Another great tour to Colombia with a really fun group. That is the best way to summarize this trip. As some of you know, I have consistently said that this is one of my favorite tours to run. Drive times are relatively short, birding time is long, and the people and places we encounter along the way are memorable. I can't thank enough our local guide, Daniel Uribe, and our driver, John, for all their hard work on this tour.
The tour started in Cali, located in the hot Cauca Valley, but our first morning found us in the eastern foothills of the Western Cordillera at a famous site called Kilometro 18 (KM 18). We visited two fincas (small farms), Finca Florida and Finca Alejandria, where Multicolored Tanagers and Crimson-rumped Toucanets were part of the morning buffet. Lunch was even more impressive with some folks ordering a sancocho that could feed an army. In the late afternoon, we dropped back down into the Cuaca Valley where we visited a dry forest preserve, El Vinculo, before spending the night in the bustling town of Buga. The next morning we spent a fun half-day birding the very birdy Sonso Marsh and nearly completed 100 species in a morning! Highlights here included Horned Screamers, day roosting Common Potoo, Jet Antbird, and Grayish Piculet, among others.
The next three nights were in the company of the Tapasco family at Montezuma Rainforest Lodge. Yesennia, our local guide and one of the famous five sisters, got us on so many great birds during our time here. The main focus at Montezuma included a number of Colombian and near-endemic (Choco) birds like Munchique Wood-Wren, Gold-ringed Tanager, Orange-breasted Fruiteater, and Tanager Finch. We birded up and down the mountain with our crew of drivers who faithfully prepared our breakfasts and lunches in the field. What an adventure! Back across the Cauca Valley and climbing into the Central Cordillera we made our next base in the city of Manezales. This is home to our local guide, Daniel Uribe, so we were literally (almost) birding in his backyard. There were birding visits to Rio Blanco, with its impressive antpitta feeding stations and mixed-species flocks, and Hacienda El Bosque, which also had feeding stations attracting a different batch of birds found at higher elevations. Eventually, we made it up above treeline to the impressive paramo - Espaletia habitat that is home to one of the most charismatic species, Buffy Helmetcrest. Its crazy hairdo, behavior, and habitat is a winning combination.
We finished the tour near Pereira with a visit to the Otun River watershed. This last morning was spent seeking out rare species like Cauca Guan and with some extra effort, the endemic Stile's Tapaculo. By the way, the tapaculo was our last new bird of the tour and also where I last saw my speaker! It was an awesome tour all around and I want to thank you for joining me and Daniel. It was a pleasure to guide you and I hope to see you all again on tour soon. All the best and good birding in 2024,
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
HIGHLAND TINAMOU (Nothocercus bonapartei)
Some folks in the front vehicle saw an adult with two chicks on the road at Montezuma.
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta)
Seen in the big lagoon near Buga.
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium)
This species and the next were on Lago Negro in the high paramo above Manezales.
ANDEAN DUCK (ANDINA) (Oxyura ferruginea andina)
The South American counterpart to Ruddy Duck. However, populations in the Central Cordillera are intermediate in plumage between the two species.
COLOMBIAN CHACHALACA (Ortalis columbiana) [E]
This endemic was seen on our first day at KM 18 and again at Hotel Tinamu.
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
CAUCA GUAN (Penelope perspicax) [E]
We finally caught up with a pair (after a bit of walking!) at Otun-Quimbaya.
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-HEADED DOVE (Leptotila plumbeiceps)
Good views on the trail at Hotel Tinamu.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
Seen at Sonso Marsh.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
Several good looks at this species along the entrance road at Sonso March. Always difficult and unpredictable, this species.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
LESSER NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles acutipennis)
We identified both species day roosting at Sonso Marsh.
COMMON NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles minor)
LYRE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Uropsalis lyra)
A female at dusk was a nice way to end our birding at Rio Blanco.
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
Several day roosting at Sonso Marsh.
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-WHISKERED HERMIT (Phaethornis yaruqui)
One was visiting the feeders at Montezuma.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus)
Also, visiting the feeders at Montezuma.
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
WHITE-THROATED DAGGERBILL (Schistes albogularis)
Fantastic to find this species visiting a flowering tree at the Rio Blanco lodge. Formerly classified as a single species, Wedge-billed Hummingbird. Now, two species!
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)
One of my favorites! An elegant mid to upper elevation hummingbird seen at Montezuma.
