Imbabura is home to a diverse array of birds, both native and migratory. From majestic eagles soaring high in the sky to the bright flashes of hummingbirds hovering in the garden, Imbabura is a bird-lovers paradise.
Its lush forests, high volcanic peaks, crystal clear lakes, and abundant wetlands provide an excellent habitat for various species. More than 500 species of birds have been recorded in Imbabura, making it one of the most biodiverse regions in the world.
Whether you are looking for a rare, endemic species or want to enjoy the beauty of birds in their natural habitat, Imbabura has something for you.
14 Birds to Watch in Imbabura
Imbabura is a northern Ecuador province known for its rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. It has a variety of habitats, from high Andean mountains to lowland rainforests, that host more than 500 species of birds.
Some of these birds are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world, while others are migratory, meaning they travel long distances between different regions.
Here are 14 birds that you should not miss when visiting Imbabura.
1. Black-bellied Whistling Duck
The black-bellied whistling duck is a species found in many areas of the world. It was formerly known as the black-bellied tree duck, and before 2000, it mainly bred in the southern United States, Mexico, and tropical Central to south-central South America.
Today, this duck species can be found year-round in much of the United States. This is due to the duck’s expanding range and the fact that it is a highly adaptable species. The black-bellied whistling duck is known for its unique whistling call.
This call can be heard both day and night and is used to communicate with other members of its species. The black-bellied whistling duck has a black belly and upper body; its neck and head are reddish-brown. It also has a white stripe that runs across its wings.
The bird typically lives in wetlands, shallow lakes, and marshes and feeds on seeds, aquatic plants, and insects. The black-bellied whistling duck is a protected species in many areas of the world, and its population is considered stable.
However, the species is still threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. Conservation efforts are being made to ensure the continued existence of the black-bellied whistling duck.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. autumnalis |
2. Yellow-billed Pintail
The yellow-billed pintail is a species of dabbling duck found in South America. It belongs to the genus Anas, which includes many other species of ducks. The yellow-billed pintail has three different subspecies, each slightly different from the others.
The most common subspecies is Anas georgica, which is found in the coastal regions of Peru, Chile, and Argentina.
The second subspecies is Anas flavirostris, which is found in the Amazon River and its tributaries, and the third is Anas bahamensis, which is found in the Caribbean. The yellow-billed pintail is a medium-sized duck with a body length of around 55 cm and a wingspan of around 80 cm.
The body is mainly grey-brown with a white face, while the bill is yellow, as the name suggests.
The male and female look very similar, although the male can be distinguished by his longer bill. The yellow-billed pintail feeds mainly on seeds and aquatic vegetation by up-ending or dabbling in shallow water. They also eat insects, small crustaceans, and mollusks.
They breed during the rainy season, with the female laying up to 8 eggs in a shallow nest. The chicks can fly short distances within a few weeks of hatching. The yellow-billed pintail faces few threats in the wild and is not considered endangered.
However, human activities such as pollution, drainage, and deforestation threaten some of its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. georgica |
3. Nightjars
Nightjars are nocturnal and crepuscular birds from the Caprimulgidae and the order Caprimulgiformes. They are medium-sized birds, usually measuring 6 to 12 inches long.
They have long wings, short legs, and concise bills, making them easily distinguishable from other species of birds.
The long wings and short legs are adapted for an aerial lifestyle, allowing them to fly long distances and hunt for their prey at night. Nightjars feed mainly on insects, utilizing their short bills to catch them mid-air.
They also have an exciting feature called a ‘wing-clap,’ where they beat their wings in the air to flush out insects from vegetation.
In addition to their physical features, nightjars have a unique call, a musical ‘churring’ sound that can be heard during the night. Nightjars are fascinating birds that have adapted to their nocturnal lifestyle uniquely.
They can live in a variety of habitats and can be found all over the world. Their short bills, long wings, and short legs make them easily recognizable, and their calls make them a distinctive addition to the night sky.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
4. Striped Cuckoo
The striped cuckoo is a near-passerine bird species closely related to true passerine or songbirds. It is the sole member of the genus Tapera and is a resident species, meaning it does not migrate seasonally.
This species is found throughout much of Central and South America, ranging from Mexico and Trinidad in the north to Bolivia and Argentina in the south.
The striped cuckoo typically inhabits open country with trees or shrubs, such as woodland edges and the edges of mangrove forests.
It is an opportunistic feeder, consuming insects and fruit, and will often hunt for prey in the canopy of trees. The striped cuckoo is a social species, usually seen in small groups or pairs.
