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We watched this Rufescent Tiger-Heron gobble up a large blind snake or eel (?) in the Magdalena Valley as we escaped the Rio Clario rains. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
Colombia is the land of birds. Around 1,950 species call Colombia home, which is more than any other country in the world. Colombia is also very big, so it deserves complete coverage. On this tour we sampled the highlands and valleys around the city of Medellin. Medellin is located in the Cauca Valley, the large north-south running valley pinched by the Central and Western cordilleras and through which runs the river with the same name. The difference in avifauna and abundance between the different slopes is incredible. Our first stop at Rio Claro was located on the east slope of the Central Cordillera where we birded briefly in the lowlands of the larger Magdalena Valley. Later, we traveled across the Cauca Valley (getting a taste of the infamous Medellin traffic) and spent our remaining days on the east (La Romera and Jardin) and west slope (Los Tangaras) of the Western Cordillera. We totaled up a species list of 350+ species, observing 10 Colombian endemics and a host of near-endemics. Highlights for folks included Chestnut-naped Antpitta, Red-bellied Grackle, Tanager Finch, barbets (both Toucan and Red-headed), Purplish-mantled Tanager, and Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. The Oilbird experience at Rio Claro was by far the group favorite, however. It was a wonderful evening as we first heard, then watched hundreds of Oilbirds spilling and wheeling around the cave over the Rio Claro. Thanks to a very fun group and my professional support staff, Daniel Uribe and Jovanni. I look forward to seeing you all again real soon.
Jesse aka Motmot (from Bonn, Germany)
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) – One flew across the road at Los Tangaras RN. A lifer seen for one of the guides!
GREAT TINAMOU (Tinamus major) [*]
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Not a great shot of a cool Colombian endemic, White-manted Barbet, seen at El Palacio de los Frijoles. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
COLOMBIAN CHACHALACA (Ortalis columbiana) – This endemic was seen well at our airport hotel, and again in several other places. [E]
SICKLE-WINGED GUAN (Chamaepetes goudotii) – A couple of places, including a pair on the grounds at Los Tangaras lodge.
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CHESTNUT WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus hyperythrus) [E*]
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea)
PLUMBEOUS PIGEON (Patagioenas plumbea chapmani) [*]
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
On the edge of the town of Jardin, we were blown away to watch a lek of Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Incredible, close views which made for good photo and video opps. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
DWARF CUCKOO (Coccycua pumila) – Always a good a bird to find. Low density and unpredictable movements make it a tough one. We saw one well on the road to Puerto Nare.
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) – A day-roosting bird was scoped at Morro Amarillo near Jardin.
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus) – Small numbers inside the forest (visiting Heliconia) at Rio Claro.
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
TAWNY-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis syrmatophorus) – The hermit squeaking along inside the Los Tangaras forest.
LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) – These were fairly common at the Los Tangaras feeders.
LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis) – A nice looking highland hummer that put in an appearance at Dona Lucia's feeders.
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)
VIOLET-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus coelestis)
GREENISH PUFFLEG (Haplophaedia aureliae)
BROWN INCA (Coeligena wilsoni) – A near endemic seen several times in the forest at Los Tangaras.
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)
VELVET-PURPLE CORONET (Boissonneaua jardini) – Another near endemic studied well at the forest feeders at Los Tangaras. Big flashes of white in the tail.
BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
RUFOUS-GAPED HILLSTAR (Urochroa bougueri)
PURPLE-BIBBED WHITETIP (Urosticte benjamini) – Great looks at Los Tangaras at a male and female of this rare hummingbird.
The central plaza of the town of Jardin was our base for several nights where we explored the Yellow-eared Parrot Reserve. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)
EMPRESS BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa imperatrix) – Another near endemic hummingbird seen at Los Tangaras. This is one of the largest at 6 inches!
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Calliphlox mitchellii)
WESTERN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon melanorhynchus melanorhynchus)
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae)
BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia amabilis)
STEELY-VENTED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia saucerottei)
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BLACKISH RAIL (Pardirallus nigricans) – Out-in-the-open looks from behind our hotel in Medellin.
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)
RUSSET-CROWNED CRAKE (Anurolimnas viridis) [*]
WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
It was a fun experience to hand-feed a Chesnut-naped Antpitta at Pena Blanca. Here, guide Jesse Fagan, gives out tasty meal worms. Video by guide Daniel Uribe.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus) – Seen soaring around in the fog at Los Tangaras RN. Always a lovely sight.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) – An adult was perched in a tree as we came down from Penas Blancas above Jardin.
