Less than three hours by air from Miami, Venezuela has everything a birder could want: a rich avifauna (more than 1300 species) well illustrated in a fine guide, ample and diverse habitats, modern facilities, and friendly people. During our birding tour we will visit three distinct regions of this beautiful country--the majestic Merida Andes; the vast grasslands, seasonal marshes, and savanna woodlands of central Venezuela known as the llanos; and the lush forests of the Cordillera de la Costa Central, rising dramatically from the arid Caribbean coast.

The bird life of the Andes is characterized by a number of species either endemic to Venezuela or found elsewhere only in adjacent Colombia, including Orange-throated Sunangel, Bearded Helmetcrest, Ochre-browed Thistletail, Paramo (Merida) Wren, White-fronted Redstart, Merida Flowerpiercer, and Gray-capped Hemispingus. Among the more widespread Andean birds that we'll hope to see are such spectaculars as Torrent Duck, Red-headed Barbet, Booted Racket-tail, Black-and-chestnut Eagle, White-capped Dipper, Red-ruffed Fruitcrow, and Andean Cock-of-the-rock.

Leaving the Andes we'll travel northeast to Hato Pinero, a huge ranch in the llanos of west-central Venezuela that preserves a fabulous cross section of habitats and wildlife. As Pinero's extensive grassy savannas dry out after the flooding of the rainy season, waterbirds of all sizes concentrate in the shrinking pools to create a birder's dream. Here are possible seven species of ibis and five of kingfishers; Agami Heron and Jabiru; and such oddities as Horned Screamer and Sunbitterns at very close range. Other highlights in Pinero's savanna and gallery woodlands include Two-banded (Russet-throated) Puffbird, Pale-headed Jacamar, numerous Scarlet Macaws, Lance-tailed Manakin, the endemic White-bearded Flycatcher, and the majestic Yellow-knobbed Curassow. And the mammal possibilities here are many.

In the mountains near the Caribbean coast, we'll explore the upper tropical and lower subtropical zones of Henri Pittier National Park (a park that boasts more than 500 species of birds) searching for such endemics and local specialties as Red-eared Parakeet, Green-tailed Emerald, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Violet-chested Hummingbird, Guttulated Foliage-gleaner, the very rare Scallop-breasted Antpitta, Venezuelan Bristle-Tyrant, Handsome and Golden-breasted fruiteaters, and the beautiful White-tipped Quetzal. Henri Pittier should constitute a wonderful ending to a fine experience for all, from novice to well-traveled Neotropical birder.

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Combo Tours
If you would like a longer birding holiday, some departures of this tour may be combined with:
VENEZUELA: TEPUIS ENDEMICS