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Report of the First Avian Survey

El Pahuma Orchid Reserve
Pichincha Province, Ecuador

March 2000

David J. Lauten and Kathleen A. Castelein

 

Between 11 and 30 March we surveyed the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, Pichincha Province, Ecuador, to begin documenting the avian diversity of the reserve. El Pahuma is a private reserve located northwest of Quito 22.5 kilometers past Calicalí along the main road to Nanegelito, Mindo and others towns. The reserve protects over 600 hectares of montane forest between 1600 and 2600m elevation. The Río Pichán and the large Maquipucuna Forest Reserve border the reserve on the north and the Río Alambi borders the south side of the reserve. The Old Nono - Mindo Road traverses the south side of the Río Alambi across the river from the reserve. Tandayapa Village is just west of the reserve further along the Old Nono - Mindo Road. The habitat of the reserve is mainly subtropical montane cloud forest. There are significant amounts of primary forest, with secondary forest existing along the main road and along the Old Nono - Mindo Road. There is also riparian habitat along the main bordering rivers and in the numerous smaller rivers that traverse the reserve. El Pahuma Reserve is important due to its location, size, and quality of habitat, and as a corridor that links extensive tracks of primary cloud forest to the north (Maquipucuna) and to the south (Tandayapa area and further along the Old Nono - Mindo Road towards Mindo). The reserve lies within the Chocó and Pacific-slope Andes Endemic Bird Area (Wege and Long, 1995).  

Our main objective was to document the avian diversity at the reserve and begin a species list. Due to our limited time and knowledge of the area we made no attempt to try to gather any quantitative measures of avian abundance. We simply surveyed ad libitum, and identified all the species seen or heard and listed all correctly identified birds. We used the current trails and various roads and openings to do all the surveying. Due to the steep terrain and the thick vegetation we did not leave the established trail system. We also made recordings of bird songs with a parabola microphone and a cassette recorder. We made several tapes of dawn chorus, which document many species as they sing early in the morning. We also made individual species recordings, which tend to be higher signal strength and therefore higher quality. Not all species seen and heard were recorded. Copies of the recordings will be given to the Ceiba Foundation for Tropical Conservation/El Pahuma Orchid Reserve and also deposited at the Library of Natural Sounds, Laboratory of Ornithology, Cornell University. Copies of the recording are available to anyone upon request.  

We spent 11 nights and 12 days at the reserve. Many bird species in the montane forests of the Andes are elevation dependent. We attempted to visit different elevations to sample the birds at the various elevations of the reserve. This included 4 nights and 5 days at the "Guarida del Oso" cabaña at 2200m; 6 nights and seven days at the guard house at the lower main entrance, 1900m; and 4 nights and 3 days at Tandayapa Village, 1700m.  

At the Guarida del Oso cabaña we explored the area surrounding the cabin, which provided a break in the calnopy and edge habitat. Three main trails are accessed at the cabaña site. One is the main trail up to the cabin from the main entrance. This trail starts near the orchid nursery and ascends steeply at times to the cabaña, passing through some excellent primary forest and stands of Chusquea bamboo. This trail also has some areas that are very good for viewing canopy species. Another trail continues up the ridge from the cabaña and connects with the Yumbo Trail. This trail was excellent for birding, both providing good areas to view canopy level species, areas of Chusquea bamboo, and areas with open views of the understory. The Yumbo Trail traverses the upper most ridge and leads to two peaks at 2600m and at 2900m. A third trail leads down a hillside to a creek, passing through dense understory.  

Near the lower main entrance area we explored all the cascade trails. This included a lower trail and an upper trail. The lower trail is very moist and river noise is very loud, however the thick wet habitat attracts some interesting species (including nesting Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruviana). The upper trail provides some very good viewing from the understory, but river noise blocks out distant songs and calls. The main trail continues to the orchid nursery, and then continues up to the cabin. The birding around the orchid nursery was excellent, as there is very good viewing with edge habitat that attracts canopy species. Hummingbirds are often conspicuous around the main entrance and near the orchid nursery. A trail across the main road from the entrance leads down to the Rio Pichán. This trail has considerable secondary habitat from road construction and landslides. The shrubby riparian habitat along the creek was very good for birding, however the river is noisy. We further explored the shrubby secondary habitat along the main road. Walking west towards Rene Lima's home site, we found the birding very good with hummingbirds very numerous. We also birded behind the Armadillo Restaurant west of the Lima's, where the overlook and edge habitat provided excellent viewing conditions. One other trail leading from the main road down to the Rio Pichán further west from Rene Lima's was difficult to traverse because it was steep and overgrown. It was not very productive but time of day was a factor.  

