Wildlife of Ecuador: A Photographic Field Guide to Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians 9781400885053

Table of contents :
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
Plan of the Book
Biogeography of Ecuador
Habitats and Bioregions
Species Accounts
Amphibians
Reptiles
Birds
Mammals
Bibliography
Map of Main Roads and National Protected Areas of Ecuador
Photographers
Index of Common Names
Index of Scientific Names

Citation preview

Wildlife of Ecuador

FACING PAGE PHOTOGRAPHIC CREDITS: Gem Anole female (AV); Spectacled Bear (SW); Smoky Jungle-Frog juvenile (AV); Velvet-purple Coronet (AV).

Wildlife of Ecuador A Photographic Field Guide to Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, and Amphibians Andrés Vásquez Noboa Photography by Pablo Cervantes Daza

Princeton University Press Princeton and Oxford

Copyright © 2017 by Princeton University Press Published by Princeton University Press, 41 William Street, Princeton, New Jersey 08540 In the United Kingdom: Princeton University Press, 6 Oxford Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire OX20 1TR nathist.princeton.edu Cover photograph: Ecuadorian Hillstar Oreotrochilus chimborazo, Pablo Cervantes Daza All Rights Reserved ISBN (pbk.) 978-0-691-16136-5 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Names: Vasquez Noboa, Andres. | Cervantes Daza, Pablo. Title: Wildlife of Ecuador : a photographic field guide to birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians / Andres Vasquez Noboa ; photography by Pablo Cervantes Daza. Description: Princeton : Princeton University Press, [2017] | Includes bibliographical references and index. Identifiers: LCCN 2016046312 | ISBN 9780691161365 (pbk. : alk. paper) Subjects: LCSH: Animals—Ecuador—Identification. | Animals—Ecuador—Pictorial works. | Birds—Ecuador—Identification. | Birds—Ecuador—Pictorial works. | Mammals—Ecuador—Identification. | Mammals—Ecuador—Pictorial works. | Reptiles—Ecuador—Identification. | Reptiles—Ecuador—Pictorial works. | Amphibians—Ecuador—Identification. | Amphibians—Ecuador—Pictorial works. Classification: LCC QL245 .V37 2017 | DDC 591.9866—dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016046312 British Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available This book has been composed in Minion Pro and Myriad Pro Printed on acid-free paper. ∞ Printed in China

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Contents Preface .............................................................................................................................................................. 7 Acknowledgments .................................................................................................................................... 9 Plan of the Book ...................................................................................................................................... 10 Biogeography of Ecuador .................................................................................................................. 12 Diversity and Its Causes .................................................................................................................. 12 The Andes ............................................................................................................................................... 13 The Equator ............................................................................................................................................ 14 Marine Currents .................................................................................................................................. 15 Habitats and Bioregions ........................................................................................................................ 17 Species Accounts Amphibians ................................................................................................................................................. 19 Reptiles ........................................................................................................................................................... 42 Birds ................................................................................................................................................................. 72 Mammals .................................................................................................................................................... 218 Bibliography and References ............................................................................................................ 270 Appendix: Map of Main Roads and National Protected Areas of Ecuador ............ 272 List of Photographers ........................................................................................................................... 274 Index of Common Names ................................................................................................................. 275 Index of Scientific Names .................................................................................................................. 281

Preface Since childhood, Andrés has been fascinated by the nature of Ecuador and its stunning abundance. His enthusiasm was sparked by family trips that took him to every corner of the country. This early love of Ecuador’s nature is what led him to study ecology at university, and afterward to work as a naturalist and birding guide, trying to share with visitors his passion for the country and its wildlife. Pablo came to appreciate nature as an adult, when he experienced firsthand the astonishing diversity of species in Tandayapa, and then started to take visitors around the country to photograph Ecuador’s birds and animals. This passion for wildlife is precisely why this book came about. It ignited the authors’ desire to share with visitors the spectacular array of wildlife that Ecuador offers and to encourage readers to visit the country, by giving them a tool to better understand and more easily locate the ecosystems and animals. We tried to accomplish these goals by providing, on one hand, fully accessible descriptions of the ecosystems and animals of Ecuador and, on the other, the best images we could gather. This guide is designed and intended for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, birders (casual or hard-core), mammal watchers, and herpetology fans, who require a nonspecialized guide to the animals and ecosystems most likely to be encountered during a visit to Ecuador. For a variety of reasons we decided to limit the guide to the following major animal groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. We excluded fish and nonvertebrates, which would require a host of dedicated volumes. Our overriding aim has been to include as much as we could from across Ecuador’s huge and biodiverse array of species in a single informative, handy, travel-friendly guidebook. The selection of species for this book was based on our own experience and extensive research into the most likely species to be found on a visit to Ecuador. The task of deciding which species were ultimately included was particularly difficult given the country’s astounding biodiversity, but we think that our selection does justice to the Ecuadorian fauna. This book covers only mainland Ecuador, and thus the animals restricted to the Galápagos Islands are not included. We have described 223 species of birds, 71 mammals, 37 amphibians, and 40 reptiles. Any visitor will almost certainly find some species that are not included in this book, but we believe that most of the regularly encountered species are included here. Finally, with this book we strongly wish to contribute to conservation efforts within Ecuador by encouraging people to visit not only the well-established and protected national parks but also smaller privately owned reserves that have been appearing in Ecuador more recently and have created important conservation hot spots. We hope that your entry fees, donations, and purchases from local markets will help these reserves thrive and contribute to the creation of vital biological corridors throughout the country. We encourage you not to hesitate to pay an entry fee or to hire a local guide, since the only way to true sustainability is by giving local communities a stake in ecotourism. Whooping Motmot from the dry tropical forest of coastal Ecuador (AV)

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Acknowledgments Andrés attributes his love for nature to the family trips taken around Ecuador back when he was a little kid. His parents awoke his interest in nature by telling him amusing tales, like those about why the Kapok trees of the dry coastal region look as if they are upside down, with their roots above the ground, and why the wonderfully colored Andean hillsides change tones when the wind hits them. That is why he expresses his most heartfelt gratitude to them, as well as to his wife, Paola, and daughter Sarah, who have been his main support and inspiration for his work. Pablo started to really appreciate Ecuador’s wildlife when he was able to capture it masterfully with his camera. His sister Cristina and brother-in-law Iain were crucial in supporting his avid and growing interest in photography, and he thanks them deeply. His first steps in bird and nature photography were taken at Tandayapa Bird Lodge, so Pablo holds this special place warmly in his heart. Pablo dedicates this work to his daughter, Alejandra, with whom he could not spend as much time as he wanted, due to the efforts needed for this book. The initial idea of producing this book came from a casual conversation between Andrés and Iain Campbell, when both were reviewing one of Iain’s recently published books about the wildlife of Australia. Iain’s great enthusiasm and zest gave the initial and fundamental push to this project, and within a matter of hours the basic plan for the book was set. Acknowledging this fact, we want to express our exceeding gratitude to Iain, without whom this book would have never seen the light of day. Very important to us as well is Robert Kirk, of Princeton University Press, who believed in this project and gave us all the support needed to publish our work with this prestigious editorial press. We profoundly thank our colleagues from Tropical Birding Tours—Nick Athanas, Sam Woods, Iain Campbell, José Illanes, Charley Hesse, George Lin, and Lisle Gwynn—whose generous and unconditional support, by providing pictures and advice, was of great help. We are also warmly grateful to the talented and experienced young herpetologists and outstanding photographers of Tropical Herping, who wrote the initial draft of the amphibian and reptile accounts and supplied wonderful pictures of most of the reptiles and amphibians; we thank in particular Alejandro Arteaga, with whom we coordinated this section of the project. Other gifted photographers, to whom we are deeply thankful, provided many key pictures for this book; they are all credited in the list of contributing photographers. Last but not least, we want to express our gratitude to Sam Woods, Roger Ahlman, Mitch Lysinger, Amy K. Hughes, and Miles McMullan for their great input reviewing the manuscript, and to Rob Still for the terrific work on the design and layout of the book.

Tumbesian Kapok Tree (Ceiba trichistandra), iconic to the dry coastal region (AV)

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Plan of the Book Apart from specific descriptions for each species, this book also contains useful information about habitats, ecosystems, and the topography of Ecuador. In order to facilitate the reader’s understanding of what is explained in the biogeography section, we have created a series of maps and figures that graphically complement the narrative. We urge readers to spend time with the section dedicated to Ecuador’s biogeography, since this is the best way to understand the habitat descriptions within the species accounts and to comprehend the forces behind the country’s incredible biodiversity. Given the dramatic topography of Ecuador, and the importance of elevation in the distribution of species, it is vital that the visitor pays attention to habitat and elevation during his or her time in the country. Habitat, range, and elevation differences are often key in separating similar species, so we have paid particular attention in describing these features for the species covered. With each species account, we have also included a distribution map for easier range reference. SPECIES ACCOUNTS Each species account has a brief description that highlights the animal’s main identification features. For birds, we give the average length of each species, from bill tip to tail tip; only in hummingbirds is the bill length not included in this measurement, since it varies greatly in this group. For mammals, we give the maximum weight of each species and the maximum length of the head and body combined, not including tail or limbs. In some specific cases, additional key measurements are given—for example, when a bill is very long or a tail length is an important identification feature. Measurements given for frogs are the maximum body length registered for each species, since average size would not be a useful reference, given the considerable size variations due to sexual dimorphism (typically males are much smaller than females). For reptiles we present average lengths that include the tail. In the accounts of reptiles and amphibians we include some notes on environmental threats, since these species are often indicators of the ecological health of

xxxxx (AV)

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a region. Throughout the accounts we have consulted the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (http://www.iucnredlist.org/) for conservation status; the categories include Near Threatened, Vulnerable, and Endangered. PHOTOGRAPHS A photograph accompanies each species description; for species that vary by sex or color, we may include more than one photograph. In some cases two or even three species that are very similar or almost indistinguishable in the field are treated together using only one or two photographs, with their key differences described in detail in the text. Each photograph includes the photographer’s initials, as defined in the list of photographers at the back of the book. RANGE MAPS Each species described has a corresponding range map, since geographical distribution is oftentimes a key feature when it comes to identifying species of similar appearance. The ranges shown on each map are only referential and not intended as perfectly defined distribution graphs; due to several factors, it is impossible to outline the exact ranges of the species. Maps show the regular locations each species inhabits—or visits, in the case of migrants. In various cases two or even three species are included in one map, corresponding with the account description. TAXONOMY We intentionally chose not to follow any particular linear taxonomic sequence and instead present similar species next to one another, prioritizing ease of identification over scientific organization. For each species we have supplied the accepted scientific name and the commonly used vernacular name. Some species are given two common names, reflecting different taxonomic authorities or just differences in nomenclature within the literature. Yanacocha Reserve, just outside Quito (AV)

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Biogeography of Ecuador Diversity and Its Causes The incredible biodiversity within Ecuador is the result of three main biogeographic factors that have combined to make this country one of the richest wildlife areas on Earth: the Andes, Ecuador’s location on the equator, and two major marine currents along the coast (see Figure 1). PANAMA

Panama Current

COLOMBIA

Andes Mountains

Equator Lat. 0°

ECUADOR

Humboldt Current PERU

BRAZIL

N 0

62

125

250 Km

figure 1. Three main biogeographic factors converge to make Ecuador one of the most

biologically diverse places on Earth: the equator (for which the country is named), the Andes Mountains (represented here in brown), and two major Pacific Ocean currents, the Panama and the Humboldt.

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The Andes The impressive Cordillera de los Andes in Ecuador consists of two main chains of high mountains and volcanoes that run north–south in parallel through the middle of the country, dividing it in half and producing three main natural regions: the coast or western lowlands; the Andes, from its foothills on each side to its snowcaps; and the Amazon lowlands in the east. The Andes started to uplift millions of years ago, when two tectonic plates collided, resulting in the subduction of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate. Silicarich sediments, in the form of sands and silts, were deposited over the basaltic ocean floor. As the subducting Nazca Plate melted at varying temperatures and depths (the sediment layer melted at lower temperatures and higher depths than the basaltic layer), uplifting occurred in different longitudes, and two main chains, or cordilleras, of volcanoes were formed: the Western Cordillera and the Eastern Cordillera (see Figure 2). These two chains are important to Ecuador’s biodiversity not only because they separate the coastal and Amazon regions, but also because each cordillera’s inner slope is separated from the other’s by inter-Andean valleys that lie in between them. These valleys produce a wide barrier between western and eastern animal populations, cutting gene flow between them and leading to greater speciation. For example, two very similar bird species, diverging from the same ancestor, now fill corresponding ecological niches on each side of the Andes. The mountain chain not only became this natural barrier but also, and much more important in terms of biodiversity, it created a dramatic orographic profile that led to the

PLATE TECTONICS

Western Cordillera

5000m

Sl op e

4000m 3000m 2000m 1000m 0m

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Eastern Cordillera

Inter-Andean Valleys

c cifi

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lope

Pacific Ocean

Ocean Sediment melts and rises

Sea floor (Nazca Plate) being subducted under continent (South American Plate)

Ocean Basalt melts and rises

figure 2. The Andes Mountains began to form about 65 million years ago when two tectonic

plates, the Nazca and the South American, collided. As the Nazca Plate slid underneath the South American Plate, in a process known as subduction, sediments and rock beneath the surface heated up, melted, and rose toward the surface, creating two volcanic mountain chains, the Western Cordillera and the Eastern Cordillera. 13

formation of various elevational vegetation belts along the slopes. Progressively, tall trees of the hot and steamy lowlands are replaced by shorter ones as we ascend the slopes, eventually transitioning into low vegetation that clings to the soil on the drier cold mountaintops. The variation in temperature, oxygen, and air pressure has led to adaptations within the fauna and flora, and to species adapted specifically to each elevation belt (see Figure 3). The higher one goes in the Andes, the harsher the conditions become, with a concomitant loss in species diversity. Lower on the slopes, in subtropical areas and in the foothills, the limiting factors lessen, and there is a rapid increase in species diversity. The peak of abundance and diversity occurs in the humid lowlands, where abundant resources have given rise to impressive diversity, and species have evolved to fill every available ecological niche.

The Equator Equatorial regions have uniform monthly temperatures and, more important, lack the distinctive seasons found at other latitudes; there are no extreme temperature variations. As a result, nothing is forced to leave the tropics in search of food, and there are no sizable animal migrations. On the contrary, the tropics welcome many boreal- and australbreeding bird species that escape the extreme cold of their respective winters. Without the OROGRAPHIC MAP and ELEVATIONAL ZONES

Tulcán

o

as

yap

iag

nt

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Ca

Esmeraldas

ald

er

m

Es as

Ibarra

Equator

Sto.Domingo de los Tsáchilas

Lat. 0°

Putum ayo San Migu el

Lago Agrio

QUITO Co

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Ag

Fsco. de Orellana (Coca)

uar

ico

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Portoviejo

ule

Napo

Puyo Curar

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Guaranda Riobamba Bob

ba Ba

Guayaquil

ona

o Upan

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Babahoyo

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Latacunga

Santa Elena

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Macas Pa

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Cuenca

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Loja

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50

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Elevation

Corresponding elevational zones

0 - 500m

Lowlands

500 - 1200m

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Capital of Ecuador Province capitals Main rivers

Santiago

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Moro

Azogues

Machala

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Zamora

Foothills and coastal cordilleras

1200 - 2000m

Subtropics

2000 - 3400m

Upper subtropics, temperate zone & inter-Andean valleys

3400 - 4000m

Grassland páramo and elfin forest zone

>4000m

Cushion-plant páramo, tree line, and snowcaps

figure 3. This orographic map of Ecuador shows the habitat and vegetation zones that

correspond to variations in elevation.

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limiting factor of extreme seasonal temperature variation, wildlife thrives in Ecuador, and evolutionary forces are unleashed, leading to tremendous species diversity. Relatively high temperatures even at higher elevations allow a great number of organisms to live all the way up to and above 5,000m (16,400ft), near the glaciers in the páramos, areas similar in habitat to Arctic tundra. The high Andes host, for example, Polylepis trees, the highest naturally occurring tree in the world; Polylepis tends to form small monospecific patches, to insulate better against the freezing temperatures, and brings the tree line close to 5,000m. High-elevation areas in the tropical Andes are rich and diverse, well populated by organisms that have adapted to low temperatures and reduced oxygen. If very high elevations in this latitude are this biodiverse, middle and lower areas are amongst the richest ecosystems on the planet. Furthermore, the equatorial zone receives some of the highest annual rainfall rates on Earth. Fresh water is, of course, crucial for most living organisms, so in areas where there is plentiful rainfall, biodiversity increases. The tropical rain forests are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.

Marine Currents The coastal region of Ecuador receives annually two main oceanic currents, which flow from diametrically opposite directions. One, the Panama Current, comes from the north, while the other, the Humboldt or Peru Current, arrives from the south (see Figure 1). The Panama is a warm current that flows from the western coasts of Central America to reach northern Ecuador around November and ultimately runs west toward the Galápagos Islands; the humidity it generates produces high rainfall along the lowlands and slopes of northern mainland Ecuador. The Humboldt Current, which is cold, runs northward along the western coast of southern South America and brings extensive aridity to Ecuador’s southern coastal region, the southern Pacific slope, and even to some inter-Andean valleys of the country (see Figure 4). El Niño, a third current, is not a yearly event but a stronger flow of warmer waters that comes from the western Pacific eastward and eventually reaches the South American coast every two to seven years, bringing abnormal weather patterns around the world; in Ecuador it mainly causes extreme rainfall in most of the coastal region and the Pacific slope. The two yearly currents, Panama and Humboldt, converge on Ecuador’s coasts and produce two very different effects on wildlife. The warm humidity from the Panama Current allows life to proliferate, so the ecosystems influenced are always green, lush, and rich. Meanwhile, dryness brought by the Humboldt Current represents a challenge for plants and wildlife and forces organisms to adapt to limited rainfall, in some cases extremely arid conditions, often producing unique ecosystems and species. So we have rich tropical rain forests in the northwest (the Chocó region) and remarkable dry tropical forests in the southwest (the Tumbesian region). This variety of ecosystems favors tremendous biodiversity.

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NORTHERN ANDES

OROGRAPHIC RAIN

OROGRAPHIC RAIN

5000m

INTER-ANDEAN RAIN SHADOW

4000m 3000m

WET WARM WINDS

2000m 1000m

WET WARM WINDS

0m

SOUTHERN ANDES

OROGRAPHIC RAIN

LIMITED OROGRAPHIC RAIN

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INTER-ANDEAN RAIN SHADOW

4000m 3000m 2000m 1000m

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WET WARM WINDS

0m

figure 4. Orographic rain is precipitation caused by warm and moist air that as it lifts over a

mountain cools down, undergoes condensation, and turns into clouds and rain. The orographic rain profile of Ecuador on its western side differs from north to south due to the Pacific Ocean currents. In the northern Andes the warm Panama Current brings humidity that produces high rainfall, as shown in the top illustration. The colder Humboldt Current from the south, brings in drier air and lower rainfall, especially to the coastal region, though it also affects the southern inter-Andean valleys (bottom illustration). The eastern side of the Andes receives humid air that comes from the steamy Amazon rain forest, creating similar orographic rain conditions from north to south.

Cup fungi on the Amazonian rain forest floor (AV) 16

Habitats and Bioregions The configuration of Ecuador’s main bioregions is shown in Figure 5. It is easy to see that there is extensive habitat zonation on the slopes of the Andes contrasting with the less habitat-diverse lowland areas. The areas shown on the map as foothill and subtropical forest are commonly known as cloud forest, because condensation, formed as hot currents of air that rise from the lowlands hit the mountains, creates clouds of mist. These humid bioregions are among the better-preserved habitats in the country, owing to the steepness of the slopes, which prevents large-scale agriculture and accommodates relatively little human settlement. The humid tropical forests called rain forest are found in the eastern and northwestern lowlands. Despite the poor soil, large-scale agriculture and logging have fragmented the habitats, especially in the west, where urbanization is intense. The humid Chocó area is home to many endemic species—toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, and barbets among them; furthermore, its high biodiversity makes this habitat one of the most popular for tourists. In the lowland Amazon region, we still have huge areas of undisturbed forest, given the area’s scarce and scattered population, plus the presence of vast nationally protected MAIN BIOGEOGRAPHIC REGIONS

Esmeraldas

Equator

Tandayapa & Mindo

Lat. 0°

Otavalo QUITO

Lago Agrio

Papallacta Fsco. de Orellana (Coca)

Saquisilí

Tena

Manta Baños

Puerto Lopez

N Guayaquil

Alausí

Salinas

0

Macas

25

50

Capital of Ecuador 100 Km

Most-visited cities

Main Vegetation Zones Amazon (eastern) lowland rain forest

Cuenca

Amazon (eastern) foothill and subtropical forest Temperate forest and humid inter-Andean valleys

Machala Zaruma Loja

Dry inter-Andean valleys Zamora

Chocó (western) foothill and subtropical forest Chocó (western) lowland rain forest Tumbesian dry forest and scrub Tumbesian desert scrub

figure 5. This map shows Ecuador’s main biogeographic regions and vegetation zones.

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areas, such as the Yasuní National Park. The Amazon rain forest looks pretty uniform, like a huge green carpet that extends over northern South America; nevertheless it is a mosaic of various forest types that host a great variety of micro-ecosystems. Each one of these habitats has its own set of animals and plants, and therefore we have included some references to these forest types in several species descriptions, since the knowledge of each habitat facilitates identification of the animals. Here, the most diverse and complex forest type is the terra firme, which basically never gets flooded, allowing for habitat stability and a diverse ecosystem. There are two types of flooded forest: várzea, not very widespread in the western Amazon, is seasonally flooded forest usually close to large white-water rivers (“white” refers to the water’s opaque coloring, not to the existence of rapids); while igapó is a permanently flooded forest that mostly surrounds blackwater lagoons and is dominated by palms and freshwater mangroves. The banks of white-water rivers receive a lot of sediments that are washed down from the Andes and, in areas where there is no flooding, small-scale agriculture can be found alongside riparian (or riverine) forest. River islands are a world apart, with their unique permanently transitional vegetation dominated by grasses, Tessaria bushes, and stands of Cecropia trees of varying ages. They are host to a variety of species, including capybaras, river turtles, and spinetails, some of which may be found only in these habitat; interestingly, it has been shown that birds adapted to live in these islands have a warmer body temperature, enabling them to tolerate better the temperatures of this more scarcely vegetated ecosystem, which are higher compared to those of taller and denser forests. The high Andes, characterized by elfin forest and páramo, represent a challenging environment for wildlife, so those species that do inhabit this region have adapted well. While diversity is not as high as in some habitats, given the inclement conditions, those species that have managed to adapt are quite special. For instance, some flowers have modified parabolic-shaped petals to concentrate the solar radiation onto their pistils to avoid freezing of their reproductive parts. In the Tumbesian region, in the southwest of the country, the limiting factors are the scarcity of water and high levels of solar radiation. Many plant species have evolved to shed their leaves during the peak of the dry season to avoid dehydration; forests are deciduous in response to the low water supply. The most iconic species is the Tumbesian Kapok tree (Ceiba trichistandra), which loses all its leaves for several months a year. However, it can continue photosynthesis because the main trunk and branches are covered with chlorophyll. The tree also has the capacity to store water in the main trunk for the driest periods.

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Amphibians

AV

AMPHIBIANS TOADS, FROGS AMPHIBIANS: 1

Mitred Toad Rhinella margaritifera

7.8cm/3in

Any toad in Ecuador that resembles a leaf and has a spear-shaped head is likely to be Mitred Toad. Each individual is different, and this makes it one of the most variable species in the tropics. It also is one of the most famous toads of the Amazon forest, because it is extremely common, easily found in daytime, and widespread throughout many tropical environments. 2

Cane Toad Rhinella marina

14cm/5.5in

Most inhabitants of the New World tropics and subtropics are familiar with this extremely common large toad. It is the second-largest species of toad in the world, and is common not only in the Americas but also overseas, such as in Australia, where it has been introduced. It is an opportunistic predator that feeds on anything that is not too large to swallow, mostly insects but also rotting garbage. Cane Toad is one of the most prolific species of amphibians known. A single female may lay up to 36,100 eggs in a single clutch. 3

Little-devil Poison-Frog Oophaga sylvatica

3.8cm/1.5in

This spectacular and colorful amphibian is famous in Ecuador for its variable coloration and because the adult females of the species feed their tadpoles with unfertilized eggs. You can find these “little devils” in forests of the Pacific lowlands. Unique toxins present all over the skin characterize this frog and others in its family. Some of these toxins are used in medicine, for which reason conservation of this species is needed. Illegal wildlife trafficking is the principal threat to this poison-frog. 4

Darwin Wallace Poison-Frog Epipedobates darwinwallacei

1.9cm/0.75in

The most remarkable feature of this frog is its coloration: blackish overlaid with a contrasting golden-yellow netlike pattern. Not surprisingly, these colors signal danger. The species has a number of toxic skin compounds that have not yet been studied by scientists. This Ecuador endemic is closely associated with water bodies in open areas. Its very restricted habitat is prone to chemical pollution, and for this reason the species is classified as Endangered. Farther south on the western slope E. darwinwallacei is replaced by the similar Phantasmal Poison-Frog (E. anthonyi, previously E. tricolor), which has light blue stripes on a dark reddish-brown body. In 1972, in the skin of E. anthonyi, from specimens found in Ecuador, scientists discovered a nonaddictive alkaloid 200 times stronger than morphine, which was named epibatidine; it has been synthetized for medicinal development (e.g., in analgesics), but so far the toxicity involved is too strong for a viable use in humans. 20

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AMPHIBIANS: FROGS 1

Unexpected Rocket-Frog Allobates insperatus

1.8cm/0.75in

Torrential rains in the Amazon basin unleash a deafening chorus of amphibian calls. In the forest interior, one of the most prevalent species is Unexpected Rocket-Frog. Males of this species actively call from humid leaf litter to establish territories, attract females, and cast away competing males. However, in the process, the sound attracts predators such as snakes. 2

Wikiri Poison-Frog Ameerega bilinguis

2.4cm/1in

This small species is one of the most beautiful poison-frogs in Ecuador, where it is known locally as “Ecuadorian flag poison-frog.” It can be recognized instantly by its characteristic red and blue dorsal coloration and the yellow spots on the groin. It can be confused with Sanguine Rocket-Frog (Allobates zaparo), which is almost identical but with a grayish belly, and Ruby Poison-Frog (Ameerega parvula), which lacks the yellow spots; both range mostly farther south, overlapping with Wikiri only a little. Wikiri Poison-Frog is a common species in primary forest but is usually found in lower densities in secondary forest. Habitat destruction and degradation are general threats to the species. Fortunately, it is not an endangered species. 3

Amazonian Poison-Frog Ranitomeya ventrimaculata

1.8cm/0.75in

This small species can be separated from other poison-frogs that live in the same area by its orange and blue coloration. It is associated with well-preserved forests in the Amazon rain forest of Ecuador. This diurnal frog can be seen on the canopy, in epiphytes growing on trees, at about 40m (130ft) above the forest floor; and in leaf litter on the ground. Although its population is stable, its abundance varies throughout its range, and it is rare in Ecuador. Major threats to this species are deforestation, human settlement, and water pollution. 4

Emerald Glassfrog Espadarana prosoblepon

3.1cm/1.25in

This adaptable species has the most variable coloration among the glassfrogs. It can be separated from other glassfrogs of the same area by the notably enlarged humeral spines (a small protuberance near each shoulder) in males. In female, the absence of white speckling or red dots is separates it from Red-spotted Glassfrog. This species is found in streams from the Pacific coast to the cloud forest. It appears to be less affected by emergent infectious diseases than other amphibians. However, the quality and extent of its habitat have been severely diminished, particularly in Ecuador, where large portions of Chocó forests have been lost or fragmented. 22

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AMPHIBIANS: FROGS 1

Northern Glassfrog Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni

3.2cm/1.25in

This species is one of the most interesting Ecuadorian glassfrogs, due to its complete ventral transparency. From beneath, all its main organs can be seen clearly, particularly the hearts and lungs. This amazing amphibian is found on top of leaves in streamside habitats. Although it is a common glassfrog, its populations have been decimated by pollution, deforestation, and emergent infectious diseases. It is found along streams of Chocó lowlands. 2

Red-spotted Glassfrog Nymphargus grandisonae

3cm/1.25in

One single feature sets Nymphargus grandisonae apart from all other glassfrogs: its greenish dorsum covered with red spots. No other glassfrog has spots of this color. For this reason, Red-spotted Glassfrog is sought after by photographers and herp (reptile and amphibian) lovers. Another useful hint to its identification is the presence of humeral spines in males. Glassfrogs are extremely territorial, and these spines are used in fights against other males of the species. 3

Handsome Glassfrog Centrolene bacatum

2.2cm/0.75in

Handsome Glassfrog lives high in cloud forests of the Amazon slopes of the Andes. For reasons that remain unknown, this species generally displaces other glassfrogs in the area. Apparently, it is better adapted and more fecund than other species. It can be recognized by the fine whitish dots on its face and dorsum.

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Babbling Torrenteer Hyloscirtus alytolylax

4.4cm/1.75in

Here is a treefrog that often gets confused with a glassfrog. Unlike glassfrogs, Babbling Torrenteer has a characteristic call involving a series of loud trills. On the other hand, it resembles glassfrogs in that it inhabits cloud forests and perches on vegetation right above coldwater streams. It is listed in the category Near Threatened because it is strongly dependent on well-preserved forested streamside habitats. These areas are clearly declining in extent and quality. Fortunately, the frog is locally common and relatively widely distributed.

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AMPHIBIANS: FROGS 1

Moss Rainfrog Pristimantis eriphus

2.9cm/1.25in

This small and beautiful frog is characterized by its mossy aspect and greenish color. It is found at night on top of low herbaceous vegetation up to 3m (10ft) above the ground, in partially cleared and old-growth cloud forest on the northeastern Andean slopes. It is a vulnerable species due to general habitat loss and because its distribution is severely fragmented. 2

Broad-Disk Rainfrog Pristimantis latidiscus

5.3cm/2in

One thing makes Broad-Disk Rainfrog different from most other frogs in Ecuador. It is one of the few that has never been heard singing. Therefore, it is hard to determine how males of this species manage to attract females. Another interesting characteristic of the species is the enlarged finger disks, which separate this rainfrog from other common species in the Chocó forests. Broad-Disk Rainfrog is often found perched on bushes and trees from the understory up to the canopy. Like all the frogs of the genus Pristimantis, it has direct development. This means that the female lays eggs that hatch directly into miniature versions of the adults, thus bypassing the tadpole phase.

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Warbler Rainfrog Pristimantis walkeri

2.5cm/1in

This small, arboreal rainfrog can be separated from other similar frogs by the flashy black and yellow colors on the groin. One unusual characteristic of this species is its preference for disturbed habitats, such as forest edge and plantations, over well-preserved ones. Few other amphibians in Ecuador have similar habitat preferences. However, although Warbler Rainfrog is presumed to have large and stable populations, these may be negatively affected by large-scale mechanized agriculture.

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Pinocchio Rainfrog Pristimantis appendiculatus No other Ecuadorian rainfrog can be confused with this species, distinguished by the exaggeratedly elongated fleshy tubercle at the tip of its snout, which resembles a long nose. The Pinocchio is not necessarily tied to water bodies and is an extremely common frog throughout its cloud-forest distribution. Main threats to the survival of this species are climate change and deforestation. This is due to its dependency on well-preserved forested areas with high humidity levels.

