Ecuador ANDES TO AMAZON!
Saturday 11th to Sunday 26th November, 2006
Trip Report by Neil Glenn
Saturday, November 11th
Our small group of four congregated at the KLM check-in desk at Birmingham airport ready for the afternoon flight to Amsterdam. We changed planes at Schiphol for our overnight flight to Quito, Ecuador, arriving at 9.15am on Sunday, ready for some birdwatching!
Sunday, November 12th
We were met by Scott, the local guide, and our driver for the trip, Rafael. We were soon on our way west, climbing to 1,700 metres along the old Nono to Mindo Road.
There would then be a period of manic birdwatching
Scott soon located our first feeding flock along the road, setting the scene for some typical Ecuadorian birding. Basically, we would drive slowly along the road/track listening for bird activity. There would then be a period of manic birdwatching trying to pick out all the different species in the flock before it vanished into the forest again!
This first flock held Black-capped Tanagers, Southern Yellow-Grosbeak, Azara’s Spinetails and White-sided Flowerpiercers. A little further along the road we found one of our targets for the trip, the magnificent Toucan Barbet. One or two played hide-and-seek in the thick cover before flashing their multicoloured splendour to our admiring group. What a start to the trip!
It was hard to tear ourselves away but it was time for lunch. We checked in at the delightful Tandayapa Lodge and had our first taste of their delicious soups. We also had an even more delicious array of hummingbirds on display on the lodge’s feeders! Tawny-bellied Hermit, Brown, Green and Sparkling Violetears, Western and Andean Emeralds, Purple-bibbed Whitetips, Empress, Green-crowned and Fawn-breasted Brilliants, Brown Incas, Buff-tailed Coronets and Purple-throated Woodstars all showed to within inches of our captivated group. The real stars just had to be the Booted Racket-tails and Violet-tailed Sylphs. We literally did not know where to look next!
Sure enough were soon looking at four stunning blood-red and grey male Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks
The feeders weren’t the only points of interest at the lodge. The surrounding trees revealed Blue-winged Mountain-Tanagers, a male Orange-bellied Euphonia, a Tricoloured Brush-Finch and a Yellow-bellied Seedeater. Phew
We decided to take an afternoon drive in the rain, this time heading the opposite way on the Mindo Road. We crossed the Rio Alambi and climbed upwards once more. Our first stop produced an obliging Golden-crowned Flycatcher before we continued to a known Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Sure enough were soon looking at four stunning blood-red and grey male Andean Cock-of-the-Rocks across the valley. We never did locate the calling Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, though.
At the top of the valley, Andrew paid a visit to the gents (third bush on the right) and discovered a fine pair of White-capped Dippers on the river below. It brought a new meaning to flushing birds! We all admired this sought–after species along with a splendid-crested Warbler.
As we went through the bird list after dinner at the lodge, we counted fifty–eight species seen today. This had been a real taster for the mouth-watering sights and sounds to come on the rest of the trip. We cannot wait for tomorrow to arrive!
Monday, November 13th
any birds seen in the afternoon are a bonus!
This morning we discovered the one downside to all this bird activity in Ecuador; we had to be up early to appreciate it! Basically, the birds are at their most active at dawn and through the early morning, with activity dying down after a few hours, so we have to be up and away bright and early to ensure we see the birds. Who can complain when there is so much on offer? Our mantra is, “any birds seen in the afternoon are a bonus!”
We were away from the lodge at 0545. Our destination, Milpe, is about an hour away and we can expect a different range of species than those we had encountered around the lodge. We were birding from the road alongside the Milpe reserve by 7.00am.
The trees surrounding the road were full of birds. We saw Maroon-tailed Parakeets, Black Vultures, Yellow-tufted Dacnis, Yellow-bellied Siskin, Black-winged Saltator and Tropical Kingbirds. We climbed back into the van but didn’t get far as another mixed flock was soon located a few yards down the road!
We were treated to a stunning male Golden-headed Quetzal, a Chocó Trogon, an Olive-sided Flycatcher, several Pale-mandibled Araçari and Slate-throated Whitestarts amongst other jewels. A Ruddy Pigeon found it hard to compete!
We then stopped at a clearing in the forest and scanned the surrounding trees. We were soon rewarded with telescope views of a Moss-backed Tanager, Green and Purple Honeycreepers, Swallow and Blue-grey Tanagers and a fleeting glimpse of a tiny Yellow-collared Chlorophonia.
A short walk along the track brought us to a patch of woodland where we found a couple of Chocó Warblers, several Ornate Flycatchers and two Orange-billed Sparrows. The calling Chocó Toucans refused to show for us but we could not complain at this morning’s tally as we head for lunch on the reserve proper.
As the reserve staff made us coffee, we were entertained by a few Bronze-winged Parrots in the car park trees and many hummingbirds on the feeders by the shelter. White-whiskered Hermits and Green-crowned Woodnymphs were amongst the other species of hummingbirds we had already witnessed at Tandayapa Lodge
A short walk to a gazebo found us watching a hyperactive, mixed flock of tanagers in the valley below us. The birds were moving very quickly but we managed to pick out a Glistening-green Tanager, Black-capped Tanagers, several Lemon-rumped Tanagers and a male Red-headed Barbet.
Amazingly, the flock moved closer and closer until it was in the trees around us. We managed better views of the gaudy Glistening-green Tanager as well as Flame-faced, Bay-headed and Silver-throated Tanagers. Superb stuff!
After half an hour’s frantic birding, the birds moved away and we walked down into the forest itself. It wasn’t long before Scott brought us to a halt when he heard several birds calling. Sure enough we were soon being treated to one of the true spectacles of the avian kingdom, the courtship display of lekking Club-winged Manakins! A brilliant male spread his wings and ‘whistled’ while cocking his tail in the air (the whistling noise actually being made by his wings!) on the branch above our heads. What an absolute treat to witness such a display
Our concentration was soon broken as another mixed flock moved through the trees in front of us. One-coloured and Cinnamon Becards, Ochre-breasted Tanagers, Pearled Treerunners, Wedge-billed and Spotted Woodcreepers and Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaners passed before our eyes, before we turned our attention back to the Manakins behind us. Breathtaking.
The rest of the trail was quiet, livened when Chris slipped in the mud and took Graham with her like a pair of human ten-pin bowls. I didn’t laugh at all, no sir, not me sir!!
Several Blackburnian Warblers vied for our attention … and the star of the show, a stunning White-winged Tanager
We hit another spot of bird activity once we emerged from the forest into a clearing. Several Blackburnian Warblers vied for our attention with a Bran-coloured Flycatcher, a couple of Tropical Parulas, more One-coloured Becards and the star of the show, a stunning White-winged Tanager
We returned to the reserve café just as the weather closed in. What an amazing morning’s birdwatching. And it was still only 12.30pm!!! We ate our picnic lunch whilst watching the hummers at the feeders.
The trees around the café area also produced a Snowy-throated Kingbird, a Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, an elusive Pale-vented Thrush right at the top of a tree and a stunning, huge Owl butterfly trying to shelter from the downpour on a tree trunk
We left Milpe at 2.00pm, completely sated. A short drive brought us to the top of the Nono-Mindo Road. Scott braved the rain by sticking his head out of the window to listen for birds in the roadside trees. What a hero!
Our first stop came just as the rain came down a little bit harder. We couldn’t complain as this weather was keeping the birds active in the afternoon rather than hiding from the sun. We all got wet-geared up and were rewarded with a Western Hemispingus, a Collared Inca, Blue-and-black & Blue-necked Tanagers and a Masked Flowerpiercer.
Further down the valley, we walked along Research Station Road and found a Buff-tailed Coronet nest complete with a sitting bird (looking very bedraggled). The rain finally eased as we located another feeding flock slightly lower down the road. A Barred Becard showed well as did a very cute Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher. We also observed a pair of Beryl-spangled Tanagers building a nest
A superb day’s birdwatching was relived back at Tandayapa Lodge in the evening after a relaxing dinner.
Tuesday, November 14th
It was necessary for us to have another early breakfast this morning as we were travelling even further from the lodge in search of a different set of bird species. Yesterday’s early start proved that the rewards were great so there were no dissenters as we drove away from Tandayapa at 0430 hours!
He thought he could hear a bird that shouldn’t be in this area at all
We were quickly enveloped in fog soon to be replaced by rain as we pulled in to the petrol station at Pedro Vicente Maldonado. A small, twiggy tree held a White-lined Tanager, a Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, a Pacific Hornero, a couple of Blue-grey Tanagers, a Rusty-margined Flycatcher and a few Variable Seedeaters. A Ringed Kingfisher flew through, the sky was full of Blue-and-white Swallows and a couple of humble House Sparrows pecked around the forecourt!
We were soon on our way, only to be brought to a halt again by a pair of handsome Masked Water-Tyrants by the road. A little further, we had a short walk along a roadside path and found Tropical Gnatcatcher, Acadian Flycatcher, an Olivaceous Piculet, a Golden-faced Tyrannulet and a female White-bearded Manakin.
Our next stop was by a quarry and stream, where we disturbed a Striated Heron. A Bay Wren showed briefly and a couple of Pallid Doves flew past. A little further along the road, a stretch of grassland held a male Green Thorntail, a pair of Olive-crowned Yellowthroats, a pair of Pacific Antwrens, a Lesser Seed-Finch and many seedeaters.
Further still, Scott excitedly brought the bus to a halt. He thought he could hear a bird that shouldn’t be in this area at all, and sure enough we were soon all enjoying superb telescope views of an Elegant Crescentchest, a bird from the far west of Ecuador. What a find!
