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| Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea © Marie-France Grenouillet http://www.planetstillalive.com/ |
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Colombia has 1869 bird species, according to the latest checklist following the South American Checklist Committee, which is more birds than any other country in the world and a number that is growing every year though new discoveries and range extensions. In addition to the Hilty fieldguide the excellent two volume Guide to the Birds of Northern South America provides a comprehensive coverage. With the great improvement in the security situation in the past decade, many areas of the country are now stable and safe for birders to return. However still very few birders have seen such legendary critically endangered birds as the Blue-billed Curassow, Gorgeted Wood-Quail, Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird, Colombian Mountain Grackle, Recurve-billed Bushbird, Yellow-eared parrot, Santa Marta Parakeet, Fuertes's Parrot and Dusky Starfrontlet. Fortunately due to the conservation efforts of Fundación ProAves, all these and many more endangered species are now protected by a growing network of nature reserves, which offer good accommodation and facilities for researchers and visiting birders. Whilst Colombia's dangerous reputation is now to some extent unjustified, for example kidnappings are more prevalent in countries like Mexico, Brazil and Venezuela, one should never be complacent, as the guerrilla presence remains in some remote areas, particularly the coca-growing lowlands of the Colombian Amazon. As with other Latin American countries, avoid travelling overnight. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office website provides a good starting point for up to date security advice, but some 'general area' warnings cover safe areas, for example Ocaña in Norte de Santander (for Recurve-billed Bushbird). We strongly recommend that anyone wishing to wish Colombia work with tour operators, or organizations such as ProAves that have up do date local knowledge for specific areas. Colombians are extremely hospitable towards foreigners and they will make certain that your impression of their beautiful country is something different to what is often presented in the international press. Unfortunately, facilities in many reserves and national parks are often rustic owing to the lack of ecotourism in recent decades. However, this is changing as exemplified by the luxury of the scenic El Dorado bird reserve in the endemic rich Santa Marta area, where 17 (at least) endemics can be found, many of them with little difficulty. There are still some good areas in the vicinity of Bogotá, especially the marshes near the airport with the key birds being Bogotá Rail and Apolinar's Wren, and an area below Chingaza NP where the Flame-winged Parakeet can be seen. The Cerulean Warbler bird reserve in Santander is more interesting for the Gorgeted Wood-Quail, White-mantled Barbet and Black Inca. For lowland species in the Magdalena Valley the Paujíl reserve is recommended for the Blue-billed Curassow as well as less elusive species such as Sooty Ant-Tanager and Beautiful Woodpecker. For the more energetic birder the eponymous Dusky Starfrontlet and Chesnut-capped Piha bird reserves, or the spectacular Mirador reserve where Fuertes’s Parrot was rediscovered in 2002, all involve some good hiking or the use of horses. Many areas in the south of Colombia are still problematical, but the large Pangan bird reserve in Nariño contains many endemics such as Chocó Vireo as well as others such as Long-wattled Umbrellabird and Banded Ground-Cuckoo whose ranges straddle the border with Ecuador. Colombia is a must for any serious birder though a single trip can only hope to sample its extraordinary biodiversity. |
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Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Satellite View;Endemic & Endangered Birds of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Colombia is one of the countries with the highest biodiversity on the planet, the highest number of animal and plant species per square kilometer anywhere in the world. With 1871 bird species, it has the largest number of bird species of any country on earth, this number continue to rise each year, 74 of the birds are endemic, (last updated 2009).
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is completely isolated from the Andes Mountains. It is a Biosphere Reserve and a National Park, overlooking the Caribbean coast of northern Colombia. With only 1.48% of the national territory, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta nevertheless has 635 bird species - 35% of the whole Colombia. Although smaller than the state of Connecticut (US), Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta contains the single highest concentration of endemic bird species (36) found on the planet and more resident bird species than the continental USA! 18 of the species are facing a risk of extinction at a global level.
