The day of the Buzzard.

One on the way (above), one along the approach road to HOM and then 4 in the air together over the viewing platform. I normally see one or two Common Buzzards at RSPB Hesketh Out Marsh so when a flock of 11 was overhead with 3 soaring Marsh Harriers I decided I would spend the rest of the afternoon gazing into the clear blue sky in the hope of a raptor or two. I was rewarded, but only with another Buzzard, a Peregrine, a Sparrowhawk and several Kestrels.
The reserve was pretty quiet though apart from a Knot with two Greenshank on one of the pools. Even the Avocets seem to have pushed off and no sign of the Yellow Wag' today. Four Marsh Harriers around the reserve were different to the three that headed east up the Ribble with the Buzzards and a large mixed finch flock, 120+ strong of Greenfinches (30+), Goldfinches and Linnets can be seen in the newly ploughed fields at present.
Maybe another go at raptor watching if this anticyclonic weather persists sometime tomorrow then?

Glorious Solway.

Dusk over Carsethorn on the Solway (with a Cumbrian mountain backdrop) from the Drumburn viewpoint 30 August 2010.

Carsethorn on the Nith Estuary: Hundreds of Greater Scaup gather here in the autumn with thousands of Barnacle Geese in from Svalbard on the fields and marshes.

The second half of our Bank Holiday Solway break was pleasant enough, even if the birding was a bit "standard". Gale force winds on Sunday morning at Southerness Point put pay to any idea of Vismig off the point and a walk around RSPB Mersehead did little to lift spirits to be honest. The bone dry "wetland" held very little; so little in fact that I couldn't recall anything worth putting in my notebook. The coffee at the visitor's centre was good though.
Back at Southerness the high tide had pushed quite a few waders onto the rocks near the lighthouse and although we failed to find any Purple Sandpipers there was plenty to search through. A Peregrine made a nuisance of itself putting up all the waders but nice they had settled we counted 200 Redshank, 40 Turnstone, 30 Ringed Plover and best of all 40 Sanderling. A quick drive to Carsethorn at the mouth of the Nith produced 19 Greater Scaup and a single Great Crested Grebe and I managed to pop back to the viewpoint for the above shots over the Nith after watching 100+ Swallows gathering to roost in the reeds near our caravan at Southerness.


And so it was homeward bound for us this morning stopping off on the Nith Estuary at Glencaple where there were at least 250 Redshanks, a Greenshank, a Golden Plover and a Goosander, before calling in at Caerlaverock WWT. The reserve was pretty quiet apart from 6 Buzzards drifting over the visitor's centre together and 3 Wheatears and a couple of Whinchats from the Avenue Tower. Last stop was Browhouses just west of Gretna on the Solway. With at least two hours until high tide there was plenty of exposed mud so plenty of waders including 110 Golden Plover, 5 Greenshank, 6 Black-tailed Godwits, a Turnstone and 30+ Redshanks all put into the sky by a passing adult Osprey. Hopefully our October Solway trip will be a bit more productive and at least the Barnacle Geese will be back.

Naff-breasted Sandpiper.

Time at last for a short break on the Solway. Mrs B and I headed up the M6 on Friday calling in at a few sites on the way to our caravan at Southerness Point but saw very little. This was due mainly to the high tide and Browhouses and Dornock were virtually birdless. Souherness however was much better and once we'd unpacked we took a stroll along the beach watching a nice flock of 89 Ringed Plovers and 6 Dunlin along with 750+ Oystercatchers in a long pied line on the shore. Best bird was undoubtedly the Hooded Crow on the seaweed-covered rocks.
Saturday was very windy in stark contrast to the balmy weather of the previous evening. I did a quick early morning run around Southerness Point first thing but the low tide meant that most birds were distant. A nice flock of 66 Bar-tailed Godwits near the point and a Sparrowhawk flying alongside the car near Powillimount where 7 Red-breasted Mergansers were offshore were the highlights. We headed out to Stranraer later with the Buff-breasted Sandpiper in Wig Bay on Loch Ryan as our target but called in at Bishop Burn on the east shore where a nice adult Mediterranean Gull was on show. The wind was howling across the sea loch making observation difficult but we did see 15+ Eider in the white horses and a few Bar-tailed Godwits, Knot and Redshank on the shore.
On reaching the Wig we could see four "birders" watching something and noticing that they were using cameras rather than bin's, I guessed they had the Buff-breasted Sandpiper that had been present here for a week or so. Stopping the car I was able to watch the Buff-breast walk amongst its quartet of admirers. As the bird went out of view we left the car and although they must have seen us coming the others continued to pursue the wader. Greeted with silence I ventured to request the whereabouts of the Buff-breast only to be told that it had gone "somewhere over there" but they had got "some half decent photos though". Well, that's good then ......
Mrs B and I waited searched the area carefully, being cautious not to disturb the gathering of the waders hoping to roost at the Wig, unlike our "friends" who were happily flushing birds as they strolled around in hope of yet more "half decent" photos. Despite help from a couple of other birders we never relocated the Buff-breast but did enjoy some spectacular wader flocks including 300 Oystercatchers, 100+ Ringed Plovers, 70 Golden Plover, 20+ Dunlin, 20+ Knot and a Sanderling. A small group of Eiders, Shags, some Sandwich Terns and a couple of Common Terns were out on the scar cut off by the tide and Gannets crossed the narrow peninsula in the fierce westerly wind.
On the way back to Southerness we called in on the Dee Estuary near Kirkudbright as a Great Egret had been reported there a week or so ago. We checked the channels from various vantage points but all we found was a lone Little Egret, although these are still pretty scarce up here.

A few pleas for help.

Life and birding in particular is full of coincidences. Just the other day I was lamenting the lack of local Greenfinches when hey presto, up pops 5 at Hesketh Out Marsh RSPB at the weekend. I paid another visit to the reserve yesterday and was pleased to see a flock of 29 with 28 Linnets and 20+ Goldfinches in the hedges. We've had a couple of Greenfinches in the garden as well this week but today I received one of my regular e-mail updates from the BTO with one of the posts stating that Greenfinch numbers are down by over a third in some areas of the UK, due to an infectious disease called trichomonosis. The posting goes on "The disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas gallinae, had been reported previously in pigeons and doves but, in 2005, it was also found in Greenfinches. With the help of garden birdwatchers, scientists from the Garden Bird Health initiative (GBHi) have revealed the dramatic impact of this disease."

More information on the disease and what we can do to help birds like Greenfinches can be found on the BTO website HERE.

So what's all this got to do with a bunch of birders looking onto a bush I hear you say? Well, we live in the age of "technobirding" now I guess with competent and expert local guides in far-flung corners of the world enticing birds into view for their clients using the full compliment of electronic accessories from iPods and directional microphones with digital recorders. But it's not all frivolous ticking and list padding exemplified by the radio tracking of the White-tailed Eagle I saw in Dumfries & Galloway a couple of years ago. Today I received an e-mail informing me that the bird we observed in the Perthshire glens this summer was indeed a 2009 juvenile birds from the Fife release program making it approximately 14 months old when we saw it. Mrs B managed to snap the brute without a telephoto lens (above) and see HERE for more on the east Scotland WTE and the latest releases.

As I said I did manage to get out briefly yesterday and HOM had returned to normal after the frightful weather on Tuesday. Of course the birds were more predictable, but nonetheless welcome. Apart from the finch influx I saw my first HOM Grey Wagtail of the year, one or two Yellow Wagtails, a House Martin, 20+ Swallows, 15+ Meadow Pipits and local Wrens and Robins had started singing again. Two Merlins, Marsh Harrier and Sparrowhawk hunted across the saltmarsh resplendent in sea aster and waders finding the newly soaked mud enticing included 3 Greenshank, 35 Ringed Plover, 3 Dunlin, a Snipe, 6 Avocets and a few Curlew and Redshanks. A single Pink-footed Goose flew across the marsh (I expect "definite" wild ones in the next week or so) and 9 Greylags made an appearance but most noteworthy were at least 66 Mallard. Mallard; noteworthy ...... absolutely.

I've been an enthusiastic WeBS volunteer for a few years now, counting waterfowl on my local Herts patch in my days "down south", on some London reservoirs as a stand-in counter (narrowly missing causing a terrorist alert on one occasion I might add) and of late on the Scottish Solway and Ribble Estuary. The latter two areas are undoubtedly among THE best for wildfowl and waders in the UK and along with the Dee and Morcambe Bay rank in the top ten sites for waterbirds. Being a small part of a team counting a fraction of the 200,000+ birds on the Ribble in winter gives me a real boost on a freezing day but more importantly without the data supplied by WeBS volunteers we wouldn't have some staggering facts like the 1000% increase in Avocets in the last twenty years or worryingly, the all-time low populations of Mallards, Red-breasted Mergansers, Goldeneyes, Pochards, Dunlins and Ringed Plovers. Better still, take a look HERE for more detail and how you can by help just by counting Mallards on your local canal or ponds.

And finally, and maybe most importantly a mail received today from Nick Askew, Communications Officer for BirdLife (PLEASE take a look):

We've just published a story on BirdLife's website which I'm hoping you can help to promote .

A massive forest fire on the island of Madeira has recently killed several breeding adults and 65% of this year’s (2010) chicks of Endangered Zino’s Petrel. BirdLife International and SPEA (Birdlife in Portugal) urgently need funds to carry out emergency conservation work needed before the winter sets in.

You're welcome to use our text from here: http://www.birdlife.org/news/news/2010/08/Zinos-petrel-disaster.html

COLOMBIA TOUR REPORT 2010.

Birding Tour to Colombia: The Cauca Valley and Santa Marta Mountains 27 March – 13 April 2010.

Buff-tailed Coronet.

Participants: John & Jane Hopkins, Duncan Ritchie, David & Elizabeth Winterbottom, Pete McCalmont and George Gerdtz.

Leader: Colin Bushell.

Local Guide: Alejandro Solano.

Itinerary.

