Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For all of you birding enthusiasts out there,
be sure to carry a copy of the recently re-
leased Birds of Ecuador field guide by Rob-
ert S. Ridgely et al. (2001).
For Galápagos birds and other wildlife, see pages 387-95.
Hummingbirds
Familiar to us all, but abundant in Ecuador, is the hummingbird.
With more than 115 species ranging throughout the country, these
magical creatures are the only birds on earth that can actually fly
backwards. They are magnets of visual delight at most jungle lodges,
cloud-forest accommodations, and high-country haciendas. Hum-
mingbirds transect occupy many life zones and range in size from
that of a thumbnail to a gargantuan 21 inches in the case of the giant
hummingbird.
Toucans, Parrots & Macaws -
A Rainbow of Flavors
Typical of the tropics are over 40 species of parrots and their cousins,
the macaws. Their range in Ecuador is widespread, though they are
not as common as in certain other coastal regions of Latin America.
The bright-billed toucan is another symbol of the tropics that resides
here. It is indeed a treat to follow its call and then spot one through
the mists of a coastal cloud forest.
Hawks & Eagles - Predators in Flight
The harpy eagle , the largest eagle in the Americas, has an intimi-
dating seven-foot wingspan. Preying onmonkeys, sloths, small mam-
mals, and other birds, a harpy in action is a magnificent, even
intimidating, sight to behold. A monstrous presence, a full-grown
harpy can pluck a large monkey right off the limbs of a treetop. There
are also a variety of predatory hawks throughout the country. As a re-
sult, mixed flocks of different bird species often congregate in the for-
est canopy. By sticking together, their warning system for predators
is much more effective and the chances that any individual will fall
prey are much smaller. Don't be surprised if you spend hours in the
jungle without seeing much of anything, and then suddenly are sur-
rounded by a swarm of exotic birds. They are really gathering in a
symbiotic relationship to maximize chances for survival.
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