Birding
Birdwatching is carried out entering from Santa Marta to Minca and then to El Dorado Reserve in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where most of the endemics can be spotted, such as: Santa Marta Sabrewing Campylopterusphainopeplus (Rare, Endemic &Endangered), Santa Marta Parakeet Pyrrhuraviridicata (Endemic & Endangered), Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretespernix (Endemic & Endangered), Santa Marta Mountain-Tanager Anisognathusmelanogenys (Endemic), Santa Marta Brush-Finch Atlapetesmelanocephalus (Endemic), Santa Marta Warbler Basileuterus basilicas (Endemic & Vulnerable( among others. Other birds non-endemic birds include: White-tipped Quetzal Pharomachrus fulgidus, Blue-napedChlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea, White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera
How to get there: From Bogota, there are direct short flights (1.5hr) to Santa Marta, the nearest big town. To reach the El Dorado Reserve, we pass through Minca 30 minutes from Santa Marta, where a lot of birds can be seen of different species. The Reserve lies between 1100m - 2700m. The way to go there is a bit difficult and a 4X4 is definitely needed, the track being in very bad conditions, from Minca, it takes 1.5hr for a good driver to reach the El Dorado Lodge (20km). The lodge has a beautiful panoramic view on Santa Marta, overall at sunset, it is located in a magnificent garden filled of flowers attracting a lot of birds (mainly Hummingbirds) and it is the place for Santa Marta Sabrewing. From the lodge, it is recommended to drive to the top of the mountain, it takes one hour to drive 6km, but it is worth leaving at 05.00 am to see the sunrise, the view of the Sierra with palm trees above the clouds is exceptional. The track between El Dorado Lodge and the top is also the best place to find most of the Santa Marta endangered birds.
Marie-France Grenouillet
Photographer
(Contributor of: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta)http://www.planetstillalive.com/america/colombia/
Paul Salaman
psalaman@proaves.orghttp://www.proaves.org
Luis Eduardo Urueña
info@ecoturs.orghttp://www.ecotours.com.co
Number of bird species: 2009
National Bird: Andean Condor Vultur gryphus
National Bird: Andean Condor Vultur gryphus
Number of endemics: 85
Non-Passerines (38): 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 Colombian Grebe Podiceps andinus Bogota Rail Rallus semiplumbeus Tolima Dove Leptotila conoveri Santa Marta Parakeet Pyrrhura viridicata Brown-breasted Parakeet Pyrrhura calliptera Barred Parakeet Bolborhynchus lineola Rufous-fronted Parakeet Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons Indigo-winged Parrot Hapalopsittaca fuertesi Todd's Nightjar Caprimulgus heterurus White-chested Swift Cypseloides lemosi Bogota Sunangel Heliangelus zusii Blossomcrown Anthocephala floriceps Black-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron dorsale Gorgeted Puffleg Eriocnemis isabellae Colorful Puffleg Eriocnemis mirabilis Black Inca Coeligena prunellei White-tailed Starfrontlet Coeligena phalerata Dusky Starfrontlet Coeligena orina Santa Marta Woodstar Acestrura astreans Red-billed Emerald Chlorostilbon gibsoni Chiribiquete Emerald Chlorostilbon olivares Santa Marta Sabrewing Campylopterus phainopeplus Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia castaneiventris Indigo-capped Hummingbird Amazilia cyanifrons Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird Lepidopyga lilliae Blue-tailed Trogon Trogon comptus Sooty-capped Puffbird Bucco noanamae White-mantled Barbet Capito hypoleucus Five-colored Barbet Capito quinticolor Grayish Piculet Picumnus granadensis Beautiful Woodpecker Melanerpes pulcher Choco Woodpecker Veniliornis chocoensis
