A Field Guides Birding Tours Report

COLOMBIA'S MARVELOUS MAGDALENA VALLEY 2023

January 22-February 4, 2023 with Jesse Fagan & Ivan Lau guiding
Field Guides Birding Tours
Here is our group at the entrance to the Blue-billed Curassow Reserve. We had just spent a very birdy morning on the property. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.

This tour focuses on the lowlands and foothill region of the upper Magdalena Valley. It begins in Bogota, crossing the valley several times, before ending in the bustling city of Bucaramanga. It does cover a bit of ground, but, thankfully, there are several nights at each destination which allowed us to get settled in and enjoy the surrounding landscape. It was a good trip with a bird list of over 400 species, which included a number of very local Colombian endemics.

Bogota was our jumping off point and we quickly descended down the western foothills with a birding stop at Mana Dulce on the edge of the Eastern Cordillera. This was a nice introduction to the hot lowlands with species like Whooping Motmot and Barred Puffbird. After lunch, we continued across the Magdalena Valley and climbed up the eastern foothills of the Central Cordillera (I know, it's a little confusing!), above the sprawling town of Ibague. From our base at Hotel Iguaima, we were able to spend nearly a full day at the lovely Ukuku Lodge. This involved a bit of a pre-dawn hike (with headlamps) to get to, but it was well worth it. Difficult species encountered here included Tolima Dove, Tolima Blossomcrown, and a pair of Solitary Eagles! Leaving Ibague in the early morning we made a stop in the town of Armero. This town was completely destroyed during the eruption of Ruiz Volcano on November 13, 1985 in a river of mud and debris that washed down out of the mountains. Nearly 25,000 people lost their lives that night. After we paid our respects, we traveled north to the quaint foothills town of Victoria. It was here we were able to visit the Bellavista Forest Reserve. One of the mega highlights of this visit was finding Antioquia Bristle-Tyrant, a small, endemic flycatcher with a very limited range. Of course, there were other cool things like Rufous Motmot and White-mantled Barbets!

Our next stop was near the Rio Claro Reserve staying in the comfortable Los Colores cabins. Rio Claro is a picturesque wooded canyon with a nearly transparent river running through it. Lots of people (mostly from Medellin) use this place on the weekends for rafting and swimming, but, thankfully, we were here during the week. We birded the main entrance road and La Mulata trail during the day. These outings were very good for Chestnut-backed and Magdalena Antbirds, several species of toucans, flycatchers, and day roosting Spectacled Owls, among many others. Probably the highlight of this visit was our evening walk to the Oilbird cave, which gave many a unique experience with this bizarre bird. We also watched fishing bats at dusk and did a little scorpioning on the way back. After Rio Claro, it was time to cross the Magdalena Valley back to the Eastern Cordillera to the remote site of El Paujil Reserve, named after the endemic Blue-billed Curassow. This was a bit of an adventure getting to the lodge which involved a chiva ride and 4x4 pick-ups, along with a short trek, but we eventually made it. Despite these minor obstacles, our two night stay here was well worth it. The curassows were literally at our feet on the lodge grounds, and we encountered other goodies like White-whiskered Puffbird, Shining-green Hummingbird, and Beautiful Woodpecker.

However, we were happy to leave the hot lowlands and climb up into the cooler highlands passing shade-grown coffee and cacao farms above the town of San Vicente snaking our way to the Cerulean Warbler Reserve. We spent a day birding below the lodge in the cacao farms and edge, which was easily a 100+ species morning. The next day we drove up to the edge of the forest and skillfully trekked up the Lengerke Trail with its slippery cobblestones. The forest here was tall and lush, primary foothill forest, where we encountered Parker's Antbird, White-bellied Antpitta, and Magdalena Tapaculo.

Our last evening we spent in Bucaramanga and the next morning we took a quick flight back to Bogota. Group highlights during this trip included Tolima Blossomcrown, Black Inca, Collared Aracari, Choco Screech-Owl, but the run away winner was the Blue-billed Curassow (with chicks!). Thanks to everyone for a very successful trip. I enjoyed spending time with you in the field and hope to see you again on another Jesse's Fitness Tour. Lastly, thanks to all our ground support, especially Ivan Lau, our fabulous local guide, but also to our driver, John. All the best for a remaining 2023,

—Jesse Fagan 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

Tinamidae (Tinamous)

HIGHLAND TINAMOU (Nothocercus bonapartei) [*]

LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]

Anhimidae (Screamers)

NORTHERN SCREAMER (Chauna chavaria)

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

Field Guides Birding Tours
It's always good to see a puffbird. In this case, Barred Puffbird was seen exceptionally well at Mana Dulce. Photo by participant Russ Cole.

