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Recent bird sightings:
#1 |
MANAKIN NATURE TOURS|
Cerulean Wabler|
Ibague - Calambeo|
0000-00-00
#2 | Slara| Gold-ringed Tanager| Urrao, Antioquia| 0000-00-00 #3 | Trevor| Black-backed Thornbill| El Dorado| 0000-00-00
#4 |
Trevor|
Ruby Topaz|
El Dorado|
2018-06-09
#5 | Trevor| Oilbird| El Dorado| 0000-00-00 #6 | Trevor| Fasciated Tiger Heron| El Dorado| 2018-06-09
#7 |
Trevor|
Great Potoo|
Paujil|
2006-06-09
#8 | Trevor| Indigo-capped Hummingbird| Cerulea Reserve| 2025-03-09 #9 | Trevor| Coppery Emerald| El Dorado| 2028-12-09
Region: Choco & Cauca Valley
Sites from this region:
Colibri del Sol Bird Reserve
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
Loro Orejiamarillo Bird Reserve
The Loro Orejiamarillo (Yellow-eared Parrot) bird reserve owned by Fundacion ProAves is located above the pleasant colonial town of Jardin, which offers excellent accommodation. It is the best place to find the Critically Endangered and spectacular Colombian endemic, the Yellow-eared Parrot. A growing population of 350 of these large parrots inhabits the steep hillsides above Jardin, dependent on the endangered wax palm for nesting and roosting sites. Intense conservation actions were necessary to protect the remaining parrots and palms; these efforts have been very effective, and are ongoing.
Mistrato
A pass across the Western Cordillera above the town of Mistrado is easily accessible and holds several key subtropical specialties from the Western Cordillera. THE SECURITY SITUATION IN THIS AREA REMAINS VOLATILE; LOCAL ADVICE IS NECESSARY TO VISIT THIS AREA.
Bosque Yotoco/Laguna de Sonso
Bosque Yotoco and Laguna de Sonso are two good birding sites easily visited in a day from Cali. Bosque Yotoco is a forest reserve packed with red howler monkeys, while Laguna de Sonso is a large wetlands complex beside the Rio Cauca. Both reserves are owned and managed by the Corporación Autonoma Regional del Valle del Cauca (CVC), and permission must be obtained from the CVC before visiting Bosque Yotoco.
Buenaventura Road
The Cali-Buenaventura road was traditionally one of Colombia’s top birding sites, located close to the modern city of Cali. Unfortunately, extensive deforestation in the region has taken place. In addition, SECURITY ISSUES PERSIST IN THE REGION, HAMPERING SAFE VISITATION TO MANY SITES ON THE BUENAVENTURA SIDE OF THE ROAD.
Mirabilis-Swarovski Bird Reserve
Located 60 km west of the delightful colonial city of Popayán is Mirabilis-Swarovski Bird Reserve, adjacent to Munchique National Park. The reserve contains forest along the crest and Pacific slope of the Western Cordillera. Two very localized endemics can be found here, including the beautiful and little-known Colorful Puffleg. The area was plagued by problems, but in recent years the situation has significantly improved.
El Pangan Bird Reserve
This pristine reserve is home to an impressive array of Chocó endemics, species limited to western Colombia and northwestern Ecuador. This reserve protects a large area of primary foothill forest untouched by people – the water in the streams is pure and drinkable! It is a very rainy area all year round, although fortunately mornings are dry and very productive. Several days are necessary to see a good sampling of the many rare birds present here.
La Planada Nature Reserve
This one of Colombia’s oldest reserves, created by Fundación FES. The reserve protects a swath of subtropical and lower montane forest in the Chocó region. It is home to a good number of Andean species and some Chocó endemics shared with adjacent northwest Ecuador. The reserve is also world famous for its diversity of orchids (300 species) and amphibians. UNFORTUNATELY, THE RESERVE IS IN A CONFLICT AREA: WE RECOMMEND ASKING THE RESERVE OWNERS ABOUT THE CURRENT SITUATION BEFORE VISITING.
El Cairo (Alto Galapagos & Cerro Ingles)
This hot new birding site is an excellent site for a large variety of exciting Choco middle-elevation birds. Both reserves are owned and managed by Serraniagua (serraniaguaATgmail.com), a NGO based in El Cairo that promotes sustainable and organic agriculture with local communities in addition to working in biodiversity conservation in the area. It is very important that visitors coordinate their visit with Serraniagua, as they will know the current security and road conditions. Be prepared for rain - it is not unusual for the majority of the day to be very rainy and foggy. |
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