It has a distinctive vocalization, with its song being a loud series of short notes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Tapera |
| Species | T. naevia |
5. Muscovy Duck
The Muscovy duck is a species native to the Americas, ranging from the Rio Grande Valley of Texas and Mexico south to Argentina and Uruguay.
This duck species is not found in the wild in many other locations, but it can be found in some areas of New Zealand, Australia, Central Europe, and Eastern Europe.
Feral populations of Muscovy ducks have been established in these regions, likely due to their human introduction. In their native habitats, Muscovy ducks typically inhabit wetlands and coastal areas.
They feed on plants, insects, and small fish and form small family groups. They are strong swimmers and can fly short distances, although they tend to fly low to the ground. As with most ducks, the Muscovy duck is monogamous and mates for life.
The Muscovy duck has been famous among farmers for centuries due to its ability to lay large numbers of eggs, and its meat is also highly sought after.
In recent years, however, the species has been threatened by hunting and habitat destruction, leading to a decrease in the global population.
Conservation efforts are being undertaken to ensure the species’ survival, and they are currently listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cairina |
| Species | C. moschata |
6. Ruddy Quail-dove
The ruddy quail-dove is a bird that belongs to the dove and pigeon family Columbidae. This species is found in the West Indies, Central America, and tropical South America, but it has also been spotted as a vagrant in Florida and southern Texas.
It usually lives in shrubs and builds a flimsy platform on which it lays two buff-colored eggs. This species is well adapted to its tropical environment, as it can survive in various environments, such as forests, grasslands, and even urban areas.
The ruddy quail-dove is a ground-dwelling species that feeds on insects, seeds, and fruits. It is usually found in pairs or small groups and is known for its loud and melodious song.
This species is an integral part of the Columbidae family as it helps control the insect population, allowing for a healthy and balanced ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Geotrygon |
| Species | G. montana |
7. Rufous-headed Chachalaca
The rufous-headed chachalaca is a unique species of bird. It is part of the family Cracidae, which includes chachalacas, guans, and curassows. This bird can be found in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is easily identifiable by its distinctive rufous-colored head.
This species of bird is known for its vocalizations. It is found in forests, woodlands, and agricultural areas. The rufous-headed chachalaca typically feeds on fruits, seeds, and insects. It is a social bird, often seen in groups of five or more.
They are also monogamous, forming long-term breeding pairs. This bird species is listed as “least concern” by the IUCN, meaning its population is stable and not threatened with extinction.
However, it is still vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation and other human activities. Conservation efforts, such as planting native trees and protecting habitats, are essential for ensuring the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Ortalis |
| Species | O. erythroptera |
8. Curve-billed Tinamou
The curve-billed tinamou is a species of bird found in the Andes mountain range of South America. It is a member of the Tinamidae family, commonly known as tinamous.
This species is found in high-altitude grassland and shrubland habitats, typically between 2000 and 4000 meters in elevation. The curve-billed tinamou is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive curved bill and long legs.
Its plumage is primarily gray and brown, with a white throat and breast. This species feeds on various items, including seeds, fruits, and invertebrates. The curve-billed tinamou breeds during the wet season, laying two to four eggs in a shallow nest on the ground.
The parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and raising the young. This species is classified as the most minor Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, as it has an extensive range and is relatively common in its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Nothoprocta |
| Species | N. curvirostris |
9. Sickle-winged Guan
The Sickle-winged Guan is a species of bird that belongs to the family Cracidae, which includes chachalacas, guans, and curassows. It is a medium-sized bird that inhabits the tropical forests of South America. It has a long neck, a short bill, and a long tail.
Its wings are broad and have a distinctively curved shape, giving it its name. The Sickle-winged Guan is usually found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It prefers living in dense and humid forest areas as a ground-dwelling species.
It tends to be more active during the early morning and late afternoon when searching for food. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, seeds, and insects.
The Sickle-winged Guan is currently listed as a species of most minor Concern by the IUCN. However, some threats are still facing the species, such as habitat destruction, hunting, and capture of the pet trade.
Conservation efforts are being made to ensure the continued survival of this unique bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
| Genus | Chamaepetes |
| Species | C. goudotii |
10. Tawny-breasted Tinamou
The tawny-breasted tinamou is a species of bird found in the montane moist forest of northwestern South America. It is a type of ground bird that spends most of its time on the ground instead of in the trees.
The tawny-breasted tinamou has brownish-red feathers on its chest and belly, helping to differentiate it from other species in the area. Its range, or the areas it lives in, is limited to northwestern South America, mainly in moist forests.