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) – A day-roosting trio was seen at Jardin.
CRESTED OWL (Lophostrix cristata) [*]
SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata) – A day-roosting juvenile at Cuidad Bolivar was very cool.
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata) [*]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)
MASKED TROGON (Trogon personatus assimilis)
Momotidae (Motmots)
ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus) – Seen sitting on the powerline during our productive birding stop along the road to Puerto Nare.
BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus) – Several seen at Rio Claro.
RUSSET-THROATED PUFFBIRD (Hypnelus ruficollis)
Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
WHITE-MANTLED BARBET (Capito hypoleucus) – This endemic was seen well at El Palacio de Los Frijoles and again at Rio Claro. [E]
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii) – Always a treat to see. Like eye candy. A male was visiting the bananas at Los Tangaras, to everyone's delight.
Semnornithidae (Toucan-Barbets)
TOUCAN BARBET (Semnornis ramphastinus) – More eye candy!
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus albivitta)
CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus) [*]
Our group in the rain at Penas Blancas with host Dona Lucia and our decked-out chiva.
COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)
YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii) [*]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
GRAYISH PICULET (Picumnus granadensis) – Not often you get an endemic at a lunch spot! [E]
ACORN WOODPECKER (ACORN) (Melanerpes formicivorus flavigula)
BEAUTIFUL WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pulcher) – Wonderful scope views of this endemic at El Palacio de los Frijoles. [E]
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus) [*]
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Dryobates kirkii)
YELLOW-VENTED WOODPECKER (Dryobates dignus) – A responsive pair showed well at Los Tangaras.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii) – This sharp-looking woodpecker was seen with the Mountain Grackles below Penas Blancas (as we waited to fix the chiva battery!).
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus) – High fly-overs around the Jardin area. Much darker overall than the previous species, and has a different call.
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
SPECTACLED PARROTLET (Forpus conspicillatus)
CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
YELLOW-EARED PARROT (Ognorhynchus icterotis) – In the fog and rain we managed to see a small group in Eucalyptus trees near Dona Lucia's house. Heard several other times, however. The weather wasn't on our side.
SCARLET-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara wagleri wagleri)
We stayed one night near La Romera park, but we had to fight rain and Medellin traffice to get there! Still, it was a beautiful evening with the city lights below the hotel. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
RUFOUS-RUMPED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis callinota) – A good bird to find. We dug one out on our last afternoon in the forest at Los Tangaras. Stayed high in the canopy as they tend to do.
BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus multistriatus)
BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)
UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor)
PACIFIC ANTWREN (Myrmotherula pacifica)
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTWREN (Herpsilochmus axillaris)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea hondae)
STREAK-HEADED ANTBIRD (Drymophila striaticeps) [*]
PARKER'S ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides parkeri) – This endemic was skulky and difficult on our morning at Morro Amarillo. [E]
CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)
MAGDALENA ANTBIRD (Sipia palliata) – Wonderful, amazing, long and close looks at this endemic along the Rio Claro. Very vocal, too.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
SCALED ANTPITTA (Grallaria guatimalensis) [*]
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla) [*]
CHESTNUT-NAPED ANTPITTA (Grallaria nuchalis)
YELLOW-BREASTED ANTPITTA (Grallaria flavotincta) [*]
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula) [*]
Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
OCELLATED TAPACULO (Acropternis orthonyx)
STILES'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus stilesi) [E]
TATAMA TAPACULO (Scytalopus alvarezlopezi) – This endemic was first described in 1992 from Alto de Pisones and it was originally known as "Alto Pisones Tapaculo." It is closely related to Narino Tapaculo.
NARINO TAPACULO (Scytalopus vicinior) [*]
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
TYRANNINE WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla tyrannina) – This large, uncommon woodcreeper was seen well below Pena Blanca in the big mixed-species flock.
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
Los Tangaras was our last stop on the tour and this Andean Motmot was there to welcome us to the lodge. Motmots are definitely a cool group, right? ;-) Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) [*]
STREAKED TUFTEDCHEEK (Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii) – Seen well in the same flock as the Tyrannine. The cheeks really stand out!
PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (Furnarius leucopus)
BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Philydor rufum)
SCALY-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia variegaticeps) – The subspecies, temporalis, also known as "Spot-breasted Foliage-gleaner" was seen several times at Los Tangaras. This taxon appears quite different from Central American birds, being altogether more richly colored on face and darker overall in plumage.