GREEN THORNTAIL (Discosura conversii)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis)
Fairly common at Montezuma. Found on the Pacific slope of Colombia and Ecuador, so range restricted.
BUFFY HELMETCREST (Oxypogon stuebelii) [E]
Bird of the trip! A definite highlight for us was finding this species above treeline at Los Nevados NP.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
GREENISH PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia aureliae)
GOLDEN-BREASTED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis mosquera)
Good, close views of several individuals visiting feeders at Los Termales del Ruiz.
SHINING SUNBEAM (Aglaeactis cupripennis)
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni)
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
DUSKY STARFRONTLET (Coeligena orina) [E]
What luck we had finding this rare endemic at the top of Cerro Montezuma! This species had not been seen regularly in a number of years.
BUFF-WINGED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena lutetiae)
Visiting the feeders at Hacienda El Bosque.
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi)
This was a good pick-up at Hacienda El Bosque. This highland species is infrequently encountered, despite having a wide range.
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera)
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus)
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini)
Nearly a Colombian endemic. This one is endemic to the Choco region.
WHITE-BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
A recent split of the racket-tails. The white-booted birds are found in Venezuela south to Ecuador. They are replaced by rufous boots in the south, or now known as Peruvian Racket-tail.
RUFOUS-GAPED HILLSTAR (Urochroa bougueri)
Another Choco endemic seen at Montezuma.
PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini)
This Choco endemic was an infrequent visitor to the Montezuma hummingbird feeders. Its range barely extends into Ecuador.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix)
This Choco endemic is fairly common at Montezuma, and a regular to the feeders. It would be interesting to know how the common name was decided, but, regardless, I love it!
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Philodice mitchellii)
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus melanorhynchus)
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)
Seen visiting the Heliconia flowers at Hotel Tinamu.
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
STEELY-VENTED HUMMINGBIRD (Saucerottia saucerottei)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
ANDEAN EMERALD (Uranomitra franciae)
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans)
Good numbers seen in the open at Embalse Cameguadua.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
We had a flyover pair at Sonso Marsh.
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
Small numbers at Sonso Marsh near Buga.
BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps)
We had a displaying pair above the Montezuma Lodge on our last morning.
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
CLOUD-FOREST PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium nubicola)
It was a bit of a neck strain, but we eventually spotted this little owl in the tall canopy at Montezuma.
ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii) [*]
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus assimilis)
One was seen at Rio Blanco. At least eight subspecies of Masked Trogon, so don't be surprised to see a split in the future. This particular subspecies is confined to the Central and Western Cordillera down to NW Peru.
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)
It's always a good day when you see at motmot! ;-) We saw this species and the previous at Montezuma.
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
MOUSTACHED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila mystacalis)
Wonderful views in the scope of a bird in the bamboo at Hotel Tinamu.
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
A regular visitor to the feeders at KM 18.
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus) [*]
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus albivitta)
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)
This one was also visiting the feeders at Finca Alejandria.
GRAY-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena hypoglauca)
Incredible views at the Hacienda El Bosque feeders.
BLACK-BILLED MOUNTAIN-TOUCAN (Andigena nigrirostris)
This species was visiting the feeders at Rio Blanco. Two different species of mountain-toucans visiting feeders on this tour!
GRAYISH PICULET (Picumnus granadensis) [E]
This Colombian endemic was seen a couple of times on the tour.
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus)
YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Dryobates dignus)
Good looks at this foothills woodpecker at Montezuma and again in Rio Blanco.
POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens) [*]
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara plancus)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima chimachima)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
One zipped over the paramo at Los Nevados NP visitors center.
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) [*]
RUSTY-FACED PARROT (Hapalopsittaca amazonina) [*]
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)
Incredible looks of a perched pair at the Montezuma lodge grounds. You often just see this species in flight.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
Good numbers on the grounds of a our hotel in Buga, chattering away like babies.
SPECTACLED PARROTLET (Forpus conspicillatus)
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax)
GOLDEN-PLUMED PARAKEET (Leptosittaca branickii)
Incredible perched and flight views near the visitor center at Rio Blanco. There was a large group that continually swirled around us, perching and taking off again.
SCARLET-FRONTED PARAKEET (SCARLET-FRONTED) (Psittacara wagleri wagleri) [*]
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus multistriatus)
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor) [*]
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor) [*]
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps)
This bamboo specialist was eventually seen at Rio Blanco, though we heard it a number of times at Montezuma.