The bird is usually spotted in the forest’s understory, typically foraging for food. The tawny-breasted tinamou is a reasonably common species in its habitat and is often seen in groups. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, seeds, and other vegetation.
It is a relatively small bird, measuring around thirty centimeters in length. The tawny-breasted tinamou is an important species to the area, providing food sources to other animals and helping to maintain the local ecology.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Tinamiformes |
| Family | Tinamidae |
| Genus | Nothocercus |
| Species | N. julius |
11. White-throated Quail-dove
The white-throated quail-dove is a bird species belonging to the Columbidae family. It has a white throat that is visible even from a distance.
This bird species has an extensive geographical range in five South American countries – Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. This bird has a rather plump body and a long tail.
It is usually seen on the ground, searching for food in the form of various fruits, seeds, and insects. The white-throated quail-dove is a solitary species in different habitats, from dry forests to wet forests and shrublands.
This species is usually seen in pairs or small groups, where they can be heard calling out to each other. They are pretty shy and skittish birds typically found in the undergrowth.
The white-throated quail dove is an important species for the local people, as it is a food source. In parts of Peru, the bird is hunted, and its meat is eaten. It is also a symbol of peace in some areas.
Overall, the white-throated quail-dove is a bird species found in five South American countries and is an essential species for the local people. It is a solitary species found in various habitats, from dry forests to wet forests and shrublands.
Its white throat is visible from a distance and is usually seen on the ground, searching for food through various fruits, seeds, and insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zentrygon |
| Species | Z. frenata |
12. Southern Pochard
The southern pochard is a species of duck belonging to the genus Netta. It is distributed in two parts of the world, with one subspecies in South America and another in Africa. The South American pochard, also known as Netta e.
Erythrophthalma is found in the continent’s southern regions, while the African pochard, also known as Netta e. brunnea, inhabits much of sub-Saharan Africa. The southern pochard is a medium-sized duck with a length of about 40-45 cm and a wingspan of 50-60 cm.
Its plumage is mainly black and chestnut, with white or gray on the wings. The male and female are similar in appearance, although the male is usually a bit larger. The southern pochard mainly eats aquatic plants but also feeds on invertebrates, seeds, and insects.
It is an omnivore, so it eats both plant and animal matter. The southern pochard is usually seen in shallow waters, such as marshes, lakes, rivers, and ponds. It nests in burrows, trees, or reeds.
The southern pochard is not currently listed as a threatened species, but its population is declining due to habitat loss and hunting. It is protected in some parts of its range, but it is still at risk of becoming endangered in the future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. erythrophthalma |
13. Black-winged Ground Dove
The black-winged ground dove is a bird species belonging to the Columbidae family. This species is found in six countries in South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
It has a striking black and white coloring, with a black stripe on its wings. The birds inhabit open grasslands, savannas, and scrubland, usually in pairs or small groups. They feed mainly on seeds and other plant material, such as berries and leaves.
The black-winged ground dove is a relatively common species, with a population estimated at around 1.6 million individuals. The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not currently threatened with extinction.
However, its numbers are declining due to habitat destruction, so it is essential to take action to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Metriopelia |
| Species | M. melanoptera |
14. Orinoco Goose
The Orinoco goose is a species of waterfowl considered to be near threatened regarding conservation status. It is part of the Tadornini tribe of the Anserinae subfamily.
The Orinoco goose is found throughout the mainland of South American countries, except Chile, French Guiana, Suriname, and Uruguay. This species of waterfowl is unique in both its physical appearance and behavior.
The Orinoco goose has a distinctive coloration: a grayish-brown body, white head, and black neck. It also has a long neck, short legs, and a bright yellow bill.
The Orinoco goose is a very social bird, often gathering in large flocks and feeding on the shallow margins of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. The conservation status of the Orinoco goose is of particular Concern due to its limited range.
The species is found in South America, except for four countries, and its population is declining in certain areas. Habitat destruction, hunting, and other human activities are the primary threats to the species.
Therefore, it is essential to protect the Orinoco goose’s habitat and work towards conservation efforts that help preserve the species from further decline.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Neochen |
| Species | N. jubata |
Conclusion
Imbabura is home to many different species of birds, providing an excellent opportunity for bird watchers to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature.
The diverse habitat of Imbabura makes it an excellent place for birding, with a wide variety of birds found in the area.
With its rich biodiversity, Imbabura is a paradise for bird lovers and an excellent destination for bird-watching.