BIODIVERSITY

Inhabitants of the Forest

A curated selection of the most emblematic, distinctive and elusive species that inhabit or visit this corner of Mindo's cloud forest.

Yellow-throated Toucan (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)

Emblematic Species

Birds

Yellow-throated Toucan

Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii

Famous for its resonant 'Dios Té De' vocalization echoing across Mindo's canopy at dawn.

Photo: Marcelo Arias

Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan (Andigena laminirostris)

Andean Endemic

Birds

Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan

Andigena laminirostris

Endemic to the western slopes of the Andes. Known for the raised yellow plates on its colorful bill.

Photo: Marcelo Arias

Birds

Golden-headed Quetzal

Pharomachrus auriceps

Inhabitant of primary cloud forest. Its emerald green and vivid red plumage shines through the mist.

Photo: Marcelo Arias

Birds

Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager

Anisognathus somptuosus

Frequents the mid to upper canopy in mixed flocks feeding on native cloud forest fruits.

Photo: Marcelo Arias

Birds

Sword-billed Hummingbird

Ensifera ensifera

The only bird species with a bill longer than its body, co-evolved with long tubular flowers.

Photo: Marcelo Arias

Birds

Andean Cock-of-the-rock

Rupicola peruvianus

Famous for its dawn courtship displays (leks) along humid forest ravines.

Photo: Marcelo Arias

Mammals

Central American Agouti

Dasyprocta punctata

Crepuscular rodent and key seed disperser for large cloud forest palms.

Photo: Marcelo Arias

Flora

Monkey Face Orchid

Dracula simia

Rare epiphytic orchid thriving on mossy tree branches in humid cloud forest zones.

Photo: Marcelo Arias

Amphibians & Reptiles

Mindo Glass Frog

Nymphargus balionotus

Nocturnal amphibian with translucent ventral skin inhabiting vegetation along mountain streams.

Photo: Marcelo Arias