:: Birding Tours Colombia ::

HORNED SCREAMER

Anhima cornuta

A very big bird with a bare quill protruding from the crown. Difficult to see in the Cauca Valley (Laguna de Sonso marsh) and lower Magdalena Valley where populations have declined severely due to habitat loss and hunting.

This image was taken in the Eastern llanos at the municipality of Arauca (Arauca Department), where healthy populations still strive in cattle farms and along small streams (“caños”) and swamps. In Colombia, this bird is known as “Buitre de Ciénaga” or “Aruco”, giving the name to the Department of “Arauca” for which it is the state bird and a strong identity icon.

NORTHERN SCREAMER - (NT)

Chauna chavaria

A very large bird with contrasting body marks that render it unique. Formerly common in lower Magdalena, Sinú and Atrato Valleys, populations are declining fast due to the loss of marshes and swampy areas along main rivers.

This image was taken in the Magdalena Valley near Puerto Berrío (Antioquia).

COMB DUCK

Sarkidiornis melanonotos

A rare and local bird, previously more abundant, now scarce due to loss of freshwater marshes and lagoons. Found in Africa, Asia and in South America from Eastern Panamá (Chocó rivers) south into Argentina. American birds have been regarded as a separate species (S. sylvicola – South American Comb Duck) by some authors.

Very shy, does not allow close approach. Found usually alone or in pairs, feeding with other ducks and aquatic birds.

Can be seen with some luck at sandbars and flooded rice fields near Cartago (Cauca Valley).

TORRENT DUCK - male

Merganetta armata

Most amazing duck of fast flowing mountain rivers, from 1500 to 3500m, present in all three Andean ranges. Widely distributed from northwestern Venezuela south through the Andes into Tierra del Fuego (Chile & Argentina).

Best seen at Otún River above Pereira and in the Quindío River near Salento.

TORRENT DUCK – female with chick

Merganetta armata

Females are more cryptic than males and very shy, difficult to approach.

Both Otún & Quindío rivers have healthy populations of Torrent Duck, benefitting from watershed conservation efforts. Density is estimated at 1 pair per 1-2 kilometers.

This image was taken in the Quindío River above Boquía on May 14, 2008.

ANDEAN TEAL

Anas andium

The Andean Teal inhabits cold lakes and ponds of the Central and Eastern Andes of Colombia above 2500m. This species is a split from the Speckled or Yellow-billed Teal (Anas flavirostris) by their differences in bill color (black in A. andium, yellow in A. flavirostris), plumage and other characteristics. A. flavirostris is a lowland Teal, whereas A. andium is restricted to high elevations.

Most frequently seen around Bogotá and at Los Nevados National Park.

RUDDY DUCK – male

Oxyura jamaicensis

Usually seen in pairs or groups in Andean lakes of Central and Eastern Andes, from 2400m to 4000m. An expert diver, there are resident populations and migrants from the North. Widely distributed from North America south through Central America and down into Tierra del Fuego.

Readily seen in ponds of Sabana de Bogotá, near Chingaza National Park and at Laguna Negra in Los Nevados. Fair numbers can be seen in Laguna del Otún (southern section of Los Nevados).

RUDDY DUCK - female

Oxyura jamaicensis

Female Ruddy Ducks are often confused with non-breeding males of same species and with females of scarce Masked Duck (Nomonyx dominicus) which occurs at lower altitudes (usually under 2600m).

Image taken at Laguna del Otún (Los Nevados).

ANDEAN GUAN

Penelope montagnii

An uncommon or even locally common bird of montane & humid forests of Eastern & Central Andes, from 2200-3700m. Present from northwestern Venezuela south in the Andes into northern Argentina.

Arboreal and gregarious (in groups of 3 to 7 individuals), it favors well preserved forests but also wanders into forest edges, secondary forests and isolated patches or scattered trees when fruited.

CAUCA GUAN - (E & EN)

Penelope perspicax

An endemic bird thought to be extinct and rediscovered not many years ago. Limited to the Cauca Valley at intermediate altitudes (1300 – 2000m) in well preserved forests of the Western slope of the Central Andes and Eastern slope of the Western Andes (with the Cauca Valley in between).

Can be seen well at Otún-Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary above Pereira (Risaralda) and in Bosque de Yotoco near Buga (Valle del Cauca).

COLOMBIAN CHACHALACA - (E & VU)

Ortalis columbiana

A vocal and conspicuous Chachalaca from the Magdalena & Cauca Valleys that prefers humid and deciduous forests from 300 - 2000m. Family groups survive in small patches of forest and scrubby woodland where they can be seen foraging through the top and medium levels.

This species was placed as a subspecies in the Variable (Speckled) Chachalaca complex (Ortalis motmot) all together with Ortalis guttata (Speckled Chachalaca) of the Orinoco & Amazons.

Can be seen in forested areas surrounding José María Córdova International Airport (serving Medellín at Rionegro), forests near Manizales and Bosque de Yotoco (Cauca Valley) near Buga, among other sites.

BROWN BOOBY

Sula leucogaster

A rather common booby in both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean.

Nests on rocky cliffs and islands not as far away from shore as other boobies.

Readily seen at Bahía Solano (Chocó).

