Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Blue-billed Curassow |
 Chestnut-capped Piha |
 Andean Cock-of-the-Rock |
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 Buffy Helmetcrest |
 Gold-ringed Tanager |
 Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer |
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Introduction
Colombia is, of course, the ultimate birding location, with around 1900 species, more than any other country, fourteen Endemic Bird Areas and around 73 endemic bird species. This is an account of our eighteen-day trip to the central Andes region, in the company of our guides Pablo Florez, Johnnier Arango and José Castano, in search of specialities and endemic species.
Although in the rainy season, November is a good time to visit Colombia as the bird activity is generally high. Many species seem to be most active and visible in the mornings before the almost inevitable afternoon rains. Temperatures in the Andes were comfortable although it was hot and humid in the lowland area around El Paujil, and quite chilly in the high Andes around 4000 metres. Expect plenty of rain in November – umbrellas and Wellington boots are recommended.
We spent quite a lot of time travelling between and into birding locations in various minibuses, pick-ups and jeeps. Although the main highways are in very good condition, secondary roads are generally unsurfaced and some are very slow-going. Some of the access roads are very rough and require 4WD e.g. Montezuma Road, Apia, Las Tangaras.
Accommodation was generally fine to good at the lodges, with clean comfortable rooms and private bathroom e.g. Rio Claro, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras, Montezuma, El Paujil – and of course they are also all on the spot with great birding on the doorstep. We also stayed in some decent hotels in the pleasant colonial towns of Jardin and Apia. Most of the lodges we visited are owned and managed by La Fundación ProAves, a non-governmental organisation which has been working for more than fifteen years to conserve priority bird species in Colombia. ProAves has acquired and managed areas of forest important for such Critically Endangered species the Blue-billed Curassow and Chestnut-capped Piha. Their lodges are excellent and their staff are very welcoming and helpful. ProAves also arrange tours for visiting birders and more information on their activities and reserves is available at http://www.proaves.org/
The food in Colombia, as elsewhere in South America, does not generally offer a huge choice, but the staple of rice, beans, fried plantain and chicken/beef/fish was always welcome and filling and the soups were usually excellent, especially the Colombian sweet corn and potato soup (more of a chowder). It is particularly tough for vegetarians but fish (trout, tilapia) is generally available on request. The local Columbian ‘Club’ lager available in dark, medium and light versions is good when cold!
Despite its somewhat intimidating reputation we found the people in Colombia to be very friendly, courteous and warm, and very forgiving of our extremely poor Spanish. Perhaps understandably, there is very little English spoken away from Bogota, especially in the more remote locations.
Pablo is an excellent guide, not only taking care of all the logistics, including arranging alternative accommodation and transport at short notice, he is an excellent birder and tireless in his attempts to find as many birds as possible. Check out his website http://multicolorbirdingcolombia.com/ and his book Birdwatching in Colombia for more information on Colombian birding locations and tours.
We recorded a total of 540 species including 30 endemic to Colombia. It is difficult to select a shortlist from so many excellent birds but particular highlights must include Northern Screamer, Blue-billed Curassow, Bogota Rail, Yellow-eared Parrot, Rufous-banded Owl, Purple-backed Thornbill, Black-thighed Puffleg, Tody Motmot, Grey-cheeked Nunlet, Bare-crowned Antbird, Bicoloured Antpitta, Chestnut-capped Piha, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, Yellow-browed Shrike-vireo, Beautiful Jay, Black Solitaire, Gold-ringed Tanager and Crested Ant-tanager.
Laguna Pedro Palo and Chicaque
This site, easily visited from Bogota, was our first location of the trip. An area of forest and farmland around the laguna provides a great introduction to subtropical birds of the eastern Andes, including the Black Inca, Indigo-capped Hummingbird and Turquoise Dacnis. We arrived early, despite the Bogota traffic and the rain which started soon after we arrived, we saw several flocks with a good range of tanagers including Scrub, Black-capped, Bay-headed, Golden Tanagers, Mountain Elaenia, Golden-faced Tyrannulet, Blue-naped Chlorophonia and a very brief view of the only Turquoise Dacnis of the trip. Some hummingbird feeders at a nearby house quickly gave good views of Indigo-capped Hummingbird along with Violet-crowned Woodnymph, Crimson-backed Tanager and Moustached Brushfinch. The other endemic hummer, Black Inca, was more elusive but luckily Pablo spotted a single bird feeding at some wild flowers a bit further down the road. Here we also saw some obliging Ash-browed Spinetails and a group of Spectacled Parrotlets feeding in some low bushes.
A visit to some feeders at a nearby restaurant at Chicaque gave good views of a range of hummingbirds, despite some patchy fog, including Sparkling and Green Violetears, Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Collared Inca, Glowing Puffleg, Mountain Velvetbreast and Golden-bellied Starfrontlet.
Rio Claro
This very scenic reserve in the Magdalena valley east of Medellin protects humid foothill forest which supports a number of endemic and speciality species. The Rio Claro rushes through a steep-sided canyon which is popular among local tourists for white-water rafting, climbing and caving, so weekends are best avoided. Target birds here are Beautiful Woodpecker, Magdalena Antbird, Antioquia Bristle-tyrant and Sooty Ant-tanager. We started birding before breakfast around the cabins, where an unseen Little Tinamou was calling at close range and equally unseen Saffron-headed Parrots called overhead. We had more luck with Black-tailed Flycatcher, Band-backed Wren and, by the restaurant, Chestnut-mandibled Toucan and Collared Aracari. The antbird proved to be very elusive at first but we eventually found one in its favoured riverside vegetation. Other antbirds included Black-crowned Antshrike, Pacific, Checker-throated and White-flanked Antwrens and Dusky Antbird. After some persistence we also found several Antioquia Bristle-tyrants, along with some other interesting forest species including Rufous Motmot, Channel-billed Toucan, Slaty-winged Foliage-gleaner, Black-headed Tody-flycatcher, Olivaceous and Eye-ringed Flatbills, Golden-headed Manakin, Scarlet-browed and Dusky-faced Tanagers and, best of all, two Grey-cheeked Nunlets.
After lunch we tried a different area of roadside forest a few miles from Rio Claro for Beautiful Woodpecker. Unfortunately there was no sign of the woodpecker but we were rewarded with views of a group of skulking Sooty Ant-tanagers.
El Paujil
This Proaves reserve was created in 2003 to protect the Critically Endangered Blue-billed Curassow, perhaps the most sought-after of Colombia's endemic birds. It contains some of the last intact humid forest in the middle Magdalena valley and is home to range of endemic birds and mammals. The reserve lies in the Serranía de Las Quinchas northeast of Medellin and extends over 3,400 hectares.
The minor road to this lodge from Puerto Boyacá winds through undulating countryside with a mosaic of patchy forest, pasture and marshes. It was very rich in birds on our way to the lodge, even in the heat of the afternoon, and we added many wetland species to the trip list. More noteworthy species include Wood Stork, Savanna Hawk, Colombian Chachalaca, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Yellow-hooded Blackbird and Orange-crowned Oriole.
Our next full day at El Paujil was spent on the entrance road and small side trails leading into the forest. First port of call was the feeding station behind the lodge kitchen where we saw a pair of Blue-billed Curassows. Until recently the curassows were very rarely seen in the reserve but the presence of caged curassows, which are part of a ProAves captive breeding programme, eventually attracted a lone female to the area. The lodge staff put food out for this bird and eventually she was joined by a male bird. We later saw a pair of birds, probably the same individuals, on one of the trails near the lodge. Pablo very rarely sees these birds and he considered us very lucky to get such good views.
After seeing the curassows we checked out the lodge grounds and nearby hummingbird feeders, seeing Pale-bellied Hermit, White-necked Jacobin, Blue-chested Hummingbird, White-vented Plumeleteer, Golden-hooded and Yellow-backed Tanagers, White-eared Conebill and Fulvous-vented Euphonia. As temperatures increased through the morning the bird activity dropped and it became very quiet. However, with persistence we managed to see a few more new species including White-tailed Trogon, Forest Elaenia, Southern Bentbill, Black-billed Flycatcher, Black-chested Jay and Black-bellied Wren. Continuing up to the road, again in search of Beautiful Woodpecker, we saw a pair of White-mantled Barbets. Later in the afternoon we tried some small trails in some low-lying forest where we saw Gartered Trogon, Black Antshrike and Striped Manakin and heard some distant Barred Puffbirds. Finally, after our evening meal, we found a Mottled Owl calling below the cabins.
The following day was grey and rainy following a night of continuous thunderstorms and heavy rain. A Plain-coloured Tanager at the feeders was the first new bird of the day, with a Bare-crowned Antbird nearby and Blue-and-yellow Macaws overhead. Making our return trip to Puerto Boyacá, first by river to the nearby village and our waiting bus, and then back on the public road through the wetland area, we saw a few Northern Screamers along with Rufescent Tiger-heron, Capped Heron, Green Ibis, Yellow-chinned and Pale-breasted Spinetails, Pale-legged Hornero and Yellow Oriole. At a petrol station at Puerto Berrio, on our way to the Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve, we noticed a small group of wrens in a nearby palm which turned out to be Bicoloured Wrens.