TORRENT DUCK (Merganetta armata)

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

COLOMBIAN CHACHALACA (Ortalis columbiana) [E]

CRESTED GUAN (Penelope purpurascens)

BLUE-BILLED CURASSOW (Crax alberti) [E]

Odontophoridae (New World Quail)

CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus)

MARBLED WOOD-QUAIL (Odontophorus gujanensis) [*]

From Ukuku Lodge you could clearly see the summit of Tolima Volcano at 17,310 feet. Video by guide Jesse Fagan.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)

LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)

BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea) [*]

RUDDY PIGEON (Patagioenas subvinacea)

COMMON GROUND DOVE (Columbina passerina)

RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)

RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)

Field Guides Birding Tours
The local endemic, Tolima Dove, was one of our targets at Ukuku Lodge and it didn't disappoint. Photo by participant Russ Cole.

GRAY-CHESTED DOVE (Leptotila cassinii) [*]

TOLIMA DOVE (Leptotila conoveri) [E]

LINED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon linearis)

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)

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

BAND-WINGED NIGHTJAR (Systellura longirostris) [*]

COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis) [*]

Nyctibiidae (Potoos)

COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) [*]

Steatornithidae (Oilbird)

OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis)

Apodidae (Swifts)

CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)

SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)

WHITE-TIPPED SWIFT (Aeronautes montivagus)

LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)

Field Guides Birding Tours
This is a photo of a bird you do not see very often: Solitary Eagle. This pair is infrequently seen in the canyon around Ukuku Lodge, and we were lucky enough to spot them this day. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)

RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)

GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)

LONG-BILLED HERMIT (Phaethornis longirostris)

PALE-BELLIED HERMIT (Phaethornis anthophilus)

STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT (Phaethornis striigularis)

SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)

BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)

LESSER VIOLETEAR (Colibri cyanotus)

PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY (Heliothryx barroti)

BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)

SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)

LONG-TAILED SYLPH (Aglaiocercus kingii)

BRONZY INCA (Coeligena coeligena)

BLACK INCA (Coeligena prunellei) [E]

COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)

BUFF-TAILED CORONET (Boissonneaua flavescens)

WHITE-BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)

FAWN-BREASTED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa rubinoides)

GREEN-CROWNED BRILLIANT (Heliodoxa jacula)

SANTA MARTA WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus astreans) [E]

PURPLE-THROATED WOODSTAR (Philodice mitchellii)

RED-BILLED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon gibsoni)

TOLIMA BLOSSOMCROWN (Anthocephala berlepschi) [E]

Field Guides Birding Tours
Here we are returning from a successful day at Ukuku Lodge. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.

WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)

CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)

INDIGO-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD (Saucerottia cyanifrons) [E]

RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)

ANDEAN EMERALD (Uranomitra franciae)

SHINING-GREEN HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysuronia goudoti)

BLUE-CHESTED HUMMINGBIRD (Polyerata amabilis)

VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD (Chlorestes julie)

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)

PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)

WHITE-THROATED CRAKE (Laterallus albigularis) [*]

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

WATTLED JACANA (BLACK-BACKED) (Jacana jacana hypomelaena)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We made a morning stop in Armero. This town was tragically destroyed during the eruption of Ruiz Volcano on November 13, 1985. Around 25,000 people lost their lives that night. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)

SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)

BLACK SKIMMER (Rynchops niger)

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum marmoratum)

FASCIATED TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma fasciatum)

COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Driving north along the Magdalena Valley, we skirted the eastern foothills of the Central Cordillera, eventually making our way to Victoria for a night. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)

STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)

CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa)

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)

HOOK-BILLED KITE (Chondrohierax uncinatus)

GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)

SWALLOW-TAILED KITE (Elanoides forficatus)

BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)

PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)

SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)

SOLITARY EAGLE (Buteogallus solitarius)

Field Guides Birding Tours
It's always a good day when you are looking at a motmot. Rufous Motmot is the largest of the group and we enjoyed watching this one at the Bellavista reserve. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.