We finally reached our destination of Rio Silanche at 9.45am. The area of trees around the tower seemed very quiet so we decided to walk the trails instead. This paid off with superb views of Buff-rumped Warblers, Tawny-crested Tanagers and a flying Guayaquil Woodpecker
The trail the other side of the car park produced a Violet-bellied Hummingbird, a Little Greenlet, a Common Tody-Flycatcher and a flock of Maroon-tailed Parakeets prospecting nesting holes.
We collected our picnic lunches from the van on the way to the canopy tower. As soon as we climbed the steps, a splendid Chestnut-mandibled Toucan was found! The surrounding trees were still quiet so we settled down to eat our lunch.
Within half an hour, a mixed feeding flock moved towards us at eye level. We were soon enjoying superb views of Grey-and-gold, Blue-necked, Emerald, Bay-headed, Golden-hooded, Rufous-winged and Scarlet-browed Tanagers.
A Bat Falcon performed a flypast, a Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher posed for telescope views and a Chestnut-fronted Macaw sat distantly in the top of a tree. What a superb afternoon, but it wasn’t over yet.
another feeding flock came past our tower. This one included a female Purple-chested Hummingbird
Just as things seemed to have quietened down, another feeding flock came past our tower. This one included a female Purple-chested Hummingbird, an Orange-fronted Barbet and several more tanagers.
With time to spare, we walked along the trail once more. This proved to be a wise decision as we were treated to perched views of an impressive Grey-headed Kite, a huge Lineated Woodpecker, close sightings of a couple of Streaked Flycatchers and finally a Scarlet-backed Woodpecker next to the van. This latter bird showed just as the skies opened so we were handily placed to dive for cover!
As we retraced our route along the road to Pedro Vicente Maldonado, we made a stop to admire a pair of Pacific Parrotlets nuzzling up to each other on a branch overhanging the road. A small flock of Blue-headed Parrots flew in across the track, joined by a Yellow-tufted Dacnis. The birds were still coming thick and fast thanks to the overcast weather.
We reached Tandayapa at 6.45pm in time to admire some stunning photos taken by the professional American photographers also staying at the lodge.
Wednesday, November 15th
but we made time to admire the array of hummingbirds on the lodge feeders one last time
Another early start was necessary in order for us to be at the lodge hide before dawn. This would give us a better chance of seeing some of the real forest skulkers.
We were not disappointed and had very close views of an Immaculate Antbird, a Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch and a Masked Trogon, the latter taking moths from the hide wall!
Outside the hide, we finally managed to see the Scaled Antpitta, even though it tried its best to play hide-and-seek with us. The wait was well worth the effort.
It was soon time to pack our bags but we made time to admire the array of hummingbirds on the lodge feeders one last time. One could almost reach out and touch these stunning birds as they zoomed in and out of the terrace. An absolutely amazing experience.
We left the lodge at 8.00am and did some birding along the Mindo to Nono road (the highlights being views of an Andean Guan, a couple of Speckled Hummingbirds and a stunning Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant). It didn’t seem long before we began to climb. Unfortunately, the clouds came in just as we reached Yanacocha Reserve. We paused at the entrance to the reserve to make use of the facilities, complete with quirky spiralled entrance path. As we set off along the easy trail, the rain had started again!
We could not see the stunning view across the valley from the trail due to the very low cloud but we could hear birds calling in the gloom. One or two showed well for us including several Rufous-naped Brush-Finches and a Barred Fruiteater, though the Unicoloured Tapaculo would not come out of cover for us.
Further along the track, and with the rain becoming more persistent, we found the first of the hummingbird feeders. This provided us with our first views of Golden-breasted and Sapphire-vented Pufflegs and Buff-winged Starfrontlets
and one of the most sought-after species of the trip, a Sword-billed Hummingbird
The second set of feeders attracted more of the above species along with Great Sapphirewings and one of the most sought-after species of the trip, a Sword-billed Hummingbird. This magnificent creature regularly had a mid-air jousting stand-off with a Sapphirewing before perching to show off its ridiculously long bill to our enthralled group. What an absolute star!
By the time we reached the wood at the end of the trail, it was clear we would be getting soaking wet this morning. The birds on show made up for the discomfort, though! The feeders were alive with hummingbirds, with others zooming past our ears at regular intervals. More Sword-billed Hummingbirds were seen as well as Tyrian Metaltails, Sapphirewings, Starfrontlets and Pufflegs. These were joined by several Masked Flowerpiercers at the nectar supply
The group set off back to the van at their own pace. There were no turn-offs along the trail for people to get lost on so this seemed a sensible arrangement. On the way, most of the group saw Rufous Wrens and Hooded and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers.
We ate lunch in the van in an attempt to dry out from the productive stroll in the rain. At 2.00pm, we made our way into Quito and checked in at the plush San Sebastian Hotel.
Thursday, November 16th
Sacha Lodge
A nice, relaxing start to the day today. Breakfast was taken in the hotel at 8.30am in plenty of time for our transfer to the airport for a short internal flight at 11.30am. We were met at the airport by a representative from Sacha Lodge who took us through the check-in procedures in record time. That’s what I call service!
The very comfortable plane took us across The Andes to The Amazon Jungle. As we landed at Coca, all we could see was trees and rivers. We couldn’t wait to start our Amazonian adventure, but first it was time for a picnic lunch at the lodge offices in this frontier town.
It was soon time to don life-jackets and board the motorized canoe. We settled back as the boat zipped along The Napo River for just over two hours. On the way, we managed some new birds for the trip including Black Caracara, White-banded Swallows and Swallow-winged Puffbirds
At one point, we stopped to help one of Sacha’s supply boats that had broken down. This was most worthwhile as it was loaded with toilet rolls, biscuits and, most important of all, alcohol!
We reached the Sacha landing stage with the cobwebs thoroughly blown away. Without the breeze from the boat, we could now feel the difference in temperature from the heights of Quito and Tandayapa. Sacha was warm and humid, something we could appreciate as we walked along the boardwalk through the rainforest.
After about half an hour, we reached the next stage of our journey to the lodge: the dug out canoes. We managed to get into our vessel without falling into the creek and were soon on our way, being paddled up the creek (with two paddles!) by our two native guides.
Pilchicocha Lake spread before us, surrounded by the rainforest and the lodge itself on the far bank
The creek soon opened out onto an amazingly idyllic vista. Pilchicocha Lake spread before us, surrounded by the rainforest and the lodge itself on the far bank. Several White-winged Swallows hunted over the lake and a few Grey-breasted Martins watched us go by from their perch by the side of the water. This place could only be described as paradise!
After settling in (and admiring a Black Agouti outside the chalets) we had a pleasant stroll around Sacha’s grounds. Noisy Yellow-rumped Caciques were everywhere and Great Kiskadees and Speckled Chachalacas joined the cacophony. A troupe of Black-mantled Tamarins ran across the boardwalk rails and into the trees
We ambled along to the deck where one of the guides had just caught a Red-bellied Piranha from the lake. Chris tried her hand and had soon snagged a White-bellied Piranha!!
Meanwhile, the rest of the group were undertaking some leisurely birdwatching from the deck. Distant views of Violaceous Jay and Yellow-tufted Woodpeckers paled into insignificance when a Hoatzin was found a few yards from the deck bar! This odd-looking creature was high on most people’s ‘wants’ list so we were enthralled by the close views we were getting
As the sun went down, a beautiful day was brought to an end by a rainbow over the rainforest. Bliss. Later, we met our guide for our stay, the world famous Oscar T. We chose our Wellington boots to be used for the duration of our residence here before having a wonderful dinner in the lodge dining room.
Friday, November 17th
we were all surprised when he pointed out a beautiful Ladder-tailed Nightjar roosting on a branch overhanging the water
Oscar had planned a trip to the parrot clay licks this morning but as soon as I awoke, I knew this would not be happening. The rain was almost deafening on my chalet roof! The parrots do not come down to the licks in wet weather so it was going to have to be Plan B today.
We were ready to go at 5.30am after a very filling breakfast. Our first task was to get back across Pilchicocha Lake, so it was on with our rain ponchos. The rain eased as we landed on the boardwalk. The Wellingtons came into their own as the landing stage had been flooded by the overnight rain. The trail was very quiet so we boarded the motorized canoe and headed for one of the many Napo River islands.
Oscar signalled the boat to slow adjacent to a very unpromising looking part of the riverbank. However, we were all surprised when he pointed out a beautiful Ladder-tailed Nightjar roosting on a branch overhanging the water. Oscar T was already living up to his reputation! We were all able to confirm his next exciting find, though: a Sanderling!! This is a rare bird in these parts and was a “write-in” on the 1,109 species checklist we were issued with at the start of the tour!
Next, we landed on one of the islands, scattering several Spotted Sandpipers from the bank. We tempted a couple of spinetail species into view before luring a tiny Grey-breasted Crake to us. Colourful Oriole Blackbirds occasionally caught our eye as they flew over as did one or two Yellow-headed Caracaras.
We then headed across the river to the Shipati Creek. A White-shouldered Antbird played hide-and-seek with us and a Greater Yellow-headed Vulture soared over our heads. We suddenly found our way blocked by a fallen tree so we had to retrace our route back to the Sacha landing stage
While we waited for a smaller canoe to arrive, we did some birding from the small tower by the landing stage. This “quick look” produced unbelievable views of the shy Chestnut-capped Puffbird and a pair of Scarlet-crowned Barbets amongst many other species.
we limboed under the fallen log like true adventurers and were soon disembarking onto the Yasuni National Park trail
We tore ourselves away and headed back up the Shipati Creek. This time, we limboed under the fallen log like true adventurers and were soon disembarking onto the Yasuni National Park trail.
