Pichincha is a province in Ecuador with a great variety of bird species. It is home to over 500 species of birds, including some of the most colorful and exotic species in the world.
Pichincha is an important birding destination, uniquely combining high-altitude and low-altitude habitats. From the Andes Mountains’ cloud forest to the Amazon Basin’s lush rainforest, Pichincha provides many birding experiences.
Birders who venture to Pichincha can expect to see various species from various habitats, including hummingbirds, raptors, parrots, and toucans. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced birder, Pichincha is an excellent birdwatching destination.
10 Birds to Watch in Pichincha
Pichincha is a province in Ecuador with a great variety of bird species. It is home to over 500 species of birds, including some of the most colorful and exotic species in the world.
Pichincha is an important birding destination, uniquely combining high-altitude and low-altitude habitats.
Here are ten birds that you should watch out for when visiting Pichincha.
1. Purple-bibbed Whitetip
The purple-bibbed whitetip is a species of hummingbird belonging to the family Trochilidae. It is one of many species in the “brilliants” tribe, Heliantheini, which is part of the subfamily Lesbiinae. This species of hummingbird can be found in Colombia and Ecuador.
The purple-bibbed whitetip is so named for the small patch of purple feathers on its chest, making it easily identifiable. It is typically a tiny bird with a body length of about 4.5 inches and a wingspan of about 4 inches.
It is a brightly colored bird, with its back being a light green and its underside a yellowish-green. Its tail feathers are a rusty brown with white tips, and its head is a greyish-blue. The female of this species is similar in color but slightly duller.
The purple-bibbed whitetip is an insectivore, primarily eating insects and spiders. It feeds mainly by hovering in the air and picking insects from the air or foliage. It may also feed from flowers, using the nectar and pollen.
This species is often seen in small groups, foraging through the trees for food and making short flights from one perch to another. They prefer to stay near the understory of the forest, where there is plenty of insect prey and lots of hiding spots.
The purple-bibbed whitetip is a relatively common species, though it is threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation. Conservation efforts have been made to protect this species and its habitat.
These efforts have included the creation of protected areas and the implementation of sustainable forestry practices.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Urosticte |
| Species | U. benjamini |
2. Golden Tanager
The golden tanager is a species of bird found in the Thraupidae family. It is native to the highland forests of the Andes and Venezuelan Coastal Range in North-western South America, and it is pretty widespread in these areas.
Its most distinctive feature is its bright yellow plumage covering its body and wings. The only exceptions to its golden hue are the black feathers on its back, wings, tail, and ear-coverts.
This species is often seen in large flocks, a common sight in its native habitat. Its golden color stands out in the lush greenery of its environment. The golden tanager is a beautiful bird that is sure to draw attention.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Tangara |
| Species | T. arthus |
3. Violet-tailed Sylph
The violet-tailed sylph is a species of hummingbird belonging to the family Trochilidae. It is part of the “coquettes” tribe, Lesbiini, a Lesbiinae subfamily. This species of hummingbird is found primarily in Colombia and Ecuador.
This species is unique because of its brightly colored violet tail feathers, among the most vibrant hummingbird species.
The violet-tailed fairy also has a white ring around its neck, and its head and body are primarily green, with some yellow highlights. Its wings are long and narrow, and its bill is straight and slender.
The violet-tailed sylph is known to be a nectar-feeder, which means it feeds primarily on the nectar found in flowers. It is also known to be an active forager, which means it is constantly on the move looking for food.
This species is found in the upper canopy of humid tropical forests, as well as in coffee plantations and gardens. The violet-tailed sylph is an essential species in pollination, as it helps spread pollen from one flower to another, allowing plants to bear fruit.
This species also has significant importance in the local culture of Colombia and Ecuador, where it is seen as a symbol of beauty and joy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Aglaiocercus |
| Species | A. coelestis |
4. Velvet-purple Coronet
The Velvet-Purple Coronet is a species of hummingbird from South America. It is part of the “Brilliants” tribe, Heliantheini, a subsection of the Lesbiinae subfamily.
This hummingbird species is found in Colombia and Ecuador, inhabiting tropical forests and open woodlands. It is a small bird measuring 6-7 cm in length. Its wingspan is also relatively short, and its plumage is a vivid purple.
The head of the Velvet-Purple Coronet is blackish-blue, and the bird’s bill is long and curved. The bird can often be seen feeding on nectar from flowers and small insects.
It is an essential pollinator in the areas where it lives and is considered a key species in the conservation of its habitat.
The Velvet-Purple Coronet is classified as a species of most minor Concern by the IUCN; however, its population has decreased in recent years due to habitat loss.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Boissonneaua |
| Species | B. jardini |
5. Choco Toucan
The Choco toucan is a type of bird that belongs to the Ramphastidae family. This family includes toucans, toucanets, and aracaris, all near-passerine birds. This means that although they are not technically passerine birds, they are closely related to them.
The Choco toucan is found in two countries: Colombia and Ecuador. They are often found in the humid lowland forests of both countries, where their bright colors and loud calls make them quite conspicuous.
They are also sometimes seen in the foothills and lower reaches of the Andes Mountains. The Choco toucan is a large and striking bird with a considerable bill and an overall length of approximately 50 cm. It has a black body, a white throat, and a bright yellow breast.
The bill is long, heavy, and yellow, while the tail is short and square. They eat mainly fruit, supplemented by insects and other small animals. The Choco toucan is a social creature, living in pairs or small groups of five to twelve birds.
