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Our second encounter with the endemic Santa Marta Antbird was pretty special! Photo by participant Marshall Dahl.
It was an interesting year. Having done this tour a number of times, and appreciating normal year-to-year variations in any tour, I also recognize that Colombia is a big country, with the highest bird total and, well, anything goes. With El Nino in force, it was the driest I have ever seen Colombia, with a record number of wildfires throughout the country. It was "crunch-crunch" on the trails, so no sneaking up on things. Fairly quiet in terms of birdsong; did some species just not breed this year? Possibly. However, any tour that records more than 500 species is in an elite class. And we destroyed 500; the rest was just gravy. We also did very well by the endemics and many interesting subspecies and potential splits.
Highlights included Black Inca (hard to go wrong with this endemic!), Blue-billed Curassow (Jesper especially liked our unusual encounter with this species; ignore the cage), the female Vermilion Cardinal (Leslie is right, she is nicely patterned), and the diminutive Gorgeted Woodstar, but Marshall liked the Ruby Topaz (again, can't argue with that), and there was Santa Marta Antpitta (because ANY antpitta you see well is cool, but this one is an endemic!), Rusty-headed Spinetail, and Scarlet Ibis (hmmm, can we count it?). However, by far, the favorite was the Recurve-billed Bushbird. It was a winner in years past, and again this year, and it was hard to beat our experience and views. I like it when a bird makes us sweat a bit (and we have missed this on tour a few times), but then shows well, splendidly well!
This group was awesome. I loved being in the field with you. Thanks again for some great spotting, and lots of enjoyable moments. Also, thanks to Diana (our local guide) and our drivers (Giovanni and Hermis) for their hard work.
All the best birding in 2016.
-- Jesse (aka 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
Shining-green Hummingbird was just one of more than three dozen hummingbird species we spotted during the tour. Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
HIGHLAND TINAMOU (Nothocercus bonapartei) [*]
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
NORTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna chavaria) – A highlight for several (and closing out a family!) folks. Seen very well along the entrance road to El Paujil.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors)
RUDDY DUCK (RUDDY) (Oxyura jamaicensis andina) – Some of the ones we looked at in Bogota had nearly all dark heads (like resident SA birds), while others looked more like northern birds. It isn't clear what is going on with the Ruddy Ducks in the Bogota region.
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHESTNUT-WINGED CHACHALACA (Ortalis garrula) – Seen well in the scope during the late afternoon on our first day in Santa Marta. [E]
COLOMBIAN CHACHALACA (Ortalis columbiana) – Fairly common at several sites. Seen well more than a few times. [E]
BAND-TAILED GUAN (Penelope argyrotis)
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii)
BLUE-BILLED CURASSOW (Crax alberti) – A funny encounter with this very rare species. "Oh, so that was a wild bird. Let's go look at it again." We did track down the male booming in the tree behind the old kitchen. [E]
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus)
MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]
BLACK-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus atrifrons) [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
AMERICAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus ruber) – Huge distant flocks were seen at Los Camarones. Still a lovely site.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
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)
A Laughing Falcon at our lunch spot on the way to Paujil seemed unfazed by our close presence. Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – First seen along the river at El Hato, and again on the north coast. An elegant looking heron.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber) – Craig brought up an interesting thought that this was a hybrid Scarlet x White ibis being that the bird was so pale. The scarlet color is derived from carotenoids that they get in their diet which includes red crustaceans, but this color can vary depending on how much they consume. The hybrid photos I looked at are similar (as I recall) to our bird, being very pale, but I can't rule out a diet related affect either.
The Orinoco Saltator is a great songster -- and sharp-looking too! Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)
GREEN IBIS (Mesembrinibis cayennensis)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus) – This species is rare (but increasing) in the Magdalena Valley. A few of you spotted it during our long drives.
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)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – This small raptor was first seen soaring around Hato. Another was seen on the north coast. Generally scarce on this tour.
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis) – A lovely raptor seen standing on fence posts (always near water) during our long drives.
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
HARRIS'S HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus)
WHITE-RUMPED HAWK (Parabuteo leucorrhous) – For just a few of us in the group as we walked down from San Lorenzo Ridge in the Santa Martas. It called a few times then soared over our heads and down the ridge. Not seen most years.
