BELLAVISTA CLOUD FOREST RESERVE
ECUADOR
LOCALE
| Area (ha): | 700 |
| # Species: | 172 |
| # Excl Vagrants: | 172 |
| # Endemics: | 2 |
| # Near Endemics: | 16 |
| Species/100 ha: | 24.6 |
| Habitat: Cloud forest | |
ABOUT THE BIRDING
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve protects 700 hectares of temperate cloud forest located at higher elevation than the Tandayapa and Mindo Valleys. Hence, it attracts a different combination of birds including a variety of hummingbirds not seen in the lower valleys. There are about 5 miles of trails within the reserve, some traversing ridgelines and some steeply up and down the slopes.
The lodge straddles the ridgeline and offers superb vantage points for watching birds. The veranda outside the dining area is a good place to observe the endemic Toucan Barbet and a variety of other species including Green-and-black Fruiteater and Russet-crowned Warbler. The Choco endemic Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan can usually be seen from the veranda or walking the road or trails through the forest near the lodge. Numerous hummingbird feeders near the lodge attract a variety of species, including some not seen in the valleys below. Some of the common species are Andean Emerald, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Empress Brilliant, Brown Inca, Collared Inca, Gorgeted Sunangel, Booted Racket-tail, and Violet-tailed Sylph.
LOCATION OF SITE
The Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is located on the old road between Mindo and Tandapaya Valleys. It's situated on a higher elevation ridgeline between the two valleys. It's about 1½ hours from Quito by the main road, though it can take much longer if one takes the old Nono-Mindo Road and birds en route.