Birdwatching in Ecuador
Ecuador is a small country with one of the largest diversity of flora and fauna in the world. Ecuador is the number one country in birds in relation to its area. In Ecuador 107 different regions have been identified specifically for bird diversity and also as homeplace for different migratory species. There are 14 endemic bird species only found in Ecuador such as the Black-breasted Puffleg and there are over 260 species that are found only in Ecuador and its neighboring countries.

Ecuador is the ideal place for birdwatchers whether experts or beginner in view of the fact that every site is inhabited by countless varieties of birds: Ecuador is a Birder´s paradise.
On the eastern side of the Andes, toward the Valleys of the rainforest, the Podocarpus National Park was created in 1982. Over 500 bird species inhabit the spectacular landscape that this National Park offers. Hummingbirds, tanagers, parrots and toucans, among others, populate this area. Exotic sounding species such as the lachrymose mountain tanager, the streaked tuftedcheek, the paerled treerunnner and the superciliaried hemispingus are found here also.

There are spectacular endemic species, some of recent discovery such as the Jocotoco Antpitta, found in the Podocarpus National Park in 1997. The Jacotoco Antpitta Species is unique and not well known, however it is a Jarge species. It is characteristically plumaged. It is a rare species. The fact that it took so long to be discovered advises that it has a limited geographic distribution and specific habitat needs. The Jacotoco Antipitta is difficult to view and to this day has only been observed responding to playback of songs and calls. This bird spends more time “walking” on the bushes than flying, and makes a sound similar to a dog bark.
Heading south toward the Zamora province, the Tapichalaca Reserve is found. This reserve belongs to the Jocotoco Foundation and has an extension of 9386 acres. It borders the Podocarpus National Park and is located right off the border of the Loja Province with the Zamora Province. It is named after the Tapichalaca hill. Jocotoco is the common name of the bird specie Grallaria ridgelyi. The reserve is at an elevation of 6561 ft to 11,154 ft. above sea level. Its conservation value is increased because it borders with the Podocarpus National Park, and there are plans to expand this reserve to 5000 ha. For more information visit (www.fjocotoco.org).
Article presented by This is Ecuador, Joco-toco Foundation and Aves & Conservación (Corporación Ornitológica del Ecuador).

Photo by: Fernando Sornoza

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