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This dazzling Black-cheeked Mountain-Tanager is a Santa Marta endemic; it was one of 33 endemics we tallied on this species-rich tour. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
A fun group and the most productive tour we have had to date! We observed 582 bird taxa in 17 days of birding, which beat our record last year of 555 by a bunch. As we fine-tune our birding route and learn more about Colombian birds things just seem to get better and better. This year we saw 33 endemics and loads of interesting subspecies and near-endemics. Highlights included a female Blue-billed Curassow, Kelp Gull(s) at Los Camerones (only the second time it has been recorded in Colombia), Dwarf and Pavonine cuckoos (the latter a lifer for Trevor!), a splendid Crested Owl, Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird (nice comparisons with Sapphire-throated), Double-banded Graytail in the coffee finca below Reinita Cielo Azul lodge, the always elusive Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant and antpitta, Turquoise Dacnis, and singing Yellow-bellied Siskin. It is really hard to pick just one from so many!
I want to thank all of you again for a really enjoyable trip. Thanks also to Trevor Ellery, our local guide, and Giovanni, our driver, for their hard work. I look forward to seeing you again in the field. Bird On.
--Jesse a.k.a. Motmot (from Lima, Peru)
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
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
HIGHLAND TINAMOU (Nothocercus bonapartei) [*]
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
NORTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna chavaria) – One of the highlights of our tour was seeing this species well on several occasions. Our first encounter was on the long entrance road to the Paujil reserve. There were two birds that we scoped from a short distance.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors)
RUDDY DUCK (RUDDY) (Oxyura jamaicensis andina) – This resident subspecies is endemic to Colombia. I am a bit confused with regard to the plumages we saw. We saw a few individuals with all black heads that looked more like Andean Duck (Oxyura ferruginea). Others had typical head patterns of northern Ruddy Duck, showing white faces and black caps. It is unclear to me exactly what the local subspecies looks like (more like Andean or more like northern Ruddy Duck) and how much local variation exists. More research necessary.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHESTNUT-WINGED CHACHALACA (Ortalis garrula) – Seen pretty well in the dry forest near Santa Marta. Endemic to Colombia. [E]
RUFOUS-VENTED CHACHALACA (RUFOUS-VENTED) (Ortalis ruficauda ruficrissa)
COLOMBIAN CHACHALACA (Ortalis columbiana) – Seen and heard at various locations through the middle Magdalena. [E]
BAND-TAILED GUAN (Penelope argyrotis)
ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii)
Thie female Blue-billed Curassow was an incredible find of a rare endemic! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]
BLACK-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus atrifrons) – Nicely (and easily) at the compost feeders at El Dorado Lodge.
GORGETED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus strophium) – This rare and local wood-quail was seen by most of the group early in the morning at Reinita Cielo Azul. It meant getting to the feeders early (by horseback!), but it was worth it! [E]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
AMERICAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus ruber)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum marmoratum)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
The endangered Recurve-billed Bushbird also has a very limited range in Colombia and western Venezuela and went unseen from 1965 to 2004. We had great luck this year! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) – One was seen in the mangroves along the north coast. Rare to uncommon northern migrant to Colombia (and only found on the north coast).
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber) – One paler looking bird was with several White Ibis along the beach at Los Camerones.
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) – Several were seen over the couple of days at El Paujil.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis) – One soaring at El Paujil Reserve was a first for our tour.
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – This beauty was seen along the north coast at Salamanca.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
COMMON BLACK-HAWK (Buteogallus anthracinus)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
Moustached Brush-Finch is another Colombia/western Venezuela specialty. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus) – All were light morphs!
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BOGOTA RAIL (Rallus semiplumbeus) – Good looks at two different birds in the marshes at La Florida. [E]
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
SORA (Porzana carolina) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Gallinula melanops) – We found this one at La Florida Marsh.
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana columbiana) – This subspecies is resident in Colombia and Ecuador.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
WILSON'S PLOVER (Charadrius wilsonia)
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
The American Coots we observed are a resident subspecies. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata) – It looked to my eye that some of these birds (by size) could have been Eastern Willets; however, the majority were definitely Western being long-legged and long-billed in appearance.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)
SANDERLING (Calidris alba)
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla)
WESTERN SANDPIPER (Calidris mauri)
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (Limnodromus griseus) – A group of 20 or so birds were in the shallow pools on the beach near Salamanca.
NOBLE SNIPE (Gallinago nobilis) – A good find for us in the marshes of Bogota.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus) – Both Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gull are now regular (albeit rare and local) annual winter visitors to Colombia's north coast.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus)
KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus) – At least three adults (or near) were seen on the beach at Los Camerones. Only last year we found the first record for Colombia!