AMERICAN (GREATER OR CARIBBEAN) FLAMINGO - adults

Phoenicopterus ruber

Present in northern Colombia, on coastal lagoons of La Guajira peninsula and formerly in lower Magdalena Valley (Ciénaga de Zapatosa).

Can be seen along the Caribbean coast in La Guajira, especially at Los Flamencos Wildlife Sanctuary (Camarones) near Riohacha, and further north in Manaure, Musiche and Punta Gallinas. Both resident (breeding) and migratory populations exist in northern Colombia.

AMERICAN (GREATER OR CARIBBEAN) FLAMINGO - juveniles

Phoenicopterus ruber

A group of juveniles lacking the characteristic adult color, photographed at Punta Gallinas (La Guajira), the most northern continental site of Colombia & South America.

BOAT-BILLED HERON - immature

Cochlearius cochlearius

An amazing nocturnal heron with very broad heavy bill that can be seen during the day roosting in trees above water in gallery forests of the Orinoco & Amazon regions in Colombia. Also present in northwestern Chocó, Caribbean and northern section of the Magdalena Valley below 800m.

Feeds on fish, insects and a variety of small creatures in wetlands.

This image was taken at Las Mercedes farm in the municipality of Arauca (Arauca).

GREEN HERON

Butorides virescens

Not known to breed in continental Colombia, this is an uncommon northern migrant that winters in fresh and salt water lagoons and rivers of northern Colombia, northern Venezuela and eastern Ecuador. Resident in San Andrés Island.

This image was taken February 12 (2008), in the Eastern Plains of Colombia, municipality of Yopal (Casanare).

REDDISH EGRET – Dark Phase - (NT)

Egretta rufescens

Present at coastal lagoons near Barranquilla (Los Cocos, Isla Salamanca) and north into La Guajira. Both resident and migratory populations are to be found in Colombia. This is a nomadic species, with seasonal movements not well known nor understood.

Both dark and light phases coexist in Los Flamencos Wildlife Sanctuary (Camarones).

REDDISH EGRET – Light Phase - (NT)

Egretta rufescens

Birds in light phase plumage are rather common in Los Flamencos Wildlife Sanctuary (Camarones, 30-minutes south of Riohacha).

BLACKISH RAIL

Pardirallus nigricans

A furtive and hard to see rail of tall & damp grassy areas, marshes and flooded rice fields. When undisturbed, it can be seen walking in the open as it feeds on insects in grass and soil.

Our tours will encounter this uncommon species in marshy areas around Medellín Airport (in Rionegro), Cameguadua marsh (Caldas), Cerro Montezuma & Laguna de Sonso.

ANDEAN LAPWING

Vanellus resplendens

A beautiful bird of high elevations in the Andes, from southern Colombia to Ecuador and south into Chile & Argentina. Not known to breed in Colombia, it is found high in the Andes (2500 – 4000m) in grassy pastures and open lands surrounding lakes and ponds.

This photo of a solitary bird was taken in the Central Andes (Risaralda) at Laguna del Otún (4000m – Los Nevados National Park). Can be seen casually in the Eastern Andes (Sabana de Bogotá).

NOBLE SNIPE

Gallinago nobilis

A semi-nocturnal snipe of marshy bogs and ponds high in the Andes between 2800 – 4000m in the three Andean ranges of Colombia, north-western Venezuela and Ecuador.

Can be seen in margins of ponds in the Bogotá area (Siecha, near Chingaza National Park) and in Los Nevados National Park (Laguna del Otún).

GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET - (EN)

Leptosittaca branickii

An uncommon beautiful parakeet of upper temperate forests (1800 – 3500m) in the Central Andes of Colombia. Found also in Ecuador and Peru.

Can be seen in well preserved forests above Salento in Quindío (La Montaña, Acaime & Estrella de Agua Nature Reserves), Río Blanco (Manizales) and on the road to Los Nevados National Park.

This image was taken along the road to Los Nevados National Park.

SPECTACLED PARROTLET - female

Forpus conspicillatus

A geographically restricted species to eastern Panamá, Colombia and western Venezuela, it is the most common parrotlet in the Cauca & Magdalena Valleys between 200 -1800m and occasionally even higher. A popular cage bird, feeds on small seeds of weeds and grasses, small berries and fruits, in pairs or flocks, usually noisy and very active.

Can be seen in a plural number of localities, including Cameguadua marsh in Chinchiná (Caldas).

RUFOUS-FRONTED PARAKEET - (E & VU)

Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons

An endemic bird limited strictly to the highlands and paramo vegetation of Los Nevados National Park in the Central Andes and nowhere else in the world.

Small flocks (5-30 individuals) can be seen at treeline (3000 – 4100m) in Los Nevados National Park (departments of Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío & Tolima), especially at fruiting shrubs and trees or in steep cliffs where it nests in groups.

RUSTY-FACED PARROT

Hapalopsittaca amazonina

A rare and local parrot of the Andes between 2000 – 3600m. Present in Colombia spottily in the Western, Central and Eastern Andes. Spreads from north-western Venezuela through Colombia into Ecuador and Perú.

Can be seen in flocks of 5-30 in Río Blanco and Urrao (trail to Colibrí del Sol). In Río Blanco it’s favorite food includes the small berries of mistletoes growing in the Alnus plantations (Alnus jorulensis) and the seeds of the Oak trees (Quercus humboltii).

