging up to middle elevations. Snowy-throated Kingbird Tyrannus niveigularis: We saw the first one well along the Milpe road and later a few more showed at Rio Palenque Biological Station. A species breeding in desert scrub, shrubby areas and deciduous woodland borders in the more arid lowlands of western Ecuador, and dispersing into more humid areas during the non-breeding season. Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus: A few sightings of this boreal migrant around Rio Silanche in the west and La Selva in the east. Yellow-cheeked Becard Pachyramphus xanthogenys (H): This handsome flycatcher was only heard along the Loreto Road. Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus: Several were seen at Rio Silanche and at Rio Palenque Biological Station on the west. White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus: Regularly heard at La Selva and a nice male was finally seen at the start of the trail eight. Black-and-white Becard Pachyramphus albogriseus: Small numbers of the guayaquilensis race were seen in the western lowlands and foothills and a singleton of the salvini race was seen at San Isidro. One-coloured Becard Platypsaris homochrous: We had regular sightings at most locations in the west. 45 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

46 Pink-throated Becard Platypsaris minor: Good looks at a female bird in a mixed species flock close to the interior parrot lick at La Selva. Black-tailed Tityra Tityra cayana: A few sightings at La Selva. Tityrus is Latin for an aristocratic hooligan, on account of the aggressive, bullying behaviour of species in this genus. Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata: Two races were seen, fortis on the east slope, and nigriceps in the west. Though quite similar, male nigriceps differ by being whiter. Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor: Great scope views of a male along the Loreto Road. COTINGIDAE Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristatus: Two birds of this high elevation cotinga were observed close to a Polylepis wood at Papallacta Pass. Even the nice red crest was visible through the scope. The genus Ampelion has sometimes been placed with the Phytotomidae (Plantcutters), when the latter are maintained as a family separate from the Cotingidae, but recent evidence suggest that Ampelion s traditional placement with the Cotingidae is the preferable course. Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii: Another handsome bird, of which we encountered two races. We had brilliant scope views of the occidentalis race on the west slope at Bellavista and we all had great looks of the confusa race on the east slope along the Huacamayos Ridge trail. Black-chested Fruiteater Pipreola lubomirskii (H): Heard along the trails of San Isidro on the east slope but despite spending a good half hour trying to attract it we could not spot this sluggish bird. Orange-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola jucunda: Superb looks at both sexes of this scarce Chocó species at Angel s antpitta place on the west slope. This species has sometimes been considered (HBW 8) to be a race of P. aureopectus (Golden-breasted Fruiteater) of northern South America, though most subsequent authors have treated it as a separate species. Scaled Fruiteater Ampelioides tschudii: A single bird was spotted by our driver Wilson at Bellavista but it was only seen by David as everybody else was trying for the Tanager Finch and we could not relocate it later. White-browed Purpletuft Iodopleura isabellae: We all had superb views of three birds from the canopy tower at La Selva on two different occasions. It must have been the same party of these tiny cotingas. Grey-tailed Piha Lathria subalaris: Excellent looks at this enigmatic bird along the trails of Lodge on the east slope. We had two birds feeding on berries with other frugivorus species but surprisingly they were not calling at all. It became a gettable bird with the opening of Lodge having been very difficult bird to see previously. Note that this species was long classified in Lipaugus genus. Screaming Piha Lipaugus vociferans: The screams are often said to be the most evocative bird sound in Amazonia. We heard it a few times in La Selva (even the Yellow-rumped caciques could do a good imitation) and later we had several nice views in the Gareno Lodge area. Plum-throated Cotinga Cotinga maynana: First we had a distant male and later excellent looks at a male and a female from La Selva s canopy tower. Note that this species is named after the Mayan Indians in Peru, in whose country it was first discovered. Spangled Cotinga Cotinga cayana: At least two fine males and a female were scoped from La Selva s canopy tower, allowing good comparison with the previous species and another male was seen at Gareno too. The display of Cotinga males consists of just quietly sitting out on a conspicuous perch and showing off the splendour of their plumage! Bare-necked Fruitcrow Gymnoderus foetidus: Several excellent views from La Selva s canopy tower. Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata: This one was found in both the western and eastern lowlands, with our best views at Gareno, Rio Silanche and Rio Palenque Biological Station. 46 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

