​COLORS OF THE CLOUD FOREST

​The Cloud Forest Jewel: Toucan Barbet

While exploring the trails around Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador's cloud forest, I came across this spectacular bird—the Toucan Barbet. Its bold colors and thick, curved bill make it almost tropical and cartoon-like, yet it blends perfectly into the dripping green surroundings.

This species is found only in the cloud forests of northwest Ecuador and southwest Colombia, making it a special sighting. It lives mainly in the mid and upper forest layers, feeding on fruit, insects, and small creatures.

Its colorful plumage isn't just for show—it plays a role in communication within pairs and family groups. Watching this one perch quietly in the rain, fruit in its beak, felt like catching a private moment in the life of a rainforest resident.

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​Masked Beauty in the Cloud Forest

Based on its colors and shape, this is a masked flowerpiercer. It's known for its vivid blue plumage, black face, and slightly hooked bill, which it uses to pierce flowers and sip nectar. They also feed on fruit and insects, perching on juicy snacks like the one I photographed.
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That said, I'm not a birding expert—this is my best guess based on field guides and online references. If anyone recognizes it differently, I'd love to hear from you!