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia)
COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo)
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa) [*]
BARE-EYED PIGEON (Patagioenas corensis)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea chapmani)
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassini) [*]
LINED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon linearis) – Nice looks at the feeders inside the forest at Reinita Cielo Azul.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
DWARF CUCKOO (Coccycua pumila) – One of the highlights of our trip was finding two birds at a fruiting tree on the north coast at Salamanca.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
PAVONINE CUCKOO (Dromococcyx pavoninus) – This was an excellent cuckoo trip. We heard and eventually saw well in the scope this species on the upper trail at Reinita. A lifer for Trevor and a good bird for Colombia.
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
VERMICULATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops guatemalae) [*]
SCREECH-OWL SP. (Megascops sp.) – This is the Santa Marta Screech-Owl that most in the group saw well on our night walk.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – Amazing encounter with this bird at El Paujil.
ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus longirostris)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – Nice flyby looks at El Paujil.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
Nightbirding produced this Tropical Screech-Owl, one of 7 species of owls tallied on the tour. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
PALE-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis anthophilus)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
GREEN-FRONTED LANCEBILL (Doryfera ludovicae) – Just briefly at the feeders inside the forest at Reinita Cielo Azul.
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysolampis mosquitus) – One was at the feeders at Jardin Encantado. Not expected!
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
BLOSSOMCROWN (Anthocephala floriceps) – This endemic visited the orange flowers in front of the small tienda below El Dorado. Good looks. [E]
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingi)
BLACK-BACKED THORNBILL (Ramphomicron dorsale) – Another endemic hummingbird visiting feeders at El Dorado. It appeared to be a young male.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina) – The population in the Chingaza area (subspecies tyrianthina) had blue tails while the Santa Marta birds showed more rufous tails.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina districta) – The ones seen in the Santa Marta Mountains.
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)
BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)
BLACK INCA (Coeligena prunellei) – A regular to the forest feeders at Reinita Cielo Azul. [E]
WHITE-TAILED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena phalerata) – Another spectacular endemic that visits the feeders at El Dorado. [E]
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera)
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor)
SANTA MARTA WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus astreans) – We lucked out and found two different females in the Santa Martas. This species one can often miss! [E]
RED-BILLED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon gibsoni)
SHORT-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon poortmani) – A rare find for us. A female and male were visiting the feeders at Jardin Encantado.
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)
VIOLET-CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica) – This is now Crowned Woodnymph after lumping Violet-crowned Woodnymph with SA populations. Most of the populations we saw had green crowns except in the Santa Martas (back to violet crowns).
BUFFY HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus fallax) – Two on the Guajira Peninsula at Los Camerones.
CHESTNUT-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia castaneiventris) – This endemic was seen at feeders along the coffee plantation at Reinita Cielo Azul. [E]
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae)
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)
STEELY-VENTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia saucerrottei)
INDIGO-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanifrons) – This endemic was seen at several locations and is one of the more common endemic hummingbirds. [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
SAPPHIRE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga coeruleogularis)
Noble Snipe was a good find in the marshes of Bogota. This is an Andean species reaching to northern Peru. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
SHINING-GREEN HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga goudoti)
VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Damophila julie)
WHITE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Hylocharis cyanus) [*]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
WHITE-TIPPED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus fulgidus)
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus) [*]
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris) [*]
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus sanctaemartae)
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
WHITE-NECKED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus hyperrhynchus) – New for our tour. This was a secret spot known by Trevor outside of Santa Marta.
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus)
RUSSET-THROATED PUFFBIRD (Hypnelus ruficollis)
WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)
MOUSTACHED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila mystacalis)
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
WHITE-MANTLED BARBET (Capito hypoleucus) – We worked hard for this endemic at El Paujil, but it paid off! [E]
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (SANTA MARTA) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus lautus) – Some talk of splitting the different Emerald Toucanets. This isolated population would be one of the first considered.
EMERALD TOUCANET (ANDEAN) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivitta) – This is the subspecies that we saw above Libano. A gray-throated form.
GROOVE-BILLED TOUCANET (YELLOW-BILLED) (Aulacorhynchus sulcatus calorhynchus)
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
BLACK-MANDIBLED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
Dwarf Cuckoo definitely made the list of highlights! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (CITRON-THROATED) (Ramphastos vitellinus citreolaemus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
SCALED PICULET (Picumnus squamulatus) – This one perched in the open for a good few seconds. We were birding the road down from El Dorado when we saw it. Very good bird.
