Birds
Bilsa is the most diverse region of birds in lowland western Ecuador. In total, there are over 350 species of birds in the region, with an endemism rate of around 10%. However, 20% of the world’s bird species call the Tumbesian Corridor of Ecuador and Peru (of which Bilsa is a part of) home. The majority of the species found in Bilsa belong to the families Tyrannidae (Flycatchers), Thraupinae (Tanagers), and Formicariidae (Ground Antbirds), which often occur throughout lowland Neotropical Rainforests, and interestingly, certain large frugivores (pigeons, parrots, trogons, and toucans) are particularly abundant in species number.
Endemism decreases as the diversity increases in this region, so although BIlsa has a number of endemic species, because of its higher diversity it generally has much lower endemism than the rest of the region. However, Bilsa is one of the few well protected land areas in the region, so though it may have lower rates of endemism, it is protecting more key, rare species than the rest of the region.
Endemism decreases as the diversity increases in this region, so although BIlsa has a number of endemic species, because of its higher diversity it generally has much lower endemism than the rest of the region. However, Bilsa is one of the few well protected land areas in the region, so though it may have lower rates of endemism, it is protecting more key, rare species than the rest of the region.
Neomorphus radiolosus -Banded-Ground CuckooThe Banded-Ground Cuckoo is one of the rarest and least researched birds in Ecuador. It is a ground forager, and eats predominantly invertebrates, but will occasionally go for vertebrates like frogs. It is classified as endangered. It lives in the lowland rainforests along the low elevations of the Andes. Its range is very small, mainly within the Choco Biogeographic Region of northern Ecuador which it is endemic to, and shrinking, mainly due to deforestation.
One interesting behavior it exhibits is when it finds food, it gets very excited and runs short zig zag sprints, kicking up leaves from the forest floor. |
Geotrygon purpurata - Indigo-Crowned Quail-DoveThe Indigo-Crowned Quail-Dove is considered endangered throughout its range, which is from northern Ecuador to southern Colombia. This bird resides on the forest floor, typically in lowland and montane rainforests, feeding on seeds and invertebrates.
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Androdon aequatorialis -Tooth-Billed HummingbirdThe Tooth-Billed Hummingbird is endemic to the region, with a range from northwestern Ecuador all the way into southern Panama. Although hummingbirds all have the same elongated, thin bill, these hummingbirds are some of only hummingbirds to have structurally adjusted bills. Their bills have serrated edges and a hook at the end. Like most hummingbirds, they forage for nectar in flowers and epihytes of the understory of lowland to montane rainforests.
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Phaenostictus mcleannani - Ocellated AntbirdThis is a forest floor dwelling bird that feeds primarily on invertebrates, with a particular penchant for ant colonies and swarms. It has a fairly significant range from northwestern Ecuador into Honduras, preferring lowland rainforests.
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