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3.5cm/1.5in

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AMPHIBIANS: FROGS 1

Enigmatic Rainfrog Pristimantis enigmaticus

3.8cm/1.5in

Bromeliads in the central Ecuadorian Amazon look empty if there is no Enigmatic Rainfrog inside. The frogs are so adapted to living in these arboreal water-filled plants that they spend nearly their entire lives—calling, reproducing, and sleeping—inside them. These rainfrogs have even developed slender bodies to fit between the plants’ tight leaves. This species is a recent split from Acuminate Rainfrog (P. acuminatus). Another recent split from Acuminate, Limoncocha Rainfrog (P. limoncochensis), is a similar species that replaces the Enigmatic north of the Napo River. 2

Goblin Rainfrog Pristimantis sobetes

3.7cm/1.5in

The most remarkable attribute of this common frog from the Pacific cloud forest is its colorful reddish eyes. Locals have long related the presence of this rainfrog to bad luck, hence the common name. Scientists, on the other hand, consider the presence of this species an indicator of environmental quality, not only because the species requires well-preserved forests but also given the scarcity of records of Goblin Rainfrog. Although its population numbers seem to be increasing, it is still considered an endangered species due to its restricted elevational range and its strong dependency on well-conserved forested montane ecosystems. 3

Diadem Rainfrog Pristimantis diadematus

2.4cm/1in

This species differs from its congeners (species of the same genus) in having a diagonal dark brown- or black-spotted mark on a yellowish to bluish-white background on the flanks. It is an arboreal species, found in primary and secondary forests in suitable habitats throughout the Ecuadorian Amazon. A common species, facing few major threats to its survival, it is widespread, with large areas of suitable habitat remaining. In some localities where Diadem Rainfrog occurs, the frog is affected by logging, agriculture, oil exploration, and colonization. 4

Quito Rainfrog Pristimantis unistrigatus If you live in Quito, you undoubtedly know this frog. At night, whenever it rains, it floods the city with its songs. Normally, this rainfrog is found in grasslands and cultivated areas in inter-Andean valleys, but it has found a way to adapt to heavily populated areas and is not threatened in any way. It can be separated from other species by its small size, plump appearance, and brownish color.

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3.1cm/1.25in

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AMPHIBIANS: FROGS 1

Amazonian Balloon-Frog Chiasmocleis bassleri

2.1cm/0.75in

The leaf litter in Amazon forests is populated by an extremely diverse array of small amphibians. One of the most easily seen is Amazonian Balloon-Frog, which prefers soil along streams and other riparian habitats. The species feeds mostly on ants and is active by night. It does not occur outside forested areas and therefore is adversely affected by deforestation and habitat fragmentation. 2

Plain Marsupial-Frog Gastrotheca litonedis

6.2cm/2.5in

This big and beautiful brownish frog has an amazing reproductive cycle. When a gravid female is seen, one notices swollen bumps on the back, which are protrusions caused by numerous underdeveloped tadpoles she carries within a backpack-like brood pouch. In due time, the aquatic larvae will be released into a pond, where they can complete their development. Plain Marsupial-Frog is considered Endangered, due to its restricted and heavily fragmented distribution in the high Andes. 3

Amazonian Rioter-Frog Engystomops petersi

3.9cm/1.5in

Despite the name, Amazonian Rioter-Frog is actually quite modest and quiet when it comes to singing. However, its call is immediately recognizable because it resembles the sound of a deflating balloon. Another characteristic of the species is the white belly with black spots. It is a nocturnal terrestrial frog that can be found mainly in well-preserved forests throughout Amazonian Ecuador. This species is very abundant in some localities, but local populations are impacted by habitat loss and agricultural expansion. 1 TH

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AMPHIBIANS: FROGS 1

Executioner Clownfrog Dendropsophus carnifex

3.2cm/1.25in

The curious name of this clownfrog is a reference to the scientist who first secured a large sample of these frogs, capturing so many that he was termed the executioner. The frog is easy to identify by its goldenyellow to olive-drab dorsum and bright yellowish belly. It is endemic to the slopes of the Andes in Ecuador and is extremely common, although only within the northwestern area. Executioner Clownfrog is associated with lentic (or still) water bodies in partly or completely open areas adjacent to or inside cloud forests. It is found at night on emergent aquatic vegetation or perched on bushes and trees up to 3.5m (11.5ft) above the ground.

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Royal Clownfrog Dendropsophus bifurcus

3.5cm/1.5in

Clownfrog is a perfect name for this extremely colorful species. It is extremely docile and is not poisonous at all. The species is easily found around stagnant water in open areas throughout the Amazon basin. The way to find it is by scanning vegetation overhanging the water at night.

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Smoky Jungle-Frog Leptodactylus pentadactylus

20cm/8in

Three characteristics make this species unique in the Amazon basin: First, it is the second-largest (or possibly the largest) frog in the Amazon. Second, it is one of the most toxic frogs within its distribution. Third, and most curiously, several indigenous groups frequently capture it for food. Apparently, the toxic properties of the toad are lost once the animal is skinned, and it makes a tasty and harmless meal. This is the species that keeps tourists awake all night, when a big individual is around their lodge cabins, with its very loud whoop call; especially when it is raining, it keeps on calling for hours.

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AMPHIBIANS: FROGS 1

Ashy Treefrog Hypsiboas cinerascens

3.8cm/1.5in

This frog has the appearance of a glassfrog even though it is a treefrog. We can separate this species from other treefrogs that live in the same area by the greenish dorsum with small yellow spots. Associated with slow-moving bodies of water, it may be seen at night on emergent aquatic vegetation or perched on bushes and trees. It is a common species of the Amazonian tropical forest, mainly found in primary and secondary forest, even in extremely disturbed areas. Deforestation and pollution are the main threats to its survival. 2

Polka-dot Treefrog Hypsiboas punctatus

4.1cm/1.5in

This is one of the most beautiful species of frogs in the Amazon basin. It can easily be recognized by its pattern of red dots on a greenish dorsum. No other frog in the area has this characteristic pattern. Polka-dot Treefrog feeds mainly on flying insects, which it ambushes from floating vegetation in Amazon lakes. 3

Palm Treefrog Hypsiboas pellucens

6cm/2.25in

Although often mistaken for a glassfrog, Palm Treefrog belongs to a different family of amphibians. It is associated with slow-moving bodies of water in areas with remaining lowland and foothill evergreen forests in Pacific lowlands and adjacent Andean slopes. This species also occurs nears lakes in drier or heavily disturbed environments, such as urban areas. Females can lay more than 1,400 eggs at a time. Hypsiboas pellucens differs from other similar frogs in having a spur on the heel. This species is very adaptable and therefore is not considered to be endangered. 1 TH

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AMPHIBIANS: FROGS 1

Pale Gladiator-Frog Hypsiboas rosenbergi

9.7cm/3.75in

Named for its aggressive territorial behavior with other members of its species, Pale Gladiator-Frog builds nests that it defends fiercely against intruders. In these nests, females of the species can lay more than 3,000 eggs. Additionally, this treefrog is very adaptable, and therefore is not an endangered species.

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Convict Treefrog Hypsiboas calcaratus

5.6cm/2.25in

Upon first sight, it is hard to tell why this species is named Convict Treefrog. However, upon closer examination, a careful observer will notice the black-and-white stripes adorning the thighs of this species. It is associated with slow-moving bodies of water and can be seen at night on emergent aquatic vegetation or perched on bushes and trees. It is a common species of the Amazonian tropical forest, found in primary and secondary forest, as well as in extremely disturbed areas. Although it is not endangered, it has been affected by deforestation and pollution. 3

Gold-nugget Treefrog Hypsiboas picturatus With its big eyes and colorful body, this is possibly the most beautiful treefrog of the Ecuadorian western lowlands. Hypsiboas picturatus is always associated with streams up to 1,000m (3,280ft) above sea level. It lives on vegetation close to the watercourses, while the tadpoles develop in these streams. However, the tadpoles’ survival has been negatively affected by deforestation and pollution. Fortunately, the species is still abundant in some localities. 1 TH

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6.9cm/2.75in

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AMPHIBIANS: FROGS 1

Red-snouted Treefrog Scinax ruber

4.3cm/1.75in

No other frog in the Amazon basin is more frequently heard in open areas than the Red-snouted Treefrog. This adaptable species has colonized almost every open habitat type within its range. It gathers in large numbers in stagnant water bodies from which it vocalizes with a distinctive quack-like sound. Occasionally, the species is found in bathrooms and building walls. In fact, it is more present in areas where humans have settled than in those without people. 2

Casque-headed Treefrog Trachycephalus jordani

9.9cm/4in

One characteristic separates this big species from the other nearly 500 amphibians of Ecuador: a heavily ossified skull. In this odd-looking frog, the skin is ossified over the underlying head bones, and the head can look almost sculptured (though sometimes this is not very apparent). It is a common species that can be found easily in wet and dry forests and disturbed areas up to 1,000m (3,280ft) above sea level. Deforestation is the major threat to its survival. 3

Tiger Monkey-Frog Phyllomedusa tomopterna

8cm/3.25in

High in the canopy of the Amazon rain forest lives one of the most beautiful amphibians of the world. Although it is green overall, Tiger Monkey-Frog has a pattern of orange and black stripes on the hidden surfaces of the hind limbs and on the flanks. This heavily contrasting pattern is thought to act as a mechanism to startle predators and aid the frog in escaping. Other than that, the frog has few defense mechanisms. In fact, it is extremely slow and quiet. This makes it hard to locate in the dense canopy vegetation where it lives. 1 TH

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Peruvian Salamander Bolitoglossa peruviana

4.2cm/1.75in

This salamander lives in the Amazon rain forest of Ecuador and is commonly found on leaves at night. Its defense mechanism involves violent squirming and flailing, resulting in a fall to the ground, where it can hide from predators, relying on its cryptic coloration. This salamander survives in modified habitats, so there are no major threats, except extreme deforestation. 2

Two-lined Salamander Bolitoglossa biseriata

18cm/7in

Reaching 18cm in total length, Two-lined is Ecuador’s largest salamander. However, the most amazing feature of the species (and the other members of its family) is the lack of lungs. Instead, it breathes through its skin and the tissues of the ventral area, thighs, and those lining its mouth, absorbing oxygen not only from air but also from water. For this reason, it is most active after heavy rains, when the vegetation is covered by a fine film of water. This species lives in the Chocó lowlands, a region that has some of the highest levels of rainfall in the world. Although this delicate amphibian has stable populations, deforestation for agricultural development, human settlements, and pollution resulting from crop fumigation are affecting its numb

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REPTILES: CAIMAN 1

Crowned Caimanlet Paleosuchus trigonatus

2m/6.5ft

Crowned Caimanlet is one of the smallest species of caimans in the world and therefore does not pose a threat to humans. Additionally, since the species is so heavily armored, its skin is not prized by the clothing industry, as is the skin of many other crocodilians. Given these current circumstances, Crowned Caimanlet is relatively safe from extinction. It inhabits the Amazon rain forest from lowlands to foothills and is associated with moving waters rather than still lakes. 2

Spectacled Caiman Caiman crocodilus

2.5m/8.2ft

This big caiman is the second-largest caiman in Ecuador. Its whitish coloring differs from the darker shade of Black Caiman. Spectacled Caiman is common and widely distributed but occurs only on slowmoving or stagnant bodies of water. However, in some localities it is locally depleted or extirpated due to hunting, illegal trafficking of species, egg collecting, deforestation, and water pollution. 3

Black Caiman Melanosuchus niger

4m/13ft

This is the heaviest reptile of the Amazon basin. In fact, it is the largest predator in this ecosystem. It survives in blackwater rivers and lagoons in areas where hunting is not prevalent. In these areas, Black Caiman preys on fish, reptiles, birds, and even large mammals such as deer and capybaras. The species has even attacked humans in several occasions, although few fatalities have been recorded. Caimans are hunted for their leather and meat, and humans have nearly extirpated Black Caiman throughout its range. The species is classified as Endangered. 1 TH

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REPTILES: TURTLES

Yellow-spotted River-Turtle Podocnemis unifilis

50cm/19.75in

Similar in shape but smaller than Giant River-Turtle, this species shows obvious yellow facial markings that contrast with its dark head. It is present both in rivers and lakes in lowlands of the Amazon. Several individuals, after emerging from the water to sunbathe, tend to sit for long periods in a line on top of logs; typically, various small butterflies alight and consume salts from their heads. Even though sightings of this species are frequent, the global status is Vulnerable due to hunting pressure. These turtles are poached and sold for food and for medicine; eggs are believed to cure the flu and treat bruises. AV

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Giant River-Turtle Podocnemis expansa

89cm/35in

This is the biggest freshwater turtle of the Neotropics. It lives in large rivers and tributaries, adjacent lagoons, and ponds in Amazon forests. However, because it is easy to locate and its eggs are prized as a delicacy by local inhabitants, Giant River-Turtle has been hunted to the brink of extinction. Even in remote locations, very few healthy populations of this turtle remain.

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REPTILES: LIZARDS 1

Ocellated Langelot Cercosaura oshaughnessyi

12cm/4.75in

Two features set Ocellated Langelot apart from all other Amazonian lizards in Ecuador: a series of striking ocelli (eyelike markings) along its flanks and a bright red tail. Both are thought to be defense mechanisms. The ocelli may confuse predators in regard to where the head of the lizard is located. The tail is thought to be for distracting potential attackers, as the bright red color usually stands out against the green mosses and other plants among which this species lives. 2

Unicolored Riama Riama unicolor

13cm/5in

This is one of the few lizards able to thrive in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city and the second most populous city in the country (after Guayaquil). Unicolored Riama manages to survive there because it is exclusively fossorial, meaning it spends most of its life underground. Usually, it is seen only when people dig in their backyards or move flowerpots or rocks. All in all, it is surprising that this lizard is not considered endangered, given the fact that virtually all of its original habitats have been transformed into human settlements. 3

Rainbow Sun-Gecko Gonatodes humeralis

11cm/4.25in

This lizard is unmistakable, distinguishable from similar species by the reddish and yellowish coloring on the neck and head. This beautiful species can be found on trees in the Amazon rain forest, in primary and secondary forests, as well as disturbed areas. The major threats are deforestation of closed-canopy forests, human settlement, and pollution. However, it is common, adaptable, and widely distributed, and is not endangered. 1 TH

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REPTILES: LIZARDS 1

Northern Turniptail Thecadactylus rapicauda

20cm/7.75in

Few other reptiles in Ecuador have tails as thick and fleshy as the tail of Northern Turniptail. Whenever this lizard is grabbed by a predator, it releases the tail in an attempt to confuse its attacker while it makes a getaway. Other lizard species do this as well, but few regrow such a large and thick tail. An individual Northern Turniptail may lose its tail more than a dozen times during the course of its life. 2

Gold Tegu Tupinambis teguixin

32cm/12.5in

This is one of the heaviest lizards of the Amazon basin, weighing up to 4kg (8.8lb), yet it is also quick. With its size and speed, the powerful Gold Tegu is capable of feeding on birds, small mammals, and other reptiles. However, it also feeds on vegetation. It is easy to see these lizards basking on sandy shores of major river systems in the Amazon basin. They are diurnal and forage actively when the temperature is optimal. Gold Tegu lays between 20 and 50 eggs per clutch. 3

Seven-lined Ameiva Holcosus septemlineatus

22cm/8.5in

This is a very fast and really beautiful lizard, characterized mainly by its colorful bluish tail. It is common and widely distributed throughout the lowlands of the Pacific slopes of the Andes, where it occurs in primary and secondary forests and disturbed areas. It is not currently a threatened species.

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REPTILES: LIZARDS 1

Gem Anole Anolis gemmosus

22cm/8.5in

Visitors to cloud forests in northwestern Ecuador will discover that the forest interior is extremely shady and cool. This makes it the perfect habitat for Gem Anole, a species that stands out among other anoles in the tropics for its ability be active under environmental conditions with minimal sunlight and rather cool temperatures. The species, adapted to these conditions, basks in the filtered sunlight and has a considerably slower metabolic rate than other lizards. 2

Equatorial Anole Anolis aequatorialis This large lizard is immediately identifiable by its multicolored blackmarbled dewlap. It is found in primary and secondary evergreen lower-montane forests and cloud forests on the Pacific slopes of the Andes. It is extremely common and relatively widely distributed. However, it is strongly dependent on moist microhabitats in chilly, well-preserved, closed-canopy forests, which are clearly declining in extent and quality due to agricultural development, logging, human settlement, and prolonged periods of drought.

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33cm/13in

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Slender Anole Anolis fuscoauratus

12cm/4.75in

The entire Ecuadorian Amazon forest is populated by this common anole. It is the most frequently seen species of anole in eastern Ecuador, despite the fact that it prefers shady areas in the forest interior. Even so, Slender Anole is frequently overlooked by most visitors to the Amazon, because it blends perfectly with the twigs and tree trunks on which it lives. At night, these anoles are more easily located, because they don’t move or shy away from the observers. 2

Banded Tree-Anole Anolis transversalis

18cm/7in

One feature separates this lizard from most other lizards in the Ecuadorian Amazon: its blue eyes. Most other Amazonian lizards have brownish eyes. Another remarkable characteristic of this species is that is an inhabitant of the canopy. Banded Tree-Anole spends most of its life high in the treetops and is only occasionally seen near ground level. 3

Charm Anole Anolis gracilipes

18cm/7in

This lizard is immediately recognized by its dark brown dorsum with silver to bronze triangular marks and its greenish lower flanks. It also has a deep saffron dewlap. This diurnal species can be found in the Chocó lowlands and adjacent foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes. It is relatively widely distributed and generally common, yet is declining because it is strongly dependent on closed-canopy ecosystems, which are decreasing in extent and quality throughout the species’ range. This is true particularly in Ecuador, where a large amount of the Chocó forests have been lost. 4

Parrot Anole Anolis chloris This lizard can immediately be separated from other species by its greenish dorsum and blue eyes. Like other species of Anolis, when it is disturbed Parrot Anole can change its body color to signal distress. It is an arboreal and not very frequently seen lizard, found in the lowlands of the northwestern slopes of the Andes in well-preserved areas. Major threats are deforestation and pollution.

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13cm/5in

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Spiny Dwarf-Iguana Enyalioides heterolepis

20cm/7.75in

This lizard, which looks like a tiny dinosaur, can be separated from similar species in its range by its bigger size and the large scales along the back. It is found in the lowlands of northwestern Ecuador in primary and secondary forest and plantations. A notable feature is its ability to inflict one of the strongest bites among any reptile of its size in Ecuador. Luckily for its victims, the lizard is not venomous. 2

Amazon Dwarf-Iguana Enyalioides laticeps

26cm/10.25in

Locally known as Sacha Runa, this dragon-like lizard is one of the most colorful Amazonian lizard species. In the breeding season, males exhibit a beautiful combination of red, blue, green, and black colors. The patterns are thought to help the individual convey its fitness to females and competing males. Along with this beautiful display, males also fiercely defend territories, in which females excavate burrows and lay eggs. It is typically found attached motionless to the sides of tree trunks and bigger twigs; it tends to come back to favorite perches. 3

Iridescent Whorltail-Iguana Stenocercus iridiscens Patches of black, yellow, and pink make this species one of the most beautiful lizards on the coast of Ecuador. The colors are thought to be employed in interactions with other individuals of this territorial species. Male Iridescent Whorltail-Iguanas fight over suitable territories for mating. Within these territories, females lay eggs in communal nesting sites. 1 TH

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18cm/7in

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Green Iguana Iguana iguana

1.5m/5ft

The majority of lizards are insectivorous. Green Iguanas, along with other members of the family, are almost exclusively vegetarian (except at young ages). This dietary preference means they don’t have to spend much time foraging in search of food. Instead, they can spend long periods of time in the same area and even on the same tree. As its name implies, Green Iguana is generally of this color. However, during the breeding season, large males turn orangish to reddish. This change in coloration is thought to serve as a way to convey fitness to females. 2

Western Basilisk Basiliscus galeritus

70cm/27.5in

This riverside species is one of the most fascinating lizards in the world, because of its ability to run across the water surface without submerging. It relies on speed, two-legged locomotion, and special scaly flaps on the toes to stay afloat. This evolutionary advantage has earned Western Basilisk the nickname “Jesus Christ lizard.” At times, this species plunges into the water and dives to the bottom, where it may remain submerged for over 10 minutes. 3

Northern Caiman-Lizard Dracaena guianensis This large, beautiful lizard can be found perched on well-preserved environments along large to medium-size rivers in the Amazon. Northern Caiman-Lizard is a successful swimmer and diver. Underwater, it feeds on a variety of prey, mostly snails, which it swallows whole, with the shell. Although it is relatively easy to find, the species has been affected by hunting and the illegal trade of wildlife. 1 AV

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100cm/3.2ft

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REPTILES: SNAKES 1

Boa Constrictor Boa constrictor

3m/9.8ft

Also called Red-tailed Boa, this is Ecuador’s second-largest snake (surpassed only by Green Anaconda); it can eat sizable animals such as deer. Local people are afraid of this species, because of stories of it eating humans; however, no confirmed cases have been reported. On the other hand, human influence has taken a toll on this snake, and it has diminished in numbers due to roadkill mortality, habitat loss, direct retaliation killing, and overharvesting for its food and skin. Also one of the world’s most famous snakes, Boa Constrictor is commonly captured for the pet trade and sold overseas to be kept in terrariums. 2

Rainbow Boa Epicrates cenchria

1.8m/5.9ft

Most species of boas are brownish in coloration. Rainbow Boa is a notable exception, with an iridescent sheen playing over the pattern of reddish hues on the dorsum. This prismatic effect makes it one of the most sought-after snake species of the Neotropics. Another particularity of the species is its tendency to spend a considerable portion of its life moving at ground level. When Rainbow Boa is not foraging in trees, it is moving to new foraging territories, often across areas in which humans have either cleared the forest or built roads. Unfortunately, during these transitions Rainbow Boas experience their highest rates of mortality. 3

Amazon Tree-Boa Corallus hortulanus

1.80m/5.9ft

Riverside vegetation along almost all Amazonian rivers in Ecuador is patrolled by Amazon Tree-Boas. They are easy to locate at night by their characteristic white eyeshine. Few other snakes have eyes that are as light-reflecting as those of the tree-boas. This is probably because tree-boas are exclusively nocturnal and extremely well adapted to life high up in the canopy. Body coloration is variable and can be even yellowish or rusty. 1 TH

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Green Anaconda Eunectes murinus

7m/23ft

No other snake in the world is heavier or of greater circumference than green Anaconda, although Reticulated Python of Southeast Asia is longer. This enormous, nonvenomous constrictor can eat animals as large as caimans and deer. Although confirmed cases of humans being killed and swallowed by this snake are lacking, stories abound. As the genus name (from the Greek for “good swimmer”) implies, Anacondas are skilled swimmers; they are associated with, but not restricted to, bodies of water. This species is one of the most prized snakes for its skin, and it has been fiercely hunted. In some areas, populations of this snake have declined to the brink of extinction. 2

Tiger Watersnake Helicops angulatus This aquatic species has small eyes located on the top of the head. Its dorsum varies from brownish or grayish to greenish with dark spots. It is a nocturnal snake specially adapted to hunt fish and tadpoles and is found in a variety of water bodies throughout the Amazon. Occasionally, when floods occur, it is possible to observe this species out of the water on a riverbank. 1 TH

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70cm/27.5in

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Terciopelo Bothrops asper

2.35m/7.7ft

Extremely dangerous. No other snake in Ecuador, or all of Latin America, causes more human deaths than Terciopelo. This is mostly due to its aggressive behavior, its abundance, and high venom yield. Among other symptoms, its bite may cause severe pain, local swelling, bleeding, numbness, hypotension, and impaired consciousness. It is found in the Pacific lowlands and adjacent mountainous areas. In Ecuador it is known as equis (letter X), due to the coloration pattern on the dorsal scales. 2

Fer-de-lance Bothrops atrox

100cm/3.2ft

This pitviper is one the most frequently encountered and familiar environmental hazards in the Amazon region; it thrives in the vicinities of human settlements and is aggressive and venomous. Ferde-lance feeds mostly on amphibians, lizards, and rodents, which it ambushes at night and kills with its hemotoxic venom. A bite of this snake usually causes necrosis and, if untreated, can lead to death. 3

Eyelash Palm-Pitviper Bothriechis schlegelii This is one of the most famous pitvipers in the world, mainly for the visibly enlarged scales that resemble eyelashes. It is an arboreal and nocturnal species. Although it is not as toxic and aggressive as other pitvipers, Eyelash Palm-Pitviper is still one of the most dangerous of all, because of its arboreal lifestyle. Its positioning in trees can result in bites on the face, upper body, and hands to passing humans. It is a common species in western lowland areas and rare in cloud forests. 1 TH

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70cm/27.5in

2 TH

3 TH

REPTILES: SNAKES 1

Striped Vinesnake Xenoxybelis argenteus

78cm/30.75in

Living up to its name, Striped Vinesnake resembles a living twig or vine and even behaves in a way consistent with the natural winddriven movement of the vegetation. In this way, the snake manages to go unnoticed among the vines as it patiently waits for anole lizards, which are its main prey item. Actually, the snake is so thin that it is incapable of feeding on anything other than anoles. If is found in lowland and foothill woodland of the Amazon. 2

Ornate Snail-Eater Dipsas catesbyi

60cm/23.5in

Like other snakes of its genus, Ornate Snail-Eater has evolved a unique jaw design for feeding exclusively on slugs and snails. While the snake’s upper mandible holds onto the shell, with the upper teeth retracted to avoid damage, the snake uses its lower jaw to grasp the soft body of the mollusk. It then independently and alternately moves the left and right sides of the lower jaw to slowly extract the prey. Because of this special diet, Ornate Snail-Eater is active mostly after heavy rains, when the vegetation is wet and mollusks are active. It is harmless to humans. 3

Graceful Snail-Eater Dipsas gracilis True to its name, Graceful Snail-Eater is one of the most delicate snakes in Ecuador. It is so well adapted to feeding on snails that it has become incapable of feeding on anything else. In fact, the species is believed to be unable to bite humans or other large animals. Instead, it relies on mimicry (it resembles a venomous coral snake) and musky secretions to deter its predators. 1 TH

66

75cm/29.5in

2 TH

3 TH

REPTILES: SNAKES 1

Sleepy Groundsnake Atractus dunni

35cm/13.75in

Local people refer to this species as Sleepy Groundsnake because, unlike some other Ecuadorian snakes, this one is extremely harmless. Never once has anyone observed this species biting anything other than an earthworm or a slug. To avoid predation, it relies on camouflage and cryptic behavior to remain unnoticed, spending most of its time buried underground or active among leaf litter. 2

Common Blunthead Imantodes cenchoa

100cm/3.2ft

The principal characteristics of this species are its extremely slender body, combined with a blunt head and bulging eyes, and the series of brown saddles along the tan dorsum. It is an arboreal species that dwells in understory vegetation, from 20cm to 9m (8in–9ft) above the ground, in almost any habitat with sufficient vegetative cover—ranging from plantations to primary forest. It can be found in the lowlands and adjacent mountainous slopes of the Andes, up to 1,500m (4,920ft). It is not a threatened species because it is ecologically adaptable and widely distributed. 3

Golden-bellied Snakelet Erythrolamprus epinephelus This is one of the two species of snakes able to thrive in Quito, Ecuador’s capital city. It is not yet known how Golden-bellied Snakelet survives in such an overpopulated environment. However, plausible explanations include short reproductive cycles and the ability to consume a wide variety of prey. Additionally, this snake is generally recognized to be harmless, so it suffers less from direct killing by humans than some other snake species. 1 TH

68

75cm/29.5in

2 TH

3 TH

REPTILES: SNAKES 1

Green Parrot-Snake Leptophis ahaetulla

1.8m/5.9ft

Although its bite is not life-threatening to humans, Green ParrotSnake is one of the most aggressive species of snakes in the tropics; ahaetulla means “attacks eyes” (in Sinhalese). When confronted, the snake rises into an attack position and strikes with surprising speed. It is mostly arboreal and prefers areas with sufficient vegetation cover. By day, it actively forages in search of prey, mainly frogs. At night, it sleeps in the vegetation. 2

Brown Sipo Chironius fuscus

1.5m/5ft

This is a diurnal, terrestrial and arboreal species. Its coloration changes with age. Adults are unmarked dark brown or olive brown above and pale yellow below; young have lighter brown bands across the back and tail. Brown Sipo is so similar to some of its relatives that herpetologists can tell the species apart only by counting their scales; this species has fewer than most other sipos. Brown Sipo is found in primary and secondary forests, disturbed areas in lowlands, lower-montane forests, and cloud forests of the Amazon slope. Amphibians and reptiles are its main prey items. Deforestation and habitat pollution are the main threats to this species, but it is not considered endangered. 3

Rainbow Forest-Racer Dendrophidion clarkii

1.35m/4.4ft

Some say that only 2 percent of the original vegetation cover remains in the Ecuadorian Chocó region, where Rainbow Forest-Racer, a species classified as Near Threatened, lives. In these remaining patches of forest, which are located mostly on steep slopes along rivers, the populations of this snake persist. This fragmentation of the forest is one of the reasons it is most easily found near watercourses, although it is not an aquatic snake. It is perhaps one of the best examples of a species that has become confined to areas with terrain too difficult for logging. 1 AV

70

2 AV

3 TH

Birds

PCD

BIRDS: GREBES

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps

30cm/11.75in

Superficially like a short-tailed duck in general shape and habits, this grebe shows a quite obvious dark band across a pale, cone-shaped bill. The overall coloration is rich or grayish buff-brown, lighter on the flanks and darker on the wings. This grebe is found exclusively on water, inhabiting ponds, lakes, and estuaries in the western lowlands and large lakes in highlands. It is fairly confiding, rarely flying when disturbed, and rarely comes ashore. Grebes walk with difficulty because their legs are located near the rear end of the body, which works great for swimming and diving but not for walking. They feed on invertebrates and fish, which are caught when diving up to several feet underwater. SW

74

Northern Silvery Grebe Podiceps juninensis

25cm/10in

This attractive grebe is mainly gray above, with a blackish nape, and white below, and has hypnotizing bright red eyes. When breeding, it shows thin buffy ear tufts. The species tends to move in couples, and it nests colonially on rafts of floating vegetation. It feeds mainly on larvae of various invertebrates on the water surface but also dives for food; the average dive duration is about 17 seconds, during which the bird does underwater foliage-gleaning and fishing. Classified as Near Threatened globally, in Ecuador it is quite local, confined to a few high Andes lakes, but can be numerous, especially at La Mica Lake in Antisana National Park. Locally this species is known as chupil. AV

BIRDS: SEABIRDS 1

Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus

98cm/38.5in

This pelagic bird is mostly white, with some black on its back and wing tips. The bright red bill and the very long white tail streamers are the standout diagnostic features, and you can see both quite easily on flying and perched birds. The species nests on rocky cliffs in Isla de La Plata and feeds out in the open sea. 2

Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens

100cm/39.25in

Adult males 2m are entirely glossy black; their intensely red throat pouch is often inconspicuous, except when it is inflated during display or even in short display flights. Females 2f are all dark with a white chest; juveniles have a white chest, head, and upper belly. The rangy body shape, long, pointed wings, and forked tail make this an unmistakable bird. The tail is opened when the bird is banking but usually closed when gliding. Frigatebirds are common along the coasts and over open seas, where they follow boats or groups of feeding pelagic birds to steal food, pirate-like, by harassing them in flight. This bird is unable to dive in water, as it lacks a uropygial gland, which provides other diving birds with water-repellent oils. 3

Waved Albatross Phoebastria irrorata

90cm/35.5in

This huge pelagic bird spends most of its life away from shore over the open ocean (where it feeds mainly on fish and squid), but it is easily seen during breeding (April to late November) on its small colony on Isla de La Plata off the coast of Manabí. The large, shiny yellow bill contrasts with a pristine white neck and face (the nape has a yellow wash, although this is hard to see on a flying bird). The Local nest colony wings are brown, and the body is slightly paler gray-brown. This bird takes its name from the parallel wavy lines on the breast. During the breeding season these albatrosses perform a fascinating courtship ritual that begins with the male and female (which pair for life) facing each other and clacking their bills together (rather as if in a sword fight), before raising their bills in the air and calling. 1 PCD

76

2f PCD

2m PCD

3 PCD

PCD

BIRDS: SEABIRDS 1

Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii

80cm/31.5in

An attractive booby with a silver-blue bill and bright blue feet. The belly, throat, and rump are immaculate white, whereas the wings are solid brown; the cap and nape are finely striped brown and white. Sexes are very similar, distinguished by female’s larger pupil and by male’s whistled calls versus female’s honk. Blue-footed Booby nests in colonies, either on cliffs facing the ocean or in flat areas near the coast; nests are basically eggs laid on barren ground and surrounded by a circle of excretions. Blue-footed Booby usually remains close to the coast, rarely venturing far out over open seas. It plunge dives from the sky to the water to capture fish; many individuals will dive in formation, creating a spectacular feeding frenzy. Similar Peruvian Booby (S. variegata) has pristine white head, gray feet, and dark rump, visible in flight.

2

Red-footed Booby Sula sula Smaller than Ecuador’s other boobies, Red-footed shows magentared feet, blue beak, and blue bare skin on face. This species presents two morphs, one brown 2b and one white 2w , both with blackish primaries, secondaries, and tail; sexes are alike. Interestingly, this booby builds its nest on treetops, which is rather unusual for a webfooted bird. It feeds over the open ocean, preferring less-coastal waters than Blue-footed. Red-footed, Blue-footed, and Nazca Boobies are most easily seen on Isla de La Plata at their nesting colonies.

3

Nazca Booby Sula granti

70cm/27.5in

Local nest colony

86cm/33.75in

The largest of the boobies present in Ecuador. This bird is mostly white, with black around the face, on the wing tips and trailing edge, and on the tail. Its peachy-orange bill and yellow eyes contrast nicely with the dark face. Sexes are alike, but male and female calls differ (like those of Blue-footed Booby). In flight Nazca Booby might be confused with white morph of Red-footed, as both show a white back, but the size and color of bill are diagnostic. Nazca feeds out on the open ocean. Nests are colonial and on barren, flat areas by the sea, often shared with Blue-footed.

78

1 PCD

2w

2b

AV

PCD

3 PCD

BIRDS: CORMORANTS, PELICANS, ANHINGA 1

Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus

68cm/26.75in

A slender, long-necked, dark olive-brown bird, with slightly paler wings. The silvery hooked bill has a yellow base outlined in white. Juveniles 1j are lighter brown above and whitish below. The species occurs on most bodies of water, including ocean, rivers, wetlands, and highland ponds, often wandering. Cormorants prey mainly on fish, caught in long underwater pursuit. They are relatively heavy-bodied, so when in the water only the neck and head are visible. This species is the only cormorant known to plunge dive from above the water. It is present mostly in lowlands and most frequently along the Pacific coast, but is regularly recorded up to 4,000m (13,120ft) in the Andes in lakes. 2

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis

120cm/47.25in

Pelicans are famous for the large pouch in the lower bill in which they catch fish. This species has uniformly silver-brown wings and a darker body. When breeding, its neck is bicolored, rusty brown behind and white in front; when not breeding, neck is all white. Juveniles are dull, all frosty brown, paler on the belly, and have a silvery bill. Brown Pelican (unlike most other pelican species) feeds mainly by plunge diving for fish and is very common along the coast, especially close to fish markets, from which it may try to steal a fish or two. It breeds in treetop colonies, mainly in mangroves. Pelicans are frequently seen flying in V formation. Peruvian Pelican (P. thagus), the only other plunge-diving pelican, is quite similar but much larger and with contrasting whitish panels on wings. 3

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga

85cm/33.5in

Similar to a cormorant, the Anhinga differs in its thinner neck and long, daggerlike bill, which has earned it the local name “needle duck.” Anhinga has a black body, tail, and flight feathers, extensive white on wing coverts, and a yellow bill and legs; female and young have sandybrown neck (lighter on throat). Feeding habits are similar to those of the cormorants but Anhinga is more solitary. When swimming, the long neck resembles a snake protruding from the water. Unlike cormorants, Anhinga is often seen soaring. It is uncommon to locally fairly common on ponds, lakes, estuaries, and rivers, below 400m (1,310ft), on both sides of the Andes.

80

Anhinga are often seen perched with their wings spread

PCD

1

2

AV

PCD

1j

3f

PCD

PCD

BIRDS: DUCKS 1

Andean Teal Anas andium

42cm/16.5in

A small, dark brown, short-tailed duck, with a short, grayish bill and speckled breast. In flight it shows contrasting blackish secondaries with a white trailing edge. Possible confusion occurs with similar Yellow-billed Pintail (A. georgica), which is paler and buffy overall and has an obvious yellow bill; female Blue-winged Teal (A. discors) is paler and has obvious blue patch on the wings in flight. Andean Teal is restricted to highland lakes, ponds, and streams above 2,600m (8,530ft) and typically occurs in pairs. It feeds mostly on invertebrates and aquatic vegetation. 2

(Andean) Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis

44cm/17.25in

Ruddy Duck is a small, short-necked duck, with a characteristically large blue bill that is visible from a distance. Males show a rich rusty body, black head, and obviously cocked black tail. Females are basically dark brown overall and have a gray bill. In Ecuador, Ruddy Duck is restricted to deeper lakes in the highlands, above 2,000m (6,560ft), where it dives to feed on aquatic invertebrates. It moves in pairs or small groups, often associating with other species of waterfowl. 3

Torrent Duck Merganetta armata

39cm/15.25in

A beautiful small to medium-size duck restricted to fast-flowing Andean streams and rivers, from about 700m up to 3,500m (2,300–11,480ft). Males 3m have a contrasting pattern of black-andwhite stripes on the head and neck, gray wings, and striped gray and white breast and belly. Females 3f are rusty orange below and gray above. Both sexes show bright reddish-orange bill and legs. These territorial ducks are typically encountered in pairs. They favor quiet river stretches, where they tend to stand atop midstream rocks. They can swim both upstream and down, even on strong currents, and hardly need to fly; they dive underwater to feed mainly on invertebrates and some fish. Guango Lodge near Papallacta is a good spot to find this species. 3f PCD

82

Female with young

1 AV

2 PCD

3m PCD

BIRDS: LARGE HERONS 1

Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum

72cm/28.5in

A fairly large heron, with short legs and a heavy neck. The neck is rusty, with white stripes running downward from chin, becoming grayer on the belly; wings are slaty brown. Immature bird 1j is beautifully striped in golden yellow and black, hence the name “tiger-heron.” In adult, the bill is heavy and black, with a yellow base extending to yellow bare skin around the eyes. Rufescent Tiger-Heron is relatively common in the eastern lowlands along forested streams and lake edges, easily found at the lodges along the Napo River. In the west it has suffered from habitat loss through drainage of the Guayas River wetlands, but most recent records still hail from this basin in Los Ríos and Guayas Provinces, plus from La Segua marshes in Manabí. 2

Striated Heron Butorides striata

40cm/15.75in

A small, dark, and short-necked heron that has a black cap contrasting with a light gray body and darker, scaly wings. The throat and chest have vertical white and rusty stripes; legs are strong, short, and yellow (more orange when breeding). Shape and size are important features when dealing with immatures, which are browner, with more stripes on the neck. Striated Heron is common and widespread but somewhat shy. It is less noticeable than other heron species, given that its hunting technique consists of waiting motionlessly next to or above the water before making a sudden strike at prey; it never wades in the open. Present mostly in the lowlands of the east and west, and locally in wetlands of the northern Andes. 3

Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi

110cm/43.25in

The southern version of Great Blue Heron (A. herodias); the large and elegant Cocoi Heron is mainly pristine white overall but has contrasting black cap, belly, and shoulders, gray on back and wings, and a yelloworange bill. In breeding time the bare skin around the eyes turns blue, and the dark legs get a yellow or pinkish tinge. Immature birds are grayer. The clear white neck and thighs are the main differences from the northern migrant Great Blue Heron. Cocoi Heron is fairly common to common in coastal ecosystems (not usually on open beaches), including shrimp pools and on wetlands and rice fields further inland in the west; also fairly common in the Amazon lowlands alongside rivers and lakes.

84

1j

1

PCD

PCD

2

3

PCD

AV

BIRDS: WHITE HERIONS 1

Great Egret Ardea alba

95cm/37.5in

A slender and long-necked all-white heron. The neck is held in an elegant S shape most of the time. The thin bill is entirely yellow, and the legs and feet are black. This egret favors shallow waters, where it either waits for or slowly stalks fish. When prey is spotted, it stretches its neck and inclines it laterally, then strikes swiftly. It favors larger bodies of water: mangroves, shrimp pools, and rice fields in the west, and also island shores and sandbars on the big rivers in the east. In its languid flight, it shows slower wingbeats than the smaller egrets. 2

Snowy Egret Egretta thula

58cm/22.75in

Very similar to Great Egret but smaller and shorter-necked, and differs in having black bill with yellow lores and black legs with yellow feet (often hidden). Snowy also shows extended plumes on the nape that can be erect at times and form a bushy crest. Found at a variety of at rivers, lakes, and wetlands, but also shrimp pools, mangroves, and rice fields in the west, and sandbars and island shores of the big rivers in the east. Snowy Egret is mainly a lowland bird, but small numbers and wanderers occur at highland ponds in the northern Andes. Confusion is possible with juvenile Little Blue Heron (E. caerulea), which is similar in size and white overall coloration but shows gray lores and feet. 3

(Andean) Black-faced Ibis Theristicus melanopis

74cm/29.25in

This is a short-legged and chunky ibis of high Andean grassy plains. At first glance, gray and buff predominate, but this bird is a mosaic of colors: bright deep pink legs, buffy neck, a rich chestnut cap, black on the face, throat, and belly, and shiny gray wing coverts. Immature birds are pale-necked. The bill is long and down-curved, used to feed mainly on invertebrates. In flight, primaries, secondaries, and underwing coverts are black. This ibis is rare and very local in the northern Andes, now easy to find only in Antisana National Park, above 4,000m (13,120ft) on extensive grasslands. 4

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

50cm/19.75in

Smaller than Great Egret and shorter-necked than Snowy, Cattle Egret is white overall and has shorter, thick yellow bill. It often has a humpbacked appearance. When breeding, variable amounts of rusty yellow appear on the neck, chest, and wing coverts; legs change from dark olive to yellow; and bill can be more orange. Cattle Egret favors disturbed areas, mostly tall grasslands with cattle ranching, and regularly occurs far from water. It is highly gregarious; this is the species that flies in large groups at dusk and dawn to and from communal roosts. It is present mostly in lowlands, also in the highlands of the northwest. 86

1

2

PCD

AV

3

4

AV

PCD

BIRDS: VULTURES 1

Andean Condor Vultur gryphus

115cm/45.25in

This huge vulture (average wingspan is 3.2m/10.5ft) is mainly seen soaring, when it can be identified by the long, open, and upturned wing “fingers”; it rarely flaps while flying. Both perched and soaring, mature individuals show an obvious white collar and white panels on the upper wings. Female 1f is quite similar to male but darker-faced and lacking male’s big fleshy crest ; immatures 1j are brown overall. The national bird of Ecuador, Andean Condor is unfortunately rare and declining, despite conservation efforts. It is restricted to the high Andes, mostly above 3,000m (9,840ft), but sometimes recorded a little lower. It is most easily found at nesting cliffs in Antisana National Park, where it is monitored and studied under a higher level of enforced protection. It is also regularly seen in low numbers in other national and private protected areas, including Cotopaxi National Park, Cayambe-Coca National Park, and Chimborazo Reserve. It feeds on carrion, but it was previously thought to kill and eat farm animals, for which, consequently, it suffered persecution and hunting pressure.

2

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura

70cm/27.5in

Larger and browner than Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture is distinguished by its V-shaped (dihedral) flight profile, longer and narrower tail, and obvious red head. It does not flap as often or as quickly as Black Vulture. Turkey Vulture tends to be gregarious when roosting but forages more independently, especially in the lowlands of the east, where it is most likely found along large river courses and cities. West of the Andes it is far more common, present nearly everywhere, but most likely below 2,000m (6,560ft) or in the northern highlands. In the east it may be confused with Greater Yellow-headed Vulture (C. melambrotus), which is bigger and blacker, has an obvious yellow head, and is more likely to be found soaring above extensive forest.

3

Black Vulture Coragyps atratus

60cm/23.5in

Entirely black, this vulture is easily recognized in flight by its shortish tail, white on the underwing primaries, and explosive wing flapping between soars. If seen head-on, it shows a fat flight profile (not V-shaped as in Turkey Vulture). When Black Vulture is perched, its bare black neck and face sometimes shine in good light. It is very common in lowlands and foothills, less numerous in the subtropics, and only locally common in the northern highlands. It is gregarious, even when roosting. It feeds mostly on carrion but can catch small animals on the ground too.

88

1f NA

1j AV

2 PCD

3 AV

PCD

BIRDS: BIRDS OF PREY 1

Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus

60cm/23.5in

This is a very attractive raptor with white head, body, and underwing coverts, contrasting with black above and on the tail. It shows a green or blue sheen on its back at times. The main feature is its long, bifurcated tail, always forked in flight and closed but evident when perched; wings are very pointed. Swallow-tailed Kite is common and soars regularly, oftentimes in groups. It is present mostly in the lowlands and foothills of both the east and west, favoring forested areas, as it likes to perch high in trees; it is not present in barren regions.

2

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

56cm/22in

A common migrant species from the north, this large and attractive raptor is mostly white, with dark brown upperparts and facial mask. A fish eater, it is found almost exclusively along rivers and lakes, typically perched on exposed branches above bodies of water, but it can turn up far from water during migratory passage. In flight the gull-like wing shape is diagnostic, and dark brown carpal patches contrast with the mostly pale underwing. Osprey is most often spotted during canoe rides in rivers of the eastern lowlands and along coastal mangrove forests and big rivers in the west.

3

Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea

36cm/14.25in

This elegant raptor is gray overall and smallish, with a relatively big head that is sometimes paler than the rest of its body. When perched, black lores are obvious (and give it a malevolent aspect), and the long wings, which are noticeably darker, protrude beyond the tail. It soars often and in flight shows slender, pointy wings, with clear red on primaries; the tail looks narrow. It is common but never abundant in lowlands (in either the east or the west), avoiding arid regions. Feeds mainly on insects.

90

1 PCD

2 IC

3 NA

BIRDS: BIRDS OF PREY 1

Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis

43cm/17in

This kite has a long tail and broad, long wings. Mature male 1m is overall slate-colored (shows a brown sheen, depending on age), with an obvious white rump; at close range, its bright red eyes and rich orange cere and legs are conspicuous. Female 1f and immature male are streaky brown on creamy white, and show a prominent pale eyebrow. Snail Kite is a locally common raptor, dependent on apple snails, which are nearly all it eats, with a particularly thin and sharp bill modified to extract the snails from the shells; this limits its range to areas where these snails abound. Snail Kite is easily found near Amazon lodges along the Napo River and the marshes near Chone, but is much more common along rice fields near Guayaquil and Babahoyo. In the east it may be confused with the very similar Slender-billed Kite (Helicolestes hamatus), but the latter has a shorter tail and no white on rump. 2

Double-toothed Kite Harpagus bidentatus

34cm/13.5in

This is a small raptor of forest canopy and subcanopy. Typically, it perches very vertically, and male 1m shows a variable amount of rufous on the chest and barring below, which contrast with the pale belly; wings are dark gray and the head is paler gray. Female 1f is richer and more abundantly rufous on breast and belly, sometimes even showing no gray barring. The name comes from the pattern of the throat—white, with a darker line dividing it vertically, rather fancifully resembling a pair of teeth—but the feature is very inconspicuous. Double-toothed Kite soars regularly, in a way similar to Accipiter hawks, showing its long, barred tail and rounded wings. It is present in the lower subtropics down to the lowlands in the northwest and the east. It feeds mainly on insects and reptiles and is known to follow monkey troops in the east to feed on flushed insects.

92

1m

1f

IC

AV

2m

2f

PCD

PCD

BIRDS: BIRDS OF PREY 1

Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris

38cm/15in

A smallish hawk of open areas, clearings, and borders of roads and big rivers, Roadside Hawk shows a gray back, wing coverts, head, and chest, and a pale belly crossed horizontally by rusty bars; its tail is barred black and white. In flight the extensive orange on the primaries is diagnostic. This is probably the most frequently encountered hawk in the country, due to its tolerance for disturbed habitat in rural areas and smaller towns. It is common in humid habitats both east and west of the Andes, from subtropics to lowlands; avoids arid regions.

2

Variable Hawk Geranoaetus polyosoma

54cm/21.25in

This variably plumaged hawk is most often gray and white. An obvious white tail with a bold black subterminal band is diagnostic in all its mature morphs; immatures are buffy and brown streaked overall. Adult can be all slate black (dark morph) but more frequently is graybacked and pale-bellied. Females show red on the back in pale morph, and in the rufous morph the chest is also red. In flight, apart from the obvious tail pattern, Variable Hawk is easily distinguished by its tendency to soar-hover in one spot to find prey; it feeds mostly on small mammals and other vertebrates. There are two allopatric (nonoverlapping) populations, one in the southwestern arid lowlands and the other in the highlands, typically above 3,000m (9,840ft).

3

American Kestrel Falco sparverius

28cm/11in

This is a small and pretty falcon, mostly rusty orange on the back and light orange in front, with a gray cap and two black tear lines from each eye that contrast with the white cheeks and throat; it shows black spots on back, wing coverts, and flanks. Male 1m has gray wing coverts and a clear orange tail with only one black terminal band; female 1f has a finely black-barred tail. In flight, American Kestrel shows pointed wings with black primaries and a long tail. It tends to perch quite exposed on electrical wires or fences, where it remains mostly quiet; it is most vocal when flying, calling a series of obvious klee klee klee notes. Present in the inter-Andean valleys, it favors drier areas from 1,500m to at least 3,700m (4,920–12,140ft); it also occurs in cities. In the southwest it occurs in the lowlands.

94

1

2

AV

PCD

PCD

2f

2m

AV

PCD

BIRDS: BIRDS OF PREY 1

Harris’s Hawk Parabuteo unicinctus

52cm/20.5in

This hawk is mostly brown, with rufous on the wing coverts and thighs and an obvious white rump and vent (visible in flight). Favoring arid terrain and dry forests, it is local in the northern highlands and common in the southwestern lowlands and drier subtropics. In the lowlands of the west it can be confused with Savanna Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis), which looks rufous overall and is striped below and shorter-tailed, without the white rump.

2

Carunculated Caracara Phalcoboenus carunculatus

54cm/21.25in

This is an attractive raptor of páramos. It has a black head and back, and the chest shows clear black-and-white streaks, contrasting with the pale belly. The bare-skinned face is variably yellow to red. In flight, the long tail is typically fanned and is white with a bold black band; wings are relatively even in width throughout, and are black with a white trailing edge and white underwing coverts. Carunculated Caracara tends to spend a lot of time on the ground, foraging on grassy terrain, looking for carrion and any animal it can find; for this its long yellow legs help, as it walks a lot and also digs for food. It is found mostly above 3,000m (9,840ft), in the central and northern Andes; probably the best place to see this caracara is Antisana National Park.

3

Harpy Eagle Harpia harpyja

100cm/39.25in

The world’s most powerful bird of prey, the huge Harpy Eagle is rather ? rare in primary forests of lowlands. Adult shows an obvious black chest and wings, contrasting with the white body and pale gray head; thighs are barred. When the bird is alert, the feathers around the head stand erect to form an owlish crown with two points. The talons are huge, about the size of human fingers, and the tarsus is similar to a human wrist in diameter. In flight, the underwing is broadly barred black, the bars becoming thinner toward the center. Harpy Eagle feeds on large canopy mammals like sloths and monkeys. It is difficult to spot, as it perches inconspicuously in the canopy and basically never soars. Every three years it breeds, and fledglings may stay in the nest for more than a year. When a nest is found, and visits are allowed, Harpy Eagle is easily seen; it is rare at any other time. Present only in primary forest, now restricted to the east and possibly the far northwest.

96

1

2

NA

PCD

3 NA

BIRDS: JACANA, COOT, GALLINULES 1

Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana

23cm/9in

This is a svelte shorebird with thin gray legs and very long toes. Its head and body are sooty black, contrasting with the shiny brown back and wing coverts; flight feathers are bright yellow. It shows a red caruncle, or wattle, on base of bill and forehead. Immature birds have white underparts and eyebrows. With its elongated toes, it walks elegantly on floating vegetation and in tall grass surrounding freshwater ponds, marshes, and lakes. It is present in the lowlands of both the east and the west, particularly common on wetlands of the west. 2

(Andean) Slate-colored Coot Fulica ardesiaca

43cm/17in

Very similar to but slightly bigger than the two gallinule species, this coot is slate black all over, showing no brown or white. The shield and bill vary in color from white to yellow to red, and combinations of these colors. Slate-colored Coot is present in highland lakes and can be very common locally; also occurs locally in the western coastal lowlands, mainly in shrimp pools. It tends to forage by diving but can spend time on the shore drying its feathers and heating up, especially after diving in highland waters above 3,000m (9,840ft). Coots and gallinules are omnivorous, feeding mostly on small animals and vegetal matter. 3

Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus

32cm/12.5in

This gallinule is spectacular, with deep blue body, long yellow legs and toes, greenish-brown wings, and a conical bicolored bill, red at the base and yellow tipped. Immature birds are all buffy brown, with blue tinges on wings. The Purple Gallinule’s long toes are ideal for walking on floating vegetation and among tall reeds, where it feeds mainly on plant material (seeds, flowers, pondweed, etc.) and small animals. It is fairly common, especially in the west, in grassy marshes, swamps, margins of ponds, and lakes with large stands of floating vegetation. This gallinule ranges in humid lowlands; there are some records of wandering birds in Andean lakes and inter-Andean cities. 4

Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Gallinules and coots are dark aquatic rails, superficially similar to ducks but with different bill shape. The Common Gallinule’s head and body are slate-black, with an obvious white line on the flanks, and wings are brown. The forehead shows a red shield, and the bill is red with a yellow tip. These gallinules are common on highland lakes in the north and on medium and large bodies of water in lowlands of the west, always favoring shallower areas.

98

33cm/13in

1

2

PCD

PCD

3

4

NA

AV

BIRDS: CHACHALACA, SHOREBIRDS

1 PCD

1

Speckled Chachalaca Ortalis guttata

50cm/19.75in

Chachalacas and guans are large arboreal birds with long tails and necks. Speckled Chachalaca, as the name implies, has buffy spotting on the chest, but it is not very showy, as the rest of the body is brown, darker above and paler below. Chachalaca is onomatopoeic, approximating the loud vocalization, which can be heard from a distance. This species is present in the foothills and lowlands of the east, favoring the canopy of várzea, riparian, and secondary forests. 2

Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens

34cm/13.5in

This is a large plover with a relatively big, square head and short neck. It has a gray cowl, darkening on the chest, which contrasts with a white belly and olive-brown back and wing coverts. Its bright red eyes are conspicuous; legs are pink, and the bill is pink tipped black. In flight, the wings have a striking pied pattern. A bird of humid highland grazed plains, bogs, and lake edges, it forages by walking on the ground, either singly or in scattered groups. It is quite vocal, and especially when flushed it gives a loud harsh song. 3

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus This is a tall and slender shorebird, black above and white below, with very long magenta legs and a very fine, longish bill. It is common along coastal ecosystems and the basin of the Guayas River and is present on both fresh- and saltwater ponds and rice fields. It feeds on a variety of small animals, from insects to crustaceans and mollusks, which it finds with the bill, by either probing or sweeping soft mud or shallow water.

100

39cm/15.25in

2 PCD

3 AV

BIRDS: SHOREBIRDS 1

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

42cm/16.5in

This is a large, grayish-brown-marbled shorebird with a long, decurved bill and an obvious pale eyebrow. It is a common boreal migrant and visits Ecuador mostly between August and April. As a common migrant it can show up essentially anywhere, but normally it is found in coastal ecosystems, favoring mudflats, beaches, and flooded fields.

2

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

23cm/9in

This is a small shorebird with a sharp conical bill. It visits the coast of Ecuador from August to April. At the beginning and the end of its visit it may show some breeding colors: a rusty chestnut on back and wings and a contrasting black pattern on chest and face. The rest of the time it shows the same pattern but washed in light brownish-gray tones; it always shows a pure white belly and diagnostic rich orange legs. The common name comes from the bird’s habit of flipping over stones and other objects to find food underneath, for which it has a sharper bill, relatively stronger at base, than other shorebirds in the family. 3

Sanderling Calidris alba This is a very pale, small shorebird, light gray above and white below, with contrasting black bill and legs. This is the wave-chasing bird: in small flocks it runs up and down the beach ahead of incoming waves to feed on small crustaceans and other small animals on wet sands. It does the rapid probing, typical of sandpipers, with its beak in wet sand to locate mollusks, crustaceans, and other small invertebrates. Sanderlings visit Ecuador from northern latitudes from August to March.

102

20cm/7.75in

1 PCD

2 PCD

3 PCD

BIRDS: GULLS 1

Andean Gull Chroicocephalus serranus

47cm/18.5in

This is a medium-size, mostly white gull with a short dark bill. It is restricted to the highland lakes and pastures above 2,600m (8,530ft). Breeding bird has a black head (with a white nape) and an obvious broken eye-ring. Nonbreeding bird has a white head with a small black spot on the ear. Both show blackish primaries in flight, with bold white spots on the wing tips, more contrasting on breeding birds. Andean Gull is locally common and conspicuous; large groups of these gulls are often seen, as are solitary individuals wandering. 2

Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla

41cm/16.25in

This is a medium-size, pale gull with a gray back and wing coverts and a long dark bill. It visits Ecuador during the boreal winter, therefore we see it mostly in winter plumage: white head, with some gray on the crown and ears, instead of the black hood and white eye-ring that it shows when breeding. Since it is a common migrant, wandering birds have been spotted in unexpected places, like the Amazon lowlands or on highland lakes, even above 4,000m (13,120ft) in elevation. Nevertheless, it mostly visits coastal areas, where it is common mainly from August to April.

104

1 PCD

2 PCD

BIRDS: PIGEONS AND DOVES 1

Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea

29cm/11.5in

This pigeon has red eyes and is essentially dark rusty overall, richer on the rump and wings. It is common and quite vocal but sometimes hard to spot, as it tends to stay still within foliage for long periods. It can be easier to spot from a canopy tower or viewing point. It occurs in the lowlands, foothills, and lower subtropics of the east and west, avoiding the drier areas of the west. Confusion is possible with Plumbeous Pigeon (P. plumbea), also a common bird, which is basically the same size and shape but shows purplish-gray tones rather than rusty coloration and a pale rather than reddish iris. 2

Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata

26cm/10.25in

This is an urban dove, present in towns and agricultural areas in highlands and in drier lowlands of the southwest, spreading into towns in more humid areas. Its coloration varies in intensity, especially on the breast, which can be rich buffy to duller buff, even grayish. The head shows two black auricular lines (the “ears” of its common name); wings are light olive brown with black spots, and feet are magenta. In flight, Eared Dove typically fans its blackish tail, showing substantial white in its bold white terminal band and the normally hidden outer tail feathers. 3

Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis

30cm/11.75in

This is a large pigeon with a wine-colored breast, rusty-brown wing coverts, and grayish belly, thighs, and vent. Up close, the red eyes are noticeable, as is the gray face that extends to the nape but not to the forehead. Pale-vented Pigeon is present only in the lowlands, more commonly in the eastern lowlands. It favors clearings and forest borders in the west (avoiding arid habitats), and river islands, some lakes, and riparian woodland in the east. It is generally not present inside forest. 4

White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi

27cm/10.5in

This is a medium-size ground-feeding dove that appears gray-brown, darker on the wings and tail, and quite pale below. Its longish legs are bright reddish pink. In flight, the underwing coverts are rusty brown, and the tail, typically fanned, shows a thin white terminal band that contrasts with the darker lower tail. This is the dove that you will typically flush when driving on rural dirt roads or walking on open forest trails. It is present locally in riparian habitat of the lowlands of the east, and is a widespread bird in the west from the lowlands up to 3,200m (10,500ft). It favors secondary forest and edge. 106

1 PCD

2

3

AV

AV

4 PCD

BIRDS: MACAWS 1

Blue-and-yellow Macaw Ara ararauna

85cm/33.5in

This is a beautiful, striking, large macaw. Uniquely, it is cyan blue above and golden yellow below and has white bare skin on the face, a green forehead, and a large black bill. It also has a black chin and black stripes around the eye. Although not very common, this is probably the most often seen of the large macaws in Ecuador. It is present exclusively in lowlands of east below 500m (1,640ft), preferring swampy palm forest. This macaw visits some remote clay licks, flying long distances daily, typically in pairs; flocks are rare but have been recorded. The best way to find this bird is from a canopy tower; couples can be seen even from a distance flying above the treetops. 2

Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severus

50cm/19.75in

Mostly olive green at first glance, this smaller macaw has an obvious white face and black bill. The chestnut forehead is not a very visible feature. In flight, the upper flight feathers are blue, and the underwing shows red shoulders and rusty-chestnut flight feathers; the long tail is similarly patterned: green and blue above and chestnut below. This macaw is fairly common in lowlands of the far northwest, uncommon in humid western foothills, and common in lowlands and foothills of the east, where it occurs to 1,400m (4,590ft) or higher. It favors open areas: clearings, river margins, and openings with scattered trees, where it tends to perch conspicuously. It is gregarious, typically flying and roosting in groups. 3

Scarlet Macaw Ara macao

89cm/35in

A large macaw with a scarlet-red body, rainbow-colored wings that show a little green and abundant yellow on the covert feathers and blue on the flight feathers, and a blue rump. The face is white with faint red lines, and the bill is bicolored, black below and bone-colored above. Similar but scarcer Red-and-green Macaw (A. chloropterus) has no yellow on wings, the lines on the face are noticeably bolder, and the overall red coloration is darker, more blood red. Scarlet Macaw is uncommon, present only in the lowlands of the east below 400m (1,310ft). It is also known to visit clay licks near the Napo River and other more remote areas.

108

1 PCD

2

3

CH

PCD

BIRDS: PARAKEETS

Cobalt-winged Parakeet Brotogeris cyanoptera

20cm/7.75in

This small parakeet is one of the most common species of the New World parrot family in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Green overall, it has a light pink bill, obvious blue flight feathers, and a pointy but shortish tail. Noisy groups of this parakeet fly above the canopy in various ecosystems in the eastern lowlands. It is a common visitor to clay licks inside the Yasuní National Park, where the blue-flashing wings of hundreds of these parakeets is quite a sight. AV

110

Dusky-headed Parakeet Aratinga weddellii

25cm/10in

Another long-tailed parakeet, this species is small and has a gray head and black bill. Its bold white eye-ring stands out against its dullcolored features. Common and gregarious, it is present only in the lowlands of the east, favoring forest edge. This is typically one of the most numerous species at clay licks along the lower Napo River area.

NA

BIRDS: PARROTS 1

Red-masked Parakeet Psittacara erythrogenys

32cm/12.5in

This is an attractive parakeet that shows a bold red mask with a contrasting white eye-ring. It is overall light olive green, and yellowish under the longish tail; in flight it shows red shoulders. It is resident in the drier lowland forests of the southwest, where common, and locally into the northwestern foothills and the upper subtropics of the far south. It flies in noisy groups that give distinctive nasal calls, and it is known to visit fruit feeders in some locations. This is the main species of the parakeets of San Francisco, California (where introduced and afterward escaped) presented in the film The Wild Parrots of the Telegraph Hill.

2

Orange-cheeked Parrot Pyrilia barrabandi

25cm/10in

This is a beautifully patterned parrot with a blackish head, contrasting bold white eye-ring, and a large orange patch on each cheek. Small, with a short, squared tailed, it appears mostly green, with a dusky orange chest, when perched. In flight it is spectacular, its wings revealing orange leading edge, lime-green coverts, red and blue shoulders, and light blue secondaries. It is uncommon, present only in lowlands of the east, but it regularly visits one of the most famous and accessible clay licks inside the Yasuní National Park.

3

Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus

27cm/10.5in

This is a medium-size parrot, mostly green, with a red vent; the blue head is diagnostic, and it has a distinctive reedy call. It is common in the lowlands of the east and in the humid lowland forests of the west and northwest. Eastern birds visit certain clay licks where they tend to be among the most common species. In the west it can be confused only with similar-size Bronze-winged Parrot (P. chalcopterus), but this is mostly a dark blue bird overall; in the east, size and flight call separate it from all other species of square-tailed parrots. The red vent and lack of orange on the wings separate Blue-headed Parrot from most of the bigger parrots.

112

1 PCD

2

3

RA

PCD

BIRDS: PARROTS

Yellow-crowned (Amazon) Parrot Amazona ochrocephala

35cm/13.75in

This large parrot is light green, with a yellow crown that varies in size and intensity. In flight it shows red on leading edge of wings and a bold red patch on the secondaries. A local onomatopoeic name is araw, from its distinctive, repeated call notes. This is one of the most intelligent parrots, famous for learning and repeating words, and therefore one of the most susceptible to capture for animal trafficking. It can easily be confused with Orange-winged Parrot (A. amazonica), which is similar overall but shows more obvious orange on wings, not red, and variable blue and yellow on face. Yellow-crowned Parrot’s range is restricted to the lowlands of the east, where it is common near river edges below 500m (1,640ft). AV

114

Mealy (Amazon) Parrot Amazona farinosa

39cm/15.25in

A little larger than Yellow-crowned Parrot, this parrot has a dusty whitish mantle that distinguishes it from other parrots of similar size when perched. In flight, it shows no red on the wing’s leading edge or the shoulders, and it has a wide and contrasting yellowish terminal band on the tail. It is present in the lowlands (mainly) and foothills of the east, in the northwest up to 1,000m (3,280ft), and locally close to the coast in Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve. It avoids drier forests. In the Amazon it visits clay licks. It is a common species in most of its range, less so in the west.

AV

BIRDS: ANIS

Greater Ani Crotophaga major

47cm/18.5in

Anis are black cuckoos with long tails and massive bills. Greater Ani, much the largest, has a distinctive white iris and a purplish-blue sheen on its back and tail. It is most often encountered in groups in low waterside vegetation, sometimes following monkey troops. It is present mostly in lowlands of the east, but small populations are present locally in the west. Vagrant birds have been found close to 3,000m (9,840ft), but most live under 500m (1,640ft). Greater Anis often give an interesting gurgling call similar to the sound of boiling water.

PCD

116

Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris

1 2

34cm/13.5in 34cm/13.5in

These smaller anis have massive bills and are basically all slate black. Paler-edged feathers give the head and mantle a scalelike pattern. These anis are gregarious and known for cuddling together to keep warm after rains or when cold. Smooth-billed is present in the lowlands and foothills up to about 1,500m (4,920ft), both in the east and west; it avoids the drier forests of the west, where it is replaced C. sulcirostris by the very similar but slightly smaller Groove-billed Ani 2 , which C. ani differs in having noticeable grooving on the bill. Both prefer farmland and grassy clearings, typically close to cattle; they have been called “tick-eaters,” as it was thought (wrongly) that they feed on cattle ticks, but they mostly eat bigger insects such as grasshoppers. 1

Grooves on the bill

AV

2 NA

BIRDS: CUCKOOS, OILBIRD 1

Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana

44cm/17.25in

Beautiful and common, this cuckoo has a long tail that shows an attractive black-and-white pattern underneath. Its upperparts are rich cinnamon, its chest and throat are paler, the bill is yellow, and the belly is gray, turning black toward the vent. Squirrel Cuckoo moves mostly in the upper levels of forest, favoring secondary forest and borders. It glides on bowed wings and when moving inside the canopy of a tree, it really can resemble a squirrel. It is common and widespread, absent only above 2,500m (8,200ft), and in the arid lowlands and inter-Andean valleys. 2

Hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin

65cm/25.5in

Related to the cuckoos, this bizarre, prehistoric-looking bird, with its long neck and tail, superficially resembles a guan. It has a long, spiky crest, bare blue skin on the face, and bright red eyes. Its body and wings are a combination of dark brown, buff, and rusty chestnut, with contrasting buffy neck stripes, wing bars, and tail band. Its main diet is foliage, so digestively the Hoatzin is something like a cow with feathers. It is locally known as “stinky turkey,” because of the nasty smell emitted if cooked, which comes from the bacteria and microbes in its crop that help with the difficult digestion of leaves. Nests are built on vegetation above water, so that nestlings can fall into the water when threatened, then swim and climb back up; uniquely, nestlings have claws on their wings to help them climb. Hoatzins live only on the borders of lakes and slow-moving rivers in the lowlands of the east. 3

Oilbird Steatornis caripensis

45cm/17.75in

This very interesting nocturnal bird roosts and nests communally in caves and dark grottos. Its cryptic plumage is rich cinnamon with white spots. Related to the nightjars, it has a similar shape but is larger and has a much longer wingspan. Unique among birds, it flies long distances by night to feed on fruit found by sense of smell. It has developed echolocation to navigate inside caves and the most photosensitive eyes in the bird world. Nestlings accumulate fat from their diet of (mostly) oily palm nuts. In the past, indigenous groups cooked them to release the oil, which was used for lamps and cooking. Away from well-known caves (one near Nangaritza in the extreme southeast, another in Chontal, about three hours northwest of Quito) sightings are rare (certainly overlooked), but Oilbird has been recorded in unexpected places like Quito; it can show up nearly anywhere, except maybe on the higher Andes.

118

1

2

AV

PCD

3 PCD

BIRDS: OWLS 1

Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl Megascops watsonii

24cm/9.5in

This is a dark brown screech-owl with dark eyes and notable little tufted “horns.” It is common in more mature terra firme forest of the east below 600m (1,970ft). The somewhat similar Tropical ScreechOwl (M. choliba) is paler, has yellow eyes, and favors open areas, clearings, and borders of water bodies. At some lodges, local guides typically find day-roosting individuals, making the sighting of the Tawny-bellied a regular occurrence.

2 3

Black-and-white Owl Ciccaba nigrolineata Black-banded Owl Ciccaba huhula

both 39cm/15.25in

These two large species are quite similar, but their ranges do not overlap. Both show a black heart-shaped face and a yellow-orange bill and feet. Neck, breast, and belly are black-and-white barred; white barring predominates in Black-and-white Owl, black barring in Blackbanded Owl. The latter has white bars on the wings and white spots on crown, whereas Black-and-white’s wings and crown are pure black. C. nigrolineata Black-and-white Owl is a western bird, found up to 1,700m (5,580ft) C. huhula in humid areas; Black-banded inhabits eastern forests below 1,000m (3,280ft). The mysterious “San Isidro” Owl (taxonomically considered Black-banded) is known from only one spot, Cabañas San Isidro, at 2,000m (6,560ft) on the northeastern slope, and displays plumage characteristics intermediate between these two species.

4

Crested Owl Lophostrix cristata

41cm/16.25in

This spectacular owl has a rusty face crossed by obvious eyebrows that stretch into tufted horns; these may be erected when alert, but otherwise remain droopy. Its body is grayish buff overall; wings are darker with whitish spots. The attractive juvenile 4j is extensively white. Crested Owl is present in the lowlands of the east and the west, more common in the Amazon, and absent in arid areas of the southwest. By night it forages high in the canopy but uses relatively open forest roosts by day, meaning it is often found by local guides near Amazon lodges. It is easily located by its vigorous, growling gorrrr call, which can be heard from a distance.

120

1

2

3

AV

PCD

AV

4j

4 AV

BIRDS: NIGHTJARS,POTOOS

1 SW

1

(Common) Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis

25cm/10in

This nightjar is one of the most commonly seen and heard nocturnal birds in Ecuador. All nightjars are quite similar, with cryptic coloration patterns, but Pauraque shows a diagnostic rich rusty disk below the eye that extends to the ear coverts. Male also has a white bar across each wing, as evident in flight as the white outer-tail feathers on its long tail; white markings of male are buffy in female. Nightjars are also known as “goatsuckers,” due to the erroneous ancient folktale that they suck the milk from goats, but what nightjars actually do around animals is hunt insects that are attracted to, or disturbed by, the herds. Pauraque forages in open areas near trees but never inside dense forest; it is typically seen on borders of oxbow lakes in lowlands or flushed from semiforested dirt roads. It is common in lowlands and foothills, mostly below 1,600m (5,250ft), but absent from arid, barren terrains. 2

Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus

38cm/15in

Locally called “stump tip,” this bird roosts by day and looks just like an extension of the stumps on which it perches. Even when perched quite openly, thanks to its excellent camouflage it is usually overlooked. It is gray, brown, and buff, with black striations and spots to help the camouflage. Its eyes are large and bright yellow. Its mouth is broad, which maximizes its reach, with strong bristles on the sides that help with catching insects. It is widely distributed in the lowlands, foothills, and subtropics of both slopes to about 2,300m (7,550ft). It favors secondary forest and borders and is absent from arid areas of the southwest. Similar species include the rare and local Andean Potoo (N. maculosus), which replaces Common in eastern subtropics and has diagnostic pale patches on the wings; the much larger and paler Great Potoo (N. grandis); and the Longtailed Potoo (N. aethereus), which is larger, longer-tailed, and rarer. 122

2 PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS

1 PCD

1

Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys

8.5cm/3.25in

This is a small, short-billed hummingbird with no iridescent coloring. The most obvious feature is the face, which has a dark brown mask and a pale eyebrow. It is mostly olive green above and has a speckled buff breast. Conspicuous in flight are the bold buff spots on the tips of its dark brown tail, which it often fans. Sexes are alike. Common, it visits feeders on both slopes, from 1,300m to 2,800m (4,265–9,190ft). 2

White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui

12cm/4.75in

Hermits are large, dull-colored but elegant hummingbirds that lack the sparkling colors of other species; they have an elongated body, generally have diamond-shaped tails with obvious white tips, and typically feed on understory flowers such as Heliconia. This mostly dark green species shows a pale eyebrow and a whitish moustache that outline a dark mask. It visits feeders regularly and is common in humid forest of western lowlands and foothills up to about 1,500m (4,920ft). It is unmistakable in its range. Green Hermit (P. guy) is very similar, somewhat more slender and longer-tailed, but present only in the foothills of the east, where it is commonly found at feeders. 3

White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Male White-necked Jacobin is unmistakable, with a striking bright blue hood, green back, and immaculate white belly and tail; it also shows a bold white crescent low on the nape. Female is mostly olive green, with a pale belly and spotted throat and chest. This hummingbird is common in the humid lowlands on both sides of the Andes up to about 1,500m (4,920ft); it favors secondary forest and clearings. Jacobins visit feeders, especially in the western foothills.

124

10.5cm/4.75in

2 AV

3f

3m

PCD

PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Lesser Violetear Colibri cyanotus

10.5cm/4.25in

This is like a glittering green version of the similarly sized Brown Violetear, but lacks it the contrasting beard and has a bluish tail. It is easily confused with the larger Sparkling Violetear but has no purplish on the belly or the chin. Green Violetear is a common species that seasonally visits feeders, present on both slopes of the Andes between 1,000m and 2,500m (3,280–8,200ft), more common in the west. 2

Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans

12.5cm/5in

This is the biggest violetear. Mostly shiny green, it differs from Green Violetear in its purple belly patch and the extension of purple from the ears to the throat. It is very common and vocal, present on both slopes of the Andes, from 900m to 3,500m (2,950–11,480ft), and in interAndean valleys, including big cities. It visits feeders seasonally and is often the most numerous and aggressive species to do so. In city parks and gardens, its repeated chirping single note can be heard incessantly. Very tolerant of disturbed habitat, it can be seen perched on electrical wires and fences. 3

Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae

10.5cm/4.25in

Violetears are relatively short-billed, quite vocal hummingbirds with violet auricular feathers, which they can raise when defending territories aggressively against other hummers. Brown Violetear is mostly cocoa-colored, with a brighter, rustier rump and darker wings and tail. It has a brilliant green and purple “beard.” Locally common in the northern Andes, it is more patchily distributed farther south along both eastern and western slopes between 500m and 2,200m (1,640–7,220ft).

126

1 PCD

2

3

AV

PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Green Thorntail Discosura conversii

9.5cm/3.75in

Male Green Thorntail 1m is very similar to male Wire-crested but lacks a crest. Females 1f are almost identical, but female Green is green instead of coppery. Both sexes also lack orange socks of Wirecrested. These two species do not overlap. Green Thorntail is present only in the west, exclusively in wet forest, from lowlands to upper foothills, locally to 1,500m (4,920ft). It is common and visits feeders and Verbena flowers. 2

Wire-crested Thorntail Discosura popelairii

10cm/4in

Male of this small species is very elegant and attractive, with a thin crest and a long, spiny bluish tail. It is predominantly coppery green, with a black chest, dusky belly, and white rump band; thighs are orange. Female 2f , which lacks the showy crest and long tail, shows white cheeks and bold white spots on the lower flanks. Present along the eastern foothills between 600m and 1,600m (1,970–5,250ft), Wire-crested Thorntail is uncommon but regular, and sometimes numerous at feeders and Verbena flowers. 2m

128

1f

2f

AV

PCD

1 AV

2 PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Western Emerald Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus

7.5cm/3in

This small, short-tailed hummingbird forages in a more vertical posture than many similar-size hummers. Male 1m is entirely shimmering metallic green, shiniest on the breast, with a short blackish tail and bill. Female 1f is solid light gray on the throat, breast, and belly, and has a blackish mask that contrasts with a pale eyebrow. Western Emerald is fairly common on the northwestern slopes from about 600m to 2,000m (1,970–6,560ft) and in dry inter-Andean valleys of the north, including the vicinity of Quito. It visits feeders, at which it is seasonally common.

2

Golden-tailed Sapphire Chrysuronia oenone

9cm/3.5in

A very attractive, medium-size, slender hummingbird of the eastern foothills and lowlands. Male 2m has a deep blue head, shiny green body, and bright rusty rump and tail. Female 2f is green above and white below, with speckled flanks. The species is common in the borders of foothill forest up to 1,500m (4,920ft), where it visits feeders in large numbers; it is present, but uncommon, in lowland Amazon.

3

Fork-tailed Woodnymph Thalurania furcata (Green-) Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica

9.5cm/3.75in 9.5cm/3.75in

These extremely similar medium-size hummingbirds do not overlap in range: Fork-tailed is found in the eastern foothills and lowlands, while Crowned occurs in the western foothills and northwestern lowlands. Both range to about 1,500m (4,920ft) and are common at feeders and inside humid forest. Males 3m have glittering green hood contrasting with shiny violet belly; the back is all green but for a blue T. furcata forked tail and purple shoulders. Female Fork-tailed 3f has entire T. colombica solid light gray throat, breast, and belly; female Crowned has dusky green belly. A variation of Crowned, in which male has a green belly and female a gray belly, occurs in the southwestern foothills.

130

1m

1f

PCD

PCD

2m

2f

AV

PCD

3m

3f

AV

PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl

9cm/3.5in

This medium-size hummer with a striking rusty-orange bill and tail is unmistakable in its range. Male has a solid bright green chest and a dusky gray belly; female is similar, with a more speckled breast. The species has a vertical posture in flight, and it fans its colorful tail often, especially when sorting out frequent territorial disputes. It is common and widespread in the lowlands, foothills, and subtropics of the west, up to 2,500m (8,200ft), even wandering locally into inter-Andean valleys, but avoids arid areas of the southern lowlands. 2

Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae

9cm/3.5in

This species is similar in size and shape to Amazilia Hummingbird but is mainly green above and immaculate white below; it shows some coppery shades on the lower back. Crown of male tends to have a bluish shade (especially in the south); female is very similar. Andean Emerald visits feeders and is common from the northwestern lowlands (not reaching the coastline) to the subtropics, reaching above 2,200m (7,220ft), but in the southwest only in foothills. In the east it is uncommon, mainly in southern foothills, from 900m to 1,600m (2,950–5,250ft). 3

Amazilia Hummingbird Amazilia amazilia

9cm/3.5in

Similar to Rufous-tailed, Amazilia has an orange bill and tail and shows a beautiful contrasting pure white bib and rich rusty belly. There is some overlap between these two species, but Amazilia prefers drier forest, even arid regions of the west, and ranges into subtropics and drier inter-Andean valleys in the south. It tolerates disturbance, thus is present in gardens in Guayaquil, Loja, Vilcabamba, and various coastal towns. The subspecies from the southern highlands has a white belly and tends to be split in some taxonomies as Loja Hummingbird (A. alticola).

132

1 PCD

2

3

PCD

AV

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii

12cm/4.75in

Always one of the favorites on a birding trip, male 1m of this tiny, glittering-green hummingbird has huge puffs on its legs, similar to but even bigger than those of pufflegs, and two long tail feathers shaped like rackets, as the shaft is bare along its length, with blue-black paddle-like plumes only at the tip. Female 1f is white from chin to vent, shorttailed, and “boots” are reduced in size to “socks.” Eastern birds’ boots are light orange instead of white and not as big as those of western birds. Booted Rackettail ranges on the Andean slopes from 900m to 2,400m (2,950–7,870ft) in both east and west. It is common, especially in the west, and visits feeders. It is so tame that, if patient, you may manage to have it perch on your fingers while it drinks from feeders.

3

Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera

13cm/5in

Sword-billed Hummingbird has the longest bill in proportion to its body of any bird on earth. Reaching up to 11cm (4.25in) long, the bill nearly equals the length of its large body. Male is solid green, and female is speckled white and green from throat to belly; both have a brown-bronzy shine on the head. The species has coevolved with long tubular flowers to be their exclusive pollinator; it favors red Datura flowers and Purple Passionflower, or Taxo. Pleasingly, this stunner visits feeders and is fairly common throughout its range, which stretches along both slopes from 2,500m to about 3,400m (8,200–11,150ft). It is present close to small towns and in agricultural areas that grow its favored flowers as ornamentals.

134

1f PCD

1m PCD

2 AV

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix

13cm/5in

This is a large, slim, and elegant brilliant with a long neck, heavy black bill, and long, bifurcated dark tail. Male 1m is solid golden-green, with golden reflections in the belly and a purple spot on the throat. Female 1f is similar, but the throat and middle chest are paler and speckled. Empress Brilliant is very local, but where present it can be surprisingly common; it ranges in the northwestern foothills and subtropics from about 1,200m to 2,300m (3,940–7,550ft). 2

Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides

11cm/4.25in

The same size as the Green-crowned, this brilliant is warm green above and rich creamy-colored below; the tail is buff below and bronzy green on the upper side. Male has a bright pink spot on the throat and a coppery shine on back; female lacks pink, and throat and chest are mottled green and fawn. Oddly, the species is often confused with Buff-tailed Coronet, but the shapes of the head and bill are very different: coronets have round heads and short, thinner bills, whereas all brilliants have flat foreheads and heavy-based bills. Fawn-breasted Brilliant is present in the humid upper foothills and subtropics of both slopes, from 500m (locally at least in the southwest) to 2,400m (1,640–7,870ft). 3

Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula

11.5cm/4.5in

Green-crowned is like a smaller version of the Empress Brilliant, with a proportionally shorter and squarer tail. Male 3m is mostly green, with a dark blue tail and a clear blue throat spot. Female 3f is similar, but throat, chest, and belly are mottled white and green. Female shows a clear white line below the eye; this line is buff on immature males. The species is common and visits feeders in the northwest, from the lowlands (not reaching the coastline) to about 1,600m (5,250ft), and in southwestern foothills and upper lowlands.

136

1f

3f

AV

AV

1m

2m

AV

PCD

3m PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS

Giant Hummingbird Patagona gigas

16.5cm/6.5in

The largest of the hummingbirds. Male is dusky cinnamon below and dark olive brown above. Female is quite similar but differs in having mottled underparts. Both sexes lack iridescence and show a pale rump—a reliable distinguishing feature if it is difficult to evaluate size. Present mostly in the dry highlands, gardens, and agricultural terrain above 1,800m (5,900ft), it is easy to find in arid terrain when the tall flower spikes of agave are in bloom. It has the slowest wingbeat of any hummer but compensates for the low cadence with larger wings, which push more air, allowing it to hover just as well. To give some perspective, the well-known Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris) from North America weights about 3g (0.1oz), whereas Giant reaches about 20g (0.7oz). AV

138

Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus

15cm/6in

This dark hummer is just a bit smaller than the Giant Hummingbird. Male m has a shiny green body and shows striking deep blue on the wings. Female f is dark cinnamon below and duller green above, with blue on the shoulders only. Great Sapphirewing is unmistakable in its range, due to its size and slow wingbeats, since there is almost no overlap with Giant; Sapphirewings require humid highland forests between 2,500m and 3,800m (8,200–12,470ft). It visits feeders and is fairly common throughout its range. Sometimes Sparkling Violetear is confused for a sapphirewing in city parks, due to overall color, but the sapphirewing is not present in cities or towns.

f PCD

m PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni

11cm/4.25in

Incas are large hummingbirds with distinctive long, straight bills and slender, elegant bodies. Brown Inca is dark cocoa overall, with a clear bold white spot above its shoulder and an inconspicuous purple throat; sexes are similar. It is present only in the humid foothills and subtropics of the western slope, from 800m to about 2,300m (2,620–7,550ft), where it visits feeders regularly. In its range it is rarely mistaken; Brown Violetear’s bill is smaller and less straight. On the eastern slope, the Bronzy Inca (C. coeligena) replaces it; similar in color, it is light rusty brown overall, with a pale, speckled throat. 2

Collared Inca Coeligena torquata

11.5cm/4.5in

A large hummingbird with a striking white bib and abundant white on the tail. Since male is mostly black, it looks like a hummingbird in a tuxedo; it has, though, an inconspicuous green shine on lower back, blue on crown, and green on chin. Female is largely green and white. Unmistakable, and pleasingly common in its range, it is present on both slopes from about 2,000m to 3,300m (6,560–10,830ft), but absent in the drier southwest. It visits feeders. 3

Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae

11.5cm/4.5in

In the same genus as the incas, this hummer also has a distinctive long, straight bill and obvious buff panels on dark wings. Male 3m is dark green, with a blue throat patch and a shiny green forehead; female 3f is somewhat duller, with a pale creamy throat. Buff-winged Starfrontlet is present in humid forests in the highlands of both northwestern and eastern slopes above 2,500m up to 3,700m (8,200–12,140ft). It visits feeders and is common in its range. Its nasal single-note flight call frequently betrays its presence; easy to learn it is unlike the vocalizations of most hummingbirds.

140

1

2

AV

PCD

3f NA

3m PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 3

Velvet-purple Coronet Boissonneaua jardini

11.5cm/4.5in

A true jewel, this stunning hummer displays all kinds of purple, blue, aquamarine, and indigo on its body and face, depending on the light and angle of observation. It can also look just plain black in poor light or at a bad angle, but only the crown, nape, and sides of the face are truly black. In contrast with the overall coloring, it shows abundant white on the tail and bronzy underwings. Sexes are very similar. Velvetpurple Coronet is uncommon to fairly common but is restricted to the northwestern slope from 800m up to 2,000m (2,620–6,560ft) and found in very small numbers around Buenaventura Reserve in the southwest. It visits feeders, at which it can be quite common.

2

Chestnut-breasted Coronet Boissonneaua matthewsii

11.5cm/4.5in

A beautiful hummingbird, mostly glittering green, with a dark rustyorange chest and belly shading lighter toward the vent and undertail. When coronets perch they tend to hold their wings up for a second before closing them; that distinguishing action allows us to see the lighter rusty color on the underwing of this species. Chestnut-breasted Coronet is present in the subtropics of the eastern slope and more locally on southwestern slopes, from 1,900m to 2,700m (6,230–8,860ft), but note that it has been recorded much lower in some spots. It is common and visits feeders.

Buff-tailed Coronet Boissonneaua flavescens 1

142

11.5cm/4.5in

This can be a confusing species; mostly dark green, it is round headed and takes a vertical posture. Its distinguishing features are not immediately obvious: buff undertail and underwing coverts, dull golden shoulders, variable whitish “socks,” and a fluorescent-green face, which is visible only when it looks straight at you. Sometimes the belly is mottled light gray and green, contrasting with solid green chest. Sexes are similar. Even though its range in Ecuador is restricted to the northwestern (and a couple spots in the northeastern) subtropics, between 1,500m and 2,500m (4,920–8,200ft), it is common in its range and visits feeders, where it is often the dominant species.

1 AV

2 PCD

3 PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Gorgeted Sunangel Heliangelus strophianus

10cm/4in

This medium-size, dark green hummingbird may appear blackish, except for a thin but obvious white collar and magenta-purple throat. Sunangels are short-necked and short-billed and have a flattish forehead. They often appear nervous, swiftly and repeatedly looking from side to side when perched; upon landing, they tend to keep their wings stretched horizontally for a second, as if they need to get their balance before folding them. Gorgeted Sunangel is locally common and visits feeders, but its range is restricted to the northwestern slope and a couple of spots in the southwest; this species’ population is almost entirely within Ecuador’s borders. It is most common from 1,700m to 2,500m (5,580–8,200ft), though wanders both above and below this range. On the southeastern slopes the similar but paler Amethyst-throated Sunangel (H. amethysticollis) occurs; it has a golden sheen on the body. 2

Tourmaline Sunangel Heliangelus exortis

9cm/3.5in

Similar in shape, size, and behavior to the Gorgeted Sunangel. Male Tourmaline Sunangel 2m has a distinctive light purple throat and a fluffy white vent, but no white collar; female 2f has a clear white throat. Both sexes are mostly dark green, almost blackish, with blackish-blue tail and wings. Common at feeders, this species ranges from 2,200m to 3,200m (7,220–10,500ft) on northern and north-central eastern slopes. Farther south it is replaced by similar Little Sunangel (H. micraster), which differs in having a flame-colored throat. 3

Golden-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis mosquera

11.5cm/4.5in

Similar to the Sapphire-vented Puffleg, but with neither blue on the head nor violet on the vent, this species has a golden chest and lower throat, which is rather difficult to appreciate from a side view but obvious from a frontal view. Found above 3,000m up to about 3,600m (9,840–11,810ft) in temperate humid forest of the northwestern, northeastern, and central eastern Andes, it is uncommon but visits feeders in its range. These two species of pufflegs are easily found close to Quito at the feeders of Yanacocha Reserve. 3

Sapphire-vented Puffleg Eriocnemis luciani

11.5cm/4.5in

Pufflegs are slender, elegant, and relatively long-tailed high-altitude hummers with straight medium-length bills and characteristic feathered thighs that look like small cotton puffs. Named for its inconspicuous violet vent, this puffleg has abundant blue on the crown and a bluish-black forked tail. It is present in humid highland forest across the Andes and on slopes above 2,700m to about 3,700m (8,860–12,140ft). It is common especially in the western part of its range and visits feeders. 144

1m

3

PCD

PCD

2m PCD

4 AV

2f PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Purple-bibbed Whitetip Urosticte benjamini

9cm/3.5in

Medium-size and slender, this largely green species has an elongated white line behind the eye. Male has a bold white spot in the center of the blackish tail and a purple bib. Female lacks the tail spot and shows a white breast and belly with abundant green speckles. The somewhat squared shape of the head and overall profile are quite distinctive. It is local but regular at feeders in the northwestern foothills and subtropics (also locally farther south), from 900m to 2,300m (2,950–7,550ft). 2

Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti

8cm/3.25in

This is a small hummer that forages in a horizontal posture, cocking up its tail. Male 2m has an entirely blue head and an obvious white spot behind the eye; the belly is grayish, the back greenish. Female is similar, but blue is restricted to the crown. Violet-headed Hummingbird visits feeders, though more often visits Verbena flowers, typically planted next to feeder setups. It is present only in the eastern foothills and lower subtropics, from 800m up to 1,800m (2,620–5,900ft).

3

Ecuadorian Hillstar Oreotrochilus chimborazo

11.5cm/4.5in

Symbolic of the Ecuadorian Andes, this beautiful, robust hummingbird is present at the highest altitudes (above 3,600m/11,810ft) and only where stands of Chuquiragua flowers abound. Male 3m has a brilliant indigo-blue head ending in a black collar on the chest (central Andean male is green-throated), and pure white chest, belly, and undertail. The upper body is dusky green, darker on wings and tail. Female 3f is dull green above and light gray below, often stained with rusty-yellow pollen on forehead and chin.

146

1f

1m

AV

AV

2m PCD

3m PCD

3f NA

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae

26cm/10.25in (male)

This is an attractive hummingbird, mostly green and small-bodied, with an exceptionally long, thin tail in male, shorter in female. The tail is often forked and can reach about 18cm (7in) long; it is black with some green near the base. Female is green, with light buff underparts speckled with green. Tail included, this is the longest hummingbird in South America. It is present in the Andean central valleys, highland city parks, gardens, agricultural areas, and shrubby páramo between 2,500m and 3,800m (8,200–12,470ft), though apparently absent in Loja Province. 2 3

Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii

20cm/7.75in 20cm/7.75in

Violet-tailed Sylph male 2m is a spectacular hummingbird with a long, bifurcated tail (up to 15cm/6in long) in shimmering shades of purple, indigo, and blue. Male has a green body, paler on the belly, a glittering green forehead, and a blue throat. Female is completely different, with a short white-tipped tail, orange belly, white bib, and blue forehead. Both sexes have triangular heads. Violet-tailed is common and visits A. coelestis feeders, ranging from 800m to 2,400m (2,620–7,870ft) on the western A. kingii slopes. On eastern slopes it is replaced by the very similar Long-tailed Sylph; the two overlap in a small area in the extreme northwest. Marginally smaller, Longtailed Sylph ranges at slightly higher elevations; male 3m shows aqua, turquoise, and cyan on the tail; female lacks white bib and blue crown. 2f AV

148

1m AV

2m PCD

3m PCD

BIRDS: HUMMINGBIRDS 1

Violet-throated Metaltail Metallura baroni

10cm/4in

This dull, smallish hummingbird is dark bronzy brown with a (usually inconspicuous) purple throat, small bill, stocky neck, and chunky appearance; female is paler and mottled below. Even though it is very local, this metaltail is common near Cuenca, in the often-visited area of El Cajas National Park, between 3,000m and 4,000m (9,840–13,120ft), where, given the fact it is one of the few endemic birds of mainland Ecuador, local guides try to show it to all visitors, so sightings are somewhat frequent. 2

Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina

9cm/3.5in

This bronze-green hummer differs from other metaltails in its tail color, which is rufous to dark magenta. Male of this common species has an iridescent green throat that contrasts with the pale bronzygreen belly; female is rich buff on the chest and paler on the belly. Tyrian Metaltail is common and visits feeders between 2,300m and 3,400m (7,550–11,150ft) in humid temperate forest, upper subtropics, and borders of these two habitats, avoiding arid areas. Very similar Viridian Metaltail (M. williami) occurs usually at higher elevations on the eastern slope and has a diagnostic dark blue tail. 3

Purple-throated Woodstar Calliphlox mitchellii

7.5cm/3in

Woodstars are tiny hummingbirds with a horizontal posture when flying. They resemble bumblebees in flight, both in wingbeat sound and their slow approach flight to flowers. With these adaptations, they may take advantage of hummers’ evolutionary fear of bees to avoid being chased from flowers by larger territorial hummingbirds. Male Purple-throated Woodstar is olive green, duskier on the belly, with a bold white collar and sparkling purple throat. Female has a bronze shine on the back, orange on belly, creamy throat, and shorter cocked-up tail in flight. This woodstar is common and visits feeders, mostly from 1,400m to 2,300m (4,590–7,550ft) on the northwest slope, as well as a few scattered spots farther south. 4

White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant

8cm/3.25in

Quite similar to Purple-throated Woodstar, with which it has some overlap, this species is more robust, and shorter-tailed, bright bottle green, not olive, with extensive white on its belly in both sexes. Male also has purple on the throat; female’s orange is restricted to flanks, and the throat is whitish. This species has a characteristic metallic wingbeat sound. Woodstars in general have bold white spots on sides of lower back but never an entire rump band, as the equally tiny thorntails do. White-bellied Woodstar is present throughout the Andes, from 1,000m to 3,500m (3,280–11,480ft), in a variety of habitats; it visits feeders and Verbena flowers at some lodges. 150

1

2

AV

PCD

3m

4m

PCD

PCD

4f PCD

3f PCD

BIRDS: TROGONS 1

White-tailed Trogon Trogon chionurus Green-backed Trogon Trogon viridis

28cm/11in 28cm/11in

These two very similar trogons (once lumped into a single species), do not overlap in range. Males have iridescent blue-black hoods, a bright yellow belly, abundant white under the tail, and a green shine on the back. Females are gray and yellow, with some black barring on the undertail. Green-backed is common but inconspicuous in the canopy of humid Amazon forests, mostly below 1,300m (4,265ft). WhiteT. chionurus tailed is common in the humid lowlands of the northwest below 800m T. viridis (2,620ft). Confusion is likely with the smaller Amazonian Trogon (T. ramonianus) and Gartered Trogon (T. caligatus), present on respective sides of the Andes, but males of these species have obvious yellow (not gray) eye-rings, and females have oval (not circular) gray eye-rings; tails of both have black barring.

152

1m

1f

PCD

PCD

2 1 2

Collared Trogon Trogon collaris Masked Trogon Trogon personatus

25cm/10in 25cm/10in

These trogons are almost identical but have very little range overlap. Males are green on the back and hood and have a blood-red belly, a bold white chest band, and a black mask contrasting with a red eyering. Females are brown instead of green; Collared lacks the black mask. Both species have black-and-white-barred undertail; Collared shows more extensive white barring. They inhabit humid forest at T. collaris different elevations, Masked is present on both slopes of the Andes T. personatus from 1,500m to 3,300m (4,920–10,830ft), whereas Collared normally occurs below 1,400m (4,590ft), down to the humid lowlands both in the east and west, avoiding dry areas.

1m

2f

PCD

PCD

BIRDS: KINGFISHERS 1

American Pygmy Kingfisher Chloroceryle aenea

13cm/5in

This is a tiny kingfisher, emerald green above and rich rusty below and around the neck; female has a green breast band. Its obvious white belly patch distinguishes it from very similar but bigger Green-and-rufous Kingfisher (C. inda). American Pygmy Kingfisher is fairly common, favoring forested streams and borders of smaller rivers in the lowlands of the east; it is also rather rare in the northwestern lowlands. 2

Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata

40cm/15.75in

This is one of the largest kingfishers in the world. The head, back, and tail are pale grayish blue; belly (and chest in male) is rich rust; and a complete white collar encircles the neck. Female has a grayishblue breast band. Ringed Kingfisher’s loud, machine-gun-like call is often the first alert to its presence. It is common and widespread on both sides of the Andes, from lowlands to about 1,500m (4,920ft), but requires medium-size to large bodies of water; also often found around fish-farm pools on Andean slopes where rivers are narrower. 3

Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona

29cm/11.5in

This medium-size kingfisher is emerald green above and white below, and is also white-collared. Male has a rusty breast; female breast has some green. The thick bill and lack of white spots on the wings help to distinguish this species from quite similar but noticeably smaller Green Kingfisher (C. americana). Amazon Kingfisher is restricted to lowlands of the East below 1,000m (3,280ft), where it favors forested streams and river edges and is less common along lake edges. Green Kingfisher is present both in eastern and western lowlands. 1m PCD

154

2f PCD

3m PCD

BIRDS: MOTMOTS 1 2

Rufous Motmots Baryphthengus martii Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum

45cm/17.75in 35cm/13.75in

Motmots are big-headed birds with a vertical posture and long green tails terminating in darker-colored rackets. Rufous Motmot has an orange-red hood, rounded black mask, and a green back and lower belly. Very similar Broad-billed Motmot has green on the chin, belly, and (diagnostically) the lower chest; its mask is thinner, with narrow outer edge. Motmots tend to remain on a single perch for long periods E. platyrhynchum and may be inconspicuous, though often vocal. Both are common B. martii in the humid northwestern lowlands and western foothills (avoiding drier forests), and uncommon in the eastern foothills and lowlands (where they usually lack the rackets). They range up to 1,700m (5,580ft), Broad-billed normally a little lower. Locally Rufous visits fruit feeders, despite motmots’ main diet being insects.

156

1

2

PCD

AV

1 2

Amazonian Motmot Momotus momota Andean Motmot Momotus aequatorialis Whooping Motmot Momotus subrufescens These three very similar species, once considered conspecific, do not overlap in range. They are mainly green and have an iridescent blue crown, bright red eyes, and black mask. The uppermost part of the tail is green, the lower portion tail is blue with rackets that end in black tips. Whooping (see page 6), which has a pale green chest, is common in the drier lowlands and foothills of the west below 1,300m (4,265ft). Amazonian, with a golden-brown chest, is common but inconspicuous in the eastern lowlands below 300m (980ft). The larger Andean, with an intermediate chest color, is uncommon to fairly common in the eastern subtropics between 900m and 2,200m (2,950–7,220ft).

all 44cm/17.25in

M. momota M. aequatorialis M. subrufescens

2

1

PCD

AV

BIRDS: JACAMARS AND PUFFBIRDS 1

White-chinned Jacamar Galbula tombacea

21cm/8.25in

Jacamars look like oversize hummingbirds, with their very thin long bills, long tails, vertical posture, and smoldering iridescent plumage. This species is mostly green with a bronze sheen. Male has a rufous belly and undertail; female has orange instead. It is present in the northeastern lowlands, where it favors the borders of forested blackwater streams and, less frequently, oxbow lakes. 2 3

158

Black-fronted Nunbird Monasa nigrifrons White-fronted Nunbird Monasa morphoeus

27cm/10.5in 27cm/10.5in

These slaty-colored birds, members of the puffbird group, have bright, coral-red bills. White-fronted also has abundant white feathering around the base of the bill, giving it the appearance of a nun wearing lipstick. Both live in noisy family groups, especially White-fronted, which musters mixed flocks and serves as an important sentinel species. Both species occur only in the lowlands of the east, mostly below 1,000m (3,280ft). Black-fronted favors várzea and riparian forest close to big rivers, whereas White-fronted favors terra firme forest canopy and is most likely to be seen from canopy towers.

1 JI

2

3

PCD

PCD

BIRDS: BARBETS 1

Toucan Barbet Semnornis ramphastinus

21cm/8.25in

This spectacular bird is a feathered rainbow, with a very thick creamy bill tipped in black. The subtle gray-blue throat and cheeks contrast with the bright blood-red chest, which fades into a rich golden belly. The black mask and crown enclose a bold white eyebrow and reach the nape, where they meet a rich olive upper back that turns golden toward the rump; wings and tail are slate. Sexes are similar, and this barbet is usually encountered in pairs, which often join mixed flocks. They are easily detected, even in thick forests, thanks to their comical, loud honking duet songs. Toucan Barbet is fairly common but local between 1,000m and 2,400m (3,280–7,870ft) on the northwestern slope. It frequently visits fruit feeders. 2

Gilded Barbet Capito auratus

18cm/7in

Barbets are colorful, stout-billed fruit eaters that resemble tanagers but are actually more closely related to the toucans. Gilded is a gold and black bird. Male is rich golden on throat and crown, with a bold black mask that extends toward the back, and has black wings and tail; the belly is paler yellow, as are the wing bars. Female looks like a dirtier version, with abundant black spotting and streaking on throat, belly, and wings. Gilded Barbet is common in canopy flocks in foothill and lowland forests of the east, mostly below 1,500m (4,920ft). 3

Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii Markedly dimorphic: Male has a bright red hood, strong yellow bill, green back, and pale yellow belly. Female has a black mask, light blue cheeks, faint green throat, and dark golden crown and bib. Red-headed Barbet is a common bird in humid forests, almost always encountered in mixed flocks, mostly in the foothills of both slopes of the Andes up to about 1,800m (5,900ft) but also in lowland forest of the northwest. It is a frequent visitor to fruit feeders at several lodges.

160

15.5cm/6in

1 PCD

2f

3f

PCD

PCD

2m

3m

PCD

PCD

BIRDS: TOUCANS 1

Ivory-billed Araçari Pteroglossus azara

38cm/15in

Smaller than Many-banded Araçari, this attractive bird has a shorter, all-pale bill; no other araçari in its range has a bill this light-colored. The head is dark chestnut, and the breast is bright red with a bold black band above the yellow belly. Like other araçaris, this one travels in family groups in the canopy of humid lowland Amazon forest and the eastern foothills to about 900m (2,950ft). It is mostly seen from the canopy towers at lowland lodges. 2

Collared (Pale-mandibled) Araçari Pteroglossus torquatus

42cm/16.5in

Araçaris (pronounced are-a-SAR-ees) are medium-size toucans with long, thin bills, predominantly yellow bellies and bills, military-green backs, and red rumps. Collared has a pale, bone-colored bill with a black stripe in the middle, glossy black hood, and bright yellow underparts with a black band crossing the belly and a black spot on chest. Birds in the extreme northwest have a black lower mandible. Collared Araçari is common, vocal, and conspicuous and visits fruit feeders on a regular basis. It mostly occurs lower than 1,700m (5,580ft) in humid forest and borders of the west, where it is the only araçari. 3

Many-banded Araçari Pteroglossus pluricinctus

42cm/16.5in

Similar to Collared Araçari, the Many-banded has double black bands across the chest and belly; the lower band has some red as well. Its bill is sooty black on the lower mandible and mostly creamy golden on the upper. Similar Chestnut-eared Araçari (P. castanotis), shows only one red band across the belly. Many-banded is the most common araçari in its region; it favors the canopy of terra firme forest in the lowlands of the east. It is easily seen from a canopy tower, since it perches exposed and moves in conspicuous groups.

162

1 RA

2

3

PCD

PCD

BIRDS: TOUCANS 1 2

Chocó Toucan Ramphastos brevis Yellow-throated Toucan Ramphastos ambiguous

47cm/18.5in 55cm/21.75in

These are two very similar large toucans, mostly black, with bright yellow throats, cheeks, and upper mandible; in flight they both show a conspicuous white rump. Chocó’s bill is comparatively shorter and kinked; lower mandible is deep black. Yellow-throated’s bill is longer, slender, and smoothly curved; lower mandible is black in the east but chestnut in the west, where it overlaps with Chocó. Common R. brevis and conspicuous, both these toucans often perch exposed, especially R. ambiguous early and late in the day. They visit fruit feeders, Yellow-throated less frequently. Both are present in humid lowland forest of the northwest and humid western foothills up to 1,100m (3,610ft), seasonally higher; Yellow-throated also occurs in eastern foothills. Interestingly, in this genus of large toucans, shorter-beaked species’ songs sound like loud frog croaks, and long-billed species’ songs sound like loud yelps. 3 4

Cuvier’s (White-throated) Toucan Ramphastos cuvieri 56cm/22in Yellow-ridged (Channel-billed) Toucan Ramphastos culminatus 48cm/19in These are large black-bodied toucans that show white throats and cheeks, instead of the yellow on the Chocó and Yellow-throated Toucans. Cuvier’s is a “yelper,” and its beak is long, smoothly curved, and mostly black, with yellow on upper ridge and base of upper mandible. Nearly identical, so best identified by call, Yellow-ridged is a “croaker,” and has a noticeably shorter and kinked bill. Both are common, vocal, and easy to see from canopy towers, since they perch on exposed branches on tops of trees. They are present only in the Amazon basin, from lowlands to foothills, locally up to 1,400m (4,590ft).

R. culminatus R. cuvieri

4 PCD

164 PCD

2 AV

1 PCD

3 PCD

BIRDS: TOUCANS, WOODCREEPERS 1

Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan Andigena laminirostris

45cm/17.75in

One of the most beautiful toucans, this medium-size species has dark gray-blue underparts, a bronze-olive back, a red vent, and a yellow rump. Its facial markings are striking, with a black cap, bright yellow behind the eye, and aqua blue above it. The black and chestnut bill has a bright yellow panel close to the base of the upper mandible. This toucan is common on the northwestern slopes but can be tricky to observe. It normally ranges from 1,600m to 2,600m (5,250–8,530ft) but occurs locally down to 900m (2,950ft). The Tandayapa and Mindo areas are the best places to find this spectacular bird. 2

Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus

38cm/15in

This is a small toucan, mostly lime green, with a black and chestnut bill and a dark red rump. The base of the bill has a clear white ring, which, in the dark forest interior, is sometimes the first thing you see. The species is common and visits fruit feeders, but is inconspicuous when foraging in the shady subcanopy. It is present in the western foothills and subtropics from 500m to 2,100m (1,640–6,890ft), where it is the only toucanet in its range. 3

Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii

20cm/7.75in

Superficially similar to woodpeckers, woodcreepers climb up and down trunks of trees searching for insects. The Streak-headed Woodcreeper is rusty overall, brighter on the wings and tail, with prominent and abundant buff streaks running from forehead to upper back and from the buff throat to the lower belly. It is present in the western lowlands (reaching higher elevations in the south), favoring dry forest and secondary humid woodland. It joins mixed flocks, usually foraging low. It is easily seen, for instance, in Machalilla National Park. Montane Woodcreeper (L. lacrymiger) is similar overall but occurs in humid subtropical forests on both slopes.

166

1 PCD

2 PCD

3 PCD

BIRDS: WOODPECKERS 1

Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii

25cm/10in

This beautiful medium-size Andean woodpecker, with a bright red mantle and bright yellow belly, is unmistakable. It has a black throat, red malar stripe, a spangled black and red chest, and a pale yellow mask. Female is very similar to male but has a black crown and lacks red malar stripe. This species is present throughout the Andes, from the upper slopes to the central valleys, even in city parks, from 1,700m to 3,400m (5,580–11,150ft). 2

Yellow-tufted Woodpecker Melanerpes cruentatus

19cm/7.5in

This small, attractive, mostly black woodpecker has bright yellow “goggles” and a contrasting white rump. Its belly has a bold red central patch, offset by creamy flanks barred with black. It is common and moves in noisy groups. It roosts communally, so late in the day and very early in the morning, several individuals can be seen perched in a single-file line on the side of a tree. It is present in a variety of habitats, always close to the canopy, from the lowland Amazon basin to about 1,500m (4,920ft) in the eastern foothills. 3

Black-cheeked Woodpecker Melanerpes pucherani Black-cheeked Woodpecker is similar to the Yellow-tufted (with which it does not overlap), but has a creamy chest, throat, and cheeks, and a black mask extending onto the back. Its crown is red, and the forehead is yellow; the black mantle and wings have fine white bars and spots. It is common and frequently visits fruit feeders at some lodges. It ranges from sea level up to about 1,000m (3,280ft) in the western foothills, favoring humid forest and borders and avoiding arid regions.

168

18.5cm/7.5in

1 PCD

2

3

PCD

PCD

BIRDS: WOODPECKERS 1 2

Guayaquil Woodpeckers Campephilus gayaquilensis Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucos These two common species are quite likely to be confused with Lineated Woodpecker on either side of the Andes, Guayaquil in the west and Crimson-crested in the east. In females of both of these species, the stripe that runs from base of bill to back is noticeably wider on the cheeks and meets to form a V on the back; the cheek stripe of male is reduced to a black-and-white spot. Both reach about 1,500m (4,920ft) on their respective slopes but are more common in the lowlands.

170

1m

2f

AV

AV

34cm/13.5in 34cm/13.5in

C. gayaquilensis C. melanoleucos

1

Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus

34.5cm/13.5in

Large and common, this mostly black woodpecker has a bushy red crest and a creamy belly with black barring; it is quite similar to the well-known Pileated Woodpecker (D. pileatus) of North America. It has a white stripe that runs from base of bill to shoulders, and parallel white lines on its back. It is common and widespread in the lowlands and foothills, both in the east and west, up to 1,500m (4,920ft).

1m PCD

3f

BIRDS: OVENBIRDS 1

Pale-legged (Pacific) Hornero Furnarius leucopus

19cm/7.5in

This is a rich orange, rotund, terrestrial bird that is commonly seen along roads in grasslands and other open terrain of western Ecuador. At close range it shows pale eyebrows, eyes, bill, and legs. Most common in the drier lowland ecosystems, it is no longer scarce in more humid open areas of foothills and subtropics, up to 2,500m (8,200ft), due to increased clearing. It builds an elaborate and conspicuous clay nest that resembles an oven (hence the name, from horno, Spanish for “oven”) on the bare branches of a short, often leafless tree or bush. Its loud song, a descending staccato series, is commonly heard at dawn and dusk. 2 3

Chestnut-winged (Bar-winged) Cinclodes Cinclodes albidiventris Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior

17.5cm/6.75in 20.5cm/8in

These two very similar chunky, terrestrial birds are mostly brown, lighter on the belly, with some rufous in the wings, and with pale eyebrows and throat; they typically forage with their tails cocked. Chestnut-winged is smaller and has a shorter straight bill, whereas Stout-billed is really stocky, and its longer and stronger bill is slightly decurved. Present only in high Andean páramo above 3,200m C. excelsior (10,500ft), they forage almost exclusively on the ground, looking C. albidiventris mainly for invertebrates; they build a simple hole nest on a ledge on banks, sometimes right by the road. They are typically the first birds encountered during a visit to the páramos, since they run conspicuously along secondary roads. 1 JI

172

2 AV

3 PCD

BIRDS: ANTPITTAS 1

Moustached Antpitta Grallaria alleni Scaled Antpittas Grallaria guatimalensis

16.5cm/6.5in 16.5cm/6.5in

These very similar antpittas have dark gray caps, dark brown backs, ochre underparts, and a whitish moustache that contrasts with a dark face. Scaled is a little paler, but differs mainly in voice and range, albeit with a small overlap. Moustached is a regular at the Refugio Paz de las Aves, and Scaled makes almost daily visits to worm feeders at Tandayapa Bird Lodge. Otherwise they are skulking, secretive, and G. guatimalensis hard to detect if not singing. Moustached is very local in the northern G. alleni upper subtropics; the more widespread Scaled occurs at lower elevations (to the lower subtropics) on both slopes and in northern lowlands. 2

Ochre-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula flavirostris

10cm/4in

A tiny antpitta that is rounder and shorter-legged than the other species discussed. It is dark brown above, with rich ochre on the face and chest; the chest is streaked brown. Unlike other antpittas, this species is arboreal; it perches on thin branches and is rarely found on the ground. When perched for long periods it sways its “hips,” behavior for which it has been nicknamed the “Shakira antpitta” (after a pop star) at Refugio Paz de las Aves, where it is seen regularly. It is uncommon and local in foothill and subtropical forest on both slopes. 3

Giant Antpitta Grallaria gigantea

24cm/9.5in

Antpittas are terrestrial birds that look like potatoes on stilts, thanks to their vertical posture, rotund shape, short tail, and long legs. Giant is the biggest; it has a dark gray cap, brown back, and rich dark rusty front with thin black barring from the chest down. It is rare and local but is one of the main birds that can be found at the great reserve at Refugio Paz de las Aves (in northwestern Ecuador near Nanegalito), where the owner, Angel Paz, has managed to get a couple of individuals habituated to his voice; it is a spectacle to see these normally super-shy birds expose themselves on trails when he calls them. Giant Antpitta ranges in humid forest between 1,400m and 2,400m (4,590–7,870ft) on both slopes of the Andes. 4

Jocotoco Antpitta Grallaria ridgelyi

23cm/9in

With a black head, bold white cheek panels, and blood-red eyes, this antpitta is unmistakable. It has a brown and rusty back, and its underparts shade from white on the throat to light gray on the breast. It is one of prettiest antpittas and an icon of conservation in Ecuador since its discovery in 1997. It is rare, endangered, and local, found only in a thin strip of bamboo-dominated forest, between 2,200m and 2,700m (7,220–8,860ft), in the montane forest of the extreme south. It is easily seen south of Vilcabamba in the Tapichalaca Reserve, a private protected preserve purchased to protect the species. The local rangers feed worms to a couple of individuals to make this 174 beauty accessible to every visitor to the area.

1

2

PCD

PCD

3

4

PCD

AV

BIRDS: TYRANT FLYCATCHERS 1

Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans

17.5cm/6.75in

This is a very dark flycatcher, mainly slate-colored but with some white in the wings and, inconspicuously, in the central belly. Characteristically, it perches on big rocks in the middle or sides of rivers and streams, from which it hawks for insects, then returns to the same perch. It wags its tail often. It is common near water on both Andean slopes above 500m (1,640ft), and also in the inter-Andean valleys, and ranges up to 2,800m (9,190ft). 2

Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus

12cm/4.75in

This beautiful small bird has a bright yellow rump and belly. It shows a gray head, olive back, and distinctive bold white spots above each eye. Typically found in pairs, it looks fairly round and compact; when it flies, mostly to catch insects, the bright yellow rump is distinctive. Present in foothill forest on both slopes, it favors secondary woodland and borders. 3

Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Male of this flashiest of flycatchers has bright red underparts and cap, and a slaty back, wings, and mask. Female 3f lacks the red but has a pink wash on the lower belly, a paler chest and throat, and dusky gray upperparts. Called pájaro brujo (sorcerer bird) in some localities, this flycatcher is not uncommon in the dry scrub of the inter-Andean valleys but is easier to find in the dry ecosystems and disturbed areas in the lowlands of the west. It is very local in the eastern lowlands. 3m

1 PCD

176

14.5cm/5.75in

2 PCD

3m

3f

AV

PCD

BIRDS: TYRANT FLYCATCHERS 1

Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus

21.5cm/8.5in

This is one of the most common flycatcher species in the tropics, as it tolerates all types of disturbed habitats, cities, forest edge, and agricultural areas. It has a gray head, thin dark mask, obvious yellow belly, and olive-brown wings. It perches upright and conspicuously on exposed branches and even electrical wires, fences, or any other spot that offers a viewpoint for its insect-catching sallies. It is widespread in the lowlands, foothills, and subtropics on both sides of the Andes, up to about 2,400m (7,870ft), and is usually most common at the lower elevations. 2

Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus

20.5cm/8in

This large flycatcher has an attractive facial pattern, with an obvious pale eyebrow and moustache that contrast with the otherwise grayish head and the dusky yellow chest; the golden central crown is not always visible in the field, so it is not a distinctive feature. Its belly is yellow, the back is olive, and the wings are brown and rusty. Present in a narrow elevational range between 1,000m and 2,400m (3,280–7,870ft) on both slopes, this flycatcher is best located by its loud, distinctive, squeaky-toy voice. It tends to perch exposed, even on electrical wires. 3

Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Superficially similar to a kiskadee, these smaller species are also common in secondary and disturbed habitats. The white eyebrows on these flycatchers do not meet on the nape, whereas the kiskadee’s eyebrows actually form a ring around the head. Besides the difference in songs, which is the best way to tell these two very similar species apart, Social has brown wings and is present in the foothills and lowlands on both sides of the Andes; Rusty-margined shows rusty edges on the wings and is present in the humid lowlands, foothills, and lower subtropics in the west only.

4

Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus

17cm/6.75in 17cm/6.75in

M. similis M. cayanensis

22cm/8.5in

This is a big, bright yellow flycatcher, with a sharply contrasting black-and-white facial pattern, brown back, and rusty wings. Its loud vocalizations make it conspicuous and are responsible for its onomatopoeic name. It is common and tame, tolerant of disturbed habitats, and found even in cities, often perched on wires; it also occurs at forest edge. Despite being widely distributed in the Americas from the southern United States to Argentina, in Ecuador it ranges only in the eastern lowlands, up to about 1,000m (3,280ft). Lesser Kiskadee (P. lictor) and Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua) are very similar, but the former is smaller and is found in low aquatic vegetation, and the latter is chunkier and has a noticeably larger bill. 178

1

2

PCD

PCD

3

4

AV

PCD

BIRDS: TYRANT FLYCATCHERS, TITYRAS, MANAKINS 1

Black-tailed Tityra Tityra cayana

21cm/8.25in

Unusual for a forest bird, male of this canopy-dweller is mostly white, with contrasting black head, wings, and tail, and coral-red bill and bare skin around the eyes. Female is similar but has dusky streaks on the upperparts. Perching high in trees, this tityra is most likely to be spotted from the canopy towers of lowland Amazon lodges below 800m (2,620ft). Similar, and with a small overlap in range, Masked Tityra (T. semifasciata) has reduced black on its face, and female has brown instead of dusky streaking on the head and back. Masked is also present in the lowlands and foothills of the west. 2

Masked Water-Tyrant Fluvicola nengeta

14.5cm/5.75in

Striking and unusual-looking, this mostly white flycatcher shows a thin black mask, black wings, and a pied tail. It spends most of its time on or near the ground or on floating vegetation near marshes and borders of vegetated ponds. It is not confined to aquatic habitats—it also forages along pastures close to cattle and in other open situations—but is not found in forest. It is present in the western lowlands and foothills, up to about 1,400m (4,590ft). 3

Club-winged Manakin Machaeropterus deliciosus

9.5cm/3.75in

This is a small, local, and inconspicuous bird, but its subtle but impressive mating displays make it worth searching for. The male has a chestnut body and a rusty forehead. The black wings have feathers with undulating white edges; in display, male raises these flight feathers and vibrates them (at speeds not noticeable to the human eye) to produce an insect-like beep to attract females, which are dull grayish olive overall. This manakin is found between 500m and 1,600m (1,640–5,250ft) inside humid foothill forest in the west. Birds gather to display at leks, notably in Mindo and Milpe Bird Sanctuary in the north and Buenaventura Reserve to the south.

180

1m PCD

1f PCD

2

3m

AV

PCD

BIRDS: COTINGAS 1

Plum-throated Cotinga Cotinga maynana

19.5cm/7.75in

Strikingly beautiful, male 1m of this intensely blue cotinga is easily spotted; it is frequently seen from the canopy towers of lowland Amazon lodges. The purple throat and pale eyes are obvious only at close range. Female is inconspicuous, light brown, with some speckling on the upper body. This cotinga perches for long periods atop the tallest trees; its vertical posture and lethargic habits separate it from various blue tanagers. It is restricted to lowland Amazon forest, generally below 800m (2,620ft), most often seen in terra firme forest. 2

Spangled Cotinga Cotinga cayana

21cm/8.25in

Just as splendid as the Plum-throated but with somewhat darker blue tones, male Spangled Cotinga 2m shows a more contrasting pattern, with black wings and black spangles on the head, back, and flanks, as well as a larger and brighter purple throat patch; female is darker brown. Spangled is a little more common than Plum-throated Cotinga and has the same habit of perching on tops of trees. It is restricted to lowland Amazon forest, generally below 1,000m (3,280ft), most often seen in terra firme forest.

1f PCD

182

1m PCD

2m AV

BIRDS: COTINGAS

Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus

31.5cm/12.5in

With almost impossibly bright plumage, this is one of the most iconic birds of South America. Male m is bright scarlet in the northwest and deep blood orange in the east, and has black and silver wings. Additionally, the eccentric round crest, large size, and raucous display make this a very distinctive bird. The display, mostly in early mornings and late afternoons, is spectacular: males gather to display and call at a spot in the understory, called a lek, that may have been in use for centuries. When a female f appears, activity increases, and she may choose a male with which to mate. Wellknown leks can be visited on both sides of the Andes, typically at elevations between 900m and 2,200m (2,950–7,220ft), frequently near ravines or rock cliffs, where the rusty-brown females nest. Despite its bright colors and relative abundance, this bird can be difficult to find away from a lek, since it is shy and reclusive, spending long periods sitting motionless in the canopy.

m PCD

f AV

184

2

Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata Apart from the male’s m purple throat patch, this large cotinga is all black. It always travels in pairs or family groups and is found in the canopy of lowland humid forest, both in the east and northwest. It is most often seen from canopy towers in the Amazon. This fruitcrow has distinctive slow wingbeats and is very vocal. Its loud whistle, easy to imitate, makes it conspicuous despite its dark coloration.

f PCD

m JI

28.5cm/11.25in

BIRDS: JAYS 1

Turquoise Jay Cyanolyca turcosa

32cm/12.5in

This blue corvid has a bold black mask and a thin black collar. The head is paler than the wings and body. Common and conspicuous, it travels around in noisy groups in upper subtropical and temperate forest from 1,900m to 3,300m (6,230–10,830ft). Similar but darker, with a more contrasting whitish forehead, Beautiful Jay (C. pulchra) is rarer and occurs at lower elevations. Turquoise Jay occurs on both sides of the Andes; it is easily seen at forest lodges, especially in the mornings when groups come to feast on moths that are attracted by the lights. 2

Green (Inca) Jay Cyanocorax yncas

31.5cm/12.5in

This is a gorgeous jay, yellow below and green above, with a white crown and nape, black mask and bib, and blue plush feathering on the forehead and cheeks. It is common and conspicuous, especially in flight, as its yellow tail flashes when it commutes between trees in noisy groups. It is present on the eastern slope from 1,000m to 2,500m (3,280–8,200ft). It favors secondary forest and tolerates open agricultural areas with few trees. It produces a huge variety of weird vocalizations. 3

Violaceous Jay Cyanocorax violaceus

37cm/14.5in

This is a large, loud, common and conspicuous jay. It is uniform dark purple with a black head. It travels in noisy pairs or small groups in the canopy of foothill and lowland forest of the Amazon. Found up to 1,250m (4,100ft), it is most common at lower elevations in forest edge and secondary woodland, although it can also occur inside mature forest. This is the only species of jay in lowland Ecuadorian Amazonia. 4

White-tailed Jay Cyanocorax mystacalis

33cm/13in

Arguably the most spectacular bird of the Tumbesian region, to which it is endemic, this jay has white underparts, deep blue wings, a pied pattern on the head, and a yellow eye. The tail is blue with broad white tips that are very apparent in flight. It is uncommon and local, but it also visits fruit feeders, such as at Jorupe Reserve close to Macará, so it can be quite easy to find at the right spots. It is restricted to dry woodland and scrub of southwestern Ecuador, from sea level locally up to the subtropics.

186

1

2

PCD

PCD

3

4

NA

PCD

BIRDS: DONACOBIUS, MOCKINGBIRDS, THRUSHES 3

Black-capped Donacobius Donacobius atricapilla

22.5cm/8.75in

Beautiful and vociferous, this conspicuous bird is golden yellow below and dark brown above, with contrasting bold white spots on the black undertail and the wings. The yellow eye stands out, giving it a distinctive look. It inhabits tall, thick waterside vegetation but can perch conspicuously; it is noted most often because of its strident call, like a car alarm. Always in pairs or small groups, this beautiful bird ranges up to 1,200m (3,940ft) in the eastern lowlands and foothills. When singing from an exposed branch it fans and shakes its tail, making the white very visible.

2

Long-tailed Mockingbird Mimus longicaudatus

29.5cm/11.5in

This is a pale buff bird with a darker long tail, wings, and facial markings. When it flies it shows pale panels on the wings and on the tip of the tail; these form a pale band when the tail is fanned. It perches tamely in the open, on wires, leafless trees, and posts, many times with its tail cocked. It is common around towns and agricultural areas as well as in its natural habitat of dry woodland and scrub in the central and southwestern lowlands, up to 1,900m (6,230ft) in the far south.

1

Great Thrush Turdus fuscater

31.5cm/12.5in

Large and uniformly dusky brown (sometimes seeming black), this thrush has an obvious orange bill and legs; male also has an orange eye-ring. It is one of the most common birds on both slopes of the Andes above about 2,100m (6,890ft) and in inter-Andean valleys and páramos up to 4,000m (13,120ft). Tame and sociable, it is common in cities. Confusion can occur with such species as the paler Chiguanco Thrush (T. chiguanco) of central and southern inter-Andean valleys, which has a lighter, yellow bill; and the appropriately named Glossy-black Thrush (T. serranus), which is smaller and more forest-based—not found inside inter-Andean valleys, it occurs only on slopes, where it overlaps little with Great.

