The Very Best of Colombia Trip Report, February 2020

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18 FEBRUARY – 17 MARCH 2020

Colombia trip reportCrescent-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.

Colombia trip reportRufous-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.

Colombia trip reportLesser 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.

Colombia trip reportWhite-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.

Colombia trip reportChestnut-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.

Colombia trip reportBuff-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.

Colombia trip reportOchre-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.

Colombia trip reportGrey-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.

Colombia trip reportRufous-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, Blackwinged 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.

Colombia trip reportMulticolored 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

 

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