Non-Passerines (38): 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 Colombian Grebe Podiceps andinus Bogota Rail Rallus semiplumbeus Tolima Dove Leptotila conoveri Santa Marta Parakeet Pyrrhura viridicata Brown-breasted Parakeet Pyrrhura calliptera Barred Parakeet Bolborhynchus lineola Rufous-fronted Parakeet Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons Indigo-winged Parrot Hapalopsittaca fuertesi Todd's Nightjar Caprimulgus heterurus White-chested Swift Cypseloides lemosi Bogota Sunangel Heliangelus zusii Blossomcrown Anthocephala floriceps Black-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron dorsale Gorgeted Puffleg Eriocnemis isabellae Colorful Puffleg Eriocnemis mirabilis Black Inca Coeligena prunellei White-tailed Starfrontlet Coeligena phalerata Dusky Starfrontlet Coeligena orina Santa Marta Woodstar Acestrura astreans Red-billed Emerald Chlorostilbon gibsoni Chiribiquete Emerald Chlorostilbon olivares Santa Marta Sabrewing Campylopterus phainopeplus Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird Amazilia castaneiventris Indigo-capped Hummingbird Amazilia cyanifrons Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird Lepidopyga lilliae Blue-tailed Trogon Trogon comptus Sooty-capped Puffbird Bucco noanamae White-mantled Barbet Capito hypoleucus Five-colored Barbet Capito quinticolor Grayish Piculet Picumnus granadensis Beautiful Woodpecker Melanerpes pulcher Choco Woodpecker Veniliornis chocoensis
Passerines (47): Silvery-throated Spinetail Synallaxis subpudica Rusty-headed Spinetail Synallaxis fuscorufa Streak-capped Spinetail Cranioleuca hellmayri Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner Automolus rufipectus Recurve-billed Bushbird Clytoctantes alixii Parker's Antbird Cercomacra parkeri Moustached Antpitta Grallaria alleni Santa Marta Antpitta Grallaria bangsi Cundinamarca Antpitta Grallaria kaestneri Bicolored Antpitta Grallaria rufocinerea Brown-banded Antpitta Grallaria milleri Santa Marta Tapaculo Scytalopus sanctaemartae Pale-throated Tapaculo Scytalopus panamensis Upper Magdalena Tapaculo Scytalopus rodriguezi Stiles's Tapaculo Scytalopus stilesi Brown-rumped Tapaculo Scytalopus latebricola Paramillo Tapaculo Scytalopus canus Antioquia Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes lanyoni Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes pernix Apical Flycatcher Myiarchus apicalis Chestnut-capped Piha Lipaugus weberi Choco Vireo Vireo masteri Niceforo's Wren Thryothorus nicefori Santa Marta Wren Troglodytes monticola Apolinar's Wren Cistothorus apolinari Munchique Wood-Wren Henicorhina negreti Santa Marta Warbler Basileuterus basilicus White-lored Warbler Basileuterus conspicillatus Yellow-crowned Redstart Myioborus flavivertex Black-and-gold Tanager Bangsia melanochlamys Gold-ringed Tanager Bangsia aureocincta Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus melanogenys Multicolored Tanager Chlorochrysa nitidissima Turquoise Dacnis-Tanager Pseudodacnis hartlaubi Caqueta Seedeater Sporophila murallae Chestnut-bellied Flower-piercer Diglossa gloriosissima Sierra Nevada Brush-Finch Arremon basilicus Santa Marta Brush-Finch Atlapetes melanocephalus Yellow-headed Brush-Finch Atlapetes flaviceps Dusky-headed Brush-Finch Atlapetes fuscoolivaceus Antioquia Brush-Finch Atlapetes blancae Sooty Ant-Tanager Habia gutturalis Crested Ant-Tanager Habia cristata Mountain Grackle Macroagelaius subalaris Red-bellied Grackle Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster Baudo Oropendola Gymnostinops cassini Velvet-fronted Euphonia Euphonia concinna
Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia
By Miles McMullan, Thomas M Donegan and Alonso Quevedo | 250 pages with colour plates, illustrations & maps | Pro-Aves | Softcover | 2010 | NHBS Price: £21.99pSee Fatbirder Review
ISBN: 9780982761502
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Guide to the Birds of Colombia
by Steven L. Hilty, William L. Brown Paperback - 850 pages 1986 - Princeton University PressISBN: 069108372X
Buy this book from NHBS.com
The Birds of Northern South America An Identification Guide
by Robin Restall et al, Helm 2006ISBN: 0713672420
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Where to Watch Birds in South America
by Nigel Wheatley Paperback - 336 pages - 1994 - Christopher HelmISBN: 0713639091
Buy this book from NHBS.com
Asociación Calidris
WebsiteLa Asociación Calidris es una organización sin ánimo de lucro con sede en Cali que trabaja desde 1989 en procura de conocer más de las aves acuáticas y por ello adelanta estudios de investigación en diferentes partes del País...
