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Republic of Colombia

Chamí Antpitta Grallaria alvarezi ©René Montero Serrano Website

Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country primarily located in South America with insular regions in North America. The Colombian mainland is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, Venezuela to the east and northeast, Brazil to the southeast, Ecuador and Peru to the south and southwest, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Panama to the northwest. Colombia is divided into 32 departments. The Capital District of Bogotá is also the country’s largest city with nearly 12 million people in the metropolitan area. It is the main financial and cultural hub. Other major urbanisations include Medellín (4 million), Cali (3 million), Barranquilla (2 million) and Cartagena (I million). It covers an area of over 1,140,000 square kilometres (440,000 square miles) and has a population of over 52 million.

Colombia is one of the world’s seventeen megadiverse countries; it has the highest level of biodiversity per square mile in the world and the second-highest level overall, it ranks first for bird species and endemism. It is the only country in South America with coastlines (and islands) along both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans

Its territory encompasses rainforest, grasslands and deserts. The geography of Colombia is characterised by its six main natural regions that present their unique characteristics, from the Andes mountain range region; the Pacific Coastal region; the Caribbean coastal region; the Llanos (plains); the Amazon rainforest region; to the insular area, comprising islands in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It shares its maritime limits with Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.

East of the Andes lies the savanna of the Llanos, part of the Orinoco River basin, and in the far southeast, the jungle of the Amazon rainforest. Together these lowlands make up over half Colombia’s territory, but they contain less than 6% of the population. To the north the Caribbean coast, home to c.22% of the population and the location of the major port cities of Barranquilla and Cartagena, generally consists of low-lying plains, but it also contains the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, which includes the country’s tallest peaks (Pico Cristóbal Colón and Pico Simón Bolívar), and the La Guajira Desert. By contrast the narrow and discontinuous Pacific coastal lowlands, backed by the Serranía de Baudó mountains, are sparsely populated and covered in dense vegetation. The principal Pacific port is Buenaventura.

Part of the Ring of Fire, a region of the world subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, in the interior of Colombia the Andes are the prevailing geographical feature. Most of Colombia’s population centres are located in these interior highlands. Beyond the Colombian Massif (in the southwestern departments of Cauca and Nariño), these are divided into three branches known as cordilleras (mountain ranges): the Cordillera Occidental, running adjacent to the Pacific coast and including the city of Cali; the Cordillera Central, running between the Cauca and Magdalena River valleys (to the west and east, respectively) and including the city of Medellín,  and the Cordillera Oriental, extending northeast to the Guajira Peninsula and including Bogotá. Peaks in the Cordillera Occidental exceed 4,700 m (15,420 ft), and in the Cordillera Central and Cordillera Oriental they reach 5,000 m (16,404 ft). At 2,600 m (8,530 ft), Bogotá is the highest city of its size in the world.

Amazon Rainforest – ©Antonio Campoy CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

The main rivers of Colombia are Magdalena, Cauca, Guaviare, Atrato, Meta, Putumayo and Caquetá. Colombia has four main drainage systems: the Pacific drain, the Caribbean drain, the Orinoco Basin and the Amazon Basin. The Orinoco and Amazon Rivers mark limits with Colombia to Venezuela and Peru respectively.

The climate of Colombia is characterised for being tropical presenting variations within six natural regions and depending on the altitude, temperature, humidity, winds and rainfall. Colombia has a diverse range of climate zones. Protected areas and the National Park System cover an area of about 14 million hectares (142,000 km2) and account for around 13% of the Colombian territory. Compared to neighbouring countries, rates of deforestation in Colombia are still relatively low. Colombia is the sixth country in the world by magnitude of total renewable freshwater supply, and still has large reserves of freshwater.

Birding Colombia

Colombia is one of the most biologically diverse countries on Earth, second only to Brazil which is approximately 7 times bigger. About 10% of the species of the Earth live in Colombia, including over 1,950 species of bird, more than in Europe and North America combined. It has 10% of the world’s mammals species, 14% of the amphibian species and 18% of the bird species of the world. It is located in a privileged geographical position, very close to the equator, with a tropical climate that remains constant during the whole year. This tropical climate, with the unique geography, makes it an ideal territory to develop a great variety of ecosystems and incredible diversity of life forms.

Even although Colombia shares different ecosystems with other countries close by, Colombia is the only one where all the ecosystems are found together in the same territory; it is the only country in South America with coasts on both oceans, three Andean mountain ranges and their inter Andean valleys, one coastal ice-peaked range, a semi desert tropical area, a portion of the  Amazon jungle, a bio-geographic Choco region, a savannah or Llanos on the east and a portion of the Guiana shield. It is hard to imagine a country with such a diversity of ecosystems, nevertheless, Colombia has them all.

Climate is another interesting element, which determines the mega diversity of Colombia. Because of its location in the tropics, Colombia has constantly variable climate that keeps changing throughout the year. However, temperature and other climatic conditions change with altitude too and the diverse topography makes for diversity of flora and fauna.

As a result, Colombia is the country with the highest number of orchid species, (4,270 species of which 1,572 are endemic). The second highest number of butterflies (4,059 including 350 endemics), second in fish diversity (4,013 including 39 endemics, and second for amphibians (850 species of which 375 are endemics).

The Birds

Tanager Finch Oreothraupis arremonops, is restricted to the Andean cloud forest of western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. © René Montero Serrano

Bird diversity is truly incredible, with between 1,905 and 2005 species recorded, depending on the authority, including c.85 endemics. This number has considerably increased during the last decade, partly as peace agreements allowed access to pristine areas, but also as sub-species are split and raided to species status. On top of which Colombia plays host to many migrants during the northern AND southern winters.

In Colombia, security has improved so much during the last decade, that many areas are stable and safe for birders to return, and look for species which are just not possible in other countries. There are still very few birders who have ever seen such legendary, critically endangered birds such as the Blue-billed Curassow, Gorgetted Wood-Quail, Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird, Colombian Mountain Grackle, Recurve-billed Bushbird, Yellow-eared Parrot, Santa Marta Parakeet, Fuertes’s Parrot and Dusky Starfrontlet, to name but a few.

Due the peace agreement, Colombia has improved its reputation internationally as a safer destination, and as a result, a growing tourist industry has started with international companies offering classical routes and by developing new spots. There is still the potential to develop even more new areas not yet explored. Colombia is getting more prepared for nature and specialised tourism, developing new infrastructure for this activity mostly in the main tourist areas. Birdwatching has become more popular with numerous birdwatching companies bringing tours, as well as newly opened options for accommodation.

As birding and wildlife travel is directly related to a more responsible and sustainable industry, it is recommended that visiting Colombia should be with a knowledgeable and experienced local company, or an international company that really cares about the economic and biological sustainability of the country, by hiring local guides and service providers who respect the culture and local social dynamics.

Colombia is a gem in terms of its diversity and geography; there are many areas yet to be discovered, and new spots to be developed. It is not an easy territory to travel through, especially for a thorough exploration. For a more profound understanding and a better experience, you may want the service of a knowledgeable guide and the logistics of a local travel company. Many explorers visit for a first time and return back attracted by the beauty of the territory and the warmth of the locals. Colombians are extremely hospitable. Birding in Colombia is adventurous; you can choose short or long routes through the many ecosystems with a great variety of conditions. Some areas are more developed in terms of tourism infrastructure and access. Other areas need more time to get there and have a more basic infrastructure.

There are interesting and productive birding spots are all over the country due to its unique geography:

In the northern east, the area becomes very dry in the Guajira Peninsula. West to the Andes formation, the Pacific lowlands of the Choco bioregion are found. These are the wettest areas on Earth with rainfall exceeding 8 metres per year! On the east side of the Andes, in the north section lies the savannah of the Llanos with a very seasonal rainfall dynamic. Further south is the Amazon region, and the transition between these two, correspond to incredible landscapes of savannah that transform into a denser Amazonian jungle.

