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18 FEBRUARY – 17 MARCH 2020
Crescent-faced Antpitta (photo John Turner)
Overview
Our 19-day Colombia tour 2020 was a fabulous experience, which allowed us to see probably the best birding route of the country and most of the highlights that this amazing land has to offer to birdwatchers and truly adventurous travelers. No other country holds more avian species than Colombia, and we had the chance to see some of the most spectacular birds in this part of the world and finished the tour with most of the Neotropical families well represented on our list.
The Colombia 2020 tour was an easy trip for a group of very enthusiastic photographers who also wanted to contemplate the birds, became familiar with them, and admire their natural behavior at a more relaxed pace than the usual birding pace. Instead of working on a long list of species we tried to photograph as many birds as possible, and even though the total was not as large as in previous years we did remarkable well for our easy pace, getting 513 species recorded. This total includes 63 species of hummingbirds, 83 species of tanagers and allies, 27 Colombian endemics, and a good set of locally restricted birds found in Colombia and adjacent Venezuela and/or Ecuador only. Our list includes breathtaking and endemic species such as Crescent-faced Antpitta, Hooded Antpitta, Moustached Antpitta, Gold-ringed Tanager, Black-and-gold Tanager, Blue-whiskered Tanager, Baudo Guan, Cauca Guan, Chestnut Wood Quail, Buffy Hummingbird, Tocuyo Sparrow, White-tipped Quetzal, Keel-billed Toucan, Tooth-billed Hummingbird, Scarlet Ibis, Santa Marta Blossomcrown, Rusty-faced Parrot, Golden-chested Tanager, Mountain Avocetbill, Lita Woodpecker, Club-winged Manakin, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Golden-breasted Fruiteater, Black Solitaire, Beautiful Jay, Santa Marta Warbler, Chivi Vireo, and Lemon-spectacled Tanager among many other jewels. We had fun from beginning to end and learned a lot about the distribution of species in one of the countries with the most complex geography in the Americas.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival at Barranquilla and transfer to the hotel
Our trip started in Barranquilla, where the group arrived on different flights, and the participants were transferred to our comfortable hotel in town.
Day 2. Barranquilla and transfer to Riohacha
The following morning we left Barranquilla and drove to the outskirts, where we started birding. We had an amazing start with species such as the endemic Chestnut-winged Chachalaca, Brown-throated Parakeet, Orange-winged Amazon, and Bicolored Wren around the scrub. Then we drove to the famous Km 4, where we saw several attractive species, including Blue-winged Teal, Scaled Dove, Black-necked Stilt, Groove-billed Ani, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Northern Crested Caracara, Carib Grackle, Stripe-backed Wren, and Russet-throated Puffbird. From here we continued driving toward Riohacha, and on the way we saw Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull, Willet, and Semipalmated Plover. After passing the city of Santa Marta we stopped at Las Gaviotas, where we saw Crimson-backed Tanager, Blue Dacnis, White-necked Puffbird, Lance-tailed Manakin, and Ruby-topaz Hummingbird working on the flowers, a most-wanted species of hummingbird in Colombia. Finally we arrived at Riohacha in the department of La Guajira, where we spent the night in a comfortable hotel.
Day 3. La Guajira and Camarones
Today we had a full day to explore the deciduous dry habitat of Guajira and Camarones.
We had an early start in the company of our local guide Jose, who belongs to an indigenous American ethnic group called Wayuu that inhabits the territory. This community lives on the Guajira Peninsula of Colombia with a small population in northwest Venezuela.
The first species we looked for was Tocuyo Sparrow; with the help of our local guide we found it thanks to the knowledge of the territory of our guide, since this is one of the most difficult and sought-after species in the area. Other species that we saw were Chestnut Piculet, Merlin, Bare-eyed Pigeon, and Red-billed Emerald.
Then we visited a new birding facility where the owner started feeding birds and increased the chances to see some great classic species like Vermilion Cardinal, and other species that visit the feeders are Orinoco Saltator, Grey Pileated Finch, Buffy Hummingbird, Tropical Mockingbird, Scaled Dove, Yellow Oriole, Bananaquit, and Greyish Saltator.
We explored the dry surroundings of Guajira, where we saw Crested Bobwhite, Northern White-fringed Antwren, Black-crested and Black-backed Antshrikes, Slender-billed Inezia, White-whiskered Spinetail, Russet-throated Puffbird, Black-faced Grassquit, Green-rumped Parrotlet, Scaled Dove, and Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant.
At the end of the morning, we moved to the shores of Camarones, where we spent the remainder of the day. Here we had good views of American White Ibis, Scarlet Ibis, Reddish Egret, Royal Tern, Caspian Tern, Common Tern, and Least, Semipalmated, and Western Sandpipers, as well as thousands of American Flamingos.
Day 4. Transfer from Riohacha to Taironaka
Today we left Riohacha and transferred to the Hotel Taironaka Turismo Ecológico y Arqueología in Don Diego.
We left our vehicle and took a small boat to get to this paradise in the Caribbean jungle. It is the best way to get to the hotel. Another way is to walk to it through the forest, but this is not a good option considering luggage.
We started birding the road around the hotel and had good views of Orange-chinned Parakeet, Piratic Flycatcher, Social Flycatcher nesting, the fantastic Keel-billed Toucan, King Vulture, Lineated Woodpecker, Barred Antshrike, Plain Xenops, and Buff-breasted Wren.
Day 5. Taironaka and transfer to Minca
The next morning we explored a different road near the lodge. We were lucky to see Gartered Trogon, Whooping Motmot, Crested Oropendola, and Streaked Flycatcher. When we found an army ant swarm we had great views of Grey-headed Tanager, Plain-brown Woodcreeper, White-shouldered Tanager, and Crimson-backed Tanager. Then we moved close to the Don Diego River and were able to observe Collared Aracari, Military Macaw, Spotted Sandpiper, Neotropic Cormorant, White-bearded Manakin, and Prothonotary Warbler.
We left Taironaka and drove to Minca, a town located at the lowest parts of the Santa Marta Mountains. At our hotel, La Casona de Minca, we keep ourselves busy with the feeders for the rest of the afternoon, enjoying species such as Pale-bellied Hermit, White-vented Plumeleteer, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, White-necked Jacobin, Keel-billed Toucan, Black-chested Jay, Clay-colored Thrush, Crested Oropendola, and White-tipped Dove.
