COLOMBIA: BOGOTÁ, EASTERN ANDES & MAGDALENA VALLEY

COLOMBIA: BOGOTÁ, EASTERN ANDES & MAGDALENA VALLEY

FEBRUARY 6–21, 2019

LEADERS: STEVE HILTY & CHRISTIAN DAZA LIST COMPILED BY: STEVE HILTY

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003

AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM

Beryl-spangled Tanager ©Steve Hilty

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours 2 Colombia: Bogotá, Eastern Andes

& Magdalena Valley, 2019

COLOMBIA: BOGOTÁ, EASTERN ANDES & MAGDALENA VALLEY

FEBRUARY 6–21, 2019

By Steve Hilty

Sometimes things really do go right. This trip was one of those times—as near perfect as possible. The weather, birding

logistics, group dynamics, and something, often not mentioned, the driving. Driving in Colombia is challenging—there

are many large, slow trucks on winding mountain roads, heavy traffic in Bogotá, and endless construction—and it was

all taken in stride by one of the smoothest, most skillful drivers I have ever had on a tour.

It is difficult to pick a favorite birding morning. Birding in Chingaza National Park, a high elevation site above Bogotá,

is variable, heavily dependent upon favorable weather—meaning one needs heavy overcast conditions, even mist and

fog, to experience this park at its finest. And, we had a perfect day with Andean Pygmy-Owl, Bronze-tailed Thornbills,

Black-chested Mountain-Tanagers, and Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanagers among many others. An afternoon visit to a

hummingbird feeding site added ten species of hummingbirds including spectacular views of Blue-throated Starfrontlet,

Sword-billed Hummingbird, Black-tailed and Green-tailed trainbearers, and stunning Glowing Pufflegs. The next day,

at Sumapaz National Park, an even higher elevation wet alpine grassland known as paramo, we added several

endemics—Bogotá Rail, Apolinar’s Wren, and Green-bearded Helmetcrest—as well as Noble Snipe, Tawny Antpitta,

and Many-striped Canastero. And the landscape there was stunning.

A day later we began a three-night stay in the picturesque little Andean town of Santa María on the eastern slope of the

Eastern Andes. We walked to breakfast predawn each morning to the sounds of Tropical Kingbird dawn songs, a few

roosters crowing, people waking up, and chattering groups of Blue-and-white Swallows and Saffron Finches. Over the

next two and a half days we added an incredible number of quality species nearby, among them a Black-and-white

Owl, a pair of Band-bellied Owls, Short-tailed Antthrush, Brown-breasted Parakeet (an endangered endemic), White-

tipped Sicklebill visiting Heliconia flowers, a lek of Andean Cocks-of-the-rock, and even a troop of nearly 30 White-

nosed Coatis. It all went quickly. Soon we were back in Bogotá and beginning our descent down the western slope of

the Eastern Andes to the floor of the Magdalena Valley.

There would be highlights every day: Barred Puffbirds and Lance-tailed Manakins in Mana Dulce’s dry forest; a

predawn visit to a new lodge where we enjoyed seeing Tolima Blossomcrowns and four Tolima Doves in the

mountains above Ibague; and a Velvet-fronted Euphonia and Dwarf Cuckoo along the Laguna El Hato road later that

same day. The next morning a Sooty Ant-Tanager came to feed at the edge of a small forest reserve. Before the trip

ended there would be Northern Screamers, Oilbirds, toucans, trogons, motmots, cute little Striped Manakins, and more

than enough tyrannulets to go around.

Colombia is rapidly becoming a must-visit country for birders and naturalists, and this trip is a textbook example of

why it is attracting so many people. Beautiful scenery, a splendid variety of birds large and small (especially all those

dazzling hummingbirds), and good food and friendly people everywhere are just a few of the reasons to visit.

Heliconaia sp., Santa María. Photo: S. Hilty



BIRDS: Blue = boreal migrants Bold face – rare or unusual Red – need data *heard; [ ] seen only by one of the guides

A few statistics: 44 species of hummingbirds (all but 1 seen by group); 55 flycatchers (all but 1 seen by group); 18 species of wrens (15 seen); 53 species of tanagers (all seen)

Tinamous, Tinamidae *Little Tinamou, Crypturellus soui, lowland sites

Screamers, Anhimidae Northern Screamer, Chauna chavaria, near Pto. Boyacá

Ducks, Geese & Waterfowl, Anatidae Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis, Mana Dulce; pair with 7 half grown ducklings near Pto. Triunfo

Andean Duck, Oxyura ferruginea, 30+ at Parque Nacional Sumapaz

Guans, Chachalacas & Curassows, Cracidae Speckled Chachalaca, Ortalis guttata, 4 near Santa María

Colombian Chachalaca (E), Ortalis columbiana, 1 briefly from bus (seen by some) en route to Medellín

Band-tailed Guan, Penelope argyrotis, Santa María

*Wattled Guan, Aburria aburri, above Santa María

New World Quail, Odontophoridae *Crested Bobwhite, Colinus cristatus, heard near Laguna El Hato

Grebes, Podicipedidae Least Grebe, Tachybaptus dominicus, near Pto. Triunfo

Pigeons & Doves, Columbidae Rock Pigeon (I), Columba livia, urban areas everywhere

Pale-vented Pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis, ear Villavicencio

Scaled Pigeon, Patagioenas speciosa, Bavaria forest area

Band-tailed Pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata, highlands

Plumbeous Pigeon, Patagioenas plumbea, below Santa María

*Ruddy Pigeon, Patagioenas subvinacea, heard near Santa María and above Ibague

Common Ground-Dove, Columbina passerine, near Río Claro

Ruddy Ground-Dove, Columbina talpacoti, all open areas at lower elevations

Scaled Dove, Columbina squammata, Santa María

*Blue Ground-Dove, Claravis pretiosa, heard at Mana Dulce

White-tipped Dove, Leptotila verreauxi, numerous lowland sites; 1 in scope at Río Claro

Tolima Dove Leptotila conoveri (E), fine study of 4 above Ibague

Gray-fronted Dove, Leptotila rufaxilla, heard; Bavaria forest; below Santa María

Eared Dove, Zenaida auriculata, open highlands areas including Bogotá

Cuckoos, Cuculidae Greater Ani, Crotophaga major, 1 near Pto. Triunfo

Smooth-billed Ani, Crotophaga ani, in humid lower elevation areas

Groove-billed Ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris, Mana Dulce; near Pto. Triunfo

Striped Cuckoo, Tapera naevia, near Río Claro

Dwarf Cuckoo, Coccycua pumila, Laguna El Hato; Pto. Triunfo (pair)

Squirrel Cuckoo, Piaya cayana, numerous lower and mid-elevation sites

Oilbird, Steatornithidae Oilbird, Steatornis caripensis, Río Claro (est. 300+), a little distant exiting a cave but a spectacular (and noisy) show in any case

Swifts, Apodidae Chestnut-collared Swift, Streptoprocne rutila, flock above Ibague

White-collared Swift, Streptoprocne zonaris, above Ibague

Gray-rumped Swift, Chaetura cinereiventris, vicinity of Santa María

White-tipped Swift, Aeronautes montivagus, with Chestnut-collared Swifts above Ibague

Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift, Panyptila cayennensis, 1 seen by C. Daza above Ibague (high el.)



Hummingbirds, Trochilidae White-tipped Sicklebill, Eutoxeres aquila, WOW! I seen point blank at flowering Heliconia above Ibague

Rufous-breasted Hermit, Glaucis hirsutus, Santa María; building nest at Río Claro

Green Hermit, Phaethornis guy, above Santa María

Long-billed Hermit, Phaethornis longirostris, Río Claro (including singing males on lek)

Pale-bellied Hermit, Phaethornis anthophilus, Mana Dulce

Stripe-throated Hermit, Phaethornis striigularis, Río Claro (briefly)

Gray-chinned Hermit, Phaethornis griseogularis, near Villavicencio

Sooty-capped Hermit, Phaethornis augusti, Santa María (Heliconia at hotel) very cute hummer

Green-fronted Lancebill, Doryfera ludovicae near Santa María

Lesser Violetear, Colibri cyanotus, above Ibague

Sparkling Violetear, Colibri coruscans, Jardín Encantada; above Bogotá; Chicaque

Black-throated Mango, Anthracothorax nigricollis, several lowland and lower elevation sites

Tourmaline Sunangel, Heliangelus exortis, Chicaque; above Ibague

Speckled Hummingbird, Adelomyia melanogenys, 1 near Santa María

Long-tailed Sylph, Aglaiocercus kingii, above Ibague

Black-tailed Trainbearer, Lesbia victoriae, above Bogotá

Green-tailed Trainbearer, Lesbia nuna, above Bogotá

Bronze-tailed Thornbill, Chalcostigma heteropogon, above Bogotá; Sumapaz

Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Oxypogon guerinii (E), Sumapaz

Tyrian Metaltail, Metallura tyrianthina, above Bogotá

Glowing Puffleg, Eriocnemis vestita, surprisingly numerous at several sites around Bogotá

Coppery-bellied Puffleg, Eriocnemis cupreoventris (NE), above Bogotá

Collared Inca, Coeligena torquata, green form at Chicaque; black form above Ibague

Blue-throated Starfrontlet, Coeligena helianthea, spectacular above Bogotá

Blue-throated Starfrontlet. Photo: S. Hilty Sword-billed Hummingbird, Ensifera ensifera, above Bogotá

Great Sapphirewing, Pterophanes cyanopterus, above Bogotá

Buff-tailed Coronet, Boissonneaua flavescens, above Ibague

Booted Racket-tail, Ocreatus underwoodii, above Ibague

Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Heliodoxa rubinoides, above Bogotá

White-bellied Woodstar, Chaetocercus mulsant, several highland sites

Gorgeted Woodstar, Chaetocercus heliodor, Jardín Encantada

[Purple-throated Woodstar, Calliphlox mitchellii, 1 male above Ibague (seen only by C Daza)]

Red-billed Emerald, Chlorostilbon gibsoni, 1M above Ibague

Tolima Blossomcrown, Anthocephala berlepschi (E), outstanding observations of this endemic



Tolima Blossomcrown. Photo: S. Hilty

Lazuline Sabrewing, Campylopterus falcatus, one above Villavicencio

White-vented Plumeleteer, Chalybura buffonii, Río Claro

Crowned Woodnymph, Thalurania colombica, La Victoria; Río Claro

Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Thalurania furcata, female near Villavicencio

Andean Emerald, Amazilia franciae, above Ibague

Blue-chested Hummingbird, Amazilia amabilis, 1 female building nest under “hat palm” at Río Claro

Steely-vented Hummingbird, Amazilia saucerrottei, near Ibague

Indigo-capped Hummingbird (E), Amazilia cyanifrons, several sites near Bogotá

Green-bellied Hummingbird, Amazilia viridigaster, Villavicencio and Santa María

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Amazilia tzacatl, Río Claro

Rails, Gallinules & Coots, Rallidae Bogota Rail (E), Rallus semiplumbeus, 1 at PN Sumapaz

Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, Aramides cajaneus, Santa María; Río Claro (formerly as Gray-necked Wood-Rail)

Spot-flanked Gallinule, Gallinula melanops, at two small lagoons near Bogotá (very close study)

American Coot, Fulica americana, a dozen or more at PN Sumapaz

*White-throated Crake, Laterallus albigularis, near at Laguna Tabacal

Plovers & Lapwings, Charadriidae Southern Lapwing, Vanellus chilensis, several mostly lower elevation sites

Jacanas, Jacanidae Wattled Jacana, Jacana jacana, Pto. Triunfo (Antioquia)

Sandpipers & Allies, Scolopacidae Noble Snipe, Gallinago nobilis, fine study at some length at PN Sumapaz

Spotted Sandpiper, Actitis macularius, various sites

Solitary Sandpiper, Tringa solitaria, small pond near Reserva Chicaque

Greater Yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca, PN Sumapaz

Gulls, Terns & Skimmers, Laridae Large-billed Tern, Phaetusa simplex, flying over Río Magdalena near Pto. Triunfo

Cormorants & Shags, Phalacrocoracidae Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus, Laguna Tabacal; Río Magdalena

Herons, Egrets & Bitterns, Ardeidae Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Tigrisoma fasciatum, Río Claro

Cocoi Heron, Ardea cocoi, Río Magdalena

Great Egret, Ardea alba, several lower elevation sites

Snowy Egret, Egretta thula, lowlands

Little Blue Heron, Egretta caerulea, lowlands

Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis, almost daily

Striated Heron, Butorides striata, several sites



Green Heron, Butorides virescens , Laguna Tabacal (boreal migrant; uncommon this far south)

Capped Heron, Pilherodius pileatus, Mana Dulce

Ibises & Spoonbills, Threskiornithidae Green Ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis, Bavaria forest road; Santa María

Bare-faced Ibis, Phimosus infuscatus, widespread and common

New World Vultures, Cathartidae Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus, daily

Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura, almost daily except highest elevations

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Cathartes burrovianus, 1 near Pto. Boyacá

Osprey, Pandionidae Osprey, Pandion haliaetus, 1 above Ibague at more than 2200 m el.

Hawks, Eagles & Kites, Accipitridae White-tailed Kite, Elanus leucurus, near Bogotá

Gray-headed Kite, Leptodon cayanensis, 1 soaring below Santa María

Swallow-tailed Kite, Elanoides forficatus, several highland sites

Black Hawk-Eagle, Spizaetus tyrannus, 1 soaring below Santa María

Double-toothed Kite, Harpagus bidentatus, pair with half-grown chick in nest below Santa María

Plumbeous Kite, Ictinia plumbea, soaring overhead in a few places

Sharp-shinned Hawk, Accipiter striatus, 1 in highlands above Bogotá

Savanna Hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis, esp. well near Pto. Triunfo

Roadside Hawk, Rupornis magnirostris, commonest raptor; lowlands and mid-elevations

White-rumped Hawk, Parabuteo leucorrhous, 1 close at Chicaque; another near Ibague

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Geranoaetus melanoleucus, PN Sumapaz

*Broad-winged Hawk, Buteo platypterus, heard at Chicaque

Barn-Owls, Tytonidae Barn Owl, Tyto alba, predawn in town of Santa Maria (seen by a few people)

Owls, Strigidae *Tropical Screech-Owl, Megascops choliba, heard at Santa María;

*Crested Owl, Lophostrix cristata, heard 1st night at Río Claro

Band-bellied Owl, Lophostrix melanota, 2 seen below Santa María; scarce (recent range extension)

Andean Pygmy-Owl, Glaucidium jardinii, 2 (or 1 seen twice) at PN Chingaza

Black-and-white Owl, Ciccaba nigrolineata, great study of 1 below Santa María

Black-throated Trogon, Río Claro, Antioquia. Photo: S. Hilty



Trogons, Trogonidae White-tailed Trogon, Trogon chionurus, Río Claro

Green-backed Trogon, Trogon viridis, near Villavicencio

*Gartered Trogon, Trogon caligatus, Río Claro

Black-throated Trogon, Trogon rufus, Río Claro (great views)

Motmots, Momotidae Andean (Highland) Motmot, Momotus aequatorialis, heard above Ibague

Amazonian Motmot, Momotus momota, Bavaria Forest

Broad-billed Motmot, Electron platyrhynchum, Río Claro

Kingfishers, Alcedinidae Ringed Kingfisher, Megaceryle torquata, various places

Amazon Kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona, Río Claro

Green Kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana, Río Bata (Santa María)

Puffbirds, Bucconidae Barred Puffbird, Nystalus radiatus, Mana Dulce, Río Claro

Russet-throated Puffbird, Hypnelus ruficollis, Pto. Triunfo

*Gray-cheeked Nunlet, Nonnula frontalis, heard Río Claro

Yellow-billed Nunbird, Monasa flavirostris, near Villavicencio (local)

Jacamars, Galbulidae Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Galbula ruficauda, Mana Dulce

White-chinned Jacamar, Galbula tombacea, near Villavicencio

New World Barbets, Capitonidae White-mantled Barbet, Capito hypoleuca (E), near Río Claro

Gilded Barbet, Capito auratus, near Villavicencio

Red-headed Barbet, Eubucco bourcierii, below Santa María (brief)

Toucans, Ramphastidae Southern Emerald-Toucanet, Aulacorhynchus albivitta, Chicaque

Collared Araçari, Pteroglossus torquatus, Río Claro

Chestnut-eared Araçari, Pteroglossus castanotis, Villavicencio area

Yellow-throated Toucan, Ramphastos ambiguous mostly heard (Río Claro)