BARRED HAWK (Morphnarchus princeps) [*]

ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)

GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)

SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)

ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus)

Strigidae (Owls)

TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]

CINNAMON SCREECH-OWL (Megascops petersoni) [*]

CHOCO SCREECH-OWL (Megascops centralis)

SPECTACLED OWL (Pulsatrix perspicillata)

MOTTLED OWL (Strix virgata)

Field Guides Birding Tours
We nearly stepped on this giant earthworm (Family: Megoscolecidae) during our walk at Bellavista. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.
Trogonidae (Trogons)

BLACK-TAILED TROGON (Trogon melanurus)

WHITE-TAILED TROGON (Trogon chionurus)

GARTERED TROGON (Trogon caligatus)

COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)

Momotidae (Motmots)

WHOOPING MOTMOT (Momotus subrufescens)

ANDEAN MOTMOT (Momotus aequatorialis)

RUFOUS MOTMOT (Baryphthengus martii)

BROAD-BILLED MOTMOT (Electron platyrhynchum)

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Smashing capture by participant Linda Rudolph of a male Swallow Tanager. This was a species we saw on the grounds of Los Colores.

AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)

AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)

Bucconidae (Puffbirds)

PIED PUFFBIRD (Notharchus tectus)

BARRED PUFFBIRD (Nystalus radiatus)

RUSSET-THROATED PUFFBIRD (Hypnelus ruficollis)

WHITE-WHISKERED PUFFBIRD (Malacoptila panamensis)

WHITE-FRONTED NUNBIRD (Monasa morphoeus)

Galbulidae (Jacamars)

RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)

Capitonidae (New World Barbets)

WHITE-MANTLED BARBET (Capito hypoleucus) [E]

Ramphastidae (Toucans)

SOUTHERN EMERALD-TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus albivitta)

CRIMSON-RUMPED TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus haematopygus)

COLLARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus torquatus)

YELLOW-THROATED TOUCAN (CHESTNUT-MANDIBLED) (Ramphastos ambiguus swainsonii)

CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (CITRON-THROATED) (Ramphastos vitellinus citreolaemus)

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Do you remember what's going on here? A paper wasp hive provides protection for two species of birds. Note the Cinnamon Becard nest (top center) and the smaller Common Tody-Flycatcher nest (below right) ideally placed very close to the hive. If a certain predator wants to get close to the nests, then they need to deal with a swarm of angry wasps! Photo by guide Jesse Fagan at Rio Claro.

ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus)

BEAUTIFUL WOODPECKER (Melanerpes pulcher) [E]

RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)

SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Dryobates fumigatus)

RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Dryobates kirkii)

CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)

LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)

CINNAMON WOODPECKER (Celeus loricatus) [*]

GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)

SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]

Field Guides Birding Tours
In Puerto Pinzon, we switched from our chiva to a 4x4 vehicle for our trip to the El Paujil Reserve. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.

CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara plancus)

RED-THROATED CARACARA (Ibycter americanus)

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima chimachima)

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)

MERLIN (Falco columbarius)

APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)

BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

BARRED PARAKEET (Bolborhynchus lineola)

ORANGE-CHINNED PARAKEET (Brotogeris jugularis)

BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)

BRONZE-WINGED PARROT (Pionus chalcopterus)

YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)

ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)

SPECTACLED PARROTLET (Forpus conspicillatus)

BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)

CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)

SCARLET-FRONTED PARAKEET (Psittacara wagleri) [*]

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

RUFOUS-RUMPED ANTWREN (Euchrepomis callinota)

BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)

BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus multistriatus) [*]

Field Guides Birding Tours
Incredible shot by participant David Harrison who managed to get a photo of this Bare-crowned Antbird at El Paujil Reserve. The lighting conditions and constant bobbing of the bird made this a tough photo. Nice!

BLACK-CROWNED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus atrinucha)

BLACK ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus nigriceps)

UNIFORM ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus unicolor) [*]

PACIFIC ANTWREN (Myrmotherula pacifica)

WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)

WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea hondae)

PARKER'S ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides parkeri) [E]

JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans)

BARE-CROWNED ANTBIRD (Gymnocichla nudiceps)

WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes)

CHESTNUT-BACKED ANTBIRD (Poliocrania exsul)

MAGDALENA ANTBIRD (Sipia palliata)

Field Guides Birding Tours
The pink around the eyes really accentuates the fearsome look of this Choco Screech-Owl. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan at El Paujil Reserve.
Grallariidae (Antpittas)

WHITE-BELLIED ANTPITTA (Grallaria hypoleuca)

Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)

MAGDALENA TAPACULO (Scytalopus rodriguezi)

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)

PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)

WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Glyphorynchus spirurus)

NORTHERN BARRED-WOODCREEPER (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) [*]

COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)

BLACK-STRIPED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
A fun group shot from the tower with our local guide, Ivan Lau. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.

OLIVE-BACKED WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus triangularis)

STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)

STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)

PLAIN XENOPS (Xenops minutus)

STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans) [*]

PALE-LEGGED HORNERO (CARIBBEAN) (Furnarius leucopus longirostris)

MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)

BUFF-FRONTED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Dendroma rufa)

BUFF-THROATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (TURDINUS) (Automolus ochrolaemus turdinus)

DOUBLE-BANDED GRAYTAIL (Xenerpestes minlosi)

YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)

SLATY SPINETAIL (Synallaxis brachyura)

PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)

AZARA'S SPINETAIL (Synallaxis azarae)

Pipridae (Manakins)

LANCE-TAILED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia lanceolata)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Be careful where you decide to make a bush stop! David Harrison found this out during our morning birding at El Paujil. This was a massive boa constrictor, around 9 feet long, and thanks to David for finding it and taking the shot.

GOLDEN-WINGED MANAKIN (Masius chrysopterus)

WHITE-BIBBED MANAKIN (Corapipo leucorrhoa)

WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)

STRIOLATED MANAKIN (STRIOLATED) (Machaeropterus striolatus striolatus) [*]

GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA (Tityra inquisitor)

MASKED TITYRA (Tityra semifasciata)

BROWN-WINGED SCHIFFORNIS (Schiffornis turdina)

BARRED BECARD (Pachyramphus versicolor)

CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus)

CINNAMON BECARD (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus)

ONE-COLORED BECARD (Pachyramphus homochrous)

Oxyruncidae (Sharpbill, Royal Flycatcher, and Allies)

RUDDY-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Terenotriccus erythrurus)

BLACK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Myiobius atricaudus)

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

WING-BARRED PIPRITES (Piprites chloris) [*]

OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)

SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)

SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) [*]

ANTIOQUIA BRISTLE-TYRANT (Pogonotriccus lanyoni) [E]

RUFOUS-BROWED TYRANNULET (Phylloscartes superciliaris)

BLACK-CAPPED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis atricapillus)

SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)

PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris)

SOUTHERN BENTBILL (Oncostoma olivaceum)

SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)

COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum)

BLACK-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum nigriceps)

Field Guides Birding Tours
What a great capture by Linda Rudolph of a White-whiskered Puffbird we were fortunate to see at El Paujil.

OLIVACEOUS FLATBILL (Rhynchocyclus olivaceus)

YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)

CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)

ORNATE FLYCATCHER (Myiotriccus ornatus)

BROWN-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Ornithion brunneicapillus)

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)

NORTHERN MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Nesotriccus incomta)

YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)

YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus)

FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)

GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)

YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)

MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)

SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)

PLUMBEOUS-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps)

GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)

BRAN-COLORED FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus fasciatus)

BLACK-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Aphanotriccus audax)

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)

SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus)

WESTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus sordidulus)

NORTHERN TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus bogotensis)

EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) [*]

FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)

ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens)

BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans)

VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)

WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)

PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)

LONG-TAILED TYRANT (Colonia colonus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
You wouldn't know it from this photo by Linda Rudolph, but Blue-billed Curassow is a really rare and local bird. It is an endangered Colombian endemic.

BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]

RUFOUS MOURNER (Rhytipterna holerythra)

DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer)

PANAMA FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus panamensis)

APICAL FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus apicalis) [E]

PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)

GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus crinitus)

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)

CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa)

LESSER KISKADEE (Philohydor lictor)

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)

RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)

STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)

PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis)

Field Guides Birding Tours
These cuties were seen near our cabins at El Paujil and thanks to the local caretaker for putting us on to them. They are Gray-handed Night-Monkeys, so they become active at night. Indeed, they look pretty sleepy. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.

SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes)

YELLOW-BROWED SHRIKE-VIREO (Vireolanius eximius)

LESSER GREENLET (Pachysylvia decurtata)

RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea)

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO (Vireo flavifrons)

BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)

CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi)

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

BLACK-CHESTED JAY (Cyanocorax affinis)

GREEN JAY (Cyanocorax yncas)

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)

WHITE-THIGHED SWALLOW (Atticora tibialis)

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

TROPICAL GNATCATCHER (PLUMBICEPS/ANTEOCULARIS) (Polioptila plumbea anteocularis)

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

SCALY-BREASTED WREN (Microcerculus marginatus)

HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)

BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus)

Field Guides Birding Tours
Our group birding the cacao and coffee plantations below Reinita Cielo Azul lodge. Photo by participant Russ Cole.

