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, offering a unique combination of both high-altitude and low-altitude habitats. From the cloud forest of the Andes Mountains to the lush rainforest of the Amazon Basin, Pichincha offers a wide range of birding experiences.
Birders who venture to Pichincha can expect to see a wide array of species from a variety of habitats, including hummingbirds, raptors, parrots, toucans, and many more. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced birder, Pichincha is a great destination for bird watching..
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 found on its chest, making it easily identifiable. It is typically a small 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 mostly by hovering in the air and picking insects from the air or from foliage. It may also feed from flowers, taking advantage of 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 ensure the protection of 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 quite widespread in these areas.
Its most distinctive feature is its bright yellow plumage, which covers 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, and it is 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, which is a subfamily of the Lesbiinae. This species of hummingbird is found primarily in Colombia and Ecuador.
This species is particularly unique because of its brightly colored violet tail feathers, which are among the most vibrant of all hummingbird species.
The violet-tailed sylph also has a white ring around its neck, and its head and body are mostly 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 important species for its role in pollination, as it helps to 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, known as Heliantheini, which is a subsection of the Lesbiinae subfamily.
This particular species of hummingbird is found in Colombia and Ecuador, where it inhabits tropical forests and open woodlands. It is a small bird, measuring just 6-7 cm in length. Its wingspan is also quite short and its plumage is a vivid purple color.
The head of the Velvet-Purple Coronet is a blackish-blue color 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 important 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 least concern by the IUCN, however, its population has been decreasing 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, which are all near-passerine birds. This means that although they are not technically passerine birds, they are quite 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 huge 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
Source: ebird.org
The buff-tailed coronet is a species of hummingbird from the “brilliants”, tribe Heliantheini in the subfamily Lesbiinae. This species of hummingbird is native to the countries of 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 mostly green with a whitish throat and buff-colored tail feathers. This species of hummingbird 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 species of hummingbird is characterized by its small size, its glossy green feathers, and its fast flight. Its diet primarily consists of small insects, such as mosquitoes, and it has a special ability to hover in the air while feeding from flowers.
This species of hummingbird 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, such as fields and meadows.
The Andean emerald is considered to be a threatened species due to deforestation and habitat loss. It is important to protect this species in order 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 that is native to South America, found in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru.
It is often referred to as 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, with 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 in length.
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 a reddish-brown color and its throat is bright purple.
Its head, body, and wings are covered in a brilliant iridescent sheen. The Fawn-Breasted Brilliant is an important 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 important source of food for other species of birds, such as the bee-eaters. This species of hummingbird 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, which is a result of the bright green feathers at the front of its head.
This species of hummingbird is usually seen in the highlands and rainforests of its habitat, which includes areas of Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador. It has a long, thin bill, which it uses to feed on nectar from flowers.
The green-crowned brilliant is also a popular 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
Source: ebird.org
The black-breasted puffleg is a species of hummingbird that is native to Ecuador. It is considered to be critically endangered due to the fact that 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 in length. It has a black and white plumage, with a distinct black breast and red throat.
The species is currently found only in a small area within the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. Unfortunately, the species is facing a number of 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 particularly sensitive 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, as well as 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 is still facing 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, it is essential that more resources are dedicated to the conservation of this species in order 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 a wide variety of birds, many of which are endemic species. It is important to protect the habitats of these species in order 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, as well as their behaviors and habitats.
With the help of conservation efforts, the future of Pichincha’s birds looks promising.