Asociación Colombiana de Ornitología
WebsiteLa 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...
El Groupo Ornitología Universidad Nacional (GOUN)
WebsiteEl 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...
El Grupo de Amigos para la Investigación y la Conservación de las Aves – GAICA
WebsiteEl Grupo de Amigos para la Investigación y la Conservación de las Aves – GAICA, surge de la preocupación ante la falta de una institución que se ocupe del estudio de las aves en el departamento de Nariño y que adelante actividades para su conservación y protección. Su lugar de domicilio es la ciudad de San Juan de Pasto...
Fundación Ornitológica del Atlántico - ORNIAT
WebsitePromover 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
WebsiteLa 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 Ornitológica Sierra Nevada (FOSIN)
WebsiteLa Fundación Ornitológica Sierra Nevada FOSIN, se crea por la necesidad y el interés de un grupo de personas en la conservación de las aves y sus habitats del departamento del Magdalena...
Fundación ProAves
WebsiteFundación 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
WebsiteThe 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)
WebsiteLa Asociación Bogotana de Ornitología, es una entidad sin ánimo de lucro que agrupa un sin número de personas aficionadas a la observación de las aves en la sabana de Bogotá...
ProAves
WebsiteWe are a Colombian non-profit organization that focuses on the study and conservation of our biodiversity, especially birds at risk of extinction and their habitats, in partnership with local communities. Our objective is to support and promote the protection of Colombia's incredible but endangered natural heritage with the ultimate aim of benefiting the planet and humanity...
Sociedad Antioqueña de Ornitología (SAO)
WebsiteEn 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
WebsiteLa Sociedad Caldense de Ornitología, SCO, el año entrante cumplirá 20 años de haber sido fundada...
Sociedad Risaraldense de Ornitología - SRO
Ser una organización sólida, con reconocimiento a nivel regional y nacional, capaz de afrontar con suficiencia los retos que demanda la conservación de la avifauna en la región...
III Congreso de Ornitología Colombiana
http://www.ornitologiacolombiana.org/Congreso3/3congresogral.htmEntre el 21 y el 26 de noviembre de 2010 se realizará el tercer Congreso de Ornitología Colombiana en la ciudad de Medellín en conjunto con el tercer Congreso Colombiano de Zoología...
Project Biomap
http://www.biomap.netThe 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...
Amacayacu National Park
WebsiteSatellite 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...
Biosphere Reserves in Colombia
WebsiteMap of locations etc.
Bosque Yotoco Reserve
WebsiteSatellite 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...
Isla Salamanca National Park
WebsiteSatellite 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...
La Planada Nature Reserve
Information PDFIt 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...
La Reserva Natural Rogitama Biodiversidad
WebsiteSatellite 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...
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...
Los Katíos National Park
WebsiteSatellite 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...
Reserva Hidrográfica de Río Blanco
WebsiteSatellite 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...
Río Ñambi Nature Reserve
Satellite ViewOver 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...
Tayrona National Park
WebsiteSatellite 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...
Ucumarí Nature Reserve
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...This section sponsored by: 
*Colombia Birding Reports
ReportCOLOMBIA Birding has been leading trips since mid 2007, and with each tour we have been tweaking and fine tuning all our services. To give you a taste of what your custom tour could be like, here are some of our past trip reports full of birds, pics, and nice stories from the field: Coming Soon...
2006 [March] - Jurgen Beckers - Trogon Trips
ReportIt was the first time we organised this trip, but nothing new under the sun. We were already many years familiar with the birding sites; my wife comes from here and during the years I have spend here, I have explored intensively the complete area...
2007 [February] - Nick Athanas
ReportIt was our first tour to this fascinating and beautiful country, and it was a without doubt a success. We saw 36 of the country’s 62 endemic species, plus numerous near-endemics difficult to see in bordering nations, not to mention 500 odd other species...