Chestnut-capped Piha/Arrierito Antioqueno Reserve
This excellent reserve was created by ProAves in 2006 to protect the Chestnut-capped Piha (local name Arrierito Antioqueno) whose habitat is subject to rapid deforestation. The 1,300 hectare reserve is also home to several other endemic and range-restricted species including Chestnut Wood-quail, White-mantled Barbet, Parker's Antbird, Black-and-gold and Multicoloured Tanagers.
An early breakfast at the lodge, next to the feeders, gave views of our first Steely-vented Hummingbirds along with Green-crowned Brilliant and Andean Emerald. The reserve’s network of trails is a short distance from the lodge and we were soon in the forest for a full day’s birding. The first birds to be seen here were Grey-cheeked and Swainson’s Thrushes along with White-tipped Sicklebill and a skulking Chestnut-crowned Gnateater. A bit further along the trail, in a relatively open area giving views of tree tops below us, we saw the star bird of the day – a Chestnut-capped Piha, which was remarkably unobtrusive for such a large bird. Other notable birds were Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Green-fronted Lancebill, Greenish Puffleg, Bronzy Inca, Moustached Puffbird, Streak-capped Treehunter and Marble-faced Tyrannulet. We then made our way up the steep trail to a high ridge in search of tanagers and other specialities of the reserve. Despite some light fog we saw a lot of birds here, with some reasonably large flocks passing through, including Speckled, Black-and-Gold and Multicoloured Tanagers, Brown-billed Scythebill, Spotted Barbtail, Parker’s Antbird, Uniform Antshrike, Long-billed Gnatwren and Yellow-throated Bush-tanager.
Returning to the lodge in the late afternoon, and luckily just before the onset of some serious rain, we checked out the feeders again for hummers and tanagers, seeing Green-crowned Woodnymph, Purple-throated Woodstar, Tennessee Warbler and Black-winged Saltator. A quick post-rain session on the access track below the lodge was rewarded with views of a relatively confiding Stiles’s Tapaculo.
The following morning, after a night of heavy and prolonged rain, Richard’s pre-dawn search for owls on the main road revealed a Stygian Owl, while Tropical Screech-owl and Wattled Guan could be heard calling not far from the lodge. After breakfast we dropped below the reserve on the main road in search of other speciality species. After a short distance in the bus we saw Red-headed Barbet, Bar-crested Antshrike, Rufous-capped Warbler and Rufous-naped Greenlet. Unfortunately, the notoriously skulky Black-headed Brush-finch lived up to its reputation and, despite much effort, we failed to get views of an individual calling in the roadside scrub only a few metres away. Fortunately we had more luck with Sooty-headed Wren which was eventually seen well by all.
On our way to Medellin we stopped for some roadside birding in an area of tall forest above the Porce Tres reservoir. Here the road passes through some good forest which is a known location for Yellow-browed Shrike-vireo, a rare and elusive species. Although we could hear at least two birds calling from the treetops it was remarkably difficult to pin them down and, after a fair bit of neck-breaking effort looking high in the canopy over the road, we eventually found one. Boosted by this success, we tried to find the other speciality of the area, Tody Motmot. Again, despite hearing a bird calling close by, it proved difficult to locate. We eventually we saw a different bird skulking deep in the roadside undergrowth, thanks to Pablo’s persistence and sharp eyes.
Finally, at a lunch stop at La Mayoria Del San Juan, Peñalisa on our way to the charming colonial town of Jardin we checked out some trees next to the restaurant and added Pale-breasted Thrush and Orchard Oriole to the list.
Yellow-eared Parrot/Loro Orejiamarillo Reserve
This 188 ha ProAves reserve is the best place to see the Critically Endangered Yellow-eared Parrot. The parrot is totally dependent on the equally endangered Wax Palm (Ceroxylon quindiunse, the national tree of Colombia) for nesting and roosting and this reserve is part of intensive conservation effort to protect the remaining parrots and palms. The reserve stretches from 1,900 to 2,600 metres and is only accessible by 4WD.
We were picked up early from our hotel in Jardin by our guide Johnnier and transported by jeep to the nearby reserve. After a steady ascent for nearly an hour on the rough road we stopped to wait for the Yellow-eared Parrots. Dawn is the best time to see these birds as they leave their roosting trees in the reserve in search of food. After only a couple of minutes we first heard then spotted a couple of small flocks flying overhead. Although only seen in flight we still managed good views of these birds as one flock circled overhead. With the main attraction secured we returned to the jeep and continued our ascent, eventually stopping for roadside birding in low forest and high elevation scrub. The morning was overcast and cold at this height but the bird activity was good, with flocks passing through almost continuously. New birds included Tourmaline Sunangel, Rufous and White-browed Spinetails, Rufous Antpitta, Yellow-breasted Chat-tyrant, Golden-faced Redstart, Slaty Brush-finch, Hooded Mountain-tanager, Blue-backed Conebill and Masked Flowerpiercer. Unfortunately, despite hearing a Chestnut-naped Antpitta, it could not be seen.
We stopped for breakfast at a roadside house which gave views over the adjacent forested hillside and included the usual hummingbird feeders. Here was saw Golden-headed Quetzal, Tyrian Metaltail, Buff-tailed Coronet, Streak-necked Flycatcher and Rufous-breasted Chat-tyrant. Following breakfast we headed back up the road with renewed energy, despite the onset of persistent rain. Crimson-backed Woodpecker, Pearled Treerunner, the diminutive Black-throated Tody Tyrant , Gold-crowned Tanager, Citrine and Russet-crowned Warblers, Grey-hooded Bush-tanager and Black-capped and Superciliared Hemispingus were all added to the growing list until the distant call of an Ocellated Tapaculo stopped us in our tracks. Some brief play-back brought the bird within a few feet of us and, thanks to Johnnio’s sharp eyesight, we eventually all had a view of one of the best birds of the trip.
As the rain got heavier we headed downhill to our lunch stop at another farmhouse, again equipped with hummingbird feeders and a sheltered veranda from which to scan for birds. White-belled Woodstars and a Fawn-breasted Brilliant fed at the feeders and, to Sarah’s joy, a Sword-billed Hummingbird also made regular appearances. Scanning the surrounding trees did not reveal a Chestnut-crowned Cotinga, a target bird for this area (but perhaps best seen in June-July when there are more fruiting trees), but we were consoled by views of Black-winged Mountain-toucan instead.
With the rain unrelenting we decided to head back down to Jardin, stopping on the way at a small, private reserve with a Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Thankfully the rain eased off as we descended and it was dry by the time we reached the lek by late afternoon. The male birds were very active and we saw seven or eight individuals altogether, some at very close range.
Cauca Valley
Another early departure from Jardin, this time for some roadside birding at a relatively nearby (for Colombia) area of lowland forest in the Cauca Valley. Johnnio was again our guide for the day and, after a quick roadside breakfast, we headed off on foot up a dirt road through patches of forest and pasture. Despite sunny conditions the birds were quite active and it was not too long before we saw one of the target birds, Antioquia Wren, first discovered in 2006 and restricted to the north Cauca Valley. Other species seen in the forest included Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Straight-billed and Streak-headed Woodcreepers, Long-billed Starthroat, White-fringed Antwren, Plain Antvireo, Slate-headed Tody-flycatcher, Yellow-margined Flycatcher, Golden-crowned Warbler and Black-striped Sparrow. Further along the road we came upon an open area of grass and marsh with fringing trees and scrub. Here we saw a number of birds passing through, including Cinerous Becard and a pair of excellent Greyish Piculets.
Las Tangaras
Our next destination was to be the Colibri del Sol or Dusky Starfrontlet Reserve. However, news reached Pablo that a bridge on the public road to the reserve had been swept away by the overflowing river, due to exceptionally heavy rain the day before. This meant that the route to the reserve was effectively impassable as the river would have been too dangerous to cross, even with mules. So we agreed to cut our losses and visit the nearby Las Tangaras instead. This was unfortunate in that we missed several species only likely to be seen at Colibri del Sol, but at least it gave us an opportunity to catch up with some higher elevation species missed elsewhere.
The excellent forest at Las Tangaras is protected by a 2,860ha ProAves reserve which ranges from 1,250m to 3,400m. We arrived at the lodge at dusk, just in time to see some Sickle-winged Guans in the grounds and a Cock-of-the-Rock from our room window! The following morning we set off just after 5.00 by jeep to reach the trails for dawn, driving through areas of farmland acquired by ProAves and which, only two years later, have already developed a cover of trees. Almost the first birds seen in the reserve were three Yellow-eared Parrots flying overhead. According to Pablo these were likely to be birds from the roost at Jardin, which is not far from Las Tangaras, at least not as the parrot flies anyway. Initial roadside birding was rewarding, with a good selection of new birds including Yellow-vented Woodpecker, Brown Inca, Buff-fronted Foliage-gleaner, numerous Handsome Flycatchers, Bronze-olive Pygmy-tyrant, the smart Glistening-green Tanager, Tricoloured Brush-finch and a pair of stunning Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonias.