At Tandayapa Village we explored around the village and along the Old Nono - Mindo Road. The reserve is not directly accessible from the Old Nono - Mindo road, but parallels the opposite side of the Río Alambi. We counted for the reserve list any species seen along the road or in Tandayapa Village (such as White-capped Dipper (Cinclus leucocephalus) and Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans). The habitat ranges from rural, edge and secondary growth, riparian, and secondary and primary forest. Visiting birders will want to birdwatch in this area due to the excellent birding and famous status this road has within the birding community. We did not include some birds we saw only along the trails at Tandayapa Bird Lodge. While there are good probabilities that most of these birds can and will be found at El Pahuma, further visits and visitors will be needed to document these species.  

We recorded a total of 127 species within the area described above (see Bird Species List). Six of the species we recorded are listed as threatened species by IUCN threat status codes (Collar et al. 1994). These include one vulnerable species, the Giant Antpitta (Grallaria gigantea), and 5 near-threatened species, Black-and-Chestnut Eagle (Oroaetus isidori), Dark-backed Wood-quail (Odontophorus melanonotus), Toucan Barbet (Semnoris ramphastinus), Plate-billed Mountain-toucan (Andigena laminirostris), and Beautiful Jay (Cyanolyca pulchra). Several other species of interest due to their indicator status of the quality of habitat, status as birds of interest for tourists, or generally uncommon and relatively unknown were recorded. These species include a probable Cloud-forest Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium minutissimum), Lyre-tailed Nightjar (Uropsalis lyra), Yellow-breasted Antpitta (Grallaria flavotincta), and Andean Cock-of-the-rock.  

During 11 to 16 March we stayed at the cabaña at 2200 meters. The cabaña permitted us to access the upper elevations of the reserve up to 2600 meters. The habitat near the top is at the elevation where temperate forest begins, and some species were only noted at these higher elevations. Unfortunately we were unable to spend much time along the Yumbo Trail. This area needs further exploration and may harbor some very interesting species. There are also extensive stands of Chusquea bamboo in this area, which tend to have specialty species, many of which can be hard to see and identify.  

Species of interest that we noted around the cabaña include Dark-backed Wood-quail, which was heard daily singing its duet at all elevations during our stay. We observed one pair of this difficult to see species along the connecting trail to the Yumbo Trail. Rufous-banded Owl (Strix albitarsus) was heard calling almost every night including very close to the cabaña clearing. Rufous-bellied Nightjar (Lurocalis rufiventris semitorquatus) was heard and seen at dusk and dawn around the cabaña. Plate-billed Mountain-toucan was seen and heard frequently from the cabaña area and on nearby trails. Both Tyrannine (Dendrocincla tyrannina) and Strong-billed Woodcreeper (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) were seen and heard near the cabaña. Spotted Barbtail (Premnoplex brunnescens) was seen and heard once along the trail that descended to the small river. A mixed feeding flock was regularly noted around the cabaña and along the trail to the Yumbo Trail which included species typical of the higher elevations: Streaked Tufted-cheek (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii), Spectacled Whitestart (Myioborus melanocephalus), Capped Conebill (Conirostrum albifrons), Grass-green Tanager (Chloronis riefferii), and Hooded Mountain-tanager (Buthraupis montana). Other species seen at these higher elevations only included Turquoise Jay (Cyanolyca turcosa), Black-crested Warbler (Basileuterus nigrocristatus), and Black-capped Hemispingus (Hemispingus atropileus), the latter was often associated with Dusky Bush-tanagers (Chlorospingus semifuscus). Several species typical of Chusquea bamboo stands included Long-tailed Antbird (Drymophila caudata), Spillman's Tapaculo (Scytalopus micropterus), Plain-tailed Wren (Thryothorus euophrys) and Plushcap (Catamblyrhynchus diadema). Tanager-finch (Oreothraupis arremonops) was not seen or heard but should be looked for in the bamboo stands.  

From 20 to 24 March we stayed at the guard house at 1900m, near the main entrance to the reserve below the cascades. This area is excellent for birdwatching, and will be the most birded part of the reserve by visitors. Many of the higher elevation species that were noted around the cabaña were not present at these lower elevations but a variety of species not found at the higher elevations were recorded at the lower elevations.  