CLOUD-FOREST PYGMY-OWL - (NE & VU)

Glaucidium nubicola

With an enigmatic and broken distribution in the Western Andes from Colombia to Ecuador, this gracious little owl is very rare and hard to find in subtropical forests (1400 – 2000m).

With much luck, it can be seen at Cerro Montezuma in Tatamá National Park (municipality of Pueblo Rico, Risaralda).

VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH - female (NE)

Aglaiocercus coelestis

A beautiful hummingbird of mossy forests, present in the Pacific (western) slope of the Western Andes and northwestern Ecuador between 300 -2100m. The male has the long tail characteristic of sylphs.

Can be seen at Cerro Montezuma in Tatamá and in ProAves Reserve Las Tangaras in Carmen de Atrato (road to Quibdó, Chocó).

BEARDED HELMETCREST – male - (NE)

Oxypogon guerinii

A near-endemic hummingbird (western Venezuela and Colombia) of high elevations (3200 – 5200m), present in Colombia at the Central and Eastern Andes as well as in the Santa Marta Mountains.

More easily seen at Los Nevados and Chingaza National Parks, albeit at low numbers when the Espeletia (“frailejón”) plants are not bloomed.

GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (NE)

Eriocnemis mosquera

An active and aggressive territorial hummingbird of high elevations (2500 – 3600m) in the Andes of Colombia & Ecuador, found in the Western and Central Andes from Los Nevados area (Caldas) south into Puracé National Park and Nariño.

It favors treeline vegetation and can be seen in the Old Road to Los Nevados (Caldas).

BLACK INCA – (E & VU)

Coeligena prunellei

An endemic & vulnerable hummingbird restricted to the Eastern Andes of Colombia, from 1400-2700m. Visits pendent flowers with long corolla tubes in the canopy and midlevels of humid montane forests.

Can be seen at a number of localities, including Laguna de Pedro Palo, Chicaque and Rogitama Nature Reserve where it is a stellar bird at gardens.

DUSKY STARFRONTLET – male (E & CR)

Coeligena orina

This extremely range-restricted hummingbird can be seen at ProAve’s Colibrí del Sol nature reserve in the municipality of Urrao (Antioquia), where it comes very well into feeders placed along the trail that leads to the Páramo de Frontino. At this site in the Western Andes, the endemic Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer (Diglossa gloriosissima) can also be seen.

DUSKY STARFRONTLET – female (E & CR)

Coeligena orina

When Hilty & Brown published their seminal work (Birds of Colombia, 1986), only the male of this species was known.

This image of a female was taken at RNA Colibrí del Sol.

SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD - female

Ensifera ensifera

Amazing hummingbird from the highlands (1700 – 3300m ) of the Andes from Venezuela south into Bolivia. Uncommon, can be seen in wet montane forests feeding on flowers of Passifloraceae (passion fruits) or darting through the air catching insects on flight.

Best seen in Acaime Nature Reserve above Salento, Río Blanco and along the Old Road to Los Nevados.

WHITE-TAILED HILLSTAR

Urochroa bougueri

Beautiful hummingbird of very humid subtropical forests between 1000-2500m. Known to have seasonal shifts in elevation, it is often seen near water.

Distributed from southern Colombia into Ecuador and Peru, can be seen with some luck at Cerro Montezuma.

FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT

Heliodoxa rubinoides

A graceful hummingbird from cloud forest interiors and dense borders, present in the northern end of the Western Andes, both slopes of the Central Andes and west slope of the Eastern Andes between 1800 – 2600m. Locally common at some sites, rare in others.

Best seen at Río Blanco and Recinto del Pensamiento in Manizales (Caldas).

EMPRESS BRILLIANT – immature male (NE)

Heliodoxa imperatrix

An uncommon species from the Pacific slope of the Western Andes, from headwaters of río San Juan (Cerro Tatamá) south into north-western Ecuador.

Can be seen at Las Tangaras Nature Reserve (ProAves) in Carmen de Atrato and in Cerro Montezuma (Pueblo Rico).

SHORT-TAILED EMERALD – (NE)

Chlorostilbon poortmanni

An uncommon hummingbird of dry wooded areas, second growth, shrubs and gardens, restricted to the Eastern Andes in Colombia and Western Venezuela between 500-2800m.

Can be seen at Rogitama Nature Reserve near the small town of Arcabuco, some 3 hours north of Bogotá.

BUFFY HUMMINGBIRD – (NE)

Leucippus fallax

A uniquely colored hummingbird of arid lands that visits flowers at cacti and scrubland in northern Colombia (around Riohacha in La Guajira) and north-western Venezuela.

Locally common, it can be seen around Riohacha and Los Flamencos Wildlife Sanctuary near the town of Camarones.

INDIGO-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD - (E)

Amazilia cyanifrons

Confined to the middle and upper Magdalena Valley from Boyacá south into Huila. Uncommon or locally common, it favors shrubby vegetation, forest borders and shade coffee plantations between 400 – 2200m.

Apparently nomadic or with strong seasonal movements, it has been recorded once near Barranquilla and once in Costa Rica (accidentals). This is one of the stellar hummingbirds at the Enchanted Gardens of San Francisco not too far away from Bogotá.