Later we took a side trail across a cleared area and into the forest. We had some great flocks here and it was often difficult for everyone to get on the same birds. New species included Toucan Barbet, Tyrannine and Olive-backed Woodcreepers, Fulvous-dotted Treerunner, Uniform Treehunter, Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner, Rufous-rumped and Yellow-breasted Antwrens, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Olivaceous Piha, Sharpe’s Wren, Beautiful Jay, Rufous-throated and Flame-faced Tanagers, Black-chinned Mountain-tanager, Choco Warbler and Dusky Bush-tanager. Particular target birds included a small flock of Black Solitaire’s, normally quite a difficult species to see, and several Choco Vireos. A Yellow-breasted Antpitta was also heard not seen. On our return through the cleared areas we saw a distant but easily recognisable White-headed Wren which has greatly extended its range eastwards in Colombia.
Following lunch we walked and jeeped down the road to lower elevations in search of Red-bellied Grackle, which proved frustratingly difficult to track down. Although distant birds could be heard it was tricky to find views into the steep-sided valley below the road and, eventually, only very brief and distant views were had of a few individuals in the company of some Russet-backed Oropendolas. Better views were had of Black-chinned Mountain-tanager, Black-billed Peppershrike, Pale-naped Brush-finch and Olive Finch.
Finally we visited some roadside hummingbird feeders, although by this stage it was gloomy and raining. The hummingbirds were not put off by the fog and the rain and we saw a good selection including White-tailed Hillstar, Velvet-purple Coronet, Empress Brilliant and Booted Racquet-tail.
The following day we left the lodge even earlier to visit some higher elevation forest above the regional border town of El Carmen. The birds were much quieter today and we found it very hard going, failing to see the first of our target birds, a singing Chestnut-breasted Wren in dense roadside vegetation. We had more luck with Munchique Wood-wren, which was much more responsive and confiding. Other species seen in this area included Black-billed Mountain-toucan, Spotted Barbtail, Slaty-capped Antpitta, Rufous-headed Pygmy-tyrant, Black-capped Tyrannulet and Spillman’s Tapaculo. Once again we were unlucky with Chestnut-crested Cotinga.
Rio Blanco
Having left the El Carmen area around mid-day we made our way, via the city of Manizales, to Rio Blanco, a lodge and reserve operated by the Fundación Ecológica Gabriel Arango Restrepo (FUNDEGAR) and owned by the local water company. The reserve stretches up to 3,400 metres and supports a variety of endemic and speciality species of the Central Andes, being particularly good for antpittas, with Chestnut-crowned and Brown-banded Antpittas virtually guaranteed at feeding stations.
As usual it was dark by the time we arrived so, after an evening meal, we went out with our new guide Jose to look for owls around the lodge grounds. It did not take very long before we had superb views of an exceptionally obliging Rufous-banded Owl, conveniently perched on the dormitory building’s roof. The White-throated Screech-owl a bit further down the access track was not quite so confiding, although we did hear at least two calling in the distance.
The following morning we joined José and a local guide before breakfast to try our luck with the Screech-owl once more. This time we walked much farther down the access track and it was getting quite light before we eventually succeeded in rather brief views of one. Following breakfast we birded around the lodge before heading uphill in search of antpittas lured into view by the promise of worms. Lazuline Sabrewing was seen at the lodge feeders and Andean Siskin were seen flying into the nearby treetops. On the forest trail we saw Emerald Toucanet, Buff-browed Mountain-tanager and Black-eared Hemispingus, before we saw our first Chestnut-capped Antpitta, certainly the most attractive if least unusual of the species on the Rio Blanco itinerary. On our way to the next feeding station we saw some small flocks along with Streak-headed Antbird (formerly Long-tailed), Rusty Flowerpiecer and Montane Woodcreeper. Our next antpitta was the endemic Brown-banded Antpitta, with at least two showing up for their breakfast. Shortly after, at the same station, we were treated to views of the rare Bicoloured Antpitta, which was a bit less confiding that the others and kept its distance. Lastly we had great views of Slaty-capped Antpitta. Other species seen at the antpitta feeding areas were Stripe-headed Brush-finch and a pair of Green-and-Black Fruiteaters. Unfortunately, despite several attempts, we did not see the Chestnut-naped Antpitta, which, unlike the others, rarely comes to food. On our return to the lodge for lunch we found an enormous flock which included many good birds, although by far the best (and most unexpected) bird seen here was a Chestnut Wood-quail which obligingly perched in a tree for all to see.
After lunch we continued further into the reserve and found the birding to be quite productive, with several flocks moving through, including Bar-bellied Woodpecker, Flammulated Treehunter, Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, Rufous-crowned Tody-flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Chat-tyrant, Plushcap, Capped Conebill and Rusty Flowerpiercer. A small clearing around a building provided three of the target species with brief views of both Purple-backed Thornbill and Masked Saltator and rather better views of Dusky Piha. Rio Blanco is particularly good for parrots, and we saw Rusty-faced Parrot, Golden-plumed Parakeet and Barred Parakeet, although views of all were rather brief or distant.
We set off from Rio Blanco just before dusk and, heading down the access track, Richard suggested that we look for the White-throated Screech-owl seen coming to roost in the morning. Sure enough, after a few minutes we relocated the bird and all had very good views.
Paramo Ruiz
This site, on the edge of the Nevado de Paramo Ruiz National Park, provides easy access to paramo within an hour's drive from the city of Manizales. The access road to the Park passes through both elfin forest and grassland and is the best area to see the endemic and Endangered Rufous-fronted Parrot and the recently split Buffy Helmetcrest.
After a night in Manizales we made an early start for the paramo, particularly to avoid the large crowds of people that José anticipated (it was a one of Colombia’s eighteen annual public holidays). We stopped at the end of the public road, just before the gates to the National Park (c. 4,000m) and almost immediately saw a male Buffy Helmetcrest feeding on some roadside flowers. Nearby, in some stunted shrubs, we saw Tawny Antpitta, White-chinned Thistletail and Andean Tit-spinetail, and more helmetcrests. Heading back down the road we stopped to check out Stout-billed Cinclodes, Brown-backed Chat-tyrant, Plumbeous Sierra-finch and Paramo and Plain-colourd Seedeaters. As we dropped lower back below the treeline we hoped to see Rufous-fronted Parrot but had no sign. Instead we saw Paramo Tapaculo, numerous White-throated Tyrannulets, Crowned Chat-tyrant, Scarlet-bellied Mountain-tanager, Black Flowerpiercer and, thanks to Sarah, a stunning Rainbow-bearded Thornbill. A little further down the road we stopped at a nearby coffee-shop with hummingbird feeders, where we saw Black-thighed and Golden-bellied Pufflegs, Buff-winged Starfrontlet and Great Sapphirewing. Finally we stopped at a roadside lake on our return, seeing Andean Teal and Ruddy Duck and, nearby, Black-chested Buzzard-eagle.
Apia
This area of secondary forest near Apia Town lies within the coffee-growing area of Colombia and is about 60km from the city of Pereira. After an overnight stay in a small hotel in Apia we were reunited with Pablo and then taken by jeep to the location of the endemic Yellow-headed Brushfinch. Although the habitat did not appear to be very promising, comprising largely of dense secondary regrowth, non-native trees and scrub, we quickly saw two birds and heard others in the vicinity. This was quickly followed by views of some skulking Whiskered Wrens along with Western Emerald and White-naped Brushfinch. Later, on a narrow trail behind the local school, we saw Yellow-headed Manakin, Moustached Puffbird and Pale-eyed Thrush and heard Scaled Antpitta and Golden-breasted Fruiteater.
Later that morning we continued by jeep to Montezuma lodge, along one of the worst roads of the trip, which was barely passable even by jeep in some places. We arrived at the lodge for lunch, when we saw Purple-bibbed Whitetip and Lemon-rumped Tanager at the feeders and White-capped Dipper, Yellow-collared Chlorophonia, Choco Tyrannulet and Choco Tapaculo a short distance along the road into the reserve.
Montezuma Road
We spent the whole of the next day on the Montezuma Road, which is a rough track barely accessible by high clearance 4WD in places. Although only a few kilometres, the drive from the lodge at 1,400m up to the army base at 2,200m took 90 minutes. Arriving at the top around dawn Jonathan found our first new bird of the day – two Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercers foraging in the stunted scrub below the army base. Other species seen at this high elevation were Rufous Spinetail, Black-capped Hemispingus and Black Solitaire. Both Munchique Wood-wren and Andean Pygmy-owl were heard calling but the latter remained unseen.
