WILD SUMACO RESERVE
ECUADOR
LOCALE
| # Species: | 640 |
| # Excl Vagrants: | 640 |
| # Endemics: | 0 |
| # Near Endemics: | 11 |
| Habitat: Subtropical primary forest | |
ABOUT THE BIRDING
The Wild Sumaco Reserve is property owned by the Wild Sumaco Lodge. It protects a tract of subtropical forest on the east slope of the Andes. Several trails provide access to the forest. The best trails are the Piha Trail and Face Trail. The Piha Trail begins at the workman's quarters, located about a kilometer back toward the Loreto Road and accessed via a quite long and steep staircase. The Face Trail is accessed from the lodge.
Notable target birds possible along the Piha Trail are Gray-tailed Piha, Buff-fronted Tody-Tyrant, and Chestnut-crowned Gnateater. Good birds along the Face Trail include Sharp-tailed Streamcreeper, Yellow-throated Spadebill, Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater, Fiery-throated Fruiteater, and Andean Laniisoma. Other trails worth birding are the Streamcreeper Trail and Benavides Trail, the latter being the best place for Plain-backed Antpitta and Rufous-breasted Antthrush.
Hummingbird feeders are located near the workman's house. Up to 17 species are possible, including Napo Sabrewing, Wire-crested Thorntail, Many-spotted Hummingbird, Black-throated Brilliant, Gould's Jewelfront, Violet-fronted Brilliant, and Long-billed Starthroat.
LOCATION OF SITE
Wild Sumaco is a lodge and private reserve located along the Sumaco Road, a dirt road leading to the Sumaco Volcano in the subtropical altitudinal zone of the eastern Andes. The Sumaco Road is reached by turning left off the Loreto Road about a mile downslope from the junction between the Loreto Road and Archidona Road. The reserve and lodge entrance is located about 3 miles from the junction with the Loreto Road.