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) [*]
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
BOGOTA RAIL (Rallus semiplumbeus) – Lovely views of this bird near the blind. It took some waiting, but well worth it. [E]
GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]
SORA (Porzana carolina)
SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Porphyriops melanops) – Another good one to find. Our only "spot" for it was on the lake at La Florida.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
Participant Marshall Dahl got this sunny shot of a grand sweep of Espeletia grandflora, a small paramo shrub in the sunflower family.
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana columbiana) – This is the resident (non-migratory) population endemic to the high savanna of Bogota.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus) – A highlight (and lifer) for several folks in the group. Seen on our way to Los Camarones.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
AMERICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus palliatus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)
A male Crowned Woodnymph definitely qualifies as "eye candy"! Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (BLACK-BACKED) (Jacana jacana hypomelaena)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
WILLET (EASTERN) (Tringa semipalmata semipalmata) – We identified (and photographed) both Eastern and Western willets at Los Camarones. It was a fun learning lesson as we studied carefully the structural/size differences between the two subspecies. Western Willet is larger, longer legged, with a longer bill. We had a couple of Western and Eastern birds standing right next to each other. Very cool.
WILLET (WESTERN) (Tringa semipalmata inornata)
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
MARBLED GODWIT (Limosa fedoa) – A group of 4 or 5 seen at Los Camarones. Rare in Colombia.
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)
SANDERLING (Calidris alba)
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla)
WESTERN SANDPIPER (Calidris mauri)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
FRANKLIN'S GULL (Leucophaeus pipixcan) – Rare on the north coast (Caribbean) and the first time I had seen them on this tour. We saw two individuals at Los Camarones.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus) – At least three at Los Camarones. Rare in Colombia, but regular.
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia)
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
BARE-EYED PIGEON (Patagioenas corensis) – Nice looks at birds in the scope at Los Camarones.
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea chapmani) [*]
RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea) [*]
COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa) [*]
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii) [*]
TOLIMA DOVE (Leptotila conoveri) [E*]
The White-fronted Nunbirds perched over the road at El Paujil didn't seem to mind us standing underneath. Photo by participant Marshall Dahl.
LINED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon linearis)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata) – Seen well at the forest feeders at Reinita Cielo Azul Reserve.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana) [*]
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
PAVONINE CUCKOO (Dromococcyx pavoninus) [*]
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – Nice looks at El Paujil on several evenings.
WHITE-THROATED SCREECH-OWL (Megascops albogularis) – Though just a heard only, this was a crazy experience hearing this bird calling during the day at Reinita Cielo Azul. It was responsive to my playback and seemed to get louder, though it never got any closer. [*]
SCREECH-OWL SP. (Megascops sp.) – Awesome looks at the undescribed screech-owl from the Santa Martas. We had to work at it a little, but eventually we found a very cooperative bird.
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) [*]
The group heads out on an early morning hike in Hormiguero. Photo by participant Marshall Dahl.
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Systellura longirostris)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – Very nice looks one evening at El Paujil.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
CHAPMAN'S SWIFT (Chaetura chapmani) – What a great experience watching swifts coming to drink at the small pond at El Paujil Reserve. We saw several individuals of this species sweeping in and had nice looks at their rump patterns. Some people tried to photograph them!
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris) – Hermits are a tough group with many look-a-likes and we were cautious on several individuals. We certainly identified several Long-billeds (including one singing in the Santa Martas), while Kathy had a Pale-bellied at El Paujil.
PALE-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis anthophilus)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysolampis mosquitus) – Awesome bird seen at the Jardin Encantado feeders.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
SANTA MARTA BLOSSOMCROWN (Anthocephala floriceps) – It took some standing around, but eventually it showed very well. The Santa Marta population is now split from the Central Cordilleran group. [E]
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
BLACK-BACKED THORNBILL (Ramphomicron dorsale) – Killer looks at this very difficult birds at the El Dorado feeders, where it showed most days. Love that yellow gorget color. [E]
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (SANTA MARTA) (Metallura tyrianthina districta)
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)
BLACK INCA (Coeligena prunellei) – We saw some in the forest at Reinita, but also later at the forest feeders. Another elegant looking Colombian endemic hummingbird. [E]
WHITE-TAILED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena phalerata) – This flashy CO endemic hummer was seen at the El Dorado feeders. Both the male and female were present. [E]
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi)
A handsome male White-necked Jacobin shows a flash of his trademark white neck. Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor) – A male was seen visiting the Jardin Encantado feeders.