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
CHESTNUT PICULET (Picumnus cinnamomeus) – Another excellent bird seen well at Los Camerones.
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis kirkii)
GOLDEN-GREEN WOODPECKER (Piculus chrysochloros xanthochlorus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (GOLDEN-OLIVE) (Colaptes rubiginosus gularis)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
POWERFUL WOODPECKER (Campephilus pollens)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
MERLIN (Falco columbarius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (Parrots)
SANTA MARTA PARAKEET (Pyrrhura viridicata) – Good early morning views in the eucalyptus trees on San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
SCARLET-FRONTED PARAKEET (Aratinga wagleri)
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Aratinga pertinax)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus passerinus) – Seen pretty well at Los Camerones.
SPECTACLED PARROTLET (Forpus conspicillatus)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus saturatus) – The subspecies in the Santa Marta Mountains.
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major) [*]
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
Moustached Puffbird is a range-restricted species, occurring only in Colombia and northern Venezuela. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
WESTERN SLATY-ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha) – This has been split as Black-crowned Antshrike (T. atrinucha).
BLACK ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus nigriceps) – One came in close for good views along the river at El Paujil.
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor)
BLACK-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus melanonotus)
RECURVE-BILLED BUSHBIRD (Clytoctantes alixii) – What a treat finding this bird in bamboo near Ocana. It sang for us a few times and we all eventually had very nice views.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea intermedia)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (SOUTHERN) (Formicivora grisea hondae)
LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata klagesi) – This subspecies has been split as Klage's Antbird by some authorities. Others are less convinced.
LONG-TAILED ANTBIRD (Drymophila caudata hellmayri) – This is the Santa Marta Antbird, split from Long-tailed Antbird. Again, this is a tentative split.
PARKER'S ANTBIRD (Cercomacra parkeri) – We saw this endemic at Reinita Cielo Azul. [E]
JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans)
BARE-CROWNED ANTBIRD (Gymnocichla nudiceps)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul)
IMMACULATE ANTBIRD (ANDEAN) (Myrmeciza immaculata immaculata) – This is also now known by some authorities as Blue-lored Antbird. A split that some are less convinced about.
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys leucaspis) [*]
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
SANTA MARTA ANTPITTA (Grallaria bangsi) – Excellent looks on the road below San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca)
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula) – The individual we saw at Chingaza is the nominate rufula.
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula spatiator) – The one we saw well in the Santa Marta Mountains.
OCHRE-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula flavirostris) – Incredible views of a perched bird at Reinita Cielo Azul.
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (RUSTY-BREASTED) (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus ferrugineipectus) – More good looks at antpittas. This species we saw birding the entrance road to El Dorado.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SANTA MARTA TAPACULO (Scytalopus sanctaemartae) – We had to work at it, but eventually we saw a bird circling around us on our last day in the Santa Martas. [E]
UPPER MAGDALENA TAPACULO (Scytalopus rodriguezi) – One seen extremely well at Reinita Cielo Azul. [E]
BROWN-RUMPED TAPACULO (Scytalopus latebricola) [E]
PALE-BELLIED TAPACULO (Scytalopus griseicollis)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
GRAY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus albigularis)
Seeing White-fronted Nunbird is always a treat; plus, it means you are likely onto a mixed flock. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) [*]
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – We had two different individuals in the Santa Marta Mountains. A lifer for Jesse!
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus)
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) – Another fairly local bird we saw well along the river at El Paujil.
OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus) – Nice to see this so well near the forest feeders at Reinita Cielo Azul.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger sanctaemartae)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (CARIBBEAN) (Furnarius leucopus longirostris)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
SANTA MARTA FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Automolus rufipectus) – Good looks at two different individuals. It sort of gave us fits, however, as foliage-gleaners can do. [E]
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis)
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa)
DOUBLE-BANDED GRAYTAIL (Xenerpestes minlosi) – Wow. A new one for the tour. Such a difficult bird to find and see well. We had one below Reinita Cielo Azul.
STREAK-CAPPED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca hellmayri)
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
SILVERY-THROATED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis subpudica) – This endemic is fairly common around Bogota. [E]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
RUSTY-HEADED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis fuscorufa) – Surprisingly darn good looks at this bird on the San Lorenzo Ridge. Can often be tough to see well. [E]
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura) [*]
WHITE-WHISKERED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis candei)
STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinnamomea)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus)
It was fantastic to get such a good look at Agile Tit-Tyrant -- a very missable species on our itinerary. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
AGILE TIT-TYRANT (Anairetes agilis) – We don't often get this species on tour so it was nice to catch up with several in the humid subtropical forest at Chingaza.