188

1 PCD

2 AV

3 PCD

BIRDS: SWIFTS, SWALLOWS 2

Gray-breasted Martin Progne chalybea

18cm/7in

Noticeably larger than its relatives the swallows, this martin has a blue sheen on its dark upperparts, a pale belly, and dark gray on the breast, throat, and face. It is common around lowland towns in both west and east. It perches conspicuously on wires and rooftops. In flight its wings look quite triangular. and it has a forked tail. Typically in groups, it is most common in the lowlands but wanders to higher elevations. 1

White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris

21cm/8.25in

This is the biggest of the swifts (wingspan up to 55cm/21.75in) and the only one with a complete white chest collar, wider at the front. Although similar to swallows, swifts are in fact closer genetically to hummingbirds. This species has a distinctive boomerang-like flight shape, with bowed wings when gliding; it flaps less frequently than the swallows. Other swifts are visibly much smaller, which is especially noticeable in mixed feeding flocks. White-collared Swift can fly both high or close to the ground. It is present all over Ecuador, from sea level to the high Andes, absent only from arid areas on the Santa Elena Peninsula and over 4,400m (14,450ft). 3

White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer

13.5cm/5.25in

An attractive swallow, with entirely white underparts, rump, and secondary feathers that contrast with blackish primaries and tail, and a shiny greenish-blue back, nape, and crown. It is common and conspicuous in the eastern lowlands below 600m (1,970ft). It is always near water and usually seen flying low above it. Typically it perches on snags that emerge from lakes or rivers. It will not be confused with other swallows, as it is the only species with white on the upperparts 4

Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca This is the most common and widespread species of swallow in Ecuador, favoring open areas. It is dark shiny blue above and immaculate white below. It can be found virtually anywhere in the country below about 3,200m (10,500ft). It is gregarious, and dozens may perch together on wires; it nests on roofs of houses and other artificial sites. Due to the contrasting color pattern, it is not likely to be mistaken for other species.

190

12.5cm/5in

1

2

AV

NA

3

4

PCD

PCD

BIRDS: WRENS, NEW WORLD WARBLERS 1

Fasciated Wren Campylorhynchus fasciatus

19.5cm/7.75in

This is an unmistakable songbird with brown-and-buff-checkered plumage, a pale eyebrow, and a long, pinkish bill. It is common around gardens, dry scrub, and arid woodland in the western lowlands to the southern coast. It occurs up to 2,500m (8,200ft) in the far south. Its grating song is very distinctive—it sounds like two rough surfaces being rubbed together. The similar Thrush-like Wren (C. turdinus) is present only in the canopy of eastern lowlands and foothill forests. 2

Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca

12.5cm/5in

This is a very attractive small warbler with rich warm tones on the face. Breeding male has pale underparts; black mask, crest, and upperparts; and white wing bars. Female and nonbreeding birds are much paler. This is probably the most common North American migrant warbler in the Andes from October to April. It visits humid foothill, subtropical, and temperate forests, and is a common member of mixed-species canopy flocks. It actively gleans for insects among foliage. 3

Yellow (Mangrove) Warbler Setophaga petechia This small passerine is common in mangrove forest along the coastline. It is mostly yellow, with a red cap and red streaks on the chest and flanks. In addition to resident birds, a migratory subspecies from the north visits mainly the lowlands from October to April. Migratory birds and resident females lack the red cap. The mangrove subspecies (possibly a different species, Mangrove Warbler) sings a loud and beautiful song that alerts visitors to its presence, since it can be inconspicuous (despite its colors) due to its small size.

4

Slate-throated Redstart (Whitestart) Myioborus miniatus

12.5cm/5in

Migratory Resident

13.5cm/5.25in

This is a pretty, long-tailed warbler with dark upperparts, bright yellow belly, and obvious white undertail feathers, which the bird fans habitually to flush insect prey. This small bird is commonly found in almost all mixed-species canopy flocks in the foothills and subtropics of both slopes. It can also be seen feeding on insects and moths attracted to the lights around lodges and houses at night. Showing rather less intelligence, it may also be seen occasionally attacking its reflection in windows. The similar Spectacled Redstart (M. melanocephalus) occurs at higher elevations and differs in its yellow throat and spectacles.

192

1

2

PCD

AV

3 PCD

4 PCD

BIRDS: GNATCATCHERS, TANAGERS 1

Bananaquit Coereba flaveola

11cm/4.25in

Small and chunky, this yellow-bellied bird has blackish upperparts, an obvious white eyebrow, and a very sharp, slightly down-curved bill. It is common and widespread in the subtropics, foothills, and lowlands of both slopes, ranging to above 1,800m (5,900ft). It avoids desert habitats and is very rare in primary forest, preferring light woodland, secondary forest, and disturbed habitats. It feeds on fruit and flower nectar and regularly visits feeders at lodges, including hummingbird feeders, from which it drinks the sugar water. 2

Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea

10.5cm/4.25in

This sweet little bird has a long dark tail that it tends to hold cocked. Its body is mostly pearly gray below and darker gray above. Male 2m has a contrasting black cap. It ranges in the eastern and western lowlands and western foothills to 1,500m (4,920ft). It is common in dry scrub, arid areas, woodland, edge and secondary forests; less common in humid habitats; and decidedly rare in the Amazon lowlands. It responds quickly and nervously to pishing and to pygmy-owl whistles. 3

Red-capped Cardinal Paroaria gularis This rather local and uncommon bird has a striking red head, black upperparts, and white underparts. It forages exclusively among lakeside and floating vegetation, typically in pairs or small family groups. This bird is often first noted as it flies away low above water. Since most lodges in lowland Amazon are on the borders of oxbow lakes, this cardinal is often seen around their grounds. 1 AV

194

16.5cm/6.5in

2f

2m

AV

PCD

3 GL

BIRDS: TANAGERS 1

Tit-like Dacnis Xenodacnis parina

14cm/5.5in

Male 1m is deep blue, with a unique scaled pattern, somewhat darker on wings and tail. Female 1f is mainly brown, brighter on the chest, and with diagnostic blue on the forehead, around the eye, and on the shoulders. This small tanager is very local but common, seen almost exclusively at El Cajas National Park near Cuenca, in the páramo above 3,700m (12,140ft). It apparently feeds only by gleaning the undersides of leaves inside low bushes of the genus Gynoxys (a.k.a. piquil). It can be inconspicuous, but its song—a sound like laser shooting in a video game—is helpful in locating it.

2 3

Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis Glossy Flowerpiercer Diglossa lafresnayii

13.5cm/5.25in 14.5cm/5.75in

Small and uniformly black, these tame passerines are nectar parasites— with their sharply hooked bills, they pierce a flower at its base to steal the nectar without pollinating the plant in return. Glossy Flowerpiercer, which has diagnostic silver shoulders, is common and feeds actively in low bushes of temperate forest above 2,700m (8,860ft), less frequently in the actual páramo. It also takes sugar water from hummingbird D. humeralis feeders, thus it is easy to find in reserves such as Yanacocha, close to D. lafresnayii Quito. The smaller but very similar Black Flowerpiercer lacks silver on the shoulders and is present in more disturbed and drier habitats, including city parks and gardens in the inter-Andean valleys.

4

Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea This intensely blue flowerpiercer has a black mask and bright red eyes. It is common on both slopes, above about 1,800m (5,900ft), and also in the inter-Andean valleys, where it prefers areas with trees to the páramos. It steals nectar from flowers and takes sugar water from hummingbird feeders, just as the Black and Glossy Flowerpiercers do.

196

14.5cm/5.75in

1m

1f 2

JI

SW

2

3

PCD

JI

4 AV

BIRDS: TANAGERS 1

Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris

11.5cm/4.5in

Striking and beautiful, male 1m has a bright yellow belly and crown and is otherwise shiny blue-black; female 1f is duskier yellow below and olive above. Male differs from similar euphonias in its yellow throat; bill thickness is not a very useful field mark. It moves in the forest canopy with mixed-species flocks and will be the first to respond to pygmy-owl calls. It also visits fruit feeders regularly. Widespread, vocal, and common, it ranges from the lowlands to the subtropics, normally below 2,000m (6,560ft).

2

Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster

11cm/4.25in

Despite the species’ name, the subspecies occurring in Ecuador have a yellow, not orange, belly. This species is similar to Thick-billed Euphonia, but on Orange-bellied male 2m the darker blue-black extends to the throat, and the yellow extends farther back on the crown; female 3f has a diagnostic orange forehead, dull olive body, and grayish chest. Both habits and range are very similar to those of Thick-billed, but Orange-bellied’s range reaches a little higher, to about 2,300m (7,550ft).

3

Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza This is a gorgeous tanager, with a longish, slightly decurved, black and yellow bill. Male 3m is intensely aquamarine, with a triangular black mask and dark wing edges; female 3f is rich green. It is a common and conspicuous member of mixed-species flocks and frequently visits fruit feeders and open hummingbird feeders. It is restricted to the foothills (up to 1,500m/4,920ft) and lowlands in both the east and west and favors humid forest; in fact, it is absent from arid areas.

198

14cm/5.5in

1f PCD

1m PCD

2f PCD

2m PCD

3f PCD

3m PCD

BIRDS: TANAGERS 1

Golden Tanager Tangara arthus

14cm/5.5in

Predominantly golden, this attractive tanager has black on the wings, back stripes, and tail; it also has an obvious black cheek patch. It is common in the foothills and subtropics of both slopes of the Andes, mostly between 900m and 2,300m (2,950–7,550ft). It accompanies mixed-species canopy flocks and regularly visits fruit feeders at lodges and nature reserves. 2

Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala

14cm/5.5in

This is a duller version of Golden Tanager, mostly citrine yellow, with green edges on the wings, a dirty gray throat, and a thin black malar stripe rather than a black ear spot. It is present in the foothills and lower subtropics, mostly from 400m to 1,600m (1,310–5,250ft), only on the western slopes of the Andes. It behaves like Golden Tanager, moving with mixed-species canopy flocks in humid forest and also visiting feeders where available. 3

Green-and-gold Tanager Tangara schrankii

14cm/5.5in

A bright chartreuse-green tanager with a bold black mask and bright yellow chest; it is the only green tanager in its range that shows those face markings. Its wings and tail are mainly black, with blue and green edges. This tanager is present in the eastern foothills and lowlands, mostly below 1,400m (4,590ft). It tends to visit fruit feeders at some lodges in the foothills, otherwise it is commonly spotted from canopy towers in the lowlands, since it moves high in trees with mixed flocks. It often examines canopy bromeliads, looking to drink water.

200

1 PCD

2 PCD

3 AV

BIRDS: TANAGERS 1

Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii

14cm/5.5in

This delightful tanager is well named, as the bright red and orange tones on the face shade to burning yellow on the nape. The throat, ears, and wings are black, with contrasting blue-green shoulders and wing bars. Underparts and rump are washed green and buffy on western birds, and washed aquamarine on eastern birds; on western subspecies the yellow does not extend to the nape. Flame-faced Tanager is less common than Green-and-gold but still not scarce in the foothills and subtropics of both slopes, mainly from 1,000m to 2,400m (3,280–7,870ft), down to 500m (1,640ft) in the southwest. It visits feeders where available and feeds both with mixed-species flocks and independently. 2

Paradise Tanager Tangara chilensis

14cm/5.5in

The bright turquoise chest and the bright chartreuse-green face are the most noticeable features of this gorgeous tanager; the vermilion rump and purple throat are sometimes not easy to see, but the black on the rest of its body makes a great canvas on which these outrageous colors can stand out. Many consider this to be the most beautiful of all tanagers. It is common in the foothills (up to 1,500m/4,920ft) and lowlands of the east, where it joins mixed-species canopy flocks. It can be spotted easily from towers at lowland lodges, as it keeps to the highest part of the trees in the 50m (165ft) high canopy. 3

Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix

13cm/5in

This is a sky-blue tanager with an inconspicuous golden patch on the nape, and black edges on the wings and tail. The buff belly and vent are more often seen than the golden nape, since it moves with mixed canopy flocks above the observer’s head. It is also one of the most common visitors to fruit feeding stations at lodges and reserves, so it is usually well seen by visitors. It ranges in humid foothill and subtropical forest in both the east and west, from 900m to 2,400m (2,950–7,870ft). 4

Opal-crowned Tanager Tangara callophrys

14.5cm/5.75in

This mainly dark blue and black bird has a bold whitish eyebrow and very obvious white rump, which is evident even in perched birds. It is found exclusively in the eastern lowlands in terra firme forest and is easily seen from a canopy tower, as it rests or moves with mixed canopy flocks. The similar and overlapping Opal-rumped Tanager (T. velia) can be confusing, but it lacks pale plumage on the head and has a red vent and lower belly; Turquoise Tanager (T. mexicana), also similar, has a yellow belly and vent. 202

1

2

PCD

PCD

3 PCD

4 PCD

BIRDS: TANAGERS 1

Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis

13cm/5in

This beautiful tanager has a bright turquoise head that contrasts nicely with the deep black body. Eastern subspecies has golden wing margins, shoulder, and rump, whereas western subspecies shows blue rump, darker wings, and lighter blue head. Blue-necked Tanager is common, and though it can join mixed flocks, it mostly feeds independently in small family groups; it visits fruit feeders as well. In the west, it ranges in humid areas from sea level to the lower subtropics, to about 1,500m (4,920ft). In the east it is restricted to the subtropics and foothills, being replaced in Amazon lowlands by the similarly patterned Masked Tanager (T. nigrocincta), which has an obvious white belly.

2

Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus igniventris

18.5cm/7.5in

This is without a doubt one of the most striking birds of the high Andes. The bright red belly and ear patch are the most obvious features; it also has noticeable blue on the wings and is otherwise black. It is present in temperate forests up to 4,000m (13,120ft) and sometimes descends lower than 2,200m (7,220ft). It is common, and its loud metallic voice is frequently heard. It moves tamely along forest and edge as a flock leader and is usually accompanied by other species.

3

Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus

18cm/7in

Stunning, showy, and common, this large tanager looks like an outsize euphonia, with its bright yellow belly and crown and black mask and wings; its blue wing edges are not especially obvious. This is a flock leader in upper foothill and subtropical forest from 1,300m to 2,500m (4,265–8,200ft), and various smaller canopy birds join small groups of this species. It is common at fruit feeders at some lodges and reserves. It occurs on both Andean slopes but is perhaps more frequent in the west. The similar Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager (A. notabilis) occurs in the northwest; it is mustard yellow below and olive green above, with more extensive black on the face and chin.

204

1 PCD

2 PCD

3 AV

BIRDS: TANAGERS 1

Magpie Tanager Cissopis leverianus

27cm/10.75in

Large and very long-tailed, this white-bodied tanager has black wings, a large blackish-blue hood, and a black tail with white terminal spots; the striking eyes are pale yellow. Unmistakable, it does look very much like a magpie. This is the longest species of the tanager family. It is fairly common in the eastern lowlands and foothills (up to about 1,400m/4,590ft) in secondary forest, forest edge, riparian forest, and clearings. It travels in pairs or small groups and visits feeders in the foothills.

2

Blue-gray Tanager Thraupis episcopus

16.5cm/6.5in

This largish tanager is mostly powder blue, brightest on the shoulders and tail, but it appears gray in poor light. The eastern subspecies has prominent white markings on its shoulders. The species is common in secondary forest, gardens, parks, clearings, and other disturbed habitats in the lowlands, foothills, and subtropics on both sides of the Andes, normally lower than 1,800m (5,900ft); there are also a few records from the inter-Andean valleys of the north. It moves in the canopy in pairs or small groups, sometimes accompanied by other tanagers, but not necessarily in mixed flocks. It frequently visits fruit feeders. Blue-gray is occasionally confused with the duller Palm Tanager.

3

Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum

17.5cm/7in

Similar in size and shape to Blue-gray Tanager, Palm Tanager is like a grayer, more olive version of Blue-gray, and its blackish flight feathers and tail are easy diagnostic features. In good light, a greenish-yellow tone can be discerned on the cap and shoulders. It is similar to Bluegray in habits and habitat but is not as tame, and is less common in arid habitats and towns and more likely to occur in the canopy of primary humid forest. Palm Tanager ranges up to about 1,800m (5,900ft) on both slopes of the Andes but is more common at lower elevations. It visits feeders where available and travels in pairs or small groups, often with Blue-gray and other tanagers.

206

1 NA

2 PCD

3 PCD

BIRDS: TANAGERS 1

Silver-beaked Tanager Ramphocelus carbo

18cm/7in

This largish and dark tanager’s most obvious field mark is the male’s shiny silver lower mandible. Male 1m has a rich dark red breast and dark maroon head and body; female 1f is paler and chestnut on the belly and has a dark bill. This tanager is common and tame in the eastern foothills (up to about 1,500m/4,920ft) and lowlands, always in secondary areas, lake edges, clearings, town parks, and gardens. It visits fruit feeders in the foothills. Possible confusion can occur with Masked Crimson Tanager (R. nigrogularis), which has a similar bill but is a much brighter, redder bird.

1f PCD

1m PCD

208

2

Flame-rumped (Lemon-rumped) Tanager Ramphocelus flammigerus 18.5cm/7.5in

Male is black, with a bright yellow rump that is hidden from some angles. The large silver bill may cause confusion with certain grosbeaks. Female 1f has yellow below and on rump and is otherwise brown. Immature birds are very confusing, similar to females but with random brown patches on the belly and chest. This tanager is abundant from the lowlands to the subtropics (up to 1,800m/5,900ft) of the west, favoring humid areas and occurring only in secondary, disturbed, and open habitats. It is common at feeders. 2m

2f PCD

2m PCD

PCD

BIRDS: SEEDEATERS, FINCHES

1

1f

1m

AV

PCD

Variable Seedeater Sporophila corvina

11cm/4.25in

Male of this little thick-billed passerine is pied: white on throat, belly, and rump, and black chest band and upperparts. Female is uniformly light yellow-brown, black-billed, and not reliably identifiable unless accompanied by males. The species tends to occur in small groups that feed on the seeds of tall grasses; it ranges in open grasslands and farmland in the humid lowlands and foothills of the west below 1,500m (4,920ft). The uncommon Caqueta Seedeater (S. murallae) is nearly identical, but in its eastern lowand range it is unique. 2

Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola

14cm/5.5in

This is a small, brilliant yellow passerine with a typical conical seedeating bill, variable amounts of red on the forehead (sometimes none at all), and dark edging on the wings. It is common and forages in noisy groups at clearings, agricultural areas, city parks, and dry forest. This finch’s range in Ecuador is expanding; it was formally found only in the dry areas of the coastal provinces (common in beach towns) and dry Andean valleys in the south, but now a few birds occur in northern Andean valleys too. It can be confused only with Yellow (Mangrove) Warbler, which occurs mainly in mangroves and has a very different, thinner bill shape. 3

Golden (Southern Yellow) Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster

21cm/8.5in

This is a large passerine. Male is mostly clear yellow, with black wings and obvious white wing bars; female has brown instead of black and shows heavy brown streaking on the head. Confusion is possible with similar Black-backed Grosbeak (P. aureoventris), but that species has a deep black hood. Golden Grosbeak favors dry habitat, gardens, and scrub in the inter-Andean valleys (where known as güiragchuro) and southern and central lowlands, where fairly common; not as common in humid subtropics (down to 2,000m/6,560ft). It is known to visit feeders where seeds are offered and often forages on the ground. 210

2 AV

3f

3m

AV

AV

BIRDS: FINCHES, SPARROWS 1

Collared Warbling-Finch Poospiza hispaniolensis

13.5cm/5.25in

Male 1m of this small ground finch is mostly gray, with a black mask and pectoral collar, white on the belly and throat, and an white obvious eyebrow; female 3f is buffy and brown. While very common on the frequently visited Isla de La Plata off the Manabí coast, in mainland Ecuador it is uncommon and local in arid coastal ecosystems of Manabí, Santa Elena, and Guayas; small populations also occur farther inland in Loja Province. 2

Plumbeous Sierra-Finch Phrygilus unicolor

15cm/6in

Male of this robust finch is solid dark gray, and female is heavily streaked brown on buff. It has a round appearance, a conical beak, and long, dark pink legs adapted to its terrestrial habits. It is normally quite common and conspicuous. It forages for seeds in open areas of the high Andes and favors short pasture, cushion-plant páramo, and barren terrain. Present throughout the Andes, it is most common above 3,500m (11,480ft) but occurs lower locally. It feeds in pairs or small groups and is not shy around humans, even tamely flying ahead of moving cars. 2m

3

Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis

14.5cm/5.75in

A typical sparrow, this tame and abundant species has a gray-andblack-striped head that is markedly triangular. The rufous collar below the nape is noticeable but not bright; the rest of the body is a mixture of rusty brown and gray. This sparrow is widespread from 1,500m (4,920ft) on both Andean slopes to over 3,500m (11,480ft) in the high Andes and occurs in clearings, city parks, agricultural areas, and settlements. Known as chingolo, it is usually the most common small bird in Andean cities. 1 PCD

212

2m

2f

NA

NA

3m

3f

PCD

PCD

BIRDS: NEW WORLD BLACKBIRDS 1

Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela

28cm/11in

Related to the blackbirds and grackles, this striking bird is black, with yellow on the rump and shoulders. It has a bone-colored bill (silver in the west) and pale blue eyes. It is noisy and a regular mimic of other birds. Caciques are colony nesters, and will even nest together with oropendolas. Nests are woven, hanging ball-shaped structures that are attached to strong, flexible branches high up in trees. This species is common in lowlands of the east and west, in a variety of wooded habitats, tolerating a lot of disturbance. Typically a colony is located near houses and lodges, since this proximity offers protection from more timid predators. Mountain Cacique (C. chrysonotus) is very similar but present at much higher elevations. 3

Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons

47cm/19in

Uniformly brown-bodied, with a long bright yellow tail, this oropendola has a blackish-gray bill in most of its range. It is common in the lowlands, foothills, and subtropics of the east; it is rare in the subtropics of the west, where its bill is yellow and eye whitish. Some eastern birds, especially in the south, resemble western birds. Like Crested, Russet-backed Oropendola also forages in noisy groups and nests in colonies, often close to water and together with caciques in lone trees on the grounds of lodges; its nests are similar to those of caciques but larger. This species is told apart from other oropendolas, most of which are considerably scarcer, by its combination of bill color and solid brown body. 2

Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus

47cm/19in

Oropendola means “golden feather,” which is the main characteristic of these large passerines: their long and showy yellow tails. Crested Oropendola is mostly black, with a dark wine-colored rump, and has a distinctive long, pale bill. It moves in feeding groups in the treetops, often with Russet-backed Oropendola, but the two species’ nesting colonies are typically apart. Crested is common and conspicuous in the eastern foothills (up to about 1,400m/4,590ft) and lowlands, in clearings and mature forest. The loud and unforgettable display call of male, given from a high perch, sounds like a water droplet. The bird shakes its whole body after calling.

214

3 RA

1

2

PCD

RA

BIRDS: NEW WORLD BLACKBIRDS 1

Scrub Blackbird Dives warszewiczi

24.5cm/9in

Called negro fino on parts of the coast, this shiny black passerine has a heavy conical bill and the general appearance of a grackle, but it is much smaller and shorter-tailed. It has a dark eye, and females resemble males. It ranges from sea level to about 1,300m (4,265ft) in the western foothills (reaching higher in Loja), and is commoner in drier, or open, disturbed habitats. Rather tame, it tends to perch conspicuously. It is quite vocal, and its loud whistle is distinctive and separates it from male Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis), which is similar but smaller and has a purplish sheen; female cowbirds are brown and usually travel in groups with males, facilitating identification. 2

Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus

45cm/18in

Male is entirely shiny blue-black, with contrasting white eyes, has a large wedge-shaped tail and long thin bill, and issues loud vocalizations. Female 3f has light eyes and the same elongated shape, but is brown and shorter-tailed; young birds resemble females with dark eyes. The species is common in mangroves, shores, marshes, and open disturbed areas but absent from areas more than a few miles from the coast. Fairly tame, it puts up with some human presence but is shyer than North American birds, which have colonized big towns and even cities. 2m

2f AV

216

1 AV

2m AV

Mammals

218

AV

MARSUPIALS: OPOSSUMS | MAMMALS: BEARS 1

Black-eared (Common) Opossum Didelphis marsupialis Andean White-eared Opossums Didelphis pernigra both 2.5kg/5.5lb, 50cm/19.75in

Opossums are nocturnal marsupials, rat-shaped overall, with long naked ears and tails and relatively big heads. These two species are quite similar in shape, size, habits, and abundance but differ conspicuously in color and range. Black-eared tends to be dirty brown to gray brown overall, with a plainer pale face and obvious black ears. White-eared has a darker body, typically black; a white face and throat, contrasting D. marsupialis with black around the eyes and a black central crown line; and obvious D. pernigra white ears. Both show bicolored naked tail, black on the base half and white on the end. They are omnivorous and tend to visit compost sites and fruit feeders at lodges and open garbage sites in some towns. Black-eared is present in lowlands of the east and west and on both slopes up to 2,000m (6,560ft); White-eared is present from 1,500m to up to 3,700m (4,920–12,140ft) on both slopes. 2

Spectacled Bear Tremarctos ornatus

170–200kg/375–440lb, 2.2m/7.2ft

This is the only bear in South America, so full-grown individuals are unmistakable. The name comes from the whitish markings on the face, often goggled-shaped, contrasting with the overall black body; markings are diagnostic of each individual. Spectacled Bear ranges only in the Andes, from foothills (1,000m/3,280ft) to the páramos (4,300m/14,110ft). When in subtropical and foothill forests, both mature and young are mostly arboreal, feeding typically on bromeliads, figs, and other fruits; occasionally they prey on smaller animals. When in high páramos, individuals (or often mothers with cubs) tend to wander along tall grassy fields feeding on Puya plants and insect larvae, and sometimes hunting smaller mammals. Even though individual ranges are vast, movements are somehow predictable, so sightings can be reliable in wellknown spots at certain times.

220

1 CB

2 SW

MAMMALS: PRIMATES 1

Red (White-tailed) Titi Monkey Callicebus discolor

0.8–1.4kg/1.8–3lb,

36cm/14.25in

A beautiful midsize monkey that shows an obvious white single “eyebrow” over its dark face. The furry upperparts and tail are dusky brown, contrasting with chestnut to red cheeks, chest, belly, and limbs. It shows almost no neck, given its typical humpbacked posture, and hangs its bushy, long, nonprehensile tail vertically downward. It inhabits humid forest, up to 900m (2,950ft), exclusively in the Amazon basin, where tends to be tolerant of disturbed habitats, favoring forest edge, gaps, and riparian areas. Its loud, frequent, frantic, but somewhat melodic calls are the best means to locate this shy and usually inconspicuous monkey. 2

Napo (Monk) Saki Pithecia napensis

3kg/6.6lb, 48cm/19in

Napo Saki is a strange-looking, small to medium-size, dark diurnal monkey that shows abundant, somewhat curly-looking pelage, mainly black, with scattered white and gray hairs giving it a frosty appearance. Perching in a humpbacked posture, it shows no neck, and its furry, thick nonprehensile tail hangs straight down. It tends to be lethargic but is skittish and when spooked can be fast. It typically moves high in trees in small family groups, feeding on mostly seeds, fruit, and insects. It is similar to the partially sympatric Miller’s (Equatorial) Saki (P. milleri), which is yellower-looking overall and has a naked face. Both inhabit rain forests of the Amazon below 300m (980ft), favoring primary forest interior. 3

Spix’s (Noisy) Night Monkey Aotus vociferans

0.7–1.3kg/1.5–2.9lb,

50cm/19.75in

A small nocturnal monkey, with big eyes, contrasting dark brown face markings, and an overall buff to yellow-brown body. Three parallel dark stripes on the face make the pale “eyebrows” very obvious. It has a long, darkish nonprehensile tail. These primates are most often seen in their daytime roosting spots, typically hollow cavities in big trees, mostly strangler figs or dead palm trees, curiously showing their faces in the cavity opening. These roosting spots are often known by locals in the lowland Amazon rain forest (mostly under 900m/2,950ft), where this species ranges widely. At dusk they depart their day roost to go find insects, fruits, and even flowers. Despite the name Noisy Night Monkey, the owl-like voice, a somewhat soft and low-pitched singing, is not very loud.

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MAMMALS: PRIMATES 1

Common Squirrel Monkey Saimiri sciureus

0.6–1.4kg/1.3–3lb, 35cm/13.75in

A small and slender diurnal monkey, with a golden-brown upper body, paler belly, and face with darker cap and mouth. Its nonprehensile tail distinguishes it from the somewhat similar capuchin monkeys; it is never curled, its darker tip typically hanging down. Very gregarious, this species moves actively in large groups (up to 100 individuals) along the forest canopy feeding on insects and fruit. To locate troops of these monkeys, watch for the shaking of branches when they jump from tree to tree and listen for their super high-pitched contact calls. Common Squirrel Monkey ranges widely, from lower foothills (1,200m/3,940ft) of the eastern Andes down to Amazon lowlands, where it favors flooded forests. 2 3

White-throated Capuchin Monkey Cebus capucinus White-fronted Capuchin Monkey Cebus albifrons both 1.6–4kg/3.5–8.8lb, 46cm/18in

These are medium-size to large diurnal monkeys; White-fronted is pale grayish yellow overall, showing a sooty-brown cap and browner back legs, whereas White-throated has a mostly black body attractively patterned with contrasting creamy shoulders, bib, and upper chest. Capuchins have strong prehensile tails, typically curled up when walking along thick branches or stretched out and grabbing smaller C. capucinus branches when feeding, employed as a fifth limb. They forage actively C. albifrons in groups of four or five to nearly 40 individuals, often joining bigger groups of squirrel monkeys. They feed mostly on fruit and insects, moving in vast areas. White-fronted is present in lowlands in both sides of the Andes, reaching up to 2,100m (6,890ft), but favors flooded forests in the Amazon lowlands, where it is easily located by its contact call, a three-note low-pitched whistle. White-throated is confined to the wet lowlands and foothills of the extreme northwest of the country, up to 1,700m (5,580ft).

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MAMMALS: PRIMATES 1

Black-mantled (Napo or Graells’s) Tamarin Saguinus nigricollis 0.5kg/1.1lb, 25cm/10in

The local name bebe leche, meaning “milk drinker,” describes this small primate’s most conspicuous feature: the obvious white mouth contrasting with the black face. The body is black, with a golden to brown sheen to the lower back, and shows almost no neck. Diurnal and territorial, this tamarin moves through trees, at several heights, in different types of forest, looking for insects and fruit while constantly giving very high-pitched contact calls. Only found north of the Napo River, to 1,400m (4,590ft) on eastern foothills down to Amazon lowlands, it tends to be tame and somewhat tolerant of human presence. It is often considered a separate species, Graells’s Tamarin (S. graellsi). 2

Golden-mantled Tamarin Saguinus tripartitus

0.47kg/1lb, 24cm/9.5in

A very attractive, brightly colored small monkey, Golden-mantled Tamarin shows contrasting white mouth on black head and intense orange-gold upper body contrasting with its frosty maroon lower back and black tail. Found only lower than 300m (980ft) in the lowland Amazon, where it favors forest edge, it is restricted to the areas between the Napo River to the north and the Curaray River to the south. Contact calls are constant when small family groups move along the forest, feeding mainly on insects and fruit. 3

Pygmy Marmoset Cebuella pygmaea

140g/5oz, 11–18cm/4.25–7in

The world’s smallest monkey, Pygmy Marmoset looks minute and bigheaded. It is light grayish brown with a golden sheen overall and has a faintly ringed, thin nonprehensile tail. It is quite unique in habits: gouging tree trunks with its teeth for sap. It feeds in small family groups, creeping up and down the trunk and surrounding vines and branches, and can be reliably found once a family’s main feeding tree is discovered. The main giveaway when looking for its territories is markings on trees somewhat similar to those made by sapsuckers. A family will remain around its main tree for years as long as the sap production is high enough. This marmoset lives exclusively in the Amazon basin lower than 900m (2,950ft), favoring secondary, riparian, and varzea forests.

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MAMMALS: PRIMATES 1

White-bellied Spider Monkey Ateles belzebuth Brown-headed Spider Monkey Ateles fusciceps both 10.5kg/23.1lb (male), 63cm/24.75in

Thin and elongated, with relatively small heads, spider monkeys can be recognized by their long limbs and tail. Both are mainly blackish, and their common names are quite descriptive. They do not overlap in range: Brown-headed is rare (in fact Critically Endangered) in humid lowlands and foothills of the northwest, restricted to remote extensive forest patches of the Chocó; White-bellied is somewhat easier to see A. belzebuth but still uncommon and endangered, present in eastern foothills and A. fusciceps mainly in lowlands south of the Napo River. Both are detected mostly by their vocalizations and noisy movements when shaking branches while foraging along the canopy. 2

Mantled Howler Monkey Alouatta palliata 9.6kg/21.2lb (male), 68cm/26.75in Robust and large, male is mostly shiny black, with contrasting golden-brown coloration on flanks, extending sometimes to lower back; female and young are slimmer, with pale underparts and a pale heart-shaped line around the face. Unlike other monkeys, howlers show well-marked sexual dimorphism, not only in coloration; male also shows a prominent throat pouch, supporting the evolutionarily overgrown hyoid bone, which acts as a resonance box, giving the male the aptitude to make super-loud calls, mostly territorial dawn howls. The species’ diet, based on leaves complemented by fruit and flowers, turns these monkeys into “lazy” primates, as digestion of this material requires them to be lethargic, putting most of their energy into digestion. Living in small groups, mostly in the canopy, Mantled Howler inhabits both humid and dry forests of the coast, reaching up to 1,500m (4,920ft), though mostly lower).

3

(Venezuelan) Red Howler Monkey Alouatta seniculus 12kg/26.5lb (male), 69cm/27.25in

A large, short-limbed, rich reddish monkey; although larger than Mantled, it looks slimmer. Red Howler shares the evolutionary characteristics of the Mantled Howler in terms of the howling capability and the foliage-based diet. Although it has been recorded in the eastern subtropics, this species inhabits mainly lowland Amazon rain forest, where it favors flooded forests dominated by Moriche Palm (Mauritia flexuosa), but is also found in terra firma forest. Red Howler is not uncommon and can be quite conspicuous from an observation tower in the middle of the day, when it perches exposed atop trees, using the sun as a catalyzer for its slow digestion. It is also know to visit clay licks in search of salts. Dawn is when the howlers do most of their howling, often providing wake-up calls to visitors to Amazon lodges. 228

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MAMMALS: PRIMATES, RODENTS

Poeppig’s (Red or Silvery) Woolly Monkey Lagothrix poeppigii 10kg/22lb (male), 58cm/22.75in

Poeppig’s is a robust-looking monkey with dense, short, uniformly reddish (to chestnut) pelage with a silvery shine. This coloration tells it apart from the similar, pale gray-looking Common (Humboldt’s) Woolly Monkey (L. lagotricha), with which it shares habitat preference on the Amazon slope from lowlands to subtropics, up to 1,900m (6,230ft). The two species live in allopatry, though: Poeppig’s lives only south of the Napo River, whereas Common lives only north of it. Poeppig’s big and very rounded head, together with the strong, thick prehensile tail, are diagnostic shape features. It requires primary forest, and is virtually absent from disturbed areas, but sadly is one of the most hunted mammals for food among several indigenous groups. It moves in small to medium-size groups looking mainly for fruit and insects. RA

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Capybara Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris

65kg/143.3lb, 1.3m/4.25ft

An extra-large rodent (the biggest in the world), Capybara is rusty brown overall, robust, shows no tail, and has a squared face with short ears. Active both night and day, it is mainly crepuscular; it is most likely spotted from boats on riparian forest on the sides of a river by day or on river islands by night. Tracks are found on every sandy river island on big rivers (especially the Napo) and on banks of smaller rivers, indicating that Capybaras are not rare at all, but sightings are not very common in Ecuador. Though locally recorded higher, it is mostly found lower than 500m (1,640ft), and lives closely associated with bodies of water; in fact it is a great swimmer and spends time underwater, showing only its face above the surface. It lives in family groups that can be large and feeds on grasses and water plants. PCD

MAMMALS: RODENTS 1

Central American Agouti Dasyprocta punctata

5Kg/11lb, 60cm/23.5in

Smaller and much lighter in color than Black Agouti, this species shows olive-green tones overall. It has similar habits as well but is present on the other slope of the Andes (up to 2,000m/6,560ft) and the western lowlands and tolerates even disturbed areas. Agoutis are solitary animals that will defend their territories if food is scarce by puffing up their bodies and producing aggressive sounds. Central American Agouti often visits feeders at lodges, such as those in the Tandayapa valley. 2

Black Agouti Dasyprocta fuliginosa

6kg/13.2lb, 76cm/30in

Black Agouti is a large, dark rodent with a relatively small head on a chunky body showing almost no tail. Its fur is mainly black but with abundant white scattered hairs that are shiny in good light. Terrestrial, it moves on the forest floor looking for fallen seeds and nuts and even eating roots. Normally shy when in forest, first freezing when spotted but fleeing if approached, it can be tame if fed or if it lives in areas (such as lodges or reserves) where for generations it has not been hunted. Recorded up to 2,000m (6,560ft) on the eastern slope, it is much more common below 1,000m (3,280ft) in Amazon terra firma forest. 3

Domestic Guinea Pig Cavia porcellus

1.6kg/3.5lb, 40cm/15.75in

Widely known as a pet in North America and other continents, the guinea pig was domesticated, some say, over 7,000 years ago from a now-extinct wild species of the high Andes, and became an important source of food for local indigenous groups. Of varied coloration, mainly whites and browns, this “tailless” rodent is found readily on Andean farms, at indigenous homes, and in traditional-food restaurants— never in the wild. Its local name, cuy, is onomatopoeic and comes from the calls it makes when disturbed. Similar in shape but a bit bigger, the dark brown wild Sacha Guinea Pig (C. patzelti) is known from one only Ecuadorian location in the central Andean highlands.

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MAMMALS: SQUIRRELS 1

Red-tailed Squirrel Sciurus granatensis

0.52kg/1.15lb, 28cm/11in

Medium-size squirrel, chestnut to rufous overall (especially on the bushy tail), but with abundant black hair (mostly on crown and back), which makes it look quite dark; slightly paler belly. Some populations show bold white spots on flanks and back. It is the only squirrel present in upper subtropics and lower montane forest (up to 3,300m/10,830ft) and the only one with its coloration in both eastern and western subtropics and western lowlands; not present in lowlands of the east. It is commonly seen inside forest and frequents fruit feeders of some lodges, such as Tandayapa Bird Lodge, throughout the day. 2

Guayaquil Squirrel Sciurus stramineus

0.47kg/1lb, 32cm/12.5in

Sizable and thickly furred, Guayaquil Squirrel is mostly gray, with a frosty appearance, showing some rusty light brown mainly on the back portion of the body. Its bushy tail looks bigger than the entire body. It is restricted to the central and southern coastal region, favoring dry forests of the Tumbesian region, present even in agricultural areas and uncommonly in wet forests. It has been recorded up to 2,000m (6,560ft) but is most likely found lower than 1,000m (3,280ft). There are several reliable spots to see this squirrel, including some lodges, such as the one at Jorupe Reserve; it visits feeders when people put out fruit and seeds. 3

Amazon Dwarf Squirrel Microsciurus flaviventer Western Dwarf Squirrel Microsciurus mimulus

130g/4.6oz, 16cm/6.25in 130g/4.6oz, 16cm/6.25in

These small, overall grayish squirrels (with some tones of rusty brown, especially on ventral areas) are quite similar, but populations do not overlap; both reach up to 1,800m (5,900ft) on their respective slopes but are found mostly in lowlands. They are typically seen immobile, “attached” to a tree trunk, oftentimes pointing downward with the relatively short tail stretched out and flattened, gecko-like. Foraging in many different types and strata of forest, tolerating even moderately disturbed areas, they feed on arthropods and on tree sap by gouging trunks.

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M. flaviventer M. mimulus

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MAMMALS: SQUIRRELS, RABBITS 1

Northern Amazon Red Squirrel Sciurus igniventris 0.9kg/2lb, 29cm/11.5in Southern Amazon Red Squirrel Sciurus spadiceus 0.6kg/1.3lb, 29cm/11.5in These are medium-size squirrels, somewhat more svelte-looking than Red-tailed but with the same overall reddish coloration. In most sightings (typically inside forest with low light conditions), the two Amazon red squirrels cannot be told apart, unless in hand, or with excellent views of their feet, which in Northern are purely reddish and in Southern show a mixture of red and black hairs. The two species overlap basically throughout their Ecuadorian range, which extends from 1,500m (4,920ft) on eastern foothills down to lowland rainforest. Both have similar habits, foraging inside forest (all heights), feeding mainly on palm nuts and other fruit.

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Tapeti (Brazilian Rabbit) Sylvilagus brasiliensis

1.2kg/2.6lb, 40cm/15.75in

Small to medium-size and appearing short-eared, this rabbit inhabits virtually every ecosystem in Ecuador up to 4,800m (15,750ft). Populations in highlands show even shorter ears. It is predominantly brown, but black and gray mixed hairs make it appear dark if in shade or light if in sunshine; it shows a light brown to orange nape patch. In highlands it is active both by night and through the day but typically hides in tall grass and other vegetation. In lowlands it is spotted mostly at night. It is strictly vegetarian, preferring leaves but also munches on trunks and roots. Typically shy but present even in agricultural areas.

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MAMMALS: SLOTHS

1

Hoffmann’s Two-toed Sloth Choloepus hoffmanni 8kg/17.6lb, 80cm/31.5in Linné’s Two-toed Sloth Choloepus didactylus 12.5kg/27.6lb, 80cm/31.5in Considerably bigger, longer-snouted, and longer-haired than Brownthroated Sloth, these species are very similar to each other but do not overlap. Both are mainly rich cinnamon, with no obvious markings on the head, but sometimes the face is paler than the body, highlighting the darker-brown snout. The two-toed sloths are mainly nocturnal and hide much more proficiently than the three-toed during the day, C. didactylus therefore sightings are more uncommon. Two-toeds feed on leaves C. hoffmanni and are less selective of new leaves or shoots. Hoffmann’s is present in the west and Linné’s in the east, from lowlands up to 2,300m (7,550ft) on both slopes.

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Brown-throated (Three-toed) Sloth Bradypus variegatus 5.5kg/12.1lb, 80cm/31.5in

When spotted (typically from a canopy tower), this sloth looks like a fur blob, mainly gray, but brown tones are common, and it can even look greenish; well-marked brown stripes run along the back. It is famous for its lethargic habits; basically unable to move fast, it spends most of its time curled up, hiding among leaves in the forest canopy, but goes down to the floor once a week to defecate. Uncommonly, it may seen creeping along the floor, even crossing roads in recently disturbed areas, or swimming across lakes. It looks superficially primate-like, with an adorable face, somewhat sadlooking due to the shape of a dark mask on a paler ground. This sloth is widely distributed on both sides of the Andes, from lowlands up to 2,800m (9,190ft) on the slopes. 1 DB

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MAMMALS: ANTEATERS 1 2

Northern Tamandua Tamandua mexicana Southern Tamandua Tamandua tetradactyla

8.5kg/18.7lb, 88cm/34.75in 8.5kg/18.7lb, 88cm/34.75in

Tamanduas are beautiful, long-snouted mammals with a prehensile tail. The pelage shows a distinctive black vest contrasting with a pale to rich buffy-white head, limbs, and tail; the face is dark. Northern always shows this black vest, whereas Southern can be “naked.” They do not overlap, Southern being present east of the Andes and Northern in the west; each reaches up to 1,800m (5,900ft) on its respective slope though more common in lowlands. They feed mostly on ants and termites up in trees or on the ground. Both are typically solitary and mostly nocturnal. 3

T. tetradactyla T. mexicana

Giant Anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla 35kg/77.2lb, 2m/6.6ft A spectacular, large, odd-looking, very long-snouted mammal, Giant Anteater has a huge bushy tail and a thin body with an attractive black, gray, and white pattern. A wide black band on the chest stretches to the flanks on either side, forming bold triangular stripes that tilt diagonally toward the middle back and are bordered by white thin stripes. It has a gray upper back and head and pale creamy front legs; the back half of the body and the tail are dark gray to black. This anteater feeds almost exclusively on ants, termites, and soft-bodied grubs by partially ripping their nests apart; it is active both diurnally and nocturnally. It depends on undisturbed areas and now is recorded essentially only in the Amazon basin, from lowlands up to 2,000m (6,560ft), though there are isolated historical records from western Ecuador.

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MAMMALS: COATI, ARMADILLO 1

White-nosed Coati (Coatimundi) Nasua narica South American Coati Nasua nasua

7.2kg/15.9lb, 66cm/26in 7.2kg/15.9lb, 66cm/26in

Attractive animals with a long nose, upturned at the end, and a long, thick, ringed tail, coatis are superficially dog-faced but short-eared and are quite short-legged. Both are mainly light brown to chestnut; White-nosed Coati is darker overall, therefore the rings on the tail are a bit more inconspicuous, but its dark-and-light facial pattern is more obvious. Apparently the two species do not overlap; South American N. nasua is present east of the Andes, White-nosed in the west, but a localized N. narica population in the southwest looks more like the eastern species. Both range from lowlands to nearly 1,800m (5,900ft) on their respective slopes. They move in groups (over 20 individuals at times), up in trees or on the ground, feeding on fruit and small animals, mainly invertebrates. Coatis regularly visit fruit feeders at some lodges, and some become so accustomed to people that they will even eat out of their hands. 3

Nine-banded (Common Long-nosed) Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus 7.7kg/17lb; 56cm/22in

Armadillos are famous for their plates of body armor, which cover head and body and are mobile only in the middle section of the body, where they form transverse bands. This one typically shows from 8 to 11 bands but most often 9 and is pale pink-yellow and gray overall, more pinkish in ventral area. Mainly nocturnal (but especially young are active by day), it feeds on several types of arthropods, earthworms, and rarely even carrion. It is widely distributed throughout the country in forest and borders up to 3,000m (9,840ft). Confusion possible, only in the Amazon, with Greater Long-nosed Armadillo (D. kappleri), which has bony plates on the back legs, lacking in Nine-banded.

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MAMMALS: PROCYONIDS 1

Olinguito Bassaricyon neblina

0.9kg/2lb, 33cm/13in

Olinguito means “small olingo” in Spanish. This mammal is very similar (in appearance and in habits) to olingos, but its fur is thicker and longer, adapted to higher elevation and colder weather. Interestingly, for several decades nobody realized Olinguito was a different species from the olingos, even though it was spotted often and even exhibited in zoos. First photographed in the wild in the Tandayapa Valley a couple of years ago, Olinguito was just described as a new species in August 2013, based on DNA and morphological studies on specimens stored in the Field Museum in Chicago. It inhabits humid forests of northern Andean slopes, from 1,500m to 2,800m (4,920–9,190ft) in both east and west, and regularly visits feeders. (Ideal habitat is found farther south, but there have been no records of the species there.) 2

Olingo Bassaricyon gabbii Allen’s Olingo Bassaricyon alleni

1.4kg/3lb, 42cm/16.5in 1.4kg/3lb, 42cm/16.5in

These mammals are very similar to Kinkajou but have a longer and thinner snout, are darker brown overall (lighter on the belly), and have, diagnostically, a nonprehensile, faintly ringed tail (used mostly for balance) often stretched upward. Nocturnal and arboreal, they feed on fruit and small animals. There is no overlap: Allen’s is present in eastern lowlands and subtropics (up to 1,600m/5,250ft), and Olingo is confined to central and northern humid forests in the west; both favor primary forest. 3

Kinkajou Potos flavus

B. alleni B. gabbii

3.2kg/7lb, 55cm/21.75in

Nocturnal, and therefore big-eyed and relatively big-eared, this beautiful mammal is strictly arboreal, a habit for which its prehensile tail is ideal. The tail, typically stretched and grabbing a branch when in use or curled when not, is the key visual difference between this animal and the very similar Olingo when they are spotlighted during night hikes. At close range Kinkajou has a “naive-looking” face whereas Olingos have a “malevolent” aspect. Kinkajou is short-snouted and creamy brown overall, lighter on ventral area. Present in both sides of the Andes, up to 2,000m (6,560ft) and down to sea level, it is uncommonly seen due to its habits but not necessarily rare.

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MAMMALS: TAPIRS, PECCARIES 1

Lowland (Brazilian) Tapir Tapirus terrestrIs Mountain Tapir Tapirus pinchaque

250kg/550lb, 2.2m/7.2ft 250kg/550lb, 1.8m/5.9ft

Though more closely related to horses, tapirs resemble huge dark boars. Their faces are unique, with a long flexible proboscis (formed by lip and nose) and relatively long horselike ears. Both species are mostly slate black to dark brown overall. Mountain (also known as Wooly) is furrier, as it lives up on the cold highlands, from 1,300m to over 4,000m (4,265–13,120ft); its white lips are diagnostic. Lowland is bigger and lives in lower foothills and lowlands of the east; it shows a distinctive fleshy crest running from the head through the middle of the shoulders. Both visit clay licks in search of sodium. Tapirs eat leaves, shoots, and fruit. 2 3

Collared Peccary Pecari tajacu White-lipped Peccary Tayassu pecari

T. terrestris T. pinchaque

35kg/77.2lb, 98cm/38.5in 45kg/99.2lb, 1.1m/3.6ft

Peccaries look like hairy, medium-size pigs; they are dark, mostly black and gray all over, but brown tones are also visible in good light. As the name implies, Collared shows a distinct whitish collar, which runs from below the cheeks to the back above the shoulders; very similar White-lipped is bigger and shows pale hairs extending back from the lips, turning into a beard; no collar is present. Collared travels in smallish groups of up to 20 individuals, whereas White-lipped is in big groups, often from 50 to a couple hundred individuals. You can tell when a group has been around not only due to tracks and holes dug in the ground but also due to the sharp, unpleasant smell that peccaries leave behind when they rub glands on their backs against trees. They eat fruit, roots, leaves, worms, and other small animals. Due to hunting and habitat fragmentation, peccaries are scarce in the west; in the east they occur in primary forests in lowlands (locally up to 2,000m/6,560ft) and visit clay licks, where they take mud baths and ingest sodium. 1 PCD

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MAMMALS: DEER 1

Red Brocket (Deer) Mazama americana 48kg/105.8lb, 1.4m/4.6ft Amazon Brown Brocket (Deer) Mazama nemorivaga 25kg/55.1lb, 1.4m/4.6ft Medium-size deer; both males show thin, short, straight antlers. Red is present on both sides of the Andes from lowlands to 2,000m (6,560ft), whereas Brown occurs only in lowlands of the east. Red Brocket population in subtropics of the northwest is maroon-gray, but it is mostly rusty brown elsewhere. Brown Brocket is mostly tawny gray, with a contrasting whitish belly; Red’s somewhat paler belly is never contrasting. Both feed mostly on leaves and shoots but eat fruit when available. Red is active in the middle of the day, Brown most active at night.

1 PCD

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M. nemorivaga M. americana

White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus

120kg/264.6lb, 2.4m/7.9ft

Medium-size to large deer, mostly gray, but can show some tawnybrown tones; it is paler on belly and has white undertail. Males have branched antlers that are regrown yearly. There are two very similar subspecies (possibly meriting species status) in Ecuador. One is present in highlands in open areas and moist páramo above 2,600m (8,530ft); the other inhabits dry tropical forests on southwestern lowlands. These deer feed on grasses, leaves, and shoots, both day and night, foraging in small family groups.

AV

MAMMALS: CAMELIDS 1

Alpaca Vicugna pacos

70Kg/154.3lb, 2.2m/7.2ft

Alpaca looks similar to the much bigger Llama but is much more abundantly haired, which makes it look more robust; color variation is similar. Alpaca is shorter-bodied and shorter-snouted, compactlooking overall. Alpacas are domestic animals, used mainly for wool production, farmed in highlands together with Llamas. They were bred from the Vicuña by artificial selection over 6,000 years ago. 2

Llama Lama glama

200kg/440lb, 2.6m/8.5ft

Llama, Alpaca, and Vicuña are New World camelids, thus the familiar camel-like appearance. The biggest of the three, Llama is adapted to the freezing temperatures of the high Andes and therefore is long-haired; its coat varies from white to black to brown and combinations of all three. It is used mainly for carrying heavy weights and for food; its fur is not particularly good wool. Domesticated over 6,000 years ago, bred by artificial selection from the Guanaco (another camelid, not present in Ecuador), Llama lives only on farms, mainly in indigenous communities in the high Andes, though some escapees can be found in the wild. It is said that it was brought by the Inca during their expansion into Ecuador about 600 years ago. Llamas are famous for spitting when people approach, but it is worth taking the risk to get a close-up view at their eyes, with their long lashes and vertical pupils. 1 AV

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MAMMALS: CAMELIDS, MUSTELIDS

Vicuña Vicugna vicugna

60kg/132.3lb, 1.9m/6.25ft

This is the smallest camelid present in Ecuador and the only wild species, though also farmed for wool production. Its pelage is diagnostic, rusty brown above and on outer sides of limbs but pale creamy from chest to belly and on inner sides of limbs; the chest has longer hair than the rest of the body. Vicuña looks more svelte, agile, and thinner than domesticated camelids. It was reintroduced, after having been extirpated for a few hundred years, and now is present in the wild only in protected areas in Cotopaxi and Chimborazo in its natural habitat, in páramos above 3,000m (9,840ft). It is said its hair produces the finest wool among camelids and that even the Inca considered it special and protected it by punishing those who hunted it.

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Giant Otter Pteronura brasiliensis

34kg/75lb, 1.13m/3.7ft

Related to weasels, otters look quite similar but have well-developed webbed feet adapted to their aquatic habits. Otters are in general long and thin, with short legs, but Giant is strongly built; its head is squared, with short snout and wide forehead and nose. The most distinctive marking is the white throat pattern, unique to each individual, that contrasts with the solid sooty-brown body. Though mainly aquatic, Giant Otter can move agilely on land. It always travels in family groups, spending nights in lairs. It feeds mostly on fish but is a fierce predators, even attacking and eating small caimans and anacondas. Giant Otter depends on large bodies of water, mainly lakes and slow-moving rivers, and is now found only below 600m (1,970ft) in the Amazon basin. Smaller, scarcer Neotropical Otter (Lontra longicaudis) is noticeably lighter brown and smaller-headed. PCD

MAMMALS: MUSTELIDS 1

Long-tailed Weasel Mustela frenata

0.4kg/0.9lb, 32cm/12.5in

At first glance Long-tailed Weasel looks rusty-brown overall, and a glance is usually all you get, as it is fast and shy. Good views may reveal the diagnostic dark-tipped tail, and pale (sometimes faint, sometimes contrasting) eyebrows and forehead. Pale beige on chin and throat turns rich creamy on chest, belly, and inner limbs. Long-tailed is similar to Amazon Weasel (M. africana), which lacks the dark tail tip and has an obvious stripe running from throat to belly; they are not likely to overlap, as the latter inhabits only lowlands of the east. Long-tailed Weasel is a voracious predator of small animals but also eats carrion. Mostly seen in open habitats of the high Andes, it ranges from 1,000m to 4,000m (3,280–13,120ft) on both slopes, locally lower. 2

Tayra Eira barbara

7kg/15.4lb, 70cm/27.5in

This large weasel, with an elongated body and short ears, is dark brown (often appearing black) overall, except for the paler red to golden head and a diamond-shaped pink-orange throat patch, both somewhat variable features. It is agile, able to creep up trees to get fruit from high branches and to run fast on land, preying on small animals. Uncommonly seen, Tayra may be solitary or occur in couples or family groups. It ranges from lowlands to subtropics on both sides of the Andes, recorded to 2,200m (7,220ft). It tends to tolerate some human disturbance, visiting compost sites near lodges and occasionally crossing roads in rural disturbed areas.

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MAMMALS: SKUNKS. CANIDS 1

Striped Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus semistriatus 3.4kg/7.5lb, 50cm/19.75in The only skunk in the country, it is unmistakable with its black-andwhite pattern and bushy tail (also black-and-white), which is raised when it is walking slowly. Contrasting with the shiny black fur of the body, two white stripes of varying width run from the nape, where they converge, down to the sides of the rump. In Ecuador it is mostly restricted to upper subtropics and high Andes (2,000–4,200m/6,560– 13,780ft), though a population is present in extreme southwestern lowlands. Nocturnal and solitary, it feeds mainly on snakes, but also worms, larvae, insects. Its presence is mostly detected by the sharp smell it leaves behind in some spots; it is also one of the most commonly encountered species as roadkill.

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Andean Fox (Culpeo) Lycalopex culpaeus

6.5kg/14.3lb, 75cm/29.5in

By far the most frequently encountered wild canid and the only one in its range, this fox shows an obvious thick and compact straight tail, which has the same colors of the back, a combination of black, brown, and gray. Legs and head are orange-brown and belly is pale creamy gray. It is adapted to high elevation, mostly above 2,800m (9,190ft), reaching well over 4,000m (13,120ft), where most often seen, but recorded locally as low as 1,600m (5,250ft). It is an agile predator feeding mostly on small mammals and birds. Shorter-legged, smaller, but similar-looking Sechura Fox (L. sechurae) is present in lowlands and foothills of the southwest.

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MAMMALS: FELIDS 1

Jaguar Panthera onca

160kg/353lb, 1.8m/5.9ft

The biggest and most celebrated of New World cats, Jaguar is also the most robust of the spotted felids. It has randomly distributed black circular rosettes enclosing darker golden patches often with a central black spot; these rosettes turn into black spots on legs, face, ventral area, and its diagnostically thick neck. Its large body shows, as background colors, golden tawny on face, back, tail, and outer sides of limbs, and whitish gray from mouth and chin to belly and inner sides of limbs. Jaguar is a voracious diurnal and nocturnal predator, feeding on mammals, large reptiles, and ground birds. It ranges from lowlands to 1,600m (5,250ft) on both sides of the Andes, though western populations are nearly gone. In lowland Amazonia it is still rarely spotted but more often recorded by camera traps; it tends to sunbathe on riverbanks, favoring primary forest. The not-unusual melanistic form is known as Black Panther; rosettes are still present, though visible only in good light. 2

Puma (Cougar or Mountain Lion) Puma concolor

120kg/265lb, 1.5m/4.9ft

This large cat is uniformly fawn above, with white or pale gray lips and underside, from chin down to belly and inner parts of limbs; it shows variable dark mustache. Puma is a strongly built cat that actively hunts small to large prey, mainly mammals and birds. It is solitary and shy, active by day or night. Even though this is the widest-ranging felid in Ecuador (sea level to 4,500m/14,760ft, from coast to Amazon), sightings are rare, though camera-trap records are common. It favors primary forests for stalking in lowlands, foothills, and slopes, and rocky areas in high Andes; it often attacks cattle and chickens in farmed areas as well.

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MAMMALS: FELIDS 1 2

Ocelot Leopardus pardalis Margay Leopardus wiedii

18kg/39.7lb, 1.0m/3.3ft 9kg/19.8lb, 79cm/31in

Both these cats are Jaguar-like in overall coloration but much smaller and more elegant. Ocelot shows rosettes on its back and flanks, but these are diagnostically and distinctively arranged in three or four stripes (the rosettes sometimes merged) that run parallel through the shoulders and flanks, slightly descending backward. The relatively short tail also distinguishes the Ocelot. The longer-tailed but very L. pardalis similar Margay is considerably smaller; the pattern of rosettes is L. wiedii more random, the snout is shorter, and the eyes are quite a bit bigger. Smaller Oncilla, or Little Spotted Cat (L. tigrinus), differs from both in showing only spots, no rosettes. All these small cats are mainly nocturnal, but they can be active during the day. They are agile hunters, feeding mostly on small to midsize vertebrates but sometimes eating even big insects. Oncilla reaches 3,000m (9,840ft) in elevation, but the other two reach 2,500m (8,200ft), mostly lower, on both sides of the Andes. Even though wide ranging, these cats are rarely seen. By day, look for them resting in low branches of trees; camera traps tend to register them somewhat often. 3

Jaguarundi (Eyra Cat) Herpailurus yagouaroundi

9kg/19.8lb, 77cm/30.25in

This felid is quite variable in coloration but always a solid unicolor, never showing a pattern of spots or stripes; it can vary from black to maroon-gray, rich tawny, or even reddish brown. It is similar to a large domestic cat but stronger and more elongated, with short hair and medium-size ears. It is both diurnal and nocturnal, less active during hot hours. Jaguarundi preys mainly on small mammals and birds. It is present mostly in lowlands of the east and west but reaches elevations of 2,200m (7,220ft). Etymologically, jaguar comes from the Tupi-Guaraní root yagua or yawa, and the similarity in the indigenous names Jaguar and Jaguarundi probably results from the dark pelages of both; one could infer that Jaguarundi is a diminutive of Jaguar. 1 JK

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MAMMALS: BATS 1

Proboscis Bat Rhynchonycteris naso

7g/0.25oz, 5.3cm/2in

This is the typical species spotted on boat rides from Amazon lodges. Small and frosted tawny-gray, this bat has a longish pointy nose, and the front limbs show a zebra pattern when it is perched. This combination of colors and pattern make it cryptic while roosting, which it does in small groups, typically forming a single-file line, always close to water, many times quite exposed on poles sticking out of lakes and rivers or under wooden jetties and piers. These bats start flying at dusk to catch insects, always parallel and close to water. This predilection for larger bodies of water restricts it to rain forests, in lowlands of the east and northwest. 2

(Common) Tent-making Bat Uroderma bilobatum 20g/0.7oz, 6.9cm/2.75in This nicely patterned leaf-nosed bat shows four parallel pale stripes on its face, two running from the obvious leaf-shaped nose to the base of the ears like eyebrows and two on the cheeks. It also has a central back stripe that contrasts with the brown overall pelage. Particularly interesting is this species’ habit of partially cutting the main vein of a big leaf so it folds to create a tent under which the bats can roost. It eats mainly fruit and is present in lowlands and foothills of the east and west. Brown Tentmaking Bat (U. magnirostrum) is rarer, present only in lowlands of the east; it differs in having a more subdued pattern overall. 1 SW

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MAMMALS: BATS 1

Lesser Bulldog (Fishing) Bat Noctilio albiventris Greater Bulldog (Fishing) Bat Noctilio leporinus

45g/1.6oz, 7.5cm/3in 90g/3.2oz, 10.5cm/4.75in

Common and easy to see due to their habits, these big bats have adapted long claws and long, strong-muscled back legs that enable them to catch fish close to the water surface on the fly. They also, especially Lesser, catch water-related and aquatic insects and arachnids. They show “erratic” up-and-down flight close to the surface. Both vary in color from dark brown to light rufous and every tone in between. N. albiventris Another interesting adaptation is the oily secretion spread on the N. leporinus pelage to prevent it from getting wet and heavy with water, somewhat similar to the oil excreted by the uropygial gland in birds. Lesser is present only in lowlands of the east below 1,000m (3,280ft), Greater in lowlands of east and west below 800m (2,620ft). Telling these species apart where sympatric is hard, but body size would be used by experienced guides; not difficult to identify in hand. 2

Tailed Tailless Bat Anoura caudifer

13g/0.5oz, 7cm/2.75in

This is probably the most common of several bat species that visit hummingbird feeders by night in the northwestern and eastern slopes of the Andes. It is brown overall, sometimes dark, sometimes paler, and has a longish head and a small leaf-nose. It shows almost no tail (though has a bigger tail than congeners), and its much reduced tail membrane forms an inverted U shape; the wing membranes are blackish. It feeds mainly on tubular flowers with its long tongue (over 3cm/1.25in), taking nectar and pollen, and complements this diet with insects. It is found mainly between 1,000m and 2,500m (3,280–8,200ft).

