A Guide to Birdwatching in the Country with the Most Bird Species in the World

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Evie

Senior Latin America Travel Designer

Colombia proudly holds the title of the country with the most bird species in the world. In this article, our Senior Latin America Travel Designer, Evie, highlights the country’s best and wildest locations – from national parks and rainforests to natural reserves – where you can experience these feathered wonders up close. Discover the astonishing variety of species and make Colombia your next ‘must-visit’ destination.

Colombia Behind-the-Scenes

Colombia is proud to have been declared the country with the most bird species in the world, according to a report by Big Global Day in May 2023. The country boasts 1,530 species, followed closely by Peru with 1,454 species. Whether you have a casual interest in birdlife and nature or are an avid admirer of these special feathered creatures, Colombia should be at the top of your bucket list. From species such as the Multicolored Tanager and the Sword-billed Hummingbird to those endemic to Colombia, such as the Chestnut-winged Chachalaca and the Gorgeted Puffleg, you’re bound to be astounded by the abundance and variety in Colombia. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best birdwatching spots in the country.

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains are an extremely important area for biodiversity, as they form the highest coastal mountain range in the world, offering specific conditions perfect for certain bird species. The area is home to over 600 bird species, 19 of which are endemic to Colombia. You may be fortunate enough to spot the White-tipped Quetzal, Band-tailed and Sickle-winged Guans, Rosy Thrush-Tanager, and Golden-breasted Fruiteater, among a plethora of tanagers and hummingbirds. In Los Besotes, a lower area located on the eastern side of the national park, you’ll find dry tropical forests that attract species such as the Military Macaw and Vermilion Cardinal, as well as other wildlife like pumas, ocelots, and monkeys. The natural reserve of Los Flamencos is filled with marshes, lagoons, and dry forests, situated on the western edge of the Guajira Desert but along the coast. This area features shallow lakes that fill with rain and evaporate during the dry season. This evaporation process concentrates salt in the lagoons, creating an ideal habitat for brine shrimp, which in turn attract hundreds of Andean Flamingos.

Los Nevados Cloud Forest, Manizales

Manizales is one of the key cities in Colombia’s renowned ‘Coffee Region,’ but it’s certainly not all about coffee. Just a 30-minute drive from the city, you can visit the Río Blanco Nature Reserve, which offers nearly 4,500 hectares of nature trails where you can spot endemic species such as the elusive Brown-banded Antpitta and the Rufous-fronted Parakeet. You’ll also find Los Nevados National Park at high altitude, where you and your guide can search for notable birds like the Buffy Helmetcrest Hummingbird and Colombia’s national bird, the Andean Condor. In this section of high-Andean forest, you can also watch for one of Colombia’s rarest birds, the critically endangered and endemic Fuerte’s Parrot, as well as the Rufous-fronted Parakeet and the Rainbow-bearded Thornbill.

Antioquia Rainforest

The region of Antioquia is home to numerous river systems that eventually flow into the Magdalena River, creating rainforest habitats favorable to many bird species. Along the Samaná River, you can find various species of parrots, toucans, and tanagers, as well as riparian birds that feed on bocachico, an endangered fish species. In the Río Claro Nature Reserve, you can spot the Magdalena Antbird and Sooty Ant-Tanager, and further north, in the Arrierito Antioqueño Natural Reserve, you may encounter the endangered Chestnut-capped Piha.

Coastal Rainforest, Chocó

The surf town of Bahía Solano, near Utría National Park, is home to endemic species such as the Baudó Oropendola, Baudó Guan, and Sooty-capped Puffbird, among many others. This part of Colombia has very limited infrastructure, although there are some simple lodges to base yourself while exploring. To reach this destination, you’ll need to fly, as there is no road access. However, it’s a fantastic place to explore and truly feels ‘off the beaten track.’

The Amazon Rainforest

One-third of the country’s overall bird population lives here, making it arguably the best place for birdwatching in Colombia. The Amacayacu National Park is an excellent starting point, with an early morning rise to seek out the Amazonian Umbrellabird and the striking Hoatzin. Along the banks of the Amazon River and its tributaries, you’ll also find Osprey, Bat Falcons, Great Black Hawks, and various species of parrots. Puerto Nariño is often the best place to spot flocks of parrots, parakeets, macaws, and antbirds. Accommodation here is extremely basic and is best suited for the most adventurous travelers.

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