By this time, one or two of us were becoming peckish. As if reading our minds, the guides magically produced a ham roll for each of us, which we ate by the banks of the creek. To add to our already perfect surroundings, a stunning Blue Morph butterfly flapped past us. Life really doesn’t get much better than this!
The trail was narrow and muddy and surrounded by thick rainforest. Oscar was a picture of excitement as he pointed out skulking antbirds, antwrens, trogons and Screaming Pihas. At one point, we had a piha in full view with another three birds calling around us. The noise was deafening but truly magical.
We ate our filling picnic lunches on the picnic table along the trail surrounded by bird song and a host of dazzling butterflies of all shapes and colours. On the walk back to the canoe, we saw more antbirds but the tapaculo remained elusive (as ever).
The journey back along Shipati Creek produced a Little Woodpecker, a flock of Masked Crimson Tanagers, Lettered Araçari and Golden-mantled Tamarins. A quick scan of the Napo River banks produced White-eared and Brown Jacamars.
We reached the landing stage completely sated with birds but there was more to come. A small group of Marbled Wood-Quails were flushed from the track in front of us, and as we paddled into the lodge itself, a male Spangled Cotinga shone from the top of the highest tree by the bar.
After a well-earned cool drink in the bar, we met up again at 6.15pm and were escorted onto another trail by Oscar. As night closed in, he whistled in a Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl for us to admire before dinner! A fitting end to a marvellous day.
Saturday, November 18th
We could tell we were early as we managed to locate a couple of snoozing Marbled Wood-Quails on a branch
The day got off to an excellent start when we were accompanied by the distinctive sound of a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl during our early breakfast.
We left the lodge at 5.30am and set off along one of the trails in the half light. We could tell we were early as we managed to locate a couple of snoozing Marbled Wood-Quails on a branch. Disaster struck when halfway along the trail one of my tripod legs fell off!
We reached our goal of the canopy tower and climbed the 180 steps to the top. After pausing to catch our breath and listen to the dawn chorus of Howler Monkeys, we gingerly made our way across the walkway (56 metres above the forest below) to the middle tower.
The group set up telescopes (except mine, of course!) and surveyed the tranquil scene around us. We could see rainforest stretching out in all directions as far as the eye could see. The weather was perfect for this morning’s birdwatching: cloudy with a breeze but no rain, meaning we would neither get wet nor frazzled to a crisp.
We were soon surrounded by birds, flitting from branch to branch close by or perched on exposed posts in the distance. Tanagers, woodcreepers, woodpeckers, araçaris, flycatchers, oropendolas and Cobalt-winged Parakeets all put in an appearance. At one point we had Paradise Tanagers, Green and Purple Honeycreepers and Green-and-gold Tanagers perched together at the top of a twiggy tree not twenty yards from our elevated position. What a stunning display of colours!
As the morning wore on, raptors began to stir. A Black Hawk-Eagle was found at the top of a tree allowing telescope views as was a White Hawk. Four Swallow-tailed Kites glided across the valley, soon joined by a Double-toothed Kite, several Greater Yellow-headed Vultures and distant Plumbeous Kites and Slate-coloured Hawk.
one of the less keen groups staying at Sacha arrived. Our total for the morning numbered almost seventy species compared with their sixteen, somewhat justifying our early start!
Just as the bird activity had died down (like someone had thrown the off switch!), one of the less keen groups staying at Sacha arrived. Our total for the morning numbered almost seventy species compared with their sixteen, somewhat justifying our early start!
On the slow walk back to the lodge, we were shown Plain-throated Antwren, Lawrence’s Thrush and Golden-headed Manakins though the Wire-tailed Manakins refused to show for us.
After a superb morning’s birdwatching, we reached the lodge for a relaxing drink and a bit of shopping. At lunch, we were able to admire a young Spectacled Caiman dozing below the verandah.
Our next excursion was due at 3.30pm and it came as no surprise that it was raining! We donned our ponchos and boarded the canoe for a paddle along a gorgeous, narrow creek. It was fairly quiet in this swamp, but a Boat-billed Heron watched us float under its roosting branch.
We made the short walk to the second of Sacha’s towers and climbed another 150 steps to the top of a Kapok tree, where the lodge has built a look-out platform. This was a completely different feel to this morning’s tower as we were somewhat enclosed in the foliage and bromeliads of the huge tree
Oscar immediately pointed out a large troupe of Squirrel Monkeys moving through the trees below us as well as one or two White-fronted Capuchins. Panchito, the native guide also found a distant Three-toed Sloth and a family of Red Howlers.
Birding activity was almost non-existent (apart from a perched and very soggy-looking Slender-billed Kite) but the mammals were certainly making up for it!
After an incredibly relaxing paddle back up the creek we emerged onto Pilchicocha Lake to be greeted by a spectacular rainbow stretching over the lodge and surrounding forest. A very special end to an extraordinary day.
Sunday, November 19th
…in the dug-out canoe by 5.30am, being greeted by the evocative sound of the howler monkeys. I will miss that sound in Nottingham!
We were now accustomed to an early breakfast in order to maximise the best birding hours of the day. Once again, we were in the dug-out canoe by 5.30am, being greeted by the evocative sound of the howler monkeys. I will miss that sound in Nottingham!
The now familiar boardwalk was relatively quiet but one can never afford to let one’s concentration lapse at Sacha. Oscar soon had us peering through his telescope at a roosting Common Potoo, hardly distinguishable from the branch it was sitting on!
As we boarded our motorized canoe on The Napo River, we could see that it was very foggy. We zoomed off to a different river island to earlier in the week where Oscar knew we might see some antshrikes. Sure enough, we were shown Barred and Castelnau’s Antshrikes as well as fleeting glimpses of spinetails.
We moved to another, more open island (spotting an Osprey on the journey) where we could see the trees surrounding the parrots’ clay-lick. Chestnut-fronted Macaws, Mealy Amazons, Yellow-crowned Amazons and Blue-headed Parrots were perched in the trees or flying over them, allowing good telescope views. We also saw two Channel-billed Toucans jousting with a Crimson-crested Woodpecker on a bare tree. It was at this point that my tripod leg fell off once more!
We landed at the first of the clay-licks we were to visit today, Saladero de Loros. Another roosting Common Potoo was seen by the entrance, and then Oscar showed us an attractive Warbling Antbird.
As we reached the look-out point, a ranger emerged from a building carrying a Pale-tailed Barbthroat. This delicate beauty had flown into a window but had recovered sufficiently to be shown to an admiring crowd before being released. What a treat for us!
The clay-lick was something of an anticlimax. After a few minutes, one lonely-looking Dusky-headed Parakeet fluttered down but perched out of view on the bank! It was obvious that today wouldn’t provide us with an avian spectacle. Perhaps the birds had been disturbed by a raptor or some monkeys, but whatever the reason, they weren’t stopping at this service station this morning.
We were soon brought to a halt by a flock of mixed parrots at a small clay-lick on the riverbank. So this is where they were hiding!
We decided to get back into our canoe and move further up the river. We were soon brought to a halt by a flock of mixed parrots at a small clay-lick on the riverbank. So this is where they were hiding!
We were treated to the sight of Blue-headed Parrots, Mealy Amazons and Cobalt-winged Parakeets taking clay from the bank. The size differences were also apparent, the Amazons dwarfing the parakeets
We landed at our second stop in the Yasuni National Park and started along the cobbled trail to Saladero de Pericos. Along the way, we hit three or four different mixed feeding flocks, the highlights being a Lafresnaye’s Piculet, several woodcreepers and foliage-gleaners, a Lemon-throated Barbet and a few antbirds
The star bird was found by Oscar by the side of the trail. He nonchalantly pointed out what looked like a dead leaf but as we approached nearer turned out to be an Ocellated Poorwill!
As we neared the clay-lick hide, we could hear the noise building to a crescendo. If Saladero de Loros was deserted, this place was buzzing (or should I say squawking!). Just outside the hide, we trained our telescopes on a Scarlet Macaw trying to hide in a tree.
The noise from the parrots around us was almost deafening. We couldn’t see any birds from the hide window but there were hundreds out there somewhere! One by one, they crept down the branches, edging nearer and nearer to the pool. The first to brave it were Cobalt-winged Parakeets but they were soon joined by a few Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlets.
At frequent intervals they would explode from the water in a whir of blue and green wings
Shortly, the pool was covered in birds. At frequent intervals they would explode from the water in a whir of blue and green wings. After a while, a few Orange-cheeked Parrots joined the group. When they flew, they flashed an unbelievably bright orangey-red underwing.
After about forty five minutes, the parrots flew back into the trees. What a treat that spectacle had been! We made our way back along the cobbled trail. Half way along, the heavens opened and we were glad to reach a park lodge by the Napo River
While drying out, we ate our picnic lunch while listening to the thunderstorm around us. We braved the rain when a flock of Black-headed Parrots flew over our position and landed in a distant tree.
The rain eased slightly and we made our getaway. Oscar diverted back along Shipati Creek and this time we were lucky enough to find a roosting (and very bedraggled) Great Potoo.
The trail back to Sacha was very waterlogged but not as soggy as the track Oscar took us down about halfway along! We squelched down the path, very glad of our Wellingtons, and were led through the trees where Panchito had set up a telescope. As each of us looked through the eyepiece our reaction was the same: wow!
What we were looking at was a very angry-looking Crested Owl. He was studying us studying him with an extremely grumpy scowl on his face. His mate sat close by with an equally irritable expression so we left them in peace.
Graham fancied his chances at paddling the canoe back to the lodge and he did a very acceptable job of it too! After a short break, we were back in the canoe and heading for the channel across from the lodge
The creek was fairly quiet but the lack of birds was made up for by the Red Howler Monkeys on a branch above our heads. The male kept a wary eye on us but the mother with a youngster clinging to her belly seemed unconcerned.