27 March: Group arrives in Cali to meet Alejandro at the airport before driving to KM18.

28 March: KM18 forest road and “Los Colibris” feeders.

29 March: Yotoco Forest in the morning with an afternoon journey to Filandia, birding Sonso Lake on the way.

30 March: Canon del Barbas in the morning. Afternoon in the Choco Forests of the Galapagos Road near El Cairo.

31 March: Quebrada Charco Azul and Galapagos Road.

1 April: Otun Quimbaya.

2 April: Rio Blanco Reserve near Manizales in the Central Andes (west slope).

3 April: Rio Blanco Reserve again, mainly upper section (Paloma Ridge and Antpitta Feeding Station).

4 April: High altitude birding at Los Nevados NP, transferring to Victoria in the afternoon.

5 April: Bellavista on the east slope of the Central Andes.

6 April: Bellavista in the morning and transfer to La Vega calling at Jardin Encantado for hummingbirds in the rain.

7 April: La Vega birding early then drive to Bogotá, birding La Canejera in the afternoon.

8 April: Birding at La Florida Marshes before heading to the airport. Flight to Santa Marta with afternoon at Mamancana Reserve late afternoon.

9 April: Early start at Nanguanje before heading into Tayrona NP. Birding late afternoon on the Caricari Road before driving to Riohacha for the night.

10 April: Camerones early morning for wetland species arriving at Santa Marta for lunch. Afternoon transfer to El Dorado in the Santa Marta Mountains, stopping at La Minca en route.

11 April: Birding the Santa Marta Mountains Road above El Dorado up to the research station approx. 2000m above sea level.

12 April: El Dorado up to Cerro Kennedy for the higher section birds like Santa Marta Parakeet and Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant.

13 April: Early birding below El Dorado before heading down to La Minca where our last key birds of the tour were seen (Santa Marta Foliage-Gleaner and Golden-winged Sparrow). Drive to Santa Marta to catch flight to Bogotá with international connections to USA and Europe.

Green Jay.

27 March.

At last, the long-awaited Colombia tour! John, Jane and Duncan join Colin at Heathrow airport to start the journey to Colombia via Madrid. On arrival in Cali they are met by Alejandro Solano, our guide for the tour and soon after by David and Elizabeth all the way from Australia. We all take a snack and refreshments before meeting George who’s just arrived from the US and finally we’re on our way out of Cali towards the Buenaventura road and the famous KM 18. Peter, who arrived earlier that day, is waiting for us at our lodgings where we are glad to hit our beds after a long day of travel.

Highland Motmot.

28 March.

It’s an early start for the team in the misty conditions of the western Andes of Colombia. Many sounds echo around the distant forest slopes; Chestnut Wood-Quail, Colombian Screech-Owl, Bright-rumped Attila, Black-billed Peppershrike and a Crested Quetzal. We do get views of the latter, albeit in the murky conditions across the valley. Walking the road after breakfast we locate one of the target birds of the tour; the stunning endemic Multicolored Tanager as well as Colombian Chachalaca, , Long-tailed Sylph, Bronzy Inca, Purple-throated Woodstar Spectacled Parrotlet, , Red-headed Barbet, Red-faced Spinetail, Green-and-Black Fruiteater, Marble-faced and Variegated Bristle-Tyrants, Andean Solitaire, Yellow-throated Brush-Finch, Black-winged Saltator, Metallic-green Tanager, Scrub Tanager and Rufous-crested Tanager.

After lunch we visit Robert Olhman’s garden and with so many hummingbird feeders we soon increase our daily hummer total to seventeen including Steely-vented Hummingbird, Brown Violetear, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and Blue-headed Sapphire. Despite the thick fog we enjoy some late afternoon birding on the road back to Mi Universo; the best birds being Greenish Puffleg, Spotted Barbtail (‘scope views!), Streak-capped Treehunter and hearing Lineated Foliage-Gleaner and distant Lyre-tailed Nightjar.

Acorn Woodpecker.

29 March.

Early start for Yotoco where the semi-humid forest produces Bar-crested Antshrike and the endemic Greyish Piculet from the clearing. Venturing into the forest we find Acorn Woodpeckers frequenting the oaks and Speckle-breasted Wren (race columbianus) as the sound of Red Howler Monkeys in the canopy accompany us. Plenty of Nearctic migrants around in the forest borders; mainly Swainson’s Thrushes with a few Blackburnian Warblers, Mourning Warblers and a few Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. We make our way to Filandia after our picnic lunch, calling in at Lago Sonso en route. Alas the unseasonably dry weather affects our birding once again (my third consecutive trip finding parched landscapes in South America) with the river providing the only damp margins for feeding birds. We do manage to salvage something from th

e situation though with Dwarf Cuckoo being the most notable bird but failing to find the endemic Apical Flycatcher. A single Oriole Blackbird is a surprise find (usually llanos and Amazonian river islands only). We enjoy some Least Sandpipers, Bare-faced Ibis and Blue-winged Teals before leaving for Filandia mid-afternoon.

Beautiful Jay.

30 March.

A rather difficult morning in the Canon del Rio Barbas in search of the endemic Turquoise Dacnis Tanager. Despite extensive searching up and down the hill we failed to find this important bird. There were plenty of birds although our hopes of the dacnis tanager were rarely raised as so few flocks were encountered. Flame-rumped Tanagers and Highland Motmots showed well and the few flocks we did see contained the gaudy Golden Tanagers, Bay-headed Tanagers and a Fawn-breasted Tanager. Our walk back up the hill was fairly quiet apart from a few Crimson-rumped Toucanets and stopping to lure some Slaty Spinetails (caucae) from the undergrowth. The temperature began to rise and a Short-tailed Hawk made use of the thermals as we left the canyon, watching some Bare-faced Ibis in the fields at the top.

After a stop in Quimbaya for a meal (I can recommend Bandeja Paisa – “The Full Colombian”) we headed for the Choco on the Galapagos Road hear El Cairo. This turned out to be one of the highlights of the tour with so many good birds on show at regular intervals. Despite the rather inclement weather expected in the Choco we found birds quite easily and quality species included Chestnut-breasted Cholorophonia and Purplish-mantled Tanager as soon as we jumped out the vehicles for the first time! Things got even better as Gold-ringed Tanager, Black Solitaire and Velvet-purple Coronet appeared but once again our success was tainted a little with the failure to see another important species; Munchique Wood-Wren, despite hearing one or two. Nevertheless we enjoyed our taster of the Choco and headed balk to El Cairo satisfied with the day’s haul of good birds.

Gold-ringed Tanager.

31 March.

An early start for Quebrada Charco Azul where Crested Ant-Tanager was on show very early with a nice male in the undergrowth of the quebrada flanks. Golden-ringed Tanagers were constantly on show in the forest margins along the road; a species more common than expected in this area. Velvet-Purple Coronets were the most abundant “hummer” and Olivaceous Piha, Tricolored Brush-Finches, Pacific Tuftedcheek and Grass-green Tanagers showed as we waited for a Bicolored Antvireo to appear from the depths of the forest (it didn’t!). Yellow-collared Chlorophonias perched on cables and the smart Fulvous-dotted Treerunner was seen making its way through the moss-laden forest. Green-and-Black Fruiteaters were common in the wet Choco forests but better still we located a nest of an Orange-breasted Fruiteater during our lunch-break! Indigo Flowerpiercers were also near the shelter as we ate our picnic lunch and once the rain eased we headed out once again. Yellow-breasted Antpitta, Beautiful Jay and Bay Wrens were all seen well but Munchique Wood-Wren kept to the undergrowth and out of sight once more so we left for Potal de la Florida in the late afternoon.

Chestnut-crowned Antpitta.

1 April.

The west slope of the Central Andes at Otun Quimbaya was particularly good for Red-ruffed Fruitcrow that was particularly common in the forests here. Of course our main target was the endemic Cauca Guan, a bird feared extinct not so long ago and once again, not particularly difficult to encounter at this site. Seeing Moustached Antpitta was a real bonus although the birding did get difficult by mid-morning as the day became hotter with the promise of storms. An afternoon in the same area produced little more of note after a lengthy period of rain, although Cauca Guan was seen particularly well.

Brown-banded Antpitta.

2 – 3 April.

Two full days at Rio Blanco produced many of our target birds after a slow start. Without doubt we were seeing lots of interesting birds; they just weren’t the ones we really wanted at this stage of the tour! This all changed as we entered the higher sections of the reserve with Blackish Tapaculo, Golden-plumed Parakeet and our first decent feeding flock that contained a Golden-fronted Whitestart. Feeding stations came to the rescue once again with up to 3 Brown-banded Antpittas and some Chestnut-crowned Antpittas in attendance. Rio Blanco is an excellent place to see the scarce Masked Saltator and we saw several in the higher parts of the forest where there was bamboo. Ash-coloured Tapaculo, Slate-crowned Antpitta, Rusty-faced Parrot and a party of at least 6 White-capped Tanagers followed in quick succession during one brief period on the trails. Rio Blanco became one of the most productive sites on the whole tour by the end of our two-day stay there.

Paramo habitat in the Andes.

4 April.

This morning’s travel involved a Paramo crossing (above 4,000m) to the east slope of the central cordillera. We started in Los Nevados NP with Viridian Metaltails, Tawny and Rufous Antpittas (both seen well), Stout-billed Cinclodes and at least one Bearded Helmetcrest. This range-restricted hummer was well received by the group as was the 4 Black-backed Bush-Tanagers. A quick stop at the high altitude lakes produced little apart from 15 Andean Ruddy Ducks and a pair of Andean Teal but we needed to move on allowing time for our journey to Victoria.

Male Scarlet Tanager.

5 April.

Easter Monday started wet; very wet! With the Bellavista Reserve so close we enjoyed the luxury of breakfast in our hotel but made the best of a wet start with a few birds seen at the entrance road to the forest. Once the rain stopped we made some progress in the overcast conditions with the star birds being the Sooty Ant-Tanager and White-mantled Barbet. It was a great shame that only the leader and guide saw Tody Motmot as they typically disappeared into a dark forest patch, but Crimson-backed Tanager, Scarlet-thighed Dacnis and Striped Manakin were just a few of the good birds seen in the morning. In the afternoon we birded the road with forest edge more thoroughly finding Velvet-fronted Euphonia, Golden-headed Tanagers, a cracking male White-mantled Barbet and Rufous-naped Greenlet. Returning to the forest we managed good views of another two male Sooty Ant-Tanagers with a female also.

Male Sooty Ant-Tanager.

6 April.

The weather was unkind today and although we saw Sooty Ant-Tanager again the heavy downpour defeated us and there was little bird activity in the forest anyway. The rain continued throughout the day but a stop in the Jardin Encantado near our hotel Loma Verde. Indigo-capped Hummingbird was undoubtedly the star attraction here nut a good selection of hummers included Andean Emerald, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Black-throated Mango, Violet-crowned Woodnymph, White-bellied and Gorgetted Woodstars, Violet-crowned Woodnymph and White-vented Plumeleteer.

Indigo-capped Hummingbird.

7 April.

Birding in the shade-grown coffee plantations above La Vega was a little disappointing, especially as we failed to find Apical Flycatcher. It was good to see Bar-crested Antshrikes, Dusky Antbird and Rusty-breasted Antpitta (rara) – our eighth antpitta species seen on this tour. It was some relief to arrive at Humeda la Conejera near Bogotá where we saw some great birds including Masked Duck, Silvery-throated Spinetail, Rufous-browed Conebill and a few saw Apolinar’s Marsh Wren briefly.

Black-throated Mango.

8 April.

An early start for La Florida in search of Bogotá Rail. Hearing this rare bird was a treat; failing to see it was a big disappointment to say the least, but the exceptionally dry conditions undoubtedly affected our chances greatly. Nevertheless we did manage to see some good birds including Spot-flanked Gallinule, Subtropical Doradito, Rufous-browed Conebills and a Noble Snipe before heading for the airport to catch our flight to Santa Marta.

Santa Marta Mountains at dawn.

Santa Marta Extension.

Our late morning flight took us to the heat of the Caribbean coast and after lunch we drove the short distance from Santa Marta to Mamancana where we birded dry xerophytic scrub-covered hillsides. Russet-throated Puffbird, Northern White-fringed Antwren, Bicolored Wren and Venezuelan Flycatcher were just a few of the birds we saw on our first afternoon of the extension.

9 April.

A morning in Tayrona NP was very pleasant indeed with some great birding. Russet-throated Puffbird, Black-backed Antshrike, the recently described Whooping Motmot and Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant were early highlights; just a shame we couldn’t see those Military Macaws that kept below the treeline! In the semi-humid forests we found some Lance-tailed Manikins but the birding became more difficult as the day progressed. In the late afternoon we birded the Caricari Road in the desert scrub. This was particularly good for Bare-eyed Pigeons, Glaucous Tanager, Chestnut-vented Chachalaca, Northern White-fringed Antwren, Orinocan Saltator and the sublime White-whiskered Spinetail. Black-crested Antshrikes showed well and we finished our day with 6 Double-striped Thick-knees before driving to Riohacha for the night.

The lodge at El Dorado in the Santa Marta Mountains.

10 April.

An early start for Camarones where the best bird was Tocuyo Sparrow but unfortunately most of the group missed it! We did all get to see Vermilion Cardinal, Slender-billed Inezia and Chestnut Piculet though so the excursion was well worthwhile to say the least.

We spent the rest of the day making our way to the Santa Marta Mountains at El Dorado Lodge, stopping en route above La Minca. Rusty-breasted Antpitta was seen well in the first patch of forest we stopped at as well as Santa Marta Brush-finch and Santa Marta Tapaculo for a few. After a humpy road up to the lodge perched in the mountains it was nice to arrive and settle in for the night with a decent meal.

Cinnamon Flycatcher in the Santa Marta Mountains.

11 April.

The El Dorado Road above the lodge was very productive although we failed to see the Santa Marta Screech-Owl as it just wouldn’t respond to playback. White-tailed Starfrontlet, Santa Marta Woodstar, Golden-breasted Fruiteater, White-lored Warbler and Rusty-headed Spinetail were just a few of the special birds seen in the morning as well as many endemic subspecies such as that of Cinnamon Flycatcher for example.

The afternoon was even better near the research station where better views of Rusty-headed Spinetail were obtained and Santa Marta Mountain-Tanager, Streak-capped Spinetail, Santa Marta Whitestart and Santa Marta Antpitta were all seen well (even the antpitta!). We finished off the afternoon by watching Band-tailed Guans and glimpsing Brown-rumped Tapaculo before returning to the lodge.

12 April.

An early start for a few in hope of the Santa Marta Screech-Owl but this was seen only by a few and the views were very unsatisfactory indeed. We spent the rest of the day near Cerro Kennedy where we had great views of Santa Marta Warbler and Santa Marta Parakeets, although the Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant took a fair bit of effort to find. Rain interrupted the rest of our day but a Black-and-Chestnut Eagle gave a fine display as we descended down the mountain with White-tipped Quetzal being another quality bird seen.

Black-and-Chestnut Eagle.

13 April.

Our final day saw us departing from El Dorado early and spending some time near La Minca, hoping to catch up on any birds we failed to see on the way up. The Ruddy (Santa Marta) Foliage-Gleaner showed well with Golden-winged Sparrow straight afterwards. Venezuelan Tyrannulet was another noteworthy bird of the shade-grown coffee forest before we had to leave for Santa Marta and our flight to Bogotá. Once in Bogotá we made our connections to the USA or Europe at the end of a very productive birding tour of the world’s number one country for birds.

Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant.

Birding Tour to Colombia: The Cauca Valley and Santa Marta Mountains 27 March – 13 April 2010.

The Bird List (E = species endemic to Colombia)

Highland Tinamou Nothocercus bonapartei

Heard KM18 28 March.

Little Tinamou Crypturellus soui

Heard on four dates.

Andean Teal Anas andium

A pair was seen in a lake near Nevado del Ruiz.

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors

A few at Sonso on 29 March, and then small numbers (up to 6) at wetlands near Bogotá such as La Florida marshes.

Masked Duck Nomonyx dominicus

A pair at La Canejera near Bogotá on 7 April.

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps

Seen in La Florida and near Riohacha.

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis

Seen on the coast near Santa Marta on two dates.

Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus

Common at a few localities and seen on six dates.

Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens

Seen on four dates along the coast near Santa Marta.

Cocoi Heron Ardea cocoi

Seen on four dates at Sonso and traveling between sites near Potal de Florida and on the Santa Marta extension.

Great Egret Ardea alba

Recorded on eight dates.

Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens

Small numbers at Camarones 10 April.

Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor

Small numbers with the above species.

Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea

Small numbers on 10 April near Camerones.

Snowy Egret Egretta thula

Recorded on five dates.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Widespread and seen most days of the tour.

Striated Heron Butorides striatus

Small numbers at Sonso.

Fasciated Tiger-Heron Tigrisoma fasciatum

One seen on a small forested stream at Pozo Azul below La Minca 13 April.

Bare-faced (Whispering) Ibis Phimosus infuscatus

Seen on five dates at Sonso, Canon del Barbas and wetlands near Bogotá.

White Ibis Eudocimus albus

Small numbers near Camarones on 10 April.

Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja

Several near Camarones on 10 April.

Black Vulture Coragyps atratus

Common.

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura

Small numbers on eleven dates.

King Vulture Sarcorampus papa

One early morning 9 April at Neguanje in Tayrona NP.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Seen on two dates at Sonso and near Bogotá at La Florida.

Hook-billed Kite Chondroheirax unicinatus

One at Rio Blanco on 2 April.

Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus

Seen on 30 March at Canon del Barbas and the following day near El Cairo. Also seen near La Vega on 6 April.

White-tailed Kite Elanus leucurus

Seen near Rio Blanco on 2 April and near Bogotá on 7 – 8 April.

Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis

Seen near Riohacha on 9 April and near Camerones the following day.

Plumbeous Kite Ictinia plumbea

One at La Minca on 10 April was the only record.

Plain-breasted Hawk Accipiter ventralis

One at Rio Blanco on 2 April and another at El Dorado in Santa Marta on 11 April.

Grey Hawk Asturina nitida

Seen in Tayrona NP on 9 April.

Roadside Hawk Buteo magnirostris

Widespread and recorded on eleven dates throughout the tour.

Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus

Seen at KM18 and Rio Blanco.

White-rumped Hawk Buteo leucorrhous

One at Rio Blanco on 2 April.

White-tailed Hawk Buteo albigula

Seen at Camarones 10 April.

Black Hawk-Eagle Spizaetus tyrannus

One in Tayrona NP 9 April.

Black-and-Chestnut Eagle Oroaetus isidori

An immature gave us thrilling views as it circled us in low cloud near El Dorado 12 April.

Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway

Seen on five dates, most regularly in the Caribbean lowlands.

Yellow-headed Caracara Milvago chimachima

Seen at Sonso Lake, near La Vega and Santa Marta lowlands.

Barred Forest-Falcon Micrastur ruficollis

Heard El Dorado in Santa Marta Mountains 11 April.

American Kestrel Falco sparverius

Surprisingly scarce and seen on only four dates.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

One near Riohacha 9 April.

Rufous-vented Chachalaca Ortalis ruficauda

A few seen on the Caricari Road near Riohacha 9 April.

Speckled (Colombian) Chachalaca Ortalis guttata columbianus (E)

Quite common on the first two days of the tour at KM18.

Band-tailed Guan Penelope argyrotis

Seen on two dates above El Dorado in the Santa Marta Mountains including a pair with two chicks.

Cauca Guan Penelope perspicax E

Several seen in Otún Quimbaya 1 April.

Wattled Guan Aburria aburri

Heard Otún Quimbaya 1 April.

Sickle-winged Guan Chamaepetes goudotii

Seen near El Cairo, Otún Quimbaya and heard at Rio Blanco and El Dorado in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Crested Bobwhite Colinus cristatus

Heard at La Vega 7 April and in Tayrona NP 9 April.

Black-fronted Wood-Quail Odontophorus atrifrons

Heard in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Chestnut Wood-Quail Odontophorus hyperythrus E

Heard only in Km 18 and Canon del Barbas and David saw one briefly at Otún Quimbaya.

Limpkin Aramus guarauna

Seen around Camarones and near Riohacha on the Santa Marta extension.

Bogotá Rail Rallus semiplumbeus E

Heard only at La Florida. The exceptionally dry conditions of the marshy margins were undoubtedly a defining factor on our failure to see this important endemic species, but missing it was a big disappointment nevertheless.

Grey-necked Wood-Rail Aramides cajanea

Heard near Riohacha on 9 April.

Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica

Seen at La Canejera in Bogotá 7 April.

Common (Moorhen) Gallinule Gallinula chloropus

Seen on three dates at Sonso and near Bogotá.

Spot-flanked Gallinule Gallinula melanops

Seen in the marshes near Bogotá and best at La Florida.

American Coot Fulica americana

Numerous in La Florida marshes.

Wattled Jacana Jacana jacana

Seen on various small wetlands near KM18, Canon del Barbas and Sonso during the main tour. Also seen at wetland sites near Riohacha on the extension.

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus

Seen at Sonso 29 March.

Double-striped Thick-knee Burhinus bistriatus

Six just east of Perico on the way to Riohacha 9 April.

Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis

Widespread and seen on eleven dates throughout the tour.

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla

Small numbers at Sonso 29 March.

Noble Snipe Gallinago nobilis

At least one seen in La Florida Marshes 8 April.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

Seen near Camerones 10 April.

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca

Small numbers at Sonso Lake and near Riohacha.

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes

Small numbers at Sonso Lake.

Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria

Seen at Sonso and marshes near Bogotá.

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia

A few at Sonso and La Florida Marshes near Bogotá.

Laughing Gull Larus atricilla

Seen along the coast near Camarones 10 April.

(American) Herring Gull Larus argentatus smithsoianus

A few at Camerones 10 April.

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica

A few at Camerones 10 April.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia

Seen near Camarones at Boca de Barra 10 April.

Royal Tern Sterna maxima

Seen near Camerones 10 April.

Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis

Seen at Camerones 10 April.

Black Skimmer Rynchops niger

A few near Camerones 10 April.

Rock Pigeon Columba livia

Common around built up areas.

Scaled Pigeon Patagioenas speciosa

A few near La Minca below El Dorado on the Santa Marta Extension 10 April.

Bare-eyed Pigeon Patagioenas corensis

Quite common in the arid areas near Riohacha 9 – 10 April.

Band-tailed Pigeon Patagioenas fasciata

Common in the Cañon del Rio Barbas, Otun Quimbaya, Rio Blanco and Santa Marta Mountains.

Pale-vented Pigeon Patagioenas cayennensis

Seen at Sonso and Bellavista only.

Plumbeous Pigeon Patagioenas plumbea

Seen in Cañon del Rio Barbas, on the Galapagos Road near El Cairo and Otun Quimbaya.

Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata

Common in open country and frequently seen on journeys between birding sites.

Common Ground-Dove Colombina passerina

Fairly common during the first three days of the extension in Tayrona NP and along the coast to Riohacha.

Ruddy Ground-Dove Columbina talpacoti

Seen on seven dates and common at Sonso and in Tayrona NP.

Scaled Dove Colombina squammata

Fairly common in Tayrona NP.

Blue Ground-Dove Claravis pretiosa

One bird was heard in the Bellavista reserve 5 April.

White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi

Widespread and recorded on eight dates in KM 18, Cañon del Rio Barbas and during the Santa Marta Extension.

Lined Quail-Dove Geotrygon linearis

One seen along the San Lorenzo ridge and others heard there 11 April.

White-throated Quail-Dove Geotrygon frenata

Heard in KM 18, Cañon del Rio Barbas and near El Cairo.

Military Macaw Ara militaris

Heard in Tayrona NP.

Golden-plumed Parakeet Leptosittaca branickii

Up to ten seen on two dates in Rio Blanco.

Scarlet-fronted Parakeet Aratinga wagleri

Recorded on eight dates from KM18, Cañon del Rio Barbas, Otun Quimbaya and the Santa Marta Mountains.

Brown-throated Parakeet Aratinga pertinax

Seen on two dates in the Tayrona NP and Riohacha region.

Santa Marta Parakeet Pyrrhura viridicata E

At least two pairs below Cerro Kennedy in the Santa Marta Mountains 12 April.

Green-rumped Parrotlet Forpus passerinus

A few in the Camerones area 10 April.

Spectacled Parrotlet Forpus conspicillatus

A few at KM 18 and near Sonso Lake and La Vega.

Orange-chinned Parakeet Brotogeris jugularis

Common near La Vega, Tayrona NP and La Minca Road.

Rusty-faced Parrot Hapalopsittaca amazonina

One in the upper section of the Rio Blanco 3 April.

Blue-headed Parrot Pionus menstruus

Seen at Sonso, Cañon del Rio Barbas and Tayrona NP.

Speckle-faced Parrot Pionus tumultuosus

A few at Otun Quimbaya and in Rio Blanco.

Bronze-winged Parrot Pionus chalcopterus

Seen at Cañon del Rio Barbas and Otun Quimbaya.

Scaly-naped Amazon Amazona mercenaria

Seen at Otun Quimbaya and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Dwarf Cuckoo Coccyzus pumilus

One briefly at Sonso 29 March.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus

Single near Bogotá at La Florida Marshes and one in Tayrona NP.

Squirrel Cuckoo Piaya cayana

A few seen at Cañon del Rio Barbas, Otun Quimbaya, Rio Blanco, Bellavista, La Vega and Tayrona NP.

Greater Ani Crotophaga major

Several at Sonso Lake.

Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani

Seen on seven dates.

Groove-billed Ani Crotophaga sulcirostris

Seen near Camerones and Riohacha.

Striped Cuckoo Tapera naevia

Heard near La Vega and Camerones and one seen in Tayrona NP 9 April.

Tropical Screech-Owl Megascops choliba

One heard in KM 18.

Santa Marta Screech-Owl Megascops sp. Nov. E

Only heard near El Dorado although we did try many times. A bird that fluttered across the road pre-dawn above the lodge was thought to be this species but the views remained inconclusive.

Colombian Screech-Owl Megascops colombianus

Heard at dawn at KM18.

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium brasilianum

Heard at Mamancana near Santa Marta 8 April and seen the next day at Neguanje in Tayrona NP.

Lesser Nighthawk Chordeiles acutipennis

Seen near Riohacha 9 April.

Pauraque Nyctidromus albicollis

Heard KM18.

Lyre-tailed Nightjar Uropsalis lyra

Heard distantly at KM18.

Chestnut-collared Swift Cypseloides rutilus

Seen at KM18, Cañon del Rio Barbas, Rio Blanco and El Dorado.

White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris

Seen at KM18, Cañon del Rio Barbas and Rio Blanco, Otun Quimbaya, Rio Blanco, Bellavista and El Dorado.

Rufous-breasted Hermit Glaucis hirsuta

Seen in Tayrona NP and below La Minca.

Grey-chinned Hermit Phaethornis griseogularis

Seen at Bellavista.

Green Hermit Phaethornis guy

Seen at Yotoco, Otun Quimbaya and La Vega.

Western Long-tailed Hermit Phaethornis longirostris

Seen at Bellavista Reserve and Tayrona NP.

Tawny-bellied Hermit Phaethornis syrmatophorus

One on the Galapagos Road.

Stripe-throated Hermit Phaethornis striigularis

One at La Vega.

Green-fronted Lancebill Doryfera ludovicae

One at Otun Quimbaya.

White-necked Jacobin Florisuga mellivora

Seen at KM18, in Yotoco and Bellavista Reserve.

Brown Violet-ear Colibri delphinae

Seen along the KM18 road, at Robert Olhman´s feeders and near Bellavista.

Green Violet-ear Colibri thalassinus

Regular at the El Dorado hummingbird feeders in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Sparkling Violet-ear Colibri coruscans

Seen at Rio Blanco and Canejera near Bogotá.

Black-throated Mango Anthracothorax nigricollis

Seen at Robert Olhman´s feeders and El Jardín Encantado near San Francisco.

Blue-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon mellisugus

Seen at KM18 and Cañon del Rio Barbas.

Red-billed Emerald Chlorostilbon gibsoni

Seen at La Vega, Bogotá sites and Tayrona NP.

Short-tailed Emerald Chlorostilbon poortmani

One at La Vega.

Violet-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica

Common at the Jardin Encantado near San Francisco 6 April, and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Green-crowned Woodnymph Thalurania colombica

One at Yotoco.

White-chinned Sapphire Hylocharis cyanus

Seen in Tayrona NP.

Blue-headed Sapphire Hylocharis grayi

One in KM18.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird Amazilia tzacatl

One of the most regularly encountered hummingbirds on the tour; seen on eight dates.

Andean Emerald Agyrtria franciae

Quite common around KM18, Rio Barbas and Otun Quimbaya.

Blue-chested Hummingbird Polyerata amabalis

One at Bellavista.

Steely-vented Hummingbird Saucerottia saucerottei

Seen in the KM18 area and at Yotoco.

Indigo-capped Hummingbird Amazilia cyanifrons

Common at the feeders in El Jardín Encantado near San Francisco.

White-vented Plumeleteer Chalybura buffoni

Seen at Yotoco, Bellavista and Santa Marta Mountains.

Speckled Hummingbird Adelomyia melanogenys

Seen at KM18 and Rio Blanco.

Fawn-breasted Brilliant Heliodoxa rubinoides

Seen at KM18 and Rio Blanco.

Empress Brilliant Heliodoxa imperatrix

A few seen on the Galapagos Road near El Cairo.

White-tailed Hillstar Urochroa bougueri

Seen on the Galapagos Road near El Cairo.

Buff-tailed Coronet Boissonneaua flavescens

Seen at KM18 and Rio Blanco.

Velvet-purple Coronet Boissonneaua jardini

Quite common on the Galapagos Road.

Mountain Velvetbreast Lafresnaya lafresnayi

Readily seen at El Dorado in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Bronzy Inca Coeligena coeligena

Seen at KM18.

White-tailed Starfrontlet Coeligena phalerata E

Males and females regularly seen at the feeders near the lodge at El Dorado Reserve.

Tourmaline Sunangel Heliangelus exortis

Regularly encountered at Rio Blanco.

Golden-breasted Puffleg Eriocnemis mosquera

A few below Los Nevados NP 4 April.

Greenish Puffleg Haplophaedia aureliae

Encountered at the start of the tour only at KM18 and the Galapagos Road near El Cairo.

Booted Racket-tail Ocreatus underwoodii

Seen at KM18.

Bearded Helmetcrest Oxypogon guerinii

A couple of males seen at Los Nevados NP 4 April.

Tyrian Metaltail Metallura tyrianthina

Quite common in the Santa Marta Mountains by the roadside.

Viridian Metaltail Metallura williami

Quite common at Los Nevados NP.

Long-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus kingi

Seen at KM18 and Rio Blanco.

Violet-tailed Sylph Aglaiocercus coelestis

Seen on the Galapagos Road near El Cairo.

Wedge-billed Hummingbird Augastes geoffroyi

One at KM18.

Long-billed Starthroat Heliomaster longirostris

Seen at Rio Barbas 30 March.

Purple-throated Woodstar Calliphlox mitchelii

Seen at KM18.

White-bellied Woodstar Chaetocercus mulsant

Seen at Bellavista.

Gogetted Woodstar Chaetocercus helidor

Seen at Jardin Encantado at San Francisco.

Santa Marta Woodstar Chaetocercus astreans E

A female at El Dorado 11 April.

Collared Trogon Trogon collaris

Heard at Rio Barbas 30 March.

Masked Trogon Trogon personatus

Small numbers on the Galapagos Road near El Cairo, Otun Quimbaya, Rio Blanco and Santa Marta Mountains.

Crested Quetzal Pharomachrus antisianus

One seen briefly at KM18 March 28.

White-tipped Quetzal Pharomachrus fulgidus

Heard 11 –12 April near El Dorado and one seen by a few of the group on the first date.

Golden-headed Quetzal Pharomachrus auriceps

Heard on the Galapagos Road, Otun Quimbaya and Rio Blanco but not seen.

Ringed Kingfisher Megaceryle torquata

Seen near KM18, Sonso and near Rio Barbas.

Amazon Kingfisher Chloroceryle amazona

As above species.

Green Kingfisher Chloroceryle americana

One near Camerones 10 April.

Blue-crowned Motmot Momotus momota

Seen at Yotoco Forest 29 March.

Whooping Motmot Momotus subrufescens

This recently recognised species of the Caribbean coast of northern South America was seen well in Tayrona NP 9 April.

Highland Motmot Momotus aequatorialis

Seen at KM18, Rio Barbas, Otun Quimbaya and Rio Blanco.

Rufous-tailed Jacamar Galbula ruficauda

Seen in Tayrona NP and La Minca 9 – 10 April.

White-necked Puffbird Notharchus macrorhynchus

One in Tayrona NP 9 April.

Russet-throated Puffbird Hypnelus ruficollis

Seen in the Mamacana NP, Tayrona NP and near Camerones on the extension.

White-mantled Barbet Capito hypoleucus E

Seen well in the Bellavista Reserve 4 April.

Red-headed Barbet Eubucco boucierii

Seen at KM18 and Galapagos Road.

Groove-billed (Yellow-billed) Toucanet Aulacorhychus sulcatus

Seen in the El Dorado area, Santa Marta Mountains 11 and 13 April.

Crimson-rumped Toucanet Aulocorhynchus haematopygus

Seen at KM18 and Rio Barbas.

Emerald (Andean) Toucanet Aulacorhynchus prasinus albivita

Seen at KM18 and Otun Quimbaya.

Emerald (Santa Marta) Toucanet Aulorcorhynchus prasinus lautus (E)

Recorded 11 – 13 April at El Dorado in Santa Marta Mountains.

Black-billed Mountain-Toucan Andigena nigrirostris

Heard Rio Blanco.

Keel-billed Toucan Ramphastos sulfuratus

Quite common in the lower Santa Marta Mountains from La Minca to El Dorado 10 – 13 April.

Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus

One at Bellavista 5 April.

Greyish Piculet Picumnus granadensis E

One at Yotoco 29 March.

Chestnut Piculet Picumnus cinnamomeus

One near Camerones gave us the run-around in the dry thorn forest there 10 April.

Acorn Woodpecker Melanerpes formicivorus

Seen at Yotoco, Rio Barbas and Otun Quimbaya.

Red-crowned Woodpecker Melanerpes rubricapillus

Seen at Yotoco Forest, Bellavista, La Vega, Bogotá sites 11- 12 April and Tayrona NP on the extension.

Smoky-brown Woodpecker Veniliornis fumigatus

Recorded at KM18, Yotoco, Rio Blanco and La Florida near Bogotá.

Red-rumped Woodpecker Veniliornis kirkii

Seen at Bellavista Reserve only.

Golden-olive Woodpecker Piculus rubiginosus

Seen at KM18, Rio Blanco and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Crimson-mantled Woodpecker Piculus rivolii

Seen at Rio Blanco only.

Spot-breasted Woodpecker Colaptes punctigula

One at Sonso 29 March.

Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus

One at Rio Barbas 30 March.

Crimson-crested Woodpecker Campephilus melanoleucus

One at La Minca 13 April.

Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior

Quite common at Los Nevados 4 April.

Pale-legged (Caribbean) Hornero Furnarius leucopus longirostris

Seen in the Tayrona NP 9 April.

White-whiskered Spinetail Synallaxis candei

Seen in Tayrona NP 9 – 10 April. One of my personal favourites from this tour.

Rusty-headed Spinetail Synallaxis fuscorufa E

Seen on two dates at El Dorado.

Azara’s Spinetail Synallaxis azarae

Quite common and recorded on five dates throughout the tour.

Silvery-throated Spinetail Synallaxis subpudica E

Seen at La Conejera and La Florida Marshes in Bogotá 11 – 12 April.

Pale-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis albescens

Recorded in disturbed habitat and marshy areas on even dates.

Slaty Spinetail Synallaxis brachyura

A couple seen at Rio Barbas on 30 March were of the cauca subspecies.

Streak-capped Spinetail Cranioleuca hellmayri

Seen on three dates in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Red-faced Spinetail Cranioleuca erythrops

Not uncommon in the KM18 area 28 March.

White-chinned Thistletail Schizoeaca fuliginosa

Heard in Los Nevados NP.

Many-striped Canastero Asthenes flammulata

Several in Los Nevados 4 April.

Spotted Barbtail Premnoplex brunnescens

Seen well at KM18 and heard Otun Quimbaya.

Fulvous-dotted Treerunner Margarornis stellatus

One seen near El Cairo 31 March.

Pearled Treerunner Margarornis sqaumiger

Common at Rio Blanco.

Buffy Tuftedcheek Psuedocolaptes lawrencii

Seen on the Galapagos Road.

Plain Xenops Xenops minutus

Seen at Bellavista and Tayrona NP.

Streaked Xenops Xenops rutilanse

Seen at KM18 and Rio Blanco.

Montane Foliage-Gleaner Anabacerthia striaticollis

Seen on two dates between La Minca and El Dorado in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Streaked Tuftedcheek Pseudocolaptes boissonneautii

Seen in Rio Blanco 3 April.

Striped Treehunter Thripadectes holostictus

Heard on the Galapagos Road above El Cairo 31 March.

Streak-capped Treehunter Thripadectes virgaticeps

Seen at KM18 28 March.

Uniform Treehunter Thripadectes ignobilis

Seen on the Galapagos Road above El Cairo 31 March.

Lineated Foliage-Gleaner Syndactyla subalaris

Heard at KM18.

Ruddy (Santa Marta) Foliage-Gleaner Automolus rubiginosus rufipectus (E)

A couple seen well near La Minca April 13.

Plain-brown Woodcreeper Dendrocincla fuliginosa

Seen in Tayrona NP and La Minca on the extension.

Strong-billed Woodcreeper Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus

Seen at Otun Quimbaya and every day in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Black-banded Woodcreeper Dendrocolaptes picumnus

One below Cerro Kennedy in the Santa Marta Mountains 12 April.

Cocoa Woodcreeper Xiphorhynchus susurrans

Seen in Tayrona NP.

Straight-billed Woodcreeper Dendroplex picus

Seen on two dates in Tayrona NP.

Streak-headed Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes souleyetti

Seen at Bellavista and La Vega.

Montane Woodcreeper Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger

Seen KM18, Rio Blanco and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Black-crested Antshrike Sakesphorus canadensis

Seen in the Tayrona NP on three dates.

Black-backed Antshrike Sakesphorus melanonotus

A female seen well in Tayrona NP 9 April.

Barred Antshrike Thamnophilus doliatus

A pair in Rio Barbas 30 March and heard in Tayrona NP.

Bar-crested Antshrike Thamnophilus multistriatus

A pair in Yotoco Forest and La Vega.

Western Slaty-Antshrike Thamnophilus atrinucha

Heard in Tayrona NP.

Plain Antvireo Dysithamnus mentalis

Seen at KM18 and Yotoco.

Bicolored Antvireo Dysithamnus occidentalis

One heard on the Galapagos Road above El Cairo. Typically this bird remained inside the forest and did not respond to playback.

Slaty Antwen Myrmotherula axillaris

One at KM18 and heard at El Dorado on the extension.