RED-BILLED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon gibsoni)
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
BUFFY HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus fallax) – Seen well in the dry thorn forest at Los Camarones.
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae)
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)
STEELY-VENTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia saucerottei)
INDIGO-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanifrons) – This CO endemic is thankfully somewhat common at certain spots. We saw it well at Jardin Encantado and again at the Reinita Cielo Azul lodge. [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
SAPPHIRE-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga coeruleogularis)
SHINING-GREEN HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga goudoti)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
WHITE-TIPPED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus fulgidus)
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus) [*]
BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus sanctaemartae)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus personatus)
Momotidae (Motmots)
WHOOPING MOTMOT (Momotus subrufescens) – Missed some tours, but we found this species in the dry forest near Mariquita.
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis)
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)
BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)
The Russet-throated Puffbird sits motionlessly for long periods between feeding sorties -- which allows for great photographs, like this one captured by participant Kathy Brown.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea) [*]
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus) – Great scope looks of a bird at El Hato.
RUSSET-THROATED PUFFBIRD (Hypnelus ruficollis)
MOUSTACHED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila mystacalis) – This one we saw close and well at the bushbird reserve.
WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus) – Several birds perched over the road at El Paujil. They didn't seem to mind our presence.
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
WHITE-MANTLED BARBET (Capito hypoleucus) – We worked really hard at finding this bird at La Victoria, but we were rewarded with lovely scope views of a perched pair. [E]
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (SANTA MARTA) (Aulacorhynchus prasinus lautus)
GROOVE-BILLED TOUCANET (YELLOW-BILLED) (Aulacorhynchus sulcatus calorhynchus)
Black-backed Thornbills are usually hard to see well -- but, thanks to El Dorado's hummingbird feeders, that's no longer necessarily the case! Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (CITRON-THROATED) (Ramphastos vitellinus citreolaemus) – A distinctive subspecies that we saw well at El Paujil.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
CHESTNUT PICULET (Picumnus cinnamomeus) – Close, intimate views while birding the dry forest at Los Camarones. Difficult and shy, usually.
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)
BEAUTIFUL WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pulcher) – Diana spotted this bird at La Victoria. Awesome views in the scope, and some of you got really nice photos! [E]
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis kirkii)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
BARRED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur ruficollis) [*]
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) – One at our lunch spot on the way to Paujil was pretty cool. Didn't seem to mind being so close.
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
MERLIN (Falco columbarius)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus saturatus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus passerinus) – Heard by all, but maybe just glimpsed in flight by a few while birding the dry forest at Los Camarones. [*]
SPECTACLED PARROTLET (Forpus conspicillatus)
SANTA MARTA PARAKEET (Pyrrhura viridicata) – Very nice looks at birds feeding on a flowering tree below our picnic breakfast spot on the San Lorenzo ridge. They never did show up in the Eucalyptus trees! [E]
The Groove-billed Toucanet is one of several closely-related small toucans; the Chestnut-billed Toucanet of the Andes is a sister species. Photo by participant Marshall Dahl.
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
SCARLET-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara wagleri)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus multistriatus) – A near endemic seen well at Libano and La Vega.
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
BLACK ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus nigriceps) – Another near endemic seen well along the river at El Paujil. Eventually a pair showed up and called for a long time in the bamboo.
BLACK-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus melanonotus)
RECURVE-BILLED BUSHBIRD (Clytoctantes alixii) – Wow! We worked and worked at this one. The bamboo looked good, very green, but maybe too much of it? Anyways, we eventually called in a male that performed outstanding for us.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
A male White-tailed Trogon shows nicely the distinctively clean undertail for which the species is named. Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
SLATY ANTWREN (Myrmotherula schisticolor)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea hondae)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea intermedia)
SANTA MARTA ANTBIRD (Drymophila hellmayri) – Found at mid-elevation in the thicker tangles and vegetation below El Dorado. Our first encounter wasn't nearly as nice as the second! [E]
PARKER'S ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides parkeri) [E*]
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)
JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans)
BARE-CROWNED ANTBIRD (Gymnocichla nudiceps)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes)
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza exsul)
BICOLORED ANTBIRD (Gymnopithys bicolor)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla) [*]
SANTA MARTA ANTPITTA (Grallaria bangsi) – Another difficult bird that we saw well. We (again) worked at it most of the morning, but eventually the work paid off. Nice looks at bird hopping along the ground and standing still for a few seconds. [E]
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) [*]
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula) – The one we saw at Chingaza (nominate rufula).
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (SIERRA NEVADA) (Grallaria rufula spatiator) – The individual seen at Santa Marta.
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus) – The individual heard at La Vega. [*]
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (RUSTY-BREASTED) (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus ferrugineipectus) – Seen so well in the Santa Martas.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SANTA MARTA TAPACULO (Scytalopus sanctaemartae) – Performed quite well for us, running along the small ridge above us, but the ground was open and we had excellent views. [E]
LONG-TAILED TAPACULO (Scytalopus micropterus) [*]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus nigricans)
MAGDALENA TAPACULO (Scytalopus rodriguezi) – Seen pretty well (for a tapaculo!) at Reintia Cielo Azul Reservie. [E]
BROWN-RUMPED TAPACULO (Scytalopus latebricola) – Good numbers heard on the San Lorenzo Ridge and as we walked down. We had one or two that showed pretty well. This is the more difficult one of the endemic tapaculos at Santa Marta to see. [E]
PALE-BELLIED TAPACULO (Scytalopus griseicollis) [*]
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis) [*]
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
GRAY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus albigularis) – Another bird that eventually showed well for us in the Santa Martas. Just before the rain.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – Only the second time I have seen this species, so the leader was totally stoked! (Santa Martas)
Barred Antshrikes are widespread through much of the American tropics, but it's always nice to see them well. Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) [*]
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) – Seen in the dry forest near Los Camarones. Always a treat.
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger sanctaemartae)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)
SANTA MARTA FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rufipectus) – Great looks at this Santa Marta endemic. [E]
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa) – An amazing, close encounter with this bird at Chingaza NP. It stayed put for a long time all the while singing its heart out.
STREAK-CAPPED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca hellmayri) – Seen nicely on the San Lorenzo Ridge. We could even appreciate the streaks on its head. [E]
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
SILVERY-THROATED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis subpudica) – This endemic was seen on our first morning at Chingaza. [E]
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
RUSTY-HEADED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis fuscorufa) – A sharp looking spinetail seen in the thick bamboo vegetation on the San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)
WHITE-WHISKERED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis candei)
STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinnamomea)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus) [*]
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
WHITE-BANDED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus stictopterus)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis) – We were pretty lucky to see this at La Florida, where somewhat scarce.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
Jesse and the gang check out a distant treetop in Hormiguero. Photo by participant Marshall Dahl.
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
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) – One way up in the canopy at Reinita Cielo Azul. It was doing its diagnostic wing flicks, though not sure we could appreciate the rufous brow from our angle. ;-)
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
PALTRY TYRANNULET (MOUNTAIN) (Zimmerius vilissimus improbus)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)
NORTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus arenarum)
SLENDER-BILLED TYRANNULET (Inezia tenuirostris) – Seen in the dry forest at Los Camarones.
A male White-chinned Thistletail sat in the open and sang his heart out in Chingaza NP. Photo by participant Marshall Dahl.
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris) – One of our last new birds of the trip! Seen just below Minca in the semideciduous forest.
SOUTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma olivaceum)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis)
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris) [*]
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus assimilis)
BLACK-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus audax) – A near endemic that we saw well during our walk at El Paujil.
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
SANTA MARTA BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes pernix) – One of the toughest of the SM endemics to see (missed 50% of the time), we had a nice close encounter with a perched bird near our picnic breakfast spot at San Lorenzo. [E]
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca frontalis) – Always a good one to find. Seen well at Chingaza NP.
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis) – We confirmed this one by voice at our lunch spot. Suspiciously similar to Apical Flycatcher. ;-)
APICAL FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus apicalis) – Seen very well at a new "secret" spot on the east side of the Magdalena Valley. Just before we arrived to Maraquita. The pale tail tips were very obvious. [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)
El Dorado Lodge, which is home to some outstanding hummingbird feeders. Photo by participant Marshall Dahl.
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) – A nice looking bird that we saw on the upper trails at Reinita Cielo Azul Reserve.
WHITE-BIBBED MANAKIN (Corapipo leucorrhoa)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus)
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala) – This one perched for us and didn't seem bothered. A few of you got some nice photos.
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina)
The Crimson-crested Woodpecker (this one's a female) is the most widespread member of its genus, Campephilus. Photo by participant Marshall Dahl.
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes)
RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea)
GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET (Pachysylvia aurantiifrons) – Seen on our final hour below Minca!
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
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)
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 (VENEZUELAN) (Cistothorus platensis alticola) – A real treat to see this at Chingaza. The paper is out, so get ready for the split!
APOLINAR'S WREN (Cistothorus apolinari) – Closely related to the previous species, but larger with a much different song. It is endemic to the Eastern Cordillera savannas and marshes. Seen very well at La Florida where one was singing spontaneously. [E]
STRIPE-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus nuchalis)
BICOLORED WREN (Campylorhynchus griseus)
BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris)
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis)
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus)
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (COLOMBIAN) (Pheugopedius sclateri columbianus) – Seen at La Vega and a potential split by some authorities.
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus)
NICEFORO'S WREN (Thryophilus nicefori) – We lucked out in finding this species behind the lodge at Reinita. We heard it singing, then tracked it down. [E]
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (BLACK-CAPPED) (Henicorhina leucosticta albilateralis)
The Black-capped Donacobius is a taxonomic nightmare! Over the centuries, it's been considered a thrush, a mimid, and a wren; currently, it's thought to be most closely related to several Old World species, and it's sometimes placed in its own family: Donacobiidae. Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (ANACHORETA) (Henicorhina leucophrys anachoreta) – The high-elevation subspecies seen around San Lorenzo ridge.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (BANGSI) (Henicorhina leucophrys bangsi) – The lower (mid-elevation) subspecies seen below the lodge.
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea anteocularis) [*]
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (TROPICAL) (Polioptila plumbea plumbiceps) – The subspecies seen on the Guajira Peninsula.
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus) – Yes! Diana put us on a spot for this one at Chingaza.
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) – Very cool finding this species at La Vega.
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
SPECTACLED THRUSH (Turdus nudigenis)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
BLACK-HOODED THRUSH (Turdus olivater)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
GOLDEN-WINGED WARBLER (Vermivora chrysoptera)
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea) – Always a treat to see this species on its wintering grounds. First seen above Libano and again in coffee finca below Reinita.
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea)
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons mesochrysus)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
SANTA MARTA WARBLER (Myiothlypis basilica) – Can be difficult, but not this year! Seen well on the San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
Our transport in a few locations is a bit on the rustic (but colorful!) side. Photo by participant Marshall Dahl.
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
GRAY-THROATED WARBLER (Myiothlypis cinereicollis)
WHITE-LORED WARBLER (Myiothlypis conspicillata) – Seen around the El Dorado Lodge on most days in the Santa Martas. [E]
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
YELLOW-CROWNED REDSTART (Myioborus flavivertex) – A bit easier to locate than Santa Marta, but still only found higher up above El Dorado Lodge. [E]
GOLDEN-FRONTED REDSTART (Myioborus ornatus) – This lovely "whitestart" was seen at Chingaza NP.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)
The Beautiful Woodpecker is certainly aptly named. Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
BLACK-CHEEKED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus melanogenys) – Thankfully seen a few times well at San Lorenzo b/c it is such a nice looking bird! [E]
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata)
GOLDEN-CROWNED TANAGER (Iridosornis rufivertex) – Not everyone got on this species, as it didn't show long, but it is rare at Chingaza so a good find.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
BLACK-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara cyanoptera)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana) – Just the one at the feeders before entering the bushbird reserve. A pleasant looking bird.
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis) – Still don't like the common name for this bird. "Blue-hooded" maybe?
SPECKLED TANAGER (Tangara guttata)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – Singles of this species and the next, both seen at Reinita Cielo Azul where easily missed.
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-BLUE) (Tangara gyrola catharinae) – The ones seen around La Vega and Libano.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-GREEN) (Tangara gyrola viridissima) – The ones seen in the Santa Martas.
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii) – A couple at Reinita Cielo Azul was a nice treat as not seen most years.
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
BLACK-FACED DACNIS (YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis lineata egregia)
TURQUOISE DACNIS (Dacnis hartlaubi) – Is it 5:15 pm yet? Yes. There it is! [E]
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
WHITE-EARED CONEBILL (Conirostrum leucogenys)
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor)
RUFOUS-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum rufum) – A near endemic seen well at Chingaza NP.
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
What's the collective noun for a group of Blue-naped Chlorophonias? Whatever it is, they're impressively colorful. Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema) – A male for a few folks at Chingaza. Always unpredictable.
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor)
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)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
PLAIN-COLORED SEEDEATER (Catamenia inornata)
PILEATED FINCH (Coryphospingus pileatus) – Seen more than a few times in the dry forest on the Guajira Peninsula.
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
Participant Marshall Dahl snapped this nice portrait of a partially sunlit Moustached Puffbird.
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus)
BLACK-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris bicolor)
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) [*]
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
ORINOCAN SALTATOR (Saltator orenocensis) – A nice songster and sharp-looking, too. Seen well at Los Camarones.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
SIERRA NEVADA BRUSHFINCH (Arremon basilicus) – One of our first Santa Marta endemics seen on the grounds at El Dorado. [E]
BLACK-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon atricapillus atricapillus)
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris) – Pay attention to this one. Potential splits on the way? The ones at La Victoria sure sound very different.
GOLDEN-WINGED SPARROW (Arremon schlegeli) – Ouch. An awesome looking bird. Seen on the feeders (!) at Minca.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
MOUSTACHED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albofrenatus)
SANTA MARTA BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes melanocephalus) [E]
YELLOW-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes flaviceps) – This endemic was seen above Libano. [E]
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus)
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
SOOTY ANT-TANAGER (Habia gutturalis) – Despite its name, this is a fantastic bird to look at. Seen well at El Paujil Reserve a couple of different times. [E]
CRESTED ANT-TANAGER (Habia cristata) – Also an memorable encounter with this species at a stream crossing. We heard them calling from the vehicle and they cooperated for us. Both endemic Habias are cool to look at. [E]
VERMILION CARDINAL (Cardinalis phoeniceus) – Another splendid bird. Have you swept all three now in this genus?
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris) – Now have expanded as far south as La Victoria. In a few years will be throughout the Magdalena.
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis)
Broad-billed Motmots of the subspecies east of the Andes lack the distinctive tail rackets of those of western subspecies. Photo by participant Kathy Brown.
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
TRINIDAD EUPHONIA (Euphonia trinitatis)
VELVET-FRONTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia concinna) – This endemic (very similar to the previous species) was seen at El Hato in pretty good numbers. [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) – Cool bird seen on the fruit feeders at El Dorado. Sometimes 3 or 4 males at a time.
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
ANDEAN SISKIN (Spinus spinescens) [*]
YELLOW-BELLIED SISKIN (Spinus xanthogastrus)
MAMMALS
MANTLED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta palliata) [*]
WHITE-FRONTED CAPUCHIN (Cebus albifrons)
VARIEGATED SPIDER MONKEY (Ateles hybridus) – Endemic to CO. Seen at El Paujil Reserve. [E]
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
GUINEA PIG (Cavia aperea)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)
RED BROCKET DEER (Mazama americana) – Some of us saw this small deer vaporize along the road at Chingaza. Rare to even glimpse this species.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Other critters seen:
1) Yellow-striped Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates truncatus) = A few along the trail at El Paujil Reserve.
Totals for the tour: 533 bird taxa and 9 mammal taxa