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
RED-FACED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca erythrops)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens) [*]
AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa) – Nice, close looks at a cooperative bird below Penas Blancas.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum) [*]
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
TORRENT TYRANNULET (Serpophaga cinerea)
STREAK-NECKED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes striaticollis)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
In the forest at Los Tangaras, we were treated to a myriad of nice-looking hummingbirds including this Violet-tailed Sylph. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus) – It was interesting to see both Sepia-capped and Slaty-capped flycatchers at Rio Claro considering the elevation is around 500 meters. Slaty-capped was actually more common and it is usually a foothills species (> 1000 m).
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
RUFOUS-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon rufipectus)
MARBLE-FACED BRISTLE-TYRANT (Phylloscartes ophthalmicus) – This small flycatcher was in the big mixed-species flock below Pena Blanca, and heard again at Los Tangaras. A difficult i.d. except for the voice.
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)
ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus) – Folks really like this one. Its two "headlights" really stand out.
RUFOUS-HEADED PYGMY-TYRANT (Pseudotriccus ruficeps)
BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus) – The smallest passerine in the world!
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis)
And another fine hummingbird at Los Tangaras, Purple-bibbed Whitetip. You can even appreciate the purple bib in this photo by Jesse Fagan.
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia) [*]
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)
BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)
OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus) – We lucked out on a nest-building trail on the La Mulata trail at Rio Claro.
YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (ASEMUS) (Tolmomyias sulphurescens asemus)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
HANDSOME FLYCATCHER (Nephelomyias pulcher)
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)
SMOKY BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes fumigatus)
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
YELLOW-BELLIED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca diadema) [*]
LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii) – A good tour for fruiteaters, all three of which were encountered in the Los Tangaras reserve. Orange-breasted is the least common and a Colombian near endemic.
BARRED FRUITEATER (Pipreola arcuata)
ORANGE-BREASTED FRUITEATER (Pipreola jucunda)
CHESTNUT-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rufaxilla) – Local and uncommon, this was a fantastic spot, locating two birds perched in the canopy of an emergent tree above the town of Jardin. Nice work!
ANDEAN COCK-OF-THE-ROCK (Rupicola peruvianus) – Probably one of the top three places in the world to see this species! Just at the edge of town in Jardin, too.
Two families of New World barbets were observed on this tour. Toucan Barbet, photographed here by Jesse Fagan, belongs to Semnornithidae, which has just two species.
OLIVACEOUS PIHA (Snowornis cryptolophus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
BLUE-CROWNED MANAKIN (Lepidothrix coronata)
WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)
RUSSET-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis stenorhyncha) [*]
BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus)
CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)
WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris)
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes)
RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea)
The other New World barbet family is Capitonidae, from which we had nice looks of this male Red-headed Barbet. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
CHOCO VIREO (Vireo masteri) – Most folks got on this near endemic in the tall forest at Los Tangaras (on the waterfall trail).
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi)
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
BLACK-COLLARED JAY (Cyanolyca armillata) [*]
BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis)
GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis) – Seen at Rio Claro and again at Los Tangaras. Generally scarce throughout its range.
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus) [*]
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
WHITE-HEADED WREN (Campylorhynchus albobrunneus) – A very cool, distinctive wren (with a limited range). Seen well in the clearing on the waterfall trail at Los Tangaras.
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
BICOLORED WREN (Campylorhynchus griseus)
SOOTY-HEADED WREN (Pheugopedius spadix) – Another wren with a limited range (near endemic) seen well at Los Tangaras.
BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris)
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis)
ANTIOQUIA WREN (Thryophilus sernai) [E*]
BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus) – Super looks at Rio Claro. The subspecies here is schottii, with lots of barring below, and very different from Central American birds.
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens)
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucosticta) [*]
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys)
MUNCHIQUE WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina negreti) – This small endemic was very obliging at the pass on the El Carmen to Urrao road. [E]
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (Polioptila plumbea)
Cinclidae (Dippers)
WHITE-CAPPED DIPPER (Cinclus leucocephalus)
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) [*]
SLATY-BACKED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus fuscater)
BLACK SOLITAIRE (Entomodestes coracinus) – Good looks at three individuals in the forest at Los Tangaras.
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
CLAY-COLORED THRUSH (Turdus grayi casius) – The isolated population around Jardin is being looked at as a potential new species.
The view from the road to Urrao, where we had great looks at the endemic Munchique Wood-Wren. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
PALE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus leucops) – Awesome scope views of this uncommon forest thrush at La Romera singing on top of a tree.
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)
ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)
TANAGER FINCH (Oreothraupis arremonops) – A fantastic species that we saw super well (a pair) singing within the Chusquea bamboo on the road to Urrao.
COMMON CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus flavopectus)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis assimilis)
CHESTNUT-CAPPED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon brunneinucha)
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
WHITE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis)
TRICOLORED BRUSHFINCH (CHOCO) (Atlapetes tricolor crassus)
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris)
RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons)
SCARLET-RUMPED CACIQUE (SUBTROPICAL) (Cacicus uropygialis uropygialis) – A small group was in the forest at Morro Amarillo.
MOUNTAIN CACIQUE (GOLDEN-SHOULDERED) (Cacicus chrysonotus leucoramphus)
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)
ORANGE-CROWNED ORIOLE (Icterus auricapillus)
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis)
Here we are in the 4X4 jeeps climbing the road from El Carmen to Urrao. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris)
RED-BELLIED GRACKLE (Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster) – We had a quick pair at La Romera. We heard them across the valley and they eventually flew across to our side, but melted away pretty quickly. Cool sounds they make! [E]
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi) [*]
THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
CITRINE WARBLER (NORTHERN) (Myiothlypis luteoviridis richardsoni)
BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
GOLDEN-FRONTED REDSTART (GOLDEN-FRONTED) (Myioborus ornatus chrysops) – The ones seen in the Central and Western cordilleras do have golden fronts (white in Eastern Cordillera).
Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)
DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
CRESTED ANT-TANAGER (Habia cristata) – This endemic was seen on the waterfall trail at Los Tangaras. They were pretty active, but a bit shy to approach closely. [E]
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (Kleinothraupis atropileus)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (FLAME-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus flammigerus) – Both flavors were seen on the tour, but Flame-rumped only on the Western Cordillera. They both were present around Medellin and El Palacio de Los Frijoles.
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)
BLACK-AND-GOLD TANAGER (Bangsia melanochlamys) – This sharp endemic was seen well several times at Los Tangaras, but never numerous. One perched in the scope was particularly nice. Gotta' love those Bangsia! [E]
GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii)
LACRIMOSE MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus lacrymosus)
BLUE-WINGED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus somptuosus)
PURPLISH-MANTLED TANAGER (Iridosornis porphyrocephalus) – A near endemic that was around in good numbers at Los Tangaras.
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota) – I always love seeing this species.
GLISTENING-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorochrysa phoenicotis)
We had an amazing experience with this singing Tanager Finch. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
RUFOUS-THROATED TANAGER (Ixothraupis rufigula) – A fairly uncommon near-endemic seen once or twice by most folks at Los Tangaras.
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei) – 12 species of Tangara seen on this tour!
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina)
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Tangara larvata)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
BLUE-AND-BLACK TANAGER (Tangara vassorii)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides labradorides) – The subspecies here has quite a golden head, very different from southern populations (N Peru).
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
SILVER-THROATED TANAGER (Tangara icterocephala)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
GOLDEN-COLLARED HONEYCREEPER (Iridophanes pulcherrimus) – Small numbers in the Los Tangaras forest.
SCARLET-BROWED TANAGER (Heterospingus xanthopygius) – Rare to uncommon and unpredictable. We were lucky to catch up with one at Rio Claro.
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera)
INDIGO FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa indigotica)
RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
GRAY-HOODED BUSH TANAGER (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris)
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)
GRAY SEEDEATER (Sporophila intermedia)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)
MAMMALS
SILVERY-BROWN BARE-FACE TAMARIN (Saguinus leucopus)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
AMAZON DWARF SQUIRREL (Microsciurus flaviventer)
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The Other Critters List:
1) large bat sp. = "fish-eating" bats were seen flying down the Rio Claro river on our Oilbird evening. Not sure what species or genus this is, unfortunately.
2) tailless whip scorpion (Class: Arachnida, Order: Amblypygi, Family: Phrynidae) = several large ones on our walk back from the Oilbird cave at Rio Claro.
3) Large black scorpions (Class: Arachnida, Order: Scorpiones) = also on walk back from Oilbird cave.
Totals for the tour: 358 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa