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Description
The Hipódromo Calacalí is a former horse racing track on the northern outskirts of Quito. The overgrown borders to the track, as well as the trails along the nearby hillsides, provide excellent "inter-Andean valle" habitat: open, semi-arid scrubland very unlike either of the wetter, more traditionally tropical Andean montane forests to the east and west, and with a regionally unique birdlife.
The trails above the racetrack are perhaps best known as one of the most reliable sites to find White-tailed Shrike-Tyrant, an elusive flycatcher widespread in the higher Andes but typically scarce and difficult to find - and difficult to separate from the similar Black-billed Shrike-Tyrant. Look for these birds on exposed perches or flying between shrubs on the steep hillsides above the racetrack.
Beyond the Shrike-Tyrant, other local specialties in this habitat include Purple-collared Woodstar, Tufted Tit-Tyrant, Golden-rumped Euphonia, Golden Grosbeak, Blue-and-yellow Tanager, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Band-tailed Sierra-Finch, and Band-tailed Seedeater. The secretive Curve-billed Tinamou is occasionally reported here. More widespread high-elevation species can also be found here easily, including Variable Hawk, Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Giant Hummingbird, Ash-breasted Sierra-Finch and Hooded Siskin, while abundant Quito species such as Eared Dove, Cinereous Conebill, Saffron Finch, Sparkling Violetear, Great Thrush and Rufous-collared Sparrow are also usually unavoidable.
Details
Access
The Hipódromo can be easily accessed from the E28 highway leading north-west out of Quito - this is also the route to the world-famous birding region of Mindo, making this a good stopover en route in either direction. From the E28 highway, turn south onto the unmarked brick road "Francisco de Goya" at (0.013542, -78.482016). Follow this road (which becomes a dirt path) through some residential alleys to the racetrack. It is recommended to park away from the main track, since it is still occasionally used by independent racers, usually in 4x4 or motorcycles.
Terrain and Habitat
Valley , Mountain , Scattered trees and bushesConditions
Hilly , Dry , Mountainous , Open landscape , DustyCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundRoute
Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
StrenuousAccessible by
CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
While Quito is generally safe, petty crime can still be a problem, so it is also advisable to park your vehicle away from the main path, and to not walk *too* far away if precious cargo is on board - the open scrubland and steep hillsides make it easy both to access good habitat for finding target birds and keeping an eye on your vehicle! Please also take note of the elevation: the racetrack is at 2700m above sea level, which in combination with the exposed and dry habitat, can be challenging for visitors. Be sure to walk slowly on the steep trails above the track if visiting from lower elevations!