47 Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Rupicola peruviana: Two females were seen at the nest at El Pahuma Orchid Reserve on our first afternoon, and about six males were seen at a lek in the antpitta forest, here of the western race sanguinolenta. Formerly the two species of cockof-the-rock were placed in their own family, the Rupicolidae. PIPRIDAE Golden-headed Manakin Pipra erythrocephala (H): We only heard this species in the Gareno area. Wire-tailed Manakin Pipra filicauda: Unbelievable prolonged scope views for everybody of a gorgeous male at La Selva. This bird came sixth in the overall bird of the tour contest. Inge and David ranked it high in their top five! White-crowned Manakin Dixiphia pipra: Good looks at several displaying males at Lodge. Note that this is the coracina race of the foothills, which is likely to be a separate species (Sclater s Manakin) from the nominate lowland race. Blue-crowned Manakin Lepidothrix coronata: Good looks at both sexes at La Selva. Note that this and the following species were formerly included in Pipra, but are now placed in the old resurrected genus Lepidothrix. Blue-rumped Manakin Lepidothrix isidorei: Two sightings (two pairs) of this tricky species along the main trail at Lodge in the eastern foothills. Blue-backed Manakin Chiroxiphia pareola: Heard a few times at Gareno Lodge but it was only seen by the leader. White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus: Repeated good views in the western lowlands and a single sighting in the eastern foothills. In the west we saw the leucochlamys race while in the east we had the interior subspecies. Most memorable looks were at Rio Palenque Biological Station where we had several displaying males at their lek and a few on fruiting trees. Note that in the new Howard & Moore all Manacus species are lumped under the name Bearded Manakin Manacus manacus. The reason for this treatment is that species limits within this genus seem highly uncertain, and recent genetic studies indicate that what traditionally has been known as White-bearded Manakin is paraphyletic (i.e. consists of two or more independent evolutionary lineages) with respect to the non-white-bellied taxa (i.e. White-collared, Orange-collared and Golden-collared Manakins). Western-striped Manakin Machaeropterus striolatus: A singleton was seen only by the leader in the big mixed species flock at Gareno. Club-winged Manakin Machaeropterus deliciosus: We had absolute silence in the lekking area on our first two visits but on the last morning we finally had excellent views of displaying males in the Milpe Reserve. Green Manakin Chloropipo holochlora: This rather rare or overlooked bird was seen at La Selva close to the interior parrot lick in terra firme forest. We had the nominate race and we could clearly see the dark legs and the long tail. This was also a write-in, an uncommon event on this well-established tour! Orange-crested Manakin Heterocercus aurantiivertex: It took some searching but we finally had superb scope views of this localised várzea speciality at La Selva. Dwarf Tyrant-Manakin Tyranneutes stolzmanni: Much more often heard then seen, this rather drab little bird was tracked down along the entrance boardwalk at la Selva and on our hike to the Rufous Potoo at Gareno. Wing-barred Piprites (W-b Manakin) Piprites chloris (H): It was only heard from the canopy tower at La Selva. Thrush-like Schiffornis (T-l Mourner) Schiffornis turdinus: Despite the rain we had excellent views of the rare amazonus race along the Harpy trail at Gareno. CORVIDAE Turquoise Jay Cyanolyca turcosa: Several great observations of this near-endemic in the Bellavista area. 47 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

48 Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus: Frequent daily sightings of this noisy species in the eastern lowlands. Inca Jay Cyanocorax yncas: The most colourful jay in the country, seen well in the San Isidro area. They were particularly obliging around the lights early morning in the Lodge. VIREONIDAE Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis: A widespread species, several of which were heard at Rio Palenque Biological Station but only half the group got to see a singing bird. Black-billed Peppershrike Cyclarhis nigrirostris: We had fantastic close views of the nominate race at San Isidro as they were picking up insects around the lights in the morning. Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius leucotis: Only János got to see one in a fast moving big mixed species flock at Milpe Garden but fortunately we saw the same western, mikettae race on our last morning at Tinalandia. Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus: A few were seen at La Selva and Gareno, here probably of the nominate race (a boreal migrant), and we had regular sightings of this species in the western lowlands and foothills, where most likely of the resident griseobarbatus, which is more yellowish below. Northern migrants have not yet been recorded in the west but they could easily be overlooked among the resident red-eyes. Yellow-green Vireo Vireo flavoviridis: This boreal migrant was seen on our way to Gareno. Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys: A few encounters in the cloudforests on both slopes. Rufous-naped Greenlet Hylophilus semibrunneus: First we heard this distinctive greenlet along the main trail at and later we saw about five birds around the hummingbird feeders and along the main track. A widespread bird in Colombia, but very localized in Ecuador. Dusky-capped Greenlet Hylophilus hypoxanthus: A core species of canopy flocks in the eastern lowlands, showing for some of us from La Selva s canopy tower. Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus: Numerous in the western lowlands, here of the race minor. Best views were at Milpe and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Olivaceous Greenlet Hylophilus olivaceus: A singing pair of this eastern foothill speciality showed nicely along the Loreto Road and afterwards we heard it singing. Lemon-chested Greenlet Hylophilus thoracicus: This terra firme forest species was first heard at Gareno and only Mike managed to get to the scope before it disappeared. An easily overlooked species (unless one knows the voice) and so far only known from a handful of localities in Ecuador. Tawny-crowned Greenlet Hylophilus ochraceiceps: This understorey greenlet was seen only by János and Otti in the big mixed species flock along the Harpy trail at Gareno. TURDIDAE Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides: We had absolutely superb views of this wonderful songster at San Isidro. The ethereal tunes of the west slope race (plumbeiceps) were regularly heard too but we only saw the venezuelensis race, which has a more simple song. Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater (H): We heard it many times in the Mindo area but had no luck. Spotted Nightingale-Thrush Catharus dryas (H): We got very close to a singing bird along the trails of the Lodge but somehow it managed to keep out of sight. Swainson s Thrush Catharus ustulatus: The most numerous wintering thrush in Ecuador, quite a few of which were seen. It is named after William Swainson ( ), English naturalist, artist, collector and author (e.g. A selection of the birds of Brazil and Mexico, 1841). Despite seeing it almost daily, almost every evening we forgot to put it on our list. Sorry for this Mr Swainson! Great Thrush Turdus fuscater: A ubiquitous and adaptable high elevation bird. Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus: A fine male of the race fuscobrunneus race was scoped up at Mindo on a fruiting tree and others were seen at San Isidro. 48 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