Some species of interest include Dark-backed Wood-quail, which as previously noted was heard throughout the reserve but rarely seen. We tape-recorded a pair very close to us near the orchid nursery. A flock of about 20 White-capped Parrot (Pionus tumultuosus seniloides) was regularly seen foraging in the treetops above the entrance in the cascade gorge. This flock was easy to observe, often noisy, and is more uncommon than its relative the Red-billed Parrot (Pionus sordidus). The birds may be residents offering visiting birders a good chance to see this species. A highlight was Lyre-tailed Nightjar, a spectacular species sought by visiting birders. Early at dawn on 28 March we heard a nightjar singing from near the main entrance sign of El Pahuma just off the main road. When we approached we saw a nightjar sitting on the top of the large entrance sign. The bird flew to the rock wall, where it appeared another nightjar was sitting. Both birds had short tails and the darkness prevented any field marks from being noted. However the male was still singing from an unknown nearby perch, and soon flew to the rock wall, landing near one of the females. The male's spectacular long, lyre tail was clearly visible. The birds were watched for several more minutes before the male flew east along the road and disappeared into an unknown roost location on the distant rock walls. At least one female, if not both female-type birds, disappeared into the vegetation to unknown roost spots along the wall above the entrance to El Pahuma. If these birds could be seen consistently near the entrance to El Pahuma it will attract numerous visitors  

Hummingbirds were most numerous and diverse from the orchid nursery area and along the main road. No rare species were recorded, but we did see 12 species on the reserve including two male Violet-tailed Sylphs (Aglaiocercus coelestis) near the orchid nursery and Booted Racket-tails (Ocreatus underwoodii) along the main road and near the lower gardens. Gorgeted Sunangel (Heliangelus strophianus), an endemic species, was uncommon but regular on the reserve. Both Crested (Pharomachrus antisianus) and Golden-headed Quetzal (P. auriceps) were noted, the former along the main road and the latter above the orchid nursery. We did not record Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus), but Rene Lima heard them along the main road and knows they are present in the reserve. At least two Plain-brown Woodcreepers (Dendrocincla fuliginosa) were noted, one along the Río Pichán and one above the entrance but just below the orchid nursery (ca. 1900m). This is fairly high elevation for this species, which is resident in foothills up to 1500 meters. An antpitta believed to be a Giant Antpitta sang regularly from the steep hillside opposite the orchid nursery and just above the entrance. While the bird was never loud, it was clear and we were able to get a poor recording of it for documentation. The recording was played for Paul Coopmans, a local ornithologist and an expert on tropical birdsongs, who believes it is a Giant Antpitta but could not be 100% certain. One or two Yellow-breasted Antpittas sang regularly from above the entrance to the orchid nursery, on both sides of the ravine. Many species of antpittas are uncommon to rare and are often indicators of habitat quality as well as species of interest for visiting birders. At nearby Tandayapa Bird Lodge as many as seven species of antpittas have been recorded. Apparently we visited during a time when many antpittas were not singing (Iain Campbell, pers. comm.). Future surveys will hopefully document more species.  

A small group of Slaty-backed Chat-tyrants (Ochthoeca cinnamonmeiventris) was resident along the lower part of cascade area in the ravine. This species is almost always found in the vicinity of rushing mountain streams with thick vegetation. A pair of Barred Becard (Pachyramphus versicolor) was seen building a nest in a tree along the trail just below the orchid nursery. A Whiskered Wren (Thyrothorus mystacalis genibarbis) was tape-recorded along the main road. A pair of Slaty-backed Nightingale-thrush (Catharus fuscater) was heard regularly singing from the ravine at dusk. Beautiful Jay was fairly common around the entrance, cascades, and lower riparian habitat. A nest of a Russet-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus coronatus) was discovered along a low vegetated wall along the main trail above the orchid nursery. Tangara tanagers were more common at the mid- to lower elevations. These species often make very colorful feeding flocks much sought by visitors. Good areas to watch for them included along the main trail just above and below the orchid nursery and on the trail above the cabaña. Brush-finches were fairly common in secondary habitat, particularly along the road. Tricolored (Atlapetes tricolor) and White-winged Brush-finch (A. leucopterus) were the most common and Chestnut-capped Brush-finch (A. brunneinucha) was seen and tape-recorded above the main entrance area.  

From 28 to 30 March we stayed in Tandayapa Village, birding around the village and along the Old Nono - Mindo Road paralleling the south side of El Pahuma Reserve and the Río Alambi. This area is famous for its birdwatching, and it indeed proved to be an excellent area to observe birds. Birding is very easy and leisurely along the road with excellent viewing. Birds more typical of secondary habitat and edge were located around Tandayapa Village, and species more common at lower elevations and along riparian corridors were seen along the Old Nono - Mindo Road.  

Some species of interest include a soaring adult Black-and-chestnut Eagle over the road and the ridge opposite El Pahuma Reserve. On 28 March an agitated group of hummingbirds, flycatchers, warblers and tanagers entertained us at eye level along the Old Nono - Mindo Road. The constant agitation of the birds in one direction alerted us to the possibility of some raptor or other predator in the tree. After ten minutes of searching we finally located a Pygmy-owl. Based on elevation and due to a very recent split in the taxonomy of Andean Pygmy-owl (Glaucidium jardinii), we believe this bird was the recently described Cloud-forest Pygmy-owl (G. minutissimum). A lek of Andean Cock-of-the-Rock is on a small parcel of land adjacent to El Pahuma Reserve and according to Catherine Woodward and Rene Lima, another lies within the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve in a small ravine above the Río Alambi. They were easily heard in the morning and seen from a distance across the river. Apparently this parcel of land is for sale, and its protection is warranted. Beautiful Jay is fairly common along the Río Alambi. Due to the secondary habitat in the area and forest edges we recorded species that were not seen near the main reserve area. Some examples include Red-headed Barbet (Eubucco bourcierii), White-winged Tanager (Piranga leucoptera), and Yellow-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus icteronotus). We noted White-capped Dipper near the bridge over the Rio Tandayapa where it apparently breeds. This species has also been seen foraging in the Pacaya and Shunguyacu waterfalls within El Pahuma. In the shrubs along the edge of the Río Tandayapa we recorded a Bran-colored Flycatcher (Myiophobus fasciatus). A pair of Black Phoebes was resident in the village, and Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) was only noted along the road to Tandayapa Village. Feeding flocks of tanagers and warblers were particularly excellent along the Old Nono - Mindo Road.  

The El Pahuma Orchid Reserve's potential for tourism is excellent. With improved facilities planned for the near future the reserve will certainly attract birders. The reserve location along the main road makes it easy to visit from Quito. There are also two lodges currently operating in and near Tandayapa Village (Tandayapa Bird Lodge and Bellavista). Other birder friendly lodges exist in the Mindo area. Cooperation between lodges and the reserve should be encouraged and pursued as El Pahuma has some species and habitat that will interest birders, and visitors to El Pahuma may like to spend a day or more exploring other areas further along the Old Nono - Mindo Road. While El Pahuma does have a good trail system, further work on creating new trails is encouraged. Difficulty of trails can vary and should vary, but it is important to keep in mind that many birders may prefer easy trails. We encourage El Pahuma and Ceiba to visit the trails at Tandayapa Bird Lodge and talk with Iain Campbell about trail making and maintenance. While Mr. Campbell may have a more business view than El Pahuma's goals, much can be learned from him about trails in general. El Pahuma does have some birds of special interest to tourists such as Lyre-tailed Nightjar and White-capped Parrot that may be easier to see at the reserve than other lodges and places. Knowing the habits and locations of such species can be very important to attracting visitors and creating income sources.  

We are very grateful for the hospitality and kindness of the Lima family. Their generosity and friendship was wonderful, and their wisdom is to be much credited. We spent many hours with Rene Lima, learning much from each other including language, culture, and nature. Further fostering of the skills of Rene and Roberto as guides is encouraged. Their need for basic equipment is desperate - to well serve visitors the reserve staff must have more field guides to study from and reference, as well as binoculars. (Consider making a donation to the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve).  We recommend a copy of Hilty and Brown's A Guide to the Birds of Columbia as well as An Annotated List of the Birds of Mainland Ecuador by Ridgley et al. Soon the new field guide to the birds of Ecuador will be published and will become an essential book for the reserve staff.  

Special thanks goes to Alejandro Trillo for all his time, energy, guidance, and transportation. Alejandro was truly a pleasure to work with and his dedication to El Pahuma is very commendable. We would like to thank Catherine Woodward and Joe Meisel for offering us the opportunity to stay both in Quito and at the reserve and to conduct the survey. We are thankful for the experience and hope that the work we accomplished will just be the beginning of many years of birding, research and bird conservation at El Pahuma Reserve. We would like to thank John Moore who kindly got Catherine and ourselves in touch with each other and began the path that took us to Ecuador, and Sheena McKendrick for sharing the space in the apartment in Quito and for helping to make the experience special. In addition we would like to thank Iain Campbell, owner of Tandayapa Bird Lodge, for his generosity and hospitality; Paul Coopmans for his help with the birds and birdsongs; and Rob Williams for his thoughtful time. We had many laughs and good times with all three and they made our stay very enjoyable. 

 

References 

Collar, N.J., M.J. Crosby and A.J. Stattersfield 1994. Birds to watch 2: the world list of threatened birds. Cambridge, UK: Birdlife International, Conservation Series 4.  

Hilty, S.L. and W.L. Brown 1986. A Guide to the Birds of Columbia. Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ. 836pp.  

Ridgely, R.S., P.J. Greenfield, and M. Guerrero G. 1998. An Annotated List of the Birds of Mainland Ecuador. Fundacion Ornitologica del Ecuador, CECIA. Quito 155p.  

Wege, D.C. and A.J. Long 1995. Key Areas for threatened birds in the Neotropics. Cambridge, UK: Birdlife International, Conservation Series 5.