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird
Day 6. Minca and transfer to El Dorado Lodge
The next morning we started our birding above Minca, finding species such as Golden-winged Sparrow, Rufous-capped Warbler, Keel-billed Toucan, Lineated Woodpecker, Masked Tityra, Bicolored Wren, White-lined Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Buff-throated Saltator, Summer Tanager, and Broad-winged Hawk. We climbed into higher elevations and there were happy to see the toddi subspecies of Broad-winged Hawk, which is endemic to the Santa Marta Mountains, and also Santa Marta Antbird, Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner, Swallow Tanager, and Plumbeous Kite. Later we had great views of a number of endemics, namely Santa Marta Woodstar, Santa Marta Blossomcrown, and Santa Marta Brushfinch, and we also saw Rusty Flowerpiercer and Groove-billed Toucanet.
We arrived at El Dorado Lodge at lunchtime and found a hummingbird frenzy at the lodge feeders with views of Crowned Woodnymph, Brown Violetear, Lesser Violetear, and Lazuline Sabrewing, while the tanager feeders provided Blue-naped Chlorophonia and Black-capped Tanager. Around the lodge we saw White-tipped Quetzal and Golden-breasted Fruiteater.
We spent some time observing the compost, where we could only see a few White-tipped Doves; at this time of year there is not much activity at the compost.
In the evening we went out to look for Santa Marta Screech Owl around the hotel, but we had no luck.
Lesser Violetear
Day 7. San Lorenzo Ridge
The San Lorenzo Ridge was our location for the next morning. We had a predawn start in order to be at the ridge by dawn. Once we arrived there we had our field breakfast and started to look for birds. We had an incredible start, getting many of the Santa Marta endemics such as Rusty-headed Spinetail, Streak-capped Spinetail, Santa Marta Mountain Tanager, Santa Marta Brushfinch, Yellow-crowned Whitestart, and Santa Marta Warbler. We also saw Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, Hermit Wood-Wren, Black-backed Thornbill and White-throated Toucanet. Later we drove to the San Lorenzo Field Station, where we had amazing views of two Santa Marta Antpittas at feeding station.
For lunch we drove back to the lodge, where we later had great views of White-tipped Quetzal and Golden-breasted Fruiteater, White-lored Warbler, Golden Grosbeak, Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Masked Trogon, and Band-tailed Guan near the lodge grounds.
White-throated Toucanet
Day 8. El Dorado Lodge, transfer to Santa Marta, and flight to Pereira
We spent a couple of hours trying to improve on our the photos at the hotel feeders and then we headed to the airport at Santa Marta, from where we successfully started our flight via Bogotá to the city of Pereira.
Day 9. Otún-Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary
Today we went to the Otún-Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary for a full day of birding, During the morning we enjoyed Torrent Tyrannulet, Blue-necked Tanager, Canada, Blackburnian, and Three-striped Warblers, and Moustached Puffbird.
We had lunch in the reserve and afterwards continued birding along the main road, finding the uncommon Wattled Guan, the endemic Cauca Guan, White-capped Parrot, the secretive Moustached Antpitta, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Rufous-breasted and Slaty-capped Flycatchers, Inca Jay, Grey-breasted Wood Wren, Andean Solitaire, the endemic Crested Ant Tanager, and Flame-rumped Tanager.
Day 10. Transfer to Montezuma Eco-Lodge
A full morning at Otún-Quimbaya started with an early rough drive to El Cedral at the top of the road. Here we saw the super-rare Hooded Antpitta and other species such as Collared Trogon, Andean Motmot, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Bronze-olive Pygmy Tyrant, Black-billed Peppershrike, Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, and the endemic Stiles’s Tapaculo. We also looked for birds around the hotel, hoping for better photography opportunities; some of the species we saw were Blue-grey Tanager, Cauca Guan, Blue-necked Tanager, Black-winged Saltator, and Black-billed Thrush.
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta
Then we drove to Montezuma Eco-Lodge, the gateway to Tatamá National Park. On the way we made a couple of stops looking for Turquoise Dacnis, but we didn’t have any luck and saw only the usual suspects such as Blue-grey Tanager, Tropical Pewee, Black-billed Thrush, Green Honeycreeper, and Blue-headed Parrot.
In order to explore Tatamá National Park, where the Pacific Chocó lowlands meet the Western Andes, we planned staying three nights at the Montezuma Eco-Lodge as our base in order to investigate the forest above the lodge and find the jewels that this place holds. But not only birdwatchers visit this park but also a good number of butterfly aficionados from different parts of the world due to the fact that Tatamá holds one of the largest concentrations of butterfly species in Colombia.
We drove through the town of Pueblo Rico, and it was interesting to see how the town became very much alive, especially in the main square. There were lots of people and all kinds of different characters chilling out around the square. Colombian folk music was playing loudly from different local pubs, and several old 4×4 jeeps were parked around the square.
We arrived late in the afternoon at the lodge with just enough time to look at the hummingbird feeders and enjoy Empress Brilliant, Rufous-gaped Hillstar, Crowned Woodnymph, Velvet-purple Coronet, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, and Western Emerald. The fruit feeders attracted Silver-throated, Crimson-backed, Golden, and Lemon-rumped Tanagers and Black-winged Saltator. After a delicious dinner we went to sleep to get ready for the next day.
Day 11. Tatamá National Park (upper parts)
We met in the dining room in order to get some coffee and then left toward the top of the ridge in Tatamá National Park. After an hour (10-km drive) we arrived at the top at dawn and had our delicious field breakfast with amazing views of the mountain forest. Tatamá National Park is somehow remote, and the only people using this road are the members of the Montezuma Eco-Lodge and the Colombian army that still has a small military base at the top of the ridge.
Our first encounter was with a couple of Swallow-tailed Nightjars on the road. During breakfast we saw Collared Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, and Black-and-white Seedeater, followed by the first endemic of the day, Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer. After great views of this endemic we started looking for the second target of the ridge, Munchique Wood Wren, which is also a range-restricted country endemic.
Buff-tailed Coronet
We spent the day exploring the area between the ridge and mid-elevations, focusing more on the upper parts. In the morning we enjoyed views of the endemic Gold-ringed Tanager and of Black-chinned Mountain Tanager, Grass-green Tanager, Lacrimose Mountain Tanager, Purplish-mantled Tanager, the endemic Black-and-gold Tanager, Rufous Spinetail, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Beautiful Jay, Golden-fronted Whitestart, and the recently described endemic Tatama Tapaculo (April 2017), known previously as Alto Pisones Tapaculo.
The hummingbird feeders at high- and mid-elevations provided excellent views of Velvet-purple Coronet, Brown Inca, Collared Inca, Tourmaline Sunangel, Greenish Puffleg, and Violet-tailed Sylph. We returned to the lodge in the afternoon and spent the rest of the day birding in the gardens and enjoying the hummingbird feeders.
