Birdwatching tours |
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Species with small ranges usually have an elevated risk of extintion, In Ecuador there is a considerable overlap between species whose restricted ranges define EBAs and species regarded as globally threatened. The Tandayapa and Mindo Vallies, just 84 km northwest of Quito, is one of the best birding sites in South America. Around 430 species have been recorded, with 370 around Mindo alone, the birding here is excellent with species such as Toucan Barbet, Scaled Antpitta, Spillman`s Tapaculo, Little Woodstar, Long-Wattled Umbrellabird, Tanager-finch, Black-crowned Tityra, Golden-Bellied Warbler, Torrent Duck, White-capped Dipper, etc.
Altitude ranges between 1050-1600 meters. It is mainly covered by premontane cloud forest and is ideally situated at mid-slope, between the upper temperate zone and the lower humid western rain forests. The climate is mild all year round. The main wet season is March-April, although some rain is likely throughout the year. The dry season starts around June and September, this time of the year is considered summer. Favorite birding months are September-January as many northern and austral migrants are present in the Mindo area, as well as such local specialties as Yellow-collared Chlorophonia, Club-winged Manakin, Pale-mandibled Araçari, Velvet-purple Coronet, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, White-throated Spadebill and Beautiful jay. However, many resident species, such as antpittas, are more active and easier to see in the rainy season. REFERENCES. Kirwan and Marlow (1992), R.S.Ridgely (1998), R.S.Ridgely and P.J.Greenfield (2001), P.Leon (2002-2003). Tours available: Hummingbirds Xtreme: 1 day, 1 to 15 pax Mindo Xtreme: 1d, 2d/1n, 3d,2n, 4d/3n, 5d/4n; 1 to 15 pax Andes, Yanacocha, Tandayapa & Mindo, 7d/6n Other tours are available, please send e-mail for more information to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
Ecuador is a Vertical Country. Thanks to the Andes and the Equator line this little but mega-diverse country has almost every climate of the world, from permafrost to equatorial rainforest, creating the most interesting ecosystems. As a consequence, Ecuador is home to around 1660 species of resident and migrant birds, there are 33 species endemic to the country (23 of these are restricted to Galapagos), 160 (10.5%) have restricted ranges, 51 are threatened and 65 near-threatened. The 160 restricted-range bird species ocurring in Ecuador are found in just nine endemic bird areas (EBA).
The town of Mindo is a 2-hour drive from Quito. It is served by various public bus companies and taxi services. The paved road is in very good condition, but the old Nono-Mindo road is recomended because of the good birding conditions, although it is a rough and dusty road.