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Recent bird sightings:
Sites - Colibri del Sol Bird Reserve

Site evaluation: 4 Stars 4 Stars 4 Stars 4 Stars
Species:  
Elevation: 2500-3500 m
Climate: Wet and cold
Trails: Basic
Accommodation: 3 Stars 3 Stars 3 Stars
Food: 3 Stars 3 Stars 3 Stars
Hot water: Yes
Electricity: Yes
Communications: Cell phone
Region: Choco & Cauca Valley
Location: Dept of Antioquia
Summary: Following an expedition to the beautiful páramos of Frontino in 2004, researchers rediscovered two endemic species that are extremely range-restricted: the Dusky Starfrontlet and the Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer. In 2005, a large bird reserve was established across the páramo and montane forest by Fundación ProAves and named after the Dusky Starfrontlet
Endemics: Dusky Starfrontlet, Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer, Grallaria sp. nov., Scytalopus sp. nov
Key Species: Rusty-faced Parrot, Andean Pygmy-Owl, Ocellated Tapaculo, Moustached Antpitta, Black-throated Flowerpiercer, White-capped and Red-hooded Tanagers, Black-collared Jay, Black-billed Mountain Toucan
Access: 5 hrs from Medellín to Urrao, 2 hr walk/ horseback to the reserve cabin from the road.
Site Description: The two target species here, the Dusky Starfrontlet and Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer, are most common in the elfin forest above the cabin. It is a strenuous 2 hr hike to reach this forest; birders may also request horses for the ride up. Both species are regularly seen - Luis, the forest guard, knows the key birds well and is a great asset.

A new subspecies of Rusty-faced Parrot inhabits the area, as do other high Andean species including Andean Pygmy-Owl, Streaked Tuftedcheek and Black-chested Mountain Tanager. A good variety of skulkers are around, including Undulated, Chestnut-naped, Rufous, Slate-crowned and the new antpitta (see Update at bottom) and Ocellated, Ash-colored and Spillmann's Tapaculo among others (again, see Update at bottom).

Red-hooded Tanager is fairly common, as is White-capped Tanager. Mixed flocks contain a good variety of mountain tanagers, flycatchers and more, while fruiting trees attract Dusky Piha, Black-billed Mountain-Toucan, Emerald Toucanet and Barred Fruiteater. Good highland hummingbirds besides the Starfrontlet include Purple-backed Thornbill, Golden-breasted Puffleg and Glowing Puffleg. Several tapaculos found and collected here may represent new species (as may an antpitta)– this area has only been recently surveyed and surprises may await!

UPDATE APRIL 2009: The new Antpitta species at this reserve is in process of publication -- it is most similar to Brown-backed Antpitta of the central Cordillera but is distinct morphologically (pure medium grey on chest and belly) and has a slighly different call. The tapaculo situation has now been resolved; the Paramo Tapaculo in the area has now been published by Niels Krabbe as a new species, named Paramillo Tapaculo.

There have also been major trail improvements -- while still a steep climb, there is now a good trail from the cabin up to the paramo. This trail is good for all the endemics and specialties of the reserve.

UPDATE! September 2009. The Dusky Starfrontlet is now arriving in numbers to hummingbird feeders located in the paramo 2 hours hike (1 hr horse) above the lodge. It is now easy to see this fantastic Colombian endemic, only recently re-discovered! Furthermore, the excellent forest guard at the reserve, Luis, has set up an antpitta feeding station where the new antpitta species can be enjoyed alongside Chestnut-naped Antpittas!
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