2009 [March] - Nick Athanas
ReportThis was my first Colombia trip since late 2007, and it was great to be back! The birds were even better than I remembered, and the logistically the trip was near-perfect. This tour was a custom trip to target endemics and other specialties of the northern half of the country. We went to some fantastically out-of-the-way places and saw some birds not many people ever get to see...
2010 [April] - Fabrice Schmitt
ReportThis trip was planned specifically to target some of the most endangered Colombia endemics which are fortunately protected in fragmented forest thanks to the efforts of ProAves. Colombia has come a long way in answering its security questions and the time is ripe to visit this bird rich country with the help of the NGO ProAves...
2010 [December] - David Shackelford
ReportOur tour covered the length of the country in search of numerous endemics and regional avian specialties, ranging from the isolated mountains of Santa Marta in the north to remote parts of the high Andes in the south above the Magdalena and Cauca Valleys. We managed a remarkable collection of over 700 species, including more than 60 species of colorful tanagers, 12 species of furtive antpittas, and over 70 species of dazzling hummingbirds!
2010 [December] - David Shackelford
Report...We managed to coax the tricky Santa Marta Rufous Antpitta across the dirt track before making our way towards El Dorado, a very comfortable eco-lodge with a friendly staff that caters perfectly to nature enthusiasts and birders...
2010 [February] - David Geale
Report.... A pair of Golden‐winged Sparrows taped in nicely, and we had good looks at several Black‐backed Antshrikes, a rather common bird here. In the late morning, we arrived at Sr. Tomas’ house and were welcomed by his family and a much‐needed fresh tangerine juice. There was some activity around the house before lunch; we added Rufous‐vented Chachalaca, Yellow‐olive Flycatcher, Black‐chested Jay, and a group of twelve Military Macaws. Soon after lunch we began the return trip, doing some birding but mostly wanting to get down the hill to have some birding time near our hotel late in the day....
2010 [February] - Frank Lambert - Andean Endemics & Santa Marta
ReportOur inaugural tour to Colombia recorded a staggering 683 species! Of these, the bird of the trip for most of the group was a wonderful male Colourful Puffleg...
2010 [January] - Nigel Voaden
Report...The reserve was established to protect Horned Curassow (after which it is named) however although the species has recently been discovered breeding it is supposedly a two-day hike to get to the area where they occur and thus off-limits for most mortals. The site is particularly reliable for Beautiful Woodpecker and Sooty Ant-Tanager and other specialities to look for include Lita Woodpecker, Song Wren, Dull-mantled Antbird, White-bibbed Manakin, Tawny-throated Leaftosser, Northern Royal-Flycatcher and Slaty-winged Foliage-Gleaner. Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird and Saffron-headed Parrot also occur here and should be looked for in more open habitat...
2010 [March] - Matt Denton
ReportOur 2010 Colombia tour to the most bird-rich country on earth left little doubt this welcoming country is worthy of its title. We notched up an impressive list of 669 species, which included seeing no fewer than 35 species of conservation concern. In addition to the critically endangered Yellow-eared Parrot, we saw a further 10 endangered species all of which were country endemics with very small ranges (Cauca Guan, Bogotá Rail, Santa Marta Parakeet, White-mantled Barbet, Brown-banded Antpitta, Chestnut- capped Piha, Antioquia Bristle-Tyrant, Apolinar’s Marsh-Wren, Gold-ringed Tanager and Red-bellied Grackle)...
2010 [November] - Pete Morris
Report...Even as I write this the rains are still causing terrible trouble across the country and they are now reported as the worst rains for forty years, so it’s official, we were unlucky. But let’s look on the bright side. We got round most of the circuit with few major problems and still managed to record 512 species....
2011 [January] - Nick Athanas
Report...We headed west along the island with it’s abundance of waterbirds (we’d have more time to stop on the way back) and skirted the northern edge of the Santa Marta mountains. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant next to a river that had a nesting Common Black-Hawk, and had our first experience of the absurdly large portions that many Colombian restaurants serve. After lunch, we headed into the deserts of the Guajira Peninsula of far northern Colombia...