From the south, the Andes splits into three ranges: The Eastern Andes (E-Andes): The western arm, which has a marshy plateau hosting a number of endemics, and the Central Andes (C-Andes), which are the highest. The Western Andes (W-Andes) are the lowest but also the wettest. The wide Magdalena Valley separates the E-Andes and the C-Andes. The Cauca Valley, narrower than the Magdalena, separates the C-Andes from the W-Andes. Continuing to the north, after a gap, the Andes meet the Perija Mountains almost reaching the sea and forming a natural border between Venezuela and Colombia. Farther north, is the Santa Marta Range. It is an isolated geologic formation, older than the Andes. This is where the highest peaks in Colombia can be found, as well as the highest concentration of endemic bird species in South America!

Top Sites

  • Mitu

    Local Tour CompanySatellite View
    Mitu is considered a remote birding destination in Colombia, and has been developed lately as a result of the peace process and a safer country. This area contains different and unique vegetation, topography and avifauna compared to the rest of the Colombian Amazon. Mitu is the capital of the Vaupes department and it is a birding goldmine. The birds and the dominant habitats, which are white-sand forest, terra firme and varzea, are typically Amazonian. Different habitats are well preserved and are found in close vicinity to town, which allow for excellent trails that run through white sand forests, where many restricted specialities of this habitat can be found. Some of the interesting birds for this Amazonian ecosystem are: Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Lemon-throated Barbet, White-crowned Manakin, Black-headed Parrot, White-bellied Dacnis, Mouse-colored Antshrike, Black-bellied Thornbill, Rufous-headed Antthrush, Turquoise Tnager, Black-fronted Nunbird, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Blue-crowned Manakin, Coraya Wren, Bar-bellied Woodcreeper, Gray-bellied Antbird, Imeri Warbling-Antbird, Blakish-gray Antshrike, Brown-headed Greenlet, Purple-breasted Cotinga, Black Manakin, Fiery Topaz, Lafresnaye’s Piculet, Magpie Tanager, Amazon Trogon, Great Jacamar, Musician Wren, Chestnut-crested Antbird, Thrush-like Antpitta, Golden-headed Manakin, Rufous-tailed Xenops, Black Bushbird, Scarlet-shouldered Parrotlet, Orange-cheeked Parrot, Point-tailed Palmcreeper, Pompadour Cotinga, Many-bended Aracari, Spangled Cotinga, Chestnut-eared Aracari, Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Pearly Antshrike, Paradise Tanager, Paradise Jacamar, Black-capped Donacobius, Dwarf-tyrant Manakin, Screaming Piha, Citron-bellied Tanager, Opal-rumped Tanager, Green-and-gold Tanager, Yellow-bellied Tanager, Yellow-browed Antbird, Scaled Pigeon, Swallow-winged Puffbird, Yellow-green Grosebeak, White-browed Purpletuft, Red-fan Parrot, Bronzy Jacamar, Cherrie’s Antwren, Green-backed Trogon, Brown-banded Puffbird, Pavonine Quetzal, Black-chinned Antbird, Swainson’s Flycatcher and Azure-naped Jay.

  • Montezuma

    Local EcolodgeSatellite View
    Montezuma is an excellent birding road, located on the Choco slope of the Western Andes. It is located at the edge of the Tatama National Park, where the transition between the Andes and the Colombian Biogeographic Pacific Area takes place. The Tatama National Natural Park is a unique site of high scientific interest, home to many endemic species, including amphibians, reptiles, butterflies, orchids and birds. Along a 13km (8 mi) road of pristine forest, birding is possible, covering a gradient of 1,400 m (4,600 ft) where several ecosystems are present. The road leads to a military base and antennas, which are located on top of the Montezuma Hill. Due to heavy rains, the road is often in bad shape. More than 480 bird species have been recorded on this road, where at least 11 are endemic and more than 35 are near endemic. At least two full days of birding are required to explore the diversity of this area. Usually the birding is concentrated in the upper part for one day, and the lower area for another day. Targets Upper Portion: Munchique Wood-wren (E), Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer (E), Tatama tapaculo (E), Gold –ringed Tanager (E), Yellow-breasted Antpitta (NE), White-faced Nunbird, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Ocellated Tapaculo. Targets Lower Portion: Black-and-gold Tanager (E), Parker’s Antbird (E), Nariño Tapaculo (E), Choco Vireo (E), Empress Brilliant (NE), Purple-throated Woodstar (NE), Black Solitaire (NE), Violet-tailed Sylph, White-tailed Hillstar, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Spillman’s Tapaculo, Streak-capped Treehunter, Lineated Foliage-gleaner, Olivaceous Piha, Blackish Rail.

  • San Jose del Guaviare

    InformationSatellite View
    San Jose del Guaviare is a very interesting spot, located where the transition between Llanos and the Amazon takes place. Habitats for both the Amazonian and Llanos ecosystems like terra firme forests, varzea, savannah, and white sand scrub can be found. This birding jewel is connected by air and road, and it is typically visited starting or ending a birding trip in Colombia. Amazonian varzea birding expected species would be Hoatzin, Scarlet-crowned Barbet, Black-fronted Nunbird, White-eared Jacamar, Thrush-like Wren, White-winged Becard, Bare-necked Fruitcrow, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Glittering-throated Emerald, Undulated Tinamou, Cinereous Tinamou, Cinnamon Attila, Black-spotted Bare-eye, Pearly Antshrike, Silvered Antbird, Velvet-fronted Grackle, Drab Water Tyrant, Yellow-browed Tody-flycatcher, Spectacled Thrush, Black-throated Antbird, Solitary Black Cacique. Great Potoo and Tawny-bellied Screech Owl are commonly heard during the night. Birds like Horned Screamer, Sungrebe, Black-capped Donacobius, Versicoloured Emerald and Masked Crimson Tanager are possible. Serrania de la Lindosa another interesting spot, is a rocky mountain range with a very special geomorphic composition and very interesting and particular ecology. In some locations it is possible to appreciate large murals painted by pre-Columbian groups where cosmogony and daily life where printed through their own art. Birds like Guianan Cock-of-the-rock are emblematic of this ecosystem. Paradise tanager, Cliff Flycatcher, Opal-rumped Tanager, Golden-bellied Euphonia, Chestnut-eared Aracari and Yellow-billed Nunbird are expected. Other target birds are Amazonian Umbrellabird, Great Tinamou, Sooty-capped Hermit and Rufous-breasted Hermit. The Rufous-crowned Elaenia is possible as well.

  • The Santa Marta Mountains

    InformationSatellite View
    The Santa Marta Mountains is well known because it has the highest concentration of endemics (19) in South America. The ‘Cuchilla de San Lorenzo’ or San Lorenzo Ridge, is a small mountain ridge separated from the main Santa Marta Mountains by a deep valley. The highest point is 2,700 meters, which is high enough to find almost all the endemics of the area. The advantage of birding the San Lorenzo Ridge is that the area has always been safe for birders, and on the other hand, it is relatively easy to get to this location compared with other areas of the Santa Marta Mountains. Birding in the Santa Marta Mountains is relatively easy; all birds including the endemics are more common than their Andean counterparts, due to Santa Marta’s limited biodiversity. As a result, two days of birding in the area are enough to see almost all of the endemics. It is suggested to concentrate on the difficult species and then, the more common endemics will come naturally. The near-endemics are as well very exciting to search for, since they are shared only with Venezuela. Many of the near endemics are considered harder to find than the true endemics. El Dorado Reserve, named after the Legendary City of Gold, is located in the area and has around 880 ha (2,175 acres) between the 900 metres and the 2,600 meters (3,000 ft – 8,500 ft) of elevation. The site has a list of more than 350 bird species registered, and at least two days of birding are needed due to the altitudinal gradient. This was the first birding lodge in Colombia to offer services specifically to international birders, so it is very comfortable and well run. Targets above the lodge: Santa Marta Parakeet (E), Rusty-headed Spinetail (E), Streak-capped Spinetail (NE), Santa Marta Antpitta (E), Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant (E), Santa Marta Mountain Tanager (E), Yellow-crowned Whitestart (E), Santa Marta Warbler (E), White-tipped Quetzal (NE), Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner (E). Targets below the lodge: Black-fronted Wood-Quail (E), Santa Marta Screech-owl (E), Black-backed Thornbill (E), Santa Marta Woodstar (E), Santa Marta Blossomcrown (E), Rusty-breasted Antpitta, White-lored Warbler (E), Santa Marta Tapaculo (E), Santa Marta Brush-finch (E), Rosy Thrush-Tanager, Golden-breasted Fruiteater, Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Groove-billed Toucanet, Grey-throated Leaftosser, White-tailed Starfrontlet (E).
Contributors
Number of Species

  • Number of bird species: 1905 - 2005 (According to authority believed)

    (As at May 2024)
Endemics

  • Number of endemics: 100

    38 Non-Passerines

    Chestnut-winged Chachalaca Ortalis garrula,
    Colombian Chachalaca Ortalis columbiana,
    Cauca Guan Penelope perspicax,
    Blue-billed Curassow Crax alberti,
    Chestnut Wood-Quail Odontophorus hyperythrus,
    Gorgeted Wood-Quail Odontophorus strophium,
    Tolima Dove Leptotila conoveri,
    Tolima Blossomcrown Anthocephala berlepschi,
    Black-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron dorsale,
    Longuemare's Sunangel Heliangelus clarisse
    Buffy Helmetcrest Oxypogon stubelii,
    Blue-bearded Helmetcrest Oxypogon cyanolaemus,
    Green-bearded Helmetcrest Oxypogon guerinii,
    Gorgeted Puffleg Eriocnemis isabellae,
    Colorful Puffleg Eriocnemis mirabilis,
    Black Inca Coeligena prunellei,
    White-tailed Starfrontlet Coeligena phalerata,
    Dusky Starfrontlet Coeligena orina,
    Golden-bellied Starfrontlet Coeligena bonapartei,
    Santa Marta Woodstar Chaetocercus astreans,
    Chiribiquete Emerald Chlorostilbon olivaresi,
    Santa Marta Blossomcrown Anthocephala floriceps,
    Santa Marta Sabrewing Campylopterus phainopeplus,
    Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia castaneiventris,
    Indigo-capped Hummingbird Amazilia cyanifrons,
    Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird Lepidopyga lilliae,
    Bogota Rail Rallus semiplumbeu,
    Santa Marta Screech Owl Megascops gilesi,
    Sooty-capped Puffbird Bucco noanamae,
    White-mantled Barbet Capito hypoleucus,
    Grayish Piculet Picumnus granadensis,
    Beautiful Woodpecker Melanerpes pulcher,
    Rufous-fronted Parakeet Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons,
    Indigo-winged Parrot Hapalopsittaca fuertesi,
    Santa Marta Parakeet Pyrrhura viridicata,
    Brown-breasted Parakeet Pyrrhura calliptera,
    Turquoise-winged Parrotlet Forpus spengeli
    Yellow-eared Parrot Ognorhynchus icterotis,

    62 Passerines

    East Andean Antbird Drymophila caudata,
    Santa Marta Antbird Drymophila hellmayri,
    Parker's Antbird Cercomacroides parkeri,
    Santa Marta Antpitta Grallaria bangsi,
    Cundinamarca Antpitta Grallaria kaestneri,
    Urrao Antpitta Grallaria urraoensis,
    Brown-banded Antpitta Grallaria milleri,
    Sierra Nevada Antpitta Grallaria spatiator,
    Chami Antpitta Grallaria alvarezi,
    Boyaca Antpitta Grallaria alticola,
    Brown-banded Antpitta Grallaria milleri,
    Santa Marta Tapaculo Scytalopus sanctaemartae,
    Magdalena Tapaculo Scytalopus rodriguezi,
    Stiles's Tapaculo Scytalopus stilesi,
    Tatama Tapaculo Scytalopus alvarezlopezi,
    Brown-rumped Tapaculo Scytalopus latebricola,
    Paramillo Tapaculo Scytalopus canus,
    Pale-bellied Tapaculo Scytalopus griseicollis
    Perija Tapaculo Scytalopus priganus
    Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner Clibanornis rufipectus,
    Streak-capped Spinetail Cranioleuca hellmayri
    Silvery-throated Spinetail Synallaxis subpudica,
    Rusty-headed Spinetail Synallaxis fuscorufa,
    Antioquia Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes lanyoni,
    Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes pernix,
    Apical Flycatcher Myiarchus apicalis,
    Chestnut-capped Piha Lipaugus weberi,
    San Andres Vireo Vireo caribaeus
    Providencia Vireo Vireo approximans
    Choco Vireo Vireo masteri
    Coopman's Tyrannulet  Zimmerius minimus 
    Santa Marta Wren Troglodytes monticola,
    Apolinar's Wren Cistothorus apolinari,
    Antioquia Wren Thryophilus sernai,
    Niceforo's Wren Thryophilus nicefori,
    Hermit Wood-Wren Henicorhina anachoreta,
    Munchique Wood-Wren Henicorhina negreti,
    Bangs's Wood-Wren Henicorhina bangsi
    Velvet-fronted Euphonia Euphonia concinna,
    Sierra Nevada Brushfinch Arremon basilicus,
    Perija Brushfinch Arremon perijanus
    Santa Marta Brushfinch Atlapetes melanocephalus,
    Yellow-headed Brushfinch Atlapetes flaviceps,
    Dusky-headed Brushfinch Atlapetes fuscoolivaceus,
    Antioquia Brushfinch Atlapetes blancae,
    Black-fronted Brushfinch Atlapetes nigrifrons
    Bronze-brown Cowbird Molothrus armenti
    Baudo Oropendola Psarocolius cassini,
    Red-bellied Grackle Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster,
    Mountain Grackle Macroagelaius subalaris,
    Santa Marta Warbler Myiothlypis basilica,
    White-lored Warbler Myiothlypis conspicillata,
    Yellow-crowned Redstart Myioborus flavivertex,
    Sooty Ant-Tanager Habia gutturalis,
    Crested Ant-Tanager Habia cristata,
    Black-and-gold Tanager Bangsia melanochlamys,
    Gold-ringed Tanager Bangsia aureocincta,
    Flame-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus flammigerus
    Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus melanogenys,
    Multicolored Tanager Chlorochrysa nitidissima,
    Turquoise Dacnis Dacnis hartlaubi,
    Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer Diglossa gloriosissima
Checklist

  • Avibase

    PDF Checklist
    This checklist includes all bird species found in Colombia , based on the best information available at this time. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. I am pleased to offer these checklists as a service to birdwatchers.

  • Birds of Colombia

    Checklist
    Colombia is currently home to 1958 bird species (80 are endemic), and comprises approximately 20% of all bird diversity worldwide. In addition, it boasts the greatest diversity of hummingbirds with 165 species of the 355 found on the entire American continent...

  • Exotic Birding

    Checklist
    List of all species known to occur in the country. Table indicates whether each species is globally threatened or endangered according to the IUCN and also whether it is migratory, very rare, or accidental in the country. See sidebar for meaning of location codes and symbols associated with common names

  • Lynx Nature Books

    Free to Download Checklist
    Checklist of the Birds of Colombia

  • Wikipedia

    Annotated List
    This is a list of the bird species recorded in Colombia. According to the South American Classification Committee (SACC) of the American Ornithological Society (AOS), the avifauna of Colombia has 1905 confirmed species. Of them, 84 are endemic, four have been introduced by humans, and 77 are rare or vagrants. Two of the endemic species are believed to be extinct. An additional 39 species are hypothetical
Useful Reading

  • Birds of Colombia

    | By Otto Pfister | Helm | 2022 | Paperback | 224 pages, colour photos, 1 colour map | ISBN: 9781472984678 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • Birds of Colombia

    | By Steven L Hilty | Lynx Edicions | 2021 | Hardback | 608 pages, 3600+ colour illustrations, ~2000 colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9788416728237 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • Birds of Northern South America

    | Volume 1, Species Accounts: An Identification Guide | by Robin Restall,Clemencia Rodner & Miguel Lentino | Christopher Helm | 2006 | Paperback | Covers Colombia | ISBN: 9780713672428 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia

    | By Miles McMullan & Thomas M Donegan | Fundacion ProAves | 2014 | Paperback | 391 pages, colour illustrations, colour distribution maps, colour maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780982761557 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • Guide to the Birds of Colombia

    | By Steven L Hilty, William L Brown, M Kleinbaum & G Tudor | Princeton University Press | 1986 | Paperback | 836 pages, 56 col plates, 13 b/w plates, 99 line illus, 2 maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780691083728 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Birding Aps

  • All Birds Colombia

    Apple iOS |
    | A complete field guide to identify all bird species recorded in Colombia - incl. songs + calls! | Mullen & Pohland GbR | 3 GB | Requires iOS 11.0 or later. |

    Planning to go bird watching in Colombia? Then this is the app for you. This app fills a gap in the region and is the only serious bird app available for Colombia. It is based on the renowned reference work of the Helm Guide Series "Birds of Northern South America" by Robin Restall, Clemencia Rodner, and Miguel Lentino. The creation of apps from the book is a co-production between Bloomsbury Plc. and Sunbird Images. The app contains 5,600 illustrations and more than 4,000 bird songs and calls in total.
Useful Information

  • National Bird

    Andean Condor Vultur gryphus
Festivals & Bird Fairs

  • Colombia Bird Fair

    Website
    Al llegar a una década de celebración, la Feria Internacional de Aves de Colombia, Colombia Birdfair renueva su imagen, pero sobre todo reitera su compromiso de seguir impulsando y promoviendo, el interés, la pasión y el amor por la observación de las aves y su conservación.
Museums & Universities

  • Project Biomap

    Information
    The model Project BioMap, led by The Natural History Museum, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales (National University of Colombia) and Conservation International (CABS & CI-Colombia); will compile all known locality-data of Colombian birds, principally from museum specimens, and make them publicly available through the internet
Organisations

  • Asociación Colombiana de Ornitología

    Website
    La Asociación Colombiana de Ornitología ACO se originó en el año 2002 con 106 miembros fundadores y el fin de incentivar el estudio científico y la conservación de las aves de Colombia mediante la publicación de una revista, Ornitología Colombiana. La idea surgió en el XIV Encuentro Nacional de Ornitólogos en Leticia, Amazonas (octubre del 2001) al ver la cantidad creciente de trabajos ornitológicos que se presentaban año tras año en los encuentros nacionales sin que fueran publicados ni recibieran adecuada divulgación…

  • Calidris

    Website
    La Asociaci

  • El Groupo Ornitología Universidad Nacional (GOUN)

    Website
    El GOUN es un grupo de trabajo e investigación del departamento de Biología de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia (Sede Bogotá) registrado en la Facultad de Ciencias de la Universidad…

  • Fundación Ornitológica del Atlántico - ORNIAT

    Twitter Page
    Promover el estudio, investigación y difusión del conocimiento de la avifauna del departamento del Atlántico y la región Caribe Colombiana, orientado hacia los diversos niveles, académicos, educativos, recreativo y hacia la comunidad…

  • Fundación Ornitológica del Quindío

    Information
    La Fundación Ornitológica del Quindío es una organización no gubernamental, sin ánimo de lucro, enmarcada dentro del sector solidario que actúa como una forma asociativa de trabajo, con registro mercantil # 4323 y NIT 801.003.796.DV3 del 15 de mayo del 2002. Consta de socios fundadores, socios activos y socios benefactores…

  • Fundación ProAves

    Website
    Fundación ProAves is membership based bird conservation NGO that has established 11 nature reserves totaling around 40,000 acres that protect over 1,000 species, including at least 50 threatened species. It runs a nationwide monitoring programme and has established a national banding scheme. It is active in environmental education and awareness programmes in rural communities, and its educational Parrot Bus is famous nationally…

  • Humboldt Institute

    Website
    The mission of the Humboldt Institute is to promote, to coordinate and carry out research that contributes to the conservation and sustainable use of the biological diversity in Colombia…

  • La Asociación Bogotana de Ornitología (ABO)

    Information
    The Bogotana Ornithological Association (ABO) is a nonprofit organization that seeks the conservation and study of birds and their habitats in Bogota and Cundinamarca through promoting knowledge and enjoyment of wild birds free.…

  • Sociedad Antioqueña de Ornitología (SAO)

    Website
    En el mundo hay cerca de 9.600 especies de aves, de las cuales Colombia tiene registradas en su territorio 1865 especies, aprox. el 20% de la avifauna mundial, cifra que la convierte en el país que más especies posee. Este número es significativo si lo comparamos con las 780 especies existentes en Estados Unidos y Canadá. Se estima, además, que unas 150 especies de aves migratorias hacen escala o migran a Colombia por el cambio de estaciones en otras latitudes…

  • Sociedad Caldense de Ornitología

    Website
    La Sociedad Caldense de Ornitología, SCO, el año entrante cumplirá 20 años de haber sido fundada…

  • Sociedad Risaraldense de Ornitolog

    Website
    Ser una organizaci
Reserves

Abbreviations Key

  • *Protected Areas od Colombia

    InformationSatellite View

  • EP Reserva Hidrográfica de Río Blanco

    WebpageSatellite View
    En la reserva de Río Blanco se han identificado hasta el momento 286 especies de aves. Se piensa que, dadas las características de mosaico que presenta el paisaje de la reserva y el amplio gradiente altitudinal que cubre, el número de especies puede ser mayor. La reserva alberga especies de aves únicas en esta región de Colombia. Nueve de ellas están en peligro de extinción y han encontrado en la reserva una de las últimas oportunidades de perpetuar la especie…

  • NFR Bosque Yotoco Reserve

    InformationSatellite View
    Bosque Yotoco is one of the last remaining forested areas of its type on the east slope of the Western Cordillera. It is particularly important because it protects populations of Cauca Guan, Turquoise Dacnis-tanager and Multicoloured Tanager…

  • NP Chingaza National Natural Park

    Information Satellite View
    The animals found in Chingaza include the spectacled bear, deer, tapirs, pumas, Andean condors, Cock-of-the-rocks, jaguars, turkeys, woolly monkeys, nocturnal monkeys, ocelots, and toucans. The large number of endemic species makes the Eastern Ranges one of the most important geographic regions for wildlife in Colombia.

  • NP Cueva de los Guácharos

    InformationSatellite View
    Cueva de los Guácharos National Natural Park (English: Cave of the Oilbirds) is the oldest national park in Colombia.

  • NP El Tuparro National Natural Park

    InformationSatellite View
    The park is home to 74 species of mammals, 320 birds (many of them marine), 17 reptiles, 26 fish and five primate species

  • NP Farallones de Cali

    InformationSatellite View
    The Farallones de Cali is home to probably more than 300+ species of birds, including several endemic species such as the multicolored tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima), crested ant-tanager (Habia cristata) and chestnut wood-quail (Odontophorus hyperythrus).

  • NP Las Hermosas National Natural Park

    InformationSatellite View
    The most diverse group of fauna are the birds, followed by the mammals and reptiles.

  • NP Las Orquídeas National Natural ParkLas Orquídeas National Natural Park

    InformationSatellite View
    The park covers a large elevational range (300–3,450 m). The climate is generally humid with an annual rainfall of 3,000-4,000 mm, dropping to 2,500 mm at highest elevations, and ranges from tropical lowland to alpine.

  • NP Los Katíos

    InformationSatellite View
    More than 450 species of bird (representing respectively 25% and 50% of the avifauna of Colombia and Panama) have been recorded within the park…

  • NP Los Nevados National Natural Park

    InformationSatellite View
    Noteworthy birds include blue-crowned motmot, yellow-eared parrot, Fuertes's parrot, rufous-fronted parakeet, Andean condor, brown-banded antpitta and ruddy duck. The buffy helmetcrest hummingbird is endemic to the region.

  • NP Natural Amacayacu

    InformationSatellite View
    The park is situated in the Department of Amazonas and covers 11.000 square miles. There is a visitors center with lodging for 40 people, a museum, an auditorium, and a research center. There are four platforms in the rain forest to observe flora and fauna, with refuges in which to stay overnight…

  • NP Puracé National Natural Park

    InformationSatellite View
    It is home to over 160 species of birds, of which hummingbirds, ducks, birds of prey are the most dominating.

  • NP Salamanca Island Road Park

    InformationSatellite View
    The park has an abundant variety of wildlife, many of them endangered. The existence of 33 species of mammals indicates a maintained high diversity, despite the environmental problems affecting the ecosystem. The park is home to 98 species of invertebrates, nine species of amphibians, 35 species of reptiles, more than 140 fish species and 199 birds, many of which are migratory, endemic and residents.

  • NP Serranía de la Macarena

    InformationSatellite View
    The ecosystem's fauna includes anteaters, jaguars, cougars, deer, 8 species of monkeys, 500 species of birds including the gray-legged tinamou, 1,200 species of insects and 100 species of reptiles.

  • NP Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

    InformationSatellite View
    Of Colombia's 340 endemic species, 44 are found in the park, for example seven species of endemic hummingbirds. Of the 3,057 endangered species, 44 are found here. The area is home to 440 species of birds

  • NP Sumapaz Páramo

    InformationSatellite View
    t was declared a National Park of Colombia in 1977 because of its importance as a biodiversity hotspot and main source of water for the most densely populated area of the country, the Bogotá savanna. Good for golden eagle, torrent duck, Páramo duck (Anas georgica).

  • NP Tayrona

    InformationSatellite View
    The walk to Arrecifes and beyond appears to be most productive. Look for Blue-backed and White-bearded Manakins, Jet and White-bellied Antbirds, White-fringed Antwren, King Vulture, Crested Guan, Military Macaw, Rufous-capped Warbler, Scrub Greenlet, Long-billed Gnatwren, Little Tinamou, Zone-tailed, Grey and Short-tailed Hawk, Blue-crowned Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, One-coloured Becard, Blue Dacnis, a selection of North American migrants - especially during September and October, several flycatchers including Southern Bentbill. Also Red-billed Emerald, Pale-bellied Hermit and Orange-crowned Oriole and if luck is on your side you may even see Blue-billed Currasow which is known to exist in the park and can occasionally be seen drinking from pools within the park…

  • NP Via Parque Isla de Salamanca

    InformationSatellite View
    The Ciénaga Grande and Isla Salamanca National Parks lie along the Caribbean coast between Santa Marta and Baranquilla. Birding is best done along the main coast road, stopping at intervals to scan the pools, etc. Within Isla Salamanca there are two main areas, Cangarú; and Los Cocos. Los Cocos is the best area to visit the Mangroves and there is a walk way taking you through them…

  • NR La Planada

    WebsiteSatellite View
    It is one of the best known private reserves in Colombia. The reserve covers some 3000 hectares of primary and secondary sub-tropical forest and protects several rare species of birds and mammals…

  • NR Laguna de Sonso Wetland

    InformationSatellite View
    There is a reserve centre with information about the reserve, and the wardens can give you directions to the lake…

  • NR Rogitama Biodiversidad

    WebpageSatellite View
    La Reserva Natural Rogitama Biodiversidad está localizada en el Departamento de Boyacá, municipio de Arcabuco, vereda Peñas Blancas, es parte de la Ecorregión Terrestre de la Cordillera Oriental en zona amortiguadora del Santuario de Fauna y Flora de San Pedro de Iguaque, forma parte del proyectado corredor biológico para conectar este Santuario con el SFF de Guanentá Alto Río Fonce y tiene una superficie de 29 hectáreas Para llegar, en el punto Las Delicias de la Carretera Arcabuco – Moniquirá, se toma el Carreteable que va al Alto de Gaitas y a dos kilómetros está la Reserva. Macrocuenca: Río Magdalena. MicroCuenca: Rió Conocubá, ó Pómeca…

  • NR Río Ñambi

    InformationSatellite View
    Over 300 species have so far been recorded here so the potential is great. In 1991 a new species of vireo was discovered in the reserve and should be looked for gleening high in the canopy. It has also been seen on several occasions from the balcony of the reserve cabin…

  • RP Ucumarí

    InformationSatellite View
    There is a short nature trail through the forest. Look out for Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Moustached Puffbird, Emerald Toucanet, Cauca, Sickle-winged and Wattled Guans, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Bar-crested Antshrike, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Pale-eyed and Glossy-black Thrushes, Greyish Piculet, Multicoloured Tanager (rare) and Moustached Antpitta. Hummingbirds include Greenish Puffleg, Gorgeted Woodstar, Green Violetear, Andean Emerald and Booted Racket-tail…
Guides & Tour Operators

  • Aweima Birding

    Tour Operator
    Aweima is an initiative supported by the University of Ibagué, who seeks to promote sustainable and responsible birdwatching in Colombia, connecting the public interested in birding and learning about this biodiverse world where the colors, sounds and sensations are our main protagonists.

  • Birding Ecotours

    Tour Operator
    The Very Best of Colombia: Santa Marta, Andes and Chocó

  • Birding For Peace Colombia

    Tour Operator
    Colombians will forever remember the year 2017 as the year of peace. This year saw the culmination of a 55 year civil war, with the signing of a peace agreement between the government and the FARC (Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia) guerilla group. It was not easy, it took more than four years and important concessions had to be made by both groups, but today Colombia breathes an air of peace and optimism.

  • Birdquest

    Tour Operator
    The Ultimate Birding Tour to the Ultimate Birding Destination!

  • Jaguarundi Travel

    Tour Operator
    Jaguarundi Travel is a Colombia tours operation company that takes pride in showcasing the incredible natural and rich cultural diversity of Colombia, a country with some of the most spectacular flora and fauna in the world. We visit rarely seen and challenging locations, places of ecological splendor.

