COLOMBIA OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK – endemics and specialities of the Andes, the Magdalena Valley and the Choco

PRICE INFORMATION

Birdquest Inclusions: Our tour prices include transportation, accommodations, meals and entrance fees.

We also include all tipping for local guides, drivers and accommodation/restaurant staff.

Deposit: 20% of the total tour price. Our office will let you know what deposit amount is due, in order to confirm your booking, following receipt of your online booking form.

TO BOOK THIS TOUR: Click here (you will need the tour dates)

There are only a limited number of rooms at the Chestnut-capped Piha reserve (2 nights). There is no single supplement at this location, but singles are provided free of additional charge if available at the time (they usually are, but not always for everyone who wants one). There is no single accommodation for the night at Colibri del Sol reserve during the extension.

The single supplement will not apply if you indicate on booking that you prefer to share a room and there is a room-mate of the same sex available.

This tour is priced in US Dollars. Amounts shown in other currencies are indicative.

COLOMBIA OFF-THE-BEATEN-TRACK BIRDING TOUR: DETAILED ITINERARY

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 1

Our tour begins this evening in Bogotá, where we will spend the night.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 2

From Bogotá, we shall head northwards to Soatá for a two-night stay. This afternoon, we will begin our exploration of the Soatá area.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 3

Our time in the Soatá area will focus on four rare, localised and very special species which are very hard to find elsewhere. These comprise three endemics – the attractive Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird, the secretive Niceforo’s Wren and the endangered Colombian Mountain Grackle – and the near-endemic, rare and localised Rusty-faced Parrot. We have an excellent chance of seeing all four.

Other rare and localised endemic and near-endemic species we may well find in this rewarding area include the stunning Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, Apical Flycatcher, Rufous-browed Conebill and the attractive Moustached Brushfinch.

The birding here is very varied, with forest and open country species of both middle- and low-elevation habitats. A mix of more widespread species may well include Ruddy Ground Dove, White-tipped Dove, Striped and Squirrel Cuckoos, White-throated Screech Owl, White-tipped Swift, Lesser and Sparkling Violetears, Acorn and Crimson-mantled Woodpeckers, Strong-billed and Montane Woodcreepers, Pale-breasted Spinetail, the retiring Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, the scarce Tawny-rumped Tyrannulet, Mountain Elaenia, Brown-capped Vireo, Inca Jay, Whiskered and Bicoloured Wrens,  the sneaky Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager, Blue-capped, Fawn-breasted, Scrub and Tooth-billed Tanagers, Pale-naped Brushfinch, Streaked Saltator, Yellow-bellied and Plain-coloured Seedeaters, Black-crested and Golden-crowned Warblers, and Yellow-backed Oriole – a great mix of birds!

Boreal migrants include Merlin (uncommon), Tennessee Warbler and Summer Tanager.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 4

After some final birding in the Soata region, we will return to Bogotá for an overnight stay.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 5

This morning, we will take a flight to the town of Valledupar, situated at the base of the Serranía de Perijá in northernmost Colombia.

Upon arrival, we will ascend into the beautiful Serranía de Perija for a two-night stay, birding en route.

We will be seeking out our first Perijá endemic, the Perija Brushfinch, at lower levels. Near-endemic birds in this area include Coppery Emerald, Klages’s Antbird, Golden-winged Sparrow and Black-fronted Brushfinch. Other good birds include the restricted-range and uncommon Coopmans’s Tyrannulet, Rufous-and-white Wren and the smart Rosy Thrush-Tanager (now treated as a monotypic bird family).

Additional species we may encounter at lower and middle altitudes include the near-endemic Black-fronted Wood Quail (as always, tricky to see as opposed to hear), Moustached Puffbird, Groove-billed Toucanet, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Yellow-bellied Chat-Tyrant, Lance-tailed Manakin, Golden-breasted Fruiteater, Rufous-breasted Wren, Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Black-hooded Thrush, Rufous-capped Warbler and Black-headed Tanager.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 6

At higher altitudes in the Serranía de Perijá, where there is a mix of forest and paramo habitats, all the rest of the endemics are on the menu, including Perija Metaltail, Perija Starfrontlet (rather uncommon and erratic), Perija Thistletail, Perija Antpitta (the only challenging species among the Perijá endemics), Perija Tapaculo and Black-fronted Brushfinch.

A good number of species have endemic forms in the Perijá range, some of which are potential candidates for splitting.

There are plenty of other birds at the higher levels, and these include the near-endemic but uncommon Spectacled Tyrannulet, as well as Andean Guan, Andean Condor, Bronzy Inca, Crested Quetzal, Streak-backed Canastero, Rufous and White-browed Spinetails, Streaked Xenops, Pearled Treerunner, Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant, Streak-throated Bush Tyrant, Mountain Wren, Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush, Glossy-black Thrush, the beautiful Chestnut-breasted Chlorophonia, Slaty Brushfinch, the bamboo-loving Plushcap, Oleaginous Hemispingus, Fulvous-headed Tanager and Hooded and Lacrimose Mountain Tanagers.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 7

After spending most of the day in the Serranía de Perijá, we will return to Valledupar for an overnight stay. This evening, we will go out and look for Rufous Nightjar.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 8

This morning, we will drive to the town of La Jagua de Ibirico, situated at the foot of the Sierra de Perijá (as opposed to the Serranía de Perija situated further north), for an overnight stay.

This afternoon, we will be seeking out a very special, poorly-known near-endemic. The attractive Perioja (or Todd’s) Parakeet is known only from a small area of Northeast Colombia and adjacent Venezuela. Formerly treated as a very isolated population of the Painted Parakeet, it was only recently recognised as a distinct species. (It is still lumped by the IOC.)

We will also see a good number of other species, including some of those we have already encountered in the Serranía de Perijá.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 9

We will have another opportunity to look for Perija Parakeet this morning if we need to.

Afterwards, we will head southwards to Ocaña for an overnight stay.  We will arrive in time for an initial search for Recurve-billed Bushbird and other birds.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 10

Our primary target at the Recurve-billed Bushbird (or Hormiguero de Torcoroma) Reserve near Ocaña will unquestionably be the amazing, bizarre-looking Recurve-billed Bushbird, which until recently was barely known in real life. This much-wanted near-endemic speciality even leaves distinctive bill marks on the leaf stems it pierces while feeding. Fortunately for us, this is the most reliable site in Colombia for this special bird.

We should also see some other interesting species, including the near-endemic Grey-throated Warbler and the attractive Chestnut-bellied Thrush.

Other new species may well include Band-tailed Guan, Stripe-throated Hermit, Plain Antvireo and the scarce Pale-vented Thrush.

Later, we will continue southwards to the small town of San Vicente de Chucurí for a three-night stay.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Days 11-12

Not far from San Vicente, we should be able to find the attractive, near-endemic Yellow-browed Shrike-Vireo, but most of our time in the area will be spent at the Cerulean Warbler Reserve.

Although the Cerulean Warbler (or Reinita Azul) Reserve is named after this attractive North American wintering warbler, and while we will be very happy to see this rather uncommon species, it will not be the prime focus of our attention, for the reserve harbours many excellent species, including several localised endemics.

At the hummingbird feeders around the accommodation, the attractive but localised endemic Indigo-capped Hummingbird is common, and there is also another chance to see the uncommon endemic Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird, while in the surrounding trees, we will have a good chance of finding the colourful endemic Turquoise Dacnis.

We will need to walk above the reserve centre to reach the best area of forest, passing through pasture land where Russet-crowned Crake is common (but much easier to hear than to see).

As we walk through the forest, along a historically important paved road built by a German engineer in the 18th century, we should see the recently described endemic Magdalena Tapaculo. We should also encounter such endemics as Colombian Chachalaca, the smart Black Inca, White-mantled Barbet, Beautiful Woodpecker and the recently-described Parker’s Antbird, plus the near-endemic Bar-crested Antshrike and Black-headed Brushfinch.

The usually secretive Lined Quail-Dove can be surprisingly easy to see here, and other sought-after species we have a good or moderate chance of seeing here include the gorgeous Golden-winged Manakin, the localised Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, the rare Yellow-throated Spadebill and such skulkers as Ochre-breasted and White-bellied Antpittas, and Long-tailed Tapaculo. Highland Tinamou is regular and, with some luck, we will manage to see one. We will also have an opportunity to come across the elusive endemic Gorgeted Wood Quail and the near-endemic Blue-lored Antbird, but both are difficult.

Mixed flocks are likely to hold an excellent array of more widespread Andean species, including Spotted Barbtail, the sneaky Brown-billed Scythebill, Olive-striped Flycatcher, Scale-crested Pygmy Tyrant, Black-throated Tody-Tyrant and the localised Rufous-naped Greenlet.

Hummingbirds are plentiful at the reserve, and either at the hummingbird feeders or elsewhere, we should have plenty of time to enjoy the near-endemic Red-billed Emerald, as well as such jewels as Green Hermit, Brown Violetear, White-necked Jacobin, Black-throated Mango, Crowned Woodnymph, Rufous-tailed and Speckled Hummingbirds, Andean Emerald, Green-crowned Brilliant (and perhaps Fawn-breasted), Buff-tailed Coronet and White-booted Racket-tail. The scarce Geoffroy’s Daggerbill is also possible.

Another target is the near-endemic Bronze-browed Cowbird, which we might find in or around the reserve, while if we are lucky, we will encounter the rare, near-endemic Double-banded Greytail and the restricted-range White-eared Conebill, as well as

Nightbirding should turn up Tropical Screech Owl and Pauraque, and there are fair chances for the rare Cinnamon Screech Owl and the widespread Mottled Owl, and a slim chance of Stygian Owl.

During the boreal winter, Olive-sided and Acadian Flycatchers, Eastern Wood Pewee, Grey-cheeked Thrush and Bay-breasted Warbler are also present, not to mention Cerulean Warbler, of course. Uncommon visitors include the attractive Golden-winged Warbler and Mourning Warbler.

Other species we could well encounter in this superb reserve or in the surrounding region include  Short-tailed and Barred Hawks, Ruddy Pigeon, White-tipped Swift, Collared Trogon, Red-crowned and Spot-breasted Woodpeckers, Laughing Falcon, Blue-headed Parrot and Spectacled Parrotlet.

Passerines include Wedge-billed, Cocoa and Streak-headed Woodcreepers, Stripe-breasted and Slaty Spinetails, Uniform Antshrike, Southern White-fringed Antwren, Sooty-headed, Plumbeous-crowned and Southern Beardless Tyrannulets, Forest Elaenia, Slaty-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Slaty-capped, Bran-coloured, Vermilion, Piratic, Boat-billed, Streaked and Fork-tailed Flycatchers, the aptly-named Ornate Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tyrant, Bright-rumped Attila, White-bearded Manakin, Masked Tityra, Cinnamon and White-winged Becards, Yellow-legged Thrush, Russet-backed Oropendola, Giant Cowbird, Carib Grackle, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Grey-headed, Crimson-backed, Lemon-rumped, Golden, Bay-headed, Metallic-green, Black-capped, Yellow-backed and White-winged Tanagers, Ashy-throated Bush Tanager, the colourful Yellow-tufted Dacnis, Rusty Flowerpiercer, Chestnut-capped Brushfinch, Buff-throated, Olive-grey and Black-winged Saltators, Ruddy-breasted Seedeater, Thick-billed Seed Finch and Yellow-bellied Siskin.

We should also encounter some of the less common inhabitants of the area, which include Little Tinamou, Green-fronted Lancebill, Golden-headed Quetzal, Barred Forest Falcon, Barred Parakeet, Rufous-rumped Antwren, Rusty-winged Barbtail, Lesser Elaenia, Barred Becard and Subtropical Cacique.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 13

Today, we head southwest across the broad Magdalena Valley en route to the Blue-billed Curassow (or El Paujil) Reserve for a two-night stay.

Parrots are common in the area beyond Puerto Boyaca, and we are likely to encounter Yellow-crowned, Orange-winged and Red-lored Amazons along the way, whilst the small wetlands that we pass may conceal Capped Herons or perhaps a handsome Rufescent Tiger Heron. In particular, we shall scan the marshes for the much-wanted Northern Screamer, a species which is readily found in this area.

Other species likely on the journey include Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga, Cocoi Heron, Great and Snowy Egrets, Cocoi, Little Blue and Striated Herons, Bare-faced Ibis, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, the impressive King Vulture, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Swallow-tailed and Pearl Kites, the scarce Long-winged Harrier, Great Black and Savanna Hawks, Crested and Yellow-headed Caracaras, Wattled Jacana (represented here by an interesting black race), Pale-vented Pigeon, Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Grey-breasted Martin, Black-capped Donacobius, Pied Water Tyrant and the attractive White-headed Marsh Tyrant. We will also make a special stop for Jet Antbird.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 14

The El Paujil Reserve protects an important area of lowland forest, and here, our main target will be the very rare, critically endangered Blue-billed Curassow, after which the reserve takes its Spanish name. The species is not common and is usually extremely shy in its remaining localities in Colombia, owing to the excessive hunting pressure that has been put on the species in recent decades. However, recent conservation efforts have led to the habituation of a few of these magnificent birds at El Paujil and, as a result, our chances of setting eyes on this ultimate prize are just about 100%!

The reserve also hosts several Magdalena Valley endemics, which we shall be targeting during our stay, and these include Colombian Chachalaca as well as second chances for the aptly-named Beautiful Woodpecker, the striking White-mantled Barbet and the stunning Sooty Ant Tanager.

Near-endemic and other specialities found in the reserve include the amazingly colourful Citron-throated Toucan, the stolid Black-breasted Puffbird, Black Antshrike and the rare and poorly-known Black-billed Flycatcher.

Whilst searching for these specialities, we should find a number of other new species for the trip. These may well include Plumbeous and Double-toothed Kites, Ruddy Pigeon, Blue-headed Parrot, the huge Blue-and-yellow and Chestnut-fronted Macaws, Spectacled Parrotlet, Greater Ani, Long-billed Hermit, Shining-green Hummingbird, gorgeous Violet-bellied and Blue-chested Hummingbirds, White-vented Plumeleteer, Purple-crowned Fairy, Long-billed Starthroat, Ringed, Amazon and Green Kingfishers, Northern Black-throated Trogon, Whooping Motmot, White-whiskered Puffbird, White-fronted Nunbird and Lineated Woodpecker.

Passerines include Olivaceous, Northern Barred and Black-striped Woodcreepers, Great and Black-crowned Antshrikes, Checker-throated Stipplethroat, Chestnut-backed and Bicoloured Antbirds, Brown-capped and Northern Mouse-coloured Tyrannulets, Yellow Tyrannulet (of the interesting and distinctive leucophrys subspecies), Black-tailed and Social Flycatchers, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Tropical Pewee, Rufous Mourner, Bright-rumped Attila, Purple-throated Fruitcrow, Golden-headed Manakin, Black-crowned and Masked Tityras, Scarlet-browed and Yellow-backed Tanagers, the unique Swallow Tanager, Blue Dacnis, Red-legged and Green Honeycreepers, Blue-black Grosbeak, Slate-coloured Grosbeak (this colourful saltator is easier to hear than see) and Black-striped Sparrow. During the boreal winter, Great Crested and Brown-crested Flycatchers, and Eastern Kingbird are also present.

There are a number of other scarce and difficult species that we could encounter, including Great Tinamou, Marbled Wood Quail, Red-throated Caracara, the shy Ruddy Quail-Dove, the sneaky Little Cuckoo, White-tipped Sicklebill, Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, Rufous-crested Coquette, Great Jacamar, the elusive Jet Antbird, Yellow-winged Flatbill, Tropical Royal Flycatcher, Tawny-faced Gnatwren, Orange-crowned Oriole and Orange-billed Sparrow.

At dusk, Pauraques call around the lodge, and other nightbirds present in the area include Crested, Spectacled and Black-and-white Owls, Tropical and Choco Screech Owls, and Common and Great Potoos, though most of these are tough to see in the forest here.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 15

After some early morning birding at the Blue-billed Curassow Reserve, we will travel to the city of Medellin and then continue to Anori for a two-night stay at the Reserva Arrierito Antioqueño (or Chestnut-capped Piha Reserve).

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 16

The ProAves reserve known as Arrierito Antioqueño is a lovely area of pristine forest with an extensive, quiet trail through prime habitat, as well as a public road that bisects the reserve.

Our main focus at Arrierito Antioqueño will be the rare endemic Chestnut-capped Piha, which was described as recently as 2001, as well as such other endemics as the relatively recently described Parker’s Antbird, the superb Black-and-gold Tanager and the spectacular Red-bellied Grackle. We have a good chance of finding all of these. We will also have a good chance for such endemics as Stiles’s Tapaculo and the lovely Multicoloured Tanager, as well as such near-endemics as Citron-throated Toucan, the superb but secretive Sooty-headed Wren and Purplish-mantled Tanager.

Other species we may well find here include Steely-vented Hummingbird, Greenish Puffleg, Purple-throated Woodstar, Blue-fronted Parrotlet, Red-headed Barbet, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Plain-brown, Olivaceous and Spotted Woodcreepers, Red-faced Spinetail, Buff-fronted and Ochre-throated Foliage-gleaners, Western Woodhaunter, Streak-capped Treehunter, Tawny-throated Leaftosser, Slaty Antwren, Ochre-breasted Antpitta, Chestnut-crowned Gnateater, Northern White-crowned Tapaculo, Rufous-browed Tyrannulet, Olive-striped, Golden-crowned and Pale-edged Flycatchers, White-throated Spadebill, White-crowned Manakin, the shy White-naped Brushfinch, Buff-rumped Warbler, Yellow-throated Bush Tanager and Guira, Black-faced and Silver-throated Tanagers.

Nightbirding here may produce Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Tropical Screech Owl or even the rare Cinnamon Screech Owl.

More difficult species include Wattled Guan, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Pavonine Cuckoo, Brown-billed Scythebill, the attractive Rufous-rumped Antwren, Wing-barred Piprites, Southern Nightingale-Wren, Pale-eyed Thrush and Trilling Gnatwren.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 17

After a last morning at the Chestnut-capped Piha reserve, we will travel to Santa Rosa de Ossos for an overnight stay.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 18

This morning, we shall explore the area where the endemic Antioquia Brushfinch was recently rediscovered after long being feared extinct. With specialist knowledge, we have a good chance of seeing this interesting endemic this morning. We will also want to see the as-yet-undescribed Paisa Antpitta at a local reserve. The endemic form brunneiventris of the Black-throated Flowerpiercer is also found here. This very isolated form in NW Colombia is a likely future split as Colombian Flowerpiercer.

Afterwards, we shall drive to Medellín for an overnight stay.

En route, we will make a stop in some dry forest where we should find the recently discovered endemic Antioquia Wren, hopefully being alerted to it by its musical song. In the same area, we may well find the endemic Greyish Piculet and Apical Flycatcher, as well as Andean and Tody Motmots, while Scarlet-fronted Parakeets regularly screech overhead.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 19

Early this morning, we will visit the La Romera reserve close to the city, where the endemic Yellow-headed Manakin is straightforward to find.

Afterwards, we shall take a short flight to Bahía Solano and then take a drive south through splendid, forested hills to our lodge at El Valle, where we will spend three nights.

On the way, we will begin our birding along the excellent and partially forested road that connects Bahia Solano Airport to El Valle. We are likely to bird this road on several occasions, and here we may see the restricted-range Black-breasted and Pied Puffbirds, Black-striped Woodcreeper, the delightful Blue and Black-tipped Cotingas and the fabulous Golden-collared Manakin.

Other specialities and new species we may find along the road include Grey-headed Chachalaca, the elusive Tiny Hawk, Common Black Hawk, the diminutive Bat Falcon, Black-cheeked and Crimson-crested Woodpeckers, the hyperactive Rose-faced Parrot, Stripe-billed Aracari, the impressive Choco Toucan, the range-restricted Spot-crowned Barbet, Dusky Antbird, the scarce White-ringed Flycatcher, the kingbird-like Western Sirystes, Lesser Greenlet, the localised and colourful Blue-whiskered and Rufous-winged Tanagers, the stunning Scarlet-and-white Tanager and the superb Scarlet-thighed Dacnis.

In the wetter and more open areas, we may well find White-throated Crake, Amazon Kingfisher, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Red-breasted Blackbird, Subtropical Cacique, Chestnut-headed Oropendola and Variable Seedeater, whilst overhead we can look out for Band-rumped, Grey-rumped and Lesser Swallow-tailed Swifts.

Our lodge is set right on the beach, and just by looking along the coast right by the lodge, we can find a number of coastal species such as Brown Pelican, Magnificent Frigatebird and Wilson’s Plover. We may also see a Blue-footed Booby passing by.

At some times of the year, Osprey, Semipalmated Plover, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Willet, Spotted Sandpiper, Laughing Gull and Royal, Elegant, Cabot’s and Common Terns are also present.

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Days 20-21

Our time around El Valle will be split between three areas: the forested road between El Valle and Bahia Solano (mentioned above), Utria National Park and an old logging track running south from El Valle. All three offer extremely exciting birding and a great number of specialities. Priority will be given to the very rare endemic Baudo Oropendola, and a concerted effort should see us getting good views of this rare and impressive speciality, perhaps displaying, shimmering its wings and hanging down as it makes its bizarre call!

On one of our full days, we will take a boat south along the coast to the headquarters of Utria National Park, from where we can explore a series of short trails and a boardwalk through the mangroves. Here, an early priority will be the rare and secretive Brown Wood Rail, and we have a reasonable chance of finding this cracking bird. The nearby mangroves are home to the rare Humboldt’s Sapphire and Sapphire-throated Hummingbird, as well as Prothonotary Warbler, and around this area, we also have a good chance of finding Dusky Pigeon and the exciting Saffron-headed Parrot.

Whilst at the park, we will venture along a small trail where we are likely to encounter some good feeding flocks which may well hold the highly-desired Sapayoa (sole member of its family), as well as other specialities including Western Woodhaunter, Spotted Woodcreeper, the subtle Spot-crowned Antvireo, Pacific Flatbill, Stripe-throated Wren and chunky Lemon-spectacled and Dusky-faced Tanagers. We may also be lucky to find a lekking Tooth-billed Hummingbird.

On another day, we will take the trail south of town, which runs through patchy forest with clearings and some good primary forest. Here, if we are reasonably fortunate, we will come across the endangered Great Green Macaw.

Other interesting new species for the trip may include Black Hawk-Eagle, Blue Ground Dove, Grey-chested Dove, noisy Mealy and Red-lored Amazons, Band-tailed Barbthroat, Pacific Antwren, the smart Spotted Antbird, the secretive Black-headed Antthrush, colourful Red-capped and Blue-crowned Manakins, the tiny Black-capped Pygmy Tyrant, Sulphur-rumped and Ruddy-tailed Flycatchers, One-coloured Becard, Bay Wren, White-breasted Wood Wren, the charismatic Tawny-faced Gnatwren and Bay-breasted Warbler

The whole area is relatively poorly known, and a number of rare and desirable species have been occasionally recorded. With luck, we will bump into a few of these species, which include Choco Tinamou, Baudo Guan, Great Curassow, Rufous-fronted Wood Quail, Tawny-faced Quail, Plumbeous Hawk, Olive-backed Quail-Dove, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Choco and Lita Woodpeckers, Great Jacamar, Purple-chested Hummingbird, Thicket and Streak-chested Antpittas, Pacific Royal Flycatcher and even the spectacular Ocellated Antbird and the rare Rufous-crowned Pittasoma (now considered to be a relative of the gnateaters rather than an antpitta).

Colombia off-the-beaten-track: Day 22

This morning, we will return to Bahía Solano Airport, where our tour ends with a flight to Medellín.

(There are frequent flights between Medellín and Bogotá if your flight routing requires travel via the capital.)

COLIBRI DEL SOL EXTENSION

Colibri del Sol: Day 1

From Medellín, we will head westwards to the town of Urrao for an overnight stay.

Colibri del Sol: Day 2

This morning, we will head off to the relatively recently established Reserva Colibri del Sol (or Dusky Starfrontlet Reserve), situated in the Western Cordillera above Urrao. There is a 2-hour-plus hike up to the rangers’ house where we spend the night. Or you can ride a horse if you prefer!

This magnificent reserve offers fantastic panoramas across forested ridges stretching away to the horizon, making one marvel at the thought of all the avian wonders that must inhabit this vast wilderness. Indeed, it was here that the endemic Urrao Antpitta was relatively recently discovered, and as a result, the reserve was set up.

Today, we are able to enjoy not only the remote tranquillity of this area but also a spectacular avifauna. The Urrao Antpitta is now regularly seen at a feeding station, while the endemic Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer is also regularly seen. A walk to the paramo will give us a very good chance of seeing the endemic Dusky Starfrontlet and the relatively recently described endemic Paramillo Tapaculo.

Flowers in the area attract a succession of colourful gems. As well as the Dusky Starfrontlet, the nectar attracts the unbelievable Sword-billed Hummingbird. Sparkling and Lesser Violetears often dominate, while tiny White-bellied Woodstars buzz around like toy helicopters! Other hummers may include Tawny-bellied Hermit, Buff-tailed Coronet, the pretty Tourmaline Sunangel, Mountain Velvetbreast and the diminutive Purple-backed Thornbill.

The dense bamboo hides some desirable skulkers such as the amazing Ocellated Tapaculo, Blackish, Stiles’s and Ash-coloured Tapaculos, the endemic Chami Antpitta and Chestnut-naped Antpittas. We will make attempts to see as many of these as possible.

Other new species we may come across include White-capped Parrot, White-throated Toucanet, the superb Black-billed Mountain Toucan, Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Pearled Treerunner, Streaked Tuftedcheek, Rufous-breasted, Yellow-bellied and Slaty-backed Chat Tyrants, the elusive Dusky Piha, White-capped Dipper, Brown-capped Vireo, Citrine Warbler, Capped Conebill, Black and Black-throated Flowerpiercers, the colourful Saffron-crowned Tanager and Lacrimose Mountain Tanager. Much less likely, but not impossible, are the chunky Tawny-breasted Tinamou, the shy White-throated Quail-Dove, Andean Pygmy Owl, the sprightly Red-hooded Tanager or the lovely Black-chested Mountain Tanager.

Colibri del Sol: Day 3

After spending much of the day at Colibri del Sol, we will descend to the roadhead and travel the short distance to Urrao for an overnight stay.

Colibri del Sol: Day 4

Today we will return to Medellín and catch a flight to Bogotá, where our tour ends this afternoon.