49 Chestnut-bellied Thrush Turdus fulviventris: One bird showed very well in a mixed species flock in the Huacamayos range. This species is most readily seen on our Western Venezuela tour. Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis: Small numbers were regularly seen in the eastern lowlands. A quite aptly chosen scientific name: ignobilis stands for obscure, undistinguished. Birds here belong to the Amazonian race debilis. Lawrence s Thrush Turdus lawrencii: Two birds were seen and others heard at Gareno. Said to be the world s best bird song mimic (though others claim the Lyrebirds win this prize), and indeed, listening to the amazing imitations of many other forest birds by this species was quite an experience. It may well prove to have an atypical thrush mating system, either promiscuous or polygamous. Ecuadorian Thrush Turdus maculirostris: A near-endemic, encountered repeatedly in the western lowlands and foothills, and particularly numerous at Rio Palenque Biological Station and Tinalandia. White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis: A pair showed beautifully at La Selva and several others were heard in the eastern lowlands. CINCLIDAE White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus: Good views of this inhabitant of rushing mountain streams along the Loreto Road and another was seen near Cosanga. As yet there is no evidence that this species swims underneath the water as some of the other species of dipper do. HIRUNDINIDAE Brown-chested Martin Phaeoprogne tapera: We saw a flock of fifteen along the Napo river near La Selva. Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea: A few were seen at Rio Silanche on the western lowlands. White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer: Numerous along the Napo River and on oxbow lakes. A species which nests in holes in logs sticking out of the water. Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina: A rather drab high elevation species, which we first saw at Guango Lodge. It was numerous near the Papallacta Pass and in Antisana National Park. Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca: One of the country s most widespread swallows, here of the resident, nominate race. White-banded Swallow Atticora fasciata: Another characteristic, most elegant swallow of Amazonian rivers. It was plentiful along the Napo River and two were also seen in Archidona (perched on a chimney). This one nests in holes along the riverbanks. White-thighed Swallow Neochelidon tibialis: The eastern race griseiventris was common at Gareno Lodge, while along the Milpe road we saw a few birds of the small and dark western race, minima. Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis: We also encountered two distinct races of this widespread hirundine, uropygialis in the west and nominate ruficollis in the east. The former has a conspicuously whitish rump, whereas the nominate race has a barely contrasting rump. Sand Martin Riparia riparia: A flock of 300 birds was seen on our river island excursion on the Napo near La Selva. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: About twenty birds were seen mixed with Sand Martins on our river island excursion on the Napo near La Selva and a singleton was seen in Antisana National Park, here of the New World race erythrogaster. TROGLODYTIDAE Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapillus: This vociferous species was seen at La Selva s Mandicocha swamp. Following a publication in the eighties this species was moved from 49 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

50 the Mimidae to the Troglodytidae, but unpublished molecular data suggests that it doesn t belong in either family. Thrush-like Wren Campylorhynchus turdinus: Regular encounters with the hypostictus race of this large wren in the eastern lowlands. A pair was regularly feeding and roosting in a small tree just around the huts at La Selva. Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus: Replacing the previous species west of the Andes, this one showed for some of us at Rio Palenque Biological Station. The Ecuadorian race brevirostris is geographically isolated from the Central American populations, and is replaced in between by the perhaps conspecific White-headed Wren C. albobrunneus. Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa: About six were seen along the Huacamayos Ridge trail, mostly in understorey flocks. Sepia-brown Wren (Sharpe s W) Cinnycerthia olivascens: Two were seen along the trails of Bellavista on the west slope and two along the Loreto Road in the east. Named after Richard Sharpe, the most famous ornithologist at the turn of the twentieth century. Much of his fame rested on the monumental Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum, which was published in 27 volumes. Grass Wren (Sedge Wren) Cistothorus platensis: A paramo/high temperate species, seen brilliantly near the Papallacta Pass. Birds here belong to the comparatively long-tailed aequatorialis race, one of the South American subspecies that seems to be quite different from the North American stellaris group. Vocal differences are quite obvious and several species are likely to be involved but the details remain to be worked out. Bay Wren Thryothorus nigricapillus: A typical voice in the western lowlands and foothills, with several birds seen at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Birds here belong to the nominate race, largely barred below and quite different-looking from the birds some of you may have seen in Costa Rica. Plain-tailed Wren Thryothorus euophrys (H): Although heard very close just below Bellavista and glimpsed by János, this Chusquea bamboo denizen remained essentially unseen. Whiskered Wren Thryothorus mystacalis: This handsome vine tangle specialist was seen very well at Rio Palenque Biological Station. This species was formerly lumped in Moustached Wren T. genibarbis. Coraya Wren Thryothorus coraya (H): A widespread Amazonian/Guyana Shield species, doing its best not to be seen. Several were heard but we could not lure them into view. Speckle-breasted Wren Thryothorus sclateri (H): One responded briefly to the tape at Tinalandia but stayed out of sight. A species more typical of dry and semi humid forests, but spreading into more humid areas in the wake of deforestation, and in 2004 we found the first one for Tinalandia. House Wren Troglodytes aedon: Fairly common throughout. This and the next species are close relatives of the wren in Europe (Winter Wren, also found in North America), the only Old World representative of this typically New World family. Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis: An arboreal relative of the previous species, seen a few times at San Isidro and along the Huacamayos Ridge trail. White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticte (H): Regularly heard in the eastern lowlands and foothills but despite several attempts we did not see it. Note that ongoing research seems to indicate that what s currently known as the widespread White-breasted Wood- Wren really consists of at least three different species: one in the Amazon basin, one in Central America and one in the Chocó bioregion. Grey-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys: A ubiquitous cloudforest bird, far more often heard than seen and replacing the previous species at higher elevations. Most of our encounters were with the nominate race, but in the Milpe area we saw the morphologically and vocally distinct hilaris race, undoubtedly a separate species. Chestnut-breasted Wren Cyphorhinus thoracicus (H) : We all heard the distinctive song of this scarce species along the Huacamayos Ridge trail but way down in the Valley. 50 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

