Revista Ecuatoriana de Ornitología is a publication of Red Aves Ecuador, in collaboration with USFQ PRESS of the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. Its objective is to promote the dissemination of knowledge about the diversity of birds of Ecuador and the Neotropics. It is dedicated to the presentation of original and relevant information on the birds of these regions, covering topics such as natural history, ecology, distribution, conservation, systematics, among others. The journal is aimed at the ornithological community interested in the birds of Ecuador and the Neotropics, and includes researchers and researchers as well as observers and people interested in ornithology. ISSN: 2697-3685
Los autores que publiquen en la Revista Ecuatoriana de Ornitología aceptan los siguientes términos: Los autores/as conservarán sus derechos de autor y garantizarán a la revista el derecho de primera publicación de su obra, el cuál estará simultáneamente sujeto a la Licencia de Reconocimiento No Comercial de Creative Commons. Los autores/as podrán adoptar otros acuerdos de licencia no exclusiva de distribución de la versión de la obra publicada, pudiendo de esa forma publicarla en un volumen monográfico o reproducirla de otras formas, siempre que se indique la publicación inicial en esta revista. Se permite y se recomienda a los autores difundir su obra a través de Internet en su repositorio institucional, página web personal, o red social científica (como ResearchGate o Academia.edu).
Predation of the Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata (Rallidae) by a Black-crowned Night Heron Nyctycorax nycticorax
Se reporta la depredación de una cría de Gallareta Común Gallinula galeata (Rallidae) por un adulto de Garza Nocturna Coroninegra Nycticorax nycticorax (Ardeidae) en la laguna de Yahuarcocha, un humedal andino de la provincia de Imbabura, Ecuador. Un adulto de N. nycticorax capturó y consumió un polluelo de G. galeata de aproximadamente 15 días de edad. Este evento diurno es el primer reporte de depredación entre estas especies y documenta la depredación aviar en colonias mixtas altoandinas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Patricio Mena-Valenzuela https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
First record of Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius (Icteridae) in Ecuador
En el presente documento discuto el primer reporte de un Icterus spurius en territorio ecuatoriano y la expansión austral de su territorio no reproductivo en el año 2025, conjeturando posibles causas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Juan Francisco Herrera https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans and Black-tailed Trainbearer Lesbia victoriae feeding on Salvia microphylla
Se registra por primera vez el consumo de néctar de Salvia microphylla (Lamiaceae) por dos especies de colibríes comunes en ambientes urbanos de Quito: Orejivioleta Ventriazul Colibri coruscans y Colacintillo Colinegro Lesbia victoriae. Este registro amplía el conocimiento sobre la dieta urbana de los colibríes andinos y resalta el valor de las plantas ornamentales como recurso complementario en entornos urbanizados.
Copyright (c) 2026 David Ojeda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps, a chromatic aberration in Mexico
We report the first record of partial leucism in the Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) in Mexico City. The observation took place on May 15, 2025, at Lake of the Aztec Kings, Tláhuac. The individual exhibited extensive partial leucism, with approximately 80% of plumage lacking melanin and an asymmetric distribution of white feathers, while eyes and legs retained normal pigmentation. This finding expands the known distribution of plumage abnormalities in the species.
Copyright (c) 2026 Javier Jimenez, Galo Ludwig Márquez-Villalba, Jesús Campos-Serrano, Salvador Gaona-Ramírez, Beatriz Adriana Silva-Torres https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Reproductive biology of the Purple-throated Sunangel Heliangelus viola (Trochilidae) in the southern Andes of Ecuador
The Purple-throated Sunangel Heliangelus viola (Trochilidae) is a hummingbird endemic to the Andes of southern Ecuador and northern Peru, whose reproductive biology remains poorly documented. In this study, we describe the characteristics of the nest, eggs, nestlings, and parental care during incubation and brooding. We recorded five nests in three locations the Andes of southern Ecuador: one located on the wall of a house next to a nest of the Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis (Tyrannidae), two on road banks crossing Andean shrubland, and two on roadside banks crossing pastures. One of the nests was continuously monitored with a camera trap for 40 days. All nests had a cup shape and were built with mosses, lichens, and dry leaves, lined internally with white and dark brown plant fibers. In all cases, clutch size was two oval white eggs. In the monitored nest, the incubation period lasted 14 days. The daily percentage of time spent attending the nest tended to increase during incubation, but only the number of visits showed a significant increase with embryonic development. The nestling period lasted 27 days, with a significant decrease in both nest attendance and number of visits as the nestlings grew. In addition, we recorded a post-fledging dependency period of 17 days. Heliangelus viola exhibited a prolonged reproductive period and variation in nest materials. Our data provide the first detailed description of reproductive behavior for this species and for the genus Heliangelus.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jorge Humbser, Paul Molina Abril, Diana L Rocha, Boris A Tinoco, William Andrés Arteaga-Chávez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Waterfowl in artificial wetlands in the southern Andes of Ecuador
