Ochre-breasted Antpitta (Grallaricula flavirostris)

Ochre-breasted Antpitta (Grallaricula flavirostris)

At 10cm (4in) this is one of the smaller species of antpittas.


Chestnut-crowned antpitta (Grallaria ruficapilla)

Chestnut-crowned Antpitta (Grallaria ruficapilla)

The secretive antpittas are heard for the most part and seen only when you patiently and carefully hone in on their location. Even then it will often be their…


Equatorial Antpitta (Grallaria saturata)

Equatorial Antpitta (Grallaria saturata)

Many of the antpitta species have incredible vocal abilities, and the rufous antpitta is one of those. They live in dense forests where the reach of sound is…


Red-legged Golden Orb-web Spider (Nephila sumptuosa)

Red-legged Golden Orb-web Spider (Nephila sumptuosa)

The only one of this species I encountered. A magnificent, large spider! I also found a small male on the outer fringes of the large web made by this female.…


Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa)

Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa)

The number of plant species you see from the canopy towers of Cristalino Jungle Lodge is impressive. Unfortunately most are out of focus, as all the visitors…


Equatorial Antpitta (Grallaria saturata)

Equatorial Antpitta (Grallaria saturata)

Yanacocha has recently succeeded in domesticating the Rufous Antpitta, something my guide was unaware of the first time we went to this reserve in November.…


Wild mango (Grias neuberthii)

Wild mango (Grias neuberthii)

I wonder what this wild mango fruit tastes like compared to the cultivated varieties. I for one am certain the fruit and the tree itself contains properties…


Wild mango (Grias neuberthii)

Wild mango (Grias neuberthii)

An incredibly fascinating flower - thick and waxy and extremely tough. This tree grows close to the creek on the grounds of the welcome center of Napo Wildlife…


Peruvian Antpitta (Grallaricula peruviana)

Peruvian Antpitta (Grallaricula peruviana)

The lodge currently has two antpitta feeding stations, and this one is by far the darkest and most difficult, as the Peruvians are wary and small. This…


White-bellied Antpitta (Grallaria hypoleuca)

White-bellied Antpitta (Grallaria hypoleuca)

This is from the feeding area closest to the lodge and the second species of Antpitta that is now domesticated enough to both accept worms from humans as well…