San Tadeo Area

eBird Hotspot Link: San Tadeo Feeders

Species - 334

Checklists - 1540

Projected Time at Site: Brief (<30 minutes)

About the Area: 

Tucked into the lush cloud forests near Mindo, Ecuador, the San Tadeo Bird Feeders offer a dazzling spectacle of avian life in a garden designed with both beauty and biodiversity in mind. Owned and lovingly maintained by a local birder named Rolando, the garden is a haven for tanagers, hummingbirds, and other tropical species that flock to the feeders throughout the day. Visitors can witness the shimmering Violet-tailed Sylph, the elusive Long-wattled Umbrellabird, and the vibrant Beryl-spangled Tanager—all drawn to the nectar stations and fruit trays nestled among flowering plants and moss-draped trees. The setting is intimate yet wild, with shaded viewing areas that allow for close-up photography and quiet observation amid the misty forest air.

Beyond the feeders, the surrounding lands are part of the biodiverse Mindo Valley, a region renowned for its rich birdlife and ecological importance. Trails wind through the forested slopes, offering glimpses of endemic species and panoramic views of the Andean foothills. The area is a hotspot for birdwatchers, with over 300 species recorded, including rare sightings like the Choco Warbler and White-throated Hawk. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a curious traveler, San Tadeo provides an unforgettable immersion into Ecuador’s avian wonders—where every rustle in the foliage might reveal a flash of color or the flutter of wings.

Top Target Species:

Brown Violetear, Violet-tailed Sylph, Brown Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, Velvet-purple Coronet, White-booted Racket-tail, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Empress Brilliant, Purple-throated Woodstar, Andean Emerald, Red-headed Barbet, Ecuadorian Thrush, Thick-billed Euphonia, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Dusky Chlorospingus, Scrub Blackbird, White-lined Tanager, Flame-rumped Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Black-capped Tanager, Beryl-spangled Tanager, Flame-faced Tanager and Golden Tanager.

Recap and Reflections (How it played out)

(Stay tuned...)