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) – We saw this species in the tall marshes near La Florida. A local breeding site.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
OLIVE-STRIPED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes olivaceus)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
RUFOUS-BROWED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes superciliaris) – Tough views at this canopy flycatcher. Heard and seen, but the light didn't help us.
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps) – Always a good one. Uncommon and difficult to locate, we found one in the mixed flock at Reinita.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops minimus) – This is the subspecies in the Santa Marta Mountains.
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)
NORTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus arenarum)
SLENDER-BILLED TYRANNULET (Inezia tenuirostris)
PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULET (Inezia caudata) – Both Inezias were found in the dry forest scrub around Los Camerones.
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris)
SOUTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma olivaceum)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis) [*]
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)
We documented only the second record of Kelp Gull in Colombia! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
YELLOW-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias assimilis)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus assimilis) – This subspecies in the Santa Marta range has been discussed as a possible split.
BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)
BLACK-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus audax) – Seen well at El Paujil Reserve.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis) [*]
SANTA MARTA BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes pernix) – Missed on maybe 50% of the tours. We had excellent views at this endemic on the San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca diadema) – An uncommon species that most saw well on the road above El Dorado Lodge.
RUFOUS-BREASTED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis)
APICAL FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus apicalis) – This dry forest endemic was seen near Maraquita in the upper part of the Magdalena River. [E]
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
GRAY KINGBIRD (Tyrannus dominicensis)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GOLDEN-BREASTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola aureopectus)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
PURPLE-THROATED FRUITCROW (Querula purpurata)
Pipridae (Manakins)
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus)
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
This Black Flowerpiercer of the subspecies humeralis (showing some silver on the shoulder) teed up nicely for us. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Pipra erythrocephala)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) – This was a first for the tour. Trevor picked out the call in the forest at Reinita. It responded relatively well to our tape and later we saw it in the scope.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina)
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous)
Vireonidae (Vireos)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Hylophilus semibrunneus)
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes)
LESSER GREENLET (Hylophilus decurtatus) [*]
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (NORTHERN) (Cyclarhis gujanensis parva) – Despite their being grouped with northern populations, the subspecies in Colombia looks very different from Middle American populations. They only show yellow throats and chests being gray on the lower parts where it is all yellow further north. Many of the South American populations look and sound different. Potential splits?
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis)
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
SEDGE WREN (POLYGLOTTUS GROUP) (Cistothorus platensis tamae) – We saw this one in the marshes of Chingaza on the first day.
APOLINAR'S WREN (Cistothorus apolinari) – This highland marsh wren was seen well near La Florida marsh. It took some time to coax it out, however. [E]
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
STRIPE-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus nuchalis)
BICOLORED WREN (Campylorhynchus griseus)
Another endemic we tallied was this Yellow-headed Brush-Finch. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis)
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus)
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus)
NICEFORO'S WREN (Thryophilus nicefori) – This endemic, similar in appearance to the previous species only more brown above, was seen on the way down from the lodge at Reinita.
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (BLACK-CAPPED) (Henicorhina leucosticta albilateralis)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys anachoreta) – This is the subspecies that occurs at higher elevations in the Santa Marta range.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys bangsi) – The low to mid elevation wood-wren in the Santa Martas. Both are potential splits.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea anteocularis) – Seen in the upper part of the Magdalena around Maraquita.
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (TROPICAL) (Polioptila plumbea plumbiceps) – Seen on the Guajira Peninsula along the north coast.
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris)
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater)
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED THRUSH (Turdus fulviventris) – Nice looks at the Bushbird Reserve near Ocana.
BLACK-HOODED THRUSH (Turdus olivater) – Seen very well in the forest around El Dorado lodge.
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (Turdus albicollis)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea) – One nice male was in the coffee below Reinita Cielo Azul lodge.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus rufifrons)
We caught up to the attractive Black-striped Woodcreeper along the river at El Paujil. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
SANTA MARTA WARBLER (Basileuterus basilicus) – The toughest of the endemic warblers to see, but we finally caught up with a pair on the San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
GRAY-THROATED WARBLER (Myiothlypis cinereicollis)
WHITE-LORED WARBLER (Myiothlypis conspicillata) – Also a Santa Marta endemic, but seen over several days. Fairly common from mid elevation up to the top. [E]
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
YELLOW-CROWNED REDSTART (Myioborus flavivertex) – There are three endemic warblers in the Santa Marta Mountains. Incredible. This one we saw on San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
GOLDEN-FRONTED REDSTART (Myioborus ornatus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus superciliaris)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
GLAUCOUS TANAGER (Thraupis glaucocolpa)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Buthraupis eximia) – We rarely see this species on tour. A treat to catch up with one during our day at Chingaza.
BLACK-CHEEKED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus melanogenys) – A sharp looking endemic found only in the Santa Martas. [E]
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata)
BLACK-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara cyanoptera)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana)
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Tangara guttata)
Chestnut-bellied Thrush showed nicely at the Bushbird Reserve near Ocana. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-GREEN) (Tangara gyrola toddi) – Sure enough. Bay-heads in the north do have more green below. This group is only found in coastal Colombia and Venezuela.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis lineata egregia)
TURQUOISE DACNIS (Dacnis hartlaubi) – 5:30 pm on the dot, in this tree, no problem. [E]
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GUIRA TANAGER (Hemithraupis guira)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor)
RUFOUS-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum rufum) – A near endemic that we saw in Chingaza NP.
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis nocticolor) – Seen on the San Lorenzo Ridge above El Dorado.
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis humeralis) – The subspecies that shows silver shoulders like the Glossy. We saw these at Chingaza NP above Bogota.
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
GRAY SEEDEATER (Sporophila intermedia)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila minuta)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Oryzoborus funereus)
PARAMO SEEDEATER (Catamenia homochroa) – A great find for the group and a new one for the tour. Several were singing in the bunch grass on the San Lorenzo Ridge. Very cool.
PILEATED FINCH (Coryphospingus pileatus)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus)
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
ORINOCAN SALTATOR (Saltator orenocensis)
Even in deep shadow, the brillant crest of the Crested Ant-Tanager stood out. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
GOLDEN-WINGED SPARROW (Arremon schlegeli) – A lovely Arremon that we saw well on our way down from El Dorado.
BLACK-HEADED BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon atricapillus atricapillus)
SIERRA NEVADA BRUSH-FINCH (Arremon basilicus)
TOCUYO SPARROW (Arremonops tocuyensis) – Our secret spot paid off for this local sparrow. Unfortunately, it looked like the spot was being cut away very quickly.
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
MOUSTACHED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes albofrenatus)
WHITE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis)
SANTA MARTA BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes melanocephalus) – Fairly easy to see this endemic around El Dorado. [E]
PALE-NAPED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
YELLOW-HEADED BRUSH-FINCH (Atlapetes flaviceps) – This endemic brush-finch we saw above Libano. [E]
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
COMMON BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus)
ASHY-THROATED BUSH-TANAGER (Chlorospingus canigularis)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
SOOTY ANT-TANAGER (Habia gutturalis) – A solitary male was seen during our time at El Paujil. We heard a few more groups. Endemic to Colombia. [E]
CRESTED ANT-TANAGER (Habia cristata) – A group of five was found below Libano. A secret site that Trevor showed us. This is a nice looking bird. Endemic to Colombia. [E]
VERMILION CARDINAL (Cardinalis phoeniceus)
GOLDEN-BELLIED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED BLACKBIRD (Sturnella militaris)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris)
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater) [*]
ORANGE-CROWNED ORIOLE (Icterus auricapillus)
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis)
Most of the Willets we studied appeared to be of the "Western" subspecies. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
TRINIDAD EUPHONIA (Euphonia trinitatis)
VELVET-FRONTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia concinna) – Endemic in the dry forest of the upper Magdelena Valley. Seen well at a few different sites. [E]
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala)
FULVOUS-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia fulvicrissa)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
ANDEAN SISKIN (Spinus spinescens)
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus) – A surprise for us at the Bushbird Reserve. Nice looks and song.
MAMMALS
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus) [*]
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
SANTANDER DWARF SQUIRREL (Microsciurus santanderensis) [E]
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other critters we encountered on our travels:
1) Speckled Spiny Tree-Rat (Pattonomys semivillosus) -- In a mangrove tree overhanging the trail at Salamanca. Found in northern Colombia and Venezuela.
2) Brazilian Guinea-Pig (Cavia aperea) -- Seen at the La Florida marsh in Bogota. Unclear if it is native to this area.
3) Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
4) Green (or Plumed) Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) -- Seen at El Paujil Reserve.
5) Striped Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus) -- Also seen at El Paujil Reserve.
6) Marine Toad (Rhinella marina)
Totals for the tour: 582 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa