When one thinks of birdwatching, one may imagine remote cloud forests or reserves far from cities. However, Quito breaks that mold: here, biodiversity does not begin “outside,” but starts within the city.
The Metropolitan District of Quito records more than 500 bird species, almost one third of all bird species in Ecuador, one of the most diverse countries in the world for this group.
And although many of those species inhabit the valleys, the Chocó Andino and other rural areas of the district, studies show that more than 100 species live in or regularly use the green areas inside the city: parks, ravines, gardens and corridors of native vegetation.
That means that, in Quito, it is not necessary to travel far to see hummingbirds, tanagers, thrushes, flycatchers or owls: one only needs to look up in a park or go for an early morning walk. Quito is not only surrounded by nature, it is nature.
Why Quito is a paradise for birds?
Quito’s bird richness is not accidental. It results from a combination of factors:
Geographic location: the city sits in the Andes mountain range, at a point where different altitudinal levels and microclimates converge.
Variety of ecosystems within a single district: páramo, Andean forests, Chocó Andino cloud forests, dry valleys, wetlands and tree-lined urban areas.
Urban green corridors: ravines, large and small parks, private and public gardens that function as “bridges” for birds to move and find refuge.
In addition, the district hosts around 58 species of hummingbirds, approximately half of the species present in the country, which makes Quito an exceptional place to observe these small aerial giants.
In other words, Quito is a city where birds find food, shelter and travel routes. And the visitor or resident can take advantage of this by organizing birdwatching outings without leaving the urban area.
Where to watch birds within the city of Quito
Although the list of sites is long, here are some of the most representative places to begin discovering Quito’s urban avifauna.
Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua: a forest above the city
Parque Metropolitano Guangüiltagua is one of Quito’s largest green lungs. Its trails of dry Andean forest and open areas allow recording dozens of bird species; recent studies identify around 60–70 species, including hummingbirds, flycatchers and tanagers.
It is an ideal place for:
Walking early in the morning.
Bringing binoculars and a camera.
Practicing identification of common urban birds.
From its viewpoints, one also enjoys panoramic views of the Cumbayá valley and the city of Quito itself.
Parque Bicentenario: birds among converted runways
Where the city’s airport once operated, Parque Bicentenario now extends as an example of how a large urban space can become bird habitat. The mix of open areas, young trees and artificial wetlands attracts insectivorous and granivorous species, as well as migratory birds that use the park as a resting point.
Here one can:
Take long, flat walks—ideal for beginners.
Observe flocks of swallows, doves, tyrant flycatchers and, with some luck, boreal migratory birds in certain seasons.
Parque El Itchimbía: postcard views… with hummingbirds included
Parque Itchimbía is famous for its view of the Historic Center and the Panecillo, but it is also an excellent spot to watch urban birds. Gardens, native trees and proximity to ravines and slopes bring hummingbirds, goldfinches and thrushes to the area.
It is perfect for combining:
Sunrises or sunsets with landscape photography.
Identification of common species that adapt well to urban environments.
Jardín Botánico de Quito: a living laboratory of biodiversity
Located in Parque La Carolina, the Quito Botanical Garden not only brings together collections of Andean and Amazonian plants, orchids and native species: it also functions as a refuge for numerous birds that find food and rest among its trees and ponds.
For a more relaxed birdwatching experience with short, well-marked trails, this is the place. It is ideal for:
Beginners in birdwatching.
Families with children.
Photographers seeking close-up shots of birds in a controlled environment.
Ravines and neighborhood parks: the surprise is close to home
Studies on birds in Quito’s green areas show that species richness increases when there is native vegetation and good connectivity between parks, ravines and tree-lined streets.
That means not everything happens in the large parks:
Ravines like Guápulo and other green corridors can host more than 30 species in relatively small spaces.
Neighborhood parks with native trees and good hedges can attract hummingbirds, thrushes, tyrant flycatchers and even small owls at night.
The invitation is to also look at the everyday surroundings: what today seems “just another park” can become one’s personal birdwatching laboratory.
Tips to start birdwatching in Quito
One does not need to be an expert to enjoy the city’s birds. Here are some basic tips:
Choose the right time
The early morning hours (6:00–9:00) are usually best: birds are more active and light is good.
Start with the common species
Learn to recognize the most frequent species first: the more visible hummingbirds, thrushes, doves, goldfinches, swallows. Little by little one adds more challenging species.
Bring the essentials
Binoculars (if available), a notebook or app to record sightings, a cap, sunscreen and water.
Be patient and quiet
Move slowly, avoid loud noises and observe calmly. Sometimes remaining still for a few minutes is enough for birds to return to their routine.
Rely on guides and communities
There are bird guides for Quito and Ecuador, as well as birdwatching groups that organize outings and share lists. Joining them accelerates learning considerably.
Quito: a city that is also heard and observed
Saying that “Quito is a paradise for finding birds” is not an exaggeration: it is a quite literal description of what one can experience by taking the time to explore its parks and green areas.
In a single morning one can:
See hummingbirds feeding on native flowers.
Hear the songs of thrushes, sparrows and flycatchers.
Observe flocks of birds crossing from one park to another, taking advantage of urban green corridors.
If one visits as a tourist, including a birdwatching day in the itinerary is a different way to discover the city. If one lives here, making birdwatching a weekly habit can forever change the way one looks at the neighborhood, the park and one’s relationship with nature.
In the end, Quito is not only buildings, plazas and volcanoes in the background: it is also a city of wings, songs and colors that invites discovery with binoculars… and with great curiosity.
