The Andes mountains harbors the greatest concentration of restricted-range species in South America, and has one of the highest concentrations of the world’s threatened bird species. The original vegetation of the Andes has been affected for decades by human disturbances including forestry and grazing. Given that there is extensive deforestation in the region, and that habitat change is a continuing threat to birds, it is imperative to evaluate how avian community structure will change with continued deforestation or reforestation. We are conducting a mark and recapture study to assess abundance patterns, general health and fitness, and survival rates of birds in different habitat types in the high Andes of southern Ecuador. Ultimately, this work will provide estimates of survival and reproductive success, and will inform additional studies focused on species of conservation concern, or more detailed studies of habitat selection and behavior.