Day 12. Tatamá National Park (mid-elevations)
Today we repeated the same formula, leaving the lodge before dawn and focusing on mid-elevation species this time.
We started the morning with Masked Trogon and Tawny-bellied Hermit. We heard the endemic Chestnut Wood Quail distantly and enjoyed Andean Motmot, Pacific Tuftedcheek, Montane Woodcreeper, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, Ornate, Handsome, and Cinnamon Flycatchers, Barred Becard, Sharpe’s Wren, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Choco Brushfinch, Yellow-throated Bush Tanager, Glistening-green Tanager, Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Brown-billed Scythebill, and Olive Finch. At lower elevations we managed to get crippling views of Dusky Bush Tanager and the endemic Black-and-gold Tanager.
We went back to the lodge after having spent the whole morning by the road and focused on the gardens in the afternoon. We explored the area around the headquarters, having a lovely encounter with the endemic Greyish Piculet and also finding Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Red-headed Barbet, Bar-crested Antshrike, Smooth-billed Ani, House Wren, and other classic birds of open grounds and secondary growth.
Ochre-breasted Antpitta
Day 13. Montezuma Eco-Lodge and transfer to Rio Blanco Nature Reserve
We birded Montezuma the next morning looking and found species like Purple-throated Woodstar, Broad-billed Motmot, Yellow-throated Toucan, Zeledon’s Antbird, Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Choco Tapaculo, Ruddy Foliage-gleaner, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Sooty-headed Wren, and Ochre-breasted Tanager. Then we left Montezuma and headed to Manizales and the famous Rio Blanco Reserve, making this day basically a traveling day.
Day 14. Rio Blanco Nature Reserve
Today we started birding the Rio Blanco Nature Reserve, which is run by the Aguas de Manizales municipal and regional program. This reserve protects the forest and conserves water sources for the town of Manizales and for many years has been providing tourist facilities for birdwatchers, including accommodation, food, guided visits, and the famous antpitta feeding stations.
We checked the hummingbird feeders and saw Collared Inca, Long-tailed Sylph, Buff-tailed Coronet, and Tourmaline Sunangel. Masked Flowerpiercer and Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager were also around. By 7:00 a.m. we and other birders were called to visit the first antpitta feeding station, which was just next to the house. Here we saw Bicolored Antpitta, which was close and showed nicely. We followed the person in charge of the antpitta feeders, who took us to the next station, where we had incredibly close-up views of the endemic Brown-banded Antpitta and the widespread Chestnut-crowned Antpitta. Grey-browed Brushfinch and Green-and-black Fruiteater were seen here as well.
Grey-browed Brushfinch
After the show was over we continued birding, finding nice mixed flocks with Black-eared Hemispingus, the uncommon Rusty-faced Parrot, the lovely Golden-plumed Parakeet, Capped Conebill, Brown-capped Vireo, Superciliaried Hemispingus, Grey-hooded Bush Tanager, Slaty Brushfinch, Blue-and-black Tanager, Glossy-black Thrush, Black-billed Peppershrike, Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Azara’s Spinetail, Pearled Treerunner, Streaked Xenops, and Strong-billed and Montane Woodcreepers. We also noticed Band-tailed Pigeon, Sickle-winged Guan, Masked Trogon, and Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant.
After lunch we took a break and met again in the afternoon to bird the lower road. The activity was rather slow in the afternoon, with the same mixed flock described above but with fewer species that, however, included White-bellied Woodstar, White-throated Wedgebill, White-capped Dipper, and Blue-capped Tanager. We spent the night at Rio Blanco.
Day 15. Hacienda el Bosque and Los Nevados National Natural Park
The next day we drove to Hacienda el Bosque, a new place that also provides feeding stations. We enjoyed Grey-browed Brushfinch, Rufous Antpitta, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Black-crested Warbler, White-sided Flowerpiercer, Paramo Seedeater, and the super-rare Crescent-faced Antpitta.
We continue to Los Nevados National Natural Park to the highest part of the road in search of the endemic Buffy Helmetcrest, where we saw it successfully. We also saw other species along the way, such as Andean Duck, Stout-billed Cinclodes, White-chinned Thistletail, Plumbeous Sierra Finch, and Plain-colored Seedeater.
Our accommodation, the Hotel Termales Del Ruiz, had fabulous hummingbird feeders, and we enjoyed Shining Sunbeam, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Mountain Velvetbreast, Great Sapphirewing, Viridian Metaltail, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Rufous-capped Thornbill, and Buff-winged Starfrontlet. We saw Lacrimose Mountain Tanager and Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager around the feeders as well and enjoyed Purple-backed Thornbill and Pale-naped Brushfinch.
Day 16. Transfer to Calí and Sonso Lake
In the morning we walked near the hotel, looking for different species of high-elevation areas such as Buff-winged Starfrontlet, White-banded Tyrannulet, White-throated Tyrannulet, Brown-bellied Swallow, and Band-tailed Pigeon. Sadly the localized Rufous-fronted Parakeet was not found this time.
We then started our long drive to the city of Calí, but on the way we made a quick stop at Sonso Lake. Located at the edge of the Cauca River, this wetland ecosystem of 2045 hectares holds an interesting set of waterfowl and aquatic species like Black-bellied Whistling Duck, Greater Ani, Common Nighthawk, Common Potoo, Jet Antbird, Cocoa Woodcreeper, Slaty-headed Tody-Flycatcher, the endemic Apical Flycatcher, and Streaked Flycatcher. Then we continued to Calí, where we spent the night.
Day 17. The Anchicaya road
We started early the next morning, moving from Calí to the Anchicaya road, staying one night at El Queremal. The old Anchicaya road used to join Calí with the Pacific lowlands, especially the port of Buenaventura, and today, after a new road has been built, provides incredible birding with very attractive species. As soon as we arrived we went to Doña Dora, a local woman who owns a small, basic restaurant located below El Queremal. On the feeders we had dynamite views of Toucan Barbet, Silver-throated Tanager, Scrub Tanager, the endemic Flame-rumped Tanager, Black-headed Brushfinch, Empress Brilliant, Purple-bibbed Whitetip, Rufous-throated Tanager, and White-whiskered Hermit.
We continued enjoying different species on the Anchicaya road, such as a female Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Pacific Flatbill, Yellow-throated Bush Tanager, Tricolored Brushfinch, Scarlet-browed Tanager, and Grey-and-gold Tanager. Later we moved to our basic hotel in El Queremal for an overnight.
