COLOMBIA: BOGOTÁ, EASTERN ANDES & THE MAGDALENA VALLEY

JULY 30–AUGUST 14, 2021

Coppery-bellied Puffleg – Photo: C. Carlson

LEADERS: STEVE HILTY & CHRISTIAN DAZA LIST COMPILED BY: STEVE HILTY

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS. INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM

COLOMBIA: BOGOTÁ, EASTERN ANDES AND THE MAGDALENA VALLEY

July 30–August 14, 2021

By Steve Hilty

Chicaque Natural Park (private), Colombia. Photo C. Carlson

This was VENT’s first international trip offering since the March 2020 beginning of the covid pandemic, when most international air travel was suspended. However, aside from the minor inconvenience of mask- wearing indoors, this trip operated much as all previous trips. With all the traffic in Bogotá, a bustling city of more than eight million people, it may seem as if birding in Colombia was as much about how to get in and out of the city as reaching a birding destination, but our days afield soon dispelled that notion. Despite the traffic and immense number of trucks and buses, Johnny, our driver, was as smooth as silk and as good as it gets in terms of negotiating Colombian roads and traffic. We began birding at a breakfast stop west of Bogotá and then moved downslope to Laguna Tabacal, a quiet rural lake and wooded area about an hour and a half west of Bogotá and at lower elevation. This is an excellent place for an introduction to commoner Colombia birds of lower montane elevations. Later in the day we experienced a chaos of hummingbirds at a private home, “Jardín Encantado,” before returning to Bogotá.

We followed this opening day with visits to two high elevation sites, first Chingaza National Park, and then to Sumapaz National Park. Both sites are floristically unique, landscapes near or above treeline, and in many ways otherwordly. There are fewer birds here, but the ones present often occur only in “páramo,” a Spanish word for a high elevation tropical latitude grassland. Here, montane forests are smaller, elfin- like, and give way to a mostly open region characterized by rosette-shaped Espeletia spp. plants— essentially fuzzy-leaved sunflowers (Asteraceae) adapted for life in an environment where winter comes every night and summer every day (although often in brief doses). It is cold, rainy, and generally not an agreeable climate for humans—but hummingbirds love it because most plants here depend on hummers, rather than insects, for pollination. A few other bird families thrive here as well, mainly furnariids, tanagers, and passeralids (formerly Emberizids) along with a few flycatchers. Highlights here were the endemic Green-bearded Helmetcrest; a beautiful (and local) Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant; Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager; endemic Rufous-fronted Conebill; and Many-striped Canastero.

Two of our best birding days, for total number of birds, were lower on the eastern slope of the Andes, near the village of Santa María. Here we added such exciting species as White-tipped Sicklebill; Black- and-white Owl; Spectacled (Spotted) Nightingale-Thrush; several manakins; a long list of flycatchers, wrens, and tanagers; and numerous Andean Cocks-of-the-rock before returning to Bogotá. www.ventbird.com 2 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021

For the second half of the trip we focused our efforts on both slopes of the Andes above the middle Magdalena Valley: first at a lovely cloud forest not far from Bogotá, then in lowland tropical dry forest before crossing the Magdalena River to the city of Ibague. Here we embarked on a predawn hike up to a lovely picturesque private reserve nestled in the shadow of the Nevado del Tolima, one of Colombia’s highest volcanos (below). At the lodge we crouched behind a camouflage screen at dawn to await the appearance of the endemic Tolima Dove. But this was only the beginning. Soon we were treated to a parade of hummingbirds, tanagers, brushfinches, and much more at feeders, as well as the hospitality and

Nevado del Tolima (from Ukuku Lodge). Photo R. Carlson. enthusiasm of Anni, our host, who had a home-cooked breakfast waiting. There was an almost continuous serenade of bird song in this heavenly valley—orioles, wrens, saltators, and thrushes all mixed with the excited chipping of tanagers and hummers—so much so, in fact, that it was difficult to leave. Later that afternoon we made a brief visit to ranchland in the floor of the Magdalena Valley before continuing to the small rural town of La Victoria.

La Victoria sits in the foothills—the entire town slopes downhill (or uphill depending on your orientation) and is perhaps most noteworthy for the immense Ceiba pentandra tree in the town plaza. That tree (rumored to be more than 250 years old) is a sight to behold, and a reminder, perhaps, of what the area once must have looked like before human settlement. From La Victoria we visited a small reserve nearby where we found two endemic birds—Beautiful Woodpecker and White-mantled Barbet—and enjoyed some incredible views of Citron-throated (Channel-billed) Toucans. Jacaranda trees were in full bloom in surrounding valleys. Early afternoon found us in open ranchland and marshland a couple of hours to the north, adding new species at a record rate, including three spectacular Northern Screamers. From here it was a relatively short drive to the nearby Río Claro Reserve. This is a rich and diverse humid lowland forest (yes, hot and sweaty) but with enough birds to satisfy almost any birder. Before dusk we headed straight away out for a hike to the Oilbird cave, pausing long enough at one point for views of a Rufous www.ventbird.com 3 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Motmot, and an endemic Magdalena Antbird, which we illuminated by spotlight in the gathering darkness. The Oilbirds emerged on time but with far fewer than during the early months of the year— perhaps because many had migrated away after breeding.

Among the trip highlights were 51 species of hummingbirds; 57 flycatchers (plus 7 former tyrannids now transferrd to the Tityridae family); 16 wrens (3 only heard and one seen only by guides); and 59 tanagers (current taxonomy) plus 3 others formerly in Thraupidae but now transferred to Mitrospingidae (1) and two others into the Cardinalidae.

During the mid-1980s through 1990s Colombia was mired in civil unrest, and foreign visitors were rare, flocking instead to neighboring Costa Rica, Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador for birding and ecotourism. In the 1990s I began to wonder if I would ever be able to return to Colombia. Yet peace did return, and birders finally were able to return too, beginning about 2009; VENT operated four trips that year, and an explosion of interest followed. I could not have imagined the transformation that would occur.

The covid-19 pandemic has impacted Colombia, just as it has the rest of the world, but it is a busy country. Everywhere we traveled people were masked indoors, outdoors, walking, working, doing construction, driving trucks, riding motorcycles (virtually 100% in large cities), and bottles of hand sanitizer greeted us at the entrance to every hotel and restaurant (where masks were obligatory) and many other businesses as well. People have embraced, or at least accepted, the inevitable sacrifices required to combat a pandemic of this magnitude—this in stark contrast to the United States, where we seem to fight tooth and nail against even the slightest inconveniences to our personal freedoms, regardless of the consequences. Not surprisingly, Colombia experienced initial difficulties obtaining vaccines, but in a shopping center I visited prior to the tour, I encountered long lines of people waiting to be vaccinated. It is to be remembered also that Colombians, unable to work because of the pandemic, generally, were not able to enjoy the generous “safety-nets” that so many people received here in the United States. Many people, including my co-leader and driver, like most others, had not worked more than a day or two in the past year! Yet, life was moving forward.

Everywhere we traveled there were signs of heavy construction, people working, a country at work, a varied and booming economy, and a country that is generally clean and surprisingly cognizant of conservation issues. And there were plenty of entrepreneurial businesses, e.g. washing heavy trucks along major highways (very popular on some routes); selling food; jugglers, entertainers, and window-washers at stoplights; and so on. Bogotá suffers growing pains like any large metropolitan area (major traffic congestion) but is trying numerous novel ways to ameliorate congestion and smog—a private lane bus system; a proliferation of bicycle lanes; no automobiles on some streets one day a week; an odd-even license plate number system for alternate day driving; and Sunday closing of select streets to all but bicycles, skateboards, baby strollers, and foot traffic. Road signs throughout the country urge people to take care of the environment, keep the environment clean. There also was signage alerting drivers to all manner of wildlife that might be crossing roads! For a country that has struggled to rid itself of crippling political and social problems, the transformation is remarkable. The statistics are undeniable—about 1,950 species of birds are now known here, including over 70 endemics and many more near-endemics. It is biologically, and geographically, one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet. And, there also are numerous cultural sights around Bogotá. A popular slogan says…“Your only danger in Colombia is wanting to stay.” And now that just may be true. I hope it stays that way.

* The number of young birders (as well as bird festivals) in Colombia is exploding, something that is, to me, extremely gratifying and surely bodes well for the future biodiversity of this remarkable country. We hired a young local guide on our visit to Sumapaz NP and, for our breakfast and lunch, employed the services of a small reserve (Reserva Chiguaza) outside Bogotá. We also used local services and/or guides in as many other places as possible, including Rancho Cumaná, Santa María, Ukuku, Bellavista, and www.ventbird.com 4 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 near Medellín. I was also commandeered for two short video interviews (Santa María and Ukuku) and asked to speak briefly to a group of assembled young biologists at Río Claro (this latter I did after the Oilbird trip and after all of you left for your rooms). This is all just so remarkable and so gratifying that there are young people in this country who are really eager to get out into the forests and learn about the birdlife of their country. And, I am encountering this kind of grass-roots enthusiasm by kids and young adults on almost every tour in Colombia now. In the 1970s and early 1980s there wasn’t a birder to be found anywhere in the country, and I traveled and learned birds here alone during those years. Times have changed. My original Colombia book sparked interest and enthusiasm for the magnificent avifauna of this country, and more recently a couple of other books have also helped. I only hope that my most recent book (Hilty 2.0 as some have been calling it) continues to further interest in the avifauna of this magnificent country. There is a new young generation of local birders now, and they are out roaming Colombia’s mountains and forests, and I couldn’t be more pleased. They are the future.

I also want to extend thanks to my co-leader Christian Daza for his incredible birding skills that were on display throughout in spotting birds and helping people see them (green lasers help!), and for an immense amount of logistic assistance on this trip, helping me buy snacks, constantly paving the way for our arrivals at remote facilities, arranging for lunches, suggesting new roads or sites to investigate, confirming in-country flights, and overseeing the mandatory covid-testing the last day before we returned to Bogotá. I also wish to thank Chris Carlson for helping almost all of us with the electronic distribution of covid tests, and for sharing an immense number of photos—just amazing.

KEY: Red (bold) – rare or unusual or of special interest; endemics also are added in red *heard (asterisk) [ ] seen/heard only by one of the guides (SH, CD) Locations: a total of about 26 different birding sites were visited on this trip with birding times of 30 minutes to several hours at sites. Elevations ranged from c. 350m (Magdalena Valley) to 3650 m (PN Sumapaz). Almost all of these locations are mentioned in the species accounts that follow. Several sites, including a small lodge in the llanos (Rancho Camaná), a road below Ibague, and two different sites in the vicinity of Medellín have not been included previously on this tour route (these last two the result of route revisions to accommodate covid tests). Key places are mentioned in the itinerary and elevations are included for most sites.

