I booked a three week ‘standard’ birding tour of Colombia with Rockjumper Birding Tours but as this was due to start on 19th January I had a nice two week gap between the festive period and the start of the tour in which to look for some more endemics. After a considerable amount of research I settled on visiting four of the ProAves reserves along with an attempt to see some of the Tolima department’s endemic species.

Logistics

ProAves website http://www.proaves.org/sommaire.php?lang=en details all of the reserves together with key species. The organisation works in partnership with Ecoturs http://www.ecoturs.org/ who offer scheduled and customised birding tours to ProAves reserves. The visits to the ProAves reserves were organised through Ecoturs and they also helped with site information in Tolima. Carl Downing http://www.birding-colombia.com/ organised the services of Luis Carlos, who is his regular driver in the country, and a car. Luis was an invaluable help in smoothing over any logistical hitches in country and was in regular contact with the Bogota Ecoturs office to ensure everything ran according to schedule. Carl also provided me with site information and tips on finding the key species.

Colombia is still developing in terms of tourism and the infrastructure is nowhere near as well developed as e.g. neighbouring Ecuador but nonetheless I encountered no problems. The security situation is constantly evolving and means that at any given time certain areas of the country and reserves are off-limits. Before planning a private trip it is essential to speak to someone with intimate knowledge of the country in terms of safety.

Road distances between sites in Colombia are not necessarily far but the roads are generally slow especially in the mountains and journey times can be long. Finding your way around is not easy and roads are generally not well signposted. I would recommend hiring a local driver and car rather than trying to drive yourself around although this would probably be cheaper. There are numerous army and police checkpoints but respectable private cars seem rarely to get stopped and we were never stopped at all.

I stayed mostly in the lodges on the ProAves reserves, but also one night in a roadside hotel on the first night on the way to Reinita Cielo Azul, one night in Medellin to break the journey between El Paujil and Colibri del Sol and two nights in Libano, Tolima dept. Hotels were generally clean and comfortable and relatively inexpensive. The lodges at the three reserves were fairly basic but clean and comfortable and really quite acceptable considering the remote locations. Food at all three was plentiful and of a good standard and meal times were completely flexible to suit birders needs.

Itinerary

05/01/10 – Late afternoon arrival in Bogota on scheduled Air France flight from Bristol via Paris. Drive north towards Reinita Cielo Azul (Cerulean Warbler) reserve for approximately six hours. Overnight in unknown roadside hotel.
06/01/10 – Mid-afternoon arrival at Reinita Cielo Azul, late afternoon birding in high forest. Overnight in reserve lodge.
07/01/10 – All day birding high forest at Reinita Cielo Azul. Overnight in reserve lodge.
08/01/10 – All day birding coffee plantations at Reinita Cielo Azul. Overnight in reserve lodge.
09/01/10 – Day trip to Pauxi Pauxi (Helmeted Curassow) reserve. Overnight at Reinita Cielo Azul.
10/01/10 – Drive to El Paujil (Curassow) reserve with roadside wetland birding in the Magdalena Valley. Overnight at El Paujil.
11/01/10 – All day birding El Paujil. Overnight in reserve lodge.
12/01/10 – Morning birding at El Paujil. Afternoon departure and overnight in Medellin.
13/01/10 – Drive Medellin to Urrao and then horseback to Colibri del Sol reserve for late afternoon birding. Overnight in reserve lodge.
14/01/10 – All day birding Colibri del Sol. Overnight in reserve lodge.
15/01/10 – Early morning birding at Colibri del Sol before walk back to Urrao. Drive Urrao to Libano, overnight Hotel Calle Real, Libano.
16/01/10 – All day birding forest patches just outside Libano. Overnight Hotel Calle Real, Libano.
17/01/10 – Early morning birding Libano before drive to Bogota.

Sites

Frank Lambert’s excellent article http://www.worldtwitch.com/colombia_lambert_2007.htm provides information on three of the areas I birded and I used the advice in this article heavily; in this trip report I hope to update some of the information.

Reinita Cielo Azul

I birded mostly on the Sendero de Lengerke trail and along the main access tracks in the coffee plantations. There is now a feeding station set up just inside the forest next to the Sendero de Lengerke trail which Gorgeted Wood-Quail visits daily, during my visit the period between 4 – 5pm seemed most reliable, hummingbird feeders here also attract Black Inca regularly. Recurve-billed Bushbird occurs in the forest half way up the Sendero de Lengerke before arriving at the forest proper but can be very elusive. Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird is very elusive and infrequent. I saw a bird around 1km along the access track turning right from the lodge and which crosses the Sendero de Lengerke. There is a point where the forest edge reaches to the track and the bird was favouring the canopy here. Another individual was seen during my time there in a red-flowered tree with red bark near the bottom of the Sendero de Lengerke; reputedly this type of flower is attractive to the species. More usually however this species is observed much lower down near San Vicente. Indigo-capped Hummingbird visits the feeders in the lodge garden. Mountain Grackle had not been observed in the two months prior to my visit and I was unable to change this. The reserve manager, Luis, knows where all the best spots are and is generally available to guide in the field. If birding the forest the staff are happy to bring boxed lunches out into the field to avoid having to return to the lodge.

Pauxi Pauxi

This relatively new ProAves reserve is not mentioned by Lambert. At present accommodation here is rather basic and not really suitable for anyone other than researchers. It is however just a 1.5 hour drive from the lodge at Reinita Cielo Azul and thus reasonably easy to visit whilst based here. Although a number of species are shared with either Reinita Cielo Azul and/or El Paujil the reserve sits conveniently between these two other reserves in terms of altitude and thus a number of species are perhaps easier to see here.

The reserve was established to protect Horned Curassow (after which it is named) however although the species has recently been discovered breeding it is supposedly a two-day hike to get to the area where they occur and thus off-limits for most mortals. The site is particularly reliable for Beautiful Woodpecker and Sooty Ant-Tanager and other specialities to look for include Lita Woodpecker, Song Wren, Dull-mantled Antbird, White-bibbed Manakin, Tawny-throated Leaftosser, Northern Royal-Flycatcher and Slaty-winged Foliage-Gleaner. Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird and Saffron-headed Parrot also occur here and should be looked for in more open habitat.

Day visits from Reinita Cielo Azul including transport can easily be arranged by EcoTurs, it is best to do so in advance but it is probably also possible to do at short notice whilst you are staying at Reinita. The reserve warden knows a few of the good birds and can help a little. There appeared to be two main trails starting from the forest guard’s house; one that runs through open, secondary habitat which after c. 3kms has a reliable pair of Beautiful Woodpecker and allegedly, if you go “significantly further”, also boasts a reliable spot for Recurve-billed Bushbird. At the start of this trail I saw Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird. The second trail runs steeply uphill and eventually enters good forest where the majority of the target species can be found. The trail goes apparently forever upwards but the first 2kms or so should give you at least a chance with most of the targets.