(Northern) White-fringed Antwren Formicivora grisea intermedia

Seen during the extension in the Tayrona NP, the Caricari Road near Riohacha and at Camerones.

Long-tailed Antbird Drymophila caudata

Seen at the Rio Blanco Reserve 2 April.

Dusky Antbird Cercomacra tyrannina

Seen well at La Vega.

White-bellied Antbird Myrmeciza longipes

Heard in Tayrona NP.

Scaled Antpitta Grallaria guatimalensis

Heard at KM18 and below El Dorado.

Santa Marta Antpitta Grallaria bangsii E

Seen well above El Dorado 11 April and heard the next day there too.

Chestnut-crowned Antpitta Grallaria ruficapilla

Seen at Rio Blanco 2 – 3 April.

Bicolored Antpitta Grallaria rufocinerea

Heard Rio Blanco 2 – 3 April.

Chestnut-naped Antpitta Grallaria nuchalis

Heard on both dates at Rio Blanco.

Yellow-breasted Antpitta Grallaria flavotincta

One seen well on the Galapagos Road 31 March.

Rufous Antpitta Grallaria rufula

One seen well in Los Nevados NP 4 April and heard in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Tawny Antpitta Grallaria quitensis

Seen in Los Nevados NP.

Brown Banded Antpitta Grallaria milleri E

Up to 3 in a day seen at Rio Blanco 2 – 3 April.

Ochre-breasted Antpitta Grallaricula flavirostris

Heard on the Galapagos Road near El Cairo.

Rusty-breasted Antpitta Grallicula ferrugineipectus

Subspecies rara seen well at La Vega and nominate seen above La Minca in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Slate-crowned Antpitta Grallaricula nana

One seen at Rio Blanco.

Ash-coloured Tapaculo Myornis senilis

Heard at Rio Blanco 2 – 3 April.

Blackish Tapaculo Scytalopus latrans

Seen 2 April at Rio Blanco and heard there the next day.

Santa Marta Tapaculo Scytalopus sanctaemartae E

Seen between La Minca and El Dorado 10 April and heard 13 April in the same area.

Narino Tapaculo Scytalopus vicinior

Heard at KM18 and Rio Barbas; seen Galapagos Road 31 March.

Brown-rumped Tapaculo Scytalopus latebricola E

Seen near El Dorado 11 April and heard there the next day.

Spillman’s Tapaculo Scytalopus spillmanni

Seen in Rio Blanco 3 April.

Paramo Tapaculo Scytalopus canus

Heard Los Nevados NP 4 April.

Red-crested Cotinga Ampelion rubrocristatus

At least 3 seen in Los Nevados NP 4 April.

Green-and-black Fruiteater Pipreola riefferii

Frequently encountered in forest sites at the start of the tour including KM18, Rio Barbas, El Cairo and Rio Blanco.

Orange-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola juncunda

A pair watched at a nest on the Galapagos Road 31 March.

Golden-breasted Fruiteater Pipreola aureopectus

Seen well above El Dorado in the Santa Marta Mountains 11 April and heard on other days there.

Olivaceous Piha Lipaugus cryptolophus

One seen on the Galapagos Road 31 March.

Dusky Piha Lipaugus fuscocinereus

Heard at Rio Blanco.

Red-ruffed Fruitcrow Pyroderus scutatus

Common at Otun Quimbaya 1 April.

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock Rupicola peruviana

A female seen at Rio Barbas 30 March.

White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus

Seen in Rio Blanco, Tayrona NP and near La Minca.

Lance-tailed Manakin Chiroxiphia lanceolata

Several birds in Tayrona NP 9 April included some lekking males.

Golden-headed Manakin Pira erythrocephala

Seen at Bellavista 5 April.

(Western) Striped Manakin Machaeropterus striolatus striolatus

Seen well at Bellavista 5 April.

Southern Beardless Tyrannulet Camptostoma obsoletum

Recorded near Bogotá and in Tayrona NP.

Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet Phaeomyias murina

Seen at Otun Quimbaya, Bellavista, La Florida Marshes and La Vega.

Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet Tyrannulus elatus

Seen at Yotoco and heard on at least three other dates.

Yellow-bellied Elaenia Elaenia flavogaster

Seen on six dates and particularly common near KM18.

Mountain Elaenia Elaenia frantzii

Seen at KM18, common at Rio Blanco, near Bogotá and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher Mionectes oleagineus

Seen in Yotoco Forest, Bellavista, Tayrona and La Minca.

Olive-striped Flycatcher Mionectes olivaceus

Seen at El Dorado in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Rufous-breasted Flycatcher Leptopogon rufipectus

A few seen at Otun Quimbaya and Rio Blanco on three dates.

Sepia-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon amaurocephalus

One below La Minca in the Santa Marta Mountains on the last day of the tour.

Slaty-capped Flycatcher Leptopogon superciliaris

A few in the Bellavista Reserve 5 April.

Bronze-olive Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus pelzelni

Seen on the Galapagos Road and Otun Quimbaya 4 – 5 April.

Rufous-headed Pygmy-Tyrant Pseudotriccus ruficeps

One at Rio Blanco 3 April.

Variegated Bristle-Tyrant Pogonotriccus poecilotis

A few at KM18 on the first day of the tour.

Marble-faced Bristle-Tyrant Pognotriccus opthalmicus

Seen at KM18 28 March.

Sooty-headed Tyrannulet Phyllomyias griseiceps

A few (including a nesting bird) at Yotoco and La Vega.

Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet Phllomyias plumbeiceps

Seen at Otun Quimbaya.

Black-capped Tyrannulet Phyllomyias nigrocapillus

Seen at Rio Blanco and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Venezuelan Tyrannulet Zimmerius improbus

One above La Minca on the final day of the tour.

Golden-faced Tyrannulet Zimmerius chrysops

One of the most common flycatchers of the main tour; recorded on eight dates.

Choco Tyrannulet Zimmerius albigularis

Heard near El Cairo 31 March.

Northern Scrub Flycatcher Sublegatus arenarum

Seen in Tayrona NP and Camerones near Riohacha during the extension.

White-throated Tyrannulet Mecocerculus leucophrys

Seen in Los Nevados NP and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

White-tailed Tyrannulet Mecocerculus poecilocercus

Seen at Rio Blanco 3 April.

Slender-billed Tyrannulet Inezia tenuirostris

Seen on the extension in Mamancana, Tayrona and Camerones.

Subtropical Doradito Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis

Seen in La Florida Marshes near Bogotá 8 April.

Tawny-crowned Pygmy-Tyrant Euscarthmus meloryphus

Recorded on two dates near Riohacha during the extension.

Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant Lophotriccus pileatus

Heard at Yotoco.

Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant Atalotriccus pilaris

Seen on the Mamacana Reserve 8 April.

Southern Bentbill Oncostoma olivaceum

Heard in Tayrona NP 9 April only.

Rufous-crowned Tody-Tyrant Poecilotriccus ruficeps

Seen at Rio Blanco only.

Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer

Seen on the Caricari Road near Riohacha 9 April.

Black-throated Tody-Tyrant Hemitriccus granadensis

Heard at El Dorado 11 April.

Common Tody-Flycatcher Todirostrum cinereum

Seen at Yotoco, Rio Barbas, La Vega and La Minca.

Yellow-olive Flycatcher Tolmomyias sulphurescens

One in Tayrona NP.

Handsome Flycatcher Myiophobus pulcher

Quite common on the Galapagos Road 31 March.

Cinnamon Flycatcher Pyrrhomyias cinnamomea

Small numbers seen on eight dates including the distinctive assimilis subspecies in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Olive-sided Flycatcher Contopus cooperi

Seen on the Galapagos Road and above La Minca.

Smoke-coloured Pewee Contopus fumigatus

Seen near El Cairo and La Minca.

Western Wood-Pewee Contopus sordidus

Seen on the Galapagos Road near El Cairo.

Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens

Seen at La Canejera and in Tayrona NP.

Tropical Pewee Contopus cinereus

Seen near La Minca in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Acadian Flycatcher Empidonax virescens

Seen at Yotoco, Otun Quimbaya, Bellavista and La Florida (Bogotá).

Black Phoebe Sayornis nigricans

Seen at Rio Barbas, the Galapagos Road and Rio Blanco.

Vermilion Flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus

Seen on seven dates.

Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca diadema

Seen at Rio Blanco 6 April.

Slaty-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris

Seen on the Galapgos Road and in Rio Blanco.

Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant Ochthoeca fumicolor

Seen in Los Nevados NP.

Santa Marta Bush-Tyrant Myiotheretes pernix E

One seen well below Cerro Kennedy in the Santa Marta Mountains 12 April 2010.

Long-tailed Tyrant Colonia colonus

Seen at Bellavista only.

Cattle Tyrant Machetornis rixosus

Seen near Bogotá and on the extension near Camerones and Riohacha.

Bright-rumped Attila Attila spadiceus

Heard at KM18.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer

Seen at KM18.

Venezuelan Flycatcher Myiarchus venezuelensis

Seen at the Mamancana Reserve and below La Minca during the Santa Marta extension only.

Pale-edged Flycatcher Myiarchus cephalotes

Seen both days in The Rio Blanco Reserve.

Brown-crested Flycatcher Myiarchus ferox

Seen at Bellavista and on the Bogotá plateau during the main tour. A few seen in Tayrona NP.

Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus

Recorded on nine dates.

Boat-billed Flycatcher Megarhynchus pitangua

Seen at Bellavista, La Florida and La Minca.

Rusty-margined Flycatcher Myiozetetes cayanensis

Seen on several dates in Sonso, La Vega and near Bogotá.

Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis

Seen on six dates.

Golden-crowned Flycatcher Myiodynastes chrysocephalus

Recorded at KM18, Otun Quimbaya, Rio Blanco and El Dorado.

Streaked Flycatcher Myiodynastes maculatus

Seen at Bellavista, La Vega and La Minca.