Urban expansion and climate change are driving the progressive loss of natural wetlands, forcing waterbirds to use artificial wetlands as feeding or staging sites. Although artificial wetlands have been created for use or exploitation purposes, they can be important areas for biodiversity conservation. In this paper, we present records of waterbirds from three artificial wetlands in the city of Cuenca and its surroundings, located in the Andes of southern Ecuador. From October 2012 to April 2025, we conducted occasional visits to the Ucubamba Wastewater Treatment Plant (PTAR-U), El Paraíso Park and the seasonal wetland of Tarqui. We also reviewed the eBird platform to complement our data. We classified all species based on their resident or migratory status and threat category. We report a total of 38 species in the three wetlands, grouped into 9 families and 5 orders. Of the species recorded, 19 were residents, 18 boreal migrants, and one austral migrant. We recorded one species listed as Endangered in Ecuador, and one species as globally Vulnerable. Three typically lowland species were present year-around, and we found new breeding evidence for one species in the Andes of Ecuador. Additionally, we recorded 13 migratory and resident species that have few previous records in the southern Andes of Ecuador, and present specific accounts for 16 notable records. Our findings suggest that artificial wetlands can provide suitable habitats for the survival and reproduction of some waterbird species. Moreover, they highlight the importance of artificial wetlands as stopover and resting sites for migratory species during their migration season.
Copyright (c) 2026 William Andrés Arteaga-Chávez, Paul Molina A., Daniel Pacheco, Agustín Carrasco, Bernarda Vasquéz-Ávila https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
SEVENTH REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE FOR ECUADORIAN RECORDS IN ORNITHOLOGY (CERO)
We present new bird records from Ecuador as evaluated by the Committee for Ecuadorian Records in Ornithology (CERO) between December 2021 and July 2025. We present the first country records of five species: Columbina squammata, Poikilocarbo gaimardi, Nonnula ruficapilla, Myiarchus semirufus and Vireo altiloquus, all from mainland Ecuador, and one species reported for the first time in mainland Ecuador (Pterodroma externa), which was previously reported only from Galápagos. We also showcase the first documentation of three species previously included in the country bird checklist on the basis of undocumented sightings: Chaetura chapmani, Thaumasius taczanowski and Laterallus flaviventer, and present the first documentation of breeding in Ecuador of Paroaria coronata. Further, we present new data on the distribution of 20 rare or poorly known species in Ecuador and its territorial seas, including remarkable range extensions (Nothoprocta curvirostris, Penelope ortoni, Crax rubra, Odontophorus stellatus, Thalassarche bulleri, Pelecanoides sp., Anous minutus, Vanellus resplendens, Haematopus ater, Sternula antillarum, Phaetusa simplex, Steatornis caripensis, Lophornis verreauxi, Crotophaga major, Conopias parvus, Syrtidicola fluviatilis, Tyrannus dominicensis, Tyrannus savana, Oporornis agilis, and Quiscalus mexicanus). We evaluated 12 records that were rejected due to misidentification or that were postponed for insufficient documentation. Last, we discuss four special cases of new information on: Zimmerius chrysops in northwestern Ecuador, Elaenia pelzelni in fluvial islands in extreme eastern Ecuador, a record of Geothlypis sp. (velata or aequinoctialis) in the northeastern Andes and one Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus whose arrival to Ecuador may have been human-assisted; we also accept removing Chloropipo flavicapilla from the country checklist. The most updated version of the official checklist of the birds of Ecuador by CERO has 1735species (1685 documented and confirmed, 50 undocumented).
Copyright (c) 2025 Juan Freile, Scott Olmstead, Dusan Brinkhuizen, Manuel Sánchez-Nivicela, Jonas Nilsson, Niels Krabbe, Roger Ahlman, Nick Athanas, Lelis Navarrete, Paul Greenfield https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Progressive color dilution and prolonged survival of a White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora (Trochilidae) individual in the southwestern Andes of Ecuador
A case of seemingly progressive color dilution is documented in a male White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora observed over a 16-month period in the southwestern Andes of Ecuador. In the earliest photographic records, the individual exhibited a noticeably lighter coloration, consistent with a pastel dilution-type chromatic aberration. This appearance was maintained for several months, but in more recent observations, the plumage shows a darker tone, possibly associated with a higher concentration of melanin. This variation has been interpreted as a gradual change in pigmentation, although it is acknowledged that the progressive nature of the process still requires further evaluation. Its persistence in the same locality, despite its high conspicuousness and repeated aggression by conspecifics, suggests that continuous access to food at artificial feeders may support its survival. This new record underscores the importance of long-term monitoring and provides valuable insights into the ecological and behavioral dynamics of atypical hummingbirds in anthropogenic environments, opening new avenues of research on their long-term adaptation and survival.
Copyright (c) 2025 Pablo Sebastián Padron, Leodan Aguilar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Brown Jay Cyanocorax morio preying on a Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus
Copyright (c) 2025 Alex Ricardo Guzmán Canul, Saúl Sánchez Soto, Santiago Domínguez Angulo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Plumbeous Sierra Finch Geospizopsis unicolor, malformation in the left foot
Copyright (c) 2025 Gino Guachamín-Paladines https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Notes on the reproductive biology of the Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata (Columbidae) in two localities in Pichincha Province, Ecuador
The Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata (Columbidae) is one of the most common and widely distributed bird species in South America, found in a variety of habitats and ecosystems except for the Amazon rainforest. Despite being a seed specialist, Z. auriculata has successfully adapted to urban environments, taking advantage of the favorable niches offered by urban or highly anthropized areas for its population growth. In the present study, we contribute to the knowledge of the reproductive biology of Z. auriculata through the monitoring of three nests in two localities (one rural and one urban) and through four opportunistic observations of reproductive behavior in a rural locality of Distrito Metropolitano de Quito, Pichincha province. We report reproductive behavior from courtship and copulation, incubation, brooding, to the fledgling emancipation. Egg laying was asynchronous, and clutch size consisted of two oval-shaped, white eggs per nest. The incubation period lasted 16 days, and the brooding period lasted 15 days. Both adults participated in incubation and brooding. This study provides basic data on the reproduction of Z. auriculata and highlights the need to publish information about common species that exhibit high population densities in urban areas.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jefferson García Loor, Fredy Trujillo G., Javier Trujillo G., Ibeth P. Alarcón https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF BRODIFACOUM RODENTICIDE IN GROUPS OF SMOOTH-BILLED ANI crotophaga ani IN FLOREANA ISLAND, GALAPAGOS
Las especies invasoras en ecosistemas insulares, como las islas Galápagos, pueden tener consecuencias devastadoras, debido a que son una de las principales amenazas para su biodiversidad. La erradicación de especies invasoras mediante cebos envenenados ha sido una estrategia ampliamente utilizada en Galápagos. En 2023, se realizó un programa de envenenamiento masivo de roedores en la isla Floreana utilizando brodifacoum, un rodenticida anticoagulante que puede afectar a especies “no objetivo” por envenenamiento primario o secundario. Si bien el fin principal de este programa fue la erradicación, se ha sugerido que este veneno pudo afectar negativamente a las poblaciones de aves en esta isla, incluido el Garrapatero Piquiliso Crotophaga ani, una especie introducida deliberadamente en la década de 1960. Crotophaga ani tiene hábitos sociales y utiliza dormideros grupales para pasar la noche. Nuestro estudio evaluó el posible efecto del brodifacoum en la estructura de grupos de C. ani en la zona agrícola de Floreana en abril‒julio de 2023 y febrero‒marzo de 2024. Se monitorearon 28 grupos y sus dormideros independientes. Todos los grupos mantuvieron su ubicación en ambos años; sin embargo, se registraron pequeños cambios en la localización de dormideros en 27 grupos. En cuanto a la estructura poblacional, hubo un incremento en la composición de los grupos, representando un porcentaje de cambio de 71,43% en el promedio de individuos por grupos entre los dos años. En 2023 se anillaron 39 aves, de las cuales 27 fueron observadas en 2024 y todas, exceptuando una, mantuvieron su territorio. Los resultados indican que el brodifacoum no tuvo un evidente efecto negativo sobre la composición de grupos de C. ani ni en la fidelidad a sus territorios. Además, este trabajo representa un avance importante al conocimiento de la ecología de las especies introducidas, lo que es indispensable para desarrollar estrategias de manejo adecuadas.
Copyright (c) 2025 Melany Prado, Cristian Poveda, Fernando Villegas, Denis Mosquera, Birgit Fessl https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Diversity and Distribution of Birds at the El Cristal Experimental Station in the Ecuadorian Chocó
The Ecuadorian Chocó Biogeographic region has one of the highest avifaunal endemism areas in the world. However, legal and illegal mining, deforestation, and climate change have led to the reduction of habitats for several species in this natural bioregion. Therefore, the objective of our research was to determine the current and future diversity and distribution of birds at the El Cristal Experimental Station, located in Esmeraldas province, focusing on three levels: the experimental station, the Río Negro watershed, and the Ecuadorian Chocó. To achieve this, we established 27 observation points throughout the research area, which we monitored over six observation outings, each lasting three consecutive days. We also assessed the local conservation status using the SUMIN index. We recorded 91 species belonging to 31 families; 19 species were classified as non-priority according to the SUMIN index, 45 as special attention, and 25 as maximum priority. To develop distribution models, we selected maximum conservation priority birds: the Umbrella Bird Cephalopterus penduliger, the Barred Hawk Morphnarchus princeps, and the flagship species the Moss-backed Tanager Bangsia edwarsi. For current and future distribution models, we used bioclimatic variables from the WorldClim geoportal and biophysical factors such as elevation, slope, land use, and other data, as well as presence points from the GBIF portal. The models obtained showed a considerable decrease in the distribution area across the three emphasis areas (El Cristal Experimental Station, Río Negro watershed, and Ecuadorian Chocó). This research aims to generate conservation strategies for the study area, such as establishing observation stations (with lookout towers) and biological corridors to enable species connectivity with different nearby natural areas and regions of the research area.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jonathan Gabriel Taimal, Kevin Yacelga, Mónica León, Gabriel Jácome https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
SPRITZ TECHNIQUE ON NESTS TO MITIGATE THE IMPACTS OF THE PARASITIC FLY IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
La mosca Philornis downsi se introdujo accidentalmente en las islas Galápagos en la década de 1960. Esta mosca parásita pone sus huevos en los nidos de aves y sus larvas se alimentan de la sangre y los tejidos de los polluelos provocando anemia, reducción de crecimiento, mortalidad o reducción de la supervivencia tras la salida del nido. Para los pinzones de árbol Camarhynchus spp. y el Pequeño Pájaro Brujo Pyrocephalus nanus, el parasitismo por la mosca vampiro aviar es la principal amenaza, por lo cual intervenir es urgente. Investigaciones anteriores han demostrado que la inyección de larvicidas en la base de los nidos reduce la carga parasitaria, pero requiere mucha mano de obra y experiencia. Un método alternativo es la técnica Spritz, que consiste en rociar el exterior del nido con un insecticida durante la fase intermedia de incubación, para evitar que las moscas adultas pongan huevos en su interior. En las temporadas de lluvia (enero–mayo) de 2023 y 2024 probamos este método en tres especies de aves: Pinzón Pequeño de Tierra Geospiza fuliginosa, Pinzón Pequeño de Árbol Camarhynchus parvulus y Pinzón Cantor Certhidea olivacea en bosques de Scalesia en la isla Santa Cruz. Usamos concentraciones del insecticida Permacap a 0,5% y 1%. Las dos concentraciones de Permacap resultaron eficaces para reducir significativamente la intensidad de parásitos y aumentar el éxito de reproducción. Dado que el tratamiento con el concentrado más alto provocó que algunos pinzones abandonaran sus nidos, especialmente C. olivacea, recomendamos usar la concentración más baja. Este método también podría aplicarse para proteger a otros pinzones más grandes y amenazados, como el Pinzón de Manglar Camarhynchus heliobates y el Pinzón Mediano de Árbol C. pauper.
Copyright (c) 2025 Barbara Kofler, Sabine Tebbich, Jonathan Cueva, Merlin Mauchamp-Fessl, Alex Schmied, Emilia Andrade, Tatiana Torres, Cristian Sevilla, Charlotte Causton, Birgit Fessl https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW zonotrichia capensis (PASSERELLIDAE) AS A MODEL FOR THE NOMENCLATURE OF CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS
Existe una amplia nomenclatura para aves con plumaje atípico, pero persiste el uso de términos errados, como albinismo parcial, o ambiguos como esquizocroismo. Los términos apropiados de las aberraciones más comunes son: leucismo, encanecimiento progresivo, albinismo, marrón, ino, dilución y melanismo. Estas se presentan por exceso, disminución, defecto o ausencia de pigmentos, principalmente de melaninas. Con el objetivo de identificar claramente estas aberraciones busqué en literatura publicada y revisé los registros fotográficos de las bases de datos en línea de eBird y iNaturalist, registros de plumaje atípico del Gorrión Criollo Zonotrichia capensis, una especie común y de amplia distribución en el Neotrópico. Al momento, Z. capensis suma 86 individuos de Z. capensis con aberraciones cromáticas en toda su distribución: encanecimiento progresivo (n = 50), marrón (n = 13), melanismo (n = 8), leucismo (n = 5), albinismo (n = 2), ino (n = 2), dilución (n = 1) e indeterminado (n = 5). Los registros provienen de Ecuador (n = 27), Brasil (n = 25), Chile (n = 11), Argentina (n = 10), Perú (n = 7), Costa Rica (n = 3), Bolivia, Guatemala y Uruguay (n = 1 cada uno). Zonotrichia capensis parece funcionar como un buen modelo para identificar adecuadamente las aberraciones de color. Estas aberraciones tienen implicaciones relevantes como proporcionar información sobre la evolución de los patrones de color, evidenciar problemas genéticos (e.g., alto grado de endogamia) y podrían ser indicadoras de ambientes contaminados que favorecen la mayor presencia de aberraciones.
Copyright (c) 2025 Héctor Cadena-Ortiz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
PRIMER CONVERSATORIO: MUJERES EN LA ORNITOLOGÍA DE ECUADOR
El conversatorio “Mujeres en la ornitología” se llevó a cabo durante la VIII Reunión Ecuatoriana de Ornitología, en julio de 2024. Este evento es el primero en llevarse a cabo en la historia de las reuniones ornitológicas y contó con la participación de cinco mujeres (Daisy Utitiaj, Rosa Gaibor, Tatiana Santander, Fernanda Duque y Rebeca Rivas) vinculadas a las aves en áreas como la educación, la academia, la investigación y el turismo. La diversidad del panel fue clave para compartir las distintas experiencias y trayectorias de cada una de las participantes. Durante el conversatorio se abordaron distintos temas: a) cómo los roles de género limitan la participación de las mujeres en la ciencia, creando desigualdades en el acceso a oportunidades y recursos, lo que resulta en una baja representatividad en posiciones de liderazgo; b) la sexualización de la mujer dentro del entorno científico/pajarero puede crear un ambiente hostil, reforzar la desigualdad al ser vistas como objetos y desmerecer sus logros por el simple hecho de ser mujeres; y c) las voces femeninas son a menudo ignoradas o poco escuchadas, lo que limita la diversidad de ideas y perspectivas en la investigación. Hablar y exponer estos temas es esencial para construir un entorno inclusivo y equitativo, donde las mujeres puedan contribuir plenamente y ser valoradas por su trabajo. Al visibilizar sus aportes y promover la diversidad de enfoques en la investigación y la ornitología se crea un espacio rico en ideas y soluciones, lo que fortalece no solo el campo científico, sino también el compromiso con la equidad de género en todas las áreas del conocimiento. Además, motiva la participación de las mujeres en los distintos campos antes mencionados.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rebeca Rivas Calle, Daisy Utitiaj, Gabriela Castañeda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Territorial dynamics of the Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani (Cuculidae) in the agricultural zone of Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands are unique for their biodiversity and endemism. Unfortunately, due to human presence, they have undergone various alterations to their ecosystems, including the introduction of invasive species. By 2016, 1,579 introduced species were recorded, of which 1,476 have established themselves as residents. Among these is the Piquiliso Cuckoo Crotophaga ani. This Cuculidae was brought to Galápagos in the early 1960s as a potential biological control method against a tick plague in cattle, as it was mistakenly believed that its diet was based on these invertebrates. Since then, C. ani has spread throughout the archipelago, with records on all the main islands except for Darwin. Little is known about its ecology in Galápagos, which hampers the ability to quantify its negative impact on the ecosystem. This research reveals for the first time how C. ani occupies its territories in the agricultural zone of Santa Cruz. This species exhibits social habits, roosting in unique collective roosts for each group at night. In the study area, a total of 37 roosts were monitored, and the birds entering these roosts were counted to determine the composition of each territory. On average, each group consisted of nine individuals (five adults, two juveniles, and two of uncertain age). Additionally, GPS transmitters were placed on 11 individuals from different groups to monitor their movements. These results revealed that the average size of their territories is 7.99 ha, primarily located in areas with low vegetation such as grasslands or crops. This data represents a significant advance in the understanding of this invasive species, paving the way for the development of a control plan to mitigate its negative effects on Galápagos biodiversity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Cristian Andrés Poveda Pazmiño, Birgit Fessl, Sophia Cooke, Fernando Villegas, Merlin Mauchamp-Fessl, Melanie Prado, Paula Pröll, Emilia Andrade, Mireia Corbera-Serrajordia, Jonathan Cueva, Freddy Tapia, Christopher N. Kaiser-Bunbury https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
MESA DE TRABAJO: LOS GLOBAL BIG DAY COMO HERRAMIENTA PARA FORTALECER LA UNIDAD DE LA COMUNIDAD PAJARERA DEL ECUADOR
En la VIII Reunión Ecuatoriana de Ornitología (Macas, julio de 2024) organizamos una mesa de trabajo que abordó un problema recurrente en la comunidad ornitológica del Ecuador: la falta de cohesión entre observadores de aves. Esta problemática se refleja, desde hace muchos años, en diferentes aspectos como los resultados cada vez más bajos del país en eventos internacionales como el Global Big Day (GBD). Ecuador, pese a ser un destino de gran biodiversidad, no ha logrado mantener un desempeño acorde a su riqueza natural. La falta de organización dentro de la colectividad pajarera del Ecuador afecta en el ámbito científico y en la visibilidad del país como un destino aviturístico de relevancia mundial. Fortalecer la unión entre observadores de aves y sus colectivos, y fortalecer herramientas eficientes de integración son prioridades con repercusiones positivas para la comunidad ornitológica y para el país. En tiempos en que Ecuador enfrenta serios desafíos económicos y ambientales, la promoción de un turismo de naturaleza basado en la observación de aves representa una alternativa sostenible al extractivismo y otras presiones crecientes que impactan los ecosistemas. Además de los beneficios económicos potenciales para las comunidades locales, los datos obtenidos en eventos de ciencia ciudadana, como el GBD, son otro efecto positivo de una mayor participación ciudadana. La participación y organización de los observadores de aves contribuye al entendimiento de las dinámicas ecológicas del país, y genera información valiosa para la toma de decisiones en políticas de conservación. Por tanto, esta mesa de trabajo buscó plantear las realidades locales y nacionales, escuchar las problemáticas de los participantes, evaluar ideas para la cohesión de la comunidad y generar estrategias para fomentar la colaboración parar mejorar la visibilidad internacional de Ecuador como destino y referente mundial en aviturismo, con impactos positivos en la ciencia y el desarrollo sostenible local.
Copyright (c) 2025 Xavier Amigo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Brood parasitism of the Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis in two host species: Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis and Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus
Brood parasitism is a reproductive strategy in which a parasitic bird species lays its eggs in the nests of other species, which then incubate, feed, and raise the parasite nestlings. In this paper, I report two cases of brood parasitism by the Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis on Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis and Pacific Hornero Furnarius cinnamomeus observed in Termas de Nangulví, province of Imbabura, northwestern Ecuador. This behavior was observed over several hours on 17–18 April 2023. In both cases, I observed the M. bonariensis fledglings begging for food, and the host birds intensively searching for invertebrates to feed them. This information expands our knowledge about M. bonariensis parasitism in the Ecuadorian Andes, illustrates the parasite's behavior, and demonstrates the expansion of parasitic interactions in Ecuador.
Nesting of Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii fagani (Cracidae) in Ecuador
Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii (Cracidae) is widely distributed across montane regions of South America, from northern Colombia to Bolivia. However, despite its large body size and broad distribution range, its reproductive biology remains poorly studied. Here, we report on the incubation period and egg mass loss of C. g. fagani in Ecuador based on monitoring of an active nest in May 2020, and describe its reproductive seasonality through a review of published literature and records in citizen-science platforms up to March 2026. In total, we obtained eight records of reproductive events, including nests with eggs, nests with nestlings, and fledglings. The nests were platforms with a central depression; some included incorporated materials, whereas in others the depression apparently formed primarily by site use. Incubation period in the monitored nest lasted 29 days and eggs’ mass loss was 0.80–0.95 g every 2 days. Clutch size was two eggs in all nests. Nestlings had predominantly black down with two chestnut dorsal stripes, differing from other subspecies. Breeding records, both obtained in the field and from secondary sources, were concentrated mainly in May and June, suggesting an association with the transition from the rainy season to the dry season in northern of Ecuador. These results provide the first description of the incubation period and egg mass loss for C. g. fagani and of the genus Chamaepetes under natural conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 William Andrés Arteaga-Chávez, Diana L. Rocha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Golden-rumped Euphonia Chlorophonia cyanocephala, courtship
Se presentan observaciones de campo del cortejo de machos hacia hembras de Eufonia Lomidorada Chlorophonia cyanocephala. El cortejo involucró movimientos rituales, cantos y reclamos de tres machos y observación atenta de dos hembras.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gino Michael Guachamín Paladines https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
First documented record of the Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant Muscisaxicola maclovianus (Tyrannidae) in Ecuador
We report the first documented record with photographic evidence of Muscisaxicola maclovianus in Ecuador, observed at Ñariguiña lake, Azuay, in May 2025. This finding extends the species´ Known range nothwar and suggest a possible migratory expansion.
Copyright (c) 2025 Paul Molina Abril https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
FIRST MODERN DOCUMENTATION OF SOUTHERN POCHARD Netta erythrophthalma (ANATIDAE) IN ECUADOR
We report a female Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma observed in La Tola, Esmeraldas province, Ecuador, from 19–21 March 2021. This represents the first documented record in the country since 1956. It was observed in a complex of shrimp ponds, where it associated with other waterfowl and foraged actively by diving. Identification was straightforward, excluding potentially confusing species like female Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris. Comparative analysis suggests that it most likely involved the same individual that was recorded in southwestern Colombia in early 2020. The species is now extremely rare in Ecuador, classified as Critically Endangered. It seems extinct as resident and likely occurs only as a vagrant from eastern South America.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dusan Brinkhuizen, María Lorena Córdova Saeteros https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Red-lored Amazon Amazona autumnalis feeding on caoba seeds (Swietenia macrophylla) in Tabasco, Mexico
Copyright (c) 2025 Saúl Sánchez Soto, Abelnain Mendoza Romero, Deysi del Carmen Méndez Jiménez, Alex Ricardo Guzmán Canul https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Editorial – MEMORIAS DE LA VIII REUNIÓN ECUATORIANA DE ORNITOLOGÍA
Presentamos las memorias de la VIII Reunión Ecuatoriana de Ornitología, desarrollada en Macas entre 24-28 de Julio de 2024.
Copyright (c) 2025 Juan Freile https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
IPACAÁ ARAMIDES YPECAHA (RALLIDAE): PREDATION OF A RODENT
The Ipacaá (Aramides ypecaha) is an omnivorous species with a poorly known diet. It has been documented consuming seeds, fish, mollusks, insects, snakes, and amphibians. It belongs to a group of birds that forage by walking, with a preference for environments with aquatic vegetation. On December 12, 2019, in the Ciudad Universitaria Ecological Reserve (Santa Fe, Argentina), this species was observed preying on a mammal for the first time. One individual from a pair captured a small rodent. This record highlights the opportunistic behavior of A. ypecaha, capable of exploiting various resources in different environments.
Copyright (c) 2025 Lorena Sovrano https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
INVENTARIO PRELIMINAR DE LA POBLACIÓN DEL CANCLÓN Anhima cornuta EN LAS LAGUNAS EL CANCLÓN Y LA LAGARTERA, RESERVA ECOLÓGICA MANGLARES CHURUTE, GUAYAS, ECUADOR
La Reserva Ecológica Manglares Churute está localizada en el margen occidental del estuario del río Guayas, y cubre 49 389 ha, lo que la convierte una de las reservas marino-costeras más grandes del Ecuador. Tiene dos ríos principales, Churute y Ruidoso, y un sistema montañoso denominado cordillera de Churute. Con la escorrentía de esta cordillera se forman las lagunas El Canclón y La Lagartera; este último un sitio poco estudiado ubicado en el área de influencia de la reserva. La Lagartera es un ecosistema léntico de origen pluvial que incluye una serie de lagunas menores. El Canclón Anhima cornuta es un ave emblemática de Manglares Churute que habita cerca de humedales, ríos y zonas lacustres. Actualmente se encuentra en categoría Vulnerable. En este estudio realicé una estimación poblacional de A. cornuta en El Canclón y La Lagartera, desde 2020 hasta mayo de 2024, durante conteos de aves (Global Big Day, October Big Day y Conteo Navideño de Aves). Encontré en promedio hasta 70 individuos en El Canclón y 35 en La Lagartera. Detecté diferencias en el número de individuos en cada área de muestreo y en cada año de levantamiento de información. En El Canclón observé la mayor cantidad de individuos, posiblemente debido a la asociación que tiene la especie con la abundante vegetación flotante, árboles y arbustos. En La Lagartera evidencié la anidación de A. cornuta, por lo que es necesario continuar con su estudio y considerar al sitio dentro del área protegida. A partir de octubre de 2024 desarrollaré un monitoreo sistemático en dos horarios y dos estaciones (seca y lluviosa) para estimar la población, distribución y composición de la población en estos dos sectores. Además, propondré medidas para su conservación y procuraré determinar los factores que provocan incrementos o reducciones de su población.