51 Southern Nightingale-Wren (Scaly-breasted Wren) Microcerculus marginatus: Another unmistakable song, frequently heard on both sides of the Andes. We all had amazingly good views of the white-breasted nominate race at both parrot licks in two consecutive days at La Selva. We only heard the taeniatus race on the west. Note that the taxonomy of the nightingalewren complex (particularly in South America) is in urgent need of revision. Wing-banded Wren Microcerculus bambla: We heard this walking wing bar several times along the trails at Loreto Road and even at Gareno but only Mike managed to see it. POLIOPTILIDAE Tawny-faced Gnatwren Microbates cinereiventris (H): We only heard this neat little bird from the Rio Silanche canopy tower but later not a sniff along the trails there. Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus: Good views of the eastern duidae race at La Selva and Gareno. The bird in Gareno was in amongst fallen tree branches with the big mixed species flock, behaving like the wren in Europe. Separate species on either side of the Andes are perhaps involved. Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea: Nice looks at singing male of the bilineata race at Rio Silanche on our first afternoon. Tropical Gnatcatchers display a very complex pattern of geographic variation in both plumage and vocalizations. However the split of Tropical vs. (this form) White-faced Gnatcatchers (cf. Sibley s 1996 electronic Birds of the World ) seems too simplistic, with the line between the two species drawn rather artificially and based on very little (if any) evidence. More work is needed to deal with this taxonomic wasps nest. MOTACILLIDAE Paramo Pipit Anthus bogotensis: It was very common at Antisana National Park and we all had excellent looks of displaying, singing and foraging birds too. PARULIDAE Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi: We regularly encountered this species in the western foothills. The parulid warblers are now often regarded as a subfamily of the Emberizids. Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea: A single male was seen at on the east slope of the Andes. Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata: A few sightings at La Selva and Gareno in the eastern lowlands and foothills. We had one bird at the canopy tower, which must have been its wintering territory. Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca: The most numerous wintering warbler in the Ecuadorian Andes. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia: Some of saw one in a fast moving mixed species canopy flock. Olive-crowned Yellowthroat Geothlypis semiflava: A smart male of this open country bird was seen by some of us along the Milpe Road. Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis: Good numbers were seen on the east slope. Another warbler, like the Cerulean, which mainly winters on the east slope of the Andes, and is one of several species named after Alexander Wilson, North America s first real field ornithologist (and, amongst other things, famous for his notes on Passenger Pigeon migration and abundance). Slate-throated Whitestart (S-t Redstart) Myioborus miniatus: Numerous at middle elevations on both slopes. Spectacled Whitestart (S Redstart) Myioborus melanocephalus: A cute higher altitudinal replacement of the previous species, here of the rusty-capped race ruficoronatus. Our best views were at Papallacta Pass. Black-crested Warbler Basileuterus nigrocristatus: A lovely high-elevation warbler, seen nicely near Bellavista and at San Isidro. 51 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

52 Chocó Warbler Basileuterus chlorophrys: Really good views of this noisy Chocó endemic at Milpe Garden. Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus: We saw two races: on the west slope we saw daedalus and on the east slope we saw baezae (named after the village of Baeza which we passed after leaving San Isidro). The latter is much yellower below than the former. Russet-crowned Warbler Basileuterus coronatus: A beautiful songster and another warbler of which we saw two subspecies. On the west slope we had elatus which has bright yellow underparts while on the east slope we had orientalis which has mainly greyish underparts. Best views were at San Isidro where we had a family party with juveniles being fed in the thick bamboo understorey. Grey-and-gold Warbler Basileuterus fraseri: At least two of this Tumbesian endemic showed very well at Rio Palenque Biological Station. This is another species of drier habitats, which may only have colonized the reserve in recent decades (now fairly common here, the first record dates back to 1980, though the amount of data from the seventies is limited). Buff-rumped Warbler Basileuterus fulvicauda: A few encounters with this handsome streamside bird, our best looks of a foraging pair were along the rocky slow moving river at Rio Silanche. THRAUPIDAE Bananaquit Coereba flaveola: Numerous encounters with this very common species. Purple Honeycreeper Cyanerpes caeruleus: A few sightings of this handsome bird of the eastern race microrhynchus at La Selva, Gareno and El Para. Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza: Regular observations of both the exsul race in the western lowlands and foothills, and the caerulescens race in the east. Golden-collared Honeycreeper Iridophanes pulcherrima: A fine male of this superb bird was seen at unfortunately only by the leader. Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana: Fine views of the eastern glaucogularis race, encountered at La Selva and Gareno. Males of the western race are a much darker shade of blue compared to the paler turquoise blue of the eastern race. Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata: A male and two pairs were seen at Gareno, El Para and along the Loreto Road. Yellow-tufted Dacnis Dacnis egregia: Two males were seen at Rio Silanche. This one replaces the previous species in the western lowlands and foothills. Yellow-bellied Dacnis Dacnis flaviventer: A pair was seen on our arrival at La Selva at the jetty and we enjoyed later good scope views despite the rain at El Para. Cinereous Conebill Conirostrum cinereum: Two birds made a brief appearance at the White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant site, there was one in the garden of Hosteria el Jardin and several were seen later at Antisana National Park, where we saw the Giant Hummingbird. The rather brownish/buffy race fraseri was seen, which possibly represents a separate species, Fraser s Conebill. Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons: Seen twice in the San Isidro area but not everybody got to see it, here of the blue-crowned (in males) race atrocyaneum. Giant Conebill Oreomanes fraseri: After a lot of hard work we finally had excellent scope views of this Polylepis specialist at one of its stake-outs near the Papallacta Pass. A symbolic species of High Andean birding! Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossopis caerulescens: A pair was seen very nicely at San Isidro by the lights, where all the insect-eating birds were gathering in the morning. Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossopis cyanea: This smart flowerpiercer was seen in mixed flocks on both slopes but by far the best show was on the hummingbird feeders at Guango Lodge! Flowerpiercers are nectar thieves, as their name suggests piercing the flowers at their base without performing any pollination duties. Note the recent generic change (from Diglossa) of this and the next species. Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer (Deep-blue F-p) Diglossopis glauca: Superb looks at a fruit-eating pair along the Loreto Road. 52 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

53 Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayii: Two were seen at Antisana National Park. Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis: Largely an inter-andean species, this one was found at lower elevations, on our way to Papallacta Pass. Birds here belong to the completely black race aterrima. White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera: A few were seen on the west slope, mainly in the Tandayapa Valley. The only strongly sexually dimorphic flowerpiercer in Ecuador. Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides: We saw one in the garden of the Hosteria el Jardin in the suburbs of Quito. Note that this form was formerly lumped in Cinnamon-bellied Flowerpiercer D. baritula, with the name Slaty Flowerpiercer being used for the enlarged species. Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira: A female was seen at Milpe Garden on our first afternoon by David and Mike. Later two nice males were observed from the Rio Silanche canopy tower. Orange-headed Tanager Thlypopsis sordida: Four birds of the chrysopis race were seen on the Napo river islands but only Geraint and Inge could get on them. Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota: A single sighting of this montane species on the west. Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris: Regular encounters with the hypoxantha race in the western lowlands and foothills. Golden-rumped Euphonia Euphonia cyanocephala: This lovely bird was seen very well at the Whitetailed Shrike-Tyrant site on our first morning of birding. Both sexes showed superbly in close range as they were feeding on mistletoe berries. Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster: Many encounters throughout the tour. Note that Ecuadorian races are actually yellow below. We saw brevirostris in the east, while western birds were likely all referable to quitensis. Rufous-bellied Euphonia Euphonia rufiventris: A male showed briefly at the jetty when we arrived to La Selva. Later we had excellent scope views of a pair on a dead treetop after the rain on our first afternoon in Gareno. Bronze-green Euphonia Euphonia mesochrysa: We saw a nice pair along the Loreto Road, loosely associating with a mixed species flock. White-lored Euphonia (Golden-bellied E) Euphonia chrysopasta: Several sightings in the eastern lowlands. Our best close range views were from La Selva s canopy tower as they came very close to feed on the little berries around the trunk of a tree. Orange-eared Tanager Chlorochrysa calliparaea: This bird was unfortunately a leader-only sighting at the Huacamayos area. We had a mixed species flock by the road and when we got out of the bus the first bird János spotted was this species and the only one which did not stay! Rufous-throated Tanager Tangara rufigula: A very cooperative Chocó endemic, showing very well at Los Bancos and in the Milpe area. Golden Tanager Tangara arthus: Many good views of this very attractive frugivore. We saw two distinctive races, goodsoni in the west and aequatorialis in the east. The former has uniform golden yellow underparts, while the latter is larger and has a variable but often strong suffusion of rufous on throat and chest. Emerald Tanager Tangara florida: A single bird was seen at Rio Silanche from the canopy tower. The close big tree was not fruiting this year so the activity was low. Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala: Frequent encounters in the western foothills, including excellent close-ups at the feeders in mirador Los Bancos. Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala: A few were seen at middle elevations on the east slope. Golden-eared Tanager Tangara chrysotis: A lovely east slope tanager showing beautifully along the Loreto Road. Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii: A magnificent little creature, with two distinctively different subspecies seen on the tour. We first saw several birds of the lunigera race on the west slope, while the brighter nominate race gave cracking views on the east slope. 53 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

