Reserva Zuro Loma Area

Updated 05MAY2026 - Reserva Zuro Loma lies in upper montane cloud forest at roughly 10,500'–11,200' (3,200–3,400 meters) on the western slope of the Andes, where mist‑draped ridges, mossy understory, and high‑elevation shrubs create ideal habitat for antpittas, pufflegs, and mountain‑tanagers.

Origin & Stewardship

Reserva Zuro Loma is a family‑run reserve reclaimed from former pastureland and gradually restored into thriving high‑elevation cloud forest. Through careful habitat management, native plantings, and the gentle habituation of antpittas and hummingbirds, the owners have created a refuge where wildlife and ecotourism support one another. Their stewardship protects fragile upper‑Andean ecosystems while offering visitors rare, respectful encounters with some of the region’s most elusive species.

🔎 eBird INFORMATION:

Hotspot Link: Reserva Zuro Loma
Species: 216
Checklists: 3331

📍ABOUT THE AREA

Reserva Zuro Loma is one of the most rewarding high‑elevation bird photography sites in the Ecuadorian Andes. Perched near 11,000 feet, this family‑run reserve blends intimate wildlife encounters with dramatic cloud‑forest scenery. Photographers come for the antpittas, the mountain tanagers, the pufflegs, and the chance to work in a landscape where mist, moss, and steep ridges create endlessly atmospheric frames.

This guide focuses on how to make the most of Zuro Loma’s unique photographic opportunities.

🌿HABITAT & ATMOSPHERE

Zuro Loma sits in upper montane cloud forest transitioning into elfin forest and high‑Andean shrublands. Expect:

Steep, moss‑covered slopes
Dense, dripping vegetation
Openings with sweeping valley views
Cool, misty air that shifts minute by minute

The reserve’s elevation and microclimate create soft, diffused light — ideal for color‑rich species.

📸BEST PHOTO LOCATIONS WITHIN THE RESERVE

1. Antpitta Feeding Areas

The signature experience at Zuro Loma.

Light: Low, soft, often fog‑filtered
Lens: 300–600mm
Tip: Pre‑focus on the perch the guide indicates — birds appear suddenly

Species often seen:

Chestnut‑naped Antpitta
Rufous Antpitta
Chestnut‑crowned Antpitta

2. Hummingbird Feeders & Natural Perches

A high‑elevation hummingbird hotspot.

Light: Variable; bright gaps and deep shade
Lens: 70–200mm or 100–400mm
Tip: Look for mossy branches placed near feeders for natural‑looking shots

Common species:

Sapphire‑vented Puffleg
Sword‑billed Hummingbird (occasional but unforgettable)
Buff‑winged Starfrontlet
Mountain Velvetbreast

3. Ridge‑Top Clearings

Open spaces with dramatic backgrounds.

Light: Best early morning
Lens: 300–600mm
Tip: Use the mist as a natural backdrop for silhouettes or soft‑toned portraits

4. Forest Trails

Mixed flocks and shy species.

Light: Very low
Lens: 300–600mm
Tip: Listen for flock movement; shoot when birds pause on exposed perches

🐦‍⬛KEY SPECIES AND HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH THEM

Sword‑billed Hummingbird

A bucket‑list species.

Use 1/3200 sec for wing freeze
Position for side‑light to highlight the bill
Watch for brief pauses on high perches

Sapphire‑vented Puffleg

Use 1/2000–1/3200 sec
Backlight can ignite the leg puffs
Look for clean backgrounds near feeder setups

Chestnut‑naped Antpitta

Use f/6.3–f/7.1 for depth of field
Soft fog light enhances warm tones
Stay still — they are sensitive to movement

Scarlet‑bellied Mountain‑Tanager

Brilliant colors in soft cloud‑forest light
Use 1/1600 sec for active birds
Expose carefully to avoid clipping reds

🌤️ LIGHT & WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS

Morning (6:00–9:00)

Best for antpittas and tanagers
Misty, soft light ideal for color

Midday (9:00–2:00)

Good for hummingbirds
Light brightens but stays filtered

Afternoon (2:00–5:00)

Warm, directional light
Great for environmental portraits

Weather Reality

Expect:

Fog
Drizzle
Cool temperatures
Rapid shifts in visibility

Bring:

Rain covers
Lens cloths
Extra batteries

🧭FIELDCRAFT TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Move slowly — birds are close and notice motion
Work angles to hide feeder hardware
Pre‑focus on likely perches
Use higher shutter speeds for tanagers and hummingbirds
Be patient — fog breaks create magical light

🗺️ GOOGLE MAP OF AREA

Zuro Loma Reserve, a relatively new birding site whose claim to fame is the presence of antpitta feeders for three species: Equatorial, Chestnut-crowned, and Chestnut-naped, the latter a particularly tough bird to see. The show starts every day around 8am until around 10am. It is also possible to explore the 3 main trails to observe Hummingbird feeders, views to Guagua Pichincha Volcano and other species like White-throated Screech Owl.

Mealworm feeder stations: The mealworm feeders are the site for two of the three antpittas and head down a somewhat steep but dry trail for the third species, Equatorial Antpitta.

Nectar feeder stations: The hummingbird feeders are active, with Mountain Velvetbreast, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, Buff-winged Starfrontlet, White-bellied Woodstar, the Sword-billed Hummingbird, and many metaltails. Also several species of flowerpiercers including Masked, Glossy and Black take advantage of the plentiful resource.

Fruit feeder stations: The fruit feeders can attract Hooded and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Blue-capped Tanager, and Yellow-breasted and Gray-browed Brushfinch.

General Vicinity species: Bushes in the vicinity can attract quite a few birds, including White-banded Tyrannulet, Cinnamon Flycatcher, and Red-crested Cotinga as well as Masked and Glossy Flowerpiercers.