MOUSTACHED PUFFBIRD - (NE)

Malacoptila mystacalis

A silent and uncommon inhabitant of humid forests in the Andes (800 – 2100m) of Colombia & Venezuela. In Colombia, it is present in the Pacific slope of the Western Andes and both slopes of the Central Andes and Eastern Andes; also, present in the Macarena, Perijá & Santa Marta Mountains.

The very sharp and high peeping of it’s voice is the best field-mark for finding this awesome bird around Jardín (Antioquia), Otún-Quimbaya (Risaralda), Finca El Aralcal and Los Alcázares Eco-Park in Manizales (Caldas).

WHITE-MANTLED BARBET – (E & VU)

Capito hypoleucus

Gorgeous country-endemic of humid forests in mid Magdalena Valley and lower Cauca Valley, present locally between 200-1500m.

Found usually in pairs or family groups, in the Cañón de Río Claro (Doradal), Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve (ProAves, at Anorí) and Victoria (Caldas).

BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN

Andigena nigrirostris

An amazing blue-chested mountain-toucan of Venezuela, Colombia and northeastern Ecuador. In Colombia present at the three Andean ranges from 1200 -3200m, but populations probably diminishing due to habitat loss.

Can be seen in Río Blanco (Caldas) and above Salento in Quindío.

GRAYISH PICULET – male (E)

Picumnus granadensis

An endemic little bird mostly from dry forests but also humid forests, forest borders, second growth and gardens with scattered trees and shrubs. Present in the mid and upper Cauca Valley, Patía Valley and dry canyons of the Western Andes (Pacific slope) in Dagua and Calima, between 800 – 2100m.

Can be seen in Los Alcázares Ecopark in Manizales, Cameguadua marsh in Chinchiná (Caldas), Centro de La Guadua (Quindío) and a plural number of localities.

CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER

Colaptes rivolii

This most beautiful woodpecker is often seen joining mixed flocks at dense cloud forests and treeline vegetation in the three Andean ranges of Colombia, between 1800 – 3500m.

Best seen at Río Blanco Nature Reserve in Caldas.

WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL

Schizoeaca fuliginosa

Nice bird of paramo ecosystems and treeline (3000 – 4000m) at the Eastern & Central Andes.

Can be seen in Chingaza & Los Nevados National Parks.

WHITE-WHISKERED SPINETAIL - (NE)

Synallaxis candei

Very nice spinetail from Venezuela & Colombia, linked to arid shrublands of the Guajira Peninsula.

This is a very active bird that can be seen feeding on insects in low shrubs and tangles. It comes to the open, thus not as difficult to see well as other spinetails.

WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL

Hellmayrea gularis

This spinetail is wren-like in appearance, differing from other spinetails by having a shorter tail. Found in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Perú, it is a high-mountain dweller (2400-3800m).

Can be seen at tree-line (around 3300m) on the Old Road to Los Nevados in Caldas.

FULVOUS-DOTTED TREERUNNER - (NE & NT)

Margarornis stellatus

A beautiful bird from mossy cloud forests in the Western Andes of Colombia and Ecuador, between 1200 - 2200m but mainly above 1600m.

It can be seen at Cerro Montezuma (Pueblo Rico, Risaralda).

PEARLED TREERUNNER

Margarornis squamiger

A favorite bird for the striking pearled plumage, it is fairly common in humid & epiphyte-laden forests in the 3 Andean ranges between 1500 – 3500m. With similar behavior to woodcreepers, it joins mixed flocks of birds, singly, in pairs or even family groups, exploring bromeliads and mosses.

Can be seen in Río Blanco, Los Nevados and a plural number of localities throughout Colombia.

STRIPED TREEHUNTER

Thripadectes holostictus

Found spottily throughout the three Andean ranges of Colombia, between 1800 – 2700m. Its distribution goes from northwestern Venezuela south into Ecuador & Bolivia.

This image was taken at Los Yarumos Ecopark in Manizales.

FLAMMULATED TREEHUNTER

Thripadectes flammulatus

Nowhere common, this strikingly patterned bird is present in the three Andean ranges and the Santa Marta Mountains. Ranges from northwestern Venezuela south into Ecuador.

This image was taken in Río Blanco, where it has been seen with fledglings and actively nesting in the months of February and May. The nest is a deep tunnel in earth banks.

TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER

Dendrocincla tyrannina

Readily recognizable since it is the only uniform plain-brown woodcreeper of large size to be found high in the Andes (1900 – 3000m). Rare and local, it is present throughout the three Andean ranges of Colombia and south into Ecuador & Perú.

It can be seen in Río Blanco (Caldas) and along the old trail to Acaime & La Montaña Nature Reserve above Salento (Quindío).

BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE – male - (NE)

Thamnophilus multistriatus

An astonishing antshrike for its coloring and behavior, it has healthy populations in the humid coffee region and dry forests (900 – 2200m) of Colombia (foothills of the Cauca & Magdalena Valleys) and north-western Venezuela (Perijá Mountains).

It favors coffee plantations with or without shade, forest borders and open habitats in gardens and life fences.

BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE – female - (NE)

Thamnophilus multistriatus

This photo was taken at the sub-xerophytic forest of Dagua (Valle del Cauca) in the Western Andes.

LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD

Drymophila caudata

This amazingly beautiful antbird prefers dense vines, tangles and bamboo stands (Chusquea sp.) where it gathers insects; in pairs, family groups or sometimes joining mixed flocks at humid and dry forests between 1200 – 3100m in the three Andean ranges of Colombia and south into Ecuador, Perú and northern Bolivia.

Present locally, can be seen in Río Blanco (Caldas).

PARKER’S ANTBIRD – male (E)

Cercomacra parkeri

A very vocal but furtive antbird endemic to Colombia between 1100-1900m. Difficult to see since it never comes into the open and stays hidden in very dense vegetation. Wonders in pairs but does not join mixed flocks of birds.

Can be seen in several localities including the Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve (ProAves) nearby Anorí (Central Andes), Cerro Montezuma (Western Andes) and forests near Manizales.

PARKER’S ANTBIRD – female (E)

Cercomacra parkeri

Females are even more furtive and shy than males.

This image was taken at Cerro Montezuma (Western Andes).

CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA

Grallaria ruficapilla

Without doubt the most common antpitta in humid pre-montane and montane forests in all three Andean ranges, between 1200 – 3000m. Nonetheless, arguably the nicest antpitta that can be seen well.

A stellar bird at the earthworm feeding stations in Río Blanco (Caldas), much appreciated by all birders.

BICOLORED ANTPITTA – (NE & VU)

Grallaria rufocinerea

A rare and very difficult antpitta to see. Found in humid forests between 2100 – 3100m in the Central Andes of Colombia and northern Ecuador.

Can be seen at Río Blanco (Caldas) searching for earthworms at one of the new antpitta feeding stations.

CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA

Grallaria nuchalis

Not an uncommon antpitta but extremely shy and hard to see anywhere. Present in humid montane forests of the Central and Western Andes between 2000 – 3000m.

Often heard but seldom seen, this photo was taken at Río Blanco (Caldas).

BROWN-BANDED ANTPITTA – (E)

Grallaria milleri

An endemic antpitta known only from the Western slope of the Central Andes in Caldas and Quindío.

A stellar bird in Río Blanco, it comes very well into earthworm feeding stations.

CRESCENT-FACED ANTPITTA – (NE & NT)

Grallaricula lineifrons

A charismatic antpitta known in Colombia only from 3 localities in the Western slope of the Central Andes in Cauca, Quindío and more recently Caldas (buffer zone of Los Nevados National Park). Recently taped in the Eastern slope of the Central Andes in Tolima.

This image was taken on July 23 (2011) from a pair of birds seen on a steep forest in the Old Road to Los Nevados at 3310m.

OCELLATED TAPACULO

Acropternis orthonyx

An extraordinary bird of well protected forests in the highlands of the Andes from Colombia to Perú, between 2700-3300 meters. Difficult to see, it is even more difficult to photograph well.

Can be seen with care and patience in Río Blanco (Caldas) and in La Montaña & Acaime (Salento, Quindío). Also, in Jardín (Antioquia) and some localities of the Eastern Andes.

CHOCO TAPACULO – (NE)

Scytalopus chocoensis

This near-endemic can be seen in forested cliffs and forest interiors at Cerro Montezuma (Western Andes).

Very vocal, it has one of the longest songs among Tapaculos.

STILES’S TAPACULO - (E)

Scytalopus stilesi

An endemic Tapaculo described not long ago from humid subtropical forests along the Central Andes between 1400 – 2200m.

Can be seen at Otún-Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary (above Pereira) and at Los Yarumos Eco-Park in Manizales (Caldas). Also, at La Romera city park (metropolitan area of Medellín).

TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET

Phyllomyias uropygialis

A little known and uncommon flycatcher from humid pre-montane and montane forests between 1500 – 2800m, with spotty records along the Eastern Andes from Santander to Cundinamarca, and south in the Western Andes (Cauca & Nariño). Nonetheless, widely distributed from Venezuela to Bolivia.

This bird was photographed at La Cabaña Private Nature Reserve in the Central Andes, above Salento (Quindío).

CHOCO TYRANNULET - (NE)

Zimmerius albigularis

Formerly considered a race of Golden-faced Tyrannulet (Zimmerius chrysops), this is a very vocal and active tyrannulet of humid montane forests of the Western Andes (<1500m) of Colombia and the Andes of Ecuador.

Can be seen easily at Cerro Montezuma (Western Andes).

RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER

Leptopogon rufipectus

A medium-sized flycatcher that regularly follows mixed flocks at low and mid-heights in montane forests of the 3 Andean ranges, between 1600 – 2800m. Present in Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador and Perú.

More easily seen in Otún-Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary (Pereira) and Río Blanco (Caldas).

SLENDER-BILLED TYRANNULET - (NE)

Inezia tenuirostris

A near-endemic tyrannulet of north-western Venezuela and northern Colombia in La Guajira Peninsula. Common in dry forest, arid scrub and shrubby vegetation at sea level.

Can be seen around Riohacha and at Los Flamencos Wildlife Sanctuary (town of Camarones) in La Guajira.

RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER

Poecilotriccus ruficeps

This gorgeous and tiny flycatcher favors bamboo stands and bushes in montane forests of all three Andean ranges, between 1500-2700m. Usually in pairs and inconspicuous, but not shy. Detectable when song is learned.

