Birdwatching (La Peninsula)

EcuaWiki › The Peninsula › Outdoor Activities › Birdwatching

Birdwatching La Península

Flamingos on industrial salt flats, endemic dry forest species in Ancón, seabirds on offshore islets, and a wetland full of waterbirds — four completely different habitats within an hour of each other on the same peninsula.

4 Main habitats

Year-round Birding season

Jun–Nov Best overall season

~100K Birds at Ecuasal/year

Ben Hasse Local expert & guide

"Most visitors come for the beach. Birders come for the salt flats, the dry forest, and the offshore cliffs — and then realise they can do all three in a single morning." The Santa Elena Peninsula sits at a convergence of biogeographic zones that makes it unexpectedly rich for birdwatching. The Humboldt Current upwelling supports dense seabird populations offshore. The industrial salt pans of Ecuasal — 746 hectares of evaporation ponds — attract approximately 100,000 aquatic and migratory birds annually, including resident and seasonal flamingo colonies. The Ancón dry forest preserves one of the last remnants of tumbesian dry forest on the coast, with endemic and near-endemic species found nowhere else. The Humedal Velasco Ibarra wetland in José Luis Tamayo parish provides freshwater habitat in an otherwise arid landscape. And the Chanduy salt flats to the south add a separate flamingo and shorebird site within the Gulf of Guayaquil zone. The peninsula's position on the Pacific Flyway means migratory shorebirds pass through in significant numbers between July and October — augmenting the already diverse resident community. For visiting birders, the combination of habitats within a compact, driveable area is the main draw. The local expert is Ben Hasse, owner of the Museo de las Ballenas in Salinas, who has authored a field guide to the local bird species and is the go-to contact for guided birding on the peninsula. Birding Sites Salinas / Mar Bravo · Year-round  ★ Top site Ecuasal Salt Flats The Ecuasal evaporation ponds — 746 hectares of salt production infrastructure in the Mar Bravo and Salinas area — are the premier birdwatching site on the peninsula and one of the most important waterbird sites on Ecuador's coast. The hypersaline conditions concentrate algae and invertebrates that support enormous numbers of birds, and the scale of the ponds means different water levels and salinities attract different species across the complex. Flamingos are the headline species — both Andean (Phoenicoparrus andinus) and Chilean (Phoenicopterus chilensis) flamingos are present, with colonies varying in size by season. Numbers are highest in the dry season (June–November) when water levels drop and feeding conditions concentrate. But Ecuasal is far more than flamingos: Stilts — Black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) in large numbers year-round Avocets — Andean avocet seasonally Herons & egrets — Great blue heron, tricoloured heron, snowy egret, little blue heron, cattle egret all present Ibis — White ibis colonies; occasional scarlet ibis Pelicans — Brown pelican year-round; large roosting groups on pond margins Cormorants — Neotropic cormorant in large numbers Shorebirds — Semipalmated plover, western sandpiper, least sandpiper, willet, whimbrel, and numerous other species on migration (Jul–Oct peak) Terns — Royal tern, elegant tern, and Sandwich tern offshore and on pond margins Raptors — Osprey (winter visitor), peregrine falcon (migration), American kestrel year-round The best access is from the road running along the pond margins — early morning gives the best light (ponds face east) and least disturbance. A spotting scope is useful for the larger ponds. Do not enter the Ecuasal production areas — access is from the road margins only. Flamingos Shorebirds Herons · Ibis · Pelicans Best Jun–Nov Early morning Road access only Ancón · Year-round · Endemic species Ancón Dry Forest The remnant tumbesian dry forest in and around Ancón preserves habitat for endemic and near-endemic species of the Tumbesian Endemic Bird Area — one of the most species-rich dry forest zones in South America. Key species include the Ecuadorian ground dove, Pacific elaenia, Chapman's antshrike, Tumbes sparrow, Grey-and-gold warbler, and Scarlet-backed woodpecker. Also present: various flycatcher species, ground-cuckoo, and raptors including Harris's hawk. The dry forest is best birded in the early morning during the rainy season (Dec–Apr) when species are most vocal. Access via the Ancón heritage site — the British company-town roads provide good birding transects. Endemic species Best Dec–Apr Tumbesian EBA José Luis Tamayo · Year-round · Freshwater Humedal Velasco Ibarra The Velasco Ibarra reservoir and associated wetland in the José Luis Tamayo parish of Santa Elena canton provides the only significant freshwater habitat on the peninsula — a draw for species that the salt pans and coast do not support. Resident species include various herons, kingfishers, jacanas, gallinules, and duck species. The surrounding agricultural land adds open-country species including several raptor species, swallows, and seedeaters. Best visited in the morning; access by taxi from Santa Elena city (~20 min). Ask locally for current water levels — drought conditions can significantly reduce bird activity. Freshwater species Year-round Taxi from Santa Elena Chanduy · Seasonal · Gulf of Guayaquil Chanduy Salt Flats The salt flats around Chanduy on the peninsula's southern coast provide a second flamingo and shorebird site within the Gulf of Guayaquil zone — a different bird community from the Pacific-facing Ecuasal ponds. Chilean flamingos are present seasonally. The Gulf-facing location adds species not commonly seen at Ecuasal: various tern species, frigate birds, and shorebirds associated with the Guayas river estuary system. Best in the dry season when water levels concentrate birds. Access by bus or taxi from Santa Elena city (~25–30 min). Flamingos Gulf species Best Jun–Nov Ballenita · Year-round · Seabirds Farallón Dillon & Cliffs The offshore rocky islet of Farallón Dillon and the surrounding cliff faces are the best seabird watching on the peninsula. Blue-footed boobies (Sula nebouxii) are the star species — regularly visible from the cliffs of the Farallón Dillon hostería and from panga crossings to the islet. Nazca boobies, brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds, and Peruvian boobies are also present. The cliff faces host nesting colonies. The Humboldt Current upwelling drives the fish stocks that make this one of the more productive seabird zones on the mainland coast. Blue-footed boobies Year-round Panga access Local Expert Salinas · Guide & Author Ben Hasse — Museo de las Ballenas Ben Hasse is the peninsula's foremost local ornithological authority. Owner of the Museo de las Ballenas (Whale Museum) in Salinas, he has spent years documenting the bird species of the Santa Elena Peninsula and has authored a field guide to the local avifauna — the most comprehensive species reference available for the area. Ben is the recommended first contact for anyone planning serious birding on the peninsula — for guided outings, species lists, site access information, and current sighting reports. His knowledge of the Ecuasal ponds, the Ancón dry forest, and the offshore seabird zones is unmatched locally. His field guide to local species is available through the Museo de las Ballenas. Contact details and booking information to be added — visit the Museo de las Ballenas in Salinas or ask at local hotels. If you have current contact details for Ben, please add them to this page. Guided tours Field guide author Museo de las Ballenas, Salinas Did you know…? 🏜️ …there are sand dunes near Chanduy you can sandboard down? Try sandboarding → Species Highlights A selection of the most notable and sought-after species across the peninsula's habitats. For a complete species list, consult Ben Hasse's field guide. 💧 Waterbirds & Waders (Ecuasal / Chanduy) Species Notes Chilean Flamingo Phoenicopterus chilensis — most common flamingo species at both Ecuasal and Chanduy. Best Jun–Nov. Andean Flamingo Phoenicoparrus andinus — less common than Chilean; distinguishable by yellow base to bill and yellow legs. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus — abundant year-round at Ecuasal. Noisy and conspicuous. White Ibis Eudocimus albus — colonies at Ecuasal. Occasional scarlet ibis also reported. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus — common migrant Aug–Oct. Long decurved bill distinctive. Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri — abundant migrant. Ecuasal ponds hold large flocks Jul–Oct. Osprey Pandion haliaetus — regular winter visitor Oct–Mar. Hunts over the ponds. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus — passage migrant. Pursues shorebird flocks over the salt flats. 🌊 Seabirds (Farallón Dillon / Coast) Species Notes Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii — star species at Farallón Dillon. Year-round. Dives spectacularly for fish offshore. Nazca Booby Sula granti — present at offshore islets. Larger than blue-footed; white body with dark mask. Peruvian Booby Sula variegata — Humboldt Current specialist. Present offshore year-round. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens — year-round. Soars over coast and kleptoparasitises boobies and pelicans. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis — abundant year-round. Large roosting flocks on Ecuasal pond margins. Elegant Tern Thalasseus elegans — present in significant numbers, especially in the non-breeding season. 🌿 Dry Forest (Ancón) Species Notes Ecuadorian Ground Dove Columbina buckleyi — Tumbesian endemic. Common in dry scrub and forest edge at Ancón. Chapman's Antshrike Thamnophilus zarumae — Tumbesian near-endemic. Found in dense dry scrub. Grey-and-gold Warbler Myiothlypis fraseri — Tumbesian endemic. Active and vocal in dry forest undergrowth. Tumbes Sparrow Rhynchospiza stolzmanni — Tumbesian endemic. Dry open scrub habitat. Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Veniliornis callonotus — Tumbesian endemic. Loud, conspicuous. Dry forest and edges. Practical Notes What to bring Binoculars — 7×50 or 8×42 marine binoculars ideal for open water and ponds Spotting scope — useful for the larger Ecuasal ponds Ben Hasse's local field guide (available at Museo de las Ballenas) Sun hat, sunscreen, water — Ecuasal and Chanduy offer no shade Rubber boots or waterproof shoes for muddy pond margins Camera with a telephoto lens (300mm+ equivalent for birds) Timing Early morning (6–9am) is essential for all sites — best light, most activity, least heat Ecuasal / Chanduy — best Jun–Nov when water levels drop and birds concentrate; shorebird migration peaks Jul–Oct Ancón dry forest — most vocal Dec–Apr during the rainy season Farallón Dillon — year-round, best at low wind on calm mornings Velasco Ibarra — year-round; check water levels before going Getting to the Sites Site From How Notes Ecuasal / Mar Bravo Salinas Walk or taxi (~5 min) Road access along the pond margins. Ask locals for the best current access point. Ancón dry forest Salinas or La Libertad Taxi (~20 min) Enter via the Ancón heritage site roads. Best arranged with Ben Hasse for guided access. Chanduy salt flats Santa Elena city Bus or taxi (~25–30 min) See Chanduy for access details. Humedal Velasco Ibarra Santa Elena city Taxi (~20 min) No public transport to the site. Taxi with waiting driver recommended. Farallón Dillon Ballenita Walk to cliffs (free) or panga (~$5–8) Cliffs accessible on foot from Ballenita Malecón. Panga for closer seabird viewing. See Public Transportation and Taxis & Apps. Related Pages Whale Watching Jun–Sep — seabirds above whale-driven fish balls Chanduy Salt flats and Gulf of Guayaquil flamingos Ballenita Farallón Dillon cliff and seabird watching base Ancón Dry forest and Tumbesian endemic species Museo de las Ballenas Ben Hasse's museum — field guide and guide contact Photography Same sites — flamingos and boobies are excellent subjects