The problem with birding the trail outside the forest looking for Beautiful Woodpecker is that it will be late morning before you can get to the forest as you have to retrace your steps all the way back to the guards house to take the trail up to the forest. The trails are steep and it is hot here so it is a pretty energetic day. Inevitably a one day visit will not be enough to connect with everything but unless time is of limited object it would be hard to justify more than one day here.

The birds of this site are poorly known with very little research done as yet so all sightings are valuable and should be made available to ProAves.

Wetlands north of Puerto Boyaca

When travelling between Reinita Cielo Azul and Puerto Boyaca in the Magdalena Valley there are a few roadside wetlands that are well worth a stop. Northern Screamer is the target speciality and it should be easy to find a few pairs. There is space to pull off the road onto the verge at all the relevant stops but please take care as the traffic is fast and potentially dangerous. I found the best site to be where the road is flanked by two large shallow pools at N6^o 18’ 39.5” W76^o 26’ 44”, the muddy edges were attractive to large numbers of waders, waterfowl and herons.

El Paujil

The road from Puerto Boyaca to Puerto Pinzon had recently been repaired before my visit and as such our journey was relatively quick. Not only that but we were able to negotiate the final few kilometres to the reserve entrance in a standard 2wd car. The track from the entrance to the lodge is impassable to anything other than motorbikes or horses, the reserve manager will meet you at the gate with one or the other to transfer you to the lodge. It seems safe to leave your vehicle at the entrance gate for the duration of your stay. When I visited the river was too low to navigate by boat from Puerto Pinzon which would be the ideal way to transfer to the lodge. Ironically it rained on the first night after arriving so water levels rose again meaning that access to the ‘Riverside Trail’ on the opposite side of the river was not possible.

I birded the trails outlined by Lambert as there are few alternatives. One criticism of the reserve is that despite its large size there are relatively few trails and birding options and these are quickly exhausted. I personally found the Main Road to be most rewarding but to see more skulking species it is necessary to walk the trails inside the forest. To this end I found the top end of the Sendero Lomo Patico and ‘Trail A’ to offer the best birding but often they could be frustratingly quiet. Note when following ‘Trail A’ you have to walk along a stream bed for a few hundred metres. The water is very shallow but it is confusing when the trail seemingly disappears without trace when you arrive at the stream, the trail however is well worn and it is easy to see the entry and exit points along the bank.

The key species at El Paujil is the critically endangered Blue-billed Curassow for which the reserve is named after. Seeing one however is not easy and even for a Curassow this is a particularly difficult species. I was very fortunate on my visit that a nest had recently been discovered along a track just off the main road and it was easy to see the female sitting. More normally the best tactic is to walk the trails quietly in the hope of finding one on the trail or locating a calling male. The Riverside Trail reputedly offers the best opportunities and the higher you can climb up the ridge the better. As it seemed to be breeding season it was not surprising that I did not hear or see any other individuals other than the bird on the nest during my stay.

There is much more to El Paujil than the Curassow however with the endemic Beautiful Woodpecker, White-mantled Barbet and Sooty Ant-Tanager all regular and other goodies such as Bare-crowned Antbird and Black-billed Flycatcher possible. Antioquia Bristle-Tyrant has also been reported from here but requires documentation.

Colibri del Sol

This excellent reserve was originally established to protect the very restricted, endemic Dusky Starfrontlet and this is also the best site for the endemic Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer. Research on the reserve has further established the presence of an endemic and as yet un-described Antpitta which will apparently be called Fenwick’s Antpitta. It looks and sounds very similar to Brown-banded and Cundinamarca Antpittas and is presumably part of this complex. Fortunately it has recently been trained to come to worms and is easy to see. The ‘Paramo’ Tapaculos here do not sound anything like Paramo Tapaculo and don’t respond to them either. They have been tentatively suggested as a new species ‘Treeline’ Tapaculo and should be formally described sooner rather than later. There are also rumours that another un-described Tapaculo species occurs lower down in the reserve but information around this seems to be sparse at best. Throw in a highly isolated population of Black-throated Flowerpiercer that surely warrants genetic research, several other Antpitta species and a host of high altitude specialists and you have the makings of a terrific stay.

Fortunately with the Antpitta feeding station, Dusky Starfrontlet regular at feeders just below the Paramo and both Flowerpiercers and the Treeline Tapaculo all being relatively easy to see a two night stay should be sufficient to ensure you leave with few gaps on your target species list. The lodge is now complete and is a two-hour walk or horse ride from the end of the driveable track out of Urrao. The lodge itself is fairly basic with two rooms of two bunks each. It is occupied by the manager and his family who provide good food and can show you all the best birds. There are many excellent trails masterfully cut into seemingly impossibly steep hillsides including one that leads up to the Paramo. Be aware that it gets very cold at night here so warm clothes are a must. There are plenty of blankets to keep you warm in bed but the ice cold shower is an experience best attempted around midday when it is almost bearable.

Libano

The Tolima department has two key endemics, Tolima Dove and Yellow-headed Brush-Finch, however the extent of deforestation is so bad that finding suitable patches of forest to look for these species is very difficult. There are no really established sites or reserves to visit and little available information. Some birders try the remnant forest patches near Ibague (see Lambert) but Robert Giles of Ecoturs suggested I try the patches on the edge of the town of Libano which is around two hours drive north from Ibague.

The remnant patches of forest are very small and confined to steep gullies and access is pretty much restricted to roadside birding. From the town of Libano ask for directions to Manizales and after 1km the road forks. There are patches of forest in both directions. The first 5 kms or so are as far as you need to go in either direction. I found the road to the left to be far more productive. Yellow-headed Brush-Finch is common in forest edge and established secondary growth. The Dove is much more tricky but I flushed one bird off the forest floor; from the road at N04^o 54’ 13.2” W75^o 04’ 47.6” walk down a track to a forested gully. I also saw the endemic Crested Ant-Tanager here.

There is another interesting gully at N04^o 54’ 34.7” W75^o 04’ 51.4” where you can walk up the dry river bed; White-tipped Sicklebill is common here. From the road I also saw the endemic Indigo-capped Hummingbird in this area.

Libano has a few hotels and I found the Hotel Calle Real to be clean and cheap although a little noisy. It is located just beyond the main square, ask for directions. Although a small town there are lots of places to eat and all the usual facilities including banks and ATM’s.

Bird List

Highland Tinamou – (Nothocercus julius) – One seen on the path near the Wood-Quail feeding station at Reinita. This seemed to be a regular spot for this species.

Little Tinamou – (Crypturellus soui) – Heard only at El Paujil.

Colombian Chachalaca – (Ortalis columbiana) – Seen by the road near San Vicente and at El Paujil, Clements lumps this form in Speckled Chachalaca, it becomes a Colombian endemic when split.

Sickle-winged Guan – (Chamaepetes goudotii) – Three seen at Colibri del Sol.

Blue-billed Curassow – (Crax alberti) – A female of this critically endangered endemic seen on the nest at El Paujil.

Crested Bobwhite – (Colinus cristatus) – A covey of around ten seen on the road near Pauxi Pauxi.

Marbled Wood-Quail – (Odontophorus gujanensis) – At least five seen from the main road at El Paujil.

Gorgeted Wood-Quail – (Odontophorus strophium) – A male seen at the feeder at Reinita where sightings are daily; late afternoon seemed best whilst I was there. Endemic to Colombia.

Northern Screamer – (Chauna chavaria) – 13 seen in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

White-faced Whistling-Duck – (Dendrocygna viduata) – 8 in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck – (Dendrocygna autumnalis) – 300+ in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Muscovy Duck – (Cairina moschata) – A single in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Blue-winged Teal – (Anas discors) – 30+ in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Bare-faced Ibis – (Phimosus infuscatus) – Common in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Roseate Spoonbill – (Platalea ajaja) – 3 in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Capped Heron – (Pilherodius pileatus) – Two seen from the main road between Bogota and Reinita.

Cocoi Heron – (Ardea cocoi) – Occasionally seen from roads in the Magdalena Valley.

Western Great-Egret – (Ardea alba) – Common in the Magdalena Valley. Clements lumps this form in Great Egret.

Little Blue Heron – (Egretta caerulea) – A single by the road near Puerto Pinzon.

Snowy Egret – (Egretta thula) – Common in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Western Cattle-Egret – (Bubulcus ibis) – Common in open areas throughout. Clements lumps this form in Cattle Egret.

Striated Heron – (Butorides striata) – Just a couple of singles from the road in the Magdalena Valley.

Neotropic Cormorant – (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) – One in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Anhinga – (Anhinga anhinga) – A dozen in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Turkey Vulture – (Cathartes aura) – Common throughout except at highest altitudes.

Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture – (Cathartes burrovianus) – A single from the road in the Magdalena Valley.

Black Vulture – (Coragyps atratus) – Common throughout except at highest altitudes.

Grey-headed Kite – (Leptodon cayanensis) – A single at El Paujil.

White-tailed Kite – (Elanus leucurus) – A single by the road near Pauxi Pauxi.

Plumbeous Kite – (Ictinia plumbea) – A couple at El Paujil.

Black-collared Hawk – (Busarellus nigricollis) – Three in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle – (Geranoaetus melanoleucus) – A single on the walk down from Colibri del Sol.

Roadside Hawk – (Buteo magnirostris) – Frequent throughout except at highest altitudes.

Grey Hawk – (Buteo nitidus) – Heard only at Pauxi Pauxi.

Broad-winged Hawk – (Buteo platypterus) – Singles at Pauxi Pauxi and Colibri del Sol.

White-tailed Hawk – (Buteo albicaudatus) – A single near the lodge at Reinita.

Black Hawk-Eagle – (Spizaetus tyrannus) – A single vocal individual seen soaring distantly at Pauxi Pauxi.

Northern Caracara – (Caracara cheriway) – A fairly common and widespread species.

Yellow-headed Caracara – (Milvago chimachima) – Also fairly common at lower altitudes.

American Kestrel – (Falco sparverius) – Common in open areas, typically seen on road journeys.

Bat Falcon – (Falco rufigularis) – A pair seen most days around Reinita lodge area.

White-throated Crake – (Laterallus albigularis) – Heard regularly by the ponds near the lodge at El Paujil.

Sunbittern – (Eurypyga helias) – A single seen flying upstream at dusk at El Paujil.

Wattled Jacana – (Jacana jacana) – Common in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Southern Lapwing – (Vanellus chilensis) – Common in open areas.

Spotted Sandpiper – (Actitis macularius) – A single in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Solitary Sandpiper – (Tringa solitaria) – Two in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Greater Yellowlegs – (Tringa melanoleuca) – Four in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Lesser Yellowlegs – (Tringa flavipes) – At least 20 in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Least Sandpiper – (Calidris minutilla) – At least 150 in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Pectoral Sandpiper – (Calidris melanotos)­ – Three in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Yellow-billed Tern – (Sternula superciliaris) – Four in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley by the main road between Reinita and El Paujil.

Band-tailed Pigeon – (Patagioenas fasciata) – Fairly common at Reinita, Colibri del Sol and Libano.

Pale-vented Pigeon – (Patagioenas cayennensis) – Six in the Magdalena Valley en-route to El Paujil.

Eared Dove – (Zenaida auriculata) – Common by the road to and from Urrao and between Libano and Bogota.

Ruddy Ground-Dove – (Columbina talpacoti) – Common at Reinita and by the road near El Paujil.

White-tipped Dove – (Leptotila verreauxi) – Recorded at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and El Paujil.

Grey-chested Dove – (Leptotila cassini) – Three individuals seen at El Paujil.

Tolima Dove – (Leptotila conoveri) – A single flushed from a patch of forest floor at Libano (see individual site guides for directions).

Lined Quail-Dove – (Geotrygon linearis) – A pair high on the Sendero de Lengerke trail at Reinita.

Chestnut-fronted Macaw – (Ara severus) – A couple of pairs at El Paujil.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw – (Ara ararauna) – At least a couple of pairs at El Paujil. More surprisingly one flew over the main road between Bogota and Reinita.

Spectacled Parrotlet – (Forpus conspicillatus) – A single at Reinita in the coffee and eight at Libano.

Orange-chinned Parakeet – (Brotogeris jugularis) – Small numbers at Reinita and EL Paujil.

Blue-headed Parrot – (Pionus menstruus) – A few in the coffee at Reinita and also recorded at Pauxi Pauxi.

Orange-winged Amazon – (Amazona amazonica) – Apparently the most common Amazona at El Paujil but many individuals in flight not identified.

Mealy Amazon – (Amazona farinose) – At least a couple identified at El Paujil.

Yellow-crowned Parrot – (Amazona ochrocephala) – At least two at El Paujil but probably overlooked.

Squirrel Cuckoo – (Piaya cayana) – Two at Reinita and one at Libano.

Greater Ani – (Crotophaga major) – A dozen at El Paujil.

Smooth-billed Ani – (Crotophaga ani) – Common in more open areas except at high altitude.

Striped Cuckoo – (Tapera naevia) – A single at Reinita in the coffee.

Tropical Screech-Owl – (Megascops choliba) – Heard most nights at the lodge at Reinita but never really looked for.

Vermiculated Screech-Owl – (Megascops guatemalae) – One seen at the lodge at El Paujil where it apparently regularly feeds around lights after dark.

Pauraque – (Nyctidromus albicollis) – Common on the track between San Vicente and Reinita Lodge and also at El Paujil.

White-collared Swift – (Streptoprocne zonaris) – Common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi, El Paujil and Colibri del Sol.

Band-rumped Swift – (Chaetura spinicaudus) – Common at Reinita. Much more surprising was a single at Colibri del Sol well above the typical altitudinal range for this species.

White-tipped Swift – (Aeronautes montivagus) – Fairly common at Reinita.

Rufous-breasted Hermit – (Glaucis hirsutus) – A single seen at El Paujil.

Band-tailed Barbthroat – (Threnetes ruckeri) – A single at El Paujil.

Green Hermit – (Phaethornis guy) – Common at Pauxi Pauxi with males observed lekking. Also recorded at Libano.

Long-billed Hermit – (Phaethornis longirostris) – Three recorded at Pauxi Pauxi and a single at El Paujil.

Tawny-bellied Hermit – (Phaethornis syrmatophorus) – A couple at Reinita and fairly common at Libano.

Pale-bellied Hermit – (Phaethornis anthophilus) – Common at El Paujil and visits the feeders at the lodge.

Stripe-throated Hermit – (Phaethornis striigularis) – A single at El Paujil.

White-tipped Sicklebill – (Eutoxeres aquila) – Fairly common at Libano. See details in site accounts.

White-necked Jacobin – (Florisuga mellivora) – Common at El Paujil, especially at the lodge feeders.

Brown Violetear – (Colibri delphinae) – A single seen in a patch of forest at 2,200m above Libano.

Green Violetear – (Colibri thalassinus) – Just a single at the lodge feeders at Colibri del Sol.

Sparkling Violetear – (Colibri coruscans) – An occasional visitor to the lodge feeders at Colibri del Sol.

Black-throated Mango – (Anthracothorax nigricollis) – A couple at the start of the Sendero de Lengerke at Reinita.

Red-billed Emerald – (Chlorostilbon gibsoni) – At least one individual regularly coming to the lodge feeders at El Paujil.

Blue-tailed Emerald – (Chlorostilbon mellisugus) – A fairly common visitor to the feeders at El Paujil lodge.

Short-tailed Emerald – (Chlorostilbon poortmani) – A female visiting the lodge feeders at Reinita.

Violet-crowned Woodnymph – (Thalurania colombica) – Fairly common at Pauxi Pauxi and common at Libano where seen nesting.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird – (Amazilia tzacatl) – Common at Reinita and Pauxi Pauxi with a single recorded at El Paujil.

Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird – (Amazilia castaneiventris) – Singles of this critically endangered endemic seen at Reinita and Pauxi Pauxi. At Reinita a male was seen in the canopy of degraded forest edge around 500m along the track beyond the start of the Sendero de Lengerke. At Pauxi Pauxi another male was seen in open country near the forest guard’s house.

Andean Emerald – (Amazilia franciae) – Common at Reinita and Libano.

Blue-chested Hummingbird – (Amazilia amabilis) – Common at El Paujil, especially at the lodge feeders.

Indigo-capped Hummingbird – (Amazilia cyanifrons) – Fairly common in the lodge area at Reinita. More surprisingly one was seen at Libano. Endemic to Colombia.

Shining-green Hummingbird – (Lepidopyga goudoti) – A single male seen at the start of the Sendero de Lengerke trail at Reinita.

White-vented Plumeleteer – (Chalybura buffonii) – Common at El Paujil, especially at the lodge feeders.

Speckled Hummingbird – (Adelomyia melanogenys) – Common in the forest at Reinita.

Green-crowned Brilliant – (Heliodoxa jacula) – Common at Reinita.

Mountain Velvetbreast – (Lafresnaya lafresnayi) – Frequent visitor to the lodge feeders at Colibri del Sol especially at dawn and dusk.

Black Inca – (Coeligena prunellei) – Fairly common in the forest at Reinita and easiest to see at the feeders just inside the forest. Endemic to Colombia.

Collared Inca – (Coeligena torquata) – A single at Reinita and common at Colibri del Sol especially around the feeders.

Dusky Starfronlet – (Coeligena orina) – At least five individuals seen at the feeders just below the Paramo at Colibri del Sol where the species is omnipresent and dominant. A critically endangered endemic.

Sword-billed Hummingbird – (Ensifera ensifera) – A single seen at the feeders just below the Paramo at Colibri del Sol.

Tourmaline Sunangel – (Heliangelus exortis) – Common at the lodge feeders at Colibri del Sol.

Glowing Puffleg – (Eriocnemis vestita) – Three at Colibri del Sol, just below the Paramo and also visiting the Starfrontlet feeders.

Tyrian Metaltail – (Metallura tyrianthina) – Fairly common on the Paramo trail above Colibri del Sol lodge.

Long-tailed Sylph – (Aglaiocercus kingi) – A couple of females only at Reinita.

White-bellied Woodstar – (Chaetocercus mulsant) – Common at the lodge feeders at Colibri del Sol.

Gorgeted Woodstar – (Chaetocercus heliodor) – A single female seen at Libano.

White-tailed Trogon – (Trogon chionurus) – A common and conspicuous species at El Paujil. The call sounds confusingly like the sought after Black Antshrike and the Trogon responds to playback of the latter, beware!

Collared Trogon – (Trogon collaris) – A couple seen at Reinita.

Amazon Kingfisher – (Chloroceryle amazona) – Seen roadside between Bogota and Reinita.

Ringed Kingfisher – (Megaceryle torquata) – Seen roadside between Bogota and Reinita.

Broad-billed Motmot – (Electron platyrhynchum) – A single seen at El Paujil.

Rufous Motmot – (Baryphthengus martii) – Likewise just a single seen at El Paujil.

Highland Motmot – (Momotus aequatorialis) – Common at Libano. This form is lumped in Blue-crowned Motmot by Clements.

Barred Puffbird – (Nystalus radiates) – Heard fairly regularly at El Paujil but inexplicably overlooked.

White-fronted Nunbird – (Monasa morphoeus) – A group of four seen at El Paujil.

White-mantled Barbet – (Capito hypoleucus) – Three seen in forest edge 500m beyond the start of the Sendero de Lengerke at Reinita. One in a mixed flock at Pauxi Pauxi. Endemic to Colombia and classified as endangered.

White-throated Toucanet – (Aulacorhynchus albivitta) – A single at Libano. Clements lumps this form in Emerald Toucanet.

Collared Aracari – (Pteroglossus torquatus) – Six at Pauxi Pauxi and a single near San Vicente on the way out from Reinita. Note Clements does not split this complex.

Citron-throated Toucan – (Ramphastos citreolaemus) – Fairly common at El Paujil. Clements lumps this form in Channel-billed Toucan.

Chestnut-mandibled Toucan – (Ramphastos swainsonii) – Heard only at El Paujil.

Olivaceous Piculet – (Picumnus olivaceus) – A pair at Pauxi Pauxi and a single at Libano.

Red-crowned Woodpecker – (Melanerpes rubricapillus) – Fairly common in open areas at Reinita and Pauxi Pauxi.

Beautiful Woodpecker – (Melanerpes pulcher) – First a pair seen in open habitat Pauxi Pauxi and then a trio at El Paujil from the main road. Endemic to Colombia.

Smoky-brown Woodpecker – (Picoides fumigates) – A pair in a mixed flock at Libano.

Red-rumped Woodpecker – (Veniliornis kirkii) – A single at Pauxi Pauxi and a pair at El Paujil.

Lita Woodpecker – (Piculus litae) – A male loosely associating with a mixed flock at Pauxi Pauxi and possibly nest constructing.

Crimson-mantled Woodpecker – (Colaptes rivolii) – Just a single at Colibri del Sol.

Cinnamon Woodpecker – (Celeus loricatus) – Five of these punks at El Paujil.

Lineated Woodpecker – (Dryocopus lineatus) – Singles seen at Reinita and El Paujil.

Crimson-crested Woodpecker – (Campephilus melanoleucos) – A single at El Paujil.

Caribbean Hornero – (Furnarius longirostris) – A couple seen in the Magdalena Valley whilst driving towards Reinita. Clements lumps this form in Pale-legged Hornero.

Azara’s Spinetail – (Synallaxis azarae) – A few at Reinita and Libano.

Rusty-winged Barbtail – (Premnornis guttuligera) – A single in a mixed flock at Libano.

Montane Foliage-Gleaner – (Anabacerthia striaticollis) – Common at Reinita and Libano.

Slaty-winged Foliage-Gleaner – (Philydor fuscipenne) – A bit of a Pauxi Pauxi speciality, a single was seen in a mixed flock here.

Buff-fronted Foliage-Gleaner – (Philydor rufum) – A single seen at Libano.

Flammulated Treehunter – (Thripadectes flammulatus) – Single at Colibri del Sol in a mixed flock just above the lodge.

Buff-throated Foliage-Gleaner – (Automolus ochrolaemus) – A couple at both Pauxi Pauxi and El Paujil.

Plain Xenops – (Xenops minutus) – Odd birds at Reinita, El Paujil and Libano.

Wedge-billed Woodcreeper – (Glyphorynchus spirurus) – Just a single at El Paujil.

Strong-billed Woodcreeper – (Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus) – A trio of these monsters at Reinita.

Black-striped Woodcreeper – (Xiphorhynchus lachrymosus) – Another Pauxi Pauxi speciality, a singleton of this distinctive species was eventually found in a large mixed flock.

Olive-backed Woodcreeper – (Xiphorhynchus triangularis) – A single seen at Libano.

Montane Woodcreeper – (Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger) – Fairly common at Reinita and also recorded at Colibri del Sol and Libano.

Streak-headed Woodcreeper – (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii) – A single seen at Pauxi Pauxi.

Great Antshrike – (Taraba major) – A male was holding territory near the lodge at El Paujil and seen well on one occasion.

Barred Antshrike – (Thamnophilus doliatus) – A female seen on the forest edge at Pauxi Pauxi at dusk.

Bar-crested Antshrike – (Thamnophilus multistriatus) – Common in the coffee at Reinita and also fairly common in secondary scrub at Libano.

Uniform Antshrike – (Thamnophilus unicolor) – A single at Reinita.

Recurve-billed Bushbird – (Clytoctantes alixii) – A vocal male seen on the first evening at Reinita. There is a territory adjacent to the Sendero de Lengerke about halfway up to the start of the forest proper and the birds are easy to hear but seeing them requires a lot of patience and luck.

Plain Antvireo – (Dysithamnus mentalis) – A pair at Pauxi Pauxi and a female at Libano.

Slaty Antwren – (Myrmotherula schisticolor) – Fairly common at both Reinita and Libano.

Southern White-fringed Antwren – (Formicivora grisea) – A single male at El Paujil. Note that Clements has yet to split the White-fringed Antwren complex.

Parker’s Antbird – (Cercomacra parkeri) – Common in the forest at Reinita. Endemic to Colombia.

Bare-crowned Antbird – (Gymnocichla nudiceps) – A pair performed very well along the entrance track to the lodge at El Paujil, about halfway to the main road by the bridge near the start of ‘Trail A’.

Chestnut-backed Antbird – (Myrmeciza exsul) – An obliging trio along ‘Trail A’ at El Paujil.

Dull-mantled Antbird – (Myrmeciza laemosticta) – Not uncommon at Pauxi Pauxi with a few heard and one seen well.

Black-faced Antthrush – (Formicarius analis) – A male responded superbly to whistled impersonations at the top of the Sendero Lomo Patico at dusk one day.

Undulated Antpitta – (Grallaria squamigera) – A single ran down the steps on the Paramo trail at Colibri del Sol near the Starfrontlet feeders before flushing.

Fenwick’s Antpitta – (Grallaria sp.) – A couple came in to worms at the feeding station at Colibri del Sol. The formal description of this Colombian endemic is due shortly.

White-bellied Antpitta – (Grallaria hypoleuca) – Heard only at Reinita but not particularly looked for.

Chestnut-naped Antpitta – (Grallaria nuchalis) – A single dominant bird at the worm feeding station at Colibri del Sol.

Slate-crowned Antpitta – (Grallaricula nana) – Fairly common and relatively easy to see at Colibri del Sol.

Spillmann’s Tapaculo – (Scytalopus spillmanni) – Common on voice at Colibri del Sol and Libano with one seen at the former.

Upper Magdalena Tapaculo – (Scytalopus rodriguezi) – An immature came in silently to tape at Reinita. This Colombian endemic is classified as endangered.

Treeline Tapaculo – (Scytalopus sp.) – The Tapaculos in the Paramo at Colibri del Sol do not sound like or respond to Paramo Tapaculo and are considered a new species by many which has been dubbed Treeline Tapaculo. A formal description is still required and if accepted as a species then it will become a Colombian endemic. One bird responded vigorously to playback of its own voice and showed very well.

Blackish Tapaculo – (Scytalopus latrans) – Heard only at Colibri del Sol.

Ocellated Tapaculo – (Acropternis orthonyx) – A typically furtive individual glimpsed in bamboo at Colibri del Sol.

Plumbeous-crowned Tyrannulet – (Phyllomyias plumbeiceps) – A single seen at Reinita.

Black-capped Tyrannulet – (Phyllomyias nigrocapillus) – A single in a mixed flock at Colibri del Sol.

Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet – (Tyrannulus elatus) – A single seen at El Paujil.

Brown-capped Tyrannulet – (Ornithion brunneicapillus) – A single seen in a mixed flock at El Paujil.

Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet – (Camptostoma obsoletum) – A single seen at Pauxi Pauxi.

White-banded Tyrannulet – (Mecocerculus stictopterus) – Fairly common at Colibri del Sol.

White-throated Tyrannulet – (Mecocerculus leucophrys) – Also fairly common at Colibri del Sol.

Golden-faced Tyrannulet – (Zimmerius chrysops) – Recorded in more open areas at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and Libano.

Variegated Bristle-Tyrant – (Phylloscartes poecilotis) – A couple seen at Reinita.

Slaty-capped Flycatcher – (Leptopogon superciliaris) – Fairly common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and Libano.

Streak-necked Flycatcher – (Mionectes striaticollis) – A couple seen at Libano.

Ochre-bellied Flycatcher – (Mionectes oleagineus) – A few seen at El Paujil.

Ornate Flycatcher – (Myiotriccus ornatus) – Just a single seen at Reinita.

Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher – (Poecilotriccus ruficeps) – A single in a mixed flock at Libano.

Common Tody-Flycatcher – (Todirostrum cinereum) – Fairly common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and El Paujil.

Yellow-olive Flycatcher – (Tolmomyias sulphurescens) – Fairly common in remnant forest patches in the coffee at Reinita.

Yellow-margined Flatbill – (Tolmomyias flavotectus) – Single in the forest at Reinita.

White-throated Spadebill – (Platyrinchus mystaceus) – A pair at Pauxi Pauxi and a single at Libano.

Yellow-throated Spadebill – (Platyrinchus flavigularis) – A pair in the forest at Reinita along the Sendero de Lengerke near the start of the ‘Barbet Trail’.

Black-tailed Flycatcher – (Myiobius atricaudus) – A single seen at Pauxi Pauxi.

Cinnamon Flycatcher – (Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus) – Common at Reinita and Colibri del Sol.

Black-billed Flycatcher – (Aphanotriccus audax) – A single seen along the riverside trail near the lodge at El Paujil.

Acadian Flycatcher – (Empidonax virescens) – Singles at Pauxi Pauxi and El Paujil and then fairly common at Libano.

Willow Flycatcher – (Empidonax traillii) – A couple in the coffee at Reinita.

Black Phoebe – (Sayornis nigricans) – Fairly common in the valley from Urrao up to Colibri del Sol.

Vermilion Flycatcher – (Pyrocephalus rubinus) – Small numbers mostly seen from the car.

Rufous-breasted Chat-Tyrant – (Ochthoeca rufipectoralis) – A pair at Colibri del Sol.

Pied Water-Tyrant – (Fluvicola pica) – A couple in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley.

White-headed Marsh-Tyrant – (Arundinicola leucocephala) – Small numbers in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley.

Long-tailed Tyrant – (Colonia colonus) – Singles at Pauxi Pauxi and El Paujil.

Cattle Tyrant – (Machetornis rixosa) – A single roadside near Puerto Pinzon.

Piratic Flycatcher – (Legatus leucophaius) – A single at El Paujil.

Rusty-margined Flycatcher – (Myiozetetes cayanensis) – A pair at Pauxi Pauxi.

Social Flycatcher – (Myiozetetes similis) – A few at Reinita and El Paujil.

Great Kiskadee – (Pitangus sulphuratus) – A few in the coffee at Reinita and common in the Magdalena Valley between Reinita and El Paujil.

Lesser Kiskadee – (Philohydor lector) – Odd individuals in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley and at El Paujil.

Golden-crowned Flycatcher – (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) – A single at Pauxi Pauxi.

Streaked Flycatcher – (Myiodynastes maculates) – A few birds at Pauxi Pauxi and El Paujil.

Tropical Kingbird – (Tyrannus melancholicus) – Common in open areas throughout except at Colibri del Sol.

Eastern Kingbird – (Tyrannus tyrannus) – A couple in the central plaza in San Vicente.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher – (Tyrannus savana) – Also a couple in San Vicente and another in the Magdalena Valley between Reinita and El Paujil.

Dusky-capped Flycatcher – (Myiarchus tuberculifer) – Odd individuals recorded at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and Libano.

Brown-crested Flycatcher – (Myiarchus tyrannulus) – Fairly common at El Paujil.

Red-crested Cotinga – (Ampelion rubrocristatus) – Just one at Colibri del Sol.

Barred Fruiteater – (Pipreola arcuata) – A single at Colibri del Sol.

Dusky Piha – (Lipaugus fuscocinereus) – A single attending a fruiting tree near the antpitta feeding station at Colibri del Sol.

Green Manakin – (Xenopipo holochlora) – A single seen at El Paujil.

White-bearded Manakin – (Manacus manacus) – A single at Pauxi Pauxi and then obscenely common at El Paujil.

White-bibbed Manakin – (Corapipo leucorrhoa) – An immature male in a large mixed flock at Pauxi Pauxi.

Western Striped Manakin – (Machaeropterus striolatus) – Common in a relatively narrow zone in the forest in Pauxi Pauxi. Clements has yet to split the Striped Manakin complex.

Cinereous Becard – (Pachyramphus rufus) – Pairs in the coffee at Reinita and Pauxi Pauxi.

Cinnamon Becard – (Pachyramphus cinnamomeus) – A couple seen at El Paujil.

Brown-capped Vireo – (Vireo leucophrys) – A single in a mixed flock at Libano.

Red-eyed Vireo – (Vireo olivaceus) – A single at Libano.

Rufous-naped Greenlet – (Hylophilus semibrunneus) – Singles at Pauxi Pauxi and Libano.

Rufous-browed Peppershrike – (Cyclarhis gujanensis) – A couple in coffee at Reinita and also heard at Pauxi Pauxi.

Black-chested Jay – (Cyanocorax affinis) – A single over the road on the way to Reinita and two at the lodge at El Paujil.

Inca Jay – (Cyanocorax yncas) – A couple at Reinita and a single in the valley below Colbri del Sol. Clements lumps this form in Green Jay.

White-winged Swallow – (Tachycineta albiventer) – A few individuals seen from the road in the Magdalena Valley.

Grey-breasted Martin – (Progne chalybea) – A single seen near the lodge at Reinita.

Brown-chested Martin – (Progne tapera) – One in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley.

Blue-and-white Swallow – (Notiochelidon cyanoleuca) – Common at Reinita and Colibri del Sol.

Brown-bellied Swallow – (Orochelidon murina) – A few in the valley below Colibri del Sol.

Southern Rough-winged Swallow – (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis) – Common throughout in open areas except at Colibri del Sol.

Bicoloured Wren – (Campylorhynchus griseus) – Common in the coffee at Reinita and also at Pauxi Pauxi.

Band-backed Wren – (Campylorhynchus zonatus) – Just a single at Pauxi Pauxi.

Rufous Wren – (Cinnycerthia unirufa) – Two in a mixed flock at Colibri del Sol.

Black-bellied Wren – (Thryothorus fasciatoventris) – A group of three skulking at El Paujil.

Whiskered Wren – (Thryothorus mystacalis) – Fairly common at Libano but somewhat elusive.

House Wren – (Troglodytes aedon) – Recorded at Reinita in the coffee.

Grey-breasted Wood-Wren – (Henicorhina leucophrys) – Fairly common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and Libano.

Scaly-breasted Wren – (Microcerculus marginatus) – A single seen at El Paujil.

Tropical Mockingbird – (Mimus gilvus) – Common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and Libano.

Black-billed Thrush – (Turdus ignobilis) – Common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and Libano.

Yellow-legged Thrush – (Turdus flavipes) – A couple seen at Reinita near the lodge.

Glossy-black Thrush – (Turdus serranus) – A single seen at Reinita.

Great Thrush – (Turdus fuscater) – Common at Colibri del Sol and Libano.

Grey-cheeked Thrush – (Catharus minimus) – A single seen well at Pauxi Pauxi.

Swainson’s Thrush – (Catharus ustulatus) – Fairly common at Reinita and Pauxi Pauxi.

White-capped Dipper – (Cinclus leucocephalus) – A pair on the river next to Colibri del Sol lodge.

Thick-billed Euphonia – (Euphonia laniirostris) – Odd birds seen at Reinita, San Vicente and roadside in the Magdalena Valley.

Fulvous-vented Euphonia – (Euphonia fulvicrissa) – A pair seen at the lodge at El Paujil.

Orange-bellied Euphonia – (Euphonia xanthogaster) – A few at Reinita and Pauxi Pauxi.

Hooded Siskin – (Carduelis magellanica) – Three at Libano were at surprisingly low altitude.

Yellow-bellied Siskin – (Carduelis xanthogastra) – Fairly common roadside in the Reinita, San Vicente, Pauxi Pauxi area.

Golden-winged Warbler – (Vermivora chrysoptera) – A single in a mixed flock at Pauxi Pauxi.

Tennessee Warbler – (Vermivora peregrine) – Common in the coffee at Renita and a couple seen at Libano.

Tropical Parula – (Parula pitiayumi) – Singles at Reinita and Libano.

Yellow Warbler – (Dendroica aestiva) – Just a single, in San Vicente.

Blackburnian Warbler – (Dendroica fusca) – Common at Reinita, Colibri del Sol and Libano.

Bay-breasted Warbler – (Dendroica castanea) – Seems to replace the last species at lower altitude; a couple at Pauxi Pauxi and common at El Paujil.

Blackpoll Warbler – (Dendroica striata) – A single picked out from the previous species at El Paujil.

Cerulean Warbler – (Dendroica cerulean) – Singles in the coffee at Reinita and at Pauxi Pauxi.

Black-and-white Warbler – (Mniotilta varia) – Fairly common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and Libano.

American Redstart – (Setophaga ruticilla) – Singles at Reinita and Libano.

Mourning Warbler – (Oporornis philadelphia) – Fairly common in the coffee at Reinita including some cracking males; three at Libano.

Canada Warbler – (Wilsonia canadensis) – Common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and Libano and a single at El Paujil.

Slate-throated Whitestart – (Myioborus miniatus) – Common at Reinita and Libano.

Golden-fronted Whitestart – (Myioborus ornatus) – Common at Colibri del Sol.

Citrine Warbler – (Basileuterus luteoviridis) – A single in the valley below Colibri del Sol.

Russet-crowned Warbler – (Basileuterus coronatus) – A couple at Reinita, fairly common in the valley below Colibri del Sol and at Libano.

Rufous-capped Warbler – (Basileuterus rufifrons) – Fairly common in the coffee at Reinita.

Three-striped Warbler – (Basileuterus tristriatus) – Common at Reinita and Libano.

Buff-rumped Warbler – (Phaeothlypis fulvicauda) – A pair seen at Libano and regularly heard at El Paujil.

Yellow-backed Oriole – (Icterus chrysater) – Half a dozen in the coffee at Reinita.

Orange-crowned Oriole – (Icterus auricapillus) – Just a single at the lodge at El Paujil.

Yellow-rumped Cacique – (Cacicus cela) – Five at a small nesting colony in wetlands in the Magdalena Valley.

Northern Mountain-Cacique – (Cacicus leucoramphus) – Heard only at Colibri del Sol.

Russet-backed Oropendola – (Psarocolius angustifrons) – Fairly common at Reinita.

Red-breasted Blackbird – (Sturnella militaris) – Odd birds from the road in the Magdalena Valley.

Eastern Meadowlark – (Sturnella magna) – Fairly common in pastures at Reinita.

Shiny Cowbird – (Molothrus bonariensis) – Odd birds noted from the road.

Giant Cowbird – (Molothrus oryzivorus) – Three at Reinita were a bit of a surprise.

Bananaquit – (Coereba flaveola) – Widespread sightings.

Yellow-throated Brush-Finch – (Atlapetes gutturalis) – Three seen at Libano.

Yellow-headed Brush-Finch – (Atlapetes flaviceps) – Common in secondary scrub and forest edge at Libano. A localised endemic to Colombia.

Slaty Brush-Finch – (Atlapetes schistaceus) – A couple at Colibri del Sol.

Chestnut-capped Brush-Finch – (Arremon brunneinucha) – Odd birds at Reinita, Colibri del Sol and Libano.

Stripe-headed Brush-Finch – (Arremon torquatus) – A couple of pairs at Colibri del Sol where it attends the Antpitta feeding station.

Orange-billed Sparrow – (Arremon aurantiirostris) – A single at El Paujil along ‘Trail A’.

Rufous-collared Sparrow – (Zonotrichia capensis) – Common throughout except at Pauxi Pauxi and El Paujil.

Grass-green Tanager – (Chlorornis riefferii) – A pair at Colibri del Sol.

Grey-hooded Bush-Tanager – (Cnemoscopus rubrirostris) – Four in a mixed flock at Colibri del Sol.

Black-capped Hemispingus – (Hemispingus atropileus) – Small numbers at Colibri del Sol.

Oleaginous Hemispingus – (Hemispingus frontalis) – Four at Colibri del Sol and a single at Libano.

Guira Tanager – (Hemithraupis guira) – A pair in a large mixed flock in the coffee at Reinita.

Yellow-backed Tanager – (Hemithraupis flavicollis) – A single at El Paujil.

Grey-headed Tanager – (Eucometis penicillata) – Small numbers at El Paujil.

Scarlet-browed Tanager – (Heterospingus xanthopygius) – A single at El Paujil.

White-shouldered Tanager – (Tachyphonus luctuosus) – Likewise just a single at El Paujil.

White-lined Tanager – (Tachyphonus rufus) – Half a dozen in the coffee at Reinita.

Crimson-backed Tanager – (Ramphocelus dimidiatus) – Common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi, El Paujil and Libano.

Lemon-rumped Tanager – (Ramphocelus icteronotus) – Fairly common at Reinita and a single at El Paujil. Note Clements lumps this and the proceeding form together.

Flame-rumped Tanager – (Ramphocelus flammigerus) – Two seen from the road near Urrao. This form becomes a Colombian endemic if split.

Blue-grey Tanager – (Thraupis episcopus) – Common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi and El Paujil.

Blue-capped Tanager – (Thraupis cyanocephala) – Just a single at Colibri del Sol.

Palm Tanager – (Thraupis palmarum) – Common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi, El Paujil and Libano.

Hooded Mountain-Tanager – (Buthraupis montana) – Just a single at Colibri del Sol.

Black-chested Mountain-Tanager – (Buthraupis eximia) – A single on the Paramo edge at Colibri del Sol.

Lacrimose Mountain-Tanager – (Anisognathus lacrymosus) – Three at Colibri del Sol.

Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager – (Anisognathus somptuosus) – Fairly common at Reinita higher up in the forest.

Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager – (Dubusia taeniata) – A single only at Colibri del Sol.

Golden Tanager – (Tangara arthus) – Fairly common at Reinita and Libano and a single at Pauxi Pauxi.

Saffron-crowned Tanager – (Tangara xanthocephala) – Four seen at Reinita.

Speckled Tanager – (Tangara guttata) – A couple in the coffee at Reinita.

Bay-headed Tanager – (Tangara gyrola) – Fairly common at Pauxi Pauxi, El Paujil and Libano and a single at Reinita.

Scrub Tanager – (Tangara vitriolina) – Fairly common at Reinita and Libano.

Blue-necked Tanager – (Tangara cyanicollis) – A couple at Pauxi Pauxi and fairly common at Libano.

Golden-hooded Tanager – (Tangara larvata) – Five seen at El Paujil.

Beryl-spangled Tanager – (Tangara nigroviridis) – Just a single at Reinita.

Blue-and-black Tanager – (Tangara vassorii) – Common at Colibri del Sol.

Black-capped Tanager – (Tangara heinei) – Fairly common at Reinita and Libano.

Turquoise Dacnis – (Dacnis hartlaubi) – A pair at Reinita near the lodge. Endemic to Colombia.

Purple Honeycreeper – (Cyanerpes caeruleus) – A couple at Pauxi Pauxi.

Common Bush-Tanager – (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus) – Common in the forest at Reinita.

Dull-coloured Grassquit – (Tiaris obscurus) – Common at Libano.

Yellow-faced Grassquit – (Tiaris olivaceus) – Just a single at Reinita in the coffee.

 Slate-coloured Grosbeak – (Saltator grossus) – A single seen at Pauxi Pauxi.

Streaked Saltator – (Saltator striatipectus) – Singles at Reinita and Pauxi Pauxi and three at Libano.

Buff-throated Saltator – (Saltator maximus) – One at Reinita, two at Pauxi Pauxi and four at El Paujil.

Black-winged Saltator – (Saltator atripennis) – Fairly common at Libano.

Blue-black Grassquit – (Volatinia jacarina) – Common in the Reinita/San Vicente/Pauxi Pauxi area.

Yellow-bellied Seedeater – (Sporophila nigricollis) – Common at Libano and a single at Reinita.

Ruddy-breasted Seedeater – (Sporophila minuta) – Common in the pastures at Reinita.

Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch – (Oryzoborus angolensis) – Three in the pastures at Reinita.

Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer – (Diglossa gloriosissima) – At least three eventually located just below the Paramo at Colibri del Sol. A localised Colombian endemic.

Black-throated Flowerpiercer – (Diglossa brunneiventris) – At least 15 seen at Colibri del Sol. Although this species is monotypic the population in Colombia is extremely isolated and warrants genetic studies.

White-sided Flowerpiercer – (Diglossa albilatera) – Just a single female at the lodge at Colibri del Sol.

Masked Flowerpiercer – (Diglossa cyanea) – Common at Colibri del Sol.

Saffron Finch – (Sicalis flaveola) – Common at Reinita, Pauxi Pauxi, El Paujil and Libano.

Summer Tanager – (Piranga rubra) – A couple of birds each at Reinita and El Paujil and fairly common at Libano.

Sooty Ant-Tanager – (Habia gutturalis) – Five seen at Pauxi Pauxi at various points up the forest trail. A couple seen from the main track at El Paujil. Endemic to Colombia.

Crested Ant-Tanager – (Habia cristata) – One, probably a female, seen very briefly in a mixed flock at Libano. See site guide section for directions. A localised Colombian endemic.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak – (Pheucticus ludovicianus) – Numerous at Reinita especially near the lodge. Also fairly common at Libano.

Mammals

Central American Agouti – (Dasyprocta punctata) – A single seen at El Paujil.

White-faced Capuchin – (Cebus capucinus) – One or more large troops regularly encountered at El Paujil.