In 2012 we visited Ecuador on a wildlife trip. Our guide informed us of a rare bird which had been a regular visitor to a small nature reserve and he suggested we might like to try to see this bird. This meant a car journey along a very rough and bumpy track for over an hour. Three times we tried and on the third visit we were rewarded with excellent views of the Banded Ground Cuckoo. Usually found more towards Colombia in difficult terrain. Look out for the photo. Ecuador is also home to many other beautiful birds – my favourites being the Tanagers and the Trogons.
Here is a selection of some of the wildlife we saw. Please click on any photo if you want a larger view.

Empress-Brilliant
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Rufescent Tiger Heron
Rufescent Tiger Heron
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Tapir
Tapir
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Chestnut Woodpecker
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Crested Owls
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Amazonian Violacious Trogon
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Common Potoo
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Spotted Tody Flycatcher
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Hoatzin
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Golden Collared Toucan
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Agouti
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Long Tailed Sylph
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Inca Jay
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Torrent Ducks M and F
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Sandgrouse
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Banded Ground Cuckoo
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Crimson Rumped Toucan
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Toucan Barbet
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Blue Winged Mountain Tanager
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Dark Backed Wood Quail
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Giant Antpitta
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Cock of the Rock M.
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Brown Violetear
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Black Cheeked Woodpecker
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Western White Tailed Trogon
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Rose Faced Parrot
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Ornate Flycatcher
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Strong Billed Woodcreeper
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Purple Throated Woodstar
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Buff Tailed Coronet
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Ground cuckoo is special. Is that ‘Maria’ I can see too?
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular post! It is the little changes that make the largest changes. Many thanks for sharing!