BICOLORED WREN (Campylorhynchus griseus)

SOOTY-HEADED WREN (Pheugopedius spadix)

BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris)

WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis)

NICEFORO'S WREN (Thryophilus nicefori) [E]

BAY WREN (Cantorchilus nigricapillus)

BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)

WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (BLACK-CAPPED) (Henicorhina leucosticta albilateralis)

GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) [*]

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides)

ORANGE-BILLED NIGHTINGALE-THRUSH (Catharus aurantiirostris) [*]

GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus)

SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus)

PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)

YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes)

SPECTACLED THRUSH (Turdus nudigenis)

BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)

GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater)

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

GOLDEN-RUMPED EUPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanocephala)

Field Guides Birding Tours
A lovely sunset from our rooftop hotel restaurant in Bucaramanga. Photo by guide Jesse Fagan.

VELVET-FRONTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia concinna) [E]

THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris)

FULVOUS-VENTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia fulvicrissa)

ORANGE-BELLIED EUPHONIA (Euphonia xanthogaster)

LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)

ANDEAN SISKIN (Spinus spinescens)

Passerellidae (New World Sparrows)

ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)

BLACK-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon atricapillus atricapillus)

ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW (Arremon aurantiirostris)

RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)

WHITE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (YELLOW-THROATED) (Atlapetes albinucha gutturalis)

YELLOW-HEADED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes flaviceps) [E]

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris)

RUSSET-BACKED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius angustifrons) [*]

CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)

CHESTNUT-HEADED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius wagleri)

YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)

YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)

YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE (Icterus mesomelas)

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)

Field Guides Birding Tours
And last, but not least, we spent some of our travel trying to avoid heavy traffic or getting through a tight squeeze. Thanks to participant Suzi Cole for capturing just how tight it was! And thanks to our driver for doing such a fabulous job.

YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)

TENNESSEE WARBLER (Leiothlypis peregrina)

MOURNING WARBLER (Geothlypis philadelphia)

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)

CHESTNUT-CAPPED WARBLER (Basileuterus delattrii mesochrysus)

THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)

BUFF-RUMPED WARBLER (Myiothlypis fulvicauda)

CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis)

SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)

Mitrospingidae (Mitrospingid Tanagers)

DUSKY-FACED TANAGER (Mitrospingus cassinii)

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)

SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra)

SOOTY ANT-TANAGER (Habia gutturalis) [E]

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus)

BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK (Cyanoloxia cyanoides)

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

GRAY-HEADED TANAGER (Eucometis penicillata)

WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Loriotus luctuosus)

TAWNY-CRESTED TANAGER (Tachyphonus delatrii)

WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)

FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (LEMON-RUMPED) (Ramphocelus flammigerus icteronotus)

CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)

FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)

BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)

PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)

BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Stilpnia heinei)

SCRUB TANAGER (Stilpnia vitriolina)

GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER (Stilpnia larvata)

BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Stilpnia cyanicollis)

METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)

PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)

BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-BLUE) (Tangara gyrola catharinae)

SAFFRON-CROWNED TANAGER (Tangara xanthocephala)

GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)

SWALLOW TANAGER (Tersina viridis)

BLACK-FACED DACNIS (YELLOW-TUFTED) (Dacnis lineata egregia)

TURQUOISE DACNIS (Dacnis hartlaubi) [E]

BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)

YELLOW-BACKED TANAGER (Hemithraupis flavicollis)

WHITE-EARED CONEBILL (Conirostrum leucogenys)

RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)

MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)

SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)

RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila minuta)

THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea)

GRAY SEEDEATER (Sporophila intermedia)

YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)

BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)

YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)

BLACK-FACED GRASSQUIT (Melanospiza bicolor)

BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR (Saltator maximus)

BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis)

OLIVE-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator olivascens)

STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)

MAMMALS

RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)

CENTRAL AMERICAN AGOUTI (Dasyprocta punctata)

CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

A few other critters seen on the tour included:

1) Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) = Good numbers on the grounds at Los Colores.

2) Green Basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) = All of the species in this genus are affectionately called, "Jesus Christ Lizard." One was seen at El Paujil Reserve.

3) Spectacled Caiman (Caimain crocodilus) = One was in the small pond at El Paujil Reserve.

Totals for the tour: 406 bird taxa and 3 mammal taxa