54 Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix: Several sightings of the leucotis race in the Tandayapa Valley on the west slope. Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides: Three birds of the nominate race were observed in a mixed flock at Angel s antpitta forest. Labradorides is actually derived from the French pierre de Labrador, feldspar, labradorite (or labrador stone), thus referring to the shining blue reflections in this species plumage. Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis: Two subspecies of this cloudforest tanager were observed, cyanescens on the west slope and the nominate race on the east slope. This latter was really common along the Huacamayos Ridge trail. Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii: A singleton showed well in the Tandayapa valley on the west slope and several were seen on along the Huacamayos Ridge trail on the east. Black-capped Tanager Tangara heinei: Good views of both sexes on the west slope close to Mindo. Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis: A gorgeous tanager granting many good views, with two distinctive races on opposite sides of the Andes. In the west the endemic cyanopygia race was seen with the rump and entire hood glistening turquoise, plus greener wing coverts, and on the east slope we saw the caeruleocephala race with glistening straw rump, more purplish throat, and glistening golden wing coverts. The former averages a lower altitudinal distribution than the latter. Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata: A very attractive tanager if seen in close range and we encountered several in the western lowlands at Rio Silanche and Rio Palenque Biological Station. Turquoise Tanager Tangara mexicana: Just two sightings in the eastern lowlands. Best views were obtained in our hotel garden at Archidona where three birds were seen in a mixed flock but pretty low down in the mid-canopy. An erroneous toponym, since this species is not found in Mexico and not even anywhere in Central America! Opal-rumped Tanager Tangara velia: A leader-only bird seen at La Selva on the way to the interior parrot lick. Opal-crowned Tanager Tangara callophrys: Nice views from the La Selva canopy tower for some of us and three more seen by scope as they were preening at Gareno. Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis: Wonderful observations in the eastern lowlands and foothills. One of the most astonishing members of the family, here of the entirely red-rumped nominate race. Another scientific misnomer since the bird doesn t occur anywhere near Chile. Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii: Several encounters at La Selva, at Gareno and along the eastern foothills. Blue-whiskered Tanager Tangara johannae: One was seen from the Rio Silanche canopy tower but unfortunately only by the leader as it disappeared way too fast. It is nice to know however that this species still holds on at this patch of forest. Spotted Tanager Tangara punctata: A few on the east slope. Yellow-bellied Tanager Tangara xanthogastra: Two birds were seen in a mixed flock near the interior parrot lick and two more were scoped very well from the canopy tower at La Selva. Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola: Regular sightings on both slopes. We saw the blue-bellied race catharinae (which has a conspicuous golden nuchal band) in the east and nupera in the west. Rufous-winged Tanager Tangara lavinia: Excellent looks at three or more of this sexually dimorphic tanager from the Rio Silanche canopy tower. A real stunner! Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus: Three birds in mixed flocks along the Huacamayos Ridge trail. Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus: Many sightings of this beautiful montane species. We saw the black-backed cyanopterus race on the west slope, and the baezae race (with a mossy green back) on the east slope. 54 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

55 Moss-backed Tanager Bangsia edwardsi: We all had brilliant views of this odd Chocó endemic along the Milpe road, it is one of the flagship species of the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation s Milpe Bird Sanctuary. Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager Dubusia taeniata: Two birds were seen in a Polylepis wood near Papallacta Pass. Rufous-crested Tanager Creurgops verticalis: A very good tour for this rather scarce species with at least three pairs seen in various mixed species flocks in the Huacamayos area as well as at San Isidro. Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii: Three of this marvellous cloudforest stunner were seen in a mixed species flock in the Huacamayos area on the east slope. The first was spotted by David! Swallow-Tanager Tersina viridis: Great looks at both sexes. This gaudy bird was formerly placed in its own family, the Tersinidae. We had no less then 17 birds perched on the same dead treetop after the rain at El Para. Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus: A common bird in the lowlands and foothills, of which we saw two very distinct races. The plain-winged quaesita race on the west side of the Andes and the coelestis race in the eastern lowlands and foothills (with conspicuous whitish lesser wing coverts). Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum: Another one of which two races were encountered, the melanoptera race in the east and the violilavata race in the west. The latter is glossier generally and has less contrasting black on the wings. A very common species of secondary habitats, forest edges and forest borders, especially where palms are prevalent. Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis: A single female was seen by some of us on our way to Papallacta Pass. This widespread species is named after Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo: Numerous in the east, where we found it from the lowlands to the lower subtropical zone. Masked Crimson Tanager Ramphocelus nigrogularis: A colourful tanager showing well around La Selva s Mandicocha lake. Lemon-rumped Tanager (Yellow-r T) Ramphocelus icteronotus: Abundant in secondary and open habitats in the western lowlands and foothills. Summer Tanager Piranga rubra: Regular encounters on both slopes, mostly with males. Note that recent genetic research indicates that the genus Piranga doesn t really belong with the tanagers, and that it is more closely allied to cardinals. Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea: We saw the first one at and later we had several more on the east slope. Ochre-breasted Tanager Chlorothraupis stolzmanni: Another Chocó endemic, repeatedly seen and heard in the Milpe area and at Tinalandia. Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii: Many good views in the western lowlands and foothills. An almost greenbul-like bird and apparently recent genetic data suggests that this species is not a tanager at all! Especially numerous at Rio Palenque Biological Station. White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus: About four birds were seen at Rio Silanche on the west slope. Flame-crested Tanager Tachyphonus cristatus: A pair was seen from La Selva s canopy tower and another single from the ground. Fulvous-crested Tanager Tachyphonus surinamus: This rather scarce understorey tanager was seen at Gareno and was a write-in. First we had a female feeding a juvenile bird close to the ground and then another female in the big mixed species canopy flock along the Harpy trail at Gareno. White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus: Regular encounters with the panamensis race in the western lowlands and foothills. Especially numerous at Rio Silanche and Rio Palenque Biological Station. 55 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

