Trips

Orange-throated Tanager In Ecuador

April 23, 2011 by Renato 4 Comments

Most birdwatchers that visit Ecuador for the first time concentrate in the north-east and west slopes near the capital Quito. The diversity in these slopes plus the high altitude land give a unique taste of the Tropical Andes hotspot which is considered the highest biodiversity place on earth.

On a recent scouting trip to southern Ecuador I came across some amazing birdwatching areas and birds that are commonly visited by those looking for a more complete exploration of Ecuador. One of my favorite places was Cabañas Yankuam which is located in the southeastern lowlands at the Cordillera del Condor (Condor Mountain Range), although this is technically not on the slopes of the Andes it is an amazing place worth mentioning. This mountain range is considered and Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

My favorite bird photographed was the Orange-throated Tanager (Wetmoretraupis sterrhopteron) which is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threaten Species.

Orange-throated Tanager (Wetmoretraupis sterrhopteron)

Written by Renato

Renato was born in Quito, Ecuador and quickly flew to the USA to learn all about engineering and climbing company ladders. After getting his engineering degree from the University of Minnesota he worked in the Standard-American-Rat-Race-Company for fifteen years. After climbing the ladder to where he could no longer see the ground, he decided to jump off the ladder and migrate south like all normal birds do. To his surprise home did not look like it did when he left as a young fledgling; the towns were bigger, most of his friends had nests of their own, and the countryside was changed. Shocked by all the change he searched for a new life and a new wife. He stumbled across a vivacious young chick who would accompany him inside a volcanic crater to set up a love nest. So, after eight years of nesting inside the crater a new love for nature and birds has sprung a career in environmental conservation and birding tours. Finally this bird has come home to roost!

4 Comments

Pat ODonnell April 24, 2011 at 2:22 pm
What a bird! Thanks for sharing images of this fantastic rarity.
Renato April 26, 2011 at 11:46 am
Hi Pat, This is one of those special rarities, it can only be found in the Southern Ecuador near the border with Peru. Its range is so limited that is now considered vulnerable. Unfortunately there a lot of mining development in its limited range so we may not see this bird much more in the future!
Gail Mackiernan May 25, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Wonderful photos! We were privileged to see six of these beauties on the road to Shaime last November, and also got some photos but not as superb as yours!
The new road provides great access for birders now, but we fear it may lead to degradation of the adjacent forest (as roads have done throughout Ecuador). Are there any plans to set aside any habitat as a reserve?
Renato August 28, 2013 at 3:04 pm
Unfortunately there are some massive mining projects in the area!! I think some of these mountains will get a little bit of protection but not enough.