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Machalilla National Park
Aguas Blancas
It is located in the central coast of Ecuador in the province of Manabi with an extension of 60,000 hectares of which 20,000 of them are in the ocean and include Isla de la Pata. Most of the land is covered by dry tropical forest. This is home of many range restricted Tumbesian birds such as Gray-backed Hawk, Red-masked Parakeet, Pacific Parrolet, Neclaced Spinetail, and many others. The park has been working with the community of Aguas Blancas, which lives inside the park, to train them in conservation and sustainability. The park attracts tourist which visit the community and provide income for the families; this lowers the pressure that the community puts on the park for subsistence farming.
The community of Aguas Blancas has a very interesting museum and burial grounds of the Manteño Cultura that attracts tourists seeking historical information on this very old culture which dates back to 1500 BC. Additionally some local guides have been trained to provide assistance to birdwatchers. Aguas Blanca is found just a few minutes north of Puerto Lopez where you will see a sign with a stone chair on the right hand side of the road.
The Machalilla National Park EC017 is also classified as an Important Bird Area by birdlife international.
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BIRDS of Machalilla National Park
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Gray Hawk
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West Peruvian Dove
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Blue-crowned Motmot
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Red-masked Parakeet
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Neclaced Spinetail
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Collared Antshrike
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Collared Antshrike
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Gray-rumped Swift
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Tawny-crowned Pygmy Tyrant
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Long-tailed Mockingbird
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Tropical Gnatcatcher
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White-edged Oriole
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Streaked-headed Woodcreeper
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Fasciated Wren
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Southern-beardless Tyrannulet
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Pacific Hornero
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Golden-olive Woodpecker
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One-colored Becard
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Thick-billed Euphonia
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Great Egret
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