Can be seen in Río Blanco and in the old road to Los Nevados National Park.

BLACK-BILLED FLYCATCHER - (NE & NT)

Aphanotriccus audax

An inconspicuous and often overlooked flycatcher that favors humid areas in lowlands (100 – 600m) of eastern Panama and northern Colombia in Golfo de Urabá, the Sinú Valley (Córdoba), Serranía de San Lucas, Perijá Mountains and southern Guajira.

This bird was photographed in one of our regular tours to La Guajira & Santa Marta Mountains.

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER - (VU)

Contopus cooperi (syn. C. borealis)

An uncommon northern migrant that breeds in North America and winters in northern South America from Venezuela to Peru and Bolivia.

Can be seen perched in snags, sallying for insects and returning to same exposed branch. Sometimes seen frequently in coffee plantations and cloud forests of the Central Andes.

PLAIN-CAPPED GROUND-TYRANT

Muscisaxicola alpinus

Widely distributed from Colombia south into Chile & Argentina, this uncommon flycatcher hunts for insects with short jumps in the floor of rocky surfaces and Espeletia stands in paramo ecosystems, near treeline and snowline (3200 – 4400m).

Found in Colombia in the Eastern & Central Andes, from Boyacá & Caldas south to Ecuador. Can be seen in Los Nevados but at higher altitudes than most sites visited by birding groups. This image was taken in Los Nevados, on the road to Laguna del Otún.

APICAL FLYCATCHER - (E)

Myiarchus apicalis

This endemic flycatcher favors forest borders and semi-open forests between 400 – 2300m in middle and upper Cauca Valley & Magdalena Valley, as well as between San Gil (Santander) and Huila.

Can be seen at Laguna de Sonso and El Vínculo Regional Park in the municipality of Buga (Valle del Cauca). Also, at Tierra Blanca Private Nature Reserve in Dagua and a plural number of localities within the Cauca Valley.

ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK - male

Rupicola peruviana sanguinolenta

This magnificent bird is present in the Western, Central & Eastern Andes, favoring steep forested canyons where they use rocky cliffs for nesting. Frugivorous, they sally for fruits like trogons due. Gregarious, polygamous males gather at specific spots in forest (called leks), displaying with audible calls and short to medium flights, moving up and down the trees.

Males carry a permanently erect crest that nearly covers the bill, females have a smaller crest and are entirely brownish. Males of the Western Andes subspecies (R. p. sanguinolenta, this picture) are deep scarlet red, whereas males of the Central & Western Andes subspecies are more orange red.

A gorgeous lek can be seen in the outskirts of Jardín (Antioquia). Pairs can be seen in Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary wandering through the forest.

RED-RUFFED FRUITCROW

Pyroderus scutatus

This astonishing bird is a mythical target species for birders traveling to Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela. Much sought but hardly ever seen, it has a geographically vast distribution from Colombia south through the Andes into Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil.

A healthy population of this bird is found at the Otún-Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary above Pereira (Risaralda). It can also be seen above Queremal in the Western Andes.

APOLINAR’S WREN - (E & EN)

Cistothorus apolinari

Restricted to marshes, lakes and lagoons of the Eastern Andes, from Boyacá south to Páramo de Sumapaz. Requires dense and grassy vegetation.

Not easy to see, local populations strive to survive in wetlands within urban Bogotá and the surrounding plateau known as the Sabana de Bogotá. Can be seen at La Florida Wetland near El Dorado International Airport.

SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH

Catharus fuscater

A fairly common bird of montane forests in the three Andes between 800-2800m, but seldom seen due to its shy and cryptic behavior. Stays deep into the forest, where it dwells in the lower vegetation and floor.

This image was taken at Río Blanco, where it seldom comes into the earthworm feeding stations that attract a fair number of Antpittas.

WHITE-CAPPED TANAGER

Sericossypha albocristata

Most amazing bird from the Andes, found between 1600 – 3200m at the Central and Eastern Andes of Colombia. Uncommon and somewhat unpredictable, it spreads south into Perú.

This species moves rapidly through the canopy of forests in family groups of 3-7 individuals. The very sharp and loud calls are usually the first signal for their presence and the reason for their vernacular name in Spanish – “Pollo de Monte” (forest chicken).

FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER – male (E)

Ramphocelus flammigerus flammigerus

Recently merged with Lemon-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus icteronotus) from Western Panama, Colombia & Ecuador.

Lemon-rumped Tanagers (now Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus) are found bellow 1200m whereas Flame-rumped Tanagers are almost always at higher elevations (1200 – 2200m). The subspecies hybridize on the 800-1200m belt, where deforestation has allowed them to contact each other.

FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER – female (E)

Ramphocelus flammigerus flammigerus

A fairly common bird of shrubby areas, gardens and forest edges of the Central Andes and both slopes of the Cauca Valley. Also, the western slope of the Western Andes into the Pacific, where it hybridizes with the Lemon-rumped subspecies.

The two subspecies can be seen together at lower elevations of Cerro Montezuma (around 1200m).

LEMON-RUMPED TANAGER – male (NE)

Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus

A Chocó specialty of the Western Andes that spreads into the northern tip of the Central Andes as other Chocó endemics.