  • Manakin Birdwatching

    Tour Operator
    Over 18% of all bird species in the world, approximately 1876 can be found in Colombia, the real birds country. Two oceans, the Andes mountain chain dividided into three sub mountain chains, the highest coastal mountain in the world, the bio-geographic Choco, the Amazon jungle, the Orinoco plains and a great of ecosystems variety, weather, and landscapes make our country the best place for bird lovers from around the world

  • Mitú Birdwatching Tours

    Tour Operator
    The unique habitat of Mitú is a birder's paradise. with over 600 species of birds reported in the Vaupés district of Colombia, it's one of the most diverse birding habitats in the world.

  • Multicolor Birding Colombia

    Tour Operator
    We know the sites, the birds

  • Naturalist Journeys

    Tour Operator
    This is the peak of neotropical birding. From palm-lined beaches that fringe the skirts of snow-capped summits, to lush cloud forests, to tundra-like paramo in the high Andes, Colombia is open for business. And we’re so excited to offer you new Colombian birding and nature tours into this country, rich with culture and wildlife.

  • Naturetrek

    Tour Operator
    Tour Code: COL01A 10-day birdwatching holiday in search of the endemic and other special birds of the Guajira Peninsula and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

  • Piculet Birding

    Facebook Page
    PICULET BIRDING is proud to offer quality birding adventures, led by expert English and Spanish speaking guides. Our passionate and experienced professional tour negative effects of technology on society essay essay research paper leaders are Colombians or people who live in Colombia with extensive knowledge of the country and its birds. We want our clients to share in the excitement and fun of a top-notch birding adventure and to provide them the best service possible. Being a Local Colombian Company based in Cali, we are able to offer excellent value, carefully arranged, proven, and seamlessly conducted tours.

  • Rockjumper Worldwide Birding Adventures

    Tour Operator
    Colombia has more species of birds than any other country on earth; a staggering 1870 species are to be found within the confines of this incredible nation, of which at least 62 are endemic. This huge diversity of birds results from the equally diverse range of habitats: three Andean Cordilleras (Western, Central and Eastern Andes), two inter-Andean valleys (the Cauca and Magdalena Valleys), the lowlands forests of the Amazon and Orinoco regions, the isolated snow-capped Santa Marta Mountains, the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, deserts and lakes, and the rich wet forests of the Choc

  • Tropical Birding

    Tour Operator
    hanks in large part to having the world

  • Wild About Colombia

    Tour Operator
    Wild About Colombia operate a range of professionally led wildlife tours, including endemic-packed small group Colombia birding tour departures, all-round wildlife watching adventures, mixed focused bird watching and cultural trips, and private customised vacations.
Trip Reports

  • 2015 [01 January] - Richard Webster

    Report PDF
    ...Down the mountain, we had varying views of Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner along with Golden-breasted Fruiteater, Masked Trogon, Groove-billed and Emerald toucanets, "Paltry" Tyrannulet (improbus), Montane Woodcreeper, and Santa Marta and Sierra Nevada brush-finches. Around the lodge, we had extraordinary views of the habituated Black-fronted Wood-Quails and Band-tailed Guans, while some watching fruiting trees and walking the trails and road during breaks found Lined Quail-Dove, Moustached Puffbird, Gray-throated Leaftosser, White-tipped Quetzal, Sickle-winged Guan, and Red Howler Monkey. - See more at...

  • 2015 [03 March] - Rob Gordijn & Helen Rijkes

    Report PDF
    Annotated sites and list

  • 2015 [05 May] - Kathi Borgmann - Reserva Los Besotes

    Report
    The reserve is Colombia’s first Important Area for the Conservation of Birds. In addition to reports of Blue-billed Curassow, this is one of the best places in Colombia, and probably anywhere, to see the rare and near endemic Red-legged Tinamou.

  • 2015 [06 June] - Kathi Borgmann

    Report
    ...We made a brief stop at Laguna de Fuguene to look for the Bogotá Rail and Apolinar’s Wren. Apolinar’s Wrens are quite common at the Laguna and easy to see, however this is not the case for the Bogotá Rail. I am sure that there are plenty of rails in the extensive marsh but the most accessible area has a channel cleared between the reeds and the shore, and the better marsh habitats are harder to access.

  • 2015 [06 June] - Kathi Borgmann

    Report
    ...We’ve been travelling and birding from Mexico to Colombia now for about 17 months, seeing amazing places and huge numbers of cool birds. We thoroughly birded endemic rich areas such as West Mexico, Oaxaca, the Yucatan, the Chiapas/Guatemala highlands, the Costa Rica/Panamá highlands, Santa Marta and the Perijá, and have started in on the avian bonanza of the Andes. But we still hadn’t had our first taste of Amazonian avifauna yet.

  • 2016 [01 January] - Richard Webster - Santa Marta

    Report
    ...We also birded the forests at lower elevations, finding two special hummingbirds in a garden, Santa Marta Blossomcrown and Santa Marta Woodstar, and several other endemics, including White-lored Warbler. We again looked for some skulkers, with patience seeing Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, Santa Marta Tapaculo, and Rusty-breasted Antpitta. Some other good finds on the forested slopes included White-tipped Quetzal, Strong-billed and Black-banded woodcreepers, and Golden-breasted Fruiteater...

  • 2016 [03 March] - Richard Webster - Santa Marta

    Report
    ...While the endemics are a focus, there are many other great birds on the mountain. In addition to the hummingbirds, the lodge was feeding Black-fronted Wood-Quail, Band-tailed Guans, and Blue-naped Chlorophonias. Other lovely birds included White-tipped Quetzal, Masked Trogon (so tame), Crowned Woodnymph, Emerald and Groove-billed toucanets, Black-chested Jay, and Crimson-backed and Swallow tanagers. In the good fortune department were day-roosting Black-and-white Owls and the undescribed screech-owl....

  • 2016 [10 October] - Rob Williams

    PDF Report
    ...Highlights included a very cooperative Collared Trogon, Magdalena Tapaculo, Ash-browed Spinetail and Ornate Flycatcher....

  • 2016 [11 November] - David Hoddinott - Santa Marta

    PDF Report
    ...These included several Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture soaring overhead, a fabulous Black-collared Hawk, Sapphire-throated and rare Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird, a pair of Pied Puffbird, smart Chestnut Piculet, Black-crested Antshrike, Northern Scrub Flycatcher, Common Tody-Flycatcher building a nest, Panamanian Flycatcher....

  • 2016 [11 November] - Jesse Fagan - Llanos & More

    Report
    Our highlights were many, and included a lifer hummingbird for Joanne (Bronze-tailed Thornbill; one of five new hummingbirds for her). Amy really appreciated the Brown-billed Scythebill that hung around for multiple close looks at Chicaque. Both Maggie and Dean agreed that the Pale-bellied Tapaculo, mouse-like at our feet...

  • 2017 [01 January] - Jesse Fagan - Bogota, the Magdalena Valley, and Santa Marta

    Report
    Annotated list

  • 2017 [01 January] - Ross Gallardy - Western, Central, and Eastern Andes, Santa Marta, and Magdalena Valley

    PDF Report
    ...During my visit I saw a single Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird in a tree just behind the building on the south side of the road and two more hummingbirds (at least one was a Sapphire-throated) along the edge of the mangroves on the north side, again near the buildings. I took a walk along the boardwalk, but by then it was 0900 and quite hot. Other interesting birds found were Panama Flycatcher, Chestnut Piculet, Bicolored Conebill, Black-crested Antshrike, Russet-throated Puffbird, and Great Black Hawk....

  • 2017 [02 February] - Richard Webster & Daniel Uribe - Medellin

    Report
    ...The goal was Yellow-eared Parrot, and with an early morning of great weather aiding our search, we had both numbers and close views of this impressive, endangered parrot. The weather afterward was a little too good (we had remarkably little rain the whole trip, which was pleasant, but cost us some birds at times), but we still managed to find some memorable birds, including Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Rufous Antpitta, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, and a couple of mixed flocks. The next morning was spent on Morro Amarillo above Jardin, where we mostly missed Parker’s Antbird, but saw Whiskered Wren, Hook-billed Kite, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, and Bronze-winged Parrot....