As we paddled our way onto Pilchicocha Lake, the deck was lit up in preparation for our evening barbecue. Smoke was already drifting towards us from the fire making our lips water in anticipation. Oscar called in a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl for our pre-dinner treat!
After a lovely meal, we watched the young Caiman taking scraps below the verandah. He won’t be small for much longer at this rate!
Monday, November 20th
A Green Ibis bade us farewell
We were up and away again by 6.00am. This time, we paddled across the perfectly still lake with a heavy heart as we were leaving this wonderful place this morning. A Green Ibis bade us farewell.
We had time for a spot of birding from the tower by the river. Highlights included a Blackpoll Warbler and a couple of White-necked Jacobins. Oscar accompanied us on the motorised canoe back to Coca where we ate a picnic lunch before catching the short flight back to Quito
After reaching the hotel and retrieving our luggage, some of the group explored the capital in the afternoon (getting caught in a thunderstorm in the process) whilst others relaxed and prepared for the next phase of the tour.
Tuesday, November 21st
two huge shapes loomed over a distant hill. There could only be one species with this outline: Andean Condor
We were picked up from our hotel in Quito by Rafael and Scott at 5.30am. We drove straight to the Antisana Reserve where we made a couple of stops en route to the high tops. These breaks provided us with a Giant Hummingbird, a couple of Black-tailed Trainbearers, a couple of Ecuadorian Hillstars, a Páramo Pipit and a showy Tawny Antpitta
The tops looked like a higher version of some of the Scottish scenery from back home. Golden grass glowed in the sun as we scanned for Carunculated Caracara, Andean Lapwing, Páramo Ground-Tyrant and Plumbeous Sierra-Finch. Hundreds of Andean Gulls and Black-winged Ground-Doves completed the picture but we couldn’t find the Andean Ibises.
While scanning for these prized birds, two huge shapes loomed over a distant hill. There could only be one species with this outline: Andean Condor! Everyone managed to get reasonable views of these majestic creatures through their telescopes. The silvery upperwing pattern could be seen every time they banked. After a while, they glided away and into the cloud covering the distant volcano. Superb!
A quick stop at a farmhouse along the valley found us watching a stunning male Hillstar perched on the windowsill! The feeders were covered in Sierra-Finches and another Ground-Tyrant perched on the roof. What a great garden list!
We made our way to Mica Lake which looked more like the sea due to the wind whipping up some decent waves. A scan of the water revealed some Silvery Grebes, Andean Coots, Yellow-billed Pintails and some Andean Teal. Scott found a very distant Andean Ruddy-Duck before showing us some closer ones from another vantage point.
On our return journey, we ate our picnic lunches while scanning the plateau for Andean Ibis. The cloud and rain finally closed in as we abandoned our search. This fantastic morning had seen us ‘connect’ with all the high specialities except for the endangered ibis.
We made the short drive to the Papallacta Pass. The sun was shining as we drove up the bumpy track but as we reached the top the cloud came in again! We could not find any Rufous-bellied Seedsnipes in the gloom so slowly made our way back down again
On the way, we stopped to admire Andean Tit-Spinetail and another cute-looking Tawny Antpitta. Suddenly, an Andean Condor flew straight over the van. It was huge and looked like it could have picked the vehicle up as it glided across the valley away from us. Amazing!
we reached Guango Lodge, our home for the night, at 5.30pm.
We reached Guango Lodge, our home for the night, at 5.30pm. The feeders outside the reception were alive with hummingbirds. Tourmaline Sunangels, Chestnut-breasted Coronets, Collared Incas and Mountain Velvetbreasts all vied for position but it was the Sword-billed Hummingbirds that stole the show once more.
We tore ourselves away and settled in to our rooms before a lovely dinner in the dining room. Another fantastic day had passed on this amazing trip.
Wednesday, November 22nd
…and a Citrine Warbler played hide-and-seek below us
We had breakfast at Guango at 5.00am and were on the road at 5.45am. Our first stop was at a polylepis wood by the main road. I have to say it looked very unpromising, but we made our way into the forest to look for birds.
It seemed quiet but Scott soon found us a Pale-naped Brush-Finch. A small flock moved into the trees around us and we eagerly scanned them. A Giant Conebill fed above our heads and a Citrine Warbler played hide-and-seek below us.
Along the woodland edge, we saw a Viridian Metaltail, a Shining Sunbeam and a Black-backed Bush-Tanager. Overlooking the wood from the roadside we also saw a Bar-bellied Woodpecker and a couple of Andean Tit-Spinetails exploring a nest hole.
It was time to move on and try again for the Seedsnipes. It was still cloudy on the pass but another group of birdwatchers were already watching a couple of these odd birds. We managed to get superb views of them before some of the other group flushed them while trying to photograph them. Very poor field craft indeed!
On the drive back down Papallacta, we stopped to admire a very confiding Blue-mantled Thornbill, a Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant and a few smart-looking Variable Hawks. Across the road, we came across a Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, which was a new bird for Scott.
Before lunch at Guango, we had a stroll along one of the lodge’s trails. It was fairly quiet but we still managed a few new species such as Torrent and White-banded Tyrannulet.
we headed further east to San Isidro Lodge
After lunch, we headed further east to San Isidro Lodge. On the way, we stopped to scan the fast-flowing rivers for Torrent Ducks without success. We arrived at 4.30pm and were soon looking for birds from the raised verandah. We saw Blue-winged Mountain-Tanagers and Bluish Flowerpiercers before moving to the hummingbird feeders near the dining room.
We were treated to exceptional views of Long-tailed Sylph, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Bronzy Inca, Green and Sparkling Violetears and a tiny Gorgeted Woodstar. On the walk back to our rooms, we stumbled across a Chestnut-crowned Antpitta on the path. We stood mesmerised as this usually wary creature hopped towards us
here was the mysterious ‘San Isidro Owl’ peering down at us from its perch on high.
Finally, we scanned the forest from the verandah and found a Plain-breasted Hawk. The Wattled Guan and Unicoloured Tapaculo we could hear refused to show themselves so we went down for dinner
After a truly superb meal, we were treated to a fantastic after dinner show. Scott spotlighted a large owl in a tree near the dining room for us. There was the mysterious ‘San Isidro Owl’ peering down at us from its perch on high. No-one is quite sure what species this owl is but it is certainly a spectacular bird and one of the target species of the trip!
Thursday, November 23rd
Sure enough, there was a male Torrent Duck cheekily perched on a rock
The day dawned misty and coolish so we decided on a pre-breakfast walk in the grounds of San Isidro. The tree outside our rooms was full of birds, all catching and devouring moths. It was a real massacre!
Subtropical Caciques, a Masked Trogon, Blackburnian Warblers, Green Jays and the lodge’s second ever Black-and-white Warbler were all taking their share.
After breakfast, we drove along the Yanayacu Road. It was very quiet but we did see a pair of Olivaceous Siskins to keep us happy.
Further along the road, we came to a river and stopped for a leisurely birdwatch. Three Broad-winged Hawks lazily circled above us before Chris suddenly shouted “duck!” No trees were crashing down so we presumed she meant Torrent Duck as opposed to the watch out kind of duck!
Sure enough, there was a male Torrent Duck cheekily perched on a rock in the fast-moving water. I had scanned that very same spot several times during the last half an hour, so where had it come from?
This character kept diving into the river before popping up at a different place. It was difficult to keep up with its antics and soon vanished into thin air! All we were left with were some Black Phoebes and a Torrent Tyrannulet.
The drive back towards the lodge produced out-in-the-open views of Equatorial Rufous-vented Tapaculos (well, nearly out-in-the-open!), Golden-headed Quetzal and a Black-billed Mountain-Toucan.
Back at the lodge, we had to shelter from the shower by the hummingbird feeders but were kept suitably entertained by these dazzling birds. After another mouth-watering meal we headed onto one of the lodge’s trails.
Again, bird activity was at a minimum. Frustratingly, we finally hit upon a feeding flock just as we had to head back to the lodge for the antpitta feeding extravaganza.
We convened at the allotted place at the given time and settled down to watch the show. Sure enough, the White-throated Antpitta emerged from the forest to take the worms on offer in front of us. We watched as this usually elusive bird returned twice for its tea.
Scott decided it would be worth returning to the trail to find that feeding flock again. We didn’t find it but we did see two more Golden-headed Quetzals, a few Glossy-black Thrushes and an Emerald Toucanet. We almost tracked down a calling Wattled Guan but just couldn’t see it in the tree tops
The day was rounded off with yet another sumptuous meal at the lodge.
Friday, November 24th
Another early morning to take advantage of the moth massacre once more
Another early morning to take advantage of the moth massacre once more. This time a Pale-edged Flycatcher and a Black-billed Peppershrike joined the throng. I can safely say it is the first time I have seen a moth having to be plucked before being eaten. This one was so huge and hairy, the Peppershrike had to batter it against the branch before eating it and the ‘fur’ flying off it had to be seen to be believed!
After breakfast, we did a spot of birding along the lodge road. We heard a Highland Motmot but couldn’t see it. The woods were fairly quiet so we headed for the Guacamayos Ridge
As soon as we entered the trail, we came across a large feeding flock of birds containing Plushcaps, a Black-capped Hemispingus, a Greater Scythebill, a Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager, a Grass-green Tanager and many more.
We managed to keep pace with the flock as it moved through the trees but eventually lost it as it moved away from the trail. What a good start!
The excitement didn’t last, as the rest of the walk produced very little else. A White-throated Quail-Dove provided some entertainment as it ran along in front of us along the path but the rain set in forcing us back to the van.
