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Recent bird sightings:
Sites - Mitu

Site evaluation: 4 Stars 4 Stars 4 Stars 4 Stars
Species:  
Elevation: 180-270 m
Climate: Hot and humid
Trails: Guided
Accommodation: 3 Stars 3 Stars 3 Stars
Food: 3 Stars 3 Stars 3 Stars
Hot water: No
Electricity: Yes
Communications: Cell phone
Region: Eastern Lowlands
Location: Mitu, Dept of Vaupes
Summary: Mitú is the capital of Vaupés department. Located close to the Brazilian border, it is one of the most remote and undeveloped regions of Colombia. The forests around Mitú are in good condition. Although they are still part of the Amazon region, this region contains a distinctively different topography, vegetation, and associated avifauna than the forest of Leticia, 600 km to the south. Mitú, like Puerto Inírida, has a mosaic of lowland forest, white-sand scrub and some savanna. However, Mitú has more extensive and richer lowland forest, with greater affinities to the Amazon than Puerto Inírida. Many species depend on the sandy-belt forests which grows on white sand soil in this region. The area around Mitú is characterized by "rocoso" - isolated mountains or "cerros" - eroded remnants of hard sedimentary rocks with relatively flat "table" tops covered by low xerophytic vegetation.
Endemics:
Key Species: Salvin's Curassow, Giant Snipe, Red-fan Parrot, Ladder-tailed Nightjar, Azure-naped Jay, Fiery Topaz, Tawny-tufted Toucanet, Orinoco Piculet, Black Bushbird, Spot-backed Antwren, Chestnut-crested Antbird, Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Yellow-crowned Manakin, Azure-naped Jay, Brown-headed Greenlet, White-bellied Dacnis, and White-naped Seedeater
Access: Mitú is only accessible by flights from Bogota and Villavicencio with Satena, and has only one dirt road leading out of town. River transport is limited by the many rapids on the Río Vaupés.
Site Description: IMPORTANT! While excellent birding is possible in and around Mitu it is 100% necessary to make local arrangements (which can be confusing and time-intensive) with the local governments and indigenous groups in order to visit the birding sites. Some areas around Mitu may be mined, and it is therefore 100% essential that any visitor only bird with a local guide! (locals know which areas are safe to visit)

Mitú is an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding sandy belt forest and rocoso along 3 trails, which are very close to the town (airport entrance: 01?15.633?N 70?14.226?W; 180 m). The best time to visit is December, as birds are not vocalizing much around Aug. Also, basic transport can be negotiated (expensive) for exploring further south of the town.

some of the birds to look for around Mitu include:

White-naped Seedeater, White-bellied Dacnis, Rufous-crowned Elaenia, White-browed Purpletuft, Citron-bellied Attila and Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Dusky-chested Flycatcher, and Orinoco Piculet, up to 4 species of Cotinga including Pompadour and Purple-breasted, Azure-naped Jay, Brown-headed Greenlet, Plumbeous Euphonia, Bronzy Jacamar, and White-eyed Tody-tyrant, Gould?s Jewelfront, Fiery Topaz, Black-headed Parrot, Orange-crested Manakin, Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin, Slate-coloured and Black-headed Antbirds, Collared Gnatwren and Plumbeous Euphonia.
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