Piratic Flycatcher Legatus leucophaius

Seen at Yotoco, Bellavista, La Vega and La Minca.

Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus

Seen at Rio Barbas and some flocks near Bogotá at La Florida numbering 70+.

Tropical Kingbird Tyrannus melanocholicus

Seen nearly every day of the tour.

Grey Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis

One seen in Tayrona NP.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher Tyrannus savanna

Seen at Sonso and near Riohacha.

Barred Becard Pachyramphus versicolor

Seen at KM18 and Rio Blanco.

Cinnamon Becard Pachyramphus cinnamomeus

Seen at Bellavista.

White-winged Becard Pachyramphus polychopterus

Heard at Otun Quimbaya.

Cinereous Becard Pachyramphus rufus

Seen at KM18, Yotoco and La Vega.

Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata

Seen at Yotoco and La Minca.

Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor

Seen at Bellavista.

Grey-breasted Martin Progne chalybea

Seen at Bellavista and Tayrona NP.

White-winged Swallow Tachycineta albiventer

Seen near Bellavista 5 – 6 April.

Blue-and-white Swallow Notiochelidon cyanoleuca

Seen on eleven dates.

Brown-bellied Swallow Notiochelidon murina

Seen near Rio Blanco, Los Nevados and sites near Bogotá.

Southern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx ruficollis

Widespread and seen on eight dates during the tour.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia

Seen at Sonso.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

Many at Sonso and on the extension from Tayrona NP to Riohacha.

Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota

One or two with the above species at Sonso Lake 29 March.

Band-backed Wren Campylorhynchus zonatus

One seen at La Vega 7 April.

Bicolored Wren Campylorhynchus griseus

Regularly seen on the first three days of the extension in the dry lowlands.

Sharpe’s Wren Cinnycerthia olivascens

Seen on the Galapagos Road and Rio Blanco.

Sooty-headed Wren Pheugopedius spadix

One at Bellavista was a very tricky customer.

Black-bellied Wren Pheugopedius fasciatoventris

Heard at Bellavista.

Plain-tailed Wren Pheugopedius euophrys

Seen at Rio Blanco.

Whiskered Wren Pheugopedius mystacalis

Heard at KM18, Rio Barbas and La Vega.

Rufous-breasted Wren Pheugopedius rutilus

Seen above La Minca in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Speckle-breasted Wren Pheugopedius sclateri

One at Yotoco Forest 29 March.

Bay Wren Thryotherus nigricapillus

Seen on the Galapagos Road and heard at Bellavista.

Rufous-and-white Wren Thryophilus rufalbus

Seen in Tayrona NP.

Buff-breasted Wren Cantorchilus leucotis

Seen in Tayrona NP.

House Wren Troglodytes aedon

Common and seen nearly every day of the tour.

Mountain Wren Troglodytes solstitialis

Seen at Rio Blanco and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Sedge Wren Cistithorus platensis

Heard at Los Nevados 4 April.

Apolinar’s Wren Cistothorus apolinari E

One seen briefly at La Canejera in Bogotá 7 April.

White-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucosticta

Heard at the Galapgos Road and seen in the Bellavista Reserve.

Grey-breasted Wood-Wren Henicorhina leucophrys

Recorded on ten dates in most pre-montane habitats.

Munchique Wood-Wren Henicorhina negreti E

Heard on the Galapagos Road near El Cairo 30 – 31 March but not seen unfortunately.

Scaly-breasted Wren Microcerculus marginatus

Heard on the Galapagos Road and in Bellavista.

Chestnut-breasted Wren Cyphorhinus thoracicus

Seen at KM18 and heard at Otun Quimbaya.

Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus

Seen near La Vega, Bogotá and dry lowlands during the extension.

Andean Solitaire Myadestes ralloides

Seen KM18 and heard daily near El Cairo on the Galapagos Road.

Black Solitaire Entomodestes coracinus

Seen on the Galapagos Road 30 March and heard there the next day.

Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush Catharus fuscater

Heard Rio Barbas and Santa Marta Mountains.

Grey-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus

A few seen at Bellavista.

Swainson’s Thrush Catharus ustulatus

Seen at Yotoco Forest, Rio Barbas and Bellavista.

Yellow-legged Thrush Platycichla flavipes

Seen near La Minca in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Great Thrush Turdus fuscater

Common at Rio Blanco and near Bogotá with a few in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Glossy-black Thrush Turdus serranus

Common at KM18 and heard at Rio Barbas and seen at Rio Blanco.

Black-hooded Thrush Turdus olivater

Quite common in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Pale-breasted Thrush Turdus leucomelas

Seen near Bellavista and then during the extension from Tayrona NP through to Riohacha.

Black-billed Thrush Turdus ingnobilis

Quite common in the foothills of KM18, Yotoco, Rio Barbas, El Cairo and Bellavista.

Clay-coloured Robin Turdus grayi

Seen in Tayrona NP and La Minca during the extension.

White-necked Thrush Turdus albicollis

Seen near La Minca on the final day.

Long-billed Gnatwren Ramphocaenus melanurus

Heard at La Vega.

Tropical Gnatcatcher Polioptila plumbea

Seen in the tropical lowlands during the extension.

Black-chested Jay Cyanocorax affinis

Seen 11 – 13 April during the extension.

Green Jay Cyanocorax yncas

Seen at Rio Barbas and Otun Quimbaya.

Beautiful Jay Cyanolyca pulchra

One seen on the Galapagos Road 31 March.

Black-collared Jay Cyanolyca armillata

A few at Rio Blanco 3 April.

Brown-capped Vireo Vireo leucophrys

Seen at Yotoco, the Galapagos Road, Otun Quimbaya, Rio Blanco and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus

Seen on seven dates.

Rufous-naped Greenlet Hylophilus semibrunneus

Seen at Bellavista.

Scrub Greenlet Hylophilus flavipes

Seen at La Vega and near Bogotá.

Golden-fronted Greenlet Hylophilus aurantiifrons

Seen near Riohacha.

Rufous-browed Peppershrike Cyclarhis gujanensis

Seen at La Vega and Tayrona NP.

Black-billed Peppershrike Cyclarhis nigrirostris

Heard at KM18 and Otun Quimbaya and finally seen well at Rio Blanco.

Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia

Seen at KM18, Rio Barbas, Rio Blanco and Bellavista.

Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis

A few seen at La Florida on the edge of Bogotá 8 April.

Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina

Seen near Bogotá on the final day of the main tour.

Tropical Parula Parula pitiayumi

Recorded on seven dates.

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia

Seen near Yotoco and the marshes near Bogotá.

Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea

Seen on both days during our visit to Bellavista.

Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca

Seen practically every day of the trip.

Mourning Warbler Oporornis philadelphia

Seen at KM18 and Yotoco on the first two days of the tour.

Canada Warbler Wilsonia canadensis

Seen on nine dates.

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla

Seen at La Vega and in Tayrona NP.

Slate-throated Whitestart Myioborus miniatus

Seen on eleven dates in all pre-montane sites.

Golden-fronted Whitestart Myioborus ornatus

Seen 2 – 3 April in Rio Blanco.

Yellow-crowned (Santa Marta) Whitestart Myioborus flavivertex E

Seen above El Dorado 11 – 12 April.

Black-crested Warbler Basileauterus nigrocristatus

Common in Rio Blanco.

Santa Marta Warbler Basleuterus basilicus E

Seen below Cerro Kennedy in the Santa Marta Mountains 12 April.

White-lored Warbler Basileuterus conspicillatus E

Seen above El Dorado in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Russet-crowned Warbler Basileuterus coronatus

Seen near El Cairo and Rio Blanco.

Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus

Seen in Yotoco Forest.

Rufous-capped Warbler Basileuterus rufifrons

Seen at Bellavista and La Vega on the main tour and La Minca on the extension.

Three-striped Warbler Basileuterus tristriatus

Quite common at KM18 and the Galapagos Road near El Cairo.

Buff-rumped Warbler Basileuterus fulvicauda

Seen on two dates in Bellavista.

Bananaquit Coereba flaveola

Seen on eleven dates.

Rufous-browed Conebill Conirostrum rufum E

At least six seen at La Florida Marshes and seen briefly at La Canejera near Bogotá.

Capped Conebill Conirostrum albifrons

Seen at Rio Blanco.

Grass-green Tanager Chlorornis reifferii

Small numbers on the Galapagos Road and Rio Blanco.

White-capped Tanager Sericossypha albocristata

At least six of these noisy jay-like birds were seen at Rio Blanco 3 April.

Dusky Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus semifuscus

Common on the Galapagos Road.

Ashy-throated Bush-Tanager Chlorospingus canigularis

Seen at KM18 and Otun Quimbaya.

Grey-hooded Bush-Tanager Cnemoscopus rubrirostris

Seen in Rio Blanco only.

Black-capped Hemispingus Hemispingus atropileus

Seen 2 – 3 April in Rio Blanco.

Superciliaried Hemispingus Hemispingus superciliaris

Seen in Rio Blanco 3 April.

Oleaginous Hemispingus Hemispingus frontalis

Seen in Rio Blanco 2 April in a mixed species feeding flock.

Black-eared Hemispingus Hemispingus melanotis

Seen on both dates in Rio Blanco.

Guira Tanager Hemithraupis guira

Seen in Yotoco Forest.

Yellow-backed Tanager Hemithraupis flavicollis

Seen near Bellavista 5 April.

Grey-headed Tanager Eucometis penicillata

Small numbers seen regularly in Bellavista and in the lowlands on the extension.

Rufous-crested Tanager Creurgops verticalis

Seen at KM18 on the first day in the field.

White-shouldered Tanager Tachyphonus luctuosus

Small numbers in Bellavista only.

Tawny-crested Tanager Tachyphonus delatrii

Bellavista only.

White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus

Seen at La Minca as we traveled up to El Dorado and on the return journey.

Sooty Ant-Tanager Habia gutturalis E

Seen well at Bellavista 5 April and heard the next day.

Crested Ant-Tanager Habia cristata E

Seen in Quebrada Charco Azul above El Cairo 31 March.

Crimson-backed Tanager Ramphocelus dimidiatus

Quite common at Bellavista, La Vega and Tayrona NP.

Flame-rumped Tanager Ramphocelus flammigerus E

This endemic was seen regularly at KM18, Rio Barbas, Otun Quimbaya and Bellavista.

Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea

A few cracking males in Bellavista.

Summer Tanager Piranga ruber

Seen in Yotoco, Rio Barbas and Bellavista.

Blue-grey Tanager Thraupis episcopus

Seen nearly every day of the main tour and extension.

Glaucous Tanager Thraupis glaucocolpa

Seen in the tropical lowlands on the extension on the Caricari Road and near Riohacha.

Blue-capped Tanager Thraupis cyanocephala

Common at Rio Blanco and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Palm Tanager Thraupis palmarum

Seen most days of the tour.

Gold-ringed Tanager Bangsia aureocincta E

This endemic was surprisingly common on the Galapagos Road above El Cairo 30 – 31 March.

Santa Marta Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus melanogenys E

Common in the higher sections of the Santa Marta Mountain road above El Dorado 11 – 12 April.

Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus lacrymosus

One at Rio Blanco 3 April.

Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus igniventris

Heard at Los Nevados.

Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus somptuosus

Seen at KM18 and Rio Blanco.

Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager Anisognathus notabilis

Seen near El Cairo on the Galapagos Road.

Purplish-mantled Tanager Iridosornis porphyrocephala

A few seen on both our days on the Galapagos Road.

Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager Dubusia taeniata

Seen above Rio Blanco 2 – 3 April.

Fawn-breasted Tanager Pipraeidea melanonota

Seen at KM18, Rio Barbas and La Florida.

Trinidad Euphonia Euphonia trinitatis

Seen in Tayrona NP and near Camerones on the extension.

Velvet-fronted Euphonia Euphonia concinna E

At least two seen at Bellavista 5 April.

Thick-billed Euphonia Euphonia laniirostris

Seen at Bellavista, La Vega and Tayrona NP.

Golden-rumped Euphonia Euphonia cyanocephala

Seen at KM18, Yotoco and Rio Barbas.

Fulvous-vented Euphonia Euphonia fulvicrissa

Seen at Bellavista.

Orange-bellied Euphonia Euphonia minuta

Seen at KM18, the Galapagos Road and Bellavista.

Yellow-collared Chlorophonia Chlorophonia flavirostris

Seen readily on the Galapagos Road near El Cairo.

Blue-naped Chlorophonia Chlorophonia cyanea

Seen in the Santa Marta Mountains only.

Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia Chlorophonia pyrrhophrys

Seen on the Galapagos Road.

Multicolored Tanager Chlorochrysa nitidissima E

Small numbers of one our most wanted birds of the tour at KM18 March 28.

Plain-coloured Tanager Tangara inornata

Seen at Bellavista.

Golden Tanager Tangara arthus

Seen at KM18, Rio Barbas and Otun Quimbaya.

Saffron-crowned Tanager Tangara xanthocephala

Common at KM18.

Flame-faced Tanager Tangara parzudakii

A few on the Galapagos Road.

Bay-headed Tanager Tanagara gyrola

Quite common and seen on eight dates at KM18, Rio Barbas, Yotoco, Bellavista, La Vega and during the Santa Marta extension.

Scrub Tanager Tangara vitriolina

This range-restricted species was seen quite readily around KM18, Yotoco, Rio Barbas, the Galapagos Road, Bellavista and La Vega.

Golden-naped Tanager Tangara ruficervix

Seen at KM18.

Metallic-green Tanager Tangara labradorides

Seen at KM18 and Galapagos Road.

Blue-necked Tanager Tangara cyanicollis

Seen at Yotoco, Rio Barbas, Bellavista and La Vega.

Golden-hooded Tanager Tangara lavarta

Small numbers at Bellavista.

Beryl-spangled Tanager Tangara nigroviridis

Seen at KM18, the Galapagos Road and Rio Blanco.

Blue-and-black Tanager Tangara vassorii

Common at Rio Blanco.

Black-capped Tanager Tangara heinei

Small numbers on the Galapagos Road and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Blue Dacnis Dacnis cayana

Small numbers at Bellavista.

Yellow-tufted Dacnis Dacnis egregia

Bellavista was the only site we saw this.

Green Honeycreeper Chlorophanes spiza

Seen at KM18, Yotoco, Rio Barbas and Bellavista.

Swallow Tanager Tersina viridis

We saw these at Bellavista and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Plush-capped Finch Catamblyrhynchus diadema

Seen at Rio Blanco and lower sections of Los Nevados NP.

Pileated Finch Coryphospingus pileatus

Common in the tropical lowlands of the extension.

Plumbeous Sierra-Finch Phrygilus jacarina

Seen in Los Nevados NP only.

Blue-black Grassquit Volatinia jacarina

Seen on seven dates.

Slate-coloured Seedeater Sporophila schistacea

Seen at KM18, Rio Barbas, Bellavista and La Vega.

Grey Seedeater Sporophila intermedia

Seen at Rio Barbas.

Yellow-bellied Seedeater Sporophila nigricollis

Seen on eight dates.

Ruddy-breasted Seedeater Sporophila minuta

Seen at Sonso and near Bogotá only.

Chestnut-bellied Seedfinch Oryzoborus angolensis

Seen near Bogotá 7 April.

Band-tailed Seedeater Catamenia analis

Seen at La Florida near Bogotá.

Plain-coloured Seedeater Catamenia inornata

Seen at Los Nevados.

Paramo Seedeater Catamenia homochroa

Seen in the higher sections of the Santa Marta Mountains 12 April.

Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea

Seen at KM18, Rio Barbas, Galapagos Road, Rio Blanco and La Vega.

Dull-coloured Grassquit Tiaris obscura

Seen at Sonso Lake.

Rusty Flowerpiercer Diglossa sittoides

KM18 and El Dorado only.

White-sided Flowerpiercer Diglossa albilatera

We saw them at KM18, Galapagos Road and Rio Blanco as well as the extension.

Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis

Seen at Los Nevados, Bogotá and in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Indigo Flowerpiercer Diglossopis indigotica

Seen well on the Galapagos Road, including some juveniles.

Saffron Finch Sicalis flaveola

Seen on eleven dates.

Slaty Brush-Finch Atlapetes schistaceus

Seen daily at Rio Blanco.

Santa Marta Brush-Finch Atlapetes melanocephalus E

Quite common around and above El Dorado and La Minca on the Santa Marta Mountain Road.

Tricolored Brush-Finch Atlapetes tricolor

Common on the Galapagos Road.

Yellow-throated Brush-Finch Atlapetes gutturalis

Common near KM18 and Rio Barbas.

Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch Arremon brunneinucha

Common at KM18 and Rio Barbas.

Stripe-headed Brush-Finch Arremon torquatus

Seen at Rio Blanco. Birds of the form atricapillus (Black-headed Brush-Finch) were seen at La Vega 7 April.

Orange-billed Sparrow Arremon aurantiirostris

Seen near Bellavista 5 April.

Golden-winged Sparrow Arremon shlegeli

Seen above La Minca 10 & 13 April.

Tocuyo Sparrow Arremonops tocuyensis

One lucky group member saw this bird near Camerones but it got away before the rest of us got to it!

Black-striped Sparrow Arremonops conirostris

Seen at La Vega.

Rufous-collared Sparrow Zonotrichia capensis

Common; seen most days.

Streaked Saltator Saltator striatipectus

Widespread; seen on six dates.

Greyish Saltator Saltator coerulescens

Common in the tropical lowlands of the extension.

Buff-throated Saltator Saltator maximus

Seen at Bellavista and lowlands of the extension.

Black-winged Saltator Saltator atripennis

Seen at KM18, Rio Barbas, Otun Quimbaya and Rio Blanco.

Orinocan Saltator Saltator orenocensis

A few near Camerones and Riohacha.

Masked Saltator Saltator cinctus

At least 4 in Rio Blanco 3 April. A scarce bird and hard to see anywhere but Blanco appears to be a reliable site.

Vermilion Cardinal Cardinalis phoeniceus

A few seen in the arid scrub near Camerones 10 April.

Indigo Bunting Passerina caerulea

A few seen near La Minca in the Santa Marta Mountains.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus

A few seen at Yotoco Forest.

Golden-bellied Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster

Seen in Tayrona NP and near El Dorado on the extension.

Yellow-hooded Blackbird Cyrysomus icterocephalus

Seen in the marshes near Bogotá 7 – 8 April.

Red-breasted Blackbird Sturnella militaris

Seen near Sonso Lake 29 March.

Great-tailed Grackle Quicalus mexicanus

Seen in the lowlands near Santa Marta.

Carib Grackle Quiscalus lugubris

Common near Santa Marta on the coast.

Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis

Widespread and seen on nine dates.

Giant Cowbird Molothrus oryzivorus

Seen on four dates.

Yellow-backed Oriole Icterus chrysater

Seen near Sonso Lake.

Yellow Oriole Icterus nigrogularis

Seen during the extension in Tayrona NP and near Riohacha.

Orange-crowned Oriole Icterus auricapillus

Seen in Tayrona NP.

Oriole Blackbird Gymnomystax mexicanus

Seen near Sonso Lake rather surprisingly as it is primarily a bird of Amazonian river islands. However it does appear to be spreading (cf. personal observations of birds in the Urubamba Valley in N. Peru) and not entirely improbable.

Yellow-billed Cacique Amblycercus holosericeus

Heard at Rio Blanco.

Crested Oropendola Psarocolius decumanus

Common during the extension.

Andean Siskin Carduelis spinescens

Small numbers in Los Nevados NP and near Bogotá.

Yellow-bellied Siskin Carduelis xanthogastra

Seen at Rio Blanco.

Lesser Goldfinch Carduelis psaltria

Seen on five dates during the tour.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Seen at El Cairo.