TINALANDIA RESERVE
ECUADOR
LOCALE
| Altitude (m): | 2010 |
| # Species: | 441 |
| # Excl Vagrants: | 441 |
| # Endemics: | 1 |
| # Near Endemics: | 43 |
| Habitat: Lowland forest, open areas | |
ABOUT THE BIRDING
Tinalandia Nature Reserve is a privately owned 240 acre tract including about 60 acres of primary rainforest located at an elevation of about 2000 ft. An additional 600 acre tract of forest is adjacent to the reserve. The elevation is substantially lower than Mindo Valley, resulting in a more subtropical climate and environment that attracts different species than at higher elevation. Several trails of varying distance offer access to the rainforest. The longer trails lead up a ridgeline where the higher elevation offers a vantage point for seeing birds of the canopy down below. The now quite rare Long-wattled Umbrellabird can sometimes be found in the more remote areas on the property.
Several specialty birds of the subtropical zone are regularly seen in the reserve. These include Orange-fronted Barbet, Slaty Spinetail, Scaly-throated Leaftosser, Club-winged Manakin, Ecuadorian Thrush, and Black-winged Saltator. Other commonly seen birds on the property are Bronze-winged Parrot, Red-headed Barbet, Pale-mandibled Aracari, Ornate Flycatcher, Black-lored Yellowthroat, Yellow-throated Chlorospingus, and Bay-headed Tanager.
LOCATION OF SITE
Tinalandia is reached by driving south on the Pan American Highway from Quito about 30 miles (40 km) and then turning west toward Santo Domingo del los Colorados. After another 45 miles (70 km) driving downhill, enter the reserve opposite a stone marker.