PARKER'S ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides parkeri) [E]
Finally got a good responsive pair in the bamboo at Hotel Tinamu. Also heard at Montezuma. This is a Colombian endemic.
JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans)
We called one out of the dry forest scrub at Sonso Marsh.
ZELEDON'S ANTBIRD (Hafferia zeledoni)
Several pairs along the entrance road at Montezuma.
BLUE-LORED ANTBIRD (Hafferia immaculata)
Eventually we got the entire group on this one! It moved around us in circles while we waited patiently on the trail.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla)
"Pancho" was a hit at Rio Blanco.
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta) [*]
BICOLORED ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufocinerea)
Also enjoying worms at Rio Blanco.
EQUATORIAL ANTPITTA (Grallaria saturata)
A recent split from the old Rufous Antpitta complex.
BROWN-BANDED ANTPITTA (Grallaria milleri) [E]
"Pollo" was visiting the Rio Blanco feeding stations.
HOODED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula cucullata) [*]
SLATE-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula nana)
And last, but not least, we have "Nana" or "Nanita" who was a hit with our group.
CRESCENT-FACED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula lineifrons)
Incredible to have this rare and local species visiting worms at Hacienda El Bosque. This used to be one of the hardest antpittas to see! Its range is just a few localities in Colombia and Ecuador.
ASH-COLORED TAPACULO (Myornis senilis)
PARAMO TAPACULO (Scytalopus opacus) [*]
BLACKISH TAPACULO (Scytalopus latrans) [*]
NARIO TAPACULO (Scytalopus vicinior) [*]
CHOCO TAPACULO (Scytalopus chocoensis) [*]
STILES'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus stilesi) [E]
Our last new bird of the trip at Otun-Quimbaya. We even had it in the scope. Unfortunately, the birding gods required a donation: I left my speaker in the forest!
TATAMA TAPACULO (Scytalopus alvarezlopezi) [E*]
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni)
TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina)
One snuck in and hung out a good long time while walking down the entrance road to Rio Blanco. It isn't often that you get such satisfying views of this uncommon woodcreeper.
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
SPOTTED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus erythropygius)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
PACIFIC TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes johnsoni)
One was in the large mixed species flock at Montezuma. This species is generally found at lower elevations than the next species and it also has an unstreaked mantle.
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii)
Good views at Rio Blanco.
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Dendroma rufa)
UNIFORM TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes ignobilis)
FLAMMULATED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes flammulatus) [*]
STREAK-CAPPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes virgaticeps) [*]
FULVOUS-DOTTED TREERUNNER (Margarornis stellatus)
An elegant looking furnariid. It is nearly a Choco endemic, but also found in the Central Cordillera at one small spot. It was seen well at Montezuma.
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
Part of the mixed species flock at Rio Blanco.
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops)
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa)
One was at our feet as it foraged undisturbed along the mountain road at Montezuma. An aptly named species.
GOLDEN-COLLARED MANAKIN (Manacus vitellinus)
STRIOLATED MANAKIN (Machaeropterus striolatus) [*]
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii)
Seemingly everywhere this year at Montezuma.
ORANGE-BREASTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola jucunda)
This limited range species was seen a number of times at Montezuma. Leg and eye color being helpful field marks when separating females from the previous species.
RED-RUFFED FRUITCROW (Pyroderus scutatus)
All too briefly at Otun-Quimbaya.
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus dorsalis)
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus) [*]
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Pogonotriccus ophthalmicus)
This small flycatcher was heard at Montezumas, but seen well at Otun-Quimbaya. Most readily identified by voice!
VARIEGATED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Pogonotriccus poecilotis)
A small group was hanging around the forest edge at La Florida near KM 18.
RUFOUS-BROWED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes superciliaris)
This species was part of the large mixed-species flock at Montezuma (the one with the small owl!). They are mostly canopy tyrannulets so seeing the rufous brow is very difficult.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus) [*]
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
A smashing small bamboo specialist that we saw and heard at Rio Blanco.
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)
Good looks in the thick understory at Sonso Marsh.
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ASEMUS) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens asemus)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
The white headlights really stand out!
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher)
Not sure "handsome" is the right descriptor here; maybe, "cute?" This species was seen in small groups of 5 - 8 individuals in the mid-canopy at Montezuma.
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
NORTHERN MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Nesotriccus incomta) [*]
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
Seen a couple of times in the second growth dry forest like at El Vinculo and Hotel Tinamu.
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
Good looks at one in the paramo at Los Nevados NP.
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps)
Another canopy tyrannulet seen at Otun-Quimbaya that dashed around our heads. Again, another small flycatcher best identified by voice.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) [*]
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus)
We heard them calling at Montezuma which helped with the identification.
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens)
Also identified by voice at Hotel Tinamu. Both species of wood-pewee overlap in their wintering grounds, so voice is important for identification though Eastern tends to winter at slightly lower elevations.
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus)
One was seen on Cerro Montezuma.
YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Silvicultrix diadema)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris)
A sharp looking chat-tyrant that was super obliging as we walked down the mountain from Cerro Montezuma. This species prefers to be near water crossings like waterfalls or streams.
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
LEMON-BROWED FLYCATCHER (Conopias cinchoneti)
One was in the scope just above the lodge at Montezuma. Always good to catch up with this foothills flycatcher, which is uncommon throughout its range.
GOLDEN-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes hemichrysus)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris)
Nice looks at a low bird which was part of the mixed-species flock at Rio Blanco.
RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
A wintering bird (first identified by its long scold) was seen in the flock at Hotel Tinamu.
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi)
Singing birds were seen at El Vinculo near Buga.
BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis)
Can we count Pollito?
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (SCALY) (Microcerculus marginatus occidentalis) [*]
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
Seen a number of times in the mixed-species flocks at Rio Blanco. Like an arboreal Winter Wren!
GRASS WREN (Cistothorus platensis) [*]
SOOTY-HEADED WREN (Pheugopedius spadix)
This one gave us a lot of trouble. We worked hard for views just above the lodge at Montezuma on our final morning. The song is quite striking and melodic, however, and we heard plenty of it!
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis)
A pair showed well on KM 18 during our first morning of birding.
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius sclateri)
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
MUNCHIQUE WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina negreti) [E]
This little endemic with a big song was seen at Cerro Montezuma. It has a very limited range confined to just a few mountaintops in the Western Cordillera of Colombia. It was only discovered in 2008.
CHESTNUT-BREASTED WREN (Cyphorhinus thoracicus)
What views we had at Finca La Florida! You never get to see this species so well. A good way to start the tour.
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
BLACK SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes coracinus)
A better year for Black Solitaire as we saw several individuals. Normally, this isn't the case as this Choco endemic is rare and infrequently encountered.
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi)
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (DRAB) (Turdus ignobilis goodfellowi)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
CHESTNUT-BREASTED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys)
Good numbers seen at Montezuma this year. The males of this species are particularly striking.
YELLOW-COLLARED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia flavirostris)
We had to work a bit to find one, but eventually we caught up with a pair during our birding at Montezuma. Usually much less common than the previous species here.
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus) [*]
HOODED SISKIN (Spinus magellanicus)
TANAGER FINCH (Oreothraupis arremonops)
A very cool bird that we saw well in the mossy forest at Montezuma.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
DUSKY CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus semifuscus)
Watching them feed on the road during our morning break was enjoyable. A Choco endemic, but relatively common throughout its limited range.
BLACK-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon atricapillus)
A regular visitor in the late afternoon to the cracked corn at Montezuma.
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis assimilis)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
OLIVE FINCH (Arremon castaneiceps)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
WHITE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis)
TRICOLORED BRUSHFINCH (CHOCO) (Atlapetes tricolor crassus)
A family group visited us during our afternoon break at one of the Montezuma birding towers.
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus)
This Atlapetes is often arboreal and was seen in mixed-species flocks at Rio Blanco.
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
Seen at the fruit feeders at Los Termales del Ruiz.
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus) [*]
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)
Small numbers were seen on the trip. One of the less common wintering warblers in Colombia.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER (NORTHERN) (Setophaga petechia aestiva)
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata)
One was seen in the canopy mixed species flock at Hotel Tinamu.
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
Seen in the mixed species flock at Rio Blanco.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
Fairly common in a variety of habitat types on the tour.
GOLDEN-FRONTED REDSTART (Myioborus ornatus)
The subspecies seen in the Central and Western Cordillera is chrysops, which has an entirely golden face. Birds in the Eastern Cordillera have a white face.
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii) [*]
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
WHITE-WINGED TANAGER (Piranga leucoptera)
CRESTED ANT-TANAGER (Habia cristata) [E]
This Colombian endemic was seen in the lower mountain stream crossings at Montezuma. They move around in loud active groups.
