Colombia Birding Tour Report: 2022

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Colombia: A Field Expedition Through the World’s Most Bird-Rich Country

For many years, we had been leading bird photography tours across various destinations, but guiding a group through Colombia—one of the most bird-diverse countries in the world—was particularly exciting. With over 1,900 species recorded, Colombia stands unmatched in avian diversity, making it an essential destination for bird enthusiasts. As guides, our focus was to ensure that our team experienced the magic of this biodiversity, from colourful tanagers to elusive antpittas and dazzling hummingbirds. With habitats ranging from cloud forests to páramo landscapes, each location we visited promised extraordinary photographic opportunities. The months of planning paid off, and as the journey began, we were eager to lead the group through what we knew would be an unforgettable adventure.

After meticulous preparation, our team arrived in Cali, ready to embark on the expedition. The first evening was dedicated to settling into the hotel, introducing the participants to one another, and discussing the strategy for the upcoming days. There was a palpable sense of excitement as we reviewed our target species, including the highly sought-after Multicolored Tanager and the elusive Buffy Helmetcrest. At dawn, we set off for Km 18, one of the premier birding locations in the region. Upon arrival at La Florida Lodge, the feeders were already a hub of activity—hummingbirds flashed iridescent colours as they darted between perches. A Multicolored Tanager made an early and spectacular appearance, providing an excellent start to our photography. The Andean Motmot and Chestnut Wood-Quail offered fantastic photographic moments, and the day was spent refining techniques, adjusting to the light, and preparing for the days ahead.

The next morning, we delved deeper into the trails of Km 18, immersing ourselves in the layered sounds of the forest. The low calls of the Chestnut Wood-Quail and Little Tinamou resonated through the undergrowth before the birds finally revealed themselves, offering fleeting yet thrilling encounters. A Colombian Chachalaca briefly emerged along the trail, allowing our photographers to capture its distinctive silhouette against the mossy tree trunks. Tanagers filled the canopy with bursts of colour, including Golden, Saffron-crowned, and Flame-rumped species, ensuring that cameras remained in near-constant use. Hummingbird activity was abundant, with Booted Racket-tail, Andean Emerald, and the stunning Long-tailed Sylph making frequent visits to the feeders. As the day came to a close, we ensured that everyone reviewed their shots, already appreciating Colombia’s diversity and richness.

Our next destination was Anchicayá, a region famed for its humid forests teeming with avian life. One of the most highly anticipated experiences of the trip was witnessing the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek. We arrived at the lek just as the activity reached its peak. The vibrant red and black plumage of the males stood out brilliantly in the soft morning light as they engaged in their unique displays. Their deep grunts and high-pitched whistles echoed through the forest, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Standing just metres away, the group was in awe of this intimate and dramatic courtship ritual. As a female appeared, the males intensified their performances, fanning their wings and bobbing in synchronised movements. Even for seasoned photographers, this was an unforgettable spectacle.

We enjoyed stunning views of Black-chinned Mountain-Tanagers and Toucan Barbets at the nearby feeders. Deeper into the forest, patience was rewarded with glimpses of the elusive Empress Brilliant and White-whiskered Hermit. Throughout the day, we guided the group to refine their photographic compositions, adjust angles, and capture intricate feather details. As we transitioned to La Florida Lodge for the night, the shift in elevation brought cooler temperatures and a fresh array of species.

The following day, excitement ran high as we focused on a formidable raptor: the Ornate Hawk-Eagle. The climb up the rugged mountain trail was demanding, but the reward was an unforgettable encounter with this striking predator. Satisfied with exceptional views, we descended and stumbled upon a lesser-known gem: the Striolated Manakin. After a well-earned lunch, we took a domestic flight to Manizales, where we settled at Hacienda El Bosque. The change in landscape was striking, with mist-draped forests extending over rolling hills.

The next morning, thick fog created a mystical ambience, adding depth and contrast to our compositions. Hooded Mountain Tanagers appeared suddenly through the mist, their colours standing out vividly against the subdued background. Grey-breasted Mountain Toucans and Antpittas were the primary focus of our photography efforts, with Equatorial and Crescent-faced Antpittas making spectacular appearances at well-maintained feeding stations. Meanwhile, the Sword-billed Hummingbird, with its astonishingly long bill, provided an exceptional subject at the hummingbird feeders.

El Color de Mis Reves delivered some of the most rewarding photographic moments of the tour. Black-billed Mountain-Toucan and Ocellated Tapaculo made exciting appearances, while the dense undergrowth provided challenging yet rewarding photography conditions. White-capped Tanagers and Andean Pygmy Owls heightened the excitement, and capturing Slate-crowned Antpittas along the trails was a delight. The difficult terrain presented endless photographic opportunities, and a surprise encounter with a Grass-green Tanager added to the highlights of the day. The midday light and shifting shadows tested the group’s skills in exposure and patience, but the results were exceptional.

As we approached El Color Lodge, a quiet walk along the trails led to an incredible sighting of the Ocellated Tapaculo moving stealthily through the undergrowth. The forest itself was alive with sounds, including the distinctive calls of the Andean Pygmy Owl. Along the way, we were fortunate to spot a bicoloured antpitta, another fantastic addition to our growing species list.

Our journey then took us to Nevado del Ruiz, where we encountered an entirely different ecosystem. The stark, windswept páramo presented a unique photographic challenge. The Rainbow-bearded Thornbill and Buffy Helmetcrest initially remained elusive, requiring patience and precise positioning. However, when they finally emerged, their vibrant colours stood in stunning contrast against the harsh, open landscape. Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers offered striking compositions against the crisp mountain air. The high-altitude setting made every capture feel like an achievement, with the Masked Flowerpiercer and Tawny Antpitta adding to the excitement.

Following a final morning session at Nevado del Ruiz, we made our way back to Bogotá, stopping at Parque Verde y Agua en route. This provided an opportunity for last-minute hummingbird photography, with Tourmaline Sunangel and Golden-breasted Puffleg dominating the feeders. As the tour neared its conclusion, the group reflected on the immense variety of bird species and the challenges of capturing them in diverse environments. A surprise sighting of a Black-tailed Trainbearer, alongside Flame-faced Tanager, Indigo-capped Hummingbird, and Golden-winged Manakin, added to the final day’s excitement. The last stop at Monserrate blended cultural heritage with nature, providing encounters with high-altitude hummingbirds such as the Blue-throated Starfrontlet and Amethyst-throated Sunangel. The golden afternoon light created spectacular compositions, marking a perfect ending to our expedition.

As the tour concluded, we departed Colombia with memory cards full and spirits high. The journey had provided an unparalleled experience—Colombia had once again proven to be a birding paradise. We deeply appreciated the country’s incredible birdlife and the invaluable photographic opportunities it offered, and we knew that we would return for more adventures in the future.

Endemic Explorer specialises in endemic birding and wildlife tours and operates across Central and South America, including Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Guyana, Cuba, and Brazil. We offer both scheduled departures and curated luxury private tours, ensuring immersive experiences guided by expert tour leaders and guides.