Birdwatching in Colombia

With about 1876 species, Colombia is the number one country in bird diversity in the world. Additionally, the country is number three in South America with almost 70 endemic species after Brazil and Peru respectively listing 203 and 105.

Colombia is a paradise for birdwatchers with innumerable options in the cloud forest and páramos of the Andes or the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the jungles of the Amazon and Chocó regions, the Eastern Plains, the lowlands of the Caribbean region, and the inter-Andean valleys.

Just in the 21st century, six new species of birds have been found and described:

• Chestnut-capped Piha (Lipaugus weberi)
• Munchique Wood-Wren (Henicorhina negreti)
• Stiles's (Scytalopus stilesi) and Upper Magdalena (S. rodriguezi) Tapaculos
• Gorgeted Puffleg (Eriocnemis isabellae)
• Antioquia Brush-Finch (Atlapetes blancae)

Birds of Colombia: astonishing array of colors, living nature, winged adventure

At present, several more are being found, described, and studied.

In Colombia it is possible to birdwatch within and near the main cities, as well as in remote areas that will require longer travel times and rougher logistics. However, the remote areas will unquestionably reward all with stunning scenery and towns with the warmest people imaginable.

Don’t hesitate to come to watch birds and discover Colombia.

Colombia’s geographical / political location

Colombia covers somewhat more than 1’100.000 km² square and lies between the Caribbean Sea to the north, the Amazon rainforest to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Orinoco River to the east.

In broad terms, the country is sectioned into the following regions:

• Pacific
• Amazon and Llanos Orientales (Eastern Plains)
• Andean, with its three mountain ranges
• Caribbean
• Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

The great variety of habitats and altitudinal floors renders extremely complex biotas and makes Colombia a very interesting and diverse country in terms of fauna and flora.

• Google Maps download of delimited areas and localities for bird watching in Colombia.