Departing from Tena city or nearby areas.
Pick up time: 4:45 a.m. from the hotel.
First Stop: Parrot Clay Lick.
In this hot spot, we will have the opportunity to watch to species of parrots which every day arriving in this lick. In case of rain, this spectacular natural event cannot be observed.
Second Stop: Navigating and birding in the Arajuno River.
Watching a variety of species that perch near the river bank. From the canoe, we can observe or photograph the species found from the canopy to fishing in the river such as the Striated Heron, hawks or Chachalacas.
We will advance along the Arajuno River until we reach Anaconda Island to look for the Hoatzin a pre-historical bird. In this Island, we can find other species such as Ani, Manakin, Nunbird, Flycatcher, Arazari, Trogon among others.
Time for a break: It's time to have lunch and rest until we leave later for our last visit. While we rest, we can use the facilities on site. Use the hammock, recharge the camera batteries, or use the Wi-Fi to start downloading photos from the camera.
Last Stop: Fiery Topaz Lek.
We will have the opportunity to observe one of the Icons of the Amazon rainforest, the fiery topaz.
Return to Tena City and drop off approximately at 6:30 p.m. The tour time is 12 hours or so.
What to bring?
- A good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 are ideal)
- Camara with lens for nature
- Ebird or Merlin app to record sightings
- Lightweight clothing, insect repellent, rain gear, and water
When to Go?
Birdwatching in Tena is great year-round, though the dry season (June to December) offers better trails and easier access. Early mornings are best for sightings, as birds are most active just after sunrise.
This is a tour designed for birdwatching enthusiasts, nature lovers, and bird photography enthusiasts. Along with expert guides who are familiar with the area, they will provide you with the best assistance to ensure you have a great birdwatching experience all day long.
Local Highlights: Keep your eyes out for species like:
- Many-banded Aracari
- White-throated Toucan
- Wire-tailed Manakin
- Gilded Barbet
- Amazonian Motmot
Birdwatching in Tena is not just an activity—it’s a way to connect deeply with the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon. Whether you're exploring riverbanks, forest trails, or canopy towers, every moment brings a chance for discovery.
🦜 Birdwatching Checklist: Tena, Ecuador
🌿 Amazon Rainforest & Lowland Forests
- Chestnut-eared Aracari (Pteroglossus castanotis) – A striking toucan with chestnut-colored ears.
- Opal-crowned Tanager (Tangara callophrys) – Known for its vibrant plumage.
- Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) – A bright red passerine bird.
- White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus) – Features distinctive white wing lines.
- Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) – A common and colorful species.
- Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) – Often found in palm-rich habitats.
- Orange-bellied Euphonia (Euphonia xanthogaster) – Recognizable by its orange belly.
- Thick-billed Euphonia (Euphonia laniirostris) – Distinguished by its stout bill.
- Bluish-gray Saltator (Saltator coerulescens) – A medium-sized songbird.
- Black-billed Thrush (Turdus ignobilis) – Commonly seen in forest edges.
- Gray-headed Kite (Leptodon cayanensis) – A raptor often spotted soaring.
- Drab Water Tyrant (Ochthornis littoralis) – Typically found near water bodies.
- Solitary Sandpiper (Tringa solitaria) – A migratory shorebird.
- Gray-capped Flycatcher (Myiozetetes granadensis) – A small, active insectivore.
- Golden-faced Tyrannulet (Zimmerius chrysops) – Noted for its golden facial markings.
- Olive-faced Flatbill (Tolmomyias viridiceps) – Prefers dense understory habitats.
- White-winged Becard (Pachyramphus polychopterus) – A striking bird with bold markings.
- Wing-banded Wren (Microcerculus bambla) – Often heard before seen.
- Black-crowned Tityra (Tityra inquisitor) – Known for its distinctive crown.
- Red-bellied Macaw (Orthopsittaca manilatus) – A rare and colorful parrot.
- Blue Ground Dove (Claravis pretiosa) – A ground-dwelling dove species.
- Collared Plover (Anarhynchus collaris) – Found along riverbanks.
- Parker's Spinetail (Cranioleuca vulpecula) – A secretive forest bird.
- Oriole Blackbird (Gymnomystax mexicanus) – A striking blackbird species.
- Fawn-breasted Tanager (Pipraeidea melanonota) – Features a colorful breast.
- Ash-throated Gnateater (Conopophaga peruviana) – A ground-dwelling insectivore.
- Toucan Barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus) – A colorful and social bird.
- Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet (Tyrannulus elatus) – A small, active flycatcher.
- Brown-capped Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus) – Prefers humid forests.