27/01/2022
Birdwatching in Caldas
Located on the Central Andes of Colombia, the department of Caldas showcases a great diversity of ecosystems and environments ranging from lowlands in the inter-Andean valleys to páramo and glacier zones in Los Nevados National Natural Park. The complexity of these environments provides a habitat for a wide variety of fauna and flora, especially notable for its birdlife.
Birds in Caldas
Our department is home to 802 bird species and has the potential to host over 840 species across its various ecosystems; 38 of these are under threat categories and 22 are considered endemic to the country.
Would you believe us if we told you that you could see some of these feathered beauties just by looking out your window in Manizales?
In the city, it is likely that among its gardens and green areas, you can observe and hear some species such as blackbirds, hummingbirds, raptors, flycatchers, and tanagers nesting nearby. You might even spot migratory species that come from North America in search of refuge and food. Colombia?s richness in birdlife is so vast that the country hosts 20% (1,954 species) of the world's birds, and of that percentage, Caldas accounts for nearly 41% of the country?s bird species.
Our department and city have become a top destination for birdwatchers, who come here to ?go birding,? a common term for this activity. The large number of species, with their colors, sizes, songs, and behaviors, awaken our senses.
Endemic Species
Some of the endemic bird species of Colombia that can be found near Manizales and its surroundings include the Paramo Helmetcrest in Los Nevados National Park, the Miller's Antpitta and Multicolored Tanager in the high Andean forests of Río Blanco, the Bar-bellied Woodpecker in Los Alcázares Ecopark, the Parker?s Antbird or the Colombian Chachalaca in Tinamú Reserve and Hacienda Venecia, and the Turquoise Dacnis in the coffee areas of Villamaría. Among other symbolic species of our Andean region, you?ll find the Andean Condor and the Torrent Duck.
Birdwatching has grown so much in Colombia that the country and the department have gained recognition in international birdwatching competitions like the Global Big Day, which awards the country that records the most bird species in 24 hours.
Tips and Recommendations
Keep the following tips in mind when going birding:
- Equip yourself with good binoculars: they?ll help you see details and better appreciate the species.
- Have your camera ready: to record your bird sightings.
- Wear camouflage clothing: such as earth tones or brown colors.
- Avoid birding in large groups: this activity is best done with around five people.
- Maintain silence.
Best Places for Birdwatching in Caldas
- Here are some locations where you?ll have a unique birdwatching experience:
- Los Alcázares Ecopark ? Arenillo: located in the Los Alcázares neighborhood of Manizales, just 5 minutes from downtown, with an area of 33.43 hectares at 2,000 meters. You can spot around 167 bird species, including the Red-headed Barbet, Parker?s Antbird, and important migratory birds like the Cerulean Warbler and Golden-winged Warbler.
- Cameguadua Reservoir: located in Chinchiná, 30 minutes from Manizales, on the road to Palestina at 1,310 meters. This body of water has forest patches and scattered trees, making it ideal for observing aquatic and migratory birds.
- San Francisco Reservoir and Forest ? La Esmeralda: located in the village of La Esmeralda in Chinchiná, 60 minutes from Manizales, ranging from 850 to 1,060 meters. La Esmeralda is home to approximately 210 species, including aquatic and remnant forest birds near the Cauca River.
- Finca Romelia Orchids & Birds: located 45 minutes from Manizales in the area known as La Cabaña. It spans 18 hectares from 1,050 to 1,350 meters. Among avocado and citrus crops, you can enjoy the charm of lowland coffee zone birds.
- Río Blanco Forest Reserve: located 20 minutes from Manizales on the way to the Minitas neighborhood, spanning 4,900 hectares from 2,200 to 3,800 meters. It is one of the world?s best places to observe Antpittas (Grallarias), unique Andean birds. You?ll also find Mountain Toucans and the Multicolored Tanager, the signature bird of our department.
- Tinamú Birding Nature Reserve: located 30 minutes from Manizales in the San Peregrino area. It spans 11 hectares at 1,225 meters. This tropical humid forest remnant is a local treasure with 241 bird species.
- Río Claro Condor Route, La Soledad Trail: located in Villamaría, 30 minutes from Manizales ? old Chinchiná road. At 1,200 meters elevation, you'll find forest fragments and coffee plantations. This is the lowest part of the ?Condor Route? tourist project and features 171 species, including the Turquoise Dacnis and Torrent Duck.
- Condor Route, Corozal Trail: located in Villamaría, 45 minutes from Manizales ? old Chinchiná road. At elevations between 2,100 and 2,250 meters, you can observe around 230 species, including the Crested Eagle, Andean Motmot, and Chestnut Wood-Quail.