A race of Flame-rumped Tanager (Ramphocelus flammigerus flammigerus), it is common and abundant in open fields and plantations, shrubby areas and pastures with scattered trees. Seen easily in Cerro Montezuma.

GOLD-RINGED TANAGER – male - (E & EN)

Bangsia aureocincta

This beautiful endemic tanager belongs to the fabulous Bangsia subset of Mountain Chocó endemics, all together with the Black-and-gold (Bangsia melanochlamys), Moss-backed (B. edwardsi) and Golden-Chested (B. rothschildi) Tanagers.

Once thought to be extinct, it can be found at well preserved & very humid mountain forests of Cerro Montezuma in the municipality of Pueblo Rico (Risaralda) or at Paso Galápagos (municipality of El Cairo) between 1700 -2100m.

GOLD-RINGED TANAGER – female - (E & EN)

Bangsia aureocincta

Females are somewhat paler than males. This photo was taken at 1800m in Cerro Montezuma (in the sector known as “Cajones”).

Gold-ringed Tanagers are seen at slightly higher altitudes than Black-and-gold Tanagers (E & VU) at Cerro Montezuma.

GRASS-GREEN TANAGER

Chlorornis riefferii

An outstanding member of mixed flocks in cloud forests between 1700 – 3300m in the three Andean ranges of Colombia and south through the Andes into Bolivia.

Common at specific sites but absent from other “good looking” forests for the species, it can be seen in Río Blanco, Jardín and above Salento.

PURPLISH-MANTLED TANAGER - (NE & NT)

Iridosornis porphyrocephalus

A near-endemic and gorgeous bird of Mountain Chocó (Western Andes) and the northern end of the Central Andes. Present locally between 1500 – 2300m in “mossy” (super-humid) montane forest, at low or mid-heigths, can be seen foraging on small berries and insects, alone, in pairs or with mixed flocks.

Present at Cerro Montezuma (Tatamá), above Jardín and at the Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve in Anorí.

GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER

Iridosornis rufivertex

A gorgeous tanager of mountainous forests (2300 – 3800m) and treeline vegetation in the 3 Andean ranges, spreading from north-western Venezuela south into Ecuador and Perú.

Can be seen in the buffer zone of Los Nevados National Park and above Jardín (Antioquia).

SCRUB TANAGER - (NE)

Tangara vitriolina

A common Tanager from open and disturbed areas in central Colombia and north-western Ecuador. In Colombia it has a wide distribution in both inter-Andean Valleys (Cauca & Magdalena Valleys), Dagua & Patía Valleys.

By some, regarded as a sub-race of the widely distributed Burnished-buff Tanager (T. cayana) from the Guianas, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina and Paraguay.

BLACK-FACED DACNIS - male

Dacnis lineata

A rather uncommon and truly gorgeous bird. Found with mixed flocks in humid forests of the Western, Central and Eastern Andes below 1200m. Widely distributed throughout the Guianas, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil.

Can be seen in the Cañón de Río Claro area and Victoria (Magdalena Valley).

RUFOUS-BROWED CONEBILL (NE)

Conirostrum rufum

An uncommon species present locally at stunted treeline vegetation, shrubby areas and life fences between 2500 – 3400m in the Eastern Andes of Colombia, from the Bogotá area north into Norte de Santander and adjacent Venezuela.

It can be seen at Chingaza National Park near Bogotá.

INDIGO FLOWERPIERCER (NE)

Diglossa indigotica

An uncommon and strikingly deep indigo-blue flowerpiercer of subtropical “mossy” forests (700 – 2200m) of the Western Andes. Found only in Colombia and northwestern Ecuador (Mountain Chocó).

Can be seen actively following mixed flocks at Cerro Montezuma (Risaralda) and Las Tangaras Nature Reserve (ProAves) near Carmen de Atrato (road to Quibdó).

BLACK-BACKED BUSH-TANAGER - (NE)

Urothraupis stolzmanni

An elegant Bush-Tanager of high mountains (3000 – 3700m) in Colombia and Ecuador, present in Colombia only in the Central Andes from Los Nevados National Park (Caldas) south into Puracé National Park in Cauca.

The best place to see this bird is in Los Nevados National Park, near treeline. Usually found in family groups and mixed flocks at low and medium heights of dense stunted forests, shrubs and thickets.

ORINOCO SALTATOR - (NE)

Saltator orenocensis

Found only in the Guajira Peninsula and north of the Orinoco River in Colombia & Venezuela.

Can be seen in pairs or family groups, moving fast through canopy and midlevel of dry forests and shrublands.

SLATY FINCH - female

Haplospiza rustica

A little known bird of montane forests, apparently erratic and unpredictable. Spreads from southern Mexico through Central America into Colombia and south to Bolivia. Found in Colombia between 800 – 3000m in the Santa Marta and Perijá Mountains, and spottily in all three Andean ranges.

Very active and fast moving, best seen in Río Blanco (Caldas) darting through the forest alone or in pairs, sometimes with mix flocks, or feeding on small seeds in the undergrowth of forest, bamboo stands or in the ground of trails and forest borders.

SLATE-COLORED SEEDEATER

Sporophila schistacea

An enigmatic species since it is sporadic and unreliable. It seems to wander throughout, having a wide but spotty distribution from southern Mexico to Ecuador, Bolivia and Brazil.