At a Glance Top site Ecuasal salt flats Star species Chilean & Andean flamingos Endemic habitat Ancón dry forest (Tumbesian EBA) Seabird site Farallón Dillon (blue-footed boobies) Freshwater site Humedal Velasco Ibarra Local expert Ben Hasse, Museo de las Ballenas Field guide Available at Museo de las Ballenas Best season Jun–Nov (salt flats); Dec–Apr (dry forest) Best time of day 6–9am all sites Annual birds (Ecuasal) ~100,000 📅 Season by Site Ecuasal Year-round. Best Jun–Nov for flamingos; Jul–Oct for migrant shorebirds. Ancón forest Year-round. Most vocal and active Dec–Apr (rainy season). Chanduy Best Jun–Nov. Flamingos and Gulf shorebirds peak in dry season. Farallón Dillon Year-round. Blue-footed boobies resident; best on calm mornings. Velasco Ibarra Year-round. Check water levels — drought reduces activity significantly. 🌿 Tumbesian Endemic Bird Area The Tumbesian region — spanning coastal Ecuador and northwest Peru — is one of South America's most important Endemic Bird Areas (EBA), with over 50 endemic species. The dry forests of the Santa Elena Peninsula, including Ancón, represent the northernmost extent of this zone on Ecuador's coast. Key Tumbesian endemics present on the peninsula: Ecuadorian Ground Dove Chapman's Antshrike Grey-and-gold Warbler Tumbes Sparrow Scarlet-backed Woodpecker Pacific Elaenia For serious visiting birders, the Tumbesian species at Ancón are the primary reason to visit — these species are not easily found outside this zone. 🚑 Emergency General Emergency: 911 Hospital Dr. Rafael Serrano López, La Libertad Full directory 🏗 Help Build This Page Add Ben Hasse's contact details and booking info Add species sightings with dates and locations Expand the Ancón dry forest species list Add Velasco Ibarra access details and current water levels Upload bird photos Contribution guidelines

Keep exploring

You might also like

📷

Photography (La Peninsula)

Dawn at Anconcito port, flamingos at the Ecuasal salt flats, British-era oil town architecture at Ancón, and…

Read →

👀

La Chocolatera

The westernmost tip of Ecuador's continental coast.

Read →

🌅

Chanduy

A traditional fishing and salt-working community on the southern coast of the peninsula — with flamingo-visited…

Read →

🛶

Kayaking (La Peninsula)

Four distinct spots across the peninsula — from the calm, rental-served waters of Salinas bay to the remote…

Read →

🌅

Outdoor Activities (La Peninsula)

Water sports, wildlife, nature, and land-based activities across Salinas, La Libertad, and Santa Elena — one of…

Read →

🌴

Montañita

Ecuador's most famous surf town — a consistent point break with international surf competitions, a backpacker…

Read →

🐋

Up next

Whale Watching (La Peninsula)

Humpback whales pass offshore every year between June and September — visible for free from the clifftops, or…

Go →

🏗️ Know something we've missed?

Add it — it takes five minutes, and the next reader will thank you.

✍️ Improve this page📷 Add a photo

🧭 Explore

🌅 The Peninsula · 🏄 Ruta del Spondylus · 📋 How-to Guides · 🏠 Main page