BIRDS – ANTIOQUIA
Colombia has more species of birds than any other country on the planet. This is in part due to the large number of different environments, elevations and climates in the country.
Colombia hosts nearly 2,000 bird species, including 83 endemics, making up 20% of the world’s birds on just 1% of its land.
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Colombia’s diverse habitats and isolated regions, like Magdalena Valley and Santa Marta Mountains, host many bird species found nowhere else on Earth.
Wildlife experts who have a passion for feathered friends will find amazing opportunities for birdwatching in Colombia.
This country is so incredibly biodiverse, with more bird species than any other country in the world.
Truly, this is a birdwatcher’s paradise!
The Andean Region of Colombia hosts over 900 individual bird species, with many endemic.
Antioquia’s river systems create rainforest habitats with biodiversity rivaling the Amazon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=nV12J1_VOuI
The Samana River hosts parrots, toucans, tanagers, and other birds that feed on endangered fish like the bocachico.
The rarest birds, such as Magdalena Antbird and Sooty Ant-Tanager, can all be seen.
Samana River
Colombian mountains help preserve endemic animals, diverse plants, invertebrates, and microorganisms. Private and public efforts preserve this vibrant landscape, limiting visits to protect its heritage and biodiversity.
Antioquia takes the crown as the capital for bird watching in Colombia as it is the department that has the most species for bird watching. With a total of 647, the black-tipped cuckoo, lined carpenter, lockerhead and the red macaw, among others can be found.
This region presents many varied habitats, from premontane to montane humid forest, plus páramos. The best birdwatching options are centred close to Medellín and the surrounding municipalities.
Farther north the Arrierito Antioqueño Natural Reserve has an area of 1,324 hectares/3,272 acres and is tasked with protecting the endangered Chestnut-capped Piha, an endemic bird of the region.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ST3ceQyGuI
Close to the reserve, there have been reports of rare birds such as the Black Tinamou and Sharpbill.
Other rarities include Stiles’ Tapaculo, Parker’s Antbird, Red-bellied Grackle, the stunning Multicoloured Tanager and Black and Gold Tanager, amongst many, many others.
As one of Colombia’s most beautiful small pueblos, Jardín is also one of the best places in the country for birdwatching. On the outskirts there is a perfect site to observe the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, one of the most iconic and brightly coloured species in South America.
A natural reserve, on a stunning road just above the pueblo, is also home to a strong population of yellow-eared parrots, which were formerly thought to be extinct; they remain one of the rarest birds in the world.
Best Birding Spots near Jardín:
La Suiza Reserve is found just outside Jardin. It is a prime birdwatching destination known for its diverse birdlife and scenic beauty.
Visitors can explore well-marked trails that wind through lush forests, offering opportunities to spot a variety of bird species, including tanagers, toucans and woodpeckers.
Rio Claro Natural Reserve is just a short distance from Jardín. The Reserve is renowned for its pristine riverine habitats and diverse birdlife.
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Visitors can embark on guided birdwatching tours along the reserve’s trails, keeping an eye out for species such as the Torrent Duck, Black-collared Hawk and the Blue-crowned Motmot.
Cerro Bravo rises to an elevation of over 3,000m/9,843ft above sea level and provides birdwatchers with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and excellent opportunities to observe high-altitude species such as the Andean Condor, Spectacled Bear and the Colombian Mountain Grackle.
Parque Arví, about one hour outside Medellín, has two sighting towers over 9m/30 feet in height to observe the blackburnian warbler, Amazonian motmot, masked trogon, red-bellied grackle and as many as 65 other species.
Endemic Birds of Antioquia
Chlorochrysa nitidissima/Multicolored tanager
About 13 cm in length, they feed on fruits, larvae and other insects.
They are mostly located on the slopes of the western mountain range from Risaralda northwards to the department of Antioquia.
Multicolored tanager
Coeligena Orina/hummingbird of the sun
Endemic in the western mountain range of Colombia, this bird measures 10 cm in length and is particularly striking for its bright colour. It feeds on flowers and is in danger due to the high mining exploitation in the area.
Coeligena Orina
Grallaria urraoensis/tororoi de Urrea
Living in the western Andes of Colombia in the department of Antioquia, this bird feeds on a variety of insects and earthworms.
Tororoi de Urrea
Atlapetes blancae/Antioquia Brushfinch
A large, chunky sparrow, with greyish plumage and a boldly marked head pattern characterized by a rusty brown crown. This contrasts with the black mask around the eyes and a milky white throat and faint moustachial stripe.
Antioquia Brushfinch
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