BIRDS:

Tinamous, Tinamidae *Little Tinamou, Crypturellus soui, lowland sites; heard Bellavista Reserve; Río Claro

Screamers, Anhimidae Northern Screamer, Chauna chavaria, near Pto. Triunfo; total 3

Ducks, Geese & Waterfowl, Anatidae Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis, several near Pto. Triunfo Andean Teal, Anas andium, 10+ on lakes at Parque Nacional Sumapaz

www.ventbird.com 5 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Guans, Chachalacas & Curassows, Cracidae Speckled Chachalaca, Ortalis guttata, Rancho Cumaná; Santa María Colombian Chachalaca (E), Ortalis columbiana (E), Bellavista Reserve; Parque La Romera Band-tailed Guan, Penelope argyrotis, Santa María (3-4 seen: both days) Sickle-winged Guan, Chamaepetes goudotii, Santa Maria (1 first day)

New World Quail, Odontophoridae Crested Bobwhite, Colinus cristatus, covey of 10-12 seen Laguna El Hato

Grebes, Podicipedidae Least Grebe, Tachybaptus dominicus, Laguna Tabacal (4+); Pto. Triunfo (ad and juv) Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps, Laguna Tabacal (1)

Pigeons & Doves, Columbidae Rock Pigeon (I), Columba livia, urban areas everywhere Pale-vented Pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis, Rancho Cumaná; Laguna el Hato (brief in flight) Band-tailed Pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata, PN Sumapaz (2); Chicaque Reserve (10+) Plumbeous Pigeon, Patagioenas plumbea, near Santa María (white eyes) Ruddy Ground-Dove, Columbina talpacoti, all open areas at lower elevations Scaled Dove, Columbina squammata, Santa María Ruddy Quail-Dove, Geotrygon montana, 1 flushed in front of us at Laguna Tabacal

White-tipped Dove, Leptotila verreauxi, Laguna Tabacal; Mana Dulce (several); NE of Medellín Tolima Dove Leptotila conoveri (E), fine study of 4 above Ibague (1900 m), and now so easy! *Gray-fronted Dove, Leptotila rufaxilla, heard; Bavaria forest; below Santa María Eared Dove, Zenaida auriculata, open highlands areas including Bogotá

Tolima Dove, Ukuku Rural Lodge, dept of Tolima. Photo S. Hilty

Cuckoos, Cuculidae Greater Ani, Crotophaga major, large flock (30+) at Mana Dulce (this large congregation at Mana Dulce was unusual; doubtless a seasonal movement (but from where, lower Magdalena Valley?); also a few in marshes around Pto. Triunfo Smooth-billed Ani, Crotophaga ani, in humid lower elevation areas Groove-billed Ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris, dry lowlands including Mana Dulce; near Pto. Triunfo Little Cuckoo, Coccycua minuta, 1 at Santa María (700 m) Squirrel Cuckoo, Piaya cayana, hd at Laguna Tabacal; several in Santa María area

Oilbird, Steatornithidae Oilbird, Steatornis caripensis, Río Claro (est. 15-20) exiting a cave after dark; rather few leaving cave compared to visits in February-March; have undertaken a seasonal migration away from the cave (likely as this occurs elsewhere), or been disturbed and driven away by people traversing the cave?

Swifts, Apodidae Chestnut-collared Swift, Streptoprocne rutila, Chicaque Reserve (6+) www.ventbird.com 6 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 White-collared Swift, Streptoprocne zonaris, Bavaria Reserve; Santa María (one group); Ibague (2000 m); Pto. Triunfo; Río Claro Short-tailed Swift Chaetura brachyura, possible the 2 seen briefly on Aquitania Road above Río Claro Gray-rumped Swift Chaetura cinereiventris, Santa María (flock of 25+)

Hummingbirds, Trochilidae White-necked Jacobin, Florisuga mellivora, Jardín Encantado (1st day) White-tipped Sicklebill, Eutoxeres aquila, WOW! 1 seen briefly at point blank range at flowering Heliconia (900 m el) near Santa María

Buff-tailed Coronet. Ukuku Rural Lodge. Photo S. Hilty.

Rufous-breasted Hermit, Glaucis hirsutus, Rio Claro (including the female building nest) White-bearded Hermit, Phaethornis hispidus, 2 in 2nd growth edge, 700 m; below Santa María Green Hermit, Phaethornis guy, above Ibague (only C. Daza) Great-billed Hermit, Phaethornis malaris, Santa Maria (4+, 700 m el) Long-billed Hermit, Phaethornis longirostris, Río Claro (1) Stripe-throated Hermit, Phaethornis striigularis, Aquitania Rd (1; well photographed by some) Gray-chinned Hermit, Phaethornis griseogularis, Santa María (1200 m; 700 m) Brown Violetear, Colibri delphinae, Jardín Encantado 1st day Lesser Violetear, Colibri cyanotus, several highland areas including first day etc.; common Sparkling Violetear, Colibri coruscans, Jardín Encantada; Chingaza etc (at least 5 different areas) Black-throated Mango, Anthracothorax nigricollis, mainly Jardín Encantado; female on Aquitania Rd Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Campylopterus largipennis, 1, Santa Maria, 880-900 m, lunch) Amethyst-throated Sunangel, Heliangelus amethysticollis, 1M, above Bogotá at Chingaza Tourmaline Sunangel, Heliangelus exortis, 1M, Chicaque (at beginning of trail); Ukuku Speckled Hummingbird, Adelomyia melanogenys, 1 or 2 at Ukuku (above Ibague) Long-tailed Sylph, Aglaiocercus kingii, Chicaque; Ibague (Ukuku) Black-tailed Trainbearer, Lesbia victoriae, above Bogotá (at Observatorio de Colibris) Green-tailed Trainbearer, Lesbia nuna, above Bogotá (Observatorio de Colibris; 2-3FF at lunch stop N of Bogota on Aug 6) Bronze-tailed Thornbill, Chalcostigma heteropogon, PN Sumapaz (3-4) Green-bearded Helmetcrest, Oxypogon guerinii (E), PN Sumapaz) 2-3 but mostly only brief views) Tyrian Metaltail, Metallura tyrianthina, Chingaza (Observatorio de Colibris); PN Sumapaz) Glowing Puffleg, Eriocnemis vestita, PN Chingaza (Observatorio de Colibris); 2FF at Chicaque Reserve www.ventbird.com 7 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021

Coppery-bellied Puffleg, Observarorio de Colibris. Photo C. Carlson.

Coppery-bellied Puffleg, Eriocnemis cupreoventris (E), Observatorio de Colibris; great photo opps! Shining Sunbeam, Aglaeactis cupripennis, 1 briefly at PN Sumapaz Bronzy Inca, Coeligena coeligena, Chicaque; seen well above Ibague (Ukuku Reserve) Collared Inca, Coeligena torquata Chicaque (brief views but see photo below) Blue-throated Starfrontlet, Coeligena helianthea, Observatorio de Colibris (WOW!) Golden-bellied Starfrontlet, Coeligena bonapartei, excellent study of 1F, Reserva Chicaque Sword-billed Hummingbird, Ensifera ensifera, M & F (she has longer bill); Observatorio de Colibris! Great Sapphirewing, Pterophanes cyanopterus Observatorio (3-4); end largest hummer of all Buff-tailed Coronet, Boissonneaua flavescens, above Ibague at Ukuku (at least 20+) Booted Racket-tail, Ocreatus underwoodii, above Ibague at Ukuku Reserve (1M) Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Heliodoxa rubinoides, Ukuku Reserve above Ibague (10+) Violet-fronted Brilliant, Heliodoxa leadbeateri (M possibly this but elevation of 700 m is much too low; several of us had a quick but good look, including to note sloped forehead and violet crown, but no photo documentation; list as unconfirmed. It is just too easy to make mistakes with hummers.

Collared Inca at Bomaria flowers. Chicaque. Photo C. Carlson. www.ventbird.com 8 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021

White-bellied Woodstar, Chaetocercus mulsant, Jardín Encantado; Observatorio de Colibris; 2-3FF above Ibague at Ukuku Rural Lodge Gorgeted Woodstar, Chaetocercus heliodor, Jardín Encantada (2, adult male; subadult male) Purple-throated Woodsdtar, Calliphlos mitchellii, 1M above Ibague (Ukuku Roral Lodge); longish tail compared to other woodstars. Red-billed Emerald, Chlorostilbon gibsoni, 1M, 2FF above Ibague (Ukuku Rural Lodg) Violet-headed Hummingbird Klais guimeti, below Santa María (1M); generally uncommon Tolima Blossomcrown, Anthocephala berlepschi (E), outstanding observations of this endemic (2 or possibly 3 birds at Ukuku Rural Lodge where regularly visiting pinkish Tachystarpheta spp shrubs Crowned Woodnymph, Thalurania colombica, above Ibague (Ukuku); Bellavista; Río Claro (Aquitania) Fork-tailed Woodnymph, Thalurania furcata, 1M at Bavaria Forest (photos at Heliconia by C. Carlson) Andean Emerald, Amazilia franciae, Jardín Encantado; above Ibague (Ukuku) Glittering-throated Hummingbird, Amazilia fimbriata, Rancho Camaná (llanos area) Blue-chested Hummingbird, Amazilia amabilis, Río Claro (2-3 MM Steely-vented Hummingbird, Amazilia saucerrottei, 1 at Jardín Encantado (this one easily confused with Indigo- capped if all green crown is not noted) Indigo-capped Hummingbird (E), Amazilia cyanifrons, Jardín Encantado; Ukuku (above Ibague); endemic; generally quite common Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Amazilia tzacatl, Jardín Encantado; Mana Dulce; Río Claro Golden-tailed Sapphire, Chrysuronia oenone, Bavaria Forest Reserve (only 1 seen distant in canopy near bottom of the trail)

Rails, Gallinules & Coots, Rallidae Bogota Rail, Rallus semiplumbeus (E), PN Sumapaz (remarkable to see here and surprisingly good views), c. 3450 m el Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, Aramides cajaneus, Santa María (700 m; 1 up in bush in brushy area, apparently preparing to roost) American Coot, Fulica americana, PN Sumapaz (several including red-billed chick; residents

Plovers & Lapwings, Charadriidae Southern Lapwing, Vanellus chilensis, common; various lower to mid- elevation sites

Jacanas, Jacanidae Wattled Jacana, Jacana jacana, Pto. Triunfo (Antioquia) black race

Sandpipers & Allies, Scolopacidae Greater Yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca, PN Sumapaz (1 bird, doubtless an early returning N migrant)

Cormorants & Shags, Phalacrocoracidae Neotropic Cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus, Laguna Tabacal; Laguna de Sisga (N of Bogotá); near Ibague

Herons, Egrets & Bitterns, Ardeidae Fasciated Tiger-Heron, Tigrisoma fasciatum, Perched high up (c. 25 m) in Erythrina tree near Río Bata at Santa María; this maybe the first time I’ve ever see this bird so high up in a tree!; typically on foothill gravel bars or boulders in mountain streams Great Egret, Ardea alba, several lower elevation sites Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis, almost daily; common in open areas everywhere Striated Heron, Butorides striata, a couple near Pto. Triunfo Whistling heron, Syrigma sibilatrix 2 in flight as we prepared to depart Rancho Camaná

Ibises & Spoonbills, Threskiornithidae Green Ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis, heard at Rancho Camaná; Santa María (along Río Bata) Bare-faced Ibis, Phimosus infuscatus, widespread and common; lower and mid-elevations elevations

www.ventbird.com 9 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 New World Vultures, Cathartidae Black Vulture, Coragyps atratus, daily Turkey Vulture, Cathartes aura, almost daily except highest elevations; all were resident forms Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture, Cathartes burrovianus, several near Pto. Triunfo most sightings were from bus but one photographed nicely by C.Carlson near Pto Triunfo

Hawks, Eagles & Kites, Accipitridae [White-tailed Kite, Elanus leucurus, near Bogotá (1 from bus; Bogotá savanna); noted by C.Daza] Double-toothed Kite, Harpagus bidentatus, Santa Maria (scope view); 1 distantly near Río Claro entrance Plumbeous Kite, Ictinia plumbea, 1 overhead (well photographed), Mana Dulce; some populations of this species are migratory, breeing in C America, then returning to N South America Savanna Hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis, llanos near Villavicencio; Magdlalena Valley and Pto. Triunfo Roadside Hawk, Rupornis magnirostris, commonest raptor; lowlands and mid-elevations Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, Geranoaetus melanoleucus, PN Sumapaz (pair & juv seen repeatedly) White-throated Hawk, Buteo albigula, 1 (photo documentation) above Ukuku Rural Lodgee (Tolima); this species apparently an austral migrant to Colombia (breeds from Peru southward); scarce/rare in Colombia with few documented records Gray-lined Hawk, Buteo nitidus, Santa María (700m); Aquitania Road above Río Claro (also c. 700m el) Short-tailed Hawk, Buteo brachyurus, 1 soaring over Mana Dulce reserve

Owls, Strigidae *Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl, Glaucidium brasilianum, 1 heard below Santa María Black-and-white Owl, Ciccaba nigrolineata, great study of 2 below Santa María [*Spectacled Owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata, 1 hd by C.Daza at Río 1st a.m.; unfortunately our planned pre-dawn owl trip was rained out!]

Trogons, Trogonidae White-tailed Trogon, Trogon chionurus, Río Claro (2) Green-backed Trogon, Trogon viridis, near Villavicencio (3 FF, 1M)

Motmots, Momotidae Andean (Highland) Motmot, Momotus aequatorialis, close study (Ukuku) *Amazonian Motmot, Momotus momota (formerly Blue-crowned Motmot), heard at Bavaria Forest Rufous Motmot, Momotus subrufescens, Río Claro (at dusk 1st evening)

Kingfishers, Alcedinidae Ringed Kingfisher, Megaceryle torquata, Mana Dulce (in flight); Pto. Triumfo Amazon Kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona, Río Claro (distant; our only one)

Puffbirds, Bucconidae Barred Puffbird, Nystalus radiatus, Mana Dulce; also heard at Río Claro Russet-throated Puffbird, Hypnelus ruficollis, pair Laguna El Hato (near Mariquita) White-whiskered Puffbird, Malacoptila panamensis, Río Claro (1 perched quietly on limb) Moustached Puffbird, Malacoptila mystacalis, 1 at 1200 m; another at c.700m el (below Santa María)

Jacamars, Galbulidae Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Galbula ruficauda, Mana Dulce; Laguna El Hato White-chinned Jacamar, Galbula tombacea, 2-3 near Villavicencio (Bavaria Reserve)

New World Barbets, Capitonidae White-mantled Barbet, Capito hypoleuca (E), Buenavista (pair very close); scarce and local

www.ventbird.com 10 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021

White-mantled Barbet. Bellavista Reserve. Photo C. Carlson.

Gilded Barbet, Capito auratus, pair at Bavaria Reserve (near Villavicencio) Red-headed Barbet, Eubucco bourcierii, Santa María (both days)

Toucans, Ramphastidae Southern Emerald-Toucanet, Aulacorhynchus albivitta, Santa María; Chicaque; Ukuku Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Aulacorhynchus haematopygus, Santa María (photos); c. 700 m el, which is a very low elevation Collared Araçari, Pteroglossus torquatus, Bellavista Reserve (very close views); Río Claro Chestnut-eared Araçari, Pteroglossus castanotis, Santa María (last morning near river) White-throated Toucan, Ramphastos tucanus, 1 at ca. 700 m el (below Santa María) Channel-billed Toucan, Ramphastos (vitellinus) citreolaemus, (Citron-throated form, often regarded a separate species) Bellavista (seen stunningly close); and again at Río Claro

Woodpeckers, Picidae Scaled Piculet, Picumnus squamulatus, Santa María (several, 700-1300 m el) Olivaceous Piculet, Picumnus olivaceus, Mana Dulce (2); Río Claro (hd) Yellow-tufted Woodpecker, Melanerpes cruentatus, Santa María area (700 m) Beautiful Woodpecker, Melanerpes pulcher (E), La Victoria area; nesting) Red-crowned Woodpecker, Melanerpes rubricapillus, Magdalena Valley lowlands Smoky-brown Woodpecker, Picoides fumigatus, Chicaque (1); Ukuku (1) Red-rumped Woodpecker, Veniliornis kirkii, Laguna Tabacal; Mana Dulce; Río Claro Little Woodpecker, Veniliornis passerines, 2nd growth at Santa María area (700 m area) Red-stained Woodpecker, Veniliornis affinis, in forest at Bavaria Reserve (c. 600 m) Lineated Woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus, 1 at Santa María (700 m farmland area) Cinnamon Woodpecker, Celeus loricatus, Río Claro Golden-olive Woodpecker, Colaptes rubiginosus, Chicaque (near lodge) Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Colaptes (Chrysoptilus) punctigula, Rancho Camaná (llanos); 1 at Ukuku above Ibague at 1950 m (a very high elevation, and slightly higher than previously reported); photo documentation by C.Carlson; highlighted because of unusually high elevation (expanding range with deforestation?)

Falcons & Caracaras, Falconidae Crested Caracara, Caracara cheriway, Rancho Camaná; Manu Dulce Yellow-headed Caracara, Milvago chimachima, scattered singles in lowland areas *Laughing Falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans, heard Reserva Bavaria; also heard near Santa María American Kestrel, Falco sparverius, 1 near Santa Maria Bat Falcon, Falco rufigularis, 1 in flight over Aquitania Road (above Río Claro, c. 700 m el

www.ventbird.com 11 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 New World and African Parrots, Psittacidae Orange-chinned Parakeet, Brotogeris jugularis, Mana Dulce; Río Claro Cobalt-winged Parakeet, Brotogeris cyanoptera, Villavicencio area (hd Bavaria); group of 5-6 seen at c. 700m el below Santa María Speckle-faced Parrot, Pionus tumultuosus, 3 briefly near Ukuku Rural Lodge Blue-headed Parrot, Pionus menstruus, 4-5 at Bellavista (scope view and in flight) Yellow-crowned Parrot, Amazona ochrocephala, pair in flight at Mana Dulce Spectacled Parrotlet, Forpus conspicillatus (E), common at many lower elevation sites Brown-breasted Parakeet, Pyrrhura calliptera (E), flock seen all to briefly at c. 1200 m el (above Santa María) Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, Psittacara wagleri, flock of 12+ at Bellavista were observed very close!

Typical Antbirds, Thamnophilidae Great Antshrike, Taraba major, 1M at Santa María *Barred Antshrike, Thamnophilus doliatus, Mana Dulce Bar-crested Antshrike, Thamnophilus multistriatus (NE), Laguna Tabacal (1M); Ukuku (2) Lined Antshrike, Thamnophilus tenuepunctatus, Santa María (3 at 700 m) Black-crowned Antshrike, Thamnophilus atrinucha, Laguna Tabacal (1F); Laguna El Hato (hd); Bellavista (pair seen) Northern Slaty-antshrike, Thamnophilus punctatus, 1M at Bavaria Reserve (c. 650 m el) Black-crested Antshrike, Sakesphorus canadensis, 1F seen well at Rancho Camaná (in llanos) Plain Antvireo, Dysithamnus mentalis, pair at Bavaria Reserve (c. 600 m el) Pacific Antwren, Myrmotherula pacifica, 1M at Río Claro White-flanked Antwren, Myrmotherula axillaris, pair with small mixed flock at Río Claro Slaty Antwren, Myrmotherula schisticolor, Santa María (1F at c. 1200 m el) Rufous-winged Antwren, Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus, Santa María (1250 m el); heard repeatedly but only glimpsed; highlighted because this is an unusually high elevation for this species; vocal documentation (no photos) Dot-winged Antwren, Microhopias quixensis, Río Claro (1F with small mid-level mixed flock); possibly 1M high in Laguna El Hato woodland (this needs further verification as it was unusually high in tree, and possibly could have been confused with male Jet Antbird also present) White-fringed Antwren, Formicivora grisea, pair at Mana Dulce Dusky Antbird, Cercomacroides tyrannina, pair seen briefly at Laguna Tabacal; heard at Bavaria Reserve and Santa María (700 m el site) Jet Antbird, Cercomacra nigricans, hd Mana Dulce; 1M high in dry woodland at Laguna El Hato White-browed Antbird, Myrmoborus leucophrys, Santa María (M and eventually the F; 700 m el) *Black-faced Antbird, Myrmoborus myotherinus, 3 heard (unresponsive) at c. 650 m el, Bavaria Reserve White-bellied Antbird, Myrmeciza longipes, Mana Dulce (1 seen briefly after some effort; others singing but unresponsive) Chestnut-backed Antbird, Poliocrania exsul, Río Claro (minimal dawn song; 1 M seen only by SH and M. Gaume) Magdalena Antbird, Sipia palliata (E), Río Claro; this bird seen in near darkness en route to Oilbird cave and actually illuminated by spotlight! Very localized endemic.

Antpittas, Grallariidae *Chestnut-crowned Antpitta, Grallaria ruficapilla, Chicaque (heard); also hd San Miguel del los Milagros (Antioquia) Tawny Antpitta, Grallaria quitensis, 3-4 seen at PN Sumapaz (this E Andean form vocally quite distinct and a likely candidate for separation as separate species from others)

Tapaculos, Rhinocryptidae *Blackish Tapaculo, Scytalopus latrans, heard at Chicaque (little black bird) *Pale-bellied (Mattoral) Tapaculo, Scytalopus griseicollis (NE), heard at PN Sumapaz (another little “black” bird)

Antthrushes, Formicariidae [*Black-faced Antthrush, Formicarius analis, 1 hd at Río Claro by C. Daza]

www.ventbird.com 12 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Ovenbirds & Woodcreepers, Furnariidae Plain-brown Woodcreeper, Dendrocincla fuliginosa, Bellavista (1 seen by everyone); 1 (SH only) on San Luís mountain road (c. 850 m el) Aug 12 (en route to Medellín) Wedge-billed Woodcreeper, Glyphorynchus spirurus, Bavaria Reserve (1); Río Claro (1) *Black-banded Woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes picumnus, Santa María (1 hd, unresponsive, 1200 m el) Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus, 2 in high trees along road to Chicaque Reserve (2650 m); early morning Cocoa Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus susurrans, Mana Dulce; Río Claro Buff-throated Woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus guttatus, Bavaria reserve (E slope of Andes); also 1 at Santa María (1200 m) Straight-billed Woodcreeper, Dendroplex picus, Bavaria reserve (different race than at next two sites); Mana Dulce; Río Claro Streak-headed Woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes souleyetii, Laguna Tabacal; Santa María (700 m); Mana Dulce; Aquitania road above Río Claro Montane Woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger, Chicaque (ca. 4 seen) Plain Xenops, Xenops minutus, 1 at Mana Dulce Chestnut-winged Cinclodes, Cinclodes albidiventris, PN Sumapaz (5-6 seen, mostly very well) Montane Foliage-gleaner, Anabacerthia striaticollis, Chicaque (2 with mixed species flocks) Chestnut-crowned Foliage-gleaner, Automolus rufipileatus, 1 seen; 1 hd. near Santa María (700 m el); reddish eyes; good study of this skulking Amazonian bird here at extreme N end of range Andean Tit-Spinetail Leptasthenura andicola, PN Chingaza (hd); 3 seen at PN Sumapaz Many-striped Canastero, Asthenes flammulata, PN Sumapaz (1, finally!)

White-chinned Thistletail, Asthenes fuliginosa, PN Sumapaz (2 seen well) Crested Spinetail, Cranioleuca subcristata, Santa María (1 seen near Río Bata last a.m.) Ash-browed Spinetail, Cranioleuca curtata, Chicaque Reserve (1 seen near lodge prior to our departure); Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Certhiaxis cinnamomeus, Pto. Triunfo (family of 3)

Many-striped Canastero. Photo C. Carlson

Plain-crowned Spinetail, Synallaxis guyanensis, Rancho Cumaná (2 seen_ *Silvery-throated Spinetail, Synallaxis subpudica (E), Observatorio de Colibris (hd); Chicaque (hd) *Pale-breasted Spinetail, Synallaxis albescens, Santa María (hd, 700 m el) *Azara’s Spinetail, Synallaxis azarae, Chicaque Reserve (1 hd) *Stripe-breasted Spinetail, Synallaxis cinnamomea, heard Laguna Tabacal (another skulking Spinetail) *Rufous Spinetail, Synallaxis unirufa, 1 hd near upper end of Chicaque trail (before road); unresponsive to playback and not seen [we did not have a good track record seeing Synallaxis spinetails this trip!] Rufous-fronted Thornbird, Phacellodomus rufifrons, Santa María (lower zone); taxonomy unsettled, often listed as Plain Thornbird, P. inornatus

Manakins, Pipridae Golden-winged Manakin, Masius chrysopterus, 1M (Santa María; 1200 m el); *White-bibbed Manakin, Corapipo leucorrhoa, Bellavista Reserve (1 hd; unresponsive) www.ventbird.com 13 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Green Manakin, Chloropipo holochlora, 1 seen twice (or 2 birds?), Santa María (700 m); one of the few times we have recorded this species on a tour; both birds rather low (2-4 m up) in second growth (regrowth); no vocalizations heard White-bearded Manakin, Manacus manacus (common) Laguna Tabacal; Bavaria; Mana Dulce; Río Claro Striolated (formerly Striped) Manakin, Machaeropterus regulus, Aquitania road (1M, very cute!) White-crowned Manakin, Pseudopipra (formerly Dixiphia and before that in Pipra) (pipra) coracina, Bavaria Reserve (1M); Santa María (1M, 3FF, 1150 m); this race differs vocally from others in Colombia and may represent a separate species; taxonomy convoluted, confusing, poorly resolved Golden-headed Manakin, Ceratopipra erythrocephala, Bavaria Reserve (1-2MM at length in small fruiting Miconia shrub); 1F at Buenavista reserve

Cotingas, Cotingidae [*Green-and-black Fruiteater, Pipreola riefferii, 1 hd by C Daza) on Chicaque Reserve descent, c. 1800 m el] Red-crested Cotinga, Ampelion rubrocristatus, PN Chingaza (1); PN Sumapaz (2 seen, 3600 m el) Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Rupicola peruvianus, near Santa María (5- 6MM; 1F, c. 1250 m el)

Andean Cock-of-the-rock. Santa María. Photo S. Hilty

Tityras & Allies, Tityridae Black-crowned Tityra, Tityra inquisitor, Santa Maria (1M 700 m el) Masked Tityra, Tityra semifasciata, Río Claro (1M; 1F) Barred Becard, Pachyramphus versicolor, 1M at Ukuku (never seen very well) Cinnamon Becard, Pachyramphus cinnamomeus, Santa María (at least 4 seen; 700 m) White-winged Becard, Pachyramphus polychopterus, Bavaria Reserve (1M); Santa María Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher, Terenotriccus erythrurus, Río Claro (1 seen along main entrance road near our lodging; very active and aerobatic; long rictal bristles; chase fast-flying leaf-hoppers Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher, Myiobius sulphureipygius (probably race semiflavus), 1 in subcanopy with small mixed-species flock; taxonomic status of this bird not firm; also race semiflavus often aligned with M. barbatus of east of Andes; told from Black-tailed Flycatcher (M. atricaudus) by much brighter underparts; contrasting chest band; also frequently in mid-levels inside humid forest (Black-tailed Flycatcher typically quite low and in drier, more open secondary growth, or marginal areas (not inside humid forest). Both are at Río Claro but habitats of the two appear to overlap minimally or not at all.

Tyrant Flycatchers, Tyrannidae Streak-necked Flycatcher, Mionectes striaticollis, Santa María (apparently 1 at 1200 m el; although this appears to be an unusually low elevation for this species); record (not seen by SH) needs verification Olive-striped Flycatcher, Mionectes olivaceous, Santa Maria (1 seen near Río Bata last a.m., c. 850 m el) Ochre-bellied Flycatcher, Mionectes oleagineus, Laguna Tabacal (1); Río Claro (1, actively wing-flicking at dusk in shrubbery along Río Claro) Sepia-capped Flycatcher, Leptopogon amaurocephalus, Bavaria Reserve; Laguna El Hato (450 m) Slaty-capped Flycatcher, Leptopogon superciliaris, Santa María (ca. 1150-1300 m) Black-capped Pygmy-Tyrant, Myiornis atricapillus, Río Claro (1); one of smallest passerines Southern Bentbill, Oncostoma olivaceum, 2 along San Luís road (Antioquia), 800 m el (Aug 12) *Black-throated Tody-Tyrant, Hemitriccus granadensis, 1 hd at upper end of Chicaque trail, 2500 m el

www.ventbird.com 14 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Rufous-crowned Tody-Flycatcher, Poecilotriccus ruficeps, 2 hd (1 glimpsed by a few people), Chicaque reserve (on road descent) Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Poecilotriccus sylvia, Rancho Cumaná; Mana Dulce Common Tody-Flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum, most lower elevations; common Black-headed Tody-Flycatcher, Todirostrum nigriceps, Río Claro (1, but not seen well by most persons) Yellow-browed Tody-Flycatcher, T. chrysocrotaphum, Bavaria Reserve (1, very high, hard to see) Olivaceous Flatbill, Rhynchocyclus olivaceus, Río Claro (great close views) Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens, Santa María; Mana Dulce Cinnamon Flycatcher, Pyrrhomyias cinnamomeus, Santa María (1300m); Ukuku Rural Lodge Cliff Flycatcher, Hirundinea ferruginea, along highway above Villavicencio (where we could not stop) Flavescent Flycatcher, Myiophobus flavicans, Chicaque (1) Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet, Camptostoma obsoletum, Santa Maria (700 m el); Mana Dulce White-throated Tyrannulet, Mecocerculus leucophrys, high elevations at PN Chingaza; PN Sumapaz & Chicaque Mouse-colored Tyrannulet, Phaeomyias murina, Mana Dulce Yellow Tyrannulet, Capsiempis flaveola, pair Mana Dulce Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet, Tyrannulus elatus, common voice (little “wolf whistle”) in lowlands; perhaps best seen at Mana Dulce or vicinity of Río Claro (C. Carlson had photo of one from somewhere) Forest Elaenia, Myiopagis gaimardii, Laguna Tabacal; Bavaria (hd); Mana Dulce (hd); Río Claro Greenish Elaenia, Myiopagis viridicata, Mana Dulce; Laguna El Hato (like previous sp but no wingbars) Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Elaenia flavogaster, widespread (especially by voice) at lower elevations Mountain Elaenia, Elaenia frantzii, Chicaque*; seen above Ibague at Ukuku ; also Chicaque (upper end) Unidentified elaenia, Elaenia sp. Laguna Tabacal (seen by C. Daza and part of group); an elaenia that appeared to show a prominent eye-ring (e.g. like Small-billed Elaenia, E. parvirostris), an austral migrant but ID remains unverified) Torrent Tyrannulet, Serpophaga cinerea, pair along river bordering trail to Ukuku Reserve Sooty-headed Tyrannulet, Phyllomyias griseiceps, Laguna Tabacal parking lot area (snappy voice); only seen here but heard in numerous other lowland sites Golden-faced Tyrannulet, Zimmerius chrysops, common voice at mid-elevations; seen 1st a.m. below Santa María (c. 1300 m el); also heard at Laguna Tabacal Black Phoebe, Sayornis nigricans, Laguna Tabacal; Santa María; above Ibague Vermilion Flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus, Mana Dulce; Laguna El Hato; Picaleña Rd (near Ibague) Rufous-tailed Tyrant, Knipolegus poecilurus, 1 repeatedly returning to treetop at the Chicaque Lodge (actually rather odd behavior as this bird usually perches rather low and in semi-open areas); scarce Streak-throated Bush-Tyrant, Myiotheretes striaticollis, 1 first a.m. at breakfast (w of Bogotá; pair at Chicaque Reserve); generally scarce or widely scattered Red-rumped Bush-Tyrant, Cnemarchus erythropygius, PN Sumapaz; Wow! Stunningly close views of this magnificent highland flycatcher perched on a post but it soon moved away; very local in Colombia Pied Water-Tyrant, Fluvicola pica, Pto. Triunfo (6+) White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Arundinicola leucocephala, Pto. Triunfo (1M) Brown-backed Chat-Tyrant, Ochthoeca fumicolor, PN Chingaza; PN Sumapaz Crowned Chat-Tyrant, Ochthoeca frontalis, 1 seen well at PN Chingaza (not rare but often overlooked because of quiet behavior and habit or staying hidden in thickets; a good find!) Long-tailed Tyrant, Colonia colonus, Santa María; (700 m) *Bright-rumped Attila, Attila spadiceus, heard at dawn at Río Claro Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Myiarchus tuberculifer, Rancho Camaná; Santa María (700 m) Pale-edged Flycatcher, Myiarchus cephalotes, above Ibague (Ukuku Rural Lodge) Cattle Tyrant, Machetornis rixosa, Laguna Tabacal; Rancho Cumaná; hotel in Ibague Lesser Kiskadee, Pitangus lector, Pto. Triunfo (1) Great Kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus, most lower elevations Boat-billed Flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua, scattered individuals throughout Rusty-margined Flycatcher, Myiozetetes cayanensis, widespread and common at all lower and mid-elevations Social Flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis, 3-4 individuals below Santa María (700 m) with Rusty-margined Flycatchers also present in area; 1 also at Laguna El Hato; seasonal or regional distribution of this species needs study; why so few? And also one of most frequently misidentified birds in Colombia. Note dusky (not black) cheeks; olive tinged back (not brownish); weak wing bars; and vocalizations