Copyright (c) 2025 Evelyn Barona https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
EL PROGRAMA DE AVES URBANAS Y SU IMPACTO EN LAS COMUNIDADES DE ECUADOR
PAU Ecuador es un programa dedicado a promover la observación de aves urbanas como actividad inclusiva y educativa en comunidades de todo el país. Iniciado en México y extendido a Ecuador en 2021, PAU busca conectar a las personas con la naturaleza a través del conocimiento y la conservación de aves urbanas. Con presencia en 24 cantones a nivel nacional, y articulado mediante alianzas estratégicas como Environment for the Americas y el Laboratorio de Ornitología de la Universidad de Cornell, PAU Ecuador ha realizado más de 90 actividades, impactando a más de 1000 beneficiarios directos e indirectos. Los objetivos del programa incluyen identificar y valorar las aves urbanas, fomentar el vínculo humano-naturaleza, guiar a las comunidades en la conservación y promover acciones para reducir los peligros urbanos para las aves. A través de ejes de trabajo como educación ambiental, ciencia participativa mediante las plataformas eBird e iNaturalist, y eventos anuales como el Global Big Day y el Día Mundial de las Aves Migratorias, PAU Ecuador impulsa la creación de jardines silvestres y grupos de pajareros. El impacto social del programa se evidencia en iniciativas como la reducción del uso de plásticos en escuelas y comunidades, y en actividades inclusivas para personas con discapacidades auditivas y visuales. Además, PAU Ecuador ha facilitado la formación en ornitología y ecoturismo en diversas provincias, promoviendo prácticas sostenibles y conciencia ecológica. PAU Ecuador cuenta con diferentes planes a corto, mediano y largo plazo que incluyen: consolidar más coordinaciones en el país, contar con un proyecto de voluntariado que otorgue beneficios, gestionar proyectos educativos en escuelas, y seguir siendo partícipes en festivales de aves. PAU Ecuador continúa fortaleciendo su red de colaboración y compromiso comunitario a través de encuentros anuales entre coordinadores, consolidando así su impacto positivo y su contribución a la conservación ambiental en Ecuador.
Copyright (c) 2025 Daniel Arias-Cruzzaty, Rosa Gaibor, Karen Romero Yánez, Andy Ruiz-Peña https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Simultaneous shorebird census in coastal wetlands of Ecuador
Migratory shorebirds are gregarious forms that undertake annual long-distance movements and occupy different types of coastal wetlands in varying numbers. Their populations have been declining significantly since 1970, largely due to the destruction of coastal habitats at strategic sites along their migratory routes. The organization Manomet Inc. and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, through the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, conducted the “Coastal Shorebird Census in South America” from January 27 to February 8, with the goal of understanding the population trends of shorebirds that winter in coastal wetlands, both on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, by executing a simultaneous ground census in randomly selected sampling units in Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay. In Ecuador, a group of 96 volunteers monitored 38 wetlands, surveying 142 sampling units, of which 11% corresponded to shallow waters, 18% to artificial salt or shrimp ponds, 31% to sandy beaches, and 40% to intertidal flats. We identified 30 species of shorebirds and counted 11,670 individuals. Among the most representative numbers are Anarynchus semipalmatus (1,756 individuals), Calidris pusilla (1,719 individuals), and Himantopus mexicanus (1,715 individuals). Additionally, we counted 1,885 individuals that were identified only to the genus level (Calidris sp). The largest number of shorebirds was recorded in the intertidal flats (5,853 individuals), mainly in Esmeraldas (2,730 individuals), followed by the salt pans in Santa Elena province (3,369 individuals). This is the first time Ecuador has conducted a simultaneous count and is part of a collective effort in South America. The information collected is key to understanding the status of populations and the main sites and habitats of congregation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ana Agreda, Danixa del Pezo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Diet studies reveal feeding strategies, niche dynamics, and provide ecological information on predators and prey. At the V Ecuadorian Ornithology Meeting (2016), we mentioned that there were published studies on the diet of only three nocturnal raptors in Ecuador (Tyto alba, Ciccaba albitarsis, and Asio flammeus). Updated information as of 2022 indicates that there are no diet data for two species (Glaucidium griseiceps and Aegolius harrisii) out of the 29 recorded in Ecuador. Additionally, of the 39 subspecies, four lacked data (Megascops roboratus roboratus, Lophostrix cristata cristata, Strix virgata cf. superciliaris, and Athene cunicularia carrikeri). The level of knowledge is only moderate for seven species; no species is thoroughly studied—i.e., with long-term research in diverse habitats considering variables such as prey availability and seasonality. Currently, there are still no studies on the same taxa previously mentioned with no diet information. However, we now have new data on five species from pellet analyses collected in recent years at previously unstudied locations. Additionally, the material recovered from the pellets expands the information on some micromammals. A long-term monitoring of T. alba in Loja and the collection of its pellets provide data on its reproduction. For P. perspicillata in Sucumbíos, we observed the consumption of arboreal and flying species. We found that B. virginianus in Napo and Azuay prefers vulnerable prey that frequents open areas, rather than large-sized prey. For S. nigrolineata, which in other countries has shown a preference for bats, we recorded non-flying small mammals as prey in Manabí. Regarding A. cunicularia in Cotopaxi, we observed temporal variation in its diet, with a preference for beetles during the rainy season. Both systematic and opportunistic monitoring contribute to the understanding of these predators' trophic networks.
Copyright (c) 2025 Héctor Cadena-Ortiz, Jorge Brito, Galo Buitrón, Juan Freile, Jairo Gualotuña, Paúl Molina , Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado, María Cristina Ríos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0