Further down the valley, we hit sunshine again and paused by a river to scan for birds. No Torrent Ducks but Blue-and-white Swallows and a Spotted Sandpiper showed for us.
We had a drive along the Yanayacu Road again before lunch. We found a couple of feeding flocks along the way and managed to pick out a Yellow-vented Woodpecker, several Montane Woodcreepers, a Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet and Rufous-crested and Flame-faced Tanagers.
After lunch we packed and said farewell to this wondrous place. We were delayed by roadworks on the way, but still had time for one last birding stop. Scott knew this little reserve near Guango that he wanted to show us as a finale to the tour.
We were not disappointed with his decision. The Papallacta Spa Road produced many Shining Sunbeams and a Red-crested Cotinga. The real star of the day was Antisana Volcano. The cloud magically cleared allowing us to see the magnificent ice-covered peak of this 18,000 foot mountain. It really was the icing on the cake for us and a truly fitting finale to a once-in-a-lifetime trip
As we made our way into Quito, the rain battered down once more, keeping up the record of having rained every single day of the tour (although not all day every day, of course!). We bade farewell to Rafael, our driver. Scott joined us for dinner in the hotel, and then left us too. We would have toasted his health but there was no alcohol on sale in Ecuador this evening due to the elections being held tomorrow!
Saturday and Sunday, November 25th & 26th
Saturday found us joining a long queue for the flight home. Time passed quickly thanks to an Ecuadorian trying to push in. He left his luggage at the front of the queue before disappearing. I tried to get his bag removed but the airport security men were having none of it.
The man reappeared and made his way to his bag. Several of the westerners tried to get him removed but it was obvious he did this sort of thing regularly and was known to his security men buddies. All this excitement helped pass the time anyway!
The return flight stopped off at Bonaire, one of the islands of the Dutch Antillies famous for its superb diving. We left the plane in an attempt to squeeze a few more species out of the trip! The only addition was a Tropical Mockingbird just outside the airport lounge window and a black bird flying in the distance, which was probably a Carib Grackle. We can now all say we have ONE species on our Bonaire list!
Schiphol airport produced the last birds of the trip in the shape of a Marsh Harrier, Jackdaw and Carrion Crow. But they couldn’t hold a candle to the array of spectacular birds we had seen in fabulous Ecuador
| Species positively identified | |
|---|---|
| Cinereous Tinamou | Heard, Sacha creek |
| Little Tinamou | Heard, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Undulated Tinamou | Heard several along Sacha trails |
| Silvery Grebe | 3 or 4 pairs, Antisana Reserve |
| Torrent Duck | 1 male, Rio Oliso, San Isidro |
| Andean Teal | Several, Antisana Reserve |
| Yellow-billed Pintail | Several, Antisana Reserve |
| Andean Ruddy-Duck | Several, Antisana Reserve |
| Cocoi Heron | 2 or 3, Napo River islands |
| Great Egret | A few, Napo River islands |
| Snowy Egret | 1 or 2, Napo River Islands |
| Cattle Egret | Milpe, etc |
| Striated Heron | 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Capped Heron | 2, Napo River islands |
| Boat-billed Heron | 1, Sacha creek |
| Green Ibis | 3, Sacha |
| Andean Condor | 2 or 3, Antisana Reserve; 1 over van, Papallacta! |
| Black Vulture | Common |
| Turkey Vulture | Common |
| Greater Yellow-headed Vulture | Several, Sacha |
| Osprey | 1, Napo River islands; 1 near San Isidro |
| Grey-headed Kite | 1 perched, Rio Silanche |
| Swallow-tailed Kite | 4 or 5, Sacha canopy tower |
| Slender-billed Kite | 1 in flight, Shipati Creek; 2 or 3, Sacha |
| Double-toothed Kite | 1 immature, Sacha canopy tower |
| Plumbeous Kite | 2 distant in flight, Sacha canopy tower |
| Plain-breasted Hawk | 1 perched, San Isidro |
| Slate-coloured Hawk | 1 perched distant, Sacha canopy tower |
| White Hawk | 1 perched, Sacha canopy tower |
| Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle | 2 or 3, Antisana Reserve (inc. 1 on nest) |
| Roadside Hawk | 5 or 6 in total |
| Broad-winged Hawk | 5 or 6, San Isidro |
| Variable Hawk | Several, Antisana Reserve & Papallacta |
| Black Hawk-Eagle | 1 perched, Sacha canopy tower |
| Black Caracara | 5-10, Napo River |
| Carunculated Caracara | Lots, Antisana Reserve |
| Yellow-headed Caracara | A few, Napo River islands |
| American Kestrel | A few, mostly Antisana Reserve |
| Aplomado Falcon | 4 or 5, Antisana Reserve |
| Bat Falcon | 1 in flight with prey, Rio Silanche canopy tower |
| Speckled Chachalaca | Several, Sacha |
| Andean Guan | 1, Mindo Road |
| Spix’s Guan | 2, Sacha trail |
| Wattled Guan | Heard 2, San Isidro |
| Marbled Wood-Quail | Total of 6, Sacha (inc. 2 roosting on trail) |
| Grey-breasted Crake | 1 seen, Napo River island |
| White-throated Crake | 1 heard, Milpe; 2 heard, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Andean Coot | Several, Antisana Reserve |
| Greater Yellowlegs | 3, Antisana Reserve |
| Spotted Sandpiper | Lots, Napo River islands |
| Least Sandpiper | 3, Napo River islands |
| Sanderling | 1, Napo River islands |
| Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe | 2, Papallacta |
| Andean Lapwing | A few, Antisana Reserve |
| Pied Plover | A few, Napo River islands |
| Andean Gull | Approx 100, Antisana Reserve |
| Laughing Gull | 1, Antisana Reserve |
| Yellow-billed Tern | 1 or 2, Napo River |
| Feral (Rock) Pigeon | Several around towns |
| Band-tailed Pigeon | Several in flight throughout |
| Pale-vented Pigeon | A few, Sacha |
| Ruddy Pigeon | Milpe, Rio Silanche |
| Plumbeous Pigeon | 1 in flight, Sacha canopy tower |
| Eared Dove | Around Quito |
| Black-winged Ground-Dove | Up to 500, Antisana Reserve |
| White-tipped Dove | Quito and Tandayapa |
| Pallid Dove | 2 in flight, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Grey-fronted Dove | 1 in flight, Sacha |
| White-throated Quail-Dove | 1 running along Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Blue-and-yellow Macaw | 1 in flight, Yasuni National Park |
| Scarlet Macaw | 1 perched, Saladero de Pericos |
| Chestnut-fronted Macaw | 1, distant, Rio Silanche canopy tower; 2 from Napo River |
| Dusky-headed Parakeet | A few, Saladero de Loros |
| Maroon-tailed Parakeet | Milpe (inc. a flock scouting for nesting holes) |
| Pacific Parrotlet | 2, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Cobalt-winged Parakeet | Several, Sacha canopy tower; hundreds, Saladero de Pericos |
| Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet | Several, Saladero de Pericos |
| Black-headed Parrot | Flock of about 20, Napo River lunch stop (in thunderstorm!) |
| Orange-cheeked Parrot | Up to 5, Saladero de Pericos |
| Blue-headed Parrot | 5 or 6, Pedro Vicente Maldonado; Several, Napo riverbank |
| Red-billed Parrot | 1 or 2, San Isidro |
| White-capped Parrot | 6 in flight, Yanacocha; 6, San Isidro trail |
| Bronze-winged Parrot | Milpe |
| Yellow-crowned Amazon | n flight, Saladero de Loros (from Napo River island) |
| Orange-winged Amazon | Total of 4 in flight, Sacha |
| Scaly-naped Amazon | Approx 12 in flight, Yanayacu Road, San Isidro |
| Mealy Amazon | In flight, Sacha + ‘scoped at Saladero de Loros (from Napo) |
| Squirrel Cuckoo | Several |
| Black-bellied Cuckoo | 1, Sacha canopy tower |
| Greater Ani | Several, Napo Riverbanks |
| Smooth-billed Ani | Several, Sacha |
| Hoatzin | Total of 5, Sacha |
| Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl | 1, Sacha Lodge |
| Andean Pygmy-Owl | 1 heard, Yanacocha |
| Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl | 1, Sacha Lodge |
| Crested Owl | 2, Sacha Lodge |
| ‘San Isidro’ Owl | 1, San Isidro |
| Great Potoo | 1, Shipati Creek |
| Common Potoo | 1, Sacha trail; 1, Saladero de Loros |
| Pauraque | 1, Yasuni trail |
| Ocellated Poorwill | 1 on nest, Yasuni trail |
| Ladder-tailed Nightjar | 1, Napo Riverbank |
| White-collared Swift | Relatively common |
| Chestnut-collared Swift | A handful, Milpe |
| Short-tailed Swift | A handful, Sacha Lodge |
| Grey-rumped Swift | Lots, Rio Silanche tower |
| (White-tipped Swift | 2, leader only tick, Rio Alambi) |
| Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift | 2, Rio Silanche tower |
| Neotropical Palm-swift | Several, Sacha |
| Pale-tailed Barbthroat | 1 in the hand, Saladero de Loros |
