What do we mean by ENDEMIC?
As a biologist, this is a somewhat sensitive topic, because in my new commercial role I see a different application of this term than I am used to. Most importantly, endemic really needs a qualifier in all cases, since a species can be endemic to the planet, a continent, a region of the continent, a country, a region or zone of a country, or even a mountain or stream.
What I now understand clearly is that for one in the birding community, whether it be scientist or lay-person, endemic refers to COUNTRY ENDEMIC, and is always implied as such.
As near as I can tell, “regional endemic” refers to what may cross national borders, especially between just 2 or 3 countries. I am not clear on whether or not the industry uses this term within national borders.
What do we mean by SPECIALTIES?
This more open term explains itself; special here refers to “almost endemics”, particularly beautiful or interesting species, often “regional endemics” that might be easier to find at our reserve, or perhaps broadly distributed birds also easily observed here.
Endemics and Special Birds At la Esperanza
| Yellow-eared Parrot | This baby is the star of the show! Most come to Jardín to see this bird, apparently a national endemic now, due to the dissappearance of the Equadorian populations. AT any rate, most groups head up to "Ventanas" to see this early their first day, but they frequently get their best extended views and pictures at our place when they are here. (Photo: Doug Knapp) |  | ||||||
| Colombian Chachalaca | Well, the parrot might be the star, but this one is the ham! Gotta be really lazy to miss this bird at La Esperanza. Nests right next to us and frequent visits to the feeders. (Photo: Gabriel Angel) |  | ||||||
| Parker's Antbird | Parker's is a beneficiary of our continually developing habitat. Before it was nearby but now it is completing surrounding us and probably nesting very close. (Photo: Hector Julian Sanchez Ospina) |  | ||||||
| Whiskered Wren | Although a regional endemic seen in both Ecuador and Venezuela, this a is a species in demand. It is almost underfoot, again because of re-forestation activities bringing habitat right up to all three cabins. (Photo: Juan José Arango) |  | ||||||
| Scrub Tanager | An "almost endemic" that is also quite common at feeders and all around. A lovely little bird that helps make it worth it to invest so much in bananas! (Photo: Diego Calderon Franco) |  | ||||||
| Chestnut Wood Quail | Another bird we work VERY hard on. I have to admit to not seeing this bird, although it's been sighted about 8 times and often heard. Honestly, we hear this a lot, and one client saw it twice, right behind canin #3. I have had ground corn out for a year, have three separate compost piles going and do playback almost every other morning! Some day it will pay off... (Photo: Hector Julian Sanchez Ospina) |  | ||||||
| Yellow-headed Manakin | Gustavo Suarez netted THREE of these! You'd never know, what with our miserable record; it has not been sighted or recorded in the 2 years I have lived on site! Go figger; three in the hand should be worth a bunch in the bush... (Photo: Diego Calderon) |  | ||||||
| Grayish Piculet | This bird is being elusive in the area. Although there have been 4-6 sightings within several hundred meters of the lodge buildings, it will take more work. Acquisition of adjacent properties will also improve access to this species because of trails which will links things up with an easy walk. (Photo: Juan José Arango) |  | ||||||