(Chestnut-mandibled Toucan), (R. ambiguus swainsonii)=formerly distinct from Black-mandibled Toucan, both now merged

under the name Yellow-throated Toucan

Channel-billed Toucan, Ramphastos vitellinus, heard and seen near Villavicencio

Woodpeckers, Picidae Scaled Piculet, Picumnus squamulatus, Santa María area

Olivaceous Piculet, Picumnus olivaceus, Mana Dulce (3)

Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Melanerpes cruentatus, Santa María area

Red-crowned Woodpecker, Melanerpes rubricapillus, Magdalena Valley lowlands

Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Picoides fumigatus, Chicaque

Red-rumped Woodpecker, Veniliornis kirkii, Mana Dulce; Río Claro

Red-stained Woodpecker, Veniliornis affinis, Villavicencio area

Lineated Woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus, heard in several places around Santa María

Cinnamon Woodpecker, Celeus loricatus, Río Claro

Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Colaptes (Chrysoptilus) punctigula, Laguna Tabacal; Santa María

Falcons & Caracaras, Falconidae Crested Caracara, Caracara cheriway, open areas in lowlands

Yellow-headed Caracara, Milvago chimachima, open areas in lowlands

Laughing Falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans, 1 heard distantly near Santa María

American Kestrel, Falco sparverius, 1 above Ibague (2000 m)

New World and African Parrots, Psittacidae Orange-chinned Parakeet, Brotogeris jugularis, seen distantly in large Ceiba tree in plaza at La Victoria; heard daily at Río Claro

Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Brotogeris cyanoptera, Villavicencio area

*Saffron-headed Parrot, Pyrilia pyrilia, (near endemic), heard at Río Claro but not seen



Blue-headed Parrot, Pionus menstruus, singletons and pairs at various mostly lower elevation sites

Bronze-winged Parrot, Pionus chalcopterus, 3 briefly above Ibague (mostly by C Daza)

*Yellow-crowned Parrot, Amazona ochrocephala, heard at Mana Dulce

Spectacled Parrotlet, Forpus conspicillatus (E), common at many lower elevation sites

Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, Psittacara wagleri, 1 high flock flying over Mana Dulce; formerly abundant but not rather few

Typical Antbirds, Thamnophilidae Great Antshrike, Taraba major, Santa María

Barred Antshrike, Thamnophilus doliatus, Santa María

*Bar-crested Antshrike, Thamnophilus multistriatus (NE), heard Laguna Tabacal

Black-crowned Antshrike, Thamnophilus atrinucha, Mana Dulce

Northern Slaty-Antshrike, Thamnophilus punctatus, near Villavicencio

Plain Antvireo, Dysithamnus mentalis, Santa María

Pacific Antwren, Myrmotherula pacifica, Río Claro

[White-flanked Antwren, Myrmotherula axillaris, Santa María (only C. Daza)]

Dusky Antbird, Cercomacroides tyrannina, near Villavicencio; Santa María

Jet Antbird, Cercomacra nigricans, Mana Dulce

White-browed Antbird, Myrmoborus leucophrys, White-browed Antbird

White-bellied Antbird, Myrmeciza longipes, Laguna Tabacal

Chestnut-backed Antbird, Poliocrania exsul, Río Claro (common voice also)

Magdalena Antbird, Sipia palliata, (E), Río Claro (super close study)

*Blue-lored Antbird, Hafferia immaculate. Heard at Laguna Tabacal

Antpittas, Grallariidae Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Grallaria ruficapilla, Chicaque (difficult; seen well by only a few people)

*Rufous Antpitta, Grallaria rufula, heard at Chingaza

Tawny Antpitta, Grallaria quitensis, several at PN Sumapaz

*Rusty-breasted Antpitta, Grallaricula ferrugineipectus, heard at Laguna Tabacal

Tapaculos, Rhinocryptidae Blackish Tapaculo, Scytalopus latrans, seen at Chicaque (a little “black” bird)

White-crowned Tapaculo, Scytalopus atratus, heard at Santa María and Chicaque

*Magdalena Tapaculo, Scytalopus (E), heard at Laguna Tabacal (unresponsive); the first time we’ve noted this species here

Pale-bellied (Mattoral) Tapaculo, Scytalopus griseicollis (NE), seen at Chingaza (another little “black” bird)

Antthrushes, Formicariidae Short-tailed Antthrush, Chamaeza campanisoma, heard at length near Santa María; eventually seen by a few people

Ovenbirds & Woodcreepers, Furnariidae Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Dendrocincla fuliginosa, Río Claro

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Glyphorynchus spirurus, Río Claro

Cocoa Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus susurrans, Río Claro

Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus guttatus, all lower elevations on east slope of Andes

Olive-backed Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus triangularis, Santa María

Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Dendroplex picus, Mana Dulce

Scythebill sp., prob. Campylorhamphus procurvoides, heard below Santa María, ca. 900 m

Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes souleyetii, numerous lower elevation sites

Montane Woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger, higher elevations

Plain Xenops, Xenops minutus, Río Claro

Streaked Xenops, Xenops rutilans, above Ibague

Chestnut-winged Cinclodes, Cinclodes albidiventris, PN Sumapaz

Montane Foliage-gleaner, Anabacerthia striaticollis, Chicaque

Chestnut-crowned Foliage-gleaner, Automolus rufipileatus, 1 near Santa María (reddish eyes; our 1st rec. of this Amazonian

species here); seen by C. Daza; heard by both CD and SH but unfortunately not but anyone in our group

*Ruddy Foliage-gleaner, Clibanornis rubiginosus, heard near Santa María

White-browed Spinetail, Hellmayrea gularis, nice observation of one near PN Chingaza

