Density estimates of birds inhabiting fragments of cloud forest in southern Ecuador

Between June and September 1995 estimates were made of the population densi ties of birds inhabiting fragments of unprotected montane cloud forests in southern Ecuador. The study focused on to species: Bearded Guan Penelope ba rbata, Golden-plumed Parakeet Leptosittaca branickii, Red-faced Parrot Hapa lopsittaca pyrrhops, White-capped Parrot Pionus seniloides, Grey-breasted M ountain-Toucan Andigena hypoglauca, Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata, Tur quoise Tay Cyanolyca turcosa, Great Thrush Turdus fuscater, Hooded Mountain -tanager Buthraupis montana, and Mountain Cacique Cacicus leucoramphus. Spe cies assemblages and population densities varied greatly between sites, des pite the presence of similar habitats and altitudinal ranges. Substantial p opulations of the threatened Bearded Guan, Grey-breasted Mountain-Toucan an d Golden-plumed Parakeet were found in areas previously unstudied, as well as in areas previously known to be important. Currently unprotected areas a re important for the conservation of montane cloud forest birds.