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This Pale-headed Jacamar was a lifebird for most, and its dragonfly probably would have been, too! We had repeated views of this specialty of the llanos at Hato La Aurora. (Photo by guide Richard Webster).
The Llanos and More, the inaugural offering. The Llanos seemed like plenty, but the "More" -- four and a half days in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia's Andes -- was "Much More", resulting in an engorging dose of Colombian birding, spanning the eastern lowlands and the nearby highlands for a rich altitudinal transect.
We started with a damp morning in Bogota, but the intermittent light rain did not prevent good views of two threatened endemics, the Bogota Rail and Apolinar's Wren, along with a starter selection of Andean forest birds, including Coppery-bellied Puffleg. And let us not forget the bonus of a roosting flock of migrating Mississippi Kites!
After flying to Yopal, we spent a full morning birding our way out into the Llanos to reach Hato La Aurora. This large Hato (hacienda) has a history of preserving wildlife while still functioning as a ranch, and we found ample evidence of conserved wildlife. We stayed at the main lodge (Juan Solito), and journeyed on foot, by boat, and by vehicle to several sections of the Hato.
We quickly found the llanos specialties, such as Pale-headed Jacamar, White-bearded Flycatcher, and Sharp-tailed Ibis, but found that much of our attention was grabbed by less range-restricted spectaculars that included Jabiru, Orinoco Goose, Horned Screamer, Buff-necked and Scarlet ibis, Hoatzin, Sunbittern, Gray-necked Wood-Rail, Pied Lapwing, Double-striped Thick-knee, Rufous-vented Chachalaca, Greater Ani, Oriole Blackbird, and Masked Cardinal. A surprise was Black-and-white Owl, seen well, and we had many more subtle good finds among the landbirds, e.g., Rusty-backed Spinetail, White-tailed Goldenthroat, and Scaled Piculet. Dreams of various anteaters and cats did not become reality, but we did enjoy some mammals, including large herds of Capybara and several encounters with Red Howler Monkey, plus two species of caiman.
Returning to Bogota, we made four trips outward to different altitudes. Chicaque started with Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, and after a series of flocks and patient searches for skulkers, we had seen a nice assortment of forest birds, including Plushcap, Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, four species of hemispingus, Andean Pygmy-Owl, Ash-browed Spinetail, Black-throated and Rufous-crowned tody-tyrants, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Flame-faced Tanager, and Moustached and Pale-naped brush-finches.
Foray No. 2 was to above tree line in Parque Nacional (PN) Chingaza, where the paramo was less diverse, but just as distinctive, with Bronze-tailed Thornbill and many furnariids, including White-chinned Thistletail, White-browed Spinetail, and Many-striped Canastero. Other birds of the paramo and upper montane forest included Black-chested Mountain-Tanager, Crowned Chat-Tyrant, Golden-faced Whitestart, Rufous-browed and Blue-backed conebills, Rufous Antpitta, and Pale-bellied Tapaculo.
The next day took us to forest at 2000m at Laguna Pedro Paulo (Pedropalo), where endemics were Turquoise Dacnis, Black Inca, and a surprise Velvet-fronted Euphonia, along with many tanagers, ovenbirds, and warblers, including a scarce Cerulean among the many Blackburnians.
Finally we wrapped up this selection of Andean birds by going a little lower to Laguna de Tabacal. Birds of note there included Bar-crested Antshrike, Gray-throated Warbler, Rusty-breasted Antpitta, Stripe-breasted Spinetail, and Black-bellied and Speckle-breasted (Colombian) wrens. After another filling lunch, we then gorged on the hummingbirds of Jardin Encantado, where 14 species was more than normal and included Indigo-capped (many) and Ruby-topaz (one) hummingbirds and White-bellied and Gorgeted woodstars.
Taxonomy follows the latest Clements as best we can keep up. Conservation information comes from the website of BirdLife International. Apologies are due the Spanish language -- multiple computer platforms precludes the proper use of various orthographic marks.
-- Richard
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anhimidae (Screamers)
Orinoco Geese were pleasantly common and widespread in the llanos of Casanare, and we had good views daily of a species that has been extirpated from many regions. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
HORNED SCREAMER (Anhima cornuta) Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis) [N]
ORINOCO GOOSE (Oressochen jubatus)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) [b]
ANDEAN TEAL (Anas andium)
RUDDY DUCK (RUDDY) (Oxyura jamaicensis andina)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
More evidence of the Hato's conservation practices was the tameness of the chachalacas throughout the property. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
RUFOUS-VENTED CHACHALACA (RUFOUS-TIPPED) (Ortalis ruficauda ruficauda) ANDEAN GUAN (Penelope montagnii)
CRESTLESS CURASSOW (Mitu tomentosum) [*]
Odontophoridae (New World Quail)
CRESTED BOBWHITE (Colinus cristatus) [*]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
Ciconiidae (Storks)
JABIRU (Jabiru mycteria)
Jabirus were not numerous, but we had regular good views in the llanos. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
WOOD STORK (Mycteria americana) Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
RUFESCENT TIGER-HERON (Tigrisoma lineatum marmoratum)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
Whistling Herons were not common, but we saw them daily at Hato La Aurora, and heard the tooting calls several times. This lovely heron is a bird of savannah more than marsh. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) [b]
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
WHISTLING HERON (Syrigma sibilatrix)
CAPPED HERON (Pilherodius pileatus)
Sharp-tailed Ibis is a regional specialty of the llanos, and one that we saw and heard daily coming and going from a roost near the lodge. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) BOAT-BILLED HERON (Cochlearius cochlearius)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber)
SHARP-TAILED IBIS (Cercibis oxycerca)
BARE-FACED IBIS (Phimosus infuscatus)
BUFF-NECKED IBIS (Theristicus caudatus)
ROSEATE SPOONBILL (Platalea ajaja)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) [b]
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE (Cathartes burrovianus)
Lovely clouds were part of the scenery of the llanos, here during an early morning boat trip on the Rio Ariporo. (Photo by tour manager Caroline Lewis)
KING VULTURE (Sarcoramphus papa) Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
WHITE-TAILED KITE (Elanus leucurus)
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
BLACK-COLLARED HAWK (Busarellus nigricollis)
MISSISSIPPI KITE (Ictinia mississippiensis) [b]
PLUMBEOUS KITE (Ictinia plumbea)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (PLAIN-BREASTED) (Accipiter striatus ventralis)
CRANE HAWK (Geranospiza caerulescens)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
ROADSIDE HAWK (Rupornis magnirostris)
Buff-necked Ibis were common in the llanos, and also roosted near the lodge. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
WHITE-TAILED HAWK (Geranoaetus albicaudatus) BLACK-CHESTED BUZZARD-EAGLE (Geranoaetus melanoleucus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus) [b]
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
Eurypygidae (Sunbittern)
SUNBITTERN (Eurypyga helias)
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
Sunbitterns were not common on our visit to the llanos, but we saw several well, including this bird along the banks of the Rio Ariporo. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BOGOTA RAIL (Rallus semiplumbeus) [E] GRAY-NECKED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)
SORA (Porzana carolina) [b]
SPOT-FLANKED GALLINULE (Porphyriops melanops bogotensis)
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
AZURE GALLINULE (Porphyrio flavirostris)
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Gray-necked Wood-Rail is not a specialty, but it is a special and fun bird that we saw regularly, and the duets were audible from our rooms. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana columbiana) Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
DOUBLE-STRIPED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus bistriatus)
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
PIED LAPWING (Vanellus cayanus)
Double-striped Thick-knee is widespread in savannas of the Neotropics, but not on very many tour routes, so it was great to visit a place where we could have regular sightings. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis) Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) [b]
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) [b]
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) [b]
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla) [b]
NOBLE SNIPE (Gallinago nobilis)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
YELLOW-BILLED TERN (Sternula superciliaris)
LARGE-BILLED TERN (Phaetusa simplex)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
Obscure forest birds can be some of the most fun birds when a good look is to be had, as it was with this Scale-crested Pygmy-Tyrant, its ruffled rufous and black crest standing out. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BAND-TAILED PIGEON (WHITE-NECKED) (Patagioenas fasciata albilinea) RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)
SCALED DOVE (Columbina squammata)
BLUE GROUND-DOVE (Claravis pretiosa)
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
LINED QUAIL-DOVE (Zentrygon linearis) [*]
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Opisthocomidae (Hoatzin)
Hoatzins were encountered several times in the gallery forest, and we had close views of this amazing animal. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
HOATZIN (Opisthocomus hoazin) Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LITTLE CUCKOO (Coccycua minuta)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus americanus) [b]
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
Crested Caracara was a common sight on the llanos, and a pretty one at close range. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major) SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)
GREAT HORNED OWL (Bubo virginianus)
ANDEAN PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium jardinii)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia)
Black-and-white Owl was a surprise at Hato La Aurora; known from the foothills of the Andes not too far away, it seemed less likely than its congener out on the flats. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BLACK-AND-WHITE OWL (Ciccaba nigrolineata) Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
NACUNDA NIGHTHAWK (Chordeiles nacunda)
BAND-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Nyctiprogne leucopyga)
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
White-tailed Goldenthroat was a prize, found in marshy areas as we returned to Yopal across the llanos. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus) Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
WHITE-BEARDED HERMIT (Phaethornis hispidus)
Brown Violetear is an uncommon bird that we saw only at the Jardin Encantado's feeders, and saw it very well, obviously! (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae) GREEN VIOLETEAR (Colibri thalassinus)
SPARKLING VIOLETEAR (Colibri coruscans)
WHITE-TAILED GOLDENTHROAT (Polytmus guainumbi)
RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysolampis mosquitus)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
TOURMALINE SUNANGEL (Heliangelus exortis)
SPECKLED HUMMINGBIRD (Adelomyia melanogenys)
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet is a difficult bird that is now coming to feeders at Chicaque; we did see an adult male, but only managed photos like this, still a lovely bird. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BRONZE-TAILED THORNBILL (Chalcostigma heteropogon) TYRIAN METALTAIL (Metallura tyrianthina)
GLOWING PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis vestita)
COPPERY-BELLIED PUFFLEG (Eriocnemis cupreoventris)
BLACK INCA (Coeligena prunellei) [E]
COLLARED INCA (Coeligena torquata)
GOLDEN-BELLIED STARFRONTLET (Coeligena bonapartei)
MOUNTAIN VELVETBREAST (Lafresnaya lafresnayi)
White-bellied Woodstars were pleasantly common on this visit to the Jardin Encantado, and we saw many males and females. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
GREAT SAPPHIREWING (Pterophanes cyanopterus) BOOTED RACKET-TAIL (Ocreatus underwoodii)
WHITE-BELLIED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus mulsant)
GORGETED WOODSTAR (Chaetocercus heliodor)
RED-BILLED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon gibsoni)
BLUE-TAILED EMERALD (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)
WHITE-VENTED PLUMELETEER (Chalybura buffonii)
CROWNED WOODNYMPH (Thalurania colombica)
ANDEAN EMERALD (Amazilia franciae)
GLITTERING-THROATED EMERALD (Amazilia fimbriata)
Indigo-capped Hummingbird is a local endemic that we saw only at the Jardin, but they were common at the feeders. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
INDIGO-CAPPED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia cyanifrons) [E] RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tzacatl)
SHINING-GREEN HUMMINGBIRD (Lepidopyga goudoti)
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
AMAZON KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle amazona)
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Bucconidae (Puffbirds)
RUSSET-THROATED PUFFBIRD (Hypnelus ruficollis) [*]
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
PALE-HEADED JACAMAR (Brachygalba goeringi)
Baby Capybaras are pretty cute. These were too small to follow the adults into the river as we passed, instead remaining on the bank. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda) Capitonidae (New World Barbets)
RED-HEADED BARBET (Eubucco bourcierii)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
EMERALD TOUCANET (Aulacorhynchus prasinus)
CHESTNUT-EARED ARACARI (Pteroglossus castanotis)
MANY-BANDED ARACARI (Pteroglossus pluricinctus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
SCALED PICULET (Picumnus squamulatus)
OLIVACEOUS PICULET (Picumnus olivaceus)
Not so cute as the baby Capybaras? Black Caiman were seen a few times along the Rio Ariporo, another sign of good conservation practices; the species is gone from many areas. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
ACORN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes formicivorus) [*] RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
SMOKY-BROWN WOODPECKER (Picoides fumigatus)
LITTLE WOODPECKER (Veniliornis passerinus)
CRIMSON-MANTLED WOODPECKER (Colaptes rivolii)
SPOT-BREASTED WOODPECKER (Colaptes punctigula)
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
COLLARED FOREST-FALCON (Micrastur semitorquatus) [*]
Greater Anis are, like other anis, social birds, and flocks were common along the watercourses of the llanos. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway) YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima chimachima)
LAUGHING FALCON (Herpetotheres cachinnans) [*]
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
SPECTACLED PARROTLET (Forpus conspicillatus)
Brown-throated Parakeets were feeding in the "yard" of the lodge, making photography easy. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BROWN-THROATED PARAKEET (Eupsittula pertinax) CHESTNUT-FRONTED MACAW (Ara severus)
BLUE-CROWNED PARAKEET (BLUE-CROWNED) (Thectocercus acuticaudatus koenigi)
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
BAR-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus multistriatus)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (NORTHERN) (Formicivora grisea fumosa)
Bigfoot of Colombia! The wing claw of the Horned Screamer is visible, as is the crest spike of this strange bird. Strange but wonderful, and a routine sight in the llanos around Hato La Aurora. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
DUSKY ANTBIRD (Cercomacroides tyrannina) JET ANTBIRD (Cercomacra nigricans)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes)
Grallariidae (Antpittas)
CHESTNUT-CROWNED ANTPITTA (Grallaria ruficapilla)
RUFOUS ANTPITTA (Grallaria rufula)
TAWNY ANTPITTA (Grallaria quitensis alticola)
An exceptionally clear day is not always the best for birding (too much sun!), but it was a treat to be able to see the volcanoes of the Central Andes from the Eastern, with Laguna Pedro Paulo in the foreground. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
RUSTY-BREASTED ANTPITTA (RARA) (Grallaricula ferrugineipectus rara) Rhinocryptidae (Tapaculos)
BLACKISH TAPACULO (Scytalopus latrans)
SPILLMANN'S TAPACULO (Scytalopus spillmanni) [*]
PALE-BELLIED TAPACULO (Scytalopus griseicollis)
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
RED-BILLED SCYTHEBILL (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris venezuelensis)
Pearled Treerunner was out there in the misty forests of Chicaque, but when the neblina moved through, sometimes our views deteriorated! Actually, the mist kept the activity good all day -- better than sun. (Photo by tour manager Caroline Lewis)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) MONTANE WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
MONTANE FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Anabacerthia striaticollis)
LINEATED FOLIAGE-GLEANER (Syndactyla subalaris)
STRIPED TREEHUNTER (Thripadectes holostictus)
PEARLED TREERUNNER (Margarornis squamiger)
RUFOUS-FRONTED THORNBIRD (Phacellodomus rufifrons)
WHITE-BROWED SPINETAIL (Hellmayrea gularis)
MANY-STRIPED CANASTERO (Asthenes flammulata multostriata)
WHITE-CHINNED THISTLETAIL (Asthenes fuliginosa)
RUSTY-BACKED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca vulpina)
ASH-BROWED SPINETAIL (Cranioleuca curtata)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
SILVERY-THROATED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis subpudica) [E]
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
RUFOUS SPINETAIL (Synallaxis unirufa)
STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinnamomea)
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
Our lunch spot in the dramatic landscape of PN Chingaza at 3600m elevation, waiting for a certain hummingbird that did not show (but an Osprey did!). (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
WHITE-TAILED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus poecilocercus) WHITE-THROATED TYRANNULET (Mecocerculus leucophrys)
AGILE TIT-TYRANT (Uromyias agilis)
MOUSE-COLORED TYRANNULET (Phaeomyias murina)
YELLOW TYRANNULET (Capsiempis flaveola)
SUBTROPICAL DORADITO (Pseudocolopteryx acutipennis)
What could teeth like that do to the Cocoramas of our lunch (previous picture), let alone the passion fruit? No problem opening the cans of Club Colombia for this guy! This is a Spectacled Caiman, and it was at Hato La Aurora, and we did not invite it to our meals. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
YELLOW-CROWNED TYRANNULET (Tyrannulus elatus) [*] FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii) [*]
GREENISH ELAENIA (Myiopagis viridicata)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
LESSER ELAENIA (Elaenia chiriquensis)
MOUNTAIN ELAENIA (Elaenia frantzii)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SEPIA-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon amaurocephalus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris) [*]
SOOTY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias griseiceps)
Mouse-colored Tyrannulet and several other small tyrannulets were found in this brushy savanna at Hato La Aurora. (Photo by tour manager Caroline Lewis)
BLACK-CAPPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus) ASHY-HEADED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias cinereiceps)
TAWNY-RUMPED TYRANNULET (Phyllomyias uropygialis)
GOLDEN-FACED TYRANNULET (GOLDEN-FACED) (Zimmerius chrysops chrysops)
NORTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus arenarum)
PALE-TIPPED TYRANNULET (Inezia caudata)
SCALE-CRESTED PYGMY-TYRANT (Lophotriccus pileatus)
PALE-EYED PYGMY-TYRANT (Atalotriccus pilaris)
BLACK-THROATED TODY-TYRANT (Hemitriccus granadensis)
RUFOUS-CROWNED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus ruficeps)
SLATE-HEADED TODY-FLYCATCHER (Poecilotriccus sylvia)
The llanos are flat! This lagoon was home to such special birds as Orinoco Goose and Jabiru, with affectionate mention of Least Sandpipers! (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER (Todirostrum cinereum) YELLOW-OLIVE FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
CINNAMON FLYCATCHER (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus)
FLAVESCENT FLYCATCHER (Myiophobus flavicans)
SMOKE-COLORED PEWEE (Contopus fumigatus) [*]
EASTERN WOOD-PEWEE (Contopus virens) [b]
ACADIAN FLYCATCHER (Empidonax virescens) [b]
Black-throated Tody-Tyrant is cloud-forest skulker that we were fortunate to find at Chicaque. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BLACK PHOEBE (Sayornis nigricans) VERMILION FLYCATCHER (Pyrocephalus rubinus)
YELLOW-BROWED TYRANT (Satrapa icterophrys)
STREAK-THROATED BUSH-TYRANT (Myiotheretes striaticollis)
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
CROWNED CHAT-TYRANT (CROWNED) (Ochthoeca frontalis albidiadema)
SLATY-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca cinnamomeiventris)
BROWN-BACKED CHAT-TYRANT (Ochthoeca fumicolor)
Cattle Tyrants are not as fussy about their habitat as the name might imply! (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
CATTLE TYRANT (Machetornis rixosa) DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tuberculifer) [*]
PALE-EDGED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus cephalotes)
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
LESSER KISKADEE (Pitangus lictor)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
RUSTY-MARGINED FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes cayanensis)
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER (Myiozetetes similis)
White-bearded Flycatcher is one of the specialties of the llanos, and we had several nice encounters with this monotypic genus at Hato La Aurora. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
WHITE-BEARDED FLYCATCHER (Phelpsia inornata) GOLDEN-CROWNED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) [*]
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Tyrannus savana)
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
GREEN-AND-BLACK FRUITEATER (Pipreola riefferii)
RED-CRESTED COTINGA (Ampelion rubrocristatus)
Pipridae (Manakins)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus) [*]
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
A group of Capybaras emerging from the river at Hato La Aurora (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
CINEREOUS BECARD (Pachyramphus rufus) WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
BROWN-CAPPED VIREO (Vireo leucophrys)
RED-EYED VIREO (Vireo olivaceus) [b]
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes)
RUFOUS-NAPED GREENLET (Pachysylvia semibrunnea)
Violaceous Jays were regular in small flocks around Hato La Aurora, here eating fruit along the Rio Ariporo. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis gujanensis) BLACK-BILLED PEPPERSHRIKE (Cyclarhis nigrirostris) [*]
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
VIOLACEOUS JAY (Cyanocorax violaceus)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BLUE-AND-WHITE SWALLOW (Pygochelidon cyanoleuca)
BROWN-BELLIED SWALLOW (Orochelidon murina)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
BROWN-CHESTED MARTIN (Progne tapera)
White-winged Swallows were tame along the Rio Ariporo. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer) BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) [b]
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) [b]
CLIFF SWALLOW (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) [b]
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (SOUTHERN) (Troglodytes aedon musculus)
MOUNTAIN WREN (Troglodytes solstitialis)
SEDGE WREN (PARAMO) (Cistothorus platensis aequatorialis)
APOLINAR'S WREN (Cistothorus apolinari) [E]
Tourmaline Sunangel was common on this visit to Chicaque. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BAND-BACKED WREN (Campylorhynchus zonatus) [*] BICOLORED WREN (Campylorhynchus griseus)
BLACK-BELLIED WREN (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris)
WHISKERED WREN (Pheugopedius mystacalis) [*]
SPECKLE-BREASTED WREN (COLOMBIAN) (Pheugopedius sclateri columbianus)
RUFOUS-AND-WHITE WREN (Thryophilus rufalbus)
BUFF-BREASTED WREN (Cantorchilus leucotis)
RUFOUS WREN (Cinnycerthia unirufa)
SHARPE'S WREN (Cinnycerthia olivascens)
GRAY-BREASTED WOOD-WREN (Henicorhina leucophrys) [*]
Donacobiidae (Donacobius)
Black-capped Donacobius is a relative of the Old World "babblers." We had great views of one vocalizing, throat pouches extended, en route to Hato La Aurora. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BLACK-CAPPED DONACOBIUS (Donacobius atricapilla) Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ANDEAN SOLITAIRE (Myadestes ralloides) [*]
GRAY-CHEEKED THRUSH (Catharus minimus) [b]
SWAINSON'S THRUSH (Catharus ustulatus) [b]
PALE-BREASTED THRUSH (Turdus leucomelas)
SPECTACLED THRUSH (Turdus nudigenis)
BLACK-BILLED THRUSH (Turdus ignobilis)
Our rooms at Hato La Aurora were in this comfortable building; the sleeping temperature was wonderful, and the night sounds (and day sounds) were great. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
GREAT THRUSH (Turdus fuscater) Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
YELLOWISH PIPIT (Anthus lutescens)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) [b]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) [b]
TENNESSEE WARBLER (Oreothlypis peregrina) [b]
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) [b]
Cerulean Warbler winters in the Andes, and we managed to find two, including this one (a young female?) at Laguna de Tabacal. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
CERULEAN WARBLER (Setophaga cerulea) [b] TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
BAY-BREASTED WARBLER (Setophaga castanea) [b]
BLACKBURNIAN WARBLER (Setophaga fusca) [b]
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) [b]
BLACKPOLL WARBLER (Setophaga striata) [b]
Gray-throated Warbler looks like a large Oporornis; we saw this scarce species singing at Laguna de Tabacal. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
RUFOUS-CAPPED WARBLER (CHESTNUT-CAPPED) (Basileuterus rufifrons mesochrysus) THREE-STRIPED WARBLER (Basileuterus tristriatus)
CITRINE WARBLER (Myiothlypis luteoviridis)
BLACK-CRESTED WARBLER (Myiothlypis nigrocristata)
GRAY-THROATED WARBLER (Myiothlypis cinereicollis)
RUSSET-CROWNED WARBLER (Myiothlypis coronata)
CANADA WARBLER (Cardellina canadensis) [b]
SLATE-THROATED REDSTART (Myioborus miniatus)
Golden-fronted Redstart is close to being a Colombian endemic, and this lovely species became one of Caroline's favorites. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
GOLDEN-FRONTED REDSTART (Myioborus ornatus) Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MASKED CARDINAL (Paroaria nigrogenis)
BLACK-FACED TANAGER (Schistochlamys melanopis)
HOODED TANAGER (Nemosia pileata)
BLACK-CAPPED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus atropileus)
Masked Cardinals were coming for food outside the dining area at Hato La Aurora. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
SUPERCILIARIED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus superciliaris) OLEAGINOUS HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus frontalis)
BLACK-EARED HEMISPINGUS (Hemispingus melanotis)
WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Tachyphonus luctuosus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo)
CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus dimidiatus)
Black-chested Mountain-Tanager is a scarce bird of upper montane forest, and we were excited to find it at PN Chingaza. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
BLACK-CHESTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Cnemathraupis eximia) GRASS-GREEN TANAGER (Chlorornis riefferii)
SCARLET-BELLIED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Anisognathus igniventris)
BUFF-BREASTED MOUNTAIN-TANAGER (Dubusia taeniata) [*]
FAWN-BREASTED TANAGER (Pipraeidea melanonota)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (Thraupis episcopus)
Yes, we had to hang on, but the luxury of a ride back up the steep hill was much appreciated. (Photo by tour manager Caroline Lewis)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum) BLUE-CAPPED TANAGER (Thraupis cyanocephala)
BLACK-CAPPED TANAGER (Tangara heinei)
BURNISHED-BUFF TANAGER (Tangara cayana)
SCRUB TANAGER (Tangara vitriolina)
BLUE-NECKED TANAGER (Tangara cyanicollis)
BERYL-SPANGLED TANAGER (Tangara nigroviridis)
METALLIC-GREEN TANAGER (Tangara labradorides)
PLAIN-COLORED TANAGER (Tangara inornata)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (BAY-AND-BLUE) (Tangara gyrola deleticia)
FLAME-FACED TANAGER (Tangara parzudakii)
GOLDEN TANAGER (Tangara arthus)
Turquoise Dacnis is a tough bird on all of our Colombia tours, so we were very happy to see this species so well. This photograph shows the larger bill (larger than other dacnises) of this species. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
TURQUOISE DACNIS (Dacnis hartlaubi) [E] CHESTNUT-VENTED CONEBILL (Conirostrum speciosum)
BLUE-BACKED CONEBILL (Conirostrum sitticolor)
CAPPED CONEBILL (Conirostrum albifrons)
RUFOUS-BROWED CONEBILL (Conirostrum rufum)
GLOSSY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa lafresnayii)
BLACK FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa humeralis humeralis)
Ruby-topaz Hummingbird is not to be expected at Jardin Encantado, but one had been showing up, and visited several times while we were there, becoming a favorite of the group. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
WHITE-SIDED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa albilatera) RUSTY FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa sittoides)
BLUISH FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa caerulescens)
MASKED FLOWERPIERCER (Diglossa cyanea)
PLUSHCAP (Catamblyrhynchus diadema)
PLUMBEOUS SIERRA-FINCH (Phrygilus unicolor)
ORANGE-FRONTED YELLOW-FINCH (Sicalis columbiana)
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
RUDDY-BREASTED SEEDEATER (Sporophila minuta)
Occasionally we did find hummingbirds 'earning an honest living,' such as this Booted Racket-tail, seen shortly after we saw Black Inca also feeding in the wild. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH (Sporophila funerea) GRAY SEEDEATER (Sporophila intermedia)
YELLOW-BELLIED SEEDEATER (Sporophila nigricollis)
BAND-TAILED SEEDEATER (Catamenia analis)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
ROSY THRUSH-TANAGER (Rhodinocichla rosea) [*]
Three gear-laden guides on the savannah at Hato La Aurora. (Photo by tour manager Caroline Lewis)
BLACK-WINGED SALTATOR (Saltator atripennis) GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
STREAKED SALTATOR (Saltator striatipectus)
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
ASHY-THROATED CHLOROSPINGUS (Chlorospingus canigularis)
YELLOW-BROWED SPARROW (Ammodramus aurifrons)
BLACK-STRIPED SPARROW (Arremonops conirostris)
GRAY-BROWED BRUSHFINCH (Arremon assimilis assimilis) [*]
RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW (Zonotrichia capensis)
MOUSTACHED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes albofrenatus)
SLATY BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes schistaceus)
PALE-NAPED BRUSHFINCH (Atlapetes pallidinucha)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
SUMMER TANAGER (Piranga rubra) [b]
Scarlet Tanagers were still on the move, southbound to the edges of Amazonia; this migrant (a first year male) was 3200m above Bogota. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
SCARLET TANAGER (Piranga olivacea) [b] ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK (Pheucticus ludovicianus) [b]
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
EASTERN MEADOWLARK (Sturnella magna)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris)
This Black-bellied Whistling-Duck brood was at Hato La Aurora. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris) ORIOLE BLACKBIRD (Gymnomystax mexicanus)
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
YELLOW-BACKED ORIOLE (Icterus chrysater)
One of the many impressive iguanas seen along the Rio Ariporo at Hato La Aurora. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis) YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE (Amblycercus holosericeus)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
PURPLE-THROATED EUPHONIA (Euphonia chlorotica)
VELVET-FRONTED EUPHONIA (Euphonia concinna) [E]
Red Howler Monkeys could be heard from our rooms, and were seen several times in our journeys around Hato La Aurora. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
THICK-BILLED EUPHONIA (Euphonia laniirostris) BLUE-NAPED CHLOROPHONIA (Chlorophonia cyanea)
LESSER GOLDFINCH (Spinus psaltria)
ANDEAN SISKIN (Spinus spinescens)
COMMON OPOSSUM (Didelphis marsupialis)
RED HOWLER MONKEY (Alouatta seniculus)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
AMAZON DWARF SQUIRREL (Microsciurus flaviventer)
GUINEA PIG (Cavia aperea)
Can one have too many photographs of Capybara? Possibly, but "several" is certainly OK. (Photo by guide Richard Webster)
CAPYBARA (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) CRAB-EATING FOX (Cerdocyon thous)
WHITE-TAILED DEER (Odocoileus virginianus)
Other critters:
Black Caiman: Several on the Rio Ariporo, further evidence of good conservation practices at Hato La Aurora.
Spectacled Caiman: The smaller, more common species at Hato La Aurora.
Green Iguana: Some fine specimens from the boat.
Turtles: common in the llanos, with more/others at Laguna de Tabacal.
Tegu (perhaps Gold Tegu, Tupinambis teguixin, but Tegu taxonomy is only a little better than squirrel taxonomy): the "monitor lizard" at Hato La Aurora (now an invasive threat in Florida).
Caterpillars: That curious mass of them on the trunk at Hato La Aurora.
Totals for the tour: 410 bird taxa and 8 mammal taxa