  • 2017 [03 March] - Richard Webster, Diana Balcazar, & Cory Gregory - Santa Marta

    Report
    ...we had an afternoon and a morning around P.N. Los Flamencos and Camarones. Landbirds were the specialties, and we saw almost all of the regional endemics, including Bare-eyed Pigeon, Buffy Hummingbird, Chestnut Piculet, White-whiskered Spinetail, Slender-billed Tyrannulet (Inezia), Glaucous Tanager, Orinocan Saltator, and Vermilion Cardinal....

  • 2017 [05 May] - Ross & Melissa Gallardy - Mitu

    PDF Report
    ...: In total we recorded 275 species including Gray-bellied Antbird, Chestnut-crested Antbird, Orinoco Piculet, AzurenapedJay, Guanian Cock-of-the-Rock, Tawny-tufted Toucanet, Fiery Topaz, Pompadour Cotinga, Black Manakin, Pavonine Quetzal, Black Bushbird, and 4 species of puffbirds (Spotted, Pied, Brown-banded, and Chestnut-capped). Overall, birding was very difficult at times and being familiar with songs/calls was very important...

  • 2017 [10 October] - Mitch Lysinger

    Report
    I don't know about the rest of you, but I am certainly ready to jet back to Colombia for some serious birding fun as soon as possible! Our two week trip birding down the Magdalena Valley and up to the northern coast, and then into the Santa Marta mountains was just packed with rare and endemic species, and we only scratched the surface of what this mega-diverse country has to offer. Not only did we see more than our fair share of birds, but we enjoyed some hearty dining, and stayed in surprising comfort.

  • 2017 [11 November] - Jesse Fagan & Trevor Ellery - Llanos & More

    Report
    ...This was a great trip to the llanos and surrounding areas of Bogota. Weather cooperated this year (no serious downpours or flooding!) and are target birds fell right into place. Several days were spent on the llanos plains, in the good company of folks from Hato La Aurora, where we had spectacular looks at Jabirus, five species of ibis, Spectacled Caimans, and lots of Capybaras...

  • 2017 [11 November] - Rob Williams

    PDF Report
    ...AfemaleCeruleanWarblerwasaliferforseveral.OtherspeciesincludedRed-headedBarbet,Ash-browedandStripe-breastedSpinetail,PlainAntvireo,Smoky-brownWoodpecker,MontaneFoliage-gleanerandMontaneWoodcreeper.Intheafternoon,thehummingbirdfeedersatChicaquewerebusywithgreatviewsandphotosof6species,includingthefantasticGolden-belliedStarfrontlet,CollaredInca,TourmalineSunangelandGlowingPuffleg...

  • 2017 [11 November] - Rob Williams

    PDF Report
    ...Aseriesifmixedflocksgaveusagoodvarietyofbirds,includingthethreatenedendemicTurquoiseDacniswithseveralseenwell.AfemaleCeruleanWarblerwasaliferforseveral.OtherspeciesincludedRed-headedBarbet,Ash-browedandStripe-breastedSpinetail,PlainAntvireo,Smoky-brownWoodpecker,MontaneFoliage-gleanerandMontaneWoodcreeper...

  • 2017 [11 November] - Rob Williams - Santa Marta Extension

    PDF Report
    ...ThemangroveforestwasteemingwithProthonotaryWarblersandalsogaveusgoodlooksatChestnutPiculet,BicoloredConebill,Black-crestedAntshrike,PanamaFlycatcherandLesserNighthawk.Wethenheadedtotheopenmarshandagriculturalhabitatsofkm4;hereweaddedagoodvarietyofwaterbirdsandlandbirds...

  • 2018 [01 January] - Jesse Fagan & Oswaldo Cortes

    Report
    There were a bunch of bird highlights at the end of the trip: both endemic ant-tanagers, Golden-breasted Fruiteater, Military Macaws, Santa-Marta Screech-Owl, Black-backed Thornbill, Beautiful Woodpecker, and White-fringed Antwren all got nods. However, it was a tie for trip favorite. Both Recurve-billed Bushbird and Crested Owl stole top honors this year.

  • 2018 [01 January] - Pieter Vrey

    Report
    ...This had further consequences as passerines started harassing the little owl – we ticked Scarlet-bellied mountain tanager, Black-headed and Superciliaried hemispingus, Rufous-breasted chat-tyrant and Blackburnian warbler...

  • 2018 [02 February] - Eduardo Ormaeche

    PDF Report
    ...Here we visited the by now famous Finca Alejandria, where we had an amazing start with species such as the endemic Colombian Chachalaca, Golden-headed Quetzal, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, and Squirrel Cuckoo around the gardens. The fruit feeders attracted several attractive species, including Scrub Tanager, Golden Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Blackwinged Saltator, Flame-rumped Tanager, Summer Tanager, Red-headed Barbet, and cracker views of the incredibly beautiful Multicolored Tanager, perhaps one of the most handsome Colombian endemics!

  • 2018 [02 February] - Richard Webster & Daniel Uribe

    Report
    ... Our views of perched and flying Black Hawk-Eagles were superb, and we also enjoyed Barred Puffbird, White-bearded Manakin, and some toucans, parrots, and woodcreepers to provide a very tropical feel to folks recently arrived from a boreal climate...

  • 2018 [03 March] - Eduardo Ormaeche

    PDF Report
    We enjoyed several species of birds, including scope views of Brown-throated Parakeet, Bicolored Wren, and Stripe-backed Wren, and numerous Blue-winged Teals, Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks, Bare-faced Ibis, and a single Glossy Ibis. We also saw Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Pied Water Tyrant, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Snail Kite, Amazon Kingfisher, and Ringed Kingfisher. In addition there were several aquatic species, namely Rufescent Tiger Heron, Black.-crowned Night Heron, Striated Heron, Little Blue Heron, Great Egret, and Western Cattle Egret. Before we left the marshes we had nice views of our first Red-crowned Woodpecker.

  • 2018 [March] - Ralf Jahraus

    PDF Report
    This report is based on a 4 week, self-organised trip to Colombia using public transport, which concentrated on a few sites between Cali and Bogota. These included: Cali km 18, San Cipriano, Yotoco, Laguna de Sonso, Otun-Quimbaya, Fuerte’s Parrot site above Santa Rosa Cabral, Montezuma Road, Rio Blanco, Paramo del Ruiz and Humedal Jaboque.

  • 2019 [01 January] - Jesse Fagan

    PDF Report
    ...Libano was an important site for at least two endemic birds (Yellow-headed Brushfinch and Crested Ant-Tanager) and later a stop at La Victoria yielded White-mantled Barbet and Beautiful Woodpecker!..

  • 2019 [02 February] - Cory Gregory

    PDF Report
    ...we all braved the foot-ferry and were rewarded with an amazing study of Sapphire-throated/Sapphire-bellied Hummingbirds. Even when some of the locals went on strike and closed the road for a little bit, we found a way to see amazing birds and we ended up scoring Buff-breasted Wren, White-winged Becard, and a quick Lance-tailed Manakin at a new spot.

  • 2019 [03 March] - Ned Brinkley

    PDF Report
    All day birding Las Tangaras main trail with accompaniment of forest guard; the lodge delivered us a hot lunch directly while we were on trail. Highlights included 5 Black Solitaires, Choco Vireo, Handsome Flycatcher, Flavescent Flycatcher, Beautiful Jay, Purplish-mantled Tanager, Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager, Crested Ant-Tanager, Gold-ringed Tanager, White-headed Wren, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Club-winged Manakin, Toucan Barbet, Tooth-billed Hummingbird...