56 Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii: Some of us had good views of noisy family party at Rio Silanche. This species is rather sensitive to forest fragmentation and it died out at Rio Palenque Biological Station in the early eighties. It remains to be seen how long it will hold on in the fragmented habitat at and near the Silanche reserve. Fulvous Shrike-Tanager Lanio fulvus: About four of the peruvianus race were seen in total. The first pair was seen at in a big mixed species flock the others along the Harpy trail at Gareno. Scarlet-browed Tanager Heterospingus xanthopygius: Another special tanager found at Rio Silanche, with excellent views of both sexes from the canopy tower. Common Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus ophthalmicus: Commonly seen at San Isidro and along the Huacamayos Ridge on the east slope. Ashy-throated Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus canigularis: A single bird was seen in the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation s Milpe Bird Sanctuary but only by David and János. Dusky Bush-Tanager (Dusky-bellied B-T) Chlorospingus semifuscus: A few sightings above Mindo and in the Tandayapa Valley. Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis: Good looks at two distinct subspecies, the nominate race on the east slope and marginatus on the west slope. Yellow-whiskered Bush-Tanager (Short-billed B-T) Chlorospingus parvirostris : Three fast-moving birds were seen very well along the Huacamayos Ridge trail. Black-backed Bush-Tanager Urothraupis stolzmanni (H): We only heard this high-elevation bird near the Papallacta Pass in a Polylepis forest but low clouds and rain hampered our birding. Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris: Some of us saw a single bird of the nigrifrons subspecies in Antisana National Park. Black-eared Hemispingus Hemispingus melanotis: Finally everybody had good views in Chusquea bamboo around San Isidro on the east slope. Magpie Tanager Cissopis leveriana: Three were seen at and another three at El Para. The longest in the family (but not the biggest/heaviest). Plushcap (Plush-capped Finch) Catamblyrhynchus diadema: Some of us had a single bird in a big mixed species flock near Bellavista on the west. CARDINALIDAE Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus: Small numbers were found at lower elevations. Birds here belong to the nominate race, just showing the black whiskers but not the big black ring around the throat as some of you have seen in Central America. Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis: Several nice looks at this striking saltator in the west. It does not qualify as a Chocó endemic as it also ranges into Colombia s Cauca Valley. Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens (H): This widespread saltator was heard several times in secondary habitats in the east but we did not get a view. Slate-coloured Grosbeak (Slaty G) Saltator grossus: A striking species, which was seen at El Para and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Red-capped Cardinal Paroaria gularis: Good views of this handsome bird at La Selva s Mandicocha lake. Southern Yellow Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster: Several sightings of this striking species, mainly in the suburbs of Quito. Blue-black Grosbeak Cyanocompsa cyanoides: One was seen briefly flying over us at Rio Palenque Biological Station but when we finally located it did not stay long. Yellow-shouldered Grosbeak Parkerthraustes humeralis: Excellent scope views of this rather rare species from the canopy tower at La Selva. The monotypic genus was recently erected for this species as it did not fit for the Caryothraustes genus. EMBERIZIDAE Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina: Small numbers in open areas on both sides of the Andes. 56 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

57 Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea: About ten of the pusilla race were seen in a grassy plantation area close to Angel s hut. This species is a recent arrival in Ecuador with the first record in Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch Oryzoborus angolensis: Two males of this open country species were seen on our way to Gareno in the east. Caquetá Seedeater Sporophila murallae: Two fine males showed very well on a river island near La Selva. This form (together with the next) is often lumped in Wing-barred Seedeater S. americana, with the name Variable Seedeater being used for the enlarged species. Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina: Regular sightings in the west. Black-and-white Seedeater Sporophila luctuosa: A party of at least fifty birds were seen feeding in long grass along the Loreto Road. Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis: Large numbers were seen on the west, especially numerous along the Milpe Road this year! Chestnut-bellied Seedeater Sporophila castaneiventris: A few in the eastern lowlands and foothills. Best views were obtained on the river island near La Selva. Plain-coloured Seedeater Catamenia inornata: We had four birds at Papallacta Pass and then it was numerous in the Antisana National Park. Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis: A rather large flock of about forty birds were counted in Antisana National Park. Plumbeous Sierra-Finch Phrygilus unicolor: Numerous above the Papallacta Pass and on the slopes of Antisana. Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola: Two were seen in the garden of the Hosteria el Jardin in the suburbs of Quito. This is the valida race here in Ecuador. Grassland Yellow-Finch Sicalis luteola: A flock of about fifteen birds were seen in flight at the Whitetailed Shrike-Tyrant site by David, here of the race bogotensis. Rufous-naped Brush-Finch (Northern R-n B-F) Atlapetes latinuchus: Two birds were seen on our way to Papallacta Pass, here of the west slope race spodionotus (no wing speculum, no moustachial). This is one of the results of the split of what used to be the enlarged Rufousnaped Brush-Finch A. rufinucha. A recent paper by Jaime Garcia-Moreno and Jon Fjeldså, A re-evaluation of species limits in the genus Atlapetes based on mtdna sequence data, examined relationships between various races of Rufous-naped and Slaty Brush-Finches, and came to the conclusion that the original Rufous-naped B-F is polyphyletic. Several of the northern races are very closely related to each other, and are grouped in Northern Rufous-naped Brush-Finch or Yellow-breasted Brush-Finch (or just retaining the name Rufous-naped Brush-Finch as in the Ecuador field guide) A. latinuchus (ranging from Venezuela into northern Peru; however, not all northern races were looked at due to lack of sufficient material). Southern forms are now: Bolivian R-n B-F A. rufinucha, Blackfaced B-F A. melanolaemus, and Vilcabamba B-F A. terborghi. Dusky Brush-Finch Atlapetes crassus (NL): A single bird was seen at Bellavista by some of us while still trying for the Ocellated Tapaculo. Note that BOE lumps this form (found on the west slope of the Andes in Colombia and Ecuador) in Tricoloured Brush-Finch A. tricolor (found on the east slope of the Andes in Peru). They were split in the new Howard & Moore checklist. White-winged Brush-Finch Atlapetes leucopterus: Good looks at the nominate race at Angel Paz. Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch Buarremon torquatus: Most of us had really nice views of two birds on the compost heap at Bellavista. Later another was seen by János in the San Isidro area. We encountered the frontalis race. Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris: Repeated views of the western race occidentalis at Rio Silanche and at Tinalandia. This generally shy bird came to the feeders at Tinalandia on our last morning just before we left for the airport! A really neat good-bye species. Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris: Two were seen along the Milpe Road, here of the striaticeps race. Yellow-browed Sparrow Ammodramus aurifrons: Regular in the eastern lowlands and foothills. 57 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

58 Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis: This ubiquitous highland species was seen throughout the tour. We even had some as low down as Archidona. Note that capensis does not refer to Cape Horn, but to the Cape of Good Hope; another example of early specimen mislabelling or mix-up! An old time favourite for Mike! ICTERIDAE Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela: The nominate race was numerous in the eastern lowlands. It is a very likely future split and the flavicrissus western race could be called Western or Tumbesian Yellow-rumped Cacique. Northern Mountain-Cacique Cacicus leucoramphus (H): We only heard this species along the Huacamayos Ridge trail. Subtropical Cacique Cacicus uropygialis: Replacing the previous species (with some overlap) at lower elevations, this one showed superbly at San Isidro. Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus microrhynchus: This western species, much smaller than Subtropical Cacique, showed well at Rio Silanche on several occasions. Solitary Cacique (Solitary Black C) Cacicus solitarius (H): Only heard at La Selva near the Whitelored Antpitta swamp. Casqued Oropendola Clypicterus oseryi: This one was seen in flight at Gareno Lodge by half of the group. Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus: Regular sightings in the eastern lowlands and foothills. Decumanus is Latin for a legionnaire of the tenth legion, a name referring to this oropendola s dagger- or sword-like bill and shield-like casque. Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons: Numerous in the eastern lowlands and on the east slope, here of the black-billed nominate race. Green Oropendola Psarocolius viridis: A single bird of this scarce terra firme forest bird flew over us while in the canopy tower at La Selva and landed in a tree top allowing a quick look for everybody. Olive Oropendola Gymnostinops yuracares: A single bird of this rare terra firme forest bird flew over us while in the canopy tower at La Selva. This form is often lumped in Para Oropendola G. bifasciatus, with the name Amazonian Oropendola being used for the enlarged species. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis: Numerous in the western lowlands, here the aeuquatorialis race. This brood-parasite must undoubtedly be on the increase following deforestation, a worrying trend, and it is already one of the main problems at the Pale-headed Brush- Finch site in southern Ecuador. Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus: Small numbers were found in the eastern lowlands especially along the Napo river. This species is a brood parasite on oropendolas. Scrub Blackbird Dives warszewiczi: This one was found in open areas in the western lowlands and foothills, and was most prominent at Milpe and at Rio Palenque Biological Station. Another species that is spreading with deforestation, and its range is advancing northward towards the Colombian border. Moriche Oriole Icterus chrysocephalus: Excellent scope views of this rather uncommon species from the canopy tower at La Selva. Yellow-tailed Oriole Icterus mesomelas: Flight views only of the southernmost race taczanowskii at Rio Silanche. Oriole-Blackbird Gymnomystax mexicanus: Small numbers were found on Napo river islands. FRINGILLIDAE Hooded Siskin Carduelis magellanica: A few were seen in the suburbs of Quito, at Papallacta Pass and in Antisana National Park. Olivaceous Siskin Carduelis olivacea: A pair was seen very well along the Loreto Road. Yellow-bellied Siskin Carduelis xanthogastra: A female was seen in the Rio Silanche area and a pair at Milpe. 58 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

59 PASSERIDAE House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Only one was seen on the tour. An Old World species, which was introduced into Chile and Argentina and then gradually expanded its range northwards. MAMMALS Proboscis Bat (Long-nosed Bat) Rhynchonycteris naso: Nine were seen roosting on a pole at Mandicocha lake. Black-mantled Tamarin (Black-and-red Tamarin) Saguinus nigricollis: Several encounters with this handsome monkey at La Selva. Common Squirrel-Monkey Saimiri sciureus: The most frequently encountered monkey at La Selva. White-fronted Capuchin (Brown Pale-f C, White-f C Monkey) Cebus albifrons: About fifteen were seen at La Selva. Dusky Titi (D T Monkey) Callicebus moloch: A female was seen carrying her baby near the butterfly house at La Selva. Venezuelan Red Howler Monkey (V R H) Alouatta seniculus: Three were seen at La Selva and several others heard. Red-tailed Squirrel (Tropical Red S) Sciurus granatensis: Several encounters on the west slope. Southern Amazon Red Squirrel Sciurus spadiceus: This very nicely coloured large squirrel was seen along the trails to the interior parrot lick at La Selva Grey Agouti (Black Agouti) Dasyprocta fuliginosa: Three were seen at La Selva and one at San Isidro (high elevation) at the hummingbird feeders. Forest Rabbit (Brazilian R, Tapiti) Sylvilagus brasiliensis: One at Rio Silanche and later numerous at Papallacta Pass and at Antisana National Park. 59 Birdquest: Ecuador 2006

60 Paramo Pipit Pale-mandibled Aracari Moustached Antpitta White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant Flame-faced Tanager

61 Andean Solitaire Giant Antpitta Tawny Antpitta Rufous-throated Tanager Gorgetted Woodstar Green Thorntail Andean Snipe

62 Zigzag Heron female Zigzag Heron male Dot-backed Antbird Sand-coloured Nighthawk White-browed Antbird

63 Rufous Potoo Paraque Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper Crested Owl (Bird of the trip!)

64 Ladder-tailed Nightjar Long-billed Woodcreeper White-plumed Antbird Chestnut-breasted Coronet Inca Jay

65 Antisana Volcano with Humboldt s house Andean Lapwings Sword-billed Hummingbird Ecuadorian Hillstar