They make their nests in tree cavities, usually high in the canopy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Ramphastidae |
| Genus | Ramphastos |
| Species | R. brevis |
6. Buff-tailed Coronet
The buff-tailed coronet is a hummingbird species from the “brilliants” tribe Heliantheini in the subfamily Lesbiinae. This species of hummingbird is native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.
It is a medium-sized hummingbird with an average body length of 6.5 cm and a wingspan of up to 9 cm. The adult male is glossy green on its back, with a white chest and buff-colored tail feathers.
The adult female is primarily green with a whitish throat and buff-colored tail feathers. This hummingbird species feeds mainly on insects and nectar, which it obtains from flowers. It is also known for its rapid flight, often darting from flower to flower in search of food.
The buff-tailed coronet is a social species, often seen in small groups in its natural habitat. It is sometimes seen in flowering gardens and parks, where it is drawn to the abundance of its food source.
The buff-tailed coronet is also popular in the pet trade, where its attractive coloration and small size make it a popular choice for aviary enthusiasts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Boissonneaua |
| Species | B. flavescens |
7. Andean Emerald
The Andean emerald is a species of hummingbird that is part of the “emeralds” group, a tribe of birds known as Trochilini. It belongs to the subfamily Trochilinae and is native to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
This hummingbird species is characterized by its small size, glossy green feathers, and fast flight. Its diet primarily consists of small insects, such as mosquitoes, and it can hover in the air while feeding from flowers.
This hummingbird species is found in the highlands of the Andes Mountains, where it is most likely to be seen in the early morning and late afternoon. It prefers open areas with plenty of flowers, fields, and meadows.
The Andean emerald is a threatened species due to deforestation and habitat loss. It is essential to protect this species to ensure its survival for generations to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Uranomitra |
| Species | U. franciae |
8. Fawn-breasted Brilliant
The Fawn-Breasted Brilliant is a species of hummingbird native to South America and in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
It is often called the Lilac-Throated Brilliant in English and Brillante Pechigamuza, Colibrí De Vientre Ocre, and Diamante Pechigamuza in Spanish. This species of hummingbird has a distinct appearance: a fawn-colored chest and a bright purple throat.
Its feathers give it a brilliant shine, hence the name. These hummingbirds typically inhabit subtropical and tropical habitats such as forests, woodlands, and grasslands. They feed on nectar from flowers and other sugary sources.
They use their long bills and tongues to reach the nectar. They also have a unique hovering flight pattern, flapping their wings rapidly to stay in the air. The Fawn-Breasted Brilliant is a relatively small bird, about five inches long.
It has a long tail with a forked tip and a slender body. The wings are broad, and the tail is long and pointed. Its back and crown are reddish-brown, and its throat is bright purple.
Its head, body, and wings are covered in a brilliant iridescent sheen. The Fawn-Breasted Brilliant is an integral part of the South American ecosystem. It helps to pollinate important plants and flowers, as well as provide food for other animals.
It is also an essential food source for other species of birds, such as the bee-eaters. This hummingbird species is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, meaning it is not considered to be threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Heliodoxa |
| Species | H. rubinoides |
9. Green-crowned Brilliant
The green-crowned brilliant is a species of hummingbird that is classified in the “brilliants” tribe, called Heliantheini, which is part of the subfamily Lesbiinae. This species is found in four countries in Central and South America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Panama.
It is also known by another name, the green-fronted brilliant, resulting from the bright green feathers at the front of its head.
This hummingbird species is usually seen in the highlands and rainforests of its habitat, including Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador. It has a long, thin bill, which it uses to feed on flower nectar.
The green-crowned brilliant is also a famous bird for birdwatching, as it is relatively easy to spot with its bright colors and distinctive call.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Heliodoxa |
| Species | H. jacula |
10. Black-breasted Puffleg
The black-breasted puffleg is a species of hummingbird that is native to Ecuador. It is critically endangered because its population is estimated to have less than 250 individuals remaining in the wild.
This means that this species is on the brink of extinction. The black-breasted puffleg is a small bird, measuring only about three and a half inches long. It has a black and white plumage, a distinct black breast, and a red throat.
The species is currently found only in a small area within the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. Unfortunately, the species is facing several threats that have resulted in its rapid decline in population.
The primary threats include habitat destruction due to the expansion of agriculture, logging, and the proliferation of invasive species.
In addition, the black-breasted puffleg is also threatened by climate change, as its small range is susceptible to changes in temperature. The black-breasted puffleg is currently classified as Critically Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The IUCN has developed a conservation plan to help protect this species, focusing on habitat protection and restoration and research on the species.
In addition, the IUCN is also working to raise public awareness about the plight of the black-breasted puffleg and encourage support for conservation efforts. Despite these efforts, the species still faces an uphill battle for survival.
It is estimated that the remaining population could be lost within a few generations if drastic action is not taken to protect it. Therefore, more resources must be dedicated to conserving this species to ensure its future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Eriocnemis |
| Species | E. nigrivestis |
Conclusion
Pichincha is home to many birds, many of which are endemic species. It is essential to protect the habitats of these species to ensure their survival.
Birdwatching in Pichincha is an excellent way to observe and appreciate the beauty of these birds. It is also a great way to learn about the different species that live in the area and their behaviors and habitats.
With the help of conservation efforts, the future of Pichincha’s birds looks promising.