Consider that Ecuador, which only covers 0.02% of the earth's
land surface, holds about 10% of all bird species found on
the planet. Along Ecuador you can find unique spots for bird
watching. Ecuador holds 1600 species of birds, many of them
are endemic. Approximately 450 species of birds are found
in the coastal "Tumbesina" region. That represents about 60%
of all the birds of Latin America. The andean and coastal
mountain ranges, the proximity to the coast and the amazon
rainforest, as well as the water currents that affect the
climate, are factors that contribute to the uniqueness of
the ecuadorian ecosystems and thus the diversity of birds,
for example in the cloudforest. Just to mention a few, some
of which are endemic (unique) to the cloudforest region: Tanager-Finch,
Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Tanagers
of all colors, Manakins, Cotingas, etc. And for hummingbirds,
the number of different species in the Tandayapa and Mindo
Valleys is perhaps a world record, with various places offering
an unforgettable spectacle at very accessible feeders. Recently,
Birdlife International designated the "Loma Alta" reserve,
located East of the town of Valdivia (Guayas province), as
a "site of international importance for the conservation of
birds". The reserve contains 300 species of birds, 42 of them
endemic, five in danger of extinction, and nine vulnerable.