| White-whiskered Hermit | 1 or 2, Milpe |
| Tawny-bellied Hermit | 1 or 2, Tandayapa |
| White-necked Jacobin | Male and female, Sacha landing tower |
| Brown Violetear | 1 or 2, Tandayapa |
| Green Violetear | Tandayapa & San Isidro |
| Sparkling Violetear | Tandayapa & San Isidro |
| Green Thorntail | 1 male, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Western Emerald | Tandayapa |
| Fork-tailed Woodnymph | 1, Yasuni trail |
| Green-crowned Woodnymph | 1 or 2, Milpe |
| Violet-bellied Hummingbird | 1 or 2, Rio Silanche trails |
| Rufous-tailed Hummingbird | Common, Tandayapa area |
| Andean Emerald | Several, Tandayapa |
| Purple-chested Hummingbird | 1 female, Rio Silanche tower |
| Speckled Hummingbird | 1 or 2, Mindo Road; common, San Isidro |
| Purple-bibbed Whitetip | Several, Tandayapa Lodge |
| Empress Brilliant | Tandayapa |
| Green-crowned Brilliant | Tandayapa |
| Fawn-breasted Brilliant | Common, Tandayapa & San Isidro |
| Ecuadorian Hillstar | Up to three, Antisana; 1 pair, Papallacta |
| Giant Hummingbird | 1, Antisana Reserve |
| Shining Sunbeam | 1, Polylepis wood; Several, Papallacta Spa Road |
| Mountain Velvetbreast | 1 or 2, Guango Lodge |
| Great Sapphirewing | A few, Yanacocha |
| Bronzy Inca | 1 or 2, San Isidro Lodge |
| Brown Inca | A few, Tandayapa |
| Collared Inca | Mindo Road, Guango & San Isidro |
| Buff-winged Starfrontlet | Yanacocha |
| Sword-billed Hummingbird | A few, Yanacocha & Guango |
| Buff-tailed Coronet | Yanacocha, Guango & San Isidro |
| Chestnut-breasted Coronet | Guango & San Isidro |
| Tourmaline Sunangel | Guango Lodge |
| Sapphire-vented Puffleg | A few, Yanacocha |
| Golden-breasted Puffleg | A few, Yanacocha |
| Booted Racket-tail | Several, Tandayapa |
| Black-tailed Trainbearer | 1 or 2, Antisana Reserve |
| Viridian Metaltail | 1, Polylepis wood |
| Tyrian Metaltail | Yanacocha & Guango Lodge |
| Blue-mantled Thornbill | 1, Papallacta (obliging bird!) |
| Long-tailed Sylph | Guango & San Isidro |
| Violet-tailed Sylph | Tandayapa |
| Purple-throated Woodstar | Several (mostly females), Tandayapa |
| White-bellied Woodstar | Guango Lodge |
| Gorgeted Woodstar | 1 female, San Isidro |
| Crested Quetzal | Heard, San Isidro |
| Golden-headed Quetzal | 1 male, Milpe; 2, San Isidro trail |
| Chocó Trogon | 1, Milpe |
| Amazonian White-tailed Trogon | 1, Yasuni Park trail; 1, Kapok tower, Sacha |
| Collared Trogon | 1 heard, Milpe |
| Masked Trogon | 1, Tandayapa hide; 1, San Isidro |
| Amazonian Violaceous Trogon | 1, Sacha canopy tower |
| Ringed Kingfisher | 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado (petrol station!) |
| Green-and-rufous Kingfisher | 1 or 2, Sacha creeks |
| Rufous Motmot | 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado (by ford) |
| Highland Motmot | 2 heard, San Isidro |
| White-eared Jacamar | 1, Shipati Creek, Sacha |
| Brown Jacamar | 1, Napo River |
| Pied Puffbird | 1 or 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Chestnut-capped Puffbird | 1, Sacha landing stage tower |
| Lanceolated Monklet | 2, Sacha trail |
| Black-fronted Nunbird | A few, Sacha landing stage tower |
| White-fronted Nunbird | Yasuni park trail; Sacha landing stage tower |
| Swallow-winged Puffbird | Napo River & Sacha landing stage tower |
| Scarlet-crowned Barbet | A pair, Sacha landing stage tower |
| Orange-fronted Barbet | 1, Rio Silanche tower |
| Gilded Barbet | 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Lemon-throated Barbet | Saladero de Pericos trail |
| Red-headed Barbet | Female, Tandayapa; male Milpe |
| Toucan Barbet | A few, Mindo Road |
| Emerald Toucanet | 2, San Isidro trails |
| Crimson-rumped Toucanet | 1 in flight, Mindo Road |
| Golden-collared Toucanet | Sacha canopy tower |
| Pale-mandibled Araçari | Several, Milpe |
| Chestnut-eared Araçari | 1, Shipati Creek, Sacha |
| Many-banded Araçari | 4, Sacha canopy tower |
| Ivory-billed Araçari | 1, Sacha canopy tower |
| Lettered Araçari | 2, Shipati Creek, Sacha |
| Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan | 1 heard, Rio Alambi |
| Black-billed Mountain-Toucan | 1, Yanayacu road, San Isidro |
| Channel-billed Toucan | 2, Saladero de Loros (from river island) |
| Chocó Toucan | 1, Milpe; heard, Rio Silanche |
| Chestnut-mandibled Toucan | 1, Rio Silanche tower |
| White-throated Toucan | Several, Sacha Lodge |
| Lafresnaye’s Piculet | 1, Saladero de Pericos trail |
| Olivaceous Piculet | 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Golden-olive Woodpecker | A few, Rio Silanche; 2, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Chestnut Woodpecker | 1, Shipati Creek, Sacha |
| Scale-breasted Woodpecker | 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Lineated Woodpecker | 1, Milpe; 1, Rio Silanche trail |
| Yellow-tufted Woodpecker | A few, Sacha Lodge |
| Black-cheeked Woodpecker | 2, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Smoky-brown Woodpecker | 2, Milpe |
| Little Woodpecker | 1, Shipati Creek, Sacha |
| Yellow-vented Woodpecker | 1, Yanayacu road, San Isidro |
| Bar-bellied Woodpecker | 1, Polylepis wood (near Guango) |
| Scarlet-backed Woodpecker | 1, Rio Silanche trail |
| Crimson-crested Woodpecker | 1, Saladero de Loros (from river island) |
| Guayaquil Woodpecker | 1 in flight, Rio Silanche |
| Bar-winged Cinclodes | Antisana Reserve |
| Stout-billed Cinclodes | Antisana Reserve |
| Pacific Hornero | Common, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Andean Tit-Spinetail | 1 or 2, Antisana Reserve and Papallacta |
| Azara’s Spinetail | Mindo road + heard, San Isidro |
| Slaty Spinetail | Mindo Road |
| Dark-breasted Spinetail | 1, Napo River islands |
| White-bellied Spinetail | 1 or 2, Napo River islands |
| Rufous Spinetail | 1, Milpe; 1, Mindo road |
| Red-faced Spinetail | 1, Tandayapa Lodge; 1, Milpe |
| White-chinned Thistletail | 2, Polylepis wood, (near Guango) |
| Streak-backed Canastero | A few, Antisana Reserve & Papallacta |
| Many-striped Canastero | 1, Polylepis wood; several heard, Antisana Reserve |
| Streaked Tuftedcheek | 1, Research Road, Tandayapa |
| Pearled Treerunner | 1, Milpe; A few, San Isidro area |
| Spotted Barbtail | 1, Tandayapa hide |
| Rusty-winged Barbtail | 1, Milpe |
| Lineated Foliage-gleaner | 1, Tandayapa lodge |
| Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner | Several, Milpe |
| Western Woodhaunter | Heard, Rio Silanche tower |
| Chestnut-winged Hookbill | 1 or 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Chestnut-winged Foliage-gleaner | 1 or 2, Saladero de Pericos trail |
| Rufous-rumped Foliage-gleaner | 1 or 2, Yasuni park trail; 1, Saladero de Pericos trail |
| Striped Treehunter | 1, Milpe |
| Streaked Xenops | 1 or 2, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Plain Xenops | Milpe area, Rio Silanche & 1, Yasuni park trail |
| Wedge-billed Woodcreeper | A few, Milpe, Rio Silanche and Sacha area |
| Olivaceous Woodcreeper | Heard, Sacha creek |
| Long-billed Woodcreeper | 1 Sacha creek |
| Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper | 1, Sacha canopy tower; 1 or 2, Saladero de Pericos trail |
| Strong-billed Woodcreeper | 1, San Isidro trail |
| Buff-throated Woodcreeper | 2, Sacha canopy tower; 1 or 2, Saladero de Pericos trail |
| Spotted Woodcreeper | Milpe & Rio Silanche |
| Olive-backed Woodcreeper | 1 or 2, San Isidro trail |
| Streak-headed Woodcreeper | Rio Silanche trail |
| Montane Woodcreeper | Several, San Isidro area |
| Greater Scythebill | 1 or 2, Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Fasciated Antshrike | 1 male, Napo River island |
| Barred Antshrike | Pair, Napo River island |
| Castelnau’s Antshrike | 1 male, Napo River island |
| Plain-winged Antshrike | 1 or 2, Yasuni Park trail |
| Western Slaty-Antshrike | 1, Mindo road; Pair, Milpe |
| Dusky-throated Antshrike | 1, Yasuni Park trail |
| Cinereous Antshrike | 1, Yasuni Park trail |
| Pacific Antwren | Pair, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Plain-throated Antwren | Pair, Sacha canopy trail |
| Checker-throated Antwren | 1 or 2, Milpe; 2 or 3, Rio Silanche |
| Rufous-tailed Antwren | 1 or 2, Yasuni Park trails |
| White-flanked Antwren | 1, Rio Silanche; 1, Yasuni Park trail |
| Grey Antwren | 1 or 2, Yasuni Park trail |
| Dot-winged Antwren | Pair, Rio Silanche tower |
| Long-tailed Antbird | 1, San Isidro balcony |
| Grey Antbird | 1 or 2, Yasuni Park trail; 1 or 2, Saladero de Pericos trail |
| Black-faced Antbird | 1 female, Yasuni Park trail |