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (Kleinothraupis atropileus)
Rio Blanco was THE place for the next four species of "hemispingus." Each species was present in roving mixed species flocks.
OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis frontalis)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Sphenopsis melanotis)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Thlypopsis superciliaris)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Loriotus luctuosus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (FLAME-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus flammigerus)
Both forms of the Flame-rumped Tanager were seen on this tour. The flame-rumped types were most common (both Central and Western Cordilleras), but were largely replaced by the lemon variety in the Choco/Montezuma area. Some birds also looked a bit mixed.
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)
BLACK-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Bangsia melanochlamys) [E]
The least common of the Bangsia endemics at Montezuma. They are generally found a little lower down than the Gold-ringed.
GOLD-RINGED TANAGER (Bangsia aureocincta) [E]
Fairly common at mid-elevations in the Montezuma area. We had good views at several different spots during our birding there in the upper regions of the mountain.
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Sporathraupis cyanocephala)
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
This species always elicits a reaction from folks. It is superbly patterned in blues and yellows. It also likes to visit feeders!
BLACK-CHINNED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Anisognathus notabilis)
A near Colombian endemic, but it just reaches over the border into Ecuador. Only found in the Choco region, though, where it is uncommon. It was seen a couple of times at Montezuma.
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata) [*]
PURPLISH-MANTLED TANAGER (Iridosornis porphyrocephalus)
This limited range highland species is almost a Colombian endemic. Seen well in mixed-species flocks at Montezuma.
GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER (Iridosornis rufivertex)
Wow. Wow. Wow. A trio of low foraging birds were watched for a good long time in the parking lot of Los Termales del Ruiz. What a beauty!
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
We scoped one that sat for awhile during our late afternoon birding at Rio Blanco.
GLISTENING-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis)
Small numbers at Montezuma.
MULTICOLORED TANAGER (Chlorochrysa nitidissima) [E]
Jeesh, another amazing looking tanager, especially the males. This endemic visited feeders at both Finca La Florida and Finca Alejandria at KM 18.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
RUFOUS-THROATED TANAGER (Ixothraupis rufigula)
This near endemic (Choco endemic) showed all too briefly for some during our last morning at Montezuma.
GOLDEN-NAPED TANAGER (Chalcothraupis ruficervix)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Stilpnia heinei)
SCRUB TANAGER (Stilpnia vitriolina)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Stilpnia cyanicollis)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii)
The most common Tangara in the Central Cordillera highlands.
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
The most common Tangara in the Western Cordillera highlands.
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)
Seen at KM 18. Our only ones of the tour.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
TURQUOISE DACNIS (Dacnis hartlaubi) [E]
We found a pair at a roadside stop near Pueblo Rico.
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
Uncommon everywhere, we lucked out having a couple of different sightings on this tour.
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa gloriosissima) [E]
Another great bird! This endemic was seen at the top of Cerro Montezuma. We were also lucky enough to hear it singing.
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
INDIGO FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa indigotica)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema)
Always a nice find to come across this bamboo specialist. One was seen loosely associating with a mixed-species flock at Rio Blanco.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA FINCH (Geospizopsis unicolor)
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)
Usually in small flocks, they like to wag their tails a lot. Seen at Rio Blanco.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila minuta)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
LARGE-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila crassirostris)
Fairly widespread across Northern South America, but nowhere common. Seen well at the entrance to Hotel Tinamu.
GRAY SEEDEATER (Sporophila intermedia)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
PARAMO SEEDEATER (Catamenia homochroa)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
This species is very similar to the next species and misidentifications abound. In general, this species is found at lower elevations, whereas Andean Squirrel is found in the foothills and higher elevations, though there is some overlap. Red-tailed Squirrel is also slightly larger. This appeared to be the most common species seen on our tour, while Andean was encountered at higher elevations in the Sierra de los Nevados.
ANDEAN SQUIRREL (Sciurus pucheranii) [E]
AMAZON DWARF SQUIRREL (Microsciurus flaviventer)
There have been a lot of squirrel taxonomic changes lately. The species we saw in Montezuma is M. mimulus, Western Dwarf Squirrel.
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
TAYRA (Eira barbara)
One made a quick appearance at the Finca Alejandria feeders. Most of us in the group missed it!
Totals for the tour: 372 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa