Loreto Road Area

eBird Hotspot Link: Loreto Road (Cliff Flycatcher spot)

Species - 339

Checklists - 969

Projected Time at Site: Brief (<30 minutes)

About the Area: 

The Loreto Road area in Ecuador cuts through a rich ecological transition zone between the eastern Andes and the Amazon Basin, offering one of the most bird-diverse stretches of road in the country. With over 595 species recorded, this region is a magnet for ornithologists and birders seeking both highland and lowland specialties. The steep cliffs, humid forests, and riverine habitats support a dazzling array of tanagers, toucans, antbirds, and hummingbirds. Among the standout residents is the Cliff Flycatcher (Hirundinea ferruginea), a striking tyrant flycatcher that favors vertical rock faces and steep embankments. At Loreto Road’s km 13, birders often spot this species perched on cliff ledges or sallying out to snatch insects mid-air. Its rusty-colored plumage and swallow-like flight make it a distinctive presence in an already vibrant avian community.

The Cliff Flycatcher’s natural history is closely tied to its specialized habitat. Unlike most flycatchers, it nests on sheer rock walls, often near waterfalls or road cuts, where its nest—built from moss and plant fibers—is tucked into crevices. It belongs to the monotypic genus Hirundinea, named for its swallow-like behavior and structure, and is found across much of South America except Chile. In Ecuador, the subspecies H. f. sclateri is most commonly observed, and its presence along Loreto Road highlights the area’s unique blend of geological and biological features. The surrounding forests, part of the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, are also home to rare species like the White-bellied Spider Monkey and Spectacled Bear, but it’s the birdlife—especially cliff-dwelling specialists like Hirundinea—that makes Loreto Road a living gallery of evolutionary adaptation and ecological richness.

Top Target Species:

Chestnut-eared Aracari, Cliff Flycatcher, Blue-and-white Swallow, Olivaceous Siskin, Silver-beaked Tanager, Blue-necked Tanager

Recap and Reflections (How it played out)

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