www.ventbird.com 15 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021

Golden-crowned Flycatcher, Myiodynastes chrysocephalus, 1 at Bavaria Reserve; 1-2 other at higher elevations near Santa María (1200-1300m); 1 very close at Chicaque Lodge (photos) Streaked Flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus, Mana Dulce; Río Claro (both were brownish residents) Piratic Flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius, Laguna Tabacal; Santa María; Río Claro (not very vocal at this time of year)

Variegated Flycatcher, Rancho Cumaná. Photo S. Hilty.

Variegated Flycatcher, Empidonomus varius, 1 (photos), Rancho Cumaná; this species is primarily (or entirely?) an austral migrant in Colombia; uncommon (or often overlooked; note rufous in tail) Tropical Kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus, widespread up to at least 2600 m el Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Tyrannus savana, Near Rancho Cumana (llanos); Laguna El Hato; en route to Pto. Triunfo

Vireos, Shrike-Babblers etc., Vireonidae Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Cyclarhis gujanensis, Laguna Tabacal; Rancho Cumaná (hd); Santa María (4 at 700 m el); Mana Dulce (2) Scrub Greenlet, Hylophilus flavipes, Laguna Tabacal (hd); Santa María (hd, 700 m); Mana Dulce (2); Rufous-naped Greenlet, Pachysylvia semibrunnea, Laguna Tabacal (hd); Santa María (hd); Río Claro (hd); 1 seen at Parque Romera in Medellín Brown-capped Vireo, Vireo leucophrys, Chicaque (this species formerly lumped with Warbling Vireo of N America and voices are similar; no range overlap; this one much more richly colored)

Crows, Jays & Magpies, Corvidae Black-chested Jay, Cyanocorax affinis, Mana Dulce (2-3) Violaceous Jay, Cyanocorax violaceus, Above Villavicencio(c. 600 m); Bavaria Reserve (8-10)

Swallows, Hirundinidae Blue-and-white Swallow, Pygochelidon cyanoleuca, several mid-elevation sites (generally not lowlands) Brown-bellied Swallow, Orochelidon murina, small groups at high els (Chingaza; Sumapaz; Bogotá; Chicaque) White-thighed Swallow, Atticora tibialis, 4-6 perching on wires and flying around at small military base below Santa María (700m); this race (griseoventris) much paler below than birds west of Andes; uncommon Southern Rough-winged Swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis, a few in lowlands (Laguna Tabacal; Santa María (700 m); singles or pairs

www.ventbird.com 16 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Gray-breasted Martin, Progne chalybea, singles or pairs; breakfast stop en route to Laguna Tabacal (c. 2200 m); Santa María (700-900 m); town of Victoria (700-800m); probably elsewhere

Gnatcatchers, Polioptilidae *Long-billed Gnatwren, Ramphocaenus melanurus, Laguna Tabacal (hd); Mana Dulce (hd); near Medellín (hd) Tropical Gnatcatcher, Polioptila plumbea, Mana Dulce (pair)

Wrens, Troglodytidae *Scaly-breasted Wren, Microcerculus marginatus, heard at Bavaria forest; Santa María; Bellavista House Wren, Troglodytes aedon, amazing little bird; everywhere from lowlands to páramo (including at 3550 m in PN Sumapaz) [Mountain Wren, Troglodytes solstitialis, 1 seen by SH at Chingaza] Grass (Sedge) Wren, Cistothorus platensis, PN Chingaza; look for future taxonomic rearrangements here Apolinar's Wren Cistothorus (apolinari) hernandezi (E), PN Sumapaz; this form may eventually be separated as Sumapaz Wren Band-backed Wren, Campylorhynchus zonatus, 1 at Laguna Tabacal; hd once at Río Claro (surprisingly quiet); note that I had this entered on checklist as Stripe-backed Wren (which is in error) Bicolored Wren, Campylorhynchus griseus, Pto. Triunfo area Thrush-like Wren, Campylorhynchus turdinus, pair below Santa María (700 m) Black-bellied Wren, Pheugopedius fasciatoventris, Laguna Tabacal; Mana Dulce; Río Claro *Whiskered Wren, Pheugopedius mystacalis, heard above Santa María (c. 1300 m); also heard at Chicaque and Ukuku; a skulker and we never saw it Rufous-breasted Wren, Pheugopedius rutilus, pair seen at Santa María (c. 700 m el) Speckle-breasted Wren, Pheugopedius (sclateri) columbianus, Laguna Tabacal (eventually one was seen; this race, endemic to Colombia, and is frequently separated as Colombian Wren (P. colombianus which would then be endemic) Rufous-and-white Wren, Thryophilus rufalbus, hd at Bavaria Forest; seen below Santa María (700 m) Bay Wren, Cantorchilus nigricapillus, Río Claro (most energetic songster of them all; a bit difficult to see) *Sharpe’s Wren, Cinnycerthia olivascens, heard at Chicaque *Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Henicorhina leucophrys, hd at Chicaque (upper zone); Ukuku and Medellín (Parque La Romera)

Mockingbirds & Thrashers, Mimidae Tropical Mockingbird, Mimus gilvus, seen at most lower elevation semi-open sites

Thrushes & Allies, Turdidae Andean Solitaire, Myadestes ralloides, 1 seen above Santa María (1300 m); hd at Ukuku and Medellín (Parque La Romera) *Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Catharus aurantiirostris, hd Santa María (1300 m) *Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush, Catharus fiuscater, also hd Santa María (c. 1250-1300 m) Speckled (formerly Spotted) Nightingale-Thrush, Catharus maculatus (formerly C. dryas), hd at 1200-1300 m near Santa María; 1 seen beautifully along road above Santa María (c. 1350m) while we were all in bus and waiting to pass through road construction! Pale-breasted Thrush, Turdus leucomelas, almost all lower elevations; common in lower Magdalena Valley; even in forest at Parque La Romera in Medellín Spectacled (formerly Bare-eyed) Thrush, Turdus nudigenis, Bavaria; Rancho Cumaná; and Santa María (lower zone) Black-billed Thrush, Turdus ignobilis, very common at Laguna Tabacal and Río Claro; 2 birds below Santa María (700 m el) may have been the form Turdus (ignobilis) debilis (Amazonian Thrush), which is now often regarded a separate species; field ID is problematic but voice differs and bill is shorter, throat more extensively whitish. Great Thrush, Turdus fuscater, common in highlands; mainly above c. 2500 m

Finches, Euphonias & Allies, Fringillidae

www.ventbird.com 17 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Blue-naped Chlorophonia, Chlorophonia cyanea, Santa María (c. 1200-1300 m)3 in mistletoe Velvet-fronted Euphonia (E), Euphonia concinna (E), briefly at Laguna Tabacal; seen well at Laguna El Hato Thick-billed Euphonia, Euphonia laniirostris, widespread at most lower and mid-elevations to ca. 1500 m although we did not see it on the east slope of the Andes Golden-bellied Euphonia, Euphonia chrysopasta, male at feeder in Santa María (during our lunch) [Fulvous-vented Euphonia, Euphonia fulvicrissa, seen (and/or hd) by C. Daza at Río Claro] Orange-bellied Euphonia, Euphonia xanthogaster, Bavaria and Santa María (several); Ukuku; San Luís road between Río Claro and Medellín Lesser Goldfinch, Spinus psaltria, Ukuku; several at San Miguel de Los Milagros site in Antioquia Andean Siskin, Spinus spinescens, large flock (40-45+) above Bogotá and near Observatorio de Colibris (3000 m) Yellow-bellied Siskin, Spinus xanthogastrus, pair below Santa María (E slope Andes) at c. 700 m (well studied (photographs?); this is an unusually low elevation for this species although most Spinus are given to some nomadism

Thrush-Tanager, Rhodinocichlidae *Rosy Thrush-Tanager, Rhodinocichla rosea, 2 heard at Laguna Tabacal (no longer seem to respond much to playback because they have heard it so often)

New World Sparrows, Brushfinches etc., Passerellidae Orange-billed Sparrow, Arremon aurantiirostris, Buenavista (1 seen fairly well although in low light) Pectoral Sparrow, Arremon taciturnus, 1 above Santa María at c. 1250-1300 m; easily overlooked! Rufous-collared Sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis, everywhere in highlands (above ca. 2000 m) White-naped Brushfinch, Atlapetes albinucha, I think this was seen at Ukuku Moustached Brushfinch, Atlapetes albofrenatus, Chicaque (3-4) Yellow-headed Brushfinch, Atlapetes flaviceps (E), 2 at Ibague (Ukuku) briefly Slaty Brushfinch, Atlapetes schistaceus, Chingaza (1); Cjocaqie (2 at upper els) Pale-naped Brushfinch, Atlapetes pallidinucha, PN Chingaza (3); Chicaque (2)

Troupials & Allies, Icteridae Eastern Meadowlark, Sturnella magna, Bogotá savanna; PN Chingaza and PN Sumapaz (3500 m) Red-breasted Meadowlark, Leistes militaris, lowlands near Rancho Cumaná (N of Villavicencio) Russet-backed Oropendola, Psarocolius angustifrons, east slope Andes near Villavicencio; Santa María (P. angustdifrons neglectus race) where fairly common Crested Oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus, below Santa María (700 m) Yellow-rumped Cacique, Cacicus (cela) flavicrissus, Laguna Tabacal (1) this western race sometimes regarded a separate species (and is vocally different); Santa María area (common; race C. c. cela) Yellow-backed Oriole, Icterus chrysater, breakfast stop first a.m. west of Bogotá; Observatorio de Colibris; Ukuku Rural Lodge (singing much of morning) Orange-crowned Oriole, Icterus auricapillus, 1 briefly along San Luís road stop (Antioquia), 800 m el Shiny Cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis, widespread (unfortunately) in lowlands and mid-elevations Giant Cowbird, Molothrus oryzivorus, 1F in farmland area below Santa María (c. 750 m el) Carib Grackle, Quiscalus lugubris, near Villavicencio); Pto. Triunfo area of Magdalena Valley Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Chrysomus icterocephalus, marshes near Pto. Triunfo Red-bellied Grackle, Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster (E), group of 5 attending a nest with 2 young (Parque La Romera, Medellín); local distribution; 3 birds (prior offspring) helping alpha-pair feed the young; nest c. 10 m up in thin semi-isolated sapling at edge of narrow winding forest road near entrance to park Oriole Blackbird, Gymnomystax mexicanus, Rancho Cumaná (llanos)

New World Warblers, Parulidae Tropical Parula, Setophaga pitiayumi, below Santa María (1 heard; seen?) Rufous-capped Warbler, Basileuterus rufifrons, Laguna Tabacal; Mana Dulce (cute pair); San Luís road (Antioquia), 800 m el Golden-crowned Warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus, Santa María (700-1300 m); Mana Dulce;

www.ventbird.com 18 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Black-crested Warbler, Basileuterus nigrocristata, PN Chingaza; Chicaque Buff-rumped Warbler, Myiothlypis fulvicauda, Laguna Tabacal; he darlings of Río Claro Russet-crowned Warbler, Myiothlypis coronata, 2 w/mixed sp. flock at Chicaque (c. 2100 m el) Slate-throated Redstart (Whitestart), Myioborus miniatus, most mid-elevation sites or higher Golden-fronted Redstart (Whitestart), Myioborus ornatus, with mixed species flock at Chingaza

Mitrospingidae Tanagers, Mitrospingidae Dusky-faced Tanager, Mitrospingus cassinii, Rio Claro (noisy); single-species flocks; and one group with Tawny- crested Tanagers

Cardinals & Allies, Cardinalidae (Highland) Hepatic Tanager, Piranga flava, pair below Santa María (700 m el, which is very low elevation); photo documentation; sometimes split as Highland Hepatic-Tanager), (lutea group); resident; also 1M at Ukuku (1950 m el) Sooty Ant-Tanager Habia gutturalis (E), Wow! Hot pink crest; 2 briefly at Buenavista; 3 seen much better along San Luís Road (800 m) en route to Medellín Black-backed Grosbeak, Pheucticus aureoventris, Obs. del Colibris; Chinguaza Reserve (Usme area) Blue-black Grosbeak, Cyanoloxia cyanoides, 1 heard (unresponsive); late evening, Río Claro (Aug 11) note that these “western” birds (W of Andes) now often regarded a distinct species from C. c. rothschildii of E of Andes.

Tanagers & Allies, Thraupidae Magpie Tanager, Cissopis leverianus, Santa María (3 at 700 m) Black-capped Hemispingus, Kleinothraupis atropileus, 2 w/mixed spp flock, Chicaque (c. 2100m); formerly in genus Hemispingus Black-eared Hemispingus, Sphenopsis melanotis, Chicaque (2-3 in huge mixed species flock); formerly in genus Hemispingus Superciliaried Hemispingus, Thlypopsis superciliaris, PN Sumapaz (pair, 3600 m el=very high); formerly in genus Hemispingus Gray-headed Tanager, Eucometis penicillata, Laguna Tabacal (2); Mana Dulce; Buenavista; Río Claro White-shouldered Tanager, Tachyphonus luctuosus, Bavaria Reserve; Mana Dulce; Laguna el Hato; Río Claro; one identified at Ukuku (very high el) by some was probably White-lined Tanager Tawny-crested Tanager, Tachyphonus delatrii, noisy group along forested San Luís road (Antioquia), 800 m el) White-lined Tanager, Tachyphonus rufus, the Ukuku bird was almost surely this species (not White-shouldered Tanager) Silver-beaked Tanager, Ramphocelus carbo, Villavicencio and Santa María Crimson-backed Tanager, Ramphocelus dimidiatus, widespread in Magdalena Valley Hooded Mountain-Tanager, Buthraupis montana, 4 at Observatorio de Colibris 3000 m; (above Calera) Scarlet-bellied Mountain-Tanager, Anisognathus igniventris, 10-12+ at PN Chingaza Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanager, Dubusia taeniata, 2-3 with mixed flock along road (2500 m) prior to reaching Reserva Chicaque Fawn-breasted Tanager, Pipraeidea melanonota, Chicaque (4); Ukuku area (2+) Blue-gray Tanager, Thraupis episcopus, widespread in mid- to lower elevations; white shoulders in east Palm Tanager, Thraupis palmarum, also widespread Blue-capped Tanager, Thraupis cyanocephala, Chicaque (only 1; upper zone) Speckled Tanager, Ixothrupis (formerly genus Tangara) guttata, Santa María (several; 700-1300 m Burnished-buff Tanager, Tangara cayana, Santa María (700-900m) Scrub Tanager, Tangara vitriolina, Laguna Tabacal; Ukuku Reserve; Aquitania Rd above Río Claro Golden-hooded Tanager, Stilpnia (formerly genus Tangara) larvata, Laguna Tabacal; Rio Claro Masked Tanager, Stilpnia (formerly genus Tangara) nigrocincta, Bavaria Reserve Blue-necked Tanager, Stilpnia (formerly genus Tangara) cyanicollis, most lower els.; including Laguna Tabacal; Santa María etc. Beryl-spangled Tanager, Tangara nigroviridis, Chicaque (1 with mixed flock, upper zone) ?Metallic-green Tanager, Tangara labradorides, possibly 1 seen at Ukuku (not verified by SH or CD)

www.ventbird.com 19 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Plain-colored Tanager, Tangara inornata, Laguna Tabacal; several times at Río Claro; San Luís road at 800 m (Antioquia) Bay-headed Tanager, Tangara gyrola, Laguna Tabacal; Santa María; above Ibague (Ukuku); Saffron-crowned Tanager, Tangara xanthocephala, above Ibague (Ukuku) Golden Tanager, Tangara arthus 2 above Ibague (Ukuku) Swallow Tanager, Tersina viridis, Rancho Camaná (lowlands); Río Claro; below concrete/rock retaining wall along San Luís road (Antioquia) where group of c. 6 were displaying (M and F bobbing and bowing) as if this at a potential nest site Yellow-tufted (Black-faced) Dacnis, Dacnis (lineata) aequatorialis, Bellavista (male in flowering Miconia) and another at Río Claro; this “yellow- tufted” race often regarded a separate species from birds east of Andes

Blue Dacnis, Dacnis cayana, Santa María (1300 m, in Bay-headed Tanager. Ukuku Lodge. Photo S. Hilty. flowering Clusia tree); Bellavista Purple Honeycreeper, Cyanerpes caeruleus, Bavaria Reserve; Santa María (daily) Green Honeycreeper, Chlorophanes spiza, Bavaria Reserve; Santa María (1300 m); Río Claro area [Scarlet-browed Tanager, Heterospingus xanthopygius, 1 at Río Claro (apparently seen only by C. Daza)] Guira Tanager, Hemithraupis guira, Santa María (700m area; adjacent to military base) Yellow-backed Tanager, Hemithraupis flavicollis, Bellavista, 1050 m (pair at forest edge trees); not a rare species but a little surprising to see it at the Bellavista Reserve Chestnut-vented Conebill, Conirostrum speciosum, Santa María (700m), pair and a single Rufous-browed Conebill, Conirostrum rufum (Near Endemic), PN Chingaza; PN Sumapaz Glossy Flowerpiercer, Diglossa lafresnayii, PN Chingaza & Sumapaz (commonest Diglossa above 3000m) Black Flowerpiercer, Diglossa humeralis, Chingaza; Sumapaz (much less common at high els; but dominant at c. 2500 m (e.g. Bogotá Savanna) White-sided Flowerpiercer, Diglossa albilatera, Chicaque (4-6); also Ukuku Bluish Flowerpiercer, Diglossa caerulescens, Chicaque Masked Flowerpiercer, Diglossa cyanea, PN Chingaza; probably also Sumapaz Black-throated Flowerpiercer, Diglossa brunneiventris (race vuilleumieri), quite local in Colombia (c. 2700 m; c. 80 km N of Medellín); Colombian race far removed from main population in Peru Plumbeous Sierra-Finch, Geospizopsis unicolor, PN Chingaza; PN Sumapaz (roadsides in both areas) Saffron Finch, Sicalis flaveola, widespread and common at almost all elevations up to at least 3000 m Blue-black Grassquit, Volatinia jacarina, below Santa María; Laguna El Hato; Aquitania road above Río Claro Ruddy-breasted Seedeater, Sporophila minuta, 1M (1-2FF) Aquitania Road (above Río Claro); 1 also at Laguna El Hato Thick-billed Seed-Finch, Sporophila funereus, Aquitania Road (2); very pleasing songs Gray Seedeater, Sporophila intermedia, 1M near Santa María (700m); another at Mana Dulce Yellow-bellied Seedeater, Sporophila nigricollis, Laguna Tabacal; Santa María and most other lower elevation sites Pileated Finch, Coryphospingus pileatus, Mana Dulce (l male) Plain-colored Seedeater, Catamenia inornata, PN Sumapaz (2; c. 3500-3600 m el) Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola, widespread; ridiculously common (too many) at Jardín Encantado Black-faced Grassquit, Tiaris bicolor, Mana Dulce (1 female); Laguna El Hato (1M on fence at our 1st stop) Buff-throated Saltator, Saltator maximus, many heard and seen in lowland an foothill sites Black-winged Saltator, Saltator atripennis, above Ibague (Ukuku Rural Lodge) Grayish Saltator, Saltator coerulescens, Santa María; Bellavista Streaked Saltator, Saltator striatipectus, drier foothills; Laguna Tabacal; Mana Dulce

www.ventbird.com 20 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Exotics/Introduced Tricolored Munia, Lonchura malacca, 3 in dry scrub, brush and pastures, Picaleña area near Ibague (c. 1000 m el); this species now well established in both Cauca and Magdalena valleys

MAMMALS Marmosets & Tamarins, Callitrichidae White-footed Tamarin, Saguinus leucopus, San Luís road en route to Medellín (high in Cecropia)

New World Monkeys, Cebidae White-fronted Capuchin, Cebus albifrons, 1-2 at Río Claro Common Squirrel Monkey, Saimiri sciureus, 2 groups of 5-8 each; Bavaria Forest Grey-bellied Night-Monkey, Aotus lemurinus, 3-4 in patch of dense bamboo (Rancho Cumaná); always rare to see these elusive little primates that are entirely nocturnal

Squirrels, Sciuridae Red-tailed Squirrel, Sciurus granatensis, a few seen; Tabacal; Río Claro

Caviidae, Cavies Cavy sp., possibly Cavie anolaimae (either a separate species or sometimes regarded as the same as domestic Guinea Pig); one seen by a few of us as it ran across the road at PN Sumapaz (3600 m el, and near the lake)

Reptiles and Amphibians Geckos Various lizards

A few of the plants we saw, many of which I think either Christian or I pointed out at one time or another (doubtless there were many others) or that some of you mentioned; certainly not a comprehensive list but it might help you track down some of the plants in your photos. This list is updated from the 2020 tour plant list.

Aibertia patinoi, Rubiaceae, the plant called “Borojó”; a native plant now grown as a medicinal plant and for food; I had seen the fruit a few years ago in the Chocó region (where the tree is native); noted at a couple places including the Aquitania road. Agapanthus sp (prob. praecox). Amaryllidaceae. Also as Blue Lily or Lily of the Nile. Native to South Africa but cultivars planted in gardens worldwide. Many of these in garden at Ukuku Rural Lodge. Aspidosperma ridigum, Apocyanaceae. One of two genera of trees with unusual “fluted” woody trunks that were used in construction of the entrance office at Río Claro; the other is Lecointea amazonia (Fabaceae) which is also present at Río Claro; Wikipedia photos of the trunk suggest that this latter is the one we were seeing used in construction at Río Claro; these names came from a phone call by the owner of Río Claro Juan Rodriguez, to one of Colombia’s most well-known botanists, Alvaro Cogollo. Juan then relayed the information to us (while we were on the bus). Ageratum spp. Asteraceae, small weedy plant; tiny bluish flowers; roadsides; Santa María Allamanda sp. Apocynaceae; one common name is Golden Trumpet; widespread ornamental with large beautiful yellow flowers with twisted corollas; all parts of plant are poisonous; several in garden at Agualinda Hotel Alnus spp. Alder, Betulaceae (Birch) family, common pioneer plant on landslides, roadsides, throughout American tropics; mostly higher elevations; it is a nitrogen-fixing plant that improves fertility; I pointed out a couple at upper end of Chicaque; also Ukuku. Anacardium sp. Anacardiaceae. The huge Wild Cashew trees along the stream (mostly) at Mana Dulce; these were the largest trees in the reserve, impressive in size for such a dry area Annona muricata, Soursop; Annonaceae. We saw one somewhere early in this trip and some of you had Soursop juice (Guanábana in Latin America) and the fruit is pretty amazing to see; like a huge medieval spiked ball used for torture.

www.ventbird.com 21 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Anthuriam sp. many along forest roads and in cultivation. Some especially bright red ones in flower were planted in front of our rooms at the Extremadura hotel in Medellin. Aphalandra sp. Acanthaceae, woody shrub; red flower spikes; especially along roadside near entrance to Río Claro Arbutilon sp. Malvaceae (Mallow family, or Hibiscus); not sure about common name; we saw these shrubs in numerous places, especially Ukuku and Santa María; widely planted ornamental, flower mostly orange-yellow with red veins; attracts hummingbirds Anthurium spp; Araceae, all elevations; many species and some in related genera Apeiba sp. the seed pods that looked like “sea urchins”; Río Claro (maybe not seen on this trip) Begonia sp., Begoniaceae, mostly with seeds; near Río Claro Bactris sp. Arecaceae; Peach Palms; these are the palms with the incredibly spiny trunks; we saw them in several places including Mana Dulce and especially Río Claro; some of these palms are grown commercially for their fruit Bambusa spp. Common Bamboo; this is the giant bamboo seen mostly in the lowlands; it is native to Asia but widely cultivated around the world in tropical areas; possibly other genera involved Bauhinia spp., often in Caesalpinioideae (or Cercidoideae). Huge genus of leguminous flowering plants; I mentioned these a couple times; leaves have distinctive incompletely divided 2-foliate shape. Some have beautiful flowers that are “orchid-like.” Bracken Fern, Pteridium spp. Dennstaedtiaceae; most widely-distributed fern on the planet and also ancient lineage; pioneering fern that colonizes cleared areas, roadsides, burns etc.; extremely invasive, forming dense cover that prevents other plants from growing, partly by releasing allelopathic chemicals in roots. Bursera sp. (probably simaruba), Burseraceae, the “gumbo-limbo” trees; Río Claro area Bignonia sp., Bignoniaceae, bright yellow flowers (vines) at Mana Dulce Bomarea spp. Alstroemeriaceae, the large flower clusters (vines) in cloud forest and high elevations; orange and red flowers; many of you photographed these at PN Chingaza (see photo at end); “long-billed” hummingbird, such as Incas and Starfrontlets (Coeligena), love them Bocconia sp. Papaveraceae, small shrubby tree with really large toothed leaves and large hanging stalks with massive numbers of pale seed; common; many around Ukuku and elsewhere; leaves look somewhat like “breadfruit” leaves. Bougainvillea spp. Nyctaginaceae (4’o’clock family), one of the commonest flowering shrubs or vines in gardens just about everywhere; colorful papery dark purple-red bracts and others with white bracts; tiny white flowers Brownia spp. (the large orange flowers on truck of tree at Bavaria Forest; others with smaller pink “powder puffs”, e.g. Río Claro; these were not in flower on this trip Brugmansia sp. Angel’s Trumpet; Solanaceae. Commonly planted in gardens and around homes; huge pendant white trumpetlike flowers (about 12 inches long); some growing at Ukuku and elsewhere; almost all parts of this plant contain a poisonous narcotic; formerly in genus Datura. Brunfelsia sp., Solanaceae. [Yesterday, today & Tomorrow). A popular yard and garden shrub with pinkish flowers than fade to white (so bush always looks multicolored). Seen along road beyond the bridge that crosses the Río Bata at Santa María; also numerous other sites. An ornamental Calathea sp. (possibly crotalifera), family Marantaceae. Called Rattlesnake Plant or Bijagua; along road at Río Claro; these look very much like Heliconia but are not in a different family; broad flattened yellow flowering bracts with small yellow to white flowers on sides; pollinated by euglossine bees, not hummingbirds; leaves look very much like Heliconia and grow in dense colonies like Heliconia Callistemon lanceolatus, Bottle Brush. Myrtaceae; originally from Australia; some along trail to Ukuku (above Ibague) and around a few hotels; attractive to hummingbirds Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Fabaceae (subfamily Caesalpinioidea), Dwarf Poinciana (or Malinche); this is a pretty orange flowering shrub often planted around homes, gardens, hotels etc. Carica papaya, Papaya (Caricaceae), Native to New World (but exact location uncertain). Around homes etc. Carludovica sp. Cyclanthaceae; often called Panama Hat Palms although not true palms (they look more like the palmettos found in Florida etc); these were common at Río Claro, especially along the roadbanks; fan-shaped leaves usually divided into four parts and with no trunk; another common palm genera in the understory at Río Claro is Geonoma, which are true palms but have very short trunks and are a taxonomically complex group; their leaves are longer and variously divided