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MAMMALS: SEA LION, CETACANS 1

Galápagos Sea Lion Zalophus wollebaeki South American Sea Lion Otaria flavescens

400kg/882lb, 2.5m (8.2ft) 400kg/882lb, 3.5m/11.5ft

Galápagos Sea Lion is the only species of eared seal that breeds in mainland Ecuador. There has been a small population on Isla de La Plata for a few decades now, but it is not regular; occasional individuals were also reported from the Muisne area in Esmeraldas a few years back. South American Sea Lion is present in a small colony (of apparently only males) at the very tip of the Santa Elena Otaria flavescens Peninsula. Male Galápagos shows an obvious steep forehead and Zalophus wollebaeki a strong, broad neck; female (much smaller) and young are quite similar, much more dog-faced but with very short ears and slender longish snouts. South American seems to have a stronger build overall and has a noticeably shorter and wider snout; its neck is comparably thicker, especially on male, which has a prominent mane. Typical overall coloration is golden brown; males are normally darker, as are cubs. Sea lions are diurnal and feed mostly on fish but also on mollusks and crustaceans. 1 AV

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Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae

40,000kg/88,185lb, 17m/55.8ft

Black-backed and variably white (individually diagnostic) underneath, the Humpback is a medium-size whale that visits the waters off the coast of Ecuador between May and October to give birth and to mate. During that period these whales are easily seen, displaying acrobatic jumps in shallowish waters. Regular whalewatching tours are offered, mainly from Santa Elena Peninsula and various small cities in Manabí and Esmeraldas; in some locations the whales can also be seen from land. The genus name Megaptera etymologically refers to its huge pectoral fins, whereas the common name points out the large arch its back forms when the whale is submerging; it always shows the entire tail in that process as well. It has a series of fleshy nubs on its face.

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MAMMALS: CETACEANS 1

Common Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus 500kg/1,100lb, 4.2m/13.8ft Plain and lacking obvious patterns, this marine dolphin differs from similar-shaped ones precisely in its unadorned coloration. Three noncontrasting gray tones cross its body horizontally, darkest in dorsal fin area and lightest (at times pinkish) on belly. This short-beaked species is the most likely ocean dolphin to be spotted close to the coast, as it favors shallower waters, estuaries, and large river mouths; others prefer deeper open waters. Bottlenose also tends to escort boats, swimming along in pairs or in small to midsize groups (over 15 individuals).

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Pink River Dolphin (Boto) Inia geoffrensis

200kg/440lb, 2.8m/9.2ft

Color is not always the most distinguishing feature on this river dolphin, as it varies from rich pink to gray to a mixture of both. The main feature is the thin, long beak (over 25cm/10in long) and the steep, bump-like forehead. The dorsal fin is not prominent but elongated and triangular. Eyes are quite small; it is poor-sighted, relying mostly on echolocation. Its varied diet includes fish, crustaceans, and even river turtles. Its habits are comparable to those of Common Bottlenose Dolphin, and it is similarly curious, tame, and playful with fishermen, rubbing against boats and even grasping paddles. It is present only below 300m (980ft) on medium-size and large bodies of water, favoring oxbow lakes, flooded forests in rainy season, and large rivers in dry season. It is also known to be a year-round resident of deep waters; famous spots are Pañacocha on the far eastern Napo River and Cuyabeno Fauna Production Reserve. It is mostly solitary, at most seen in small family groups. The rarer but overlapping Gray River Dolphin (Sotalia fluviatilis) is much more typical-looking, differing in having a short beak, falcate dorsal fin, and gregarious habits (groups of up to 30 individuals).

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Bibliography Arteaga, A., L. Bustamante, and J. M. Guayasamín (2013). The Amphibians and Reptiles of Mindo. Quito, Ecuador: Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica. Athanas, N. (2016). Antpitta.com: A photo gallery of Neotropical birds. Accessed 2014–16, http://antpitta.com/. Athanas, N., and P. J. Greenfield (2016). Birds of Western Ecuador. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Behrens, K., and C. Cox (2013). Peterson Reference Guide to Seawatching: Eastern Waterbirds in Flight. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Ceballos, G., S. Pompa, E. Espinoza, and A. García (2010). Extralimital Distribution of Galapagos (Zalophus wollebaeki) and Northern (Eumetopias jubatus) Sea Lions in Mexico. Aquatic Mammals 36, no. 2 (2010): 188–94. Accessed from Instituto de Ecología UNAM, 2015, http://www.ecologia.unam.mx/ laboratorios/eycfs/faunos/art/SP/AA4.pdf. Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood (2016). The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world. Version 2016. Accessed 2014–16, http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/ download/. Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University (2016). All about Birds. Accessed 2014–16, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/. Del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott, and J. Sargatal, eds. (2016). Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. Accessed 2014–16, http://www.hbw.com/. eBird (2012). An online database of bird distribution and abundance. Accessed 2014–16, http://www.ebird.org. Frost, D. R. (2016). Amphibian Species of the World: An Online Reference. Version 6.0. Accessed 2014–16, http://research.amnh.org/herpetology/amphibia/index.html. Gwynne, J. A., R. S. Ridgely, G. Tudor, and M. Argel (2010). Birds of Brazil: The Pantanal and Cerrado of Central Brazil. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (2014– 16). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Accessed 2014–16, http://www. iucnredlist.org/. IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group (n.d.). Canid Specialist Group. Accessed 2015, http://www.canids.org/. IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group (1980–2011). Tapir Specialist Group. Accessed 2014–15, http://www.tapirs.org/. McMullan, M., and L. Navarrete (2013). Fieldbook of the Birds of Ecuador. Quito, Ecuador: Self-published. 270

McMullan, M., and A. Vásquez (2009). Birds of Northwest Ecuador. Quito, Ecuador: Self-published. McMullan, M., and A. Vásquez (2014). Birds and Common Mammals of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Quito, Ecuador: Self-published. Myers, P., R. Espinosa, C. S. Parr, T. Jones, G. S. Hammond, and T. A. Dewey (2016). The Animal Diversity Web. Accessed 2014–15, http://animaldiversity.org. Parr, C. S., N. Wilson, P. Leary, K. S. Schulz, K. Lans, L. Walley, et al. (2014). The Encyclopedia of Life: Providing Global Access to Knowledge about Life on Earth. Version 2. Accessed 2014–15, http://eol.org/. Pinto, M., S. Ron, and O. Torres-Carvajal (2014). Fauna Web Ecuador: La Enciclopedia virtual de la fauna del Ecuador. Accessed 2014–16, http://zoologia. puce.edu.ec/Vertebrados/Vertebrata.aspx. Ridgely, R. S., and P. J. Greenfield (2001). The Birds of Ecuador Field Guide. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. Rodriguez Mata, J. R., F. Erize, and M. Rumboll (2006). Birds of South America, Non-passerines: Rheas to Woodpeckers. Hungerford, UK: Princeton University Press. Schulenberg, T. S., D. F. Stotz, D. F. Lane, J. P. O’Neill, and T. A. Parker III (2010). Birds of Peru. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. Sibley, D. A. (2007). The Sibley Guide to Birds. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. Tirira, D. (2007). Mamíferos del Ecuador, Guía de campo. Quito, Ecuador: Ediciones Murciélago Blanco. Uetz, P., and J. Hošek (2016). The Reptile Database. Accessed 2014–16, http://www. reptile-database.org. Wilson, D. E., and D. M. Reeder (2005). Mammal Species of the World: A Taxonomic and Geographic Reference, 3rd ed. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press. Accessed 2014–16, http://www.departments.bucknell.edu/ biology/resources/msw3/. Zapata-Ríos, G., and V. Utreras (2004). Notes on the Distribution of Tucuxi, Sotalia fluviatilis (Cetacea: Delphinidae), in Ecuadorian Amazonia. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals 3, no. 1 (Jan./Jun. 2004): 85–87. Accessed 2015, http:// lajamjournal.org/index.php/lajam/article/viewFile/198/150.Photographers

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1 Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve 2 La Chiquita Wildlife Refuge 3 Rio Esmeraldas Mangrove Estuary Wildlife Refuge 4 Galera San Francisco Marine Reserve 5 Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve 6 Rio Muisne Mangrove Estuary Wildlife Refuge 7 El Pambilar Wildlife Refuge 8 Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve 9 El Ángel Ecological Reserve 10 Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve 11 Cayambe-Coca National Park 12 Cofán Bermejo Ecological Reserve 13 Cuyabeno Fauna Production Reserve 14 Yasuní National Park 15 Limoncocha National Biological Reserve 16 Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park 17 Antisana Ecological Reserve 18 Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge 19 Cotopaxi National Park 20 El Boliche National Recreation Area 21 Colonso Chalupa Biological Reserve 22 Los Illinizas Ecological Reserve 23 LLanganates National Park 24 Corazón and Fragatas Islands Wildlife Refuge 25 Pacoche Marine and Coastal Wildlife Refuge 26 Machalilla National Park 27 El Pelado Marine Reserve 28 Puntilla de Santa Elena Marine and Coastal W.R. 29 Playas de Villamil National Recreation Area 30 Manglares el Morro Wildlife Refuge 31 Los Samanes National Recreation Area 32 Parque Lago National Recreation Area 33 Manglares el Salado Fauna Production Reserve 34 Isla Santay National Recreation Area 35 Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve 36 Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve 37 Sangay National Park 38 Cajas National Park 39 Quimsacocha National Recreation Area 40 Siete Iglesias Municipal Ecological Area 41 El Quimi Biological Reserve 42 El Cóndor National Biological Reserve 43 Isla Santa Clara Wildlife Refuge 44 Arenillas Ecological Reserve 45 El Zarza Wildlife Refuge 46 Podocarpus National Park 47 Yacuri National Pak 48 Cerro Plateado Biological Reserve

Photographers ALR AV CB CH DB DT IC JA JI JK JMC LG NA PCD RA SW TH XA

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Andrés Esteban León-Reyes MSc/Estación de Biodiversidad Tiputini USFQ Andres Vasquez, Tropical Birding Tours Carlos Boada Charley Hesse, Tropical Birding Tours Dusan Brinkhuizen, www.sapayoa.com Diego Tirira/Archivo Murciélago Blanco Iain Campbell, Tropical Birding Tours & Capturing Nature Tours Jairo Abud Jose Illanes, Tropical Birding Tours Joke Kok Juan Manuel Carrion Lisle Gwynn, Tropical Birding Tours Nick Athanas, Tropical Birding Tours & www.antpitta.com Pablo Cervantes D, Tropical Birding Tours & Capturing Nature Tours Roger Ahlman, pbase.com/Ahlman Sam Woods, Tropical Birding Tours & samwoodsbirding.blogspot.com Tropical Herping Xavier Amigo/Ecuador Experience

Index of Common Names Amphibians Balloon-Frog, Amazonian, 30 Clownfrog Executioner, 32 Royal, 32 Gladiator-Frog, Pale, 36 Glassfrog Emerald, 22 Handsome, 24 Northern, 24 Red-spotted, 24 Jungle-Frog, Smoky, 32 Marsupial-Frog, Plain, 30 Monkey-Frog, Tiger, 38 Poison-Frog Amazonian, 22 Darwin Wallace, 20 Little-devil, 20 Wikiri, 22 Rainfrog Broad-Disk, 26 Diadem, 28 Enigmatic, 28 Goblin, 28 Moss, 26 Pinocchio, 26 Quito, 28 Warbler, 26 Rioter-Frog, Amazonian, 30 Rocket-Frog, Unexpected, 22 Salamander Peruvian, 40 Two-lined, 40 Toad Cane, 20 Mitred, 20 Torrenteer, Babbling, 24 Treefrog Ashy, 34 Casque-headed, 38

Convict, 36 Gold-nugget, 36 Palm, 34 Polka-dot, 34 Red-snouted, 38

Reptiles Ameiva, Seven-lined, 50 Anaconda, Green, 62 Anole Charm, 54 Equatorial, 52 Gem, 52 Parrot, 54 Slender, 54 Basilisk, Western, 58 Blunthead, Common, 68 Boa, Rainbow, 60 Caiman Black, 44 Spectacled, 44 Caimanlet, Crowned, 44 Caiman-Lizard, Northern, 58 Constrictor, Boa, 60 Dwarf-Iguana Amazon, 56 Spiny, 56 Fer-de-lance, 64 Forest-Racer, Rainbow, 70 Groundsnake, Sleepy, 68 Iguana, Green, 58 Langelot, Ocellated, 48 Palm-Pitviper, Eyelash, 64 Parrot-Snake, Green, 70 Riama, Unicolored, 48 River-Turtle Giant, 47 Yellow-spotted, 46 275

Sipo, Brown, 70 Snail-Eater Graceful, 66 Ornate, 66 Snakelet, Golden-bellied, 68 Sun-Gecko, Rainbow, 48 Tegu, Gold, 50 Terciopelo, 64 Tree-Anole, Banded, 54 Tree-Boa, Amazon, 60 Turniptail, Northern, 50 Vinesnake, Striped, 66 Watersnake, Tiger, 62 Whorltail-Iguana, Iridescent, 56

Birds Albatross, Waved, 76 Anhinga, 80 Ani Greater, 116 Groove-billed, 117 Smooth-billed, 117 Antpitta Giant, 174 Jocotoco, 174 Moustached, 174 Ochre-breasted, 174 Scaled, 174 Araçari Collared, 162 Ivory-billed, 162 Many-banded, 162 Bananaquit, 194 Barbet Gilded, 160 Red-headed, 160 Toucan, 160 Blackbird, Scrub, 216 Booby Blue-footed, 78 276

Nazca, 78 Red-footed, 78 Brilliant Empress, 136 Fawn-breasted, 136 Green-crowned, 136 Cacique, Yellow-rumped, 214 Caracara, Carunculated, 96 Cardinal, Red-capped, 194 Chachalaca, Speckled, 100 Cinclodes Chestnut-winged, 172 Stout-billed, 172 Cock-of-the-rock, Andean, 184 Condor, Andean, 88 Coot, Slate-colored, 98 Cormorant, Neotropic, 80 Coronet Buff-tailed, 142 Chestnut-breasted, 142 Velvet-purple, 142 Cotinga Plum-throated, 182 Spangled, 182 Cuckoo, Squirrel, 118 Dacnis, Tit-like, 196 Donacobius, Black-capped, 188 Dove Eared, 106 White-tipped, 106 Duck Ruddy, 82 Torrent, 82 Eagle, Harpy, 96 Egret, Cattle, 86 Great, 86 Snowy, 86 Emerald Andean, 132 Western, 130

Euphonia Orange-bellied, 198 Thick-billed, 198 Finch, Saffron, 210 Flowerpiercer Black, 196 Glossy, 196 Masked, 196 Flycatcher Golden-crowned, 178 Ornate, 176 Rusty-margined, 178 Social, 178 Vermilion, 176 Frigatebird, Magnificent, 76 Fruitcrow, Purple-throated, 185 Gallinule Common, 98 Purple, 98 Gnatcatcher, Tropical, 194 Grackle, Great-tailed, 216 Grebe Northern Silvery, 75 Pied-billed, 74 Grosbeak, Golden, 210 Gull Andean, 104 Laughing, 104 Hawk Harris’s, 96 Roadside, 94 Variable, 94 Hermit, White-whiskered, 124 Heron Cocoi, 84 Striated, 84 Hillstar, Ecuadorian, 146 Hoatzin, 118 Honeycreeper, Green, 198 Hornero, Pale-legged, 172

Hummingbird Amazilia, 132 Giant, 138 Rufous-tailed, 132 Speckled, 124 Sword-billed, 134 Violet-headed, 146 Ibis, Black-faced, 86 Inca Brown, 140 Collared, 140 Jacamar, White-chinned, 158 Jacana, Wattled, 98 Jacobin, White-necked, 124 Jay Green, 186 Turquoise, 186 Violaceous, 186 White-tailed, 186 Kestrel, American, 94 Kingbird, Tropical, 178 Kingfisher Amazon, 154 American Pygmy, 154 Ringed, 154 Kiskadee, Great, 178 Kite Double-toothed, 92 Plumbeous, 90 Snail, 92 Swallow-tailed, 90 Lapwing, Andean, 100 Macaw Blue-and-yellow, 108 Chestnut-fronted, 108 Scarlet, 108 Manakin, Club-winged, 180 Martin, Gray-breasted, 190 Metaltail Tyrian, 150 Violet-throated, 150 Mockingbird, Long-tailed, 188 277

Motmot Amazonian, 157 Andean, 157 Broad-billed, 156 Rufous, 156 Whooping, 157 Mountain-Tanager Blue-winged, 204 Scarlet-bellied, 204 Mountain-Toucan, Plate-billed, 166 Nunbird Black-fronted, 158 White-fronted, 158 Oilbird, 118 Oropendola, Crested, 214 Russet-backed, 214 Osprey, 90 Owl Black-and-white, 120 Black-banded, 120 Crested, 120 Parakeet Dusky-headed, 111 Cobalt-winged, 110 Red-masked, 112 Parrot Blue-headed, 112 Mealy, 115 Orange-cheeked, 112 Yellow-crowned, 114 Pauraque, 122 Pelican, Brown, 80 Phoebe, Black, 176 Pigeon Pale-vented, 106 Ruddy, 106 Potoo, Common, 122 Puffleg Golden-breasted, 144 Sapphire-vented, 144 Racket-tail, Booted, 134 278

Redstart, Slate-throated, 192 Sanderling, 102 Sapphire, Golden-tailed, 130 Sapphirewing, Great, 139 Screech-Owl, Tawny-bellied, 120 Seedeater, Variable, 210 Sierra-Finch, Plumbeous, 212 Sparrow, Rufous-collared, 212 Starfrontlet, Buff-winged, 140 Stilt, Black-necked, 100 Sunangel Gorgeted, 144 Tourmaline, 144 Swallow Blue-and-white, 190 White-winged, 190 Swift, White-collared, 190 Sylph Long-tailed, 148 Violet-tailed, 148 Tanager Blue-gray, 206 Blue-necked, 204 Flame-faced, 202 Flame-rumped, 208 Golden, 200 Golden-naped, 202 Green-and-gold, 200 Magpie, 206 Opal-crowned, 202 Palm, 206 Paradise, 202 Silver-beaked, 208 Silver-throated, 200 Teal, Andean, 82 Thorntail Green, 128 Wire-crested, 128 Thrush, Great, 188 Tiger-Heron, Rufescent, 84 Tityra, Black-tailed, 180

Toucan Chocó, 164 Cuvier’s, 164 Yellow-ridged, 164 Yellow-throated, 164 Toucanet, Crimson-rumped, 166 Trainbearer, Black-tailed, 148 Trogon Collared, 153 Green-backed, 152 Masked, 153 White-tailed, 152 Tropicbird, Red-billed, 76 Turnstone, Ruddy, 102 Violetear Brown, 126 Lesser, 126 Sparkling, 126 Vulture Black, 88 Turkey, 88 Warbler Blackburnian, 192 Yellow, 192 Warbling-Finch, Collared, 212 Water-Tyrant, Masked, 180 Whimbrel, 102 Whitetip, Purple-bibbed, 146 Woodcreeper, Streak-headed, 166 Woodnymph Crowned, 130 Fork-tailed, 130 Woodpecker Black-cheeked, 168 Crimson-crested, 170 Crimson-mantled, 168 Guayaquil, 170 Lineated, 171 Yellow-tufted, 168 Woodstar Purple-throated, 150 White-bellied, 150

Wren, Fasciated, 192

Mammals Agouti Black, 232 Central American, 232 Alpaca, 250 Anteater, Giant, 240 Armadillo, Nine-banded, 242 Bat Proboscis, 262 Tent-making, 262 Bear, Spectacled, 220 Brocket Amazon Brown, 248 Red, 248 Bulldog Bat Greater, 264 Lesser, 264 Capybara, 231 Coati South American, 242 White-nosed, 242 Deer, White-tailed, 248 Dolphin, Common Bottlenose, 268 Dwarf Squirrel Amazon, 234 Western, 234 Fox, Andean, 256 Guinea Pig, Domestic, 232 Jaguar, 258 Jaguarundi, 260 Kinkajou, 244 Llama, 250 Margay, 260 Marmoset, Pygmy, 226 Monkey Brown-headed Spider, 228 Common Squirrel, 224 279

Monkey (continued) Mantled Howler, 228 Poeppig’s Woolly, 230 Red Howler, 228 Red Titi, 222 White-bellied Spider, 228 White-fronted Capuchin, 224 White-throated Capuchin, 224 Night Monkey, Spix’s, 222 Ocelot, 260 Olingo, 244 Olingo, Allen’s, 244 Olinguito, 244 Opossum Andean White-eared, 220 Black-eared, 220 Otter, Giant, 253 Peccary Collared, 246 White-lipped, 246 Puma, 258 Red Squirrel Northern Amazon, 236 Southern Amazon, 236 River Dolphin, Pink, 268 Saki, Napo, 222

280

Sea Lion Galápagos, 266 South American, 266 Skunk, Striped Hog-nosed, 256 Sloth Brown-throated, 238 Hoffmann’s Two-toed, 238 Linné’s Two-toed, 238 Squirrel Guayaquil, 234 Red-tailed, 234 Tailless Bat, Tailed, 264 Tamandua Northern, 240 Southern, 240 Tamarin Black-mantled, 226 Golden-mantled, 226 Tapeti, 236 Tapir Lowland, 246 Mountain, 246 Tayra, 254 Vicuña, 252 Weasel, Long-tailed, 254 Whale, Humpback, 267

Index of Scientific Names Amphibians Allobates, insperatus, 22 Ameerega, bilinguis, 22 Bolitoglossa biseriata, 40 peruviana, 40 Centrolene, bacatum, 24 Chiasmocleis, bassleri, 30 Dendropsophus bifurcus, 32 carnifex, 32 Engystomops, petersi, 30 Epipedobates, darwinwallacei, 20 Espadarana, prosoblepon, 22 Gastrotheca, litonedis, 30 Hyalinobatrachium, fleischmanni, 24 Hyloscirtus, alytolylax, 24 Hypsiboas calcaratus, 36 cinerascens, 34 pellucens, 34 picturatus, 36 punctatus, 34 rosenbergi, 36 Leptodactylus, pentadactylus, 32 Nymphargus, grandisonae, 24 Oophaga, sylvatica, 20 Phyllomedusa, tomopterna, 38 Pristimantis appendiculatus, 26 diadematus, 28 enigmaticus, 28 eriphus, 26 latidiscus, 26 sobetes, 28 unistrigatus, 28 walkeri, 26 Ranitomeya, ventrimaculata, 22

Rhinella margaritifera, 20 marina, 20 Scinax, ruber, 38 Trachycephalus, jordani, 38

Reptiles Anolis aequatorialis, 52 chloris, 54 fuscoauratus, 54 gemmosus, 52 gracilipes, 54 transversalis, 54 Atractus, dunni, 68 Basiliscus, galeritus, 58 Boa, constrictor, 60 Bothriechis, schlegelii, 64 Bothrops asper, 64 atrox, 64 Caiman, crocodilus, 44 Cercosaura, oshaughnessyi, 48 Chironius, fuscus, 70 Corallus, hortulanus, 60 Dendrophidion, clarkii, 70 Dipsas catesbyi, 66 gracilis, 66 Dracaena, guianensis, 58 Enyalioides heterolepis, 56 laticeps, 56 Epicrates, cenchria, 60 Erythrolamprus, epinephelus, 68 Eunectes, murinus, 62 281

Gonatodes, humeralis, 48 Helicops, angulatus, 62 Holcosus, septemlineatus, 50 Iguana, iguana, 58 Imantodes, cenchoa, 68 Leptophis, ahaetulla, 70 Melanosuchus, niger, 44 Paleosuchus, trigonatus, 44 Podocnemis expansa, 47 unifilis, 46 Riama, unicolor, 48 Stenocercus, iridiscens, 56 Thecadactylus, rapicauda, 50 Tupinambis, teguixin, 50 Xenoxybelis, argenteus, 66

Birds Adelomyia, melanogenys, 124 Aglaiocercus coelestis, 148 kingii, 148 Amazilia amazilia, 132 franciae, 132 tzacatl, 132 Amazona farinosa, 115 ochrocephala, 114 Anas, andium, 82 Andigena, laminirostris, 166 Anhinga, anhinga, 80 Anisognathus igniventris, 204 somptuosus, 204 Ara ararauna, 108 macao, 108 severus, 108 Aratinga, weddellii, 111 282

Ardea alba, 86 cocoi, 84 Arenaria, interpres, 102 Aulacorhynchus, haematopygus, 166 Baryphthengus, martii, 156 Boissonneaua flavescens, 142 jardini, 142 matthewsii, 142 Brotogeris, cyanoptera, 110 Bubulcus, ibis, 86 Butorides, striata, 84 Cacicus, cela, 214 Calidris, alba, 102 Calliphlox, mitchellii, 150 Campephilus gayaquilensis, 170 melanoleucos, 170 Campylorhynchus, fasciatus, 192 Capito, auratus, 160 Cathartes, aura, 88 Chaetocercus, mulsant, 150 Chloroceryle aenea, 154 amazona, 154 Chlorophanes, spiza, 198 Chlorostilbon, melanorhynchus, 130 Chroicocephalus, serranus, 104 Chrysuronia, oenone, 130 Ciccaba huhula, 120 nigrolineata, 120 Cinclodes albidiventris, 172 excelsior, 172 Cissopis, leverianus, 206 Coeligena lutetiae, 140 torquata, 140 wilsoni, 140

Coereba, flaveola, 194 Colaptes, rivolii, 168 Colibri coruscans, 126 cyanotus, 126 delphinae, 126 Coragyps, atratus, 88 Cotinga cayana, 182 maynana, 182 Crotophaga ani, 117 major, 116 sulcirostris, 117 Cyanocorax mystacalis, 186 violaceus, 186 yncas, 186 Cyanolyca, turcosa, 186 Diglossa cyanea, 196 humeralis, 196 lafresnayii, 196 Discosura conversii, 128 popelairii, 128 Dives, warszewiczi, 216 Donacobius, atricapilla, 188 Dryocopus, lineatus, 171 Egretta, thula, 86 Elanoides, forficatus, 90 Electron, platyrhynchum, 156 Ensifera, ensifera, 134 Eriocnemis luciani, 144 mosquera, 144 Eubucco, bourcierii, 160 Euphonia laniirostris, 198 xanthogaster, 198

Falco, sparverius, 94 Florisuga, mellivora, 124 Fluvicola, nengeta, 180 Fregata, magnificens, 76 Fulica, ardesiaca, 98 Furnarius, leucopus, 172 Galbula, tombacea, 158 Gallinula, galeata, 98 Geranoaetus, polyosoma, 94 Grallaria alleni, 174 gigantea, 174 guatimalensis, 174 ridgelyi, 174 Grallaricula, flavirostris, 174 Harpagus, bidentatus, 92 Harpia, harpyja, 96 Heliangelus exortis, 144 strophianus, 144 Heliodoxa imperatrix, 136 jacula, 136 rubinoides, 136 Himantopus, mexicanus, 100 Ictinia, plumbea, 90 Jacana, jacana, 98 Klais, guimeti, 146 Lepidocolaptes, souleyetii, 166 Leptotila, verreauxi, 106 Lesbia, victoriae, 148 Leucophaeus, atricilla, 104 Lophostrix, cristata, 120 Machaeropterus, deliciosus, 180 Megaceryle, torquata, 154 Megascops, watsonii, 120 Melanerpes cruentatus, 168 pucherani, 168 283

Merganetta, armata, 82 Metallura baroni, 150 tyrianthina, 150 Mimus, longicaudatus, 188 Momotus aequatorialis, 157 momota, 157 subrufescens, 157 Monasa morphoeus, 158 nigrifrons, 158 Myioborus, miniatus, 192 Myiodynastes, chrysocephalus, 178 Myiotriccus, ornatus, 176 Myiozetetes, cayanensis, 178 similis, 178 Numenius, phaeopus, 102 Nyctibius, griseus, 122 Nyctidromus, albicollis, 122 Ocreatus, underwoodii, 134 Opisthocomus, hoazin, 118 Oreotrochilus, chimborazo, 146 Ortalis, guttata, 100 Oxyura, jamaicensis, 82 Pandion, haliaetus, 90 Parabuteo, unicinctus, 96 Paroaria, gularis, 194 Patagioenas cayennensis, 106 subvinacea, 106 Patagona, gigas, 138 Pelecanus, occidentalis, 80 Phaethon, aethereus, 76 Phaethornis, yaruqui, 124 Phalacrocorax, brasilianus, 80 Phalcoboenus, carunculatus, 96 Pheucticus, chrysogaster, 210 Phoebastria, irrorata, 76 284

Phrygilus, unicolor, 212 Piaya, cayana, 118 Pionus, menstruus, 112 Pitangus, sulphuratus, 178 Podiceps, juninensis, 75 Podilymbus, podiceps, 74 Polioptila, plumbea, 194 Poospiza, hispaniolensis, 212 Porphyrio, martinicus, 98 Progne, chalybea, 190 Psarocolius angustifrons, 214 decumanus, 214 Psittacara, erythrogenys, 112 Pteroglossus azara, 162 pluricinctus, 162 torquatus, 162 Pterophanes, cyanopterus, 139 Pygochelidon, cyanoleuca, 190 Pyrilia, barrabandi, 112 Pyrocephalus, rubinus, 176 Querula, purpurata, 185 Quiscalus, mexicanus, 216 Ramphastos ambiguous, 164 brevis, 164 culminatus, 164 cuvieri, 164 Ramphocelus carbo, 208 flammigerus, 208 Rostrhamus, sociabilis, 92 Rupicola, peruvianus, 184 Rupornis, magnirostris, 94 Sayornis, nigricans, 176 Semnornis, ramphastinus, 160 Setophaga fusca, 192 petechia, 192

Sicalis, flaveola, 210 Sporophila, corvina, 210 Steatornis, caripensis, 118 Streptoprocne, zonaris, 190 Sula granti, 78 nebouxii, 78 sula, 78 Tachycineta, albiventer, 190 Tangara arthus, 200 callophrys, 202 chilensis, 202 cyanicollis, 204 icterocephala, 200 parzudakii, 202 ruficervix, 202 schrankii, 200 Thalurania colombica, 130 furcata, 130 Theristicus, melanopis, 86 Thraupis episcopus, 206 palmarum, 206 Tigrisoma, lineatum, 84 Tityra, cayana, 180 Trogon chionurus, 152 collaris, 153 personatus, 153 viridis, 152 Turdus, fuscater, 188 Tyrannus, melancholicus, 178 Urosticte, benjamini, 146 Vanellus, resplendens, 100 Vultur, gryphus, 88 Xenodacnis, parina, 196 Zenaida, auriculata, 106 Zonotrichia, capensis, 212

Mammals Alouatta palliata, 228 seniculus, 228 Anoura, caudifer, 264 Aotus, vociferans, 222 Ateles belzebuth, 228 fusciceps, 228 Bassaricyon alleni, 244 gabbii, 244 neblina, 244 Bradypus, variegatus, 238 Callicebus, discolor, 222 Cavia, porcellus, 232 Cebuella, pygmaea, 226 Cebus albifrons, 224 capucinus, 224 Choloepus didactylus, 238 hoffmanni, 238 Conepatus, semistriatus, 256 Dasyprocta fuliginosa, 232 punctata, 232 Dasypus, novemcinctus, 242 Didelphis marsupialis, 220 pernigra, 220 Eira, barbara, 254 Herpailurus, yagouaroundi, 260 Hydrochoerus, hydrochaeris, 231 Inia, geoffrensis, 268 Lagothrix, poeppigii, 230 Lama, glama, 250 Leopardus pardalis, 260 wiedii, 260 285

Lycalopex, culpaeus, 256 Mazama americana, 248 nemorivaga, 248 Megaptera, novaeangliae, 267 Microsciurus flaviventer, 234 mimulus, 234 Mustela, frenata, 254 Myrmecophaga, tridactyla, 240 Nasua narica, 242 nasua, 242 Noctilio albiventris, 264 leporinus, 264 Odocoileus, virginianus, 248 Otaria, flavescens, 266 Panthera, onca, 258 Pecari, tajacu, 246 Pithecia, napensis, 222 Potos, flavus, 244 Pteronura, brasiliensis, 253 Puma, concolor, 258

286

Rhynchonycteris, naso, 262 Saguinus nigricollis, 226 tripartitus, 226 Saimiri, sciureus, 224 Sciurus granatensis, 234 igniventris, 236 spadiceus, 236 stramineus, 234 Sylvilagus, brasiliensis, 236 Tamandua mexicana, 240 tetradactyla, 240 Tapirus pinchaque, 246 terrestris, 246 Tayassu, pecari, 246 Tremarctos, ornatus, 220 Tursiops, truncatus, 268 Uroderma, bilobatum, 262 Vicugna pacos, 250 vicugna, 252 Zalophus, wollebaeki, 266