A black-throated flowerpiercer, never before seen in Ecuador, was recorded in Quito during the 2023 Christmas Bird Count.

In an exciting development for the local ornithological community, a bird species never before documented in Ecuador was recorded in Quito during the city’s annual Christmas Bird Count in December 2023. The bird in question is the black-throated flowerpiercer (Diglossa brunneiventris), a species previously known only from Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Bolivia.

An Unexpected Visitor at Itchimbía Park

The discovery took place in Itchimbía Park, an urban green space that has become a prime location for birdwatching during the Christmas Bird Count. Among the usual array of bird species, a bird with distinct features stood out. It was identified as the black-throated flowerpiercer, a species that had never before been recorded in Ecuador, making this sighting the first scientifically recognized observation of the species in the country.

The bird’s identification was made by researchers Glenda Pozo and Gino Guachamín, whose record was published in the Ecuadorian Journal of Ornithology on December 25, 2024. Their discovery adds a valuable new entry to Ecuador’s bird list and provides fresh insights into the species’ potential range.

Key Features of the Black-Throated Flowerpiercer

The black-throated flowerpiercer is notable for its striking physical characteristics. The species is easily distinguished by its black, upward-slanting beak with a hooked tip, a feature that is characteristic of its feeding behavior, as it uses the beak to pierce flowers and extract nectar. Its belly is adorned with reddish-brown feathers, adding to the bird’s unique appearance.

These distinguishing traits helped Pozo and Guachamín confirm the species’ identity, despite the bird’s similarity to other flowerpiercer species that are common in the region. The bird was observed feeding on the blossoms of yaloman and white brush trees, a habitat that further supported the species identification.

Possible Explanations for the Sighting

The appearance of the black-throated flowerpiercer in Quito raises questions about its origin and how it ended up so far from its known range. Researchers have proposed three possible explanations for the bird’s presence in Ecuador.

1. Wandering Individual: One possibility is that the bird was a solitary individual that strayed from its typical range. Birds are known to sometimes venture outside their usual territories, especially if food sources become scarce or other environmental factors prompt a change in migration patterns.
2. Undiscovered Population: Another theory suggests the possibility of a small, undiscovered population of black-throated flowerpiercers living in Ecuador. The bird may have been part of a hidden group that had remained undetected until now.
3. Misidentification: The third explanation is that the bird could be a member of a different species that shares similar characteristics with the black-throated flowerpiercer. In this case, the bird’s physical traits may have caused confusion, leading researchers to initially identify it as a member of the Diglossa

Ongoing Sightings and Further Research

Since the initial sighting in December 2023, the black-throated flowerpiercer has been observed multiple times in Itchimbía Park, with the last photographic record dating back to June 2024. Researchers believe that the bird may be the same individual, suggesting that it could be establishing a temporary presence in the area.

While its conservation status remains classified as “least concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), due to its wide distribution in other countries, the sighting has sparked new interest in the species’ potential range and habits.

Implications for Birdwatching in Ecuador

The discovery of the black-throated flowerpiercer highlights Ecuador’s importance as a destination for birdwatching, a country already renowned for its diverse avian populations.

With more than 1,600 bird species recorded within its borders, Ecuador offers a unique opportunity for scientists and bird enthusiasts to observe species both familiar and newly discovered.

As birdwatchers continue to monitor the presence of the black-throated flowerpiercer, this sighting also raises awareness about the significance of citizen science efforts like the Christmas Bird Count. Events like these not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world, encouraging conservation and protection of Ecuador’s rich biodiversity.

With more research, we may gain a clearer understanding of how this rare bird came to Ecuador and whether it could become a regular resident in the country’s parks and green spaces.