Ecuador Birding Tour Trip Report – October 2024

Ecuador Birding Tour Trip Report Summary

In October 2024, Birding Man Wildlife Tours led an immersive birding journey through Ecuador’s Andean landscapes—an extraordinary country where dramatic elevation changes compress an astonishing diversity of habitats into a relatively small geographic area. Over the course of the trip, guests experienced a seamless transition from high-elevation grasslands to lush cloud forests and humid foothills, resulting in exceptional wildlife encounters and deeply memorable shared moments.

The group recorded more than 250 bird species, including an impressive diversity of hummingbirds and tanagers, alongside rare mammals and iconic Andean raptors. Just as important as the species count, however, was the quality of the experiences: extended views, intimate encounters, and meaningful connections to the landscapes and communities that support Ecuador’s biodiversity.

Below is a video showing some of the highlights. Join us in 2026 with an added extension to the Amazon!

Overview of Habitats & Regions

This journey focused on the ecological gradients of the Andes, where each shift in elevation revealed a new bird community. Time was spent in:

• High-elevation grasslands and páramo, where sweeping vistas and thin air set the stage for encounters with iconic mountain birds
• Temperate Andean forests, rich with mixed-species flocks and endemic specialists
• Eastern Andean foothills, where humid forests and rivers support high bird density and diversity
• Western slope cloud forests, known for their Chocó-region specialties and vibrant feeder activity

Rather than racing between locations, the itinerary emphasized lingering in productive habitats, allowing bird activity to unfold naturally and maximizing opportunities for both observation and photography.

Want the full trip report and species list? Download the complete Trip Report PDF that includes detailed daily itinerary and birding highlights.

Trip Highlights & Memorable Moments

Wildlife moments on this trip were frequent and often spectacular, but several stood out as truly unforgettable.

Early in the journey, the group experienced rare, prolonged views of one of South America’s most elusive mammals in a high-elevation setting—an encounter that underscored the importance of intact mountain ecosystems. Later, dramatic flyovers by massive soaring birds left the group in stunned silence, reminding everyone just how wild these landscapes still are.

Other highlights included standing quietly as mixed-species flocks poured through forest canopies, watching lekking birds perform ancient courtship rituals, and sharing meals and stories after long, satisfying days in the field. Even logistical challenges—fog, rain, and narrow mountain roads—became part of the adventure and added to the sense of place.

Birding Highlights

Rather than focusing on a complete species list, several bird groups and signature species defined the character of this trip:

• Hummingbirds were ever-present, ranging from tiny woodland species to massive high-elevation specialists, many observed at close range. Some of the most notable species included:
  • Sword-billed Hummingbird
  • Violet-tailed and Long-tailed Sylphs
  • Peruvian and White-booted Racket-tails
  • Wire-crested Thorntail
  • Ecuadorian Hillstar
  • Giant Hummingbird
• Tanagers dazzled with color and variety, particularly within mixed flocks moving through mid- and high-elevation forests:
  • Hooded Mountain Tanager
  • Golden-crowned Tanager
  • Orange-eared Tanager
  • Beryl-spangled Tanager
  • Swallow Tanager
• Some of the most emotionally powerful moments of the trip featured iconic Andean birds, including:
  • Plate-billed Mountain Toucan
  • Toucan Barbet
  • Giant Antpitta
  • Golden-headed Quetzal
  • Long-wattled Umbrellabird
  • Andean Cock-of-the-Rock
• Raptors and birds of prey like:
  • Andean Condor
  • Hook-billed and Swallow-tailed Kites
  • Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle
  • Andean Pygmy-Owl
  • Black-and-White-Owl

Repeated opportunities to observe these birds allowed participants to move beyond quick looks and into deeper appreciation of behavior, ecology, and identification.

Conservation & Community Connections

A defining strength of this journey was its emphasis on community-based conservation. Throughout the trip, the group visited small, locally managed reserves and family-run properties where birding tourism has become a viable alternative to habitat loss, hunting, or intensive agriculture.

Participants learned firsthand how sustainable birding tourism can:

• Incentivize forest protection and reforestation
• Provide income tied directly to conservation outcomes
• Foster pride and stewardship within local communities

Several visits highlighted remarkable stories of transformation—places where birds once viewed as pests or food sources are now the foundation of conservation-focused livelihoods. These experiences reinforced Birding Man’s commitment to tours that support people and wildlife alike.

Closing Thoughts

This Andean birding adventure captured what Birding Man Wildlife Tours strives to offer: exceptional birding, ethical travel, and meaningful experiences in wild places. The combination of biodiversity, scenery, and human connection made this trip far more than a checklist exercise—it was a reminder of why birding can be such a powerful gateway to conservation and cross-cultural understanding.

Want to see itinerary details and the complete bird list from this tour? Enter your details and receive a Full Trip Report PDF below.

If you’re interested in future international birding tours that balance outstanding wildlife experiences with responsible, conservation-forward travel, we invite you to get in touch or explore upcoming offerings.