www.ventbird.com 22 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Cecropia sp. Cecropiaceae. Common; many species; every birder should learn these because they are a good reference plant for pointing out birds Centropogon sp., Campanulaceae, little shrubs with curved red flowers and protruding stamens; hummingbird- pollinated Calliandra spp. pinkish “powder-puff” flowers; plaza at Santa María and elsewhere and other areas; attractive to small hummingbirds, especially coquettes. Cassia sp. borders of open areas; marshes etc; with yellow flowers Castilleja sp. paintbrush), Orobancaceae (Broomrape family, most of which are parasitic). These plants, with mostly red flowers (yellow center) look much like familiar “paintbrush” in North America; commonly flowering at Sumapaz NP. Ceiba pentandra (Silk cotton Tree; Kapok Tree), younger ones with woody spikelike thorns; older giant in center of plaza at La Victoria; seen also at Santa María, Mana Dulce, and Río Claro Cespedezia spp. (possibly macrophylla) Ochnaceae; no English name; the large trees with the enormous leaves mostly growing tuft-like near ends of branches; several within first 200-300 m of entrance to Río Claro reserve; some old leaves (nearly 1 m in length) laying in road Chusquea sp. Poaceae, the high elevation bamboo that is thin and curved; there are other genera, even smaller, in the lowlands Cleome sp. Cleomaceae (formerly Capparaceae); noted for very long extruded stamens. Seen (photographed) along upper end of Reserva Natural Chicaque (also photographed by Richard and perhaps others) Clusia spp., Clusiaceae, the tree with star-shaped aril fruits (when open); numerous species; several different sizes of aril fruits; common tree; thick leathery leaves; hummers (including the Blossomcrown) were visiting the flowers of a Clusia at Ukuku. Cochlospermum vitifolia (Yellow silk seed Tree; or various other names); large yellow flowers 9n dry season at Río Claro; common in dry forests of western slopes of Central America; more local in humid forest; none in flower in August Coffea arabica, Rubiaceae, coffee shrubs seen in several areas; one of Colombia’s most famous exports Cordia spp. Boraginaceae; widespread and often planted around hotels and in towns; Costus spp. Costaceae; related to true gingers, often called “Spiral Gingers” because the stems grows in upward spiral; herbaceous; red to yellow flower heads (sort of carrot-shaped) at top of plant; we saw them everywhere at lower elevations (to c. 1500 m); true gingers (Zingiber) are Asian and no longer exist in the wild state; they are all cultivars. Crescentia spp. Bignoniaceae. Calabash or Gourd tree; I saw some at Mana Dulce but forgot to point them out; huge gourdlike fruits; common in pollen samples during the Pleistocene but then nearly extinct after the Panama land bridge connection; only reappearing commonly once Spanish introduced horses to the New World; horses break the fruit and eat the fruit and seeds, which greatly aids germination; original dispersers were presumed Gomphothers and other Pleistocene megafauna Cupressus sp. Cupressaceae (Mexican Cypress); introduced into many areas of Colombia, often mixed with Eucalyptus Cyathae sp. Cyatheaceae, Tree ferns; common in cloud forests; pantropical and ancient lineage Delonix regia, Poinciana (or Royal Poinciana; or Flamboyant); I saw only one of these in the lowlands of the Magdalena Valley but we were driving and couldn’t stop; from Madagascar originally but widely planted in towns for its spectacular orange red flowers; native of Australia; also see under genus Poinciana a related much smaller and more delicate flowering shrub Enterolobium sp. large legume tree in lower zone of Santa María; curled seed pods; known as “Monkey-ear Tree; Elephant-ear Tree, also Guanacaste Tree; large and grows rapidly Erato sp. Asteraceae, common yellow sunflower-like plant of higher elevation roadsides etc; coarsely toothed leaves; formerly in genus Senecio. Erythrina sp. Fabaceae (pea subfamily); known as Coral Tree and many other names; large trees with reddish- orange flowers; name translates as “red-nose”; provides nectar for many kinds of birds; along highway down toward Villavicencio; Santa María etc. Epidendrum sp. Orchidaceae, small pink orchids along roadsides Escallonia spp. small tree (2-6m) with dense foliage that forms a “pagod-like shape”; found at high elevations; present at both PN Chingaza, and PN Sumapaz, and is probably in some of your photos Espeletia spp. Asteraceae; as a group these are “indicator plants” of páramo (tropical alpine grasslands); in Spanish called “frailejones”; we saw a few tall ones at Chingaza; then miles and miles of them at Sumapaz; they flower www.ventbird.com 23 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 mostly July to late September but a few can almost always be found flowering out-of-season. Flowers are predominantly white, yellow or purplish. Ficus sp. large trees with whitish bark, smooth limbs and trunks; leathery leaves; widespread in lowlands Fuchsia sp. Onagraceae, many kinds, mostly red and pendant; roadsides Genoma spp. small understory palm with numerous trunks; common at Río Claro; widely used for thatched roofs; there are several other small understory palms at Río Claro of other genera that I cannot recognize. Gingers, several genera including especially Torch Ginger (Phaeomeria) with red flowering tops planted around hotels and in gardens Gunnera sp. Gunneraceae, along trail to Ukuku (probably also Chingaza and Sumapaz) Gliricidia sp. Fabaceae, smallish trees planted in rows (forms living fence rows) along roads; pink flowers; very common along many roads; also known as “Mouse-poison” tree because seeds are toxic Heliconia spp. (many kinds); Heliconiaceae; the species of Heliconia the sicklebill hummingbird was visiting is closest to H. latispatha although I am unsure if this is the exact species. Hamelia spp. Rubiaceae; short tubular orange-red corollas; flower grow in panicles; hummingbird pollinated; seen many places, especially trail to/from Ukuku (above Ibague); also a cultivar at Ukuku Rural Lodge was possibly Hamelia patens with a small but bright red tubular flower and black tip. Hypericum sp. (myricariifolium). Hypericaceae. Common shrub at Paramo Sumapaz; masses of yellow flowers; tiny pointed scalelike leaves. Impatiens sp. Balsaminaceae; Impatiens, common small herbaceous plants along higher elevation roadsides; pink to rose flowers Inga spp. Fabaceae (legume subfamily), common tree; often planted as shade over coffee; white shaving brushlike flowers; attractive to hummingbirds. Jacaranda sp. Bignoniaceae. Many of these trees were flowering in the pasture below the Bellavista Reserve (where we saw Beautiful Woodpeckers, White-mantled Barbets and Citron-throated Toucans). Masses of blue-violet flowers. Kniphofia sp. “Red hot poker.” Asphodelaceae. At Ukuku Rural Lodge and Observatorio de Colibris (many here). Widely used by hummingbirds. Native to Africa. Kohleria sp. small fuzzy tubular semi-shrub along trail at Chicaque; Gesneriaceae family Lantana sp., Verbenaceae, native to tropical American (and Africa) but widespread elsewhere; small umbels of orange to yellow flowers; great for butterflies, some hummingbirds but nectar reward is low; some parts of plant a bit toxic; there is a milkweed, Asclepias curassavica, (Blood Flower) that is quite similar and we also saw it somewhere, I think at Santa María. Megaskepasma erythrochlamys, Acanthaceae, Brazilian Red Cloak, very common ornamental shrub along roadside near entrance to Río Claro Nature Reserve; also seen elsewhere in gardens etc. (very showy hedge-type plant to c.4 m tall) Malvaviscus sp. Turk’s Cap or Scotchman’s Purse; Malvaceae (Hibiscus family); shrub with bright red drooping flowers that never quite open (hence one name above); native to American tropics; hummingbirds love it Mangifera sp. Mango; widespread throughout lower elevations; originally from Asia Mauritia sp. Moriche Palm (Arecacea); mostly llanos; important keystone palm for several kinds of birds (e.g. Red- bellied Macaws, Sulphury Flycatchers, Fork-tailed Palm-Swift; Point-tailed Palmcreeper etc.) Miconia spp. large genus, Melastomataceae; mostly trees that bear small edible sugary berries; manakin and tanagers love these; mentioned frequently; one in flower in Bellavista Reserve Mussaenda sp. Rubiaceae; another common cultivated plant in gardens and around homes; covered with creamy orange-pink bracts and tiny white flowers; I saw several from bus as we traveled; not sure if these are native Oncidium sp. Orchidaceae, long stems full of smallish golden-yellow flowers; one in Michael’s photos from Ukuku; common in Colombian cloud forests although I don’t recall seeing one during our birding hikes (e.g. at Chicaque) Pachystachys spp. Acanthaceae, Golden Shrimp plant; widely planted as ornamental around hotels, gardens, etc; we stood right beside a group of them a hundred yards or so up the road from the entrance to Río Claro; also around hotel at Santa María; native to Peru; bright yellow bracts and little white flowers Philodendron sp. Araceae. Many seen climbing trees in almost all areas. Typically they start small, climb trunks inconspicuously, then once then reach a height sufficient to get good sunlight, they abruptly change into the typical “office plants” that we recognize. Under greenhouse conditions, with sufficient light, they are “forced” to grow directly into “office plants”. Also note the generic name (=Greek philo = love, and Dendron = tree.

www.ventbird.com 24 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Piper spp. Piperaceae (Black Pepper family) many different kinds along roadsides and trails; little thin white candle- like upright fruits; a few of these with large roundish leaves may be in a related genus Pithecellobium sp. also called “Samán” trees; large with spreading limbs; slightly flaky bark; llanos areas; Santa María; Mana Dulce (in the cattle pastures) Passiflora spp. Passifloraceae, several different kinds; long tubular corollas in highlands; red spreading ones in lowlands; all of them attractive to hummingbirds Poinciana sp. Fabaceae (subfamily Caesalpinia), a beautiful legume known as Dwarf Poinciana (although not a true Poinciana, although a close relative; delicate airy orange-red to orange-yellow flowers with very long protruding stamens and pistil; a shrub or small tree; Royal Poinciana (Delonix) is rather similar but a large spreading tree Pouteria sp. (probably sapota) called Sapote, Ebenaceae; tree flowering (yellow flowers) and also bearing fruit (but not in August) on our walk down to river in Santa María last morning; a fruit commonly seen in markets Psammisia sp. red and white, waxy-looking candy-like tubular flowers (a heath shrub or vine, very common in cloud forests or higher cooler elevations; family Ericaceae; there are several other related genera that are very similar but I don’t know how to separate them; hummingbird pollinated Psidium guajava, Myrtaceae; this is the common Guava or Guayaba tree in gardens and farms; very smooth slightly reddish bark Psychotria spp. (probably elata), Rubiaceae, the “hot-lips shrub Psychotria spp. this one a woody shrub; panicles of pinkish flowers; many species in this genus, some with purple or other colored floral displays, all used by hummingbirds Puya sp. Bromeliaceae, spiky plant (like base of a pineapple) but produces a tall flowering spike (2-10m) that bulges at the top when flowering; many species at high elevations in the Andes; we saw many at PN Sumapaz Pyrostegia spp. (probably venusta), Bignoniaceae; Flame Vine (among other names); the mass of orange flowering vines covering the wall of the garden below the outer hummingbird feeders at Jardín Encantado; we were so busy with hummers I forgot to mention this one. Also at Ukuku Rural Lodge. Sambucus sp. Elderberry; white flowering shrubs widespread at higher elevations, especially above Bogotá, along road to and from Observatorio de Colibris etc. Schefflera spp. common in upper elevations of Chicaque Siparuna sp. Siparunaceae. Plant we observed near lower end of Bavaria road; odd smallish rose-colored fruits that have a very unpleasant (to me) oily small. There also were a few small isolated pinkish five- or six-part flowers on the slender woody branches. A few of you photographed this plant (small tree). Sobralia sp. Orchidaceae, long slender (to 2 m) terrestrial orchid along trail to Ukuku; also Chicaque; pinkish and white Spathodea sp. Bignoniaceae; African Tulip Tree; a few planted here and there; large clusters of orange flowers Solanum quitoense, Solanaceae, also called Naranjillo; the “Lulo” juice many of you drank Stachytarpheta sp. Verbenaceae; the purple-flowering shrub and a pinkish-flowered one we watched at Ukuku; Red- billed Emerals also like it; this shrub is very attractive to hummers and widely planted in gardens Strelitzia spp. Bird-of-Paradise, Strelitziaceae, often confused with Heliconia but in Strelitzia it is the flowers (not the bracts) that are colorful (just the opposite in Heliconia); one from the garden at Ukuku looks like Strelitzia reginae (?) with orange flowers; all Strelitzia were originally native only to South Africa Streptosolen jamesonii, Marmalade Bush; Solanaceae, the bush at Ukuku (and various other places) with yellow and orange (older) flowers; a favorite nectar source of many hummingbirds and flowerpiercers Tabebuia spp. Bignoniaceae, known as Lignum Vitae; also Pink Poui; several in full flower; there also is a yellow species and a white species; dazzling when in bloom; wood extremely dense and does not float; flowers in dry seasons Tectona grandis, Teak tree; Lamiaceae; rows of them planted along roadbanks especially in middle Magdalena Valley around Pto. Triunfo; native of southeastern Asia; introduced to Colombia, perhaps for its valuable wood and soil erosion control Terminalia catappa (Tropical Almond) tree in parking lot in front of Río Claro, and many other places; also most small town, plazas and elsewhere; widely planted but most common along beaches; nearly always has some orangish leaves mixed with the green ones; low very spreading crown Thalictrum spp. Meadow Rue, Ranunculaceae (=Buttercup family); some large ones (much larger than in North America) along road down to lodge at Chicaque Theobroma cacao, Sterculiaceae, the “cacao” trees; chocolate is made from seeds; Buenavista Reserve pasture

www.ventbird.com 25 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021 Thunbergia alata (in Venez. Known as “Ojo de Pajarito” or Bird’s eye). Vine with masses of orange flowers with black center spot; common almost everywhere at lower elevations around homes, second growth areas, neglected places. Tibouchina spp. Melastomataceae, introduced in gardens; beautiful blue-purple flowers; world-wide distribution Triplaris sp. Polygonaceae, trees with masses of reddish bract-like flowers) below Santa María; called Ant Tree or other unprintable names because it harbors stinging ants Virola sp., Myristicaceae (Nutmeg family). One in flower in the Bellavista Reserve at the road junction close to where the caged rehab parrots were being held. Smallish flowers appeared to have 4 (5?) narrow white strap- like petals. Nutmeg trees from the Moluccas of Indonesia (Myristica) are cultivated for the spice flavor of the nut; and the red aril around the nut is the source of spice mace. Vismia sp. Guttiferae; mostly second growth and edge habitats; bright orange sap used medicinally; widespread in American