For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.
See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.
The view from the forest edge at Reinita Cielo Azul Reserve and the start of our slippery hike along the Lengerke Trail. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Thanks to a great group and supporting team on this long, but extremely productive and fun tour. We recorded 533 (!) bird taxa and 10 species of mammal. Give us another ten days and 1000 species is in our grasp! There were a bunch of bird highlights at the end of the trip: both endemic ant-tanagers, Golden-breasted Fruiteater, Military Macaws, Santa-Marta Screech-Owl, Black-backed Thornbill, Beautiful Woodpecker, and White-fringed Antwren all got nods. However, it was a tie for trip favorite. Both Recurve-billed Bushbird and Crested Owl stole top honors this year. But, hey, someone even voted for "Colombia" and that says a lot.
I can't thank enough Oswaldo Cortes, our drivers, and lodge staff for making this a successful trip. I hope to bird with all of you again in the near future. All the best in 2018,
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
BIRDS
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
HIGHLAND TINAMOU (Nothocercus bonapartei) [*]
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Our group just after seeing the Recurve-billed Bushbird above Ocana. Great memories of a fun trip.
Anhimidae (Screamers)
NORTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna chavaria) – Just three species in this family. A near Colombian endemic. This ancient "goose" was seen along the highway during our long drive north. We made a special stop to put them in the scope.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
FULVOUS WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna bicolor)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis)
RUDDY DUCK (RUDDY) (Oxyura jamaicensis andina)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
CHESTNUT-WINGED CHACHALACA (Ortalis garrula) – Seen well (on our second try!) near our hotel in Rodadero. [E]
COLOMBIAN CHACHALACA (Ortalis columbiana) – Endemic to Colombia, but more widespread. Seen a few times, our first near La Victoria, but heard often. [E]
BAND-TAILED GUAN (Penelope argyrotis)
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii)
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus)
BLACK-FRONTED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus atrifrons) – It was a real treat finally seeing this species visiting the feeders at El Dorado. Another near endemic to Colombia.
GORGETED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus strophium) [E*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana)
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Things started out really well for us above Bogota with stellar views of Blue-throated Starfrontlet. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – Uncommon as a winter visitor to Colombia. Seen a couple of times on the north coast.
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens) – A white and dark morph were "dancing" in the shallow waters near the community of Los Camerones.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus) – Always nice to see this one. We had singles on a few different days, but our first was at El Hato.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
Crested Ant-Tanager is fantastic in both voice and plumage. We caught up with several in a wooded ravine above Libano. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber) – We had for sure one scarlet adult, a possibly another hybrid (with a White Ibis) on the north coast.
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)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii) – We had several perched individuals which allowed for nice photos and scope views. Never common, it seems.
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus) – Our best look was in Ocana when one soared right over our heads!
SNAIL KITE (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens) – One was seen along the drive, while another was seen better, perched in a tree in the Guajira.
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus) – One calling from its perch below Reinita RNA was cool to see and hear.
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BOGOTA RAIL (Rallus semiplumbeus) – Nice looks at one bird along the edge of marsh at La Florida. Many others were heard calling in the tall grass. The surrounding pressures to this endemic rail were evident to all. [E]
Our intrepid driver got us to where we needed to go!
SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Porphyriops melanops) – A pair were seen along the lake edge at La Florida marsh in Bogota.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana columbiana)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus)
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)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (BLACK-BACKED) (Jacana jacana hypomelaena)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
MARBLED GODWIT (Limosa fedoa) – Rare to uncommon on the north coast of Colombia. We saw one at Los Camerones.
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (Limnodromus griseus)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
WILLET (WESTERN) (Tringa semipalmata inornata) – Most (all?) of the individuals we saw at Los Camerones appeared to be of this form. They are paler overall, with longer, upturned bills, and longer legs than their Eastern counterparts.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
HERRING GULL (Larus argentatus) – Rare, but annual at Los Camerones. One distant first-cycle bird was seen in the scope.
Recurve-billed Bushbird is a rare and local species only recently rediscovered in Colombia. We had fantastic views at the bushbird reserve above Ocana. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus) – Rare in Colombia, but now annual, especially at Los Camerones where we saw two birds.
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia)
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)
BARE-EYED PIGEON (Patagioenas corensis) – Good numbers seen in the Guajira, in the dry forest.
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) [*]
Rio Claro is a lovely site where we spent several nights including one evening enjoying hundreds (thousands?) of Oilbirds leaving a cave. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
TOLIMA DOVE (Leptotila conoveri) [E*]
LINED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon linearis) – Seen well by a couple of folks at the Reinita feeders.
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
GROOVE-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
CINNAMON SCREECH-OWL (Megascops petersoni) [*]
SCREECH-OWL SP. (Megascops sp.) – Awesome experience seeing the "Santa Marta" screech-owl at San Lorenzo Ridge in the early morning.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) – One of my favorite birds! We managed to see one well in the light rain at Rio Claro.
The still undescribed (formally) Santa Marta Screech-Owl was seen well in the early morning at San Lorenzo Ridge. Photo by guide Oswaldo Cortes.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Systellura longirostris) [*]
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis) – Fantastic experience watching hundreds (thousands?) leaving a cave at Rio Claro. It was neat hearing their eerie call, too.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – Nice looks at one feeding outside our cabins at Rio Claro.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
PALE-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis anthophilus)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
We like all creatures big and small. This large gecko that was in guide Jesse Fagan's room at Rio Claro is a Turniptail Gecko (Thecadactylus rapicauda), native to South America. Photo by Jesse Fagan.
RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysolampis mosquitus) – A female had us a little confused in the dry forest of the Guajira, near Los Camerones. Always good to get this species, however.
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
SANTA MARTA BLOSSOMCROWN (Anthocephala floriceps) – This endemic was worth the wait. Our last new bird of the tour. Very cool. [E]
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
BLACK-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia victoriae) – It was neat comparing both trainbearers at Observatorio de Colibris above Bogota. Not often you get them side-by-side.
GREEN-TAILED TRAINBEARER (Lesbia nuna)
BLACK-BACKED THORNBILL (Ramphomicron dorsale) – Endemic to the Santa Marta mountains. We saw several feeding on the eucalyptus flowers at San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
PURPLE-BACKED THORNBILL (Ramphomicron microrhynchum) – A surprise find, and what good looks, at Chingaza NP.
BRONZE-TAILED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma heteropogon) – Several (at least three) were seen at Chingaza NP, which is the area of the type locality. A near endemic to Colombia.
TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
TYRIAN METALTAIL (SANTA MARTA) (Metallura tyrianthina districta)
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)
BLACK INCA (Coeligena prunellei) – Nice looks at the Reinita feeders, though we did see them at flowers inside the forest, too. [E]
WHITE-TAILED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena phalerata) – A male was visiting the feeders at El Dorado Lodge. Lucky us! Another hummingbird endemic to the Santa Marta mountains. Incredible. [E]
BLUE-THROATED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena helianthea) – Wow. We got this one too above Bogota. Another near endemic. I like the old name, Rose-bellied Starfrontlet.
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi)
SWORD-BILLED HUMMINGBIRD (Ensifera ensifera)
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)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor)
SANTA MARTA WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus astreans) – Missed many tours, but not this year! In fact, we had two different individuals, a male and female. [E]
RED-BILLED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon gibsoni)
Colombia has some wonderful butterflies. This one is in the genus Mesosemia. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
COPPERY EMERALD (Chlorostilbon russatus) – All of you (except me!) got great looks at this rare hummingbird.
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
BUFFY HUMMINGBIRD (Leucippus fallax)
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae)
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)
STEELY-VENTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia saucerottei)
INDIGO-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanifrons) – Very common at several spots including Jardin Encantado and Reinita feeders. [E]
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
WHITE-TIPPED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus fulgidus) – Nice looks a couple of times in the Santa Marta mountains.
CRESTED QUETZAL (Pharomachrus antisianus)
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)
GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus sanctaemartae)
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis) – Seen in the Central Cordillera about Libano.
RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii) – One was seen at La Victoria.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – It was a surprise to find this species at Salamanca in the mangroves.
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus) – Seen well at El Hato, but also again at Rio Claro.
RUSSET-THROATED PUFFBIRD (Hypnelus ruficollis)
MOUSTACHED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila mystacalis) – Our only one was above Libano (Villa Hermosa).
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Your guides for this trip to Colombia! We are having fun and enjoyed showing you Colombia.
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
WHITE-MANTLED BARBET (Capito hypoleucus) – We had fantastic looks in the forest at La Victoria, but heard/seen again at Rio Claro and Reinita. [E]
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus albivitta)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (SANTA MARTA) (Aulacorhynchus albivitta lautus)
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)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
SCALED PICULET (Picumnus squamulatus) – Seen very well, and close, along the entrance road to El Dorado above Minca.
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
CHESTNUT PICULET (Picumnus cinnamomeus) – Wow, this was a surprise to find one near our hotel in Rodadero! Also, again near Los Camerones in the dry forest. Found only in N Colombia and NW Venezuela.
BEAUTIFUL WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pulcher) – We heard one at Rio Claro, but eventually found this endemic below Reinita. Excellent scope views. [E]
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
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) – It was cool seeing one flying around (and calling) in the forest at Reinita. Not often you see a forest-falcon.
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)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola) – A small group of five or so individuals flew over us while we birded the seeding bamboo above Libano.
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
SAFFRON-HEADED PARROT (Pyrilia pyrilia) [*]
We birded the small fishing village of Los Camerones until dusk. There were lots of roosting gulls, waders, and shorebirds. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
RED-BILLED PARROT (Pionus sordidus saturatus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
SCALY-NAPED PARROT (Amazona mercenarius)
SPECTACLED PARROTLET (Forpus conspicillatus)
SANTA MARTA PARAKEET (Pyrrhura viridicata) – Awesome looks in the eucalyptus trees on San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax)
BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)
MILITARY MACAW (Ara militaris) – Amazing to hear, then see a group of six flying over us on the morning we went up to El Dorado. Only the second time I have seen them on tour.
SCARLET-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara wagleri)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus multistriatus) – A near endemic seen a few times. Our first at La Vega outside of Bogota.
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
BLACK-BACKED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus melanonotus)
RECURVE-BILLED BUSHBIRD (Clytoctantes alixii) – Memorable experience searching for this rare thamnophilid. Clytoctantes was only recently rediscovered (2004) in NW Venezuela and later in Colombia. We had encounters with four individuals, one of which showed extremely well.
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
CHECKER-THROATED ANTWREN (Epinecrophylla fulviventris)
PACIFIC ANTWREN (Myrmotherula pacifica)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea hondae)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea intermedia)
KLAGES'S ANTBIRD (Drymophila klagesi)
SANTA MARTA ANTBIRD (Drymophila hellmayri) – This and the previous species were once grouped as Long-tailed Antbird. After the split, this taxon became an endemic to the Santa Marta Mountains! [E]
PARKER'S ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides parkeri) [E*]
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina)
JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes) [*]
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)
MAGDALENA ANTBIRD (Sipia palliata) – Despite it's name, also found in VZ. We eventually had smashing views of this bird at Rio Claro. A split of Dull-mantled Antbird.
Santa Marta Antpitta is always difficult to see well (or at all!), but not this trip. It's as easy as mealworms. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
SANTA MARTA ANTPITTA (Grallaria bangsi) – We couldn't have asked for a better situation. Worms!! [E]
WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca) [*]
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula)
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (SIERRA NEVADA) (Grallaria rufula spatiator) [*]
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis) [*]
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus) [*]
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (RUSTY-BREASTED) (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus ferrugineipectus) – Incredible views on our way up to El Dorado.
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
SANTA MARTA TAPACULO (Scytalopus sanctaemartae) – Heard a few times, but we also managed to see one pretty well. Always tough. [E]
WHITE-CROWNED TAPACULO (Scytalopus atratus nigricans) [*]
MAGDALENA TAPACULO (Scytalopus rodriguezi) – Seen at Reinita Cielo Azul by most folks. A foothills tapaculo, recently described, this particular subspecies we saw is the "Upper Magdalena Tapaculo." [E]
BROWN-RUMPED TAPACULO (Scytalopus latebricola) – Heard good numbers and eventually pulled one out down low (just at the edge of its elevational distribution). [E]
PALE-BELLIED TAPACULO (Scytalopus griseicollis) – Incredible looks at Chingaza NP.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
GRAY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus albigularis)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
BLACK-BANDED WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes picumnus) – Always exciting to see this species. A pair were above the lodge at El Dorado.
STRONG-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus)
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
BROWN-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus pusillus)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger sanctaemartae)
PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)
We had luck with a couple of nice antpittas on this tour. This is Rusty-breasted Antpitta (ferrugineipectus) from the Santa Marta Mountains. It is a tiny antpitta. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (CARIBBEAN) (Furnarius leucopus longirostris)
SLATY-WINGED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor fuscipenne)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
SANTA MARTA FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Clibanornis rufipectus) – One approached close and showed well for the group just above Minca. [E]
FLAMMULATED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes flammulatus) – Often missed on tour. Great to have such out-in-the-open looks on our early morning at San Lorenzo Ridge.
SPOTTED BARBTAIL (Premnoplex brunnescens)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata) [*]
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa) [*]
STREAK-CAPPED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca hellmayri) – This arboreal spinetail, endemic to the Santa Marta Mountains, was seen well a few times especially along the San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus) [*]
SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)
SILVERY-THROATED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis subpudica) – Good numbers on our first stop below the entrance to Chingaza NP. [E]
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens) [*]
WHITE-WHISKERED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis candei) – This sharp-looking spinetail was observed a few times in the dry forest of the Guajira.
RUSTY-HEADED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis fuscorufa) – Endemic to the Santa Marta Mountains. [E]
STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinnamomea)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
This Broad-winged Hawk was wintering in the Santa Marta Mountains. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) [*]
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
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)
ANTIOQUIA BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes lanyoni) – This very local endemic was seen at Rio Claro. Just a few places in Colombia to see it. It showed well for most of our group. Only first described in 1988. [E]
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)
NORTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus arenarum)
SLENDER-BILLED TYRANNULET (Inezia tenuirostris)
PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULET (Inezia caudata) – The more difficult of the two Inezias to see in the Guajiara. We found two responsive individuals.
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)
BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) [*]
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris)
PEARLY-VENTED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer)
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus)
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – Looking over the photos and various information online, appears the mystery Tolmomyias in Ocana was a Yellow-Olive. Lots of taxonomic work still to be done with this group of "flatbills."
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus assimilis) [*]
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)
WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus) – It was cool confirming this species and the next on tour by voice. Both winter in South America.
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens)
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus) [*]
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
SANTA MARTA BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes pernix) – Missed many years on tour as it tends to move around a lot. We heard one distantly and it eventually came in close for nice looks. One of the toughest SM endemics to see. [E]
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca diadema)
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
Black-fronted Wood-Quail eventually put in an appearance at the El Dorado feeders. A very limited range species so it was worth the wait! Photo by guide Oswaldo Cortes.
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis) – Caught up with this species at Salamanca.
APICAL FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus apicalis) – This endemic Myiarchus was seen at El Hato in a last ditch effort that paid off. We barely got back across the river in time! [E]
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
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) – Awesome looks around the lodge at El Dorado.
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus)
WHITE-BIBBED MANAKIN (Corapipo leucorrhoa) [*]
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
STRIPED MANAKIN (WESTERN) (Machaeropterus regulus striolatus) – A nice bird to see well. Good looks at La Victoria and again at Rio Claro.
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)
BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina) [*]
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
On our long drive north we stopped for "sorbete de guanabana." The fruit is large and green with a delicious white flesh. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous) – We found a female at the entrance to Rio Claro. Uncommon with a small distribution in South America. A good one to find.
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes)
LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)
GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET (Pachysylvia aurantiifrons)
RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea) – Fairly common at a few sites, but a nice looking nonetheless.
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons) [*]
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus)
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)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
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)
APOLINAR'S WREN (Cistothorus apolinari) – Seen well in the slowly disappearing marshes of Bogota. [E]
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
STRIPE-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus nuchalis)
BICOLORED WREN (Campylorhynchus griseus)
SOOTY-HEADED WREN (Pheugopedius spadix) – Great looks at La Victoria of this near endemic wren. Also found in extreme E Panama.
BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris)
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis)
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus)
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (COLOMBIAN) (Pheugopedius sclateri columbianus) – A potential split. This taxon was in the vine tangles above our group at La Vega.
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus)
NICEFORO'S WREN (Thryophilus nicefori) – Lovely song. We called one up below the lodge at Reinta Cielo Azul. [E]
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis) [*]
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa) – Missed many tours. We saw a pair briefly along the Chingaza entrance road. A high elevation wren.
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (BLACK-CAPPED) (Henicorhina leucosticta albilateralis)
Kinkajou (Potos flavus) was a cool night mammal that we saw at El Dorado. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (BANGSI) (Henicorhina leucophrys bangsi)
HERMIT WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina anachoreta) – Both wood-wrens in the Santa Marta mountains are distinctive taxa. They sort out by song and elevation. This species was seen at the highest elevations (like San Lorenzo Ridge). [E]
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (RUFIVENTRIS) (Ramphocaenus melanurus sanctaemarthae)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (WHITE-BROWED) (Polioptila plumbea anteocularis)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (TROPICAL) (Polioptila plumbea plumbiceps)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) [*]
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus)
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)
YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes)
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
The other cool night mammal we had at El Dorado was Crab-eating Fox! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
BLACK-HOODED THRUSH (Turdus olivater)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
GLOSSY-BLACK THRUSH (Turdus serranus) – This was a nice surprise in the forest at Reinta RNA.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Rhodinocichlidae (Thrush-Tanager)
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) – Spectacular looks at a bird singing away above the town of Minca. How often does that happen?!
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) [*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina)
MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas) – Rare wintering visitor to Colombia. We had one male at Los Camerones.
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea)
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)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
SANTA MARTA WARBLER (Myiothlypis basilica) – The hardest of the SM warblers to see. We got great views in the early morning on San Lorenzo Ridge. [E]
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
GRAY-THROATED WARBLER (Myiothlypis cinereicollis) – Caught up with this near endemic in Ocana.
WHITE-LORED WARBLER (Myiothlypis conspicillata) – Fairly common around the El Dorado lodge. Seen a few times. [E]
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
YELLOW-CROWNED REDSTART (Myioborus flavivertex) – Fairly easy to see, but you have to go high. We had small groups on the San Lorenzo Ridge, especially singing in the early morning. [E]
GOLDEN-FRONTED REDSTART (Myioborus ornatus) – A sharp-looking bird with a beautiful song seen well at Chingaza NP.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Thlypopsis superciliaris)
GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii) – Common in forest flocks at Rio Claro.
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)
BLACK-CHEEKED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus melanogenys) – This Santa Marta endemic was seen on San Lorenzo ridge a couple of times. [E]
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata) [*]
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Ixothraupis guttata)
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)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis) – Just one in the large mixed-species flock at Reinita.
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides) – A few within mixed-species flocks at Reinita, birding the Lengerke Trail!
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
Despite the long walk, the view from the upper cabins at El Dorado was spectacular. The sun sets on a wonderful trip to Colombia. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-BLUE) (Tangara gyrola catharinae)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-GREEN) (Tangara gyrola viridissima) – This subspecies is found only in the Santa Marta mountains.
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)
TURQUOISE DACNIS (Dacnis hartlaubi) – It's 5:30 pm, time for the dacnis! Watch that big tree. [E]
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor) – A very odd distribution in South America. Found in coastal areas and along rivers. We saw several near eye-level at Salamanca.
WHITE-EARED CONEBILL (Conirostrum leucogenys)
RUFOUS-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum rufum) – This near endemic was seen at Chingaza NP.
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis nocticolor) – Seen in the Santa Marta range. Easier to identify than the next subspecies b/c it is all black!
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis humeralis)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
BLACK-HEADED HEMISPINGUS (Pseudospingus verticalis) – Always a great bird to see. Nearly one of our first birds as a group. Seen at Chingaza NP just after our picnic breakfast.
We spent some time traveling up the Magdalena Valley. The locals had other ways of getting around! Video by guide Jesse Fagan
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina) [*]
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)
GRAY SEEDEATER (Sporophila intermedia)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
SLATE-COLORED SEEDEATER (Sporophila schistacea) – Several singing in the seeding bamboo above Libano was a treat.
PILEATED FINCH (Coryphospingus pileatus)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
DULL-COLORED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris obscurus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
ORINOCAN SALTATOR (Saltator orenocensis) – Nice to hear the song and see well this limited distribution species.
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)
Passerellidae (New World Buntings and Sparrows)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
TOCUYO SPARROW (Arremonops tocuyensis) – We made a random stop along the road and there it was! Nice catching up with this limited range species. Found only in coastal dry forest of N Colombia and VZ.
SIERRA NEVADA BRUSHFINCH (Arremon basilicus) – This endemic was seen in the Santa Marta mountains below El Dorado. [E]
BLACK-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon atricapillus atricapillus) [*]
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)
GOLDEN-WINGED SPARROW (Arremon schlegeli) – Nice looking bird seen above Minca.
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
WHITE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis)
MOUSTACHED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albofrenatus)
SANTA MARTA BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes melanocephalus) – Common around the El Dorado lodge. [E]
YELLOW-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes flaviceps) – We worked hard to see this CO endemic above Libano. It paid off with nice looks at a responsive group. [E]
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus)
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea)
SOOTY ANT-TANAGER (Habia gutturalis) – The following two endemic ant-tanagers are awesome to look at and have really distinctive songs. We saw both very well. The first at La Victoria and the next species above Libano. [E]
CRESTED ANT-TANAGER (Habia cristata) [E]
VERMILION CARDINAL (Cardinalis phoeniceus) – Wow. wow. Not much more to say. A bird of the Guajira Peninsula.
GOLDEN GROSBEAK (Pheucticus chrysogaster)
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – This potential split was seen in the foothills forest above Reinita lodge.
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater) [*]
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis)
BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris)
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
TRINIDAD EUPHONIA (Euphonia trinitatis)
VELVET-FRONTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia concinna) – This endemic was seen in the Upper Magdalena first at La Vega (where uncommon) and a few times around El Hato. [E]
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Euphonia cyanocephala) – Feeding on mistletoe berries in the forest at La Victoria.
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
ANDEAN SISKIN (Spinus spinescens)
MAMMALS
SILVERY-BROWN BARE-FACE TAMARIN (Saguinus leucopus)
GRAY-BELLIED NIGHT MONKEY (Aotus lemurinus)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
EASTERN COTTONTAIL (Sylvilagus floridanus)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
SANTANDER DWARF SQUIRREL (Microsciurus santanderensis) [E]
GUINEA PIG (Cavia aperea)
CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)
CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
NEOTROPICAL OTTER (Lontra longicaudis)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
A few other critters spotted on the tour:
1) Kankuamo marquezi = This is the tarantula with the red abdomen that we saw in the Santa Marta mountains. It is in a monotypic genus and endemic to the Santa Marta mountains! What is cooler is the etymology/nomenclature of the species: "The species Kankuamo marquezi and the new genus Kankuomo were first described in 2016 by Carlos Perafán et al. The genus name honors the indigenous Kankuamo people of the Caribbean region of Colombia, where this species is found. The grammatical gender of Kankuamo is neutral. The species name marquezi was given in honor of Nobel prize-winning Colombian author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, considered one of the most significant writers of the 20th century."
2) A scorpion in the Santa Marta Mountains that we saw below El Dorado is in the genus, Chactas.
3) The bat we saw on the Lengerke Trail, day-roosting underneath the trail embankment is a type of New World leaf-nosed bat in the genus, Platyrrhinus.
Totals for the tour: 533 bird taxa and 10 mammal taxa