As we gradually descended, on foot and by vehicle, we saw our first Gold-ringed Tanager, along with Tawny-bellied Hermit, Narino Tapaculo, Black-chinned Mountain-tanager and Golden-collared Honeycreeper. Some Scarlet-fronted Parakeets were also heard but unfortunately not seen. A little further down Pablo heard some Bicoloured Antvireos calling and, with some persistence, we managed to get views of a pair. Other notable species seen on our descent to around 1800 metres were Olivaceous Piha, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, Uniform Antshrike, Smoky Bush-tyrant, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, a highly secretive Alto Pisones Tapaculo, Cerulean Warbler and, best of all, a Crested Ant-tanager with its bright red, punk crest almost glowing in the fog.
The following morning we birded from around 1,800m down to the lodge, seeing Bicoloured Antvireos once again and several more Gold-ringed Tanagers, along with Golden-winged Manakin, Olive Finch, Blue-lored (Immaculate) Antbird, Yellow-green Bush-tanager and, at the lodge, Flame-rumped Tanager. Following lunch at the lodge we drove via Pereira to Otún-Quimbaya, stopping on the way to check out some likely-looking roadside habitat below Pueblo Rico where we saw the only Apical Flycatcher of the trip.
Otún-Quimbaya Sanctuary
This sanctuary protects excellent upper subtropical and montane forest in the Rio Otún valley above the city of Pereira. It supports a good variety of Andean birds including both Cauca Valley and Central Andean endemics and specialities including Cauca Guan, Chestnut Wood-quail, Multicoloured Tanager, Crested Ant-tanager, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow and Chestnut-breasted Wren.
We arrived at the Government accommodation at Otún in the dark and just in time for our evening meal. After eating we set off on foot down the access road with Pablo in search of Colombian Screech-owl. Unfortunately, despite hearing two or three birds in the adjacent forest, we could not see them.
Following breakfast we drove along the access road, making a few birding stops and finally reaching the end of the driveable road at a water company building. Species seen on the way included Cauca Guan, Rusty-winged Barbtail and Strong-billed and Montane Woodcreepers. We also heard at least one Moustached Antpitta, although frustratingly it remained out of view. Proceeding on foot beyond the end of the road we had some good flocks, including a variety of tanagers and flycatchers including Metallic-green Tanager, Ashy-headed and Variegated Bristle-tyrants, Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, Ashy-throated Bush-tanager and a pair of shy Chestnut-backed Wrens. On the trip back down the access road to the lodge for lunch we made several stops for views of some superb Red-ruffed Fruitcrows.
Guasca
Our final morning before our return flight to Bogota was spent in the Guasca area, first investigating a marshy area near the Lagunas de Sereicha for Bogota Rail, and then on to some high elevation forest. The rail was quite easily seen, with the assistance of Manuela, our guide for the morning. At least three individuals were seen on the reedy fringes of the marsh, along with other wetland species including Blue-winged Teal, Sora and Noble Snipe. Some Grassland Yellow-finches were also seen on our way back to our transport.
By the time we reached the forest area it was already very sunny and surprisingly warm at such a high altitude. Unfortunately this meant that bird activity was quite low, a situation not helped by the lack of hummingbird feeders at the local nature reserve (the site manager was on holiday). As a consequence we struggled to find anything of interest, apart from Andean Guan and some Rufous Wrens. Fortunately, due to Richard's persistence, we eventually had good views of a Pale-breasted Tapaculo.
Itinerary
5 Nov Iberia flight to Bogota via Madrid. Arrive Bogota 18.00. o/n Casona del Patio, Bogota
6 Nov Laguna Pedro Palo & Chicaque feeders am. Flight to Medellin and travel to Rio Claro pm; o/n Rio Claro lodge
7 Nov Rio Claro; travel to El Paujil pm. o/n El Paujil lodge
8 Nov El Puajil all day; o/n El Paujil lodge
9 Nov El Paujil am; travel to Chestnut-capped reserve Piha pm; o/n Piha lodge
10 Nov Chestnut-capped Piha reserve all day; o/n Piha lodge
11 Nov Entrance road to Piha reserve am. Travel to Jardin pm; o/n Hotel La Casona, Jardin
12 Nov Yellow-eared Parrot reserve all day; o/n Hotel La Casona, Jardin
13 Nov Cauca Valley am; travel to Las Tangaras reserve pm; o/n Las Tangaras lodge
14 Nov Las Tangaras reserve all day; o/n Las Tangaras lodge
15 Nov El Carmen area am; travel to Manizales and Rio Blanco pm; o/n Rio Blanco lodge
16 Nov Rio Blanco reserve all day; o/n Hotel Galvez, Manizales
17 Nov Paramo Ruiz all day; o/n Apia town hotel
18 Nov Apia am; Montezuma Road pm; o/n Montezuma Lodge
19 Nov Montezuma Road all day; o/n Montezuma Lodge
20 Nov Montezuma Road am; travel to Otun-Quimbya pm; o/n Otun-Quimbaya lodge
21 Nov Otun-Quimbaya am; flight from Pereira to Bogata pm; o/n Casona del Patio
22 Nov Guasca wetland and paramo am; 18.10 depart Bogota to London Heathrow
Flickr
Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui – heard at Rio Claro, El Paujil and Montezuma Road
Northern Screamer Chauna chavaria – Near Threatened; at least 5 between El Paujil and Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis – seen on three dates in wetland areas
Muscovy Duck Cairina moschata – 2 on the approach road to El Paujil
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors – 30 Guasca wetland
Andean Teal Anas andium – 2 on a roadside lake at Paramo Ruiz
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis – 1 on a roadside lake at Paramo Ruiz
Colombian Chachalaca Ortalis columbiana – Endemic; seen or heard on five dates around El Paujil, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Cauca Valley
Cauca Guan Penelope perspicax – Endemic; Endangered; 5 at Otun-Quimbaya
Wattled Guan Aburria aburri – Near Threatened; heard at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Andean Guan Penelope montagni – 2 Guasca paramo
Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii – up to 10 seen or heard on six dates
Blue-billed Curassow Crax alberti – Endemic; Critically Endangered; a pair seen near the lodge at El Paujil
Marbled Wood-Quail Odontophorus gujanensis – heard at El Paujil
Chestnut Wood-Quail Odontophorus hyperythrus – Endemic; Near Threatened; heard at Las Tangaras and one seen perched in a tree at Rio Blanco
Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus – 1 on the way to El Paujil
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps – 1 Guasca wetland
Wood Stork Mycteria americana – 2 on the El Paujil approach road
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus – small numbers in wetland areas on two dates
Rufescent Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma lineatum – 1 on the El Paujil approach road
Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi – 1 on the El Paujil approach road
Great Egret Ardea alba – up to 5 on five dates
Snowy Egret Egretta thula – several seen on the El Paujil approach road
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea – 1 seen on the El Paujil approach road
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis – flocks of birds seen almost daily
Green Heron Butorides virescens – seen on two dates around El Paujil
Capped Heron Pilherodius pileatus – 1 on the El Paujil approach road
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax – a flock of seven at Guasca wetland
White Ibis Eudocimus albus – 1 on the El Paujil approach road
Green Ibis Mesembrinibis cayennensis – 1 on the El Paujil approach road
Bare-faced Ibis Phimosus infuscatus – up to 7 on seven dates
Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja – 1 on the El Paujil approach road
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus – widespread and seen almost daily
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura – seen on seven dates
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture Cathartes burrovianus – small numbers around El Paujil
King Vulture Sarcoramphus papa – 2 near Rio Claro and 2 El Paujil
Osprey Pandion haliaetus – 2 on the El Paujil approach road
Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus – 4 El Paujil
Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus – 1 Rio Claro, 2 El Paujil and heard from Montezuma Road
Savanna Hawk Buteogallus meridionalis – singles near El Paujil and on the way to Jardin
Roadside Hawk Rupornis magnirostris – widespread with up to 5 seen almost daily
Grey Hawk Buteo plagiatus – 1-2 on three dates at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Bogota Rail Rallus semiplumbeus – Endemic; Endangered; at least 3 at Guasca wetland
Russet-crowned Crake Anurolimnas viridis – heard on the El Paujil approach road and at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis – up to 10 on eight dates
Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana – seen on the El Paujil approach road
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius – seen on the El Paujil approach road
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca – 1 seen on the El Paujil approach road
Noble Snipe Gallinago nobilis – 2 in flight at Guasca wetland
Rock Pigeon Columba livia – seen on four dates in built up areas
Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis – seen on five dates around El Paujil and at Cauca Valley and Montezuma Road
Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata – seen on six dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea – 1-4 on three dates at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Ruddy Pigeon Patagioenas subvinacea – 2 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and 1 Otun-Quimbaya
Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti – seen on five dates
White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi – up to 5 on two dates at El Paujil
Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata – seen on seven dates
Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana – 1-2 on three dates at Cauca Valley, Apia and Otun-Quimbaya
Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus – 1 Cauca Valley
Greater Ani Crotophaga major – 1-2 seen at El Paujil
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani – up to 10 seen on seven dates
Tropical Screech-Owl Megascops choliba – heard at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Colombian Screech-Owl Megascops colombianus – Near Threatened; 2-3 birds heard at Otun-Quimbaya
White-throated Screech-Owl Megascops albogularis – 1 seen and at least 1 other heard at Rio Blanco
Andean Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium jardinii – 1 calling high on Montezuma Road
Mottled Owl Ciccaba virgata – 1 seen at El Paujil and 1 heard at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Rufous-banded Owl Ciccaba albitarsis – 1 seen by the lodge accommodation at Rio Blanco
Stygian Owl Asio stygius – 1 seen at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Band-winged Nightjar Systellura longirostris – 2 seen before dawn on the entrance road to Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Common Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis – seen or heard on six dates
Common Potoo Nyctibius griseus – 1 at night on the road to El Paujil
White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris – seen on seven dates
Grey-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris – seen on five dates
White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora – seen on five dates at El Paujil and Montezuma Road
White-tipped Sicklebill Eutoxeres aquila – 1 on the forest trail at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsutus – up to 3 on three dates at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Tawny-bellied Hermit Phaethornis syrmatophorus – 1-2 on two dates at Montezuma Road
Pale-bellied Hermit Phaethornis anthophilus – 1 El Paujil
Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis – singles on four dates at El Paujil, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Apia
Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae – 1-3 on four dates Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras, Paramo Ruiz and Otun-Quimbaya
Green Violetear Colibri thalassinus – 1-2 on two dates at Chicaque and Rio Blanco
Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans – 1-2 on three dates at Chicaque, Rio Blanco and Guasca paramo
Purple-crowned Fairy Heliothryx barroti – 1 Rio Claro
Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis – 1-4 on six dates
Amethyst-throated Sunangel Heliangelus amethysticollis – 1 at Chicaque feeders
Tourmaline Sunangel Heliangelus exortis – up to 10 on four dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, El Carmen area, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys – 1-2 on four dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, El Carmen area and Rio Blanco
Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingii – 1 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis – 2-6 on five dates at Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Purple-backed Thornbill Ramphomicron microrhynchum – 2 males at Rio Blanco
Rainbow-bearded Thornbill Chalcostigma herrani – 1 Paramo Ruiz
Buffy Helmetcrest Oxypogon stubelii – at least 4 on the paramo at Paramo Ruiz
Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina – singles on five dates
Greenish Puffleg Haplophaedia aureliae – up to 10 on five dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Glowing Puffleg Eriocnemis vestita – 2+ at Chicaque feeders
Black-thighed Puffleg Eriocnemis derbyi – Near Threatened; 2 at feeders at Paramo Ruiz
Golden-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis mosquera – 1 at feeders at Paramo Ruiz
Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena – singles on three dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Cauca Valley and Rio Blanco
Brown Inca Coeligena wilsoni – 10 Las Tangaras and 1 Montezuma Road
Black Inca Coeligena prunellei – Endemic; Endangered; 1 on roadside flowers at Laguna Pedro Palo
Collared Inca Coeligena torquata – up to 20 on five dates
Buff-winged Starfrontlet Coeligena lutetiae – 4 at feeders at Paramo Ruiz
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet Coeligena bonapartei – 3+ at Chicaque feeders
Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi – 1-2 on five dates at Chicaque, Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Rio Blanco, Paramo Ruiz and Guasca paramo
Sword-billed Hummingbird Ensifera ensifera – 1 at feeders at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Great Sapphirewing Pterophanes cyanopterus – 1 at feeders at Paramo Ruiz
Buff-tailed Coronet Boissonneaua flavescens – up to 10 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras and Rio Blanco
Velvet-purple Coronet Boissonneaua jardini – 10 Las Tangaras and 1 Montezuma Road
Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii – up to 2 on three dates at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
White-tailed Hillstar Urochroa bougueri – 1 Las Tangaras and 5-10 on three dates at Montezuma Road
Purple-bibbed Whitetip Urosticte benjamini – singles on three dates at Montezuma Road feeders
Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides – 1 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Green-crowned Brilliant Heliodoxa jacula – 10 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix – 5 Las Tangaras feeders and 2-4 on three dates at Montezuma Road
Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris – 1 Cauca Valley
White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant – 2 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and 1 Rio Blanco
Gorgeted Woodstar Chaetocercus heliodor – 1 Chicaque feeders
Purple-throated Woodstar Calliphlox mitchellii – 1-10 on eight dates
Lazuline Sabrewing Campylopterus falcatus – 1 Rio Blanco
White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffonii – 1-2 on four dates at Rio Claro, El Paujil and Cauca Valley
Western Emerald Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus – singles at Cauca Valley, Rio Blanco and Apia
Crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica – 2 Laguna Pedro Palo
Green-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania fannyi– 1-5 on four dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Cauca Valley and Montezuma Road
Andean Emerald Amazilia franciae – 2-10 on five dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Cauca Valley and Montezuma Road
Blue-chested Hummingbird Amazilia amabilis – 1-2 on three dates at El Paujil
Steely-vented Hummingbird Amazilia saucerrottei – 5-10 on three dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Cauca Valley and Apia
Indigo-capped Hummingbird Amazilia cyanifrons – Endemic; 1 male at feeders at Laguna Pedro Palo
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl – 1-2 on eight dates
Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps – 2 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and 1 Montezuma Road
White-tailed Trogon Trogon chionurus – singles at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Gartered Trogon Trogon caligatus – 1 El Paujil
Collared Trogon Trogon collaris – 1-4 on four dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco and Otun-Quimbaya
Masked Trogon Trogon personatus – 2 Rio Blanco
Tody Motmot Hylomanes momotula – 1 seen and another heard on the Porce Tres road
Andean Motmot Momotus coeruliceps – 1-4 seen on six dates
Rufous Motmot Baryphthengus martii – seen and heard at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana – singles at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Barred Puffbird Nystalus radiates – 2-3 heard at El Paujil
Moustached Puffbird Malacoptila mystacalis – 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and 2 Apia
Grey-cheeked Nunlet Nonnula frontalis – 2 Rio Claro
White-mantled Barbet Capito hypoleucus – Endemic; Endangered; 2 near Rio Claro
Red-headed Barbet Eubucco bourcierii – 1-5 on five dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Toucan Barbet Semnornis ramphastinus – Near Threatened; 1 seen at Las Tangaras and heard at Montezuma Road
Emerald Toucanet Aulacorhynchus prasinus – 2 Rio Blanco and 6 Otun-Quimbaya
Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulacorhynchus haematopygus – 1-5 on three dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Montezuma Road
Black-billed Mountain-Toucan Andigena nigrirostris – singles seen and others heard at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and Rio Blanco; heard only above El Carmen
Collared Aracari Pteroglossus torquatus – up to four on two dates at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Black-mandibled Toucan Ramphastos ambiguus – 4 seen at Rio Claro and heard at El Paujil
Channel-billed Toucan Ramphastos vitellinus – 1 Rio Claro and 2 El Paujil
Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus – singles on three dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, Rio Claro and El Paujil; 3 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Greyish Piculet Picumnus granadensis – Endemic; 2 Cauca Valley
Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus – 1-4 on five dates
Smoky-brown Woodpecker Picoides fumigatus – singles at Laguna Pedro Palo and Apia
Yellow-vented Woodpecker Veniliornis dignus – 1-2 on three dates at Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Bar-bellied Woodpecker Veniliornis nigriceps – 2 Rio Blanco
Golden-olive Woodpecker Colaptes rubiginosus – 1-2 on four dates
Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Colaptes rivolii – 3 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and 4 Rio Blanco
Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula – 3 on the road to El Paujil
Cinnamon Woodpecker Celeus loricatus – heard at Rio Claro
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus – 2 Rio Claro and 1 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Powerful Woodpecker Campephilus pollens – 1 Rio Blanco
Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway – up to 10 on four dates
Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima – 1-4 on three dates
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans – 2 on the road to El Paujil
American Kestrel Falco sparverius – singles on two dates on the road to El Paujil
Blue-fronted Parrotlet Touit dilectissimus – heard at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Barred Parakeet Bolborhynchus lineola – heard at Las Tangaras and a flock of around 20 overhead at Rio Blanco
Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis – small flocks overhead at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Rusty-faced Parrot Hapalopsittaca amazonina – a flock of c.10 perched briefly in overhead trees at Rio Blanco
Rose-faced Parrot Pyrilia pulchra – heard at Montezuma Road
Saffron-headed Parrot Pyrilia pyrilia – Vulnerable; heard at Rio Claro
Speckle-faced Parrot Pionus tumultuosus – small numbers seen at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus – small numbers seen on three dates in and around El Paujil
Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus – small numbers seen at Montezuma Road
Yellow-crowned Parrot Amazona ochrocephala – 3 on the road to El Paujil
Mealy Parrot Amazona farinosa – small numbers seen at El Paujil
Orange-winged Parrot Amazona amazonica – small numbers seen on three dates in and around El Paujil
Scaly-naped Parrot Amazona mercenaries – small numbers seen at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and heard at Apia
Spectacled Parrotlet Forpus conspicillatus – 4 at Laguna Pedro Palo and seen on road to El Paujil
Blue-and-yellow Macaw Ara ararauna – 4 distantly at El Paujil
Chestnut-fronted Macaw Ara severus – 10+ on the road to El Paujil
Golden-plumed Parakeet Leptosittaca branickii – Vulnerable; a small flock distantly at Rio Blanco
Yellow-eared Parrot Ognorhynchus icterotis – Endemic; Critically Endangered; c.50 overhead at dawn at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and c.30 distantly at Las Tangaras
Scarlet-fronted Parakeet Psittacara wagleri – heard at Montezuma Road
Rufous-rumped Antwren Euchrepomis callinota – singles at Las Tangaras, Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus – heard at El Paujil
Bar-crested Antshrike Thamnophilus multistriatus – 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve access road and 1 seen and others heard at Cauca Valley
Black-crowned (Western Slaty) Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha – singles at Rio Claro and Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Black Antshrike Thamnophilus nigriceps – 1 El Paujil
Uniform Antshrike Thamnophilus unicolor – a pair at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and singles at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis – 1-3 on three dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Cauca Valley and Apia
Bicoloured Antvireo Dysithamnus occidentalis – Vulnerable; 1-2 on two dates at Montezuma Road
Checker-throated Antwren Epinecrophylla fulviventris – 2 Rio Claro
Pacific Antwren Myrmotherula pacifica – 1 Rio Claro
White-flanked Antwren Myrmotherula axillaris – 1 Rio Claro
Yellow-breasted Antwren Herpsilochmus axillaris – 1 Las Tangaras
White-fringed Antwren Formicivora grisea – 1 male at Cauca Valley
Streak-headed Antbird Drymophila striaticeps – 1 Rio Blanco
Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina – heard at Rio Claro
Parker's Antbird Cercomacra parkeri – Endemic; 1-2 on two dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Bare-crowned Antbird Gymnocichla nudiceps – 1 El Paujil
Chestnut-backed Antbird Myrmeciza exsul – singles on two dates at El Paujil
Magdalena Antbird Myrmeciza palliate – 1 male at Rio Claro
Blue-lored (Immaculate) Antbird Myrmeciza immaculate – 1 Montezuma Road
Chestnut-crowned Gnateater Conopophaga castaneiceps – 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Moustached Antpitta Grallaria alleni – Endangered; heard at Otun-Quimbaya
Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis – heard at Apia
Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla – heard at Laguna Pedro Palo and 1 seen at feeding station at Rio Blanco
Bicoloured Antpitta Grallaria rufocinerea – 1 at Rio Blanco feeding station
Chestnut-naped Antpitta Grallaria nuchalis – heard at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Yellow-breasted Antpitta Grallaria flavotincta – heard at Las Tangaras
Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula – 1 seen and others heard at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Tawny Antpitta Grallaria quitensis – 2 seen and others heard at Paramo Ruiz
Brown-banded Antpitta Grallaria milleri – Endemic; Endangered; 1 Rio Blanco feeding station
Ochre-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula flavirostris – 1 Las Tangaras
Slate-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula nana – 1 heard Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, 1 above El Carmen and 2 at Rio Blanco
Ocellated Tapaculo Acropternis orthonyx – 1 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve; heard above El Carmen
Ash-coloured Tapaculo Myornis senilis – heard at Rio Blanco
Blackish Tapaculo Scytalopus latrans – heard and 1 seen briefly at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
White-crowned Tapaculo Scytalopus atratus – 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Alto Pisiones Tapaculo Scytalopus sp. – Endemic; this as yet undescribed Tapaculo was heard at Las Tangaras and 1 seen at Montezuma Road
Choco Tapaculo Scytalopus chocoensis – 1 seen and others heard at Montezuma Road
Stiles's Tapaculo Scytalopus stilesi – Endemic; 1 seen and others heard at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Nariño Tapaculo Scytalopus vicinior – heard at Las Tangaras and 1 seen at Montezuma Road
Spillmann's Tapaculo Scytalopus spillmanni – heard at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and Rio Blanco; 1 seen above El Carmen
Matorral Tapaculo Scytalopus griseicollis – Endemic; 1 seen and at least 2 others heard at Guasca paramo
Paramo Tapaculo Scytalopus opacus – 1 seen and others heard at Paramo Ruiz
Olivaceous Woodcreeper Sittasomus griseicapillus – 1-2 seen on two dates at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Tyrannine Woodcreeper Dendrocincla tyrannina – 1 Las Tangaras
Black-banded Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes picumnus – 1 possible at Montezuma Road
Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus – 4 Montezuma Road
Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans – heard at Rio Claro
Olive-backed Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus triangularis – singles at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Straight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus – singles on three dates at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Brown-billed Scythebill Campylorhamphus pusillus – singles on three dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetii – 1 Cauca Valley
Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger – 1-5 on three dates at Rio Blanco, Otun-Quimbaya and Guasca paramo
Plain Xenops Xenops minutus – singles at Rio Claro, Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilans – 1-3 on three dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and Rio Blanco
Buffy Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes lawrencii – 1-4 on three dates at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii – 1-3 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, above El Carmen and Rio Blanco
Rusty-winged Barbtail Premnornis guttuliger – 2 Otun-Quimbaya
Pale-legged Hornero Furnarius leucopus – 1 on road to El Paujil
Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior – 4 Paramo Ruiz
Slaty-winged Foliage-gleaner Philydor fuscipenne – 2 Rio Claro
Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia variegaticeps – 2 Las Tangaras
Montane Foliage-gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis – singles at Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Lineated Foliage-gleaner Syndactyla subalaris – heard at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and 1 seen at Las Tangaras
Ruddy Foliage-gleaner Clibanornis rubiginosus – heard at Montezuma Road
Uniform Treehunter Thripadectes ignobilis – singles at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Flammulated Treehunter Thripadectes flammulatus – 1 Rio Blanco
Streak-capped Treehunter Thripadectes virgaticeps – 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens – singles at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and above El Carmen
Fulvous-dotted Treerunner Margarornis stellatus – Near Threatened; 2 on two dates at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Pearled Treerunner Margarornis squamiger – 3 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and 5 Rio Blanco
Andean Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura andicola – 2 Paramo Ruiz
White-browed Spinetail Hellmayrea gularis – 1 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
White-chinned Thistletail Asthenes fuliginosa – 2 Paramo Ruiz
Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops – 1-2 on four dates
Ash-browed Spinetail Cranioleuca curtata – 2 Laguna Pedro Palo
Yellow-chinned Spinetail Certhiaxis cinnamomeus – 1 on the road to El Paujil
Azara's Spinetail Synallaxis azarae – seen/heard on three dates
Pale-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albescens – 1 on the road to El Paujil
Rufous Spinetail Synallaxis unirufa – 1-2 on three dates
Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum – singles on two dates at El Paujil
White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus – 2 Rio Blanco
White-banded Tyrannulet Mecocerculus stictopterus – 2 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and heard at Rio Blanco
White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys – up to 20 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Paramo Ruiz and Guasca paramo
Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina – singles at Cauca Valley and Rio Blanco
Forest Elaenia Myiopagis gaimardii – 1 El Paujil
Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster – singles at Laguna Pedro Palo, Cauca Valley and Montezuma Road
Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii – 4 Laguna Pedro Palo and 2 Apia
Torrent Tyrannulet Serpophaga cinerea – singles at Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Streak-necked Flycatcher Mionectes striaticollis – 1-2 on four dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus – 1-2 on three dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Montezuma Road
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleaginous – singles on three dates at Rio Claro, El Paujil and Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus – 1 El Paujil
Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris – 1-8 on six dates at Rio Claro, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Cauca Valley and Montezuma Road
Rufous-breasted Flycatcher Leptopogon rufipectus – 2 Rio Blanco
Variegated Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes poecilotis – 1 Otun-Quimbaya
Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes ophthalmicus – 3 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Antioquia Bristle-Tyrant Phylloscartes lanyoni – Endemic; Endangered; 4 Rio Claro
Rufous-browed Tyrannulet Phylloscartes superciliaris – 1 Otun-Quimbaya
Black-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias nigrocapillus – singles on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, above El Carmen and Rio Blanco
Ashy-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias cinereiceps – at least 2 at Otun-Quimbaya
Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet Phyllomyias plumbeiceps – 1 Otun-Quimbaya
Choco Tyrannulet Zimmerius albigularis – singles on three dates at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops – 1-2 on four dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Apia and Otun-Quimbaya
Ornate Flycatcher Myiotriccus ornatus – up to 10 on five dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus pelzelni – 2 Las Tangaras
Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps – 1 seen at Rio Blanco and heard above El Carmen
Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus – singles seen at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Las Tangaras; heard at Apia
Southern Bentbill Oncostoma olivaceum – 1 seen and others heard at El Paujil
Black-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus granadensis – 1 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher Poecilotriccus sylvia – 1 El Paujil and 4 Cauca Valley
Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum – 1-2 on five dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, El Paujil, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Cauca Valley
Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum nigriceps – singles at Rio Claro and Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Olivaceous Flatbill Rhynchocyclus olivaceus – 2 Rio Claro
Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens – 1 Rio Claro
Yellow-margined Flycatcher Tolmomyias assimilis – 1 Cauca Valley
Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus – up to 10 on six dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Handsome Flycatcher Nephelomyias pulcher – 20 Las Tangaras and 4 Montezuma Road
Black-tailed Flycatcher Myiobius atricaudus – 5 Rio Claro
Black-billed Flycatcher Aphanotriccus audax – Near Threatened; 2 El Paujil
Smoke-coloured Pewee Contopus fumigatus – 1-2 on six dates
Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus – singles on four dates
Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens – 1 Montezuma
Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans – up to 5 on six dates
Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus – 1-2 on three dates
Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes striaticollis – 1 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Smoky Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes fumigatus – 1 Montezuma Road
Pied Water-Tyrant Fluvicola pica – up to 5 on two dates on the road to El Paujil
Crowned Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca frontalis – 1 Paramo Ruiz
Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca diadema – 1-2 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, above El Carmen and Rio Blanco
Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca rufipectoralis – 2 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor – 2 Paramo Ruiz
Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus – singles on two dates on the road to El Paujil
Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosa – 1-4 on three dates
Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus – 1 Rio Claro and heard at El Paujil
Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer – 1 Cauca Valley
Panama Flycatcher Myiarchus panamensis – 1 on the road to El Paujil
Apical Flycatcher Myiarchus apicalis – Endemic; 1 roadside bird between Pueblo Rico and Pereira
Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes – singles at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and Rio Blanco
Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus – 1 El Paujil
Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus – 1-2 on three dates
Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis – 1-2 on three dates
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis – up to 4 on five dates
Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus – 1 seen at Las Tangaras and heard at Otun-Quimbaya
Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus – 1-3 on three dates
Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus – small numbers seen almost daily throughout
Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus – 1 Laguna Pedro Palo
Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii – 1-5 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Barred Fruiteater Pipreola arcuata – a group of 3 seen at Rio Blanco and 1 heard at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Golden-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola aureopectus – heard at Apia
Orange-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola jucunda – 1 Las Tangaras, 3 Montezuma Road and heard at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Andean Cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus – a lek of at least 7 near Jardin and 1 by the accommodation at Las Tangaras
Olivaceous Piha Snowornis cryptolophus – 1-3 on three dates at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Red-ruffed Fruitcrow Pyroderus scutatus – at least six roadside birds at Otun-Quimbaya
Chestnut-capped Piha Lipaugus weberi – Endemic; Endangered; at least 1 at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Dusky Piha Lipaugus fuscocinereus – 1 Rio Blanco
Yellow-headed Manakin Chloropipo flavicapilla – Near Threatened; 1 Apia
Golden-winged Manakin Masius chrysopterus – 1 male at Montezuma Road
White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus – singles at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Striped Manakin Machaeropterus regulus – singles seen at El Paujil and Chestnut-capped Piha reserve; heard at Rio Claro
Golden-headed Manakin Ceratopipra erythrocephala – 1 Rio Claro
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata – 1 El Paujil
Cinereous Becard Pachyramphus rufus – a pair at Cauca Valley
Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus – 1-2 on three dates at Rio Claro and El Paujil
White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus – singles at three dates at Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco, Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Choco Vireo Vireo masteri – Endemic; Endangered; 2-3 Las Tangaras
Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys – singles on three dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, Rio Blanco and Otun-Quimbaya
Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus – singles on five dates
Rufous-naped Greenlet Hylophilus semibrunneus – 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Scrub Greenlet Hylophilus flavipes – heard at El Paujil and 1 seen at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Lesser Greenlet Hylophilus decurtatus – I Rio Claro
Yellow-browed Shrike-Vireo Vireolanius eximius – 1 seen and at least 1 other heard at Porce Tres
Black-billed Peppershrike Cyclarhis nigrirostris – 1-2 seen/heard on five dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco, Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Beautiful Jay Cyanolyca pulchra – Near Threatened; 2 Las Tangaras and heard at Montezuma Road
Black-collared Jay Cyanolyca armillata – 2 on two dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and Rio Blanco
Black-chested Jay Cyanocorax affinis – 1-8 on four dates at Rio Claro, El Paujil and Apia
Green Jay Cyanocorax yncas – 4-5 seen/heard on four dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Blue-and-white Swallow Pygochelidon cyanoleuca – up to 20 seen almost daily throughout
Brown-bellied Swallow Orochelidon murina – up to 30 on three dates at Paramo Ruiz, Montezuma Road and Guasca paramo
Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis – 1-2 on five dates
Brown-chested Martin Progne tapera – up to 20 on two dates at Laguna Pedro Palo and El Paujil
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica – 1 Paramo Ruiz
Scaly-breasted Wren Microcerculus marginatus – 1 El Paujil
House Wren Troglodytes aedon – up to 4 on eight dates
Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis – 2 Rio Blanco
Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis – 1 Paramo Ruiz
White-headed Wren Campylorhynchus albobrunneus – 1 Las Tangaras
Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus – 1 Rio Claro
Bicoloured Wren Campylorhynchus griseus – 3 roadside birds near Puerto Berrio
Sooty-headed Wren Pheugopedius spadix – singles seen/heard on four dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Black-bellied Wren Pheugopedius fasciatoventris – heard at Rio Claro and 2 seen at El Paujil
Whiskered Wren Pheugopedius mystacalis – 2 Apia
Antioquia Wren Thryophilus sernai – Endemic; 2 Cauca Valley
Bay Wren Cantorchilus nigricapillus – 1 seen at Rio Claro and heard at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Rufous Wren Cinnycerthia unirufa – 1-7 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, above El Carmen and Guasca paramo
Sharpe's Wren Cinnycerthia olivascens – groups of 4-8 on three dates at Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticte – heard at Cauca Valley
Grey-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys – 1-8 seen/heard on eight dates
Munchique Wood-Wren Henicorhina negreti – Endemic; Critically Endangered; 3 above El Carmen and 2 Montezuma Road
Chestnut-breasted Wren Cyphorhinus thoracicus – heard at Las Tangaras and 2 seen at Otun-Quimbaya
Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus – 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
White-capped Dipper Cinclus leucocephalus – 1-2 on two dates at Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides – 1-2 seen/heard on two dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Montezuma Road
Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater – 1 possible at Rio Blanco
Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus – 1 Rio Claro and 5 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus – 1-6 on ten dates
Black Solitaire Entomodestes coracinus – a group of c.10 at Las Tangaras and 2 Montezuma Road
Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas – singles on three dates at Rio Claro, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Cauca Valley
Black-billed Thrush Turdus ignobilis – 1-10 on eight dates
Great Thrush Turdus fuscater – 1-10 on seven dates
Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus – 1 Apia
Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus – 2 Guasca wetland
Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis – singles on three dates at Rio Claro and El Paujil
Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia – 1-2 on seven dates
Tennessee Warbler Oreothlypis peregrina – 1-2 on three dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Montezuma Road
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla – 1 Laguna Pedro Palo
Cerulean Warbler Setophaga cerulean – 1-2 Montezuma Road
Tropical Parula Setophaga pitiayumi – singles on four dates
Bay-breasted Warbler Setophaga castanea – up 10 on nine dates
Blackburnian Warbler Setophaga fusca – up to 10 on nine dates
Yellow Warbler Setophaga petechia – 1-2 on three dates at El Paujil, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Cauca Valley
Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons – 2 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus – 2 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and 1 Cauca Valley
Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus – 1-5 on five dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road; 2 'Choco Warblers' at Las Tangaras
Citrine Warbler Myiothlypis luteoviridis – singles at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and Rio Blanco
Buff-rumped Warbler Myiothlypis fulvicauda – 1-8 on five dates at Rio Claro, El Paujil and Montezuma Road
Russet-crowned Warbler Myiothlypis coronate – 1 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Canada Warbler Cardellina Canadensis – 1-10 on nine dates
Slate-throated Redstart Myioborus miniatus – 1-6 on seven dates
Golden-fronted Redstart Myioborus ornatus – 4-10 on four dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, above El Carmen, Rio Blanco and Paramo Ruiz
Black-capped Hemispingus Hemispingus atropileus – 1-4 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris – 1-6 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Oleaginous Hemispingus Hemispingus frontalis – 1 above El Carmen and 4 Rio Blanco
Black-eared Hemispingus Hemispingus melanotis – 4 Rio Blanco
Grey-hooded Bush Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris – 1-10 on five dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, above El Carmen, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus – 2 El Paujil
White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus – 1 Montezuma Road
Crimson-backed Tanager Ramphocelus dimidiatus – 1-2 on eight dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, Rio Claro, El Paujil, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Cauca Valley and Apia
Flame-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus flammigerus – 2 Montezuma Road; ‘Lemon-rumped Tanager’ – 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and 5 Montezuma Road
Black-and-gold Tanager Bangsia melanochlamys – Endemic; Vulnerable; 1-6 on five dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Gold-ringed Tanager Bangsia aureocincta – Endemic; Endangered; 6 Montezuma Road
Hooded Mountain-Tanager Buthraupis montana – 3 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and heard above El Carmen
Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis riefferii – 1-4 on four dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras and Rio Blanco
Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus – up to 10 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and Las Tangaras
Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus igniventris – 8 Paramo Ruiz and 1 Guasca paramo
Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus – 1-4 on four dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus notabilis – 4 Las Tangaras and 2 Montezuma Road
Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager Dubusia taeniata – 4 Rio Blanco
Purplish-mantled Tanager Iridosornis porphyrocephalus – Near Threatened; 1-10 on five dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Golden-crowned Tanager Iridosornis rufivertex – 2 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve and 1 Paramo Ruiz
Glistening-green Tanager Chlorochrysa phoenicotis – 2-10 on three dates at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Multicoloured Tanager Chlorochrysa nitidissima – Endemic; Vulnerable; 5 on the ridge trail at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus – 1-2 on seven dates
Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum – up to 10 on nine dates
Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala – 4-10 on five dates
Black-capped Tanager Tangara heinei – up to 6 on two dates at Rio Claro and Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Scrub Tanager Tangara vitriolina – 1-8 on four dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Cauca Valley and Montezuma Road
Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara larvata – 2 El Paujil and 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis – 2-20 on four dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Apia
Rufous-throated Tanager Tangara rufigula – 4 Las Tangaras and 1 Montezuma Road
Speckled Tanager Tangara guttata – 2 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii – 2-12 on four dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, above El Carmen, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis – up to 20 on nine dates
Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides – 2 Otun-Quimbaya
Plain-coloured Tanager Tangara inornata – singles on two dates at the El Paujil hummingbird feeders
Bay-headed Tanager Tangara gyrola – up to 2 on four dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Apia
Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala – 1-5 on four dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras, Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii – 1 Las Tangaras
Golden Tanager Tangara arthus – 2-8 on seven dates at Laguna Pedro Palo, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras, Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Silver-throated Tanager Tangara icterocephala – 1-2 on three dates at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Black-faced Dacnis Dacnis lineata – 1 Rio Claro and a pair at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Turquoise Dacnis Dacnis hartlaubi – Endemic; Vulnerable; 1 female at Laguna Pedro Palo
Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana – 1 Rio Claro
Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza – 1-2 on four dates at Rio Claro, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, Apia and Montezuma Road
Golden-collared Honeycreeper Iridophanes pulcherrimus – 1 Montezuma Road
Scarlet-browed Tanager Heterospingus xanthopygius – 1 Rio Claro
Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira – 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and 2 Cauca Valley
Yellow-backed Tanager Hemithraupis flavicollis – 2 El Paujil
White-eared Conebill Conirostrum leucogenys – 1 El Paujil
Blue-backed Conebill Conirostrum sitticolor – 1 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons – 2 Rio Blanco
Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer Diglossa gloriosissima – Endemic; Endangered; 3 Montezuma Road
Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis – singles above El Carmen, Paramo Ruiz and Montezuma Road
White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera – 1-8 on four dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Indigo Flowerpiercer Diglossa indigotica – 3 Las Tangaras
Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides – singles at Rio Blanco and Apia
Bluish Flowerpiercer Diglossa caerulescens – 1-2 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Masked Flowerpiercer Diglossa cyanea – 1-10 on four dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Plushcap Catamblyrhynchus diadema – 2 Rio Blanco
Plumbeous Sierra-Finch Phrygilus unicolor – 5 Paramo Ruiz
Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola – 10 Laguna Pedro Palo and 1 Otun-Quimbaya
Grassland Yellow-Finch Sicalis luteola – 2 Guasca wetland
Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina – single at El Paujil and Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Grey Seedeater Sporophila intermedia – 1 between Pueblo Rico and Pereira
Black-and-white Seedeater Sporophila luctuosa – 2 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and 1 Montezuma Road
Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis – 1-2 on three dates at Cauca Valley, Apia and Montezuma Road
Slate-coloured Seedeater Sporophila schistacea – 1 above El Carmen
Plain-coloured Seedeater Catamenia inornata – 8 Paramo Ruiz
Paramo Seedeater Catamenia homochroa – 2 Paramo Ruiz
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola – 1-2 on eight dates
Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus – 1 Montezuma Road
Dusky-faced Tanager Mitrospingus cassinii – 1 Rio Claro and 2+ Montezuma Road
Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus – 1-2 on four dates at El Paujil, Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and Cauca Valley
Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis – 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus – 1 Laguna Pedro Palo and heard at Montezuma Road
Masked Saltator Saltator cinctus – Near Threatened; 1 Rio Blanco
Tanager Finch Oreothraupis arremonops – Vulnerable; 1 briefly at Montezuma Road
Olive Finch Arremon castaneiceps – 1-2 on three dates at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch Arremon brunneinucha – 1-2 on five dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, Las Tangaras, Rio Blanco and Montezuma Road
Black-headed Brush-Finch Arremon atricapillus – 1 heard at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
White-browed (Stripe-headed) Brush-Finch Arremon torquatus – 2 Rio Blanco
Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris – 1 Cauca Valley
Moustached Brush-Finch Atlapetes albofrenatus – 2 Laguna Pedro Palo
White-naped Brush-Finch Atlapetes albinucha – 2-3 on three dates at Las Tangaras, Paramo Ruiz and Apia
Yellow-headed Brush-Finch Atlapetes flaviceps – Endemic; Endangered; 2 seen and at least one other heard at Apia
Tricoloured Brush-Finch Atlapetes tricolor – 1-6 on four dates at Las Tangaras, Montezuma Road and Otun-Quimbaya
Slaty Brush-Finch Atlapetes schistaceus – 6-8 on three dates at Yellow-eared Parrot reserve, above El Carmen and Rio Blanco
Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis – seen on nine dates
Common (Bush-tanager) Chlorospingus Chlorospingus flavopectus – 2 Rio Blanco
Dusky Chlorospingus Chlorospingus semifuscus – 5 Las Tangaras and 10 Montezuma Road
Yellow-throated Chlorospingus Chlorospingus flavigularis – 10 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Yellow-green Chlorospingus Chlorospingus flavovirens – Vulnerable; at least 1 at Montezuma Road
Ashy-throated Chlorospingus Chlorospingus canigularis – 2+ Otun-Quimbaya
Hepatic Tanager Piranga flava – 3 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Summer Tanager Piranga rubra – 1-2 on nine dates
Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea – singles at Laguna Pedro Palo, El Paujil and Chestnut-capped Piha reserve
Sooty Ant-Tanager Habia gutturalis – Endemic; Near Threatened; small group seen near Rio Claro
Crested Ant-Tanager Habia cristata – Endemic; at least 4 seen at Montezuma Road
Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus – 1 Montezuma Road
Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna – 10 Rio Blanco and 4 Paramo Ruiz
Red-breasted Blackbird Sturnella militaris – 2 on the road to El Paujil
Carib Grackle Quiscalus lugubris – singles on two dates
Red-bellied Grackle Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster – Endemic; Vulnerable; 1 Chestnut-capped Piha reserve and a small group distantly at Las Tangaras
Yellow-hooded Blackbird Chrysomus icterocephalus – 5 on the road to El Paujil
Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius – 1 La Mayoria Del San Juan, Peñalisa
Yellow-backed Oriole Icterus chrysater – 2 Montezuma Road
Orange-crowned Oriole Icterus auricapillus – 1 road to El Paujil
Yellow Oriole Icterus nigrogularis – 1 road to El Paujil
Scarlet-rumped Cacique Cacicus uropygialis – 1 Yellow-eared Parrot reserve
Yellow-rumped Cacique Cacicus cela – heard at Chestnut-capped Piha reserve?
Mountain Cacique Cacicus chrysonotus – 2 Cauca Valley
Russet-backed Oropendola Psarocolius angustifrons – 2-10 on three dates at Cauca Valley, Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus – singles at Porce Tres and Paramo Ruiz
Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris – 1-2 on six dates
Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia xanthogaster – 1-4 on eight dates
Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea – 4 Laguna Pedro Palo
Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys – 1-8 on three dates at Las Tangaras and Montezuma Road
Yellow-collared Chlorophonia Chlorophonia flavirostris – 2-4 on two dates at Montezuma Road
Lesser Goldfinch Spinus psaltria – 2 Laguna Pedro Palo
Andean Siskin Spinus spinescens – 10 Rio Blanco and 4 Paramo Ruiz