| Warbling Antbird | 1, Saladero de Loros trail |
| Dot-backed Antbird | 1 male in flight, Sacha creek |
| Scale-backed Antbird | 1, Yasuni Park trail |
| Banded Antbird | 1 or 2, Yasuni Park trail |
| Silvered Antbird | Heard, Sacha boardwalk |
| Plumbeous Antbird | 1 female, Sacha boardwalk |
| White-shouldered Antbird | 1, Shipati Creek (Sacha) |
| Immaculate Antbird | 1, Tandayapa hide |
| Chestnut-backed Antbird | Heard, Rio Silanche trail |
| Bicoloured Antbird | 1, Sacha boardwalk |
| Black-headed Antthrush | 1 in flight, Rio Silanche trail |
| Rufous-breasted Antthrush | 1 or 2 heard, Mindo road |
| Scaled Antpitta | 1, Tandayapa hide |
| Chestnut-crowned Antpitta | 1, San Isidro path |
| White-throated Antpitta | 1, San Isidro path |
| Rufous Antpitta | Heard, Yanacocha |
| Tawny Antpitta | Several, Antisana Reserve & Papallacta |
| Rusty-belted Tapaculo | Heard several, Yasuni Park trail |
| Unicoloured Tapaculo | Heard, Mindo road, Yanacocha & San Isidro |
| Equatorial Rufous-vented Tapaculo Adult and juv seen, | Yanayacu road |
| Nari�o Tapaculo | Heard, Mindo road |
| Spillmann’s Tapaculo | Heard, Mindo road & Guacamayos ridge trail |
| Elegant Crescentchest | 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Sooty-headed Tyrannulet | 2, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Ashy-headed Tyrannulet | Several, San Isidro Lodge |
| Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet | 1, Rio Alambi |
| Golden-faced Tyrannulet | 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado; 1 or 2, Rio Silanche |
| Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet | 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Yellow-bellied Elaenia | 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Mottle-backed Elaenia | 1, Sacha creek |
| White-crested Elaenia | 2 or 3, San Isidro Lodge |
| White-throated Tyrannulet | 1, Polylepis wood (near Guango) |
| White-banded Tyrannulet | 1 or 2, Guango Lodge trail |
| White-tailed Tyrannulet | Mindo road, Guango Lodge & San Isidro area |
| Rufous-winged Tyrannulet | Common around Tandayapa area |
| Sulphur-bellied Tyrannulet | 1, Yanayacu road, San Isidro |
| Torrent Tyrannulet | Several, San Isidro area |
| Tufted Tit-Tyrant | 1, Antisana Reserve; 1 or 2, Polylepis wood |
| Streak-necked Flycatcher | 1, Mindo road; 1, San Isidro Lodge |
| Slaty-capped Flycatcher | Milpe & Rio Silanche |
| Rufous-breasted Flycatcher | 1 or 2, San Isidro area |
| Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant | 1, Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant | 1, Milpe; 1 or 2, Rio Silanche |
| Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher | 1, Mindo road; 1, Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher | 1, Rio Silanche tower |
| Common Tody-Flycatcher | 1 or 2, Rio Silanche trails |
| Grey-crowned Flatbill | 1, Sacha canopy tower |
| Olive-faced Flatbill | 2, Saladero de Loros trail |
| Ornate Flycatcher | Several, Milpe |
| Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher | 1, Yasuni Park trail |
| Bran-coloured Flycatcher | 1, Rio Silanche trail |
| Cinnamon Flycatcher | Several Tandayapa, Guango & San Isidro |
| Eastern Wood-Pewee | 1, Napo River island |
| Western Wood-Pewee | Milpe, Rio Silanche |
| Smoke-coloured Pewee | 1, Tandayapa Lodge; 1, Mindo road |
| Olive-sided Flycatcher | 1, Milpe |
| Acadian Flycatcher | 2, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Willow Flycatcher | 1, Napo River Island |
| Fuscous Flycatcher | 1, fleeting glimpse, Napo River island |
| Black Phoebe | Rivers in the San Isidro area |
| Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant | 2 or 3, Papallacta; 1, Polylepis wood |
| Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant | 1, Rio Alambi |
| Drab Water-Tyrant | 2 or 3, Napo Riverbank |
| Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant | 1, Papallacta |
| Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant | 1, Antisana Reserve |
| Páramo Ground-Tyrant | Several, Antisana Reserve & Papallacta |
| Masked Water-Tyrant | Up to 10, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Grayish Mourner | 1, Sacha canopy tower |
| Dusky-capped Flycatcher | 2, Rio Silanche trail; 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Pale-edged Flycatcher | Several, San Isidro Lodge |
| Great Kiskadee | Sacha Lodge |
| Boat-billed Flycatcher | 1, Rio Silanche car park |
| Social Flycatcher | 1 or 2, Sacha Lodge |
| Rusty-margined Flycatcher | 1, Milpe; Several, Rio Silanche |
| Grey-capped Flycatcher | 1, Sacha landing stage tower |
| Dusky-chested Flycatcher | 1, Sacha canopy tower |
| Streaked Flycatcher | Milpe, & Rio Silanche |
| Golden-crowned Flycatcher | Rio Alambi & Tandayapa Lodge |
| Piratic Flycatcher | 1, Sacha canopy tower |
| Crowned Slaty Flycatcher | 1, Sacha canopy tower |
| Tropical Kingbird | Common throughout |
| Snowy-throated Kingbird | 1, Milpe |
| Eastern Kingbird | 4 - 6, Sacha landing stage tower |
| Barred Becard | 1, Mindo road; 1, Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Cinnamon Becard | 1, Milpe; 1 or 2, Rio Silanche |
| Black-and-white Becard | Rio Silanche trail |
| One-coloured Becard | 1 or 2, Milpe & Rio Silanche |
| Pink-throated Becard | 1 male, Sacha canopy tower |
| Black-tailed Tityra | Sacha Lodge |
| Masked Tityra | 2 or 3, Rio Silanche |
| Red-crested Cotinga | 1, Papallacta Spa road |
| Barred Fruiteater | 1, Yanacocha |
| Green-and-black Fruiteater | Heard, Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Black-chested Fruiteater | Heard, San Isidro trail |
| Scaled Fruiteater | Heard, Yanacocha |
| Screaming Piha | Seen & heard, Yasuni Park trail |
| Plum-throated Cotinga | 1 male, Sacha canopy tower |
| Spangled Cotinga | 1 or 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Bare-necked Fruitcrow | 1, Sacha canopy tower |
| Purple-throated Fruitcrow | Pair, Saladero de Loros |
| Andean Cock-of-the-Rock | 4 males, Rio Alambi (western race) |
| Golden-headed Manakin | 2 males, Sacha canopy trail |
| Wire-tailed Manakin | 2 heard, Sacha canopy trail |
| Blue-crowned Manakin | 2, Yasuni Park trail |
| Golden-winged Manakin | 1or 2 females, Milpe |
| White-bearded Manakin | 1M&F, Pedro Vicente Maldonado; Rio Silanche trails |
| Club-winged Manakin | Displaying males, Milpe |
| Turquoise Jay | 2, Mindo road; 1, Guango; A few, San Isidro |
| Violaceous Jay | Several, Sacha Lodge |
| Inca (Green) Jay | Several, San Isidro |
| Black-billed Peppershrike | 1, San Isidro path |
| Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo | 1, Rio Silanche tower |
| Red-eyed Vireo | Common throughout |
| Brown-capped Vireo | Tandayapa & San Isidro |
| Lesser Greenlet | 1 or 2, Rio Silanche trail |
| Andean Solitaire | 1, Mindo road; 1, San Isidro path |
| Swainson’s Thrush | Common throughout |
| Pale-eyed Thrush | 1 or 2, San Isidro trails |
| Great Thrush | Common throughout |
| Glossy-black Thrush | 2 or 3, San Isidro trails |
| Black-billed Thrush | Several, Sacha trails |
| Lawrence’s Thrush | 1, Sacha canopy trail |
| Pale-vented Thrush | 2, Milpe |
| Hauxwell’s Thrush | Heard several, Sacha trails |
| Ecuadorian Thrush | 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado (by ford) |
| White-capped Dipper | Pair, Rio Alambi; 1, Papallacta Spa road |
| Brown-chested Martin | 3 or 4, Sacha lake |
| Grey-breasted Martin | Sacha Lodge |
| White-winged Swallow | Sacha Lodge & Napo River |
| Brown-bellied Swallow | Antisana Reserve & Papallacta |
| Blue-and-white Swallow | Tandayapa & San Isidro |
| White-banded Swallow | Napo Riverbanks |
| White-thighed Swallow | Several, Milpe |
| Southern Rough-winged Swallow | Milpe, Rio Silanche & Sacha |
| Sand Martin | 1 or 2, Sacha landing stage tower |
| Barn Swallow | 1 or 2, Napo River islands |
| Black-capped Donacobius | Pair, Napo River island |
| Rufous Wren | 6 or 7, Yanacocha; 1 or 2, Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Grass Wren | 1, Antisana Reserve |
| Bay Wren | 1 or 2, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| House Wren | 1, Milpe; 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado; 1, Coca |
| Mountain Wren | San Isidro & Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| (White-breasted Wood-Wren | Heard, leader only Sacha) |
| Grey-breasted Wood-Wren | Heard lots. Seen at Tandayapa & San Isidro |
| Southern Nightingale-Wren | Heard Milpe, Rio Silanche, Sacha. Seen, Yasuni Park trail |
| Tropical Gnatcatcher | 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Páramo Pipit | 2, Antisana Reserve |
| Tropical Parula | Milpe |
