Birdwatching in Ecuador: Analysis of Birdlife on the Bucay-Chillanes Highway

Resumen

The article analyzes the bird diversity along the Bucay-Chillanes route, located between the provinces of Guayas and Bolívar in Ecuador, as a potential site for developing ornithological tourism. Despite its high biodiversity, the area remains underutilized due to a lack of adequate infrastructure and promotion, which has limited its appeal as a birdwatching destination. Through a qualitative, descriptive approach based on non-participant observation and interviews, the study identifies a wide range of bird species of interest for both national and international tourists, including iconic species such as the Cock-of-the-rock and the Golden-headed Quetzal. These findings underscore the region’s potential as an ideal location for birdwatching, a tourism modality that not only provides a unique recreational experience but also contributes to biodiversity conservation and local sustainable development. The article calls for the urgent implementation of strategies that balance habitat conservation with tourism growth, including infrastructure enhancement, local guide training, and stronger national and international promotion. Ornithological tourism is presented not only as a leisure activity but also as an economic driver capable of diversifying the local tourism offer and generating tangible benefits for surrounding communities. However, unlocking this potential requires a sustainable development model that integrates environmental protection with strategic promotion efforts. Only through this balance can Bucay-Chillanes emerge as a successful destination for birdwatchers while safeguarding the well-being of both local bird populations and the human communities that coexist with them.