Many-striped Canastero, Asthenes flammulata, PN Sumapaz

White-chinned Thistletail, Asthenes fuliginosa, PN Chingaza

*Ash-browed Spinetail, Cranioleuca curtata, heard at Laguna Tabacal

Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Certhiaxis cinnamomeus, Pto. Triunfo

Plain-crowned Spinetail, Synallaxis gujanensis, Santa María

Silvery-throated Spinetail (E), Synallaxis subpudica, above Bogotá but this one really difficult and probably not seen really well

by anyone

Dusky Spinetail, Synallaxis moesta, near Santa María



Rufous Spinetail, Synallaxis unirufa, Chicaque

Stripe-breasted Spinetail, Synallaxis cinnamomea, heard Laguna Tabacal (another really difficult skulking Spinetail)

Tyrant Flycatchers, Tyrannidae [White-tailed Tyrannulet, Mecocerculus poecilocercus, Chicaque (one in mixed spp. flock; seen only by SH)]

White-throated Tyrannulet, Mecocerculus leucophrys, high elevations

Brown-capped Tyrannulet. Río Claro, Antioquia. Photo: S. Hilty Brown-capped Tyrannulet, Ornithion brunneicapillus Río Claro (super close views of a bird that is usually not seen so close or low)

Mouse-colored Tyrannulet, Phaeomyias murina, Mana Dulce

Yellow Tyrannulet, Capsiempis flaveola, near Santa María; Mana Dulce

Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Tyrannulus elatus, common voice in lowlands; seen well near Río Claro

Forest Elaenia, Myiopagis gaimardii, Río Claro (hard to see well)

Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Elaenia flavogaster, widespread at lower elevations

Mountain Elaenia, Elaenia frantzii, Chicaque (round-headed)

Torrent Tyrannulet, Serpophaga cinerea, river near Ibague

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Mionectes oleagineus

Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Leptopogon amaurocephalus, near Villavicencio; Mana Dulce; Río Claro

Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Leptopogon superciliaris, Santa María (ca. 900 m)

Rufous-breasted Flycatcher, Leptopogon rufipectus, Chicaque

Sooty-headed Tyrannulet, Phyllomyias griseiceps, Río Claro (snappy voice)

Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet, Phyllomyias plumbeiceps, 1 in mixed spp. flock at Chicaque (lower end)

Golden-faced Tyrannulet, Zimmerius chrysops, widespread at mid-elevations

Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant, Myiornis atricapillus, Río Claro

Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant, Atalotriccus pilaris, Mana Dulce

Southern Bentbill, Oncostoma olivaceum, Río Claro area (really good study of this curious little bird)

Black-throated Tody-Tyrant, Hemitriccus granadensis, Chicaque

Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Poecilotriccus ruficeps

Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Poecilotriccus sylvia, Mana Dulce

Common Tody-Flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum, various lower elevations

Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Todirostrum nigriceps, Río Claro

Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher, Todirostrum chrysocrotaphum, near Villavicencio (well, we heard it but it was high overhead in

dim early morning light; doubtfully seen well by anyone)

Olivaceous Flatbill, Rhynchocyclus olivaceus, Río Claro (last morning)

Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens, building near at Río Claro (nest doubled in size in one day); also seen near

Santa María

Black-tailed Flycatcher, Myiobius atricaudus, 1 at Río Claro (a good find)

Smoke-colored Pewee, Contopus fumigatus, near Villavicencio

Western Wood-Pewee, Contopus sordidulus, 1 at Río Claro (no voice but relatively dark below esp. on chest); can’t be 100% sure

of this identification

Eastern Wood-Pewee, Contopus virens, 1 near Santa María (plumage and voice on this one; 900 m)

Acadian Flycatcher, Empidonax virescens, common at Río Claro; seen and heard

Black Phoebe, Sayornis nigricans, widespread

Vermilion Flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus, Laguna El Hato

Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, Myiotheretes striaticollis, Chicaque

Pied Water-Tyrant, Fluvicola pica, Pto. Triunfo

White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Arundinicola leucocephala, Pto. Triunfo

Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Ochthoeca fumicolor, PN Sumapaz



Long-tailed Tyrant, Colonia colonus, Santa María; some really long-tailed one at Río Claro

Cattle Tyrant, Machetornis rixosa, seen by some near Ibague

Bright-rumped Attila, Attila spadiceus, 1 briefly at Río Claro; heard in many lower to mid-elevation sites

Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Myiarchus tuberculifer, near Villavicencio

Panama Flycatcher, Myiarchus panamensis, near Río Claro (good response to playback)

Apical Flycatcher, Myiarchus apicalis (E), Mana Dulce (find views)

Pale-edged Flycatcher, Myiarchus cephalotes, Chicaque (pair close)

Great Crested Flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus, very common (voice esp.) at Río Claro

Great Kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus, widespread at lower and mid-elevations

Boat-billed Flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua, scattered individuals throughout

Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Myiozetetes cayanensis, widespread and common at all lower and mid-elevations

Social Flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis, only 1 individual (Pto. Triunfo), seasonal or regional distribution of this species needs

study; why so few? And also one of most frequently mid-identified birds in Colombia

Streaked Flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus, Río Claro

Piratic Flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius, east Andean slope; Río Claro (where one twice flushed from a Yellow-olive Flycatcher nest; I had not previously seen this bird pirate small flycatcher nests)

Tropical Kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus, widespread

Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Tyrannus savana, dozens (maybe 50!) at Laguna El Hato; a few at Pto. Triunfo; were the Laguna El Hato

birds newly arrived migrants from the south?

Cotingas, Cotingidae Green-and-black Fruiteater, Pipreola riefferii, heard at Chicaque

Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Rupicola peruvianus, at least 3MM and 3FF near Santa María

Manakins, Pipridae Lance-tailed Manakin, Chiroxiphia lanceolata, Mana Dulce (male and female)

White-bearded Manakin, Manacus manacus, males and females at Laguna Tabacal

Striped Manakin, Machaeropterus regulus, heard near Villavicencio (eastern form); we saw a dozen or more of the western form

near Río Claro (gorgeous)

White-crowned Manakin, Dixiphia pipra, near Santa María (male)

Golden-headed Manakin, Ceratopipra erythrocephala, Santa Maria; near Río Claro

Tityras & Allies, Tityridae Black-crowned Tityra, Tityra inquisitor, Santa Maria (female); Río Claro (males)

Russet-winged Schiffornis, Schiffornis stenorhyncha, Río Claro (unusual amount of vocalization by this bird the bird full day but

not heard much thereafter); curiously the only obvious field mark is the russet crown (not the wings)

*Barred Becard, Pachyramphus versicolor, heard above Ibague (seen?)

Cinereous Becard, Pachyramphus rufus, female at Laguna Tabacal

Cinnamon Becard, Pachyramphus cinnamomeus, Santa Maria; Río Claro

White-winged Becard, Pachyramphus polychopterus, Santa María

Vireos, Shrike-Babblers & Erpornis, Vireonidae Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Cyclarhis gujanensis, heard at several places; seen near Santa María

Scrub Greenlet, Hylophilus flavipes, Heard at Laguna Tabacal; heard near Santa María; seen at Mana Dulce; near Río Claro

*Lesser Greenlet, Pachysylvia decurtata, heard at Río Claro

Brown-capped Vireo, Vireo leucophrys, Chicaque

Red-eyed Vireo, Vireo olivaceus, a couple near Río Claro were our only ones (Red-eyed or V. chivi?)

Crows, Jays & Magpies, Corvidae *Black-chested Jay, Cyanocorax affinis, heard at Río Claro

Green (Inca) Jay, Cyanocorax yncas, near Villavicencio; Santa María

Violaceous Jay, Cyanocorax violaceus, near Villavicencio; heard near Santa María

Swallows, Hirundinidae Blue-and-white Swallow, Pygochelidon cyanoleuca, several mid-elevation sites (generally not in lowlands)

Brown-bellied Swallow, Orochelidon murina, where were they this year? A few near Calera; and again near Chicaque

[White-thighed Swallow, Atticora tibialis, all dark swallow near Santa María (seen by C. Daza) was probably this sp.]

Southern Rough-winged Swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis, lowlands

Gray-breasted Martin, Progne chalybea, Santa María; Río Claro

White-winged Swallow, Tachycineta albiventer, lowland Magdalena Valley (mainly Pto. Triunfo)

Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica, dozens near Pto. Triunfo



Wrens, Troglodytidae Scaly-breasted Wren, Microcerculus marginatus, Wow! Great view (brief) near Villavicencio; again at the Buenaventura Reserve;

called Southern Nightingale-Wren in some references

House Wren, Troglodytes aedon, amazing little bird; everywhere from lowlands to páramo

Mountain Wren, Troglodytes solstitialis, 1 at Chicaque

Sedge (Grass) Wren, Cistothorus platensis, PN Chingaza

Apolinar's Wren Cistothorus apolinari (E), PN Sumapaz

Band-backed Wren, Campylorhynchus zonatus Laguna Tabacal

Thrush-like Wren, Campylorhynchus turdinus, Santa María (pair close)

*Sooty-headed Wren, Pheugopedius spadix only a distant voice near Río Claro

Black-bellied Wren, Pheugopedius fasciatoventris, Laguna Tabacal; Mana Dulce; near Río Claro

*Whiskered Wren, Pheugopedius mystacalis, heard (basically) at Chicaque and a couple other mid-elevation sites

Rufous-breasted Wren, Pheugopedius rutilus, Santa María (cute)

Speckle-breasted Wren, Pheugopedius sclateri, Laguna Tabacal (unusually good study of this hard-to-see bird; this form likely

endemic to Colombia

Rufous-and-white Wren, Thryophilus rufalbus, 1 building nest near Villavicencio; heard at Santa María

Bay Wren, Cantorchilus nigricapillus, Río Claro (the most energetic songster of the all)

Buff-breasted Wren, Cantorchilus leucotis

Rufous Wren, Cinnycerthia unirufa, Chingaza

*White-breasted Wood-Wren, Henicorhina leucosticta, heard once or twice at Río Claro

Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Henicorhina leucophrys, Chicaque (upper zone)

Gnatcatchers, Polioptilidae Long-billed Gnatwren, Ramphocaenus melanurus, Santa María

Tropical Gnatcatcher, Polioptila plumbea, Mana Dulce

Dippers, Cinclidae White-capped Dipper, Cinclus leucocephalus, fine study on one along a creek above Ibague

Donacobius, Donacobiidae Black-capped Donacobius, Donacobius atricapilla, Pto. Triunfo

Thrushes & Allies, Turdidae Andean Solitaire, Myadestes ralloides, heard at Chicaque

Spotted Nightingale-Thrush, Catharus dryas, heard 1 bird at Santa María

Swainson's Thrush, Catharus ustulatus, several mid-elevation sites; common boreal migrant wintering here

Pale-breasted Thrush, Turdus leucomelas, lower east Andean slope areas; common also in lower Magdalena Valley

Spectacled (Bare-eyed) Thrush, Turdus nudigenis, heard near Santa María

Black-billed Thrush, Turdus ignobilis, Laguna Tabacal; Santa María; above Ibague; Buenavista Reserve

Great Thrush, Turdus fuscater, common in highlands; mainly above ca. 2500 m

Mockingbirds & Thrashers, Mimidae Tropical Mockingbird, Mimus gilvus, Laguna Tabacal; Santa María; Pto. Triunfo and adjacent areas

Finches, Euphonias & Allies, Fringillidae *Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Chlorophonia cyanea, heard near Villavicencio

Velvet-fronted Euphonia (E), Euphonia concinna, pair at Laguna Tabacal; male very well at Laguna El Hato

Thick-billed Euphonia, Euphonia laniirostris, widespread all lower and mid-elevations to ca. 1500 m

Fulvous-vented Euphonia, Euphonia fulvicrissa, 1 female at Río Claro

Golden-bellied Euphonia, Euphonia chrysopasta, Villavicencio

Orange-bellied Euphonia, Euphonia xanthogaster, Villavicencio; Santa María

*Andean Siskin, Spinus spinescens, at a stop (for Spot-flanked Gallinule) near Chicaque

Thrush-Tanager, Rhodinocichlidae *Rosy Thrush-Tanager, Rhodinocichla rosea, many heard at Laguna Tabacal (no longer seem to respond much to playback

because they have already heard so much)

New World Sparrows, Passerellidae Common Chlorospingus, Chlorospingus flavopectus, Chicaque (upper zone)

Orange-billed Sparrow, Arremon aurantiirostris, Buenavista; Río Claro (great views both places)

Pectoral Sparrow, Arremon taciturnus, fine close study at Santa María; not so often seen with tour groups

Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Arremon brunneinucha, Chicaque (by part of group)

Rufous-collared Sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis, everywhere in highlands (above ca. 2000 m)

White-naped Brushfinch, Atlapetes albinucha, above Ibague



Moustached Brushfinch, Atlapetes albofrenatus, Chicaque

Yellow-headed Brushfinch (E), Atlapetes flaviceps, finally a nice pair above Ibague

Pale-naped Brushfinch, Atlapetes pallidinucha, Chingaza

Troupials & Allies, Icteridae Eastern Meadowlark, Sturnella magna, Bogotá Savanna

Red-breasted Meadowlark, Leistes militaris, Laguna El Hato

Russet-backed Oropendola, Psarocolius angustifrons, east slope Andes near Villavicencio and Santa María

Crested Oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus, various lowland sites (first seen near Villavicencio)

Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Psarocolius wagleri, Río Claro

Yellow-rumped Cacique, Cacicus cela, scattered sites throughout in lowlands

Yellow-backed Oriole, Icterus chrysater, highlands on east slope (far above Santa María)

Orange-crowned Oriole, Icterus auricapillus, near Río Claro (beautiful scope study)

Yellow Oriole, Icterus nigrogularis, drier lowlands, e.g. Mana Dulce; Pto. Triunfo

Shiny Cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis, widespread in lowlands and mid-elevations (unfortunately)

Carib Grackle, Quiscalus lugubris, Doradal (near restaurant)

Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Chrysomus icterocephalus, marshes near Pto. Triunfo

New World Warblers, Parulidae Northern Waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis, Laguna Tabacal Río Claro

Mourning Warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia, Santa María

American Redstart, Setophaga ruticilla, numerous lower elevation sites

Cerulean Warbler, Setophaga cerulea, near Santa María

Tropical Parula, Setophaga pitiayumi, near Santa María

Bay-breasted Warbler, Setophaga castanea, Santa María; but more common in lowland sites in Magdalena Valley

Blackburnian Warbler, Setophaga fusca, higher elevations but males higher than females

Yellow Warbler, Setophaga petechia, Laguna Tabacal

Blackpoll Warbler, Setophaga striata, a few near Villavicencio and Santa María

Rufous-capped Warbler, Basileuterus rufifrons, several at Mana Dulce

Three-striped Warbler, Basileuterus tristriatus, Chicaque (briefly)

Buff-rumped Warbler, Myiothlypis fulvicauda, the darlings of Río Claro; also heard at Mana Dulce

Russet-crowned Warbler, Myiothlypis coronate, lower zone of Chicaque

Canada Warbler, Cardellina canadensis, widespread in foothills; and we got first-hand info from Julie Caicero near Santa María

who was studying them via radio-tracking

Slate-throated Redstart (Whitestart), Myioborus miniatus, Santa María; above Ibague Golden-fronted Redstart (Whitestart), Myioborus ornatus, Chingaza

Mitrospingid Tanagers, Mitrospingidae Dusky-faced Tanager, Mitrospingus cassinii, Rio Claro (noisy and keep to themselves)

Cardinals & Allies, Cardinalidae Hepatic Tanager, Piranga flava, 1 female at Laguna Tabacal (Highland Hepatic-Tanager), (lutea Group); resident

Summer Tanager, Piranga rubra, widespread in lowlands and mid-elevations (to ca. 1800 m)

Sooty Ant-Tanager Habia gutturalis (E), Wow! Hot pink crest; 1 male beautifully at Buenavista Reserve just came out on its

own to feed at a small fruiting shrub

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus, Laguna Tabacal

Blue-black Grosbeak, Cyanoloxia cyanoides, heard at Río Claro

Tanagers & Allies, Thraupidae Magpie Tanager, Cissopis leverianus, Santa María

Oleaginous Hemispingus, Sphenopsis frontalis, Chicaque

Black-eared Hemispingus, Sphenopsis melanotis, Chicaque

Gray-headed Tanager, Eucometis penicillata, various places but best at Laguna Tabacal where a pair were following army ants

right out into an open grassy area

White-shouldered Tanager, Tachyphonus luctuosus, Mana Dulce

Tawny-crested Tanager, Tachyphonus delatrii, 1 male briefly in flight (mainly by Christian and Leslie) at Río Claro

White-lined Tanager, Tachyphonus rufus, a male above Villavicencio

Flame-rumped Tanager, Ramphocelus flammigerus, the “yellow” ones near Juntas (above Ibague); these are the ones called

Lemon-rumped Tanager) (RE), (R. flammigerus icteronotus) in older literature

Silver-beaked Tanager, Ramphocelus carbo, Villavicencio and Santa María

Crimson-backed Tanager, Ramphocelus dimidiatus, widespread in Magdalena Valley



Crimson-backed Tanager, Laguna Tabacal. Photo: S. Hilty Black-chested Mountain-Tanager, Cnemathraupis eximia, 4 at Chingaza; not common

Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Anisognathus igniventris, many at Chingaza

Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager, Dubusia taeniata, Chingaza

Blue-gray Tanager, Thraupis episcopus, widespread in mid- to lower elevations

Palm Tanager, Thraupis palmarum, also widespread

Blue-capped Tanager, Thraupis cyanocephala, above Villavicencio; Santa María

Speckled Tanager, Ixothrupis guttata, Santa María

Burnished-buff Tanager, Tangara cayana, Villavicencio; Santa María

Scrub Tanager, Tangara vitriolina, above Ibague

Golden-hooded Tanager, Tangara larvata, Rio Claro

Blue-necked Tanager, Tangara cyanicollis, Santa María

Blue-and-black Tanager, Tangara vassorii, Chicaque

Beryl-spangled Tanager, Tangara nigroviridis, Chicaque (very close), a common tanager in the mountains but it was the

incredibly close views we had at the Chicaque Lodge reserve that were so outstanding

Beryl-spangled Tanager, Reserva Chicaque. Photo: S. Hilty



Plain-colored Tanager, Tangara inornata, Mana Dulce; Río Claro

Bay-headed Tanager, Tangara gyrola, Santa María

Saffron-crowned Tanager, Tangara xanthocephala, above Ibague

Swallow Tanager, Tersina viridis, Santa María; Río Claro

Blue Dacnis, Dacnis cayana, Santa María; Río Claro

Purple Honeycreeper, Cyanerpes caeruleus, Villavicencio; Santa María

Green Honeycreeper, Chlorophanes spiza, Villavicencio; Santa María

Guira Tanager, Hemithraupis guira, Santa María

Chestnut-vented Conebill, Conirostrum speciosum, Santa María

White-eared Conebill, Conirostrum leucogenys, Mana Dulce

Blue-backed Conebill, Conirostrum sitticolor, Chicaque

Rufous-browed Conebill, Conirostrum rufum (NE), Chingaza

Glossy Flowerpiercer, Diglossa lafresnayii, Chingaza

White-sided Flowerpiercer, Diglossa albilatera, Chingaza; above Ibague

Bluish Flowerpiercer, Diglossa caerulescens, Chicaque

Masked Flowerpiercer, Diglossa cyanea, Chingaza, Chicaque

Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, Geospizopsis unicolor, PN Sumapaz

Saffron Finch, Sicalis flaveola, widespread (100s in Santa María)

Blue-black Grassquit, Volatinia jacarina, near Río Claro

Ruddy-breasted Seedeater, Sporophila minuta, Pto. Triunfo

Thick-billed Seed-Finch, Sporophila funereus, near Río Claro

Gray Seedeater, Sporophila intermedia, Santa María

Yellow-bellied Seedeater, Sporophila nigricollis, widespread

Plain-colored Seedeater, Catamenia inornata, PN Sumapaz

Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola

Yellow-faced Grassquit, Tiaris olivaceus, above Ibague

Black-faced Grassquit, Tiaris bicolor, Mana Dulce

Buff-throated Saltator, Saltator maximus, humid lowlands

Streaked Saltator, Saltator striatipectus, foothills, esp. Laguna Tabacal

MAMMALS American Opossums, Didelphidae Woolly Mouse Opossum, Micoureus cinereus, I dead on road near Santa María

Marmosets & Tamarins, Callitrichidae White-footed Tamarin, Saguinus leucopus, quite numerous in Río Claro reserve

New World Monkeys, Cebidae White-fronted Capuchin, Cebus albifrons, near Villavicencio

Common Squirrel Monkey, Saimiri sciureus, two groups seen near Villavicencio

Large New World Monkeys, Atelidae *Red Howler Monkey, Alouatta seniculus, only heard; Río Claro

Squirrels, Sciuridae Red-tailed Squirrel, Sciurus granatensis, a few seen and a very curious (if pesky) young (?) one that frequently came into the Río

Claro dining area; even climbing up people’s legs, tripod legs etc. quite bold

Central Am Dwarf Squirrel, Microsciurus alfari, species name is a guess; I do not know the specific identity of these very small

fast squirrels that we saw at Río Claro

Agoutis, Dasyproctidae Central American Agouti, Dasyprocta punctata, This may not be the correct species. The one we saw at the Chicaque Reserve was

almost completely black.

Vespertilionid Bats, Vespertilionidae

Vespertilionid bats, Myiotis spp.

Raccoons & Allies, Procyonidae White-nosed Coati, Nasua narica



White-nosed Coati. Santa María, Boyacá. Photo: S. Hilty

Documents

COLOMBIA: BOGOTÁ, EASTERN ANDES & MAGDALENA VALLEY