In Colombia it can be seen below 2000m in the Western Andes, Magdalena & Cauca Valley, and east in the Macarena Mountains.

TANAGER-FINCH - (NE & VU)

Oreothraupis arremonops

An emblematic bird of Mountain Chocó (1700 -2300 m). Difficult to see on low heights of wet and mossy forests, usually in pairs or family groups. A shy and inconspicuous bird, it is an important target species even for the most experienced birders.

With patience and good luck, the bird can be seen at the Western Andes in Jardín (Antioquia) and Cerro Montezuma (Risaralda).

YELLOW-HEADED BRUSH-FINCH – (E)

Atlapetes flaviceps

This country endemic is typically present in dry and semi-dry forests of the Magdalena Valley. Formerly reported only for localities in the Eastern slope of the Central Andes, it has been recently recorded in the Western slope of the Central Andes (Cauca Valley) close to the city of Manizales.

This image was taken at Líbano (Tolima) – foothills of the Magdalena Valley.

SANTA MARTA BRUSH-FINCH - (E)

Atlapetes melanocephalus

A very active and conspicuous member of mixed flocks between 1500 – 3200m in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Easily seen above Minca along the road to the Biological Station of Sierra Nevada National Park and El Dorado Nature Reserve (ProAves).

RED-HOODED TANAGER

Piranga rubriceps

A beautiful tanager of montane forests (2000 – 3100m) spottily distributed and usually rare or uncommon at most localities. Found between the east slope of the Western Andes and the west slope of the Eastern Andes. In southern Colombia, present in the east slope of the Eastern Andes near boundaries with Ecuador. Present in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.

Can be seen in a number of localities such as Río Blanco (Caldas), La Patasola & Acaime Nature Reserve (Quindío) and in Urrao (Colibrí del Sol Nature Reserve).

SOOTY ANT-TANAGER - (E & NT)

Habia gutturalis

A very active and noisy Ant-tanager that follows army ant swarms. Populations are restricted to the upper Sinú and middle Magdalena Valleys, from the northern end of the Western Andes south into Caldas and Tolima along foothills bordering the Magdalena River.

Can be seen at Bosque de Victoria in the municipality of Victoria (Caldas).

CRESTED ANT-TANAGER – (E)

Habia cristata

This beautiful country endemic is found in humid montane forests of the Western, Central and Eastern Andes of Colombia between 800-2100m.

Moves in noisy family groups of 5-7 individuals and favors dense forest vegetation along rivers, ravines and mountain streams.

Can be seen in Cerro Montezuma (Western Andes), Otún-Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary above Pereira, forested streams near Líbano (Tolima) and Manizales (Central Andes).

VERMILION CARDINAL – male (NE)

Cardinalis phoeniceus

An outstandingly beautiful bird from arid scrublands of La Guajira Peninsula in northern Colombia and north-western Venezuela below 300m.

We enjoy this bird at our excursions to Riohacha and Camarones.

VERMILION CARDINAL – female - (NE)

Cardinalis phoeniceus

With strong sexual dimorphism, females are ochre-buff and males are bright rosy red, but both of them hold the long pointed crest.

CERULEAN WARBLER - (VU)

Dendroica cerulea

A very uncommon winter resident and fall (October) or spring (March) transient West of Andes. Breeds in eastern USA and winters in the Andes (500 – 2000m) from Venezuela to Bolivia.

GOLDEN-FRONTED WHITESTART – West & Central Andes race (NE)

Myioborus ornatus chrysops

A beautiful warbler of montane forests from 1800m to treeline (3400m). Frequently seen with mixed flocks, where it is thought to be a nucleating species. Very vocal and active as it sallies and flicks open its tail showing the outer white feathers. Not a shy bird.

Can be seen in Rio Blanco, Los Nevados, Chingaza, Jardín and a plural number of good birding sites.

GOLDEN-FRONTED WHITESTART – Eastern Andes race (NE)

Myioborus ornatus ornatus

This is the white-faced subspecies of the previous bird, present at the Eastern Andes.

MOUNTAIN CACIQUE

Cacicus chrysonotus

An uncommon but noisy and conspicuous cacique that builds nests hanging from tall trees in mountain forests of the three Andean ranges in Colombia, between 1700 – 3500m.

Can be seen in Río Blanco (Caldas), La Montaña & Acaime Nature Reserve above Salento in Quindío. Also, at Chingaza National Park (Eastern Andes).

RED-BELLIED GRACKLE - (E & EN)

Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster

An endemic and amazingly beautiful grackle of montane forests, present rather spottily in the 3 Andean ranges between 1200 – 3000m. Moves through the canopy of forests in family groups and occasionally joins mixed flocks.

Can be seen around Jardín (Antioquia), at Parque La Romera (metropolitan Medellín), Rionegro (forests around José María Córdova International Airport) and at the Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve (ProAves) in Anorí.

CHESTNUT-BREASTED CHLOROPHONIA - female

Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys

An uncommon and somewhat erratic bird from humid mountain forests in the Western, Central (very few records) and Eastern Andes, between 1400 – 3000m, spreading from northwestern Venezuela to Ecuador and central Perú.

Females lack the male’s gold & chestnut coloring in the belly and the yellow rump.

Can be seen in Cerro Montezuma (Tatamá National Park).

COLOMBIA: The number one country for birds!