The edge of the subtropics: a preliminary list of the birds of San José de Sumaco, Ecuador

Twenty-two species are regarded as either Near Threatened or Vulnerable by IUCN. Lowland (Amazonian) species dominate the avifauna, but it also includes a set of range-restricted, Andean species of which several are considered Near Threatened or Vulnerable at national or global scales (e.g., Napo Sabrewing Campylopterus villaviscensio, Fiery-throated Fruiteater Pipreola chlorolepidota, Ecuadorian Tyrannulet Phylloscartes gualaquizae).

We report the presence of three obligate bamboo specialist species. We clarify the geographic position of the Olalla collecting locality San José de Sumaco using archival material and by reconstructing the collectors’ itinerary. We list noteworthy elevational records for 89 species of which 80 are upper-elevation records of lowland (Amazonian species).

While mainly Amazonian, the avifauna is discussed in relation to its biogeography indicating historical connections to both Andean and Amazonian centres of diversification. We conclude that the lower slopes of Volcan Sumaco host a distinctive, species-rich avian assemblage that is threatened immediately by deforestation and potentially by climate change, and we stress its importance for conservation and continued study.