The Song of the Tanagers

Embark on a journey where vibrant melodies and colors converge in Colombia’s avian paradise.

Colombia boasts unparalleled avian diversity, with nearly 2,000 bird species, making it a premier destination for birdwatchers and photographers alike. This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore a mosaic of ecosystems—from misty cloud forests to serene wetlands—each teeming with endemic and migratory species.

Highlights of this tour include:

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge of seasoned ornithologists and local guides who will help you spot and identify a plethora of bird species, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of Colombia’s rich birdlife.

• Diverse Habitats: Traverse various landscapes, including the lush forests of Valle del Cauca and the highland reserves of Quindío and Risaralda, each offering unique birding experiences and photographic opportunities.

• Conservation Impact: Your participation supports local communities and conservation efforts, promoting sustainable tourism that helps preserve these vital habitats for future generations.

• Cultural Immersion: Engage with local communities, experiencing their hospitality and gaining insights into their traditions and connection to the natural world.

Whether you’re an avid birder, a passionate photographer, or a nature enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Colombia’s avian wonders.

Elevate your bird photography amidst Colombia’s vibrant avian landscapes.

Throughout this tour, participants will receive comprehensive support to enhance their bird photography skills. Our experienced guides will provide personalized advice on camera settings, composition, and techniques suited to various environments and lighting conditions.

Key areas of assistance include:

• Camera Settings Optimization: Guidance on adjusting shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to capture sharp images of birds in motion or in low-light conditions.

• Composition Techniques: Tips on framing subjects effectively, utilizing the rule of thirds, and creating compelling images that highlight bird behavior and habitat.

• Ethical Wildlife Photography: Emphasis on respectful practices, ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife and adherence to ethical standards in bird photography.

• Field Techniques: Instruction on approaching birds without causing alarm, understanding bird behavior to anticipate movements, and using natural light to your advantage.

Our goal is to provide a supportive learning environment where photographers of all levels can refine their skills and capture the diverse avian life encountered during the tour.

• Telephoto Lens (400 mm – 600 mm): Essential for bird photography, especially when capturing species from a distance. This lens allows you to achieve detailed shots without getting too close—ideal for photographing birds in flight or in their natural behavior with minimal disturbance.

• Teleconverter: For those looking to extend the reach of their telephoto lens, a high-quality teleconverter offers valuable extra zoom without significantly compromising sharpness. It’s a practical tool for photographing distant birds or hard-to-reach scenes with added flexibility.

• Sturdy Tripod with Ball Head: A stable, portable tripod is crucial when using long lenses, particularly during extended observation or in low-light conditions. The ball head allows for fast and accurate adjustments, ensuring perfect framing for every shot.

Throughout this tour, participants will have the opportunity to observe and photograph a remarkable array of bird species, including several that are endemic to Colombia. The following list showcases 20 notable species that reflect the rich avian diversity of the regions explored:

• Cauca Guan – Penelope perspicax

  An endangered species endemic to Colombia’s Cauca Valley, known for its distinctive red throat patch.

• Flame-rumped Tanager – Ramphocelus flammigerus

  A vibrant tanager endemic to western Colombia, easily recognized by its fiery rump.

• Multicolored Tanager – Chlorochrysa nitidissima

  A dazzling, endemic tanager with a kaleidoscope of colors, often found in cloud forests.

• Yellow-eared Parrot – Ognorhynchus icterotis

  A vulnerable species dependent on wax palm forests, with a striking yellow ear patch.

• Indigo-capped Hummingbird – Amazilia cyanifrons

  Endemic to Colombia, this hummingbird features a distinctive indigo crown.

• Velvet-purple Coronet – Boissonneaua jardini

  A stunning hummingbird with iridescent plumage, commonly seen in cloud forests.

• Toucan Barbet – Semnornis ramphastinus

  A colorful bird with a thick bill, inhabiting humid montane forests.

• Red-headed Barbet – Eubucco bourcierii

  Known for its bright red head and green body, this barbet is a favorite among photographers.

• Andean Cock-of-the-rock – Rupicola peruvianus

  Famous for its vibrant orange plumage and elaborate courtship displays.

• Chestnut Wood-Quail – Odontophorus hyperythrus

  A shy, ground-dwelling bird endemic to Colombia’s Andean forests.

• Colombian Chachalaca – Ortalis columbiana

  An endemic species with a loud call, often seen in groups.

• Masked Cardinal – Paroaria nigrogenis

  A striking bird with a red body and black mask, commonly found near water bodies.

• Northern Screamer – Chauna chavaria

  A large, rare bird found in wetlands, known for its loud, trumpet-like calls.

• Black-billed Mountain-Toucan – Andigena nigrirostris

  A high-altitude toucan with a distinctive black bill and colorful plumage.

• White-tipped Sicklebill – Eutoxeres aquila

  A hummingbird with a unique sickle-shaped bill, adapted for feeding on curved flowers.

• Lazuline Sabrewing – Campylopterus falcatus

  A large hummingbird with shimmering blue plumage, found in montane forests.

• Golden-headed Quetzal – Pharomachrus auriceps

  A resplendent bird with metallic green and golden plumage, inhabiting cloud forests.

• Bar-crested Antshrike – Thamnophilus multistriatus

  An insectivorous bird with distinctive barred plumage, endemic to Colombia.

• Glossy Flowerpiercer – Diglossa lafresnayii

  A small bird with a unique feeding habit of piercing flowers to access nectar.

• Black-billed Thrush – Turdus ignobilis

  A common but melodious thrush, often seen in gardens and forest edges.