  • 2019 [04 April] - Avocet Tours

    PDF Report
    The 2019 Colombia itinerary was designed to complement the previous two tours which had focused on the hotspots in the western and central Andes as well as sites within a few hours drive of Bogota.

  • 2019 [08 August] - Jules Eden

    PDF Report
    This was my fourth tour to Colombia within the last 18 months. The previous 3 trips were to all the usual places –[ Mitu, Magdalena Valley, Cauca Valley, Santa Marta and the Bogota area] but this trip was designed to pick off most of the remaining endemics, whilst also going somewhere my son could not only speak Spanish but also find something interesting to do whilst I was out birding all day. A

  • 2021 [03 March] - Jose Illanes

    PDF Report
    After a break for a year, due to the global lockdown, it was wonderful to be able to run this tour again in 2021. The tour started out at Salamanca National Park, where Sapphire-bellied and Sapphire-throated Hummingbirds and Bicolored Conebills all featured. Before the end of this day, we had also added Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Bicolored Wren, Russet throated Puffbird, Bare-faced Ibis, Green-rumped Parrotlet and the rare Northern Screamer...

  • 2022 [03 March] - ose Illanes & Keith Barnes - Northern Colombia

    PDF Report
    DAY 1 (of birding) March 11: Isla Salamanca National Refuge. After all meeting at the hotel in Barranquilla the previous evening and having dinner together, we were now ready to bird! On this trip we also had TB guide and owner Keith Barnes along with us to help some cool birds and provide us with his wonderful company too.

  • 2022 [04 April] - Daniel Hegedűs

    PDF Report
    During my visit to Colombia I saw 784 bird species. I’m not the most experienced tropical birdwatcher, my knowledge and preparedness was not the best. My primary objective was birdwatching, but I spent quite a lot of time with other activities (sightseeing, trekking, museums, carnaval, clubbing, beaches, etc.). I also traveled mostly alone on a limited budget, due to this I had to make a lot of trade-offs and leave many species behind. Focusing only on birdwatching the same route I made can be done in much shorter time, with many more species....

  • 2022 [07 July] - Camilo Orjuela and Elvis Felipe Quintero

    PDF Report
    The main objective of the tour was to photograph the Harpy Eagle, and the juvenal the call “Morocho” - 7 months old, so the frequency of adults is low, an average of 10% probability, that's why Ernesto, Carlos, Gloria and Carolina set 3 nights and 4 days to look for photo opportunities for adults and chicken!

  • 2022 [11 November] - Dave Mehlman

    PDF Report
    ...Other highlights included Andean Solitaire, Golden Tanager, Rufous-naped Greenlet, and a very nicely seen Spotted Barbtail. Several neotropical migrants were seen, including Blackburnian, Canada, and Blackand-white Warblers and several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks...

  • 2023 [02 February] - Dave Mehlman

    PDF Report
    Annotated list

  • 2023 [02 February] - Eduardo Ormaeche

    PDF Report
    Needless to say, this trip provided some of the classic, most-wanted and iconic birds of the neotropics, as well as a nice set of endemics and range-restricted specials, including Andean Condor, Andean Cock-of-the Rock, Torrent Duck, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Greybreasted Mountain Toucan, Orinoco Goose, Jabiru, Roseate Spoonbill, Horned Screamer, Band-bellied Owl, Tolima Blossomcrown, Tolima Dove, Hooded and White-bellied Antpittas, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Golden-winged Tody-Flycatcher, Lemon-throated Barbet, Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet, Long-billed Woodcreeper, Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Coopery-chested and Pale-headed Jacamars, White-bearded Flycatcher, Sharp-tailed Ibis, Hoatzin, Sunbittern, Bicolored Hawk and Crestless Curassow...

  • 2023 [02 February] - Hervé Jacob - Mitu, Inrida & Bogota

    PDF Report
    ...We observed 12 species of colibris, but the Coppery-bellied Puffleg only showed up at noon at the 2nd site. We pushed the gate and followed the path, down the stairs to the left to the bamboos, the Pale-bellied Tapaculo responded immediately to the registration and came to our feet...

  • 2023 [02 February] - Julian Hough - Western Colombia

    PDF Report
    ...we stopped off at Laguna Negra again and were “rewarded” with a distant, sleeping Andean Teal. A “tick and move on bird” if ever there was one!

  • 2023 [04 April] - Eagle-Eye Tours

    Report
    Colombia is the country with the highest number of bird species in the world; it has over 70 endemic birds and about twice as many near-endemics.

  • 2024 [01 January] - Jesse Fagan

    Report
    Our first visit was to the birdy site of Tabacal where we enjoyed a bunch of "firsts" for the trip: Spectacled Parrotlets, Bar-crested Antshrike, Black-bellied Wrens, and White-bearded Manakin. Later, in the afternoon, we visited Jardin Encantado with its array of 25+ hummingbird feeders attracting beauties like Indigo-capped Hummingbird and Sparkling Violetear. The next full day we spent at Chicaque with its wonderful humid montane forest and accompanying mixed-species flocks where we worked hard to identify every individual.

  • 2024 [01 January] - Lev Frid

    PDF Report
    Our first day of birding took us to Bosque Guajira, a couple of hours outside of Bogotá. Here we enjoyed a lovely field breakfast and began our bird list, which included Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Scarletbellied Mountain Tanager, Speckle-faced Parrot, and two very special localized endemics – Brown-breasted Parakeet and Muisca Antpitta. Not bad for only a couple hours of birding!

  • 2024 [02 February] - Leonardo Garrigues

    PDF Report
    Northeast Brazil offers a combination of rare endemics, endangered species and some of the most iconic birds in South America. The tour has a wide variety of habitats in three different biomes being the dry Caatinga, the Cerrado and the diverse Atlantic Forest. Also, we visited different localities of the Pernambuco endemism centre, where some of the most threatened bird species of Brazil occur. The 2024 Northeast Brazil tour was a very successful tour with all major specialties seen and we also recorded a large number of species (545 species). Iconic species of the tour like Lear’s Macaw, Araripe Manakin, Hooded Visorbearer, Banded and White-winged Cotinga, Pink-legged Graveteiro and Seven-colored Tanager (just to mention some examples) all gave us really good views.

  • 2024 [04 April] - Héctor Gómez de Silva

    Report
    Colombia is the country with the highest number of bird species in the world, nearly 2000 species; it has over 70 endemic birds and about twice as many near-endemics
Places to Stay

  • Montezuma

    EcoLodge
    Ecolodge and gateway to Tatamá National Natural Park
Photographers & Artists

  • Artist - Robin Schiele

    Gallery
    See also: http://www.robinschiele.com/about/index.html andhttps://www.facebook.com/RobinSchiele.NatureArtistRobin SchieleVilla De Leyva, Boyaca - ColombiaRobin Schiele - Fine ArtistMember Since: 02/07/2009Add to Watch ListJoin E-Mail ListVisit WebsiteContactRobin Schiele, a Guatemalan born in Nicaragua, has a truly international education. Robin has dedicated most of his life to the study and portraiture of endangered species of fauna in Central and South American tropical forests. He has been involved with several conservationist organizations in the preservation of the natural resources of Guatemala.

  • Photographer - Glenn Bartley

    Gallery
    Fantastic photos from a world class snapper

  • Photographer - Marie-France Grenouillet Wildlife Capture

    Gallery
    Photography needs a lot of patience and time, which I accept with pleasure. My camera has taught me how to look around more carefully to observe the beautiful details of daily life and overall ‘she‘ allows me to translate my emotions through nature & wildlife…

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