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Ecuador, a country about the size of the United Kingdom or about that of the state of Colorado in the U.S., and yet, within its reduced boundaries an incredible variety of bird species are found. Ecuador is one of the richest countries in avifauna on earth, with 15% of the world’s bird species! They are distributed in Ecuador’s four geographical regions: the Coastal Tropical Lowlands, the Andean Highlands (with its Humid Cloud Forests), the Amazon Rain Forest, and the Galapagos Archipelago.
A recent study of Conservation International has named Ecuador as one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world. With 9.2 species per square kilometer, it occupies the first place in the world in number of species per area. With only 0.17% of the planet’s surface, Ecuador currently holds about 1600 known species in the continental area plus 38 more, which are endemic to the Galapagos Islands.
Without a doubt, Ecuador is one of the premiere destinations for birding in the world. For birding purposes, each of the four natural regions can equally delight any nature-oriented traveler. Any area is a good one to start off with; just choose according to your birding interests. You can travel to the Highlands where the Andean Condor glides through the cold air, or observe the many species of Ecuadorian hummingbirds (including both the smallest and the largest hummingbirds on Earth) within the Cloud Forest, or experience an encounter with the prehistoric Hoatzin in the Amazon Rain Forest.
Migratory behavior has been studied for a long time. Being at the Equator, one can expect to spot northern (boreal) migrants heading southward, and southern (austral) migrants heading to the north.
The bird watching circuits are under the close supervision of naturalist Paul Greenfield, co-author of the recently published book "The Birds of Ecuador", a superb field guide and a thorough reference volume. Each tour provides participants with a complete Ecuador Bird List to make the tracking of birds more effective.
Please ask about our special departures led by noted naturalist Paul Greenfield.
To request detailed information on the variety of birds in each of the regions, please send us an email addressed to: birdwatching@ecuador-si.com.
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BIRDING TIPS & WHAT TO BRING
Birding is an activity done in natural environments. The closeness to natural factors like sun, rain, drizzle, heat, cold, mud, etc. is imminent in every trip, more so in Ecuador, a beautiful country with diverse weather. Therefore, keep in mind that certain preparation is needed in order to fully enjoy this unique adventure. There is no better time than now to start preparing for your birding expedition.
o Binoculars. Recommended sizes: 8x32 / 8x42 / 10x42 / 10x50.
o Your favorite field guide. We highly recommend: The Birds of Ecuador (Ridgely & Greenfield)
o Spotting Scope
o Tripod
o "Lens Pen" or other optics cleaner
o Hand towel or rag (to wipe the rain off your scope, binoculars, eyeglasses, etc.)
o Gloves and a hat
o Waterproof boots (where appropriate)
o Comfortable walking shoes
o Comfortable clothing (cotton). Appropriate warm clothes for cold places. Appropriate light clothing for warm places.
o Birdwatching vest
o Toiletries
o Bug repellent (essential in mosquito, fly and tick territory)
o Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
o Flashlight
o Field notebook, for recording sightings
o Pencils/pens
o Personal First-aid kit
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