Day 18. Anchicaya road, transfer to Calí
The next day we went to visit lower areas of the Anchicaya road that have only recently been opened to foreign visitors, and we had an incredible day. We started with views of Choco Toucan, Spot-crowned Barbet, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Collared Aracari, Cinnamon Woodpecker, Lita Woodpecker, Spotted Woodcreeper, Pacific Antwren, Golden-faced Tyrannulet, and Lemon-browed Flycatcher and had a wonderful encounter with Purple-crowned Fairy. In addition we enjoyed Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo, Bay Wren, several Tawny-crested Tanagers, Golden-hooded Tanager, Lemon-spectacled Tanager, Scarlet-and-white Tanager, the spectacular Golden-chested Tanager, the localized Baudo Guan, White-tipped Sicklebill, Rufous Motmot, and Broad-billed Motmot. We took a packed lunch with us and enjoyed a tasty local meal near the lek of the amazing Tooth-billed Hummingbird and had super views of this most-wanted species.
Then we drove to Calí after an intense day in the field.
Rufous-tailed Jacamar
Day 19. Finca Florida, Finca Alejandría, departure
On our last morning we went to Finca Florida el Bosque de las Aves, located near Calí at the famous Km 18, where they have feeders and we started with beautiful views of endemics and unique species like Chestnut Wood Quail, Colombian Chachalaca, and the enigmatic Multicolored Tanager. We enjoyed other species like Saffron-crowned Tanager, Red-headed Barbet, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, and Green Honeycreeper.
Then we visited the famous Finca Alejandría “El Paraiso de Los Colibries”, where we had an amazing start with species such as the near-endemic Scrub Tanager, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, and Squirrel Cuckoo around the gardens. The fruit feeders attracted several captivating species including Golden Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Black–winged Saltator, Flame-rumped Tanager, Summer Tanager, and Red-headed Barbet, and we had cracker views of the incredibly beautiful Multicolored Tanager, perhaps one of the most handsome Colombian endemics!
With our international flights from the Calí airport later in the day a fabulous adventure came to an end, full of incredible and wonderful memories of yet another successful Birding Ecotours Colombia tour. We had an excellent time visiting some of the best places in Colombia, enjoyed the delicious food, and got to know some of the richest bird regions in the whole country – a very productive trip with great photo opportunities and wonderful landscapes.
Multicolored Tanager
BIRD LIST (Taxonomy IOC 10.1)
Cracidae
Colombian Chachalaca Ortalis columbiana Seen well at Finca Florida. A Colombian endemic
Chestnut-winged Chachalaca Ortalis garrula Seen well around the Barranquilla University campus. A Colombian endemic
Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii The subspecies sanctaemartae seen below El Dorado and the nominate subspecies at Rio Blanco Reserve
Band-tailed Guan Penelope argyrotis Seen well at El Dorado
Cauca Guan Penelope perspicax Good views at Otún-Quimbaya. A Colombian endemic. Endangered
Andean Guan Penelope montagnii Seen well at Rio Blanco Reserve
Baudo Guan Penelope ortoni Seen at Anchicaya. Endangered
Wattled Guan Aburria aburri Seen at Otún-Quimbaya. Near Threatened
Odontophoridae
Crested Bobwhite Colinus cristatus Seen at the dry habitat in the Guajira
Chestnut Wood Quail Odontophorus hyperythrus Good views at Finca Florida. A Colombian endemic. Near Threatened
Anatidae
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata Seen at the Otún-Quimbaya River
Blue-winged Teal Spatula discors Seen in the Barranquilla wetlands
Andean Duck Oxyura ferruginea Seen below Los Nevados National Natural Park
Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis Good views at Sonso Lake
Nyctibiidae
Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus Seen roosting at daytime at Sonso Lake
Caprimulgidae
Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis Seen roosting at daytime at the Las Gaviotas track
Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor Seen roosting at daytime at Sonso Lake
Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Band-winged Nightjar Systellura longirostris Seen below the San Lorenzo Ridge
Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra Seen at the Anchicaya road
Swallow-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis segmentata Two seen at Tatamá National Park
Apodidae
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Trochilidae
White-tipped Sicklebill Eutoxeres aquila Seen along the Anchicaya road
White-whiskered Hermit Phaethornis yaruqui Seen at Doña Dora feeders at the upper Anchicaya road. A Chocó specialist
Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsutus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Pale-bellied Hermit Phaethornis anthophilus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Green Hermit Phaethornis guy Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Tawny-bellied Hermit Phaethornis syrmatophorus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis Seen at Tatamá National Park
Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Ruby-topaz Hummingbird Chrysolampis mosquitus Seen along the Gaviotas track
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl Seen along the Gaviotas track and at Taironaka Lodge and Minca
Red-billed Emerald Chlorostilbon gibsoni Seen at Camarones
Buffy Hummingbird Leucippus fallax Great views at Camarones. Restricted to the Guajira deciduous habitats of northern Colombia and adjacent Venezuela
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora Seen at Taironaka Lodge
White-chinned Sapphire Hylocharis cyanus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffonii Seen at La Casona Hotel in Minca
Steely-vented Hummingbird Amazilia saucerottei Seen at La Casona Hotel in Minca
Santa Marta Woodstar Chaetocercus astreans Seen below El Dorado Lodge. A Colombian endemic restricted to the Santa Marta Mountains
Santa Marta Blossomcrown Anthocephala floriceps Seen at Palo Alto B&B. A Colombian endemic restricted to the Santa Marta Mountains
Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica Common at El Dorado Lodge feeders
Brown Violetear Colibri delphinae Seen at El Dorado Lodge
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans Seen at El Dorado Lodge
Lesser Violetear Colibri cyanotus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Lazuline Sabrewing Campylopterus falcatus Seen at El Dorado Lodge
Black-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron dorsale Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge. A Colombian endemic
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge in the subspecies districta
White-tailed Starfrontlet Coeligena phalerata Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge. A Colombia endemic. Restricted to the Santa Marta Mountains
Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge and Rio Blanco Reserve
White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary and Rio Blanco Reserve
Tourmaline Sunangel Heliangelus exortis Seen at Tatamá National Park and Rio Blanco Reserve
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys Seen at Tatamá National Park
Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis Seen at Tatamá National Park. A Chocó specialist
Greenish Puffleg Haplophaedia aureliae Seen at Tatamá National Park
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata Seen at Tatamá National Park
Buff-tailed Coronet Boissonneaua flavescens Seen at Tatamá National Park
Velvet-purple Coronet Boissonneaua jardini Seen at Tatamá National Park
Rufous-gaped Hillstar Urochroa bougueri Seen at Tatamá National Park. A Chocó specialist Rename (9.1) White-tailed Hillstar to Rufous-gaped Hillstar with split of Green-backed Hillstar U. leucura (SACC 800 pending).
Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix Seen at Tatamá National Park. A Chocó specialist
Green Thorntail Discosura conversii Seen at Tatamá National Park
Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula Seen at Tatamá National Park
Purple-throated Woodstar Philodice mitchellii Seen at Tatamá National Park
Western Emerald Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica Seen at El Dorado Lodge
Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae Seen at Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis Seen at Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
White-throated Wedgebill Schistes albogularis Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Viridian Metaltail Metallura williami Seen at the Nevados National Park
Shining Sunbeam Aglaeactis cupripennis Seen at the Nevados National Park
Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae Seen at the Nevados National Park
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera Seen at the Nevados National Park
Buffy Helmetcrest Oxypogon stuebelii Seen at Los Nevados National Park. A Colombian endemic
Purple-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron microrhynchum Seen at the Hotel Termales
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani Seen at the Hotel Termales
Golden-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis mosquera Seen at the Hotel Termales
Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus Seen at the Hotel Termales
Mountain Avocetbill Opisthoprora euryptera Seen at Nevados National Park. A most-wanted species
Purple-bibbed Whitetip Urosticte benjamini Seen at the Anchicaya road
Tooth-billed Hummingbird Androdon aequatorialis Seen along the Anchicaya road. A Chocó specialist, which sneaks into the Darién province in Panama. Its common name refers to the small tooth-like serrations on the inner part of the distal half of the bill.
White-booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii Seen at Finca Alejandría
Cuculidae
Greater Ani Crotophaga major Seen at Sonso Lake
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Seen at Sonso Lake
Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris Seen in the Barranquilla wetlands
Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Columbidae
Rock Dove Columba livia Common
Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and along the Gaviotas track
Bare-eyed Pigeon Patagioenas corensis Seen at Camarones
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge above El Dorado Lodge
Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea Seen at Tatamá National Park
Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea Seen at Tatamá National Park
Scaled Dove Columbina squammata Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina Seen at Camarones
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Several sightings
Ruddy Ground Dove Columbina talpacoti Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata Seen at Otún Quimbaya
White-throated Quail-Dove (H) Zentrygon frenata Heard above Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Rallidae
Grey-necked Wood Rail Aramides cajaneus Seen at Sonso Lake
Blackish Rail Pardirallus nigricans Seen at the Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Phoenicopteridae
American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Seen at Camarones
Burhinidae
Double-striped Thick-knee Burhinus bistriatus Seen during our drive to Riohacha
Haematopodidae
American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus Seen at Camarones
Recurvirostridae
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Seen in the Barranquilla wetlands
Charadriidae
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Collared Plover Charadrius collaris Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Camarones
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Camarones
Wilson’s Plover Charadrius wilsonia Seen at Camarones
Jacanidae
Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Scolopacidae
Sanderling Calidris alba Seen on the way to Santa Marta
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla Seen on the way to Santa Marta
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Seen on the way to Santa Marta
Willet Tringa semipalmata Seen on the way to Santa Marta
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Seen on the way to Santa Marta
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Hudsonian Whimbrel Numenius hudsonicus Seen at Camarones
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Seen at Camarones
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla Seen at Camarones
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri Seen at Camarones
Laridae
Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla Seen along the drive to Santa Marta
Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus Seen along the drive to Santa Marta
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Seen at Camarones
Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Seen at Camarones
Ciconiidae
Wood Stork Mycteria americana Seen at Camarones
Fregatidae
Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Seen along the coast on our drive to Santa Marta
Phalacrocoracidae
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Seen at Camarones
Threskiornithidae
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Seen at Sonso Lake
American White Ibis Eudocimus albus Seen at Camarones
Scarlet Ibis Eudocimus ruber Seen at Camarones Peninsula. A good bird in the Guajira
Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus Seen on the way to Otún-Quimbaya and at Sonso Lake
Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Ardeidae
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Sonso Lake
Great Egret Ardea alba Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Sonso Lake
Snowy Egret Egretta thula Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Sonso Lake
Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens Seen at Camarones
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Sonso Lake
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Sonso Lake
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Several sightings
Striated Heron Butorides striata Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Sonso Lake
Pelecanidae
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and along our drive to Santa Marta
Cathartidae
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus Common
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Several sightings
King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Pandionidae
Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Sonso Lake
Accipitridae
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea Seen below El Dorado Lodge
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus Seen around El Dorado Lodge
Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris Seen at Rio Blanco Reserve
Ornate Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus ornatus A juvenile seen at Finca Florida
Strigidae
Tropical Screech Owl Megascops choliba Seen around Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Santa Marta Screech Owl (H) Megascops gilesi Unfortunately heard only above El Dorado Lodge
Mottled Owl (H) Strix virgata Heard above El Dorado Lodge
Spectacled Owl (H) Pulsatrix perspicillata Heard at Taironaka Lodge
Trogonidae
Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary and Tatamá National Park
White-tipped Quetzal Pharomachrus fulgidus Seen above El Dorado Lodge. Found in Northern Colombia and adjacent Venezuela
Gartered Trogon Trogon calígatus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus Seen above El Dorado Lodge
Collared Trogon Trogon collaris Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Alcedinidae
Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Camarones
Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona Seen at Barranquilla wetlands
Momotidae
Whooping Motmot Momotus subrufescens Seen at Minca and Taironaka
Andean Motmot Momotus aequatorialis Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii Seen at the Anchicaya road
Broad-billed Motmot Electron platyrhynchum Seen at the Anchicaya road
Galbulidae
Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Bucconidae
Russet-throated Puffbird Hypnelus ruficollis Seen at Camarones and around Barranquilla wetlands
White-necked Puffbird Notharchus hyperrhynchus Seen along the Las Gaviotas track during our travel to Riohacha
Moustached Puffbird Malacoptila mystacalis Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Capitonidae
Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii Seen at Montezuma Eco-Lodge and Finca Alejandría
Semnornithidae
Toucan Barbet Semnornis ramphastinus Seen along the Anchicaya road. Found in Colombia and Ecuador
Ramphastidae
Black-billed Mountain Toucan Andigena nigrirostris Seen at Tatamá National Park
Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Groove-billed Toucanet Aulacorhynchus sulcatus Seen below El Dorado Lodge. Found in Northern Colombia and Venezuela
White-throated (“Santa Marta”) Toucanet Aulacorhynchus albivitta Seen around El Dorado Lodge. Here the subspecies lautus. Santa Marta Toucanet Aulacorhynchus lautus was split from A. prasinus (Navarro et al. 2001) but is best treated as a subspecies of White-throated Toucanet A. albivitta (Winker 2016, NACC 2016-B-3). The subspecies griseigularis was seen at Rio Blanco Reserve.
Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus Seen at Rio Blanco Reserve and Finca Alejandría
Yellow-throated Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus Seen at the Anchicaya road
Choco Toucan Ramphastos brevis Seen at the Anchicaya road
Picidae
Chestnut Piculet Picumnus cinnamomeus Great views in Camarones. Found in Colombia and Venezuela
Greyish Piculet Picumnus granadensis Seen at the Montezuma Eco-Lodge. A Colombian endemic
Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus Seen at Hacienda La Florida
Smoky-brown Woodpecker Dryobates fumigatus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus Several sightings
Lita Woodpecker Piculus litae Seen at the Anchicaya road. A Chocó specialist. Named after Lita, Ecuador
Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus Seen at the Anchicaya road
Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii Seen below Los Nevados National Natural Park
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Falconidae
Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway Several sightings in the Caribbean lowlands
Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima Several sightings
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Seen at Camarones
Merlin Falco columbarius Great views in the Guajira
Laughing Falcon (H) Herpetotheres cachinnans Heard at the Anchicaya road
Collared Forest-Falcon (H) Micrastur semitorquatus Heard only at El Dorado Lodge
Psittacidae
Orange-winged Amazon Amazona amazonica Seen at the Caribbean lowlands and below Minca
Brown-throated Parakeet Eupsittula pertinax Seen around Barranquilla and the Santa Marta lowlands
Barred Parakeet (H) Bolborhynchus lineola Heard in the Tatamá National Park
Green-rumped Parrotlet Forpus passerinus Seen at the Guajira
Red-billed Parrot Pionus sordidus Seen above Minca during our drive to El Dorado Lodge
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Military Macaw Ara militaris Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenarius Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge
Santa Marta Parakeet (H) Pyrrhura viridicata Unfortunately heard only at the San Lorenzo Ridge. A Colombian endemic. Endangered
Scarlet-fronted Parakeet Psittacara wagleri Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge
White-capped Parrot Pionus seniloides Seen at Otún Quimbaya Sanctuary
Rusty-faced Parrot Hapalopsittaca amazonina Seen at Rio Blanco Reserve
Golden-plumed Parakeet Leptosittaca branickii Seen at Rio Blanco Reserve. Endangered
Furnariidae
Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior Seen at Los Nevados National Natural Park
Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
White-whiskered Spinetail Synallaxis candei Seen at Camarones
Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops Seen above the Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura Seen above the Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa Seen at Tatamá National Park
Streak-capped Spinetail Cranioleuca hellmayri Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge
Rusty-headed Spinetail Synallaxis fuscorufa Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge
White-chinned Thistletail Asthenes fuliginosa Seen at Los Nevados National Natural Park
Pale-legged Hornero Furnarius leucopus Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Straight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus Seen at Camarones
Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans Seen at Taironaka Lodge and Sonso Lake
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper Glyphorynchus spirurus Seen at the Anchicaya road
Spotted Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus erythropygius Seen at the Anchicaya road
Tyrannine Woodcreeper Dendrocincla tyrannina Seen at Tatamá National Park
Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Brown-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus pusillus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner Clibanornis rufipectus Seen above Minca
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia variegaticeps Seen at Tatamá National Park
Ruddy Foliage-gleaner Clibanornis rubiginosus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Flammulated Treehunter Thripadectes flammulatus Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge
Uniform Treehunter Thripadectes ignobilis Seen at Tatamá National Park
Grey-throated Leaftosser Sclerurus albigularis Seen around El Dorado Lodge
Plain Xenops Xenops minutus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Fulvous-dotted Treerunner Margarornis stellatus Seen at Tatamá National Park. A Chocó specialist. Found in Western Ecuador and Western Colombia. It is also known as Star-chested Treerunner.
Thamnophilidae
Black-backed Antshrike Thamnophilus melanonotus Seen at Camarones
White-fringed Antwren Formicivora grisea Seen at Camarones
Black-crested Antshrike Sakesphorus canadensis Seen at Camarones
Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Santa Marta Antbird Drymophila hellmayri Seen above Minca. A Colombian endemic
Streak-headed Antbird Drymophila striaticeps Seen at Tatamá National Park
Bar-crested Antshrike Thamnophilus multistriatus Seen at the Anchicaya lowlands
Pacific Antwren Myrmotherula pacifica Seen at the Anchicaya lowlands
Zeledon’s Antbird Hafferia zeledoni Seen at the Anchicaya lowlands. Named after José Castulo Zeledón, a 19th -20th century Costa Rican ornithologist
Parker’s Antbird Cercomacroides parkeri Seen at Tatamá National Park. Named after Theodore Albert “Ted” Parker III, 20th century American ornithologist who specialized in the Neotropics. A Colombian endemic
Jet Antbird Cercomacra nigricans Two seen at Sonso Lake
Spot-crowned Antvireo Dysithamnus puncticeps Seen at the Anchicaya road
Chestnut-backed Antbird Poliocrania exsul Seen at the Anchicaya road
Grallariidae
Santa Marta Antpitta Grallaria bangsi Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge. A Colombian endemic. Vulnerable
Moustached Antpitta Grallaria alleni Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary. A difficult bird to see. Vulnerable
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Hooded Antpitta Grallaricula cucullata Seen at the Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary. Poorly known, it was considered one of the biggest rarities of the Andes. Vulnerable
Bicolored Antpitta Grallaria rufocinerea Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve. Vulnerable
Brown-banded Antpitta Grallaria milleri Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve. A Colombian endemic
Slate-crowned Antpitta (H) Grallaricula nana Heard in the Tatamá National Park
Yellow-breasted Antpitta (H) Grallaria flavotincta Heard at Tatamá National Park
Ochre-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula flavirostris Seen at Tatamá National Park
Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula Seen at Hacienda el Bosque
Crescent-faced Antpitta Grallaricula lineifrons Great views at Hacienda el Bosque. Near Threatened
Conopophagidae
Chestnut-crowned Gnateater Conopophaga castaneiceps Seen at Tatamá National Park
Rhinocryptidae
Stiles’s Tapaculo Scytalopus stilesi Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary. A Colombian endemic. Named after Frank Garfield Stiles, an American author and ornithologist living in Colombia
Choco Tapaculo Scytalopus chocoensis Seen at Tatamá National Park
Tatama Tapaculo Scytalopus alvarezlopezi Seen at Tatamá National Park. Recently described in 2017. It used to be known as “Alto Pisones” Tapaculo. Named after the Tatamá National Park
Nariño Tapaculo (H) Scytalopus vicinior Heard in the Tatamá National Park. Named after the Nariño state in Colombia
Spillmann’s Tapaculo (H) Scytalopus spillmanni Heard in the Tatamá National Park. Named after F. Spillmann, Austrian zoologist who resided in Ecuador
Tyrannidae
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus Seen below Los Nevados National Park
White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys Seen below Los Nevados National Park
Black-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias nigrocapillus Seen below Los Nevados National Park
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Seen at Sonso Lake
Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii Seen at El Dorado Lodge
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca diadema Heard at San Lorenzo Ridge and seen at Rio Blanco Reserve
Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor Seen around Los Nevados National Park
Pied Water Tyrant Fluvicola pica Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Greenish Elaenia Myiopagis viridicata Seen along the Las Gaviotas track during our drive to Riohacha
Bronze-olive Pygmy Tyrant Pseudotriccus pelzelni Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer Seen at Camarones
Northern Scrub Flycatcher Sublegatus arenarum Seen at Camarones
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus Seen at the Guajira and Camarones
Venezuelan Flycatcher (H) Myiarchus venezuelensis Heard at Camarones
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosa Seen at Camarones
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus Common in the Caribbean lowlands
Grey Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Seen at the Guajira
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus Common
Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarynchus pitangua Seen along the Las Gaviotas track
Slender-billed Tyrannulet Inezia tenuirostris Seen at Camarones
Pale-tipped Tyrannulet (H) Inezia caudata Heard in Camarones
Brown-capped Tyrannulet Ornithion brunneicapillus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens Seen at Taironaka Lodge. Here the subspecies exortivus
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Lesser Kiskadee Pitangus lictor Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Rufous-breasted Flycatcher Leptopogon rufipectus Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Marble-faced Bristle Tyrant Phylloscartes ophthalmicus Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Smoke-colored Pewee Contopus fumigatus Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus tyrannulus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes Seen at Rio Blanco Reserve
Apical Flycatcher Myiarchus apicalis Seen at Sonso Lake. A Colombian endemic
Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens Seen at Tatamá National Park
Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum Seen at the Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Handsome Flycatcher Nephelomyias pulcher Seen at Tatamá National Park
Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea Seen at the Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops Seen at Tatamá National Park
Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis Several sightings
Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus Seen above Minca
Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus Seen at Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Slaty-headed Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus sylvia Seen at Sonso Lake
Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus Seen along Anchicaya
Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps Seen along Anchicaya
Pacific Flatbill Rhynchocyclus pacificus Seen along Anchicaya
Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus Seen along Anchicaya
Bright-rumped Attila (H) Attila spadiceus Heard at Anchicaya
Cotingidae
Purple-throated Fruitcrow Querula purpurata Seen at Tatamá National Park
Red-ruffed Fruitcrow Pyroderus scutatus Great views at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Golden-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola aureopectus Seen above El Dorado Lodge
Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii Seen at Rio Blanco Reserve
Orange-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola jucunda Seen at Tatamá National Park
Scaled Fruiteater (H) Ampelioides tschudii Heard in the Tatamá National Park
Pipridae
Lance-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia lanceolata Two seen at the Las Gaviotas track
White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Club-winged Manakin Machaeropterus deliciosus Seen at Tatamá National Park. A Chocó specialist
Tityridae
Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus Seen at Tatamá National Park
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus Seen at Taironaka Lodge and Tatamá National Park
Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Sulphur-rumped Myiobius Myiobius sulphureipygius Seen along the Anchicaya road
Vireonidae
Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis Seen below El Dorado Lodge
Black-billed Peppershrike Cyclarhis nigrirostris Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius leucotis Seen along the Anchicaya road
Scrub Greenlet Hylophilus flavipes Seen at Camarones
Chivi Vireo Vireo chivi Seen at Sonso Lake
Choco Vireo Vireo masteri Seen at Tatamá National Park
Corvidae
Black-chested Jay Cyanocorax affinis One seen at Minca
Green Jay Cyanocorax yncas Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Beautiful Jay Cyanolyca pulchra Seen at Tatamá National Park
Hirundinidae
Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca Several sightings, including at Otún-Quimbaya
Brown-bellied Swallow Orochelidon murina Seen at the upper parts of the Tatamá National Park
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis Seen at Tatamá National Park
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Seen at Sonso Lake
Troglodytidae
Bicolored Wren Campylorhynchus griseus Seen well in Minca and the Caribbean lowlands
Stripe-backed Wren Campylorhynchus nuchalis Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
House Wren Troglodytes aedon Several sightings
Buff-breasted Wren Cantorchilus leucotis Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Grey-breasted Wood Wren Henicorhina leucophrys Seen at Minca, El Dorado Lodge and the Tatamá National Park
Hermit Wood Wren Henicorhina anachoreta Seen around El Dorado Lodge. A Colombian endemic
Whiskered Wren Pheugopedius mystacalis Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
Munchique Wood Wren Henicorhina negreti Seen at Tatamá National Park. A Colombian endemic
Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus Seen along the Anchicaya road
Sooty-headed Wren Pheugopedius spadix Seen at Tatamá National Park
Sharpe’s Wren Cinnycerthia olivascens Seen at Tatamá National Park. Named after Richard Bowdler Sharpe, 19th century English zoologist and ornithologist who worked as curator of the bird collection at the British Museum of Natural History.
Polioptilidae
Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea Seen at Camarones
Mimidae
Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands and Camarones
Turdidae
Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas Seen at Minca
Clay-colored Thrush Turdus grayi Seen above Minca
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater Seen at San Lorenzo Ridge
Yellow-legged Thrush Turdus flavipes Seen at El Dorado Lodge
Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus aurantiirostris Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Black Solitaire Entomodestes coracinus Seen at Tatamá National Park. A most wanted species
Pale-eyed Thrush Turdus leucops Seen at Tatamá National Park
Cinclidae
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus Seen at Rio Blanco Reserve
Passeridae
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Seen in the Guajira
Fringillidae
Yellow-bellied Siskin Spinus xanthogastrus Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Trinidad Euphonia Euphonia trinitatis Seen at the Caribbean lowlands and the Taironaka Lodge
Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea Seen at El Dorado Lodge
Yellow-collared Chlorophonia Chlorophonia flavirostris Seen at Tatamá National Park.
Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys Seen at Tatamá National Park
Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris Seen at Sonso Lake
Passerellidae
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis Several sightings
Yellow-throated Bush Tanager Chlorospingus flavigularis Seen at the Anchicaya road
Dusky Bush Tanager Chlorospingus semifuscus Seen at the Anchicaya road
Golden-winged Sparrow Arremon schlegeli Seen at Minca
Chestnut-capped Brushfinch Arremon brunneinucha Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Grey-browed Brushfinch Arremon assimilis Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Black-headed Brushfinch Arremon atricapillus Seen at Anchicaya
Santa Marta Brushfinch Atlapetes melanocephalus Seen at Santa Marta including El Dorado, San Lorenzo and Minca. A Colombian endemic
Choco Brushfinch Atlapetes crassus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Sierra Nevada Brushfinch Arremon basilicus Seen at El Dorado Lodge. A Colombian endemic
White-naped Brushfinch Atlapetes albinucha Seen at Otún-Quimbaya Reserve
Slaty Brushfinch Atlapetes schistaceus Seen at Rio Blanco Reserve
Pale-naped Brushfinch Atlapetes pallidinucha Seen around Los Nevados National Park
Icteridae
Yellow-backed Oriole Icterus chrysater Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Carib Grackle Quiscalus lugubris Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Yellow Oriole Icterus nigrogularis Seen at Camarones
Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula Seen at Camarones
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus uropygialis Seen at the Anchicaya road
Orange-crowned Oriole Icterus auricapillus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus Seen at Minca
Chestnut-headed Oropendola Psarocolius wagleri Seen at the Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Parulidae
Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea Seen along the Gaviotas track
Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons Seen at Minca
Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia Seen above Minca and Otún-Quimbaya
Santa Marta Warbler Myiothlypis basilica Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge. A Colombian endemic
Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia Seen at the Anchicaya road
Chestnut-sided Warbler Setophaga pensylvanica Seen at Anchicaya
Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda Seen at Anchicaya
Black-crested Warbler Myiothlypis nigrocristata Seen at Hacienda el Bosque
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Canada Warbler Cardellina canadensis Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca Seen around El Dorado Lodge
White-lored Warbler Myiothlypis conspicillata Seen at El Dorado Lodge. A Colombian endemic
Yellow-crowned Whitestart Myioborus flavivertex Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge
Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus Seen around El Dorado Lodge
Golden-fronted Whitestart Myioborus ornatus Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Mitrospingidae
Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii Seen along the Anchicaya road
Cardinalidae
Summer Tanager Piranga rubra Seen around Minca
Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea Seen at Tatamá National Park
Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava Seen at Tatamá National Park
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus Seen at Minca
Golden Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster Seen around El Dorado Lodge
Vermilion Cardinal Cardinalis phoeniceus Seen at the Guajira and Camarones
Crested Ant Tanager Habia cristata Seen at Otún-Quimbaya. A Colombian endemic
Ochre-breasted Tanager Chlorothraupis stolzmanni Seen at Tatamá National Park
Lemon-spectacled Tanager Chlorothraupis olivacea Seen along the Anchicaya road
Thraupidae
Black-capped Hemispingus Kleinothraupis atropileus Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Black-eared Hemispingus Sphenopsis melanotis Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Superciliaried Hemispingus Thlypopsis superciliaris Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Crimson-backed Tanager Ramphocelus dimidiatus A few sightings
Flame-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus flammigerus Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Lemon-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus icteronotus Seen at the Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Blue-necked Tanager Stilpnia cyanicollis Seen at Otún-Quimbaya
Glaucous Tanager Thraupis glaucocolpa Seen on the Guajira
Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus Several sightings
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Black-cheeked Mountain Tanager Anisognathus melanogenys Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge
Lacrimose Mountain Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus Seen at Hacienda el Bosque
Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager Anisognathus igniventris Seen around Hotel Termales
Black-and-gold Tanager Bangsia melanochlamys Seen at Tatamá National Park. A Colombian endemic
Gold-ringed Tanager Bangsia aureocincta Seen at Tatamá National Park. A Colombian endemic
Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii Seen at Tatamá National Park
Black-chinned Mountain Tanager Anisognathus notabilis Seen at Tatamá National Park
Blue-winged Mountain Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Purplish-mantled Tanager Iridosornis porphyrocephalus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Glistening-green Tanager Chlorochrysa phoenicotis Seen at Tatamá National Park
Scrub Tanager Stilpnia vitriolina Seen at Tatamá National Park
Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis Seen at Tatamá National Park
Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala Seen at Tatamá National Park
Rufous-throated Tanager Ixothraupis rufigula Seen at the Anchicaya road
Grey-and-gold Tanager Poecilostreptus palmeri Seen at the Anchicaya road
Golden-hooded Tanager Stilpnia larvata Seen at the Montezuma Eco-Lodge
Blue-necked Tanager Stilpnia cyanicollis Seen at the Anchicaya road
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Seen at the Anchicaya road
Golden Tanager Tangara arthus Several sightings
Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala Brief views at the Doña Dora feeders
Golden-collared Honeycreeper Iridophanes pulcherrimus Seen at Tatamá National Park
Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Multicolored Tanager Chlorochrysa nitidissima Seen at Finca Alejandría
Golden-naped Tanager Chalcothraupis ruficervix Seen at Finca Alejandría
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Plushcap Catamblyrhynchus diadema Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Grey-hooded Bush Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve
Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata Seen at Taironaka Lodge
White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus Seen at Taironaka Lodge
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola Seen below El Dorado Lodge in the distinctive subspecies toddi and the subspecies viridissima later during the trip
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana Seen along the Gaviotas track and the Anchicaya road
Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis Seen at Minca
Golden-chested Tanager Bangsia rothschildi Seen at the Anchicaya road
Emerald Tanager Tangara florida Seen at the Anchicaya road
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Seen at Doña Dora’s feeders
Black-capped Tanager Stilpnia heinei Seen at El Dorado Lodge and Otún Quimbaya
Scarlet-browed Tanager Heterospingus xanthopygius Seen at the Anchicaya road
Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii Seen along the Anchicaya road
Saffron Finch Sicalís flaveola Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Pileated Finch Coryphospingus pileatus Seen at Camarones
Black-faced Grassquit Melanospiza bicolor Seen at Camarones
Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis Seen at Otún Quimbaya
Slate-colored Seedeater Sporophila schistacea Seen at Tatamá National Park
Black-and-white Seedeater Sporophila luctuosa Seen at Tatamá National Park
Paramo Seedeater Catamenia homochroa Seen at Hacienda el Bosque
Plumbeous Sierra Finch Geospizopsis unicolor Seen at Los Nevados National Park
Plain-colored Seedeater Catamenia inornata Seen at Los Nevados National Park
Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens Seen at the Barranquilla wetlands
Orinocan Saltator Saltator orenocensis Seen at Camarones
Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus Seen at Camarones
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus Seen at Camarones
Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis Seen at Finca Alejandría
Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides Seen at El Dorado Lodge
White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera Seen below El Dorado Lodge
Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer Diglossa gloriosissima Seen at Tatamá National Park. A Colombian endemic
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea Seen at Tatamá National Park
Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis Seen at the San Lorenzo Ridge
Indigo Flowerpiercer Diglossa indigotica Seen at Tatamá National Park
White-capped Tanager Sericossypha albocristata Seen at Otún Quimbaya
Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza Seen at Otún Quimbaya
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Several sightings