Northwest Ecuador (1 Viewer)

Hello,

My wife and I would like to go to Ecuador sometime next year. There seems to be a ton of colorful birds there. Im guessing we will have about 10 days in country excluding days spent flying in and out. I'd like advice on when to go and the must see sights. We're open to any itinerary, our only hope is to see a lot of pretty birds in the wild. I'd appreciate any advice experienced travelers or locals may have.

birdsandwildlife said:

We're open to any itinerary, our only hope is to see a lot of pretty birds in the wild. I'd appreciate any advice experienced travelers or locals may have.

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Your subject line suggests an itinerary limited to northwestern Ecuador. Though I haven't yet traveled there (or to anywhere else in Ecuador), I've been researching that area (as well as the northeast) for a forthcoming trip.

Perhaps the best-known destination in northwestern Ecuador for birding is the Mindo valley (see page 171 of the 1996 site guide written by Williams, Best & Heijnen; and page 32 of Clive Green's 1996 guide; for a more contemporary treatment by Lelis Navarrete, see http://www.birdsinecuador.com/en/chapter-2). Your inquiry seems to focus on birds that are conspicuous and colorful, and if that's true you'll presumably be enthralled by the many species of tanagers found there, as well as (with some luck) the Andean Cock-of-the-rock. Hummingbirds are also well-represented in the region, and that includes Booted Racket-tail.

Good luck! Hopefully birders with more direct experience will add even more useful information.

Gary Hunter