2011 [March] - Pete Morris
ReportOur 2011 Colombia tour to this amazingly bird-rich country was one of the most successful tours we ever run. We recorded an impressive 687 species, which more importantly included seeing no fewer than 43 of the widely accepted country endemics such as Cauca Guan, Colombian and Chestnut-winged Chachalacas, Chestnut Wood-Quail, Bogotá Rail, Yellow-eared Parrot, Santa Marta Parakeet, Santa Marta Screech-Owl, Blossomcrown...
2011 [November] - Forrest Rowlan
ReportWith 74 endemic species and burgeoning infrastructure that allows new access to most of these birds, Colombia has become a must-visit destination for any international birder. And so it was that 8 Rockjumper participants, 2 leaders and one driver found themselves beginning a journey that would net an unprecedented 794 species of birds in just 23 days, including an astounding 59 endemics!
2012 [August] - Peter Hawrylyshyn
PDF ReportThis section sponsored by:
Birding Colombia Birdwatching Tours
Tour OperatorColombia is usually one of those places you've heard mention, probably because of its drug problem, but never considered visiting. In reality the country is a birder's dream; with the highest species count of any country in the World, over 1810, it really is a must for any serious neotropical birder...
Birding Ecotours
Tour OperatorPlease contact us for further information on this tour. Birding Ecotours aims to provide world-wide birding experiences of superb quality, while contributing to environmental conservation and disadvantaged communities. Please contact us for detailed information, queries and quotations as we are happy to help you in every aspect of planning your birding holiday.
Birding Pal
InformationLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
Colombia Birding
Tour OperatorColombia Birding was born from the love of birding throughout Colombia and exploring the outstanding natural habitats of this beautiful country. I have been exploring the rich avifauna of Colombia since 2000, inventorying species, recording bird sounds, and sharing the joy of watching hundreds of cool, rare, and endemic birds with friends as we added to our life lists. At Colombia Birding we have one simple goal: sharing that same joy and making all of our clients happy! I say simple because we are a small company, carefully operated by few people allowing us to offer totally customized birding trips for every client...
EcoTurs Colombia
Tour OperatorWhy travel with EcoTurs: 100% of our profits goes to bird and nature conservation in Colombia by Fundacion ProAves. Ecotourism makes a real difference to the sustainablity of ProAves bird reserves. Professional guides, ten years of conservation and research experience and special attention to a safe and enjoyable holiday in paradise....
Manakin Birdwatching
Tour OperatorOver 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....
Manu Expeditions
Tour OperatorManu Expeditions is a professional company based in Peru with 25 years experience, offering bespoke birding trips to that country as well Bolivia, Chile and Colombia, specialing in catering for serious bird watchers and photographers...
Multicolor Birding Colombia
Tour OperatorWe know the sites, the birds’ vocalizations, and most importantly, where the special birds are. We have both the skill and the patience to help you get the best possible views of the key birds. We are a friendly team, and all our guides are fully adaptable to the pace and knowledge of our clients. We speak both English and Spanish...
Rockjumper Worldwide Birding Adventures
Tour OperatorColombia 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 Chocó all help to make this one of the most exciting and rewarding birding countries on earth...
Trogon Trips
Tour OperatorTrogon Trips organises birding trips in Colombia and Venezuela. Active since 2000, our trademark is a high degree of reliability against relatively low prices. We offer standard tours as well as tailor-made trips...
Tropical Birding
Tour Operatorhanks in large part to having the world’s biggest birdlist, Colombia is rapidly returning to the mainstream birding circuit. After several successful custom trips, and a recent surge in demand for tours to this stunning Andean nation, we are now offering our first set-departure tour to this friendly mega-diverse country...
Cabañas Pijibá
AccommodationSentir es un proyecto educativo que pretende concientizar, educar y difundir las zonas de vida de Colombia y sus especies en peligro de extinción...
Artist - Robin Schiele
GallerySee also: http://www.robinschiele.com/about/index.html and
https://www.facebook.com/RobinSchiele.NatureArtist
Robin 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 - Marie-France Grenouillet Wildlife Capture
GalleryPhotography 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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This site was last updated on Wednesday, 12th June 2013.