| Blackpoll Warbler | 1, Sacha landing stage tower |
| Blackburnian Warbler | Common throughout |
| Black-and-white Warbler | 1, San Isidro path |
| Olive-crowned Yellowthroat | Pair, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Canada Warbler | 1, Tandayapa; A few, San Isidro area |
| Slate-throated Whitestart | Tandayapa area & San Isidro area |
| Spectacled Whitestart | Milpe, Guango & San Isidro areas |
| Black-crested Warbler | Mindo road & Yanayacu road |
| Citrine Warbler | 1, Polylepis wood (near Guango) |
| Chocó Warbler | 2, Milpe |
| Russet-crowned Warbler | Tandayapa & San Isidro areas |
| Buff-rumped Warbler | 2 or 3, Rio Silanche trails |
| Bananaquit | A few, Milpe, Rio Silanche |
| Purple Honeycreeper | 2, Milpe; 1 or 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Green Honeycreeper | Milpe, Rio Silanche & Sacha |
| (Blue Dacnis | 2, leader only, Sacha tower) |
| Yellow-tufted Dacnis | 1, Milpe; 1, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Cinereous Conebill | 4, Papallacta |
| Capped Conebill | Mindo road, San Isidro trails (all poor views) |
| Giant Conebill | 1, Polylepis wood (near Guango) |
| Bluish Flowerpiercer | Several, San Isidro area |
| Masked Flowerpiercer | Tandayapa, Yanacocha, Guango and San Isidro areas |
| Glossy Flowerpiercer | A few, Yanacocha |
| Black Flowerpiercer | 1 or 2, Antisana Reserve |
| White-sided Flowerpiercer | Several, Mindo road |
| Fawn-breasted Tanager | 1 or 2, Milpe |
| Yellow-collared Chlorophonia | 1 in flight + calling, Milpe |
| Thick-billed Euphonia | 1 immature male, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Golden-rumped Euphonia | Heard, Mindo road |
| Orange-bellied Euphonia | Tandayapa area and San Isidro |
| Rufous-bellied Euphonia | 1or2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Bronze-green Euphonia | 1 female, San Isidro trail |
| White-lored Euphonia | 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Glistening-green Tanager | 1 or 2, Milpe |
| Grey-and-gold Tanager | Several, Rio Silanche tower |
| Golden Tanager | Tandayapa & Milpe |
| Emerald Tanager | Rio Silanche tower |
| Silver-throated Tanager | 1 or 2, Milpe |
| Saffron-crowned Tanager | A few, San Isidro paths |
| Flame-faced Tanager | 1 (western race), Milpe; 1, (Eastern race), Yanayacu road |
| Golden-naped Tanager | 2, Mindo road |
| Beryl-spangled Tanager | Milpe (inc. nest) & Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Blue-and-black Tanager | Milpe, Guango Lodge & Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Black-capped Tanager | Mindo road, San Isidro area |
| Blue-necked Tanager | Milpe, Rio Silanche & Guango |
| Masked Tanager | 1 or 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Golden-hooded Tanager | Rio Silanche tower |
| Opal-rumped Tanager | 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Opal-crowned Tanager | 2, Sacha canopy tower |
| Paradise Tanager | Up to 5, Sacha canopy tower |
| Green-and-gold Tanager | A few, Sacha canopy tower |
| Yellow-bellied Tanager | 1, Saladero de Pericos trail |
| Bay-headed Tanager | Milpe & Rio Silanche tower |
| Rufous-winged Tanager | 1 or 2, Rio Silanche tower |
| Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager | 3, Yanacocha (inc. 1 immature male) |
| Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager | 1, Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager | Tandayapa, Guango & San Isidro areas |
| Hooded Mountain-Tanager | Yanacocha & Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Moss-backed Tanager | 1 or 2, Milpe |
| Grass-green Tanager | 1, Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Rufous-crested Tanager | 1, Yanayacu road |
| Swallow Tanager | Pair, Milpe |
| Blue-grey Tanager | Milpe & Rio Silanche (western) & Sacha (eastern) |
| Palm Tanager | Milpe, Rio Silanche & Sacha |
| Blue-capped Tanager | Tandayapa & Milpe |
| (Blue-and-yellow Tanager | 1 heard, leader only, Yanacocha) |
| Silver-beaked Tanager | Pair, Napo River island |
| Masked Crimson Tanager | Several, Shipati Creek |
| Lemon-rumped Tanager | Common, Milpe & Rio Silanche |
| Summer Tanager | 1 male, Milpe; 2 males, San Isidro |
| White-winged Tanager | Milpe |
| Ochre-breasted Tanager | 3 or 4, Milpe |
| White-lined Tanager | Female, Pedro Vicente Maldonado petrol station |
| White-shouldered Tanager | Milpe & Rio Silanche |
| Tawny-crested Tanager | Several, Rio Silanche trail & tower |
| Scarlet-browed Tanager | 1 or 2, Rio Silanche tower |
| Common Bush-Tanager | Several, San Isidro paths |
| Dusky Bush-Tanager | Milpe & Mindo road |
| Yellow-throated Bush-Tanager | 1 or 2, Milpe |
| Black-backed Bush-Tanager | 1, Polylepis wood (near Guango) |
| Black-capped Hemispingus | 1, Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Western Hemispingus | 1, Mindo road |
| Magpie Tanager | A few, Sacha Lodge |
| Plushcap | 2 or 3, Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Buff-throated Saltator | Milpe & Rio Silanche |
| Black-winged Saltator | Tandayapa, Milpe & Rio Silanche |
| Grayish Saltator | A few, Sacha Lodge |
| Slate-coloured Grosbeak | 1, Milpe |
| Red-capped Cardinal | Up to 6, Sacha Lodge |
| Southern Yellow-Grosbeak | Mindo road, Tandayapa |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak | 2, Milpe |
| Blue-black Grassquit | Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Lesser Seed-Finch | 1 or 2, Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Variable Seedeater | Common, Milpe, Rio Silanche & Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Yellow-bellied Seedeater | Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Chestnut-bellied Seedeater | 1 male, 1 female, Napo River islands |
| Plain-coloured Seedeater | Yanacocha & Papallacta |
| Plumbeous Sierra-Finch | Common, Antisana Reserve |
| Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch | Several, Antisana Reserve |
| Pale-naped Brush-Finch | 3 or 4, Polylepis wood (near Guango) |
| Rufous-naped Brush-Finch | 4 or 5, Yanacocha |
| Tricoloured Brush-Finch | Tandayapa Lodge |
| White-winged Brush-Finch | Mindo road |
| Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch | 1, Tandayapa hide |
| Orange-billed Sparrow | 2, Milpe; 1 or 2, Rio Silanche trail |
| Yellow-browed Sparrow | 2, Napo River islands |
| Rufous-collared Sparrow | Common throughout |
| Yellow-rumped Cacique | Common, Sacha Lodge |
| Northern Mountain-Cacique | Yanayacu road & Guacamayos Ridge trail |
| Subtropical Cacique | Common, San Isidro Lodge area |
| Scarlet-rumped Cacique | 1, Rio Silanche car park |
| Crested Oropendola | A few, Sacha canopy tower |
| Russet-backed Oropendola | Common, Sacha Lodge |
| Shiny Cowbird | Several, Milpe & Pedro Vicente Maldonado |
| Giant Cowbird | 1 or 2, Napo Riverbanks |
| Moriche Oriole | 1, Sacha canopy tower |
| Oriole Blackbird | Up to 8, Napo River islands |
| Hooded Siskin | A few, Antisana Reserve |
| Olivaceous Siskin | A few, Yanayacu road |
| Yellow-bellied Siskin | 1 male, Milpe |
| House Sparrow | 2, Pedro Vicente Maldonado petrol station |
| Tropical Mockingbird | 1, Bonaire airfield |
| Common Buzzard | 1, Schiphol Airport |
| Eurasian Jackdaw | 1, Schiphol Airport |
| Carrion Crow | 1, Schiphol Airport |
| Mammals | |
|---|---|
| Red-tailed Squirrel | Milpe, Rio Silanche, San Isidro |
| Southern Red Squirrel | 1, Sacha Lodge |
| Brazilian (Páramo) Rabbit | Several, Antisana Reserve & Papallacta |
| Black Agouti | 1 or 2, Sacha Lodge; 1, San Isidro |
| Black-mantled Tamarin | 5 or 6, Sacha Lodge |
| Golden-mantled Tamarin | 1 or 2, Shipati Creek |
| White-fronted Capuchin | A few, Sacha Kapok tree tower |
| Red Howler Monkey | A few, Sacha towers and creek |
| Common Squirrel Monkey | Several, Sacha Kapok tree tower |
| Three-toed Sloth | 1, Sacha Kapok tree tower |
| Other Animals | |
|---|---|
| Spectacled Caiman | 1, Sacha Lodge |
| Tegu Lizard | 1 juvenile, Sacha landing stage tower |
| Bufo margatirifer | 2, Sacha trails (small, brown toad with pointed snout) |
| White-bellied Piranha | 1, Sacha Lake |
| Red-bellied Piranha | 1, Sacha Lake |
| Butterflies | |
|---|---|
| Many unidentified species were seen but the following were definitely seen. For pictures, please see the Tandayapa Lodge website: | |
| Glasswing sp | Tandayapa |
| Blue Morph | Sacha |
| Owl sp: Caligo eurilochus? | Milpe |
| Dione moneta Butleri | Tandayapa |
| Actinotae ozomene | Tandayapa |
| Adelpha cocyra collina? | Tandayapa |
| Diaethria marchelii | Tandayapa |
| Heliconus clysonimus hygiana | Tandayapa |
| Anartia amathea | Tandayapa |