Bird Photography in Colombian Paradise

Our dedicated Colombia Bird Photography tour is based in the varied altitudes and landscapes of the Andes. This spectacular landscape plays host to some of the country’s most sought-after species, and during the two weeks in the field, we were treated to some remarkable highlights.

Starting in the mountains above Cali (in the western Andes) we spent a few days enjoying some of the area’s known birding sites, photographing a number of iconic species. Hundreds of hummingbirds visit the numerous feeders around lodges and cafés, while fruit feeders bring in star birds such as multicoloured tanager and toucan barbet. At a wonderful spot in the cloud forest, La Florida, we enjoyed a morning photographing the scaled antpitta and chestnut wood-quail, alongside Andean motmot as well as a host of other species.

Moving on north up the Cauca Valley, we spent a couple of days in the charming Tinamou Reserve, enjoying the local specialities including golden-collared manakin and bar-crested antshrike. From here we headed up towards the city of Manizales and the protected forest of Rio Blanco. This area has been put aside to protect the water supply for the city, and in turn, it has created a mountain oasis filled with a plethora of exciting birds. Three different antpittas put on a show here, with the chestnut-crowned antpitta definitely being the most cooperative, while around the hummingbird feeders long-tailed sylph was a dream subject, providing some exceptional photographic opportunities.

From here we headed up, further into the Central Andes, climbing up the steep slopes above the city towards a wonderful farm – Hacienda del Bosque. This cattle farm is a patchwork of grazing and cloud forest, meaning there is a rich mosaic of habitats, and the farmer has decided to commit to conserving this forest and the wildlife it supports. We had incredible views of a rarely seen (and even less photographed) flammulated treehunter before visiting the hummingbird feeders, where we enjoyed our first views of sword-billed hummingbird. One of the highlights of our time here was photographing grey-breasted mountain toucan and hooded mountain tanager.

High above the hacienda is the volcano Nevado del Ruiz, where our target species was the buffy helmetcrest. This diminutive species lives at over 4,000 metres and survives in the Paramo habitats unique to this part of the world. Further down the slope, we enjoyed excellent photograph opportunities of tawny-breasted antpitta, as well as lacrimose tanager and the spectacular rainbow-bearded thornbill.

Heading back across to the western Andes, we enjoyed an excellent period of time at the Andean cock-of-the-rock lek on the edge of the town of Jardin. These vibrant birds perform, hoping to attract a mate, as they dance from branch to branch and making a lot of noise. Above the town, courtesy of a 4x4 transfer, we were able to photograph yellow-eared parrot, the charming Charmi antpitta and golden-headed quetzal.

Our last couple of days were spent in the Paramo and mountains above the country’s capital, enjoying a range of new and familiar species. Without a doubt, the green-bearded helmetcrest (yet another endemic) was our primary target. We were remarkably lucky as one of the group spotted a pair of juveniles on the road’s edge. The pair then huddled up on a branch, sheltering from the cold wind, as an adult female periodically returned to feed them.

I can honestly say that the bird photography in Colombia is likely to be the finest anywhere on earth. From giants such as Andean condor to the tiny purple-throated woodstar, you can be sure to capture an unrivalled portfolio of imagery.

Join us as we return to once again immerse ourselves in this magical country and photograph the avian delights within. 

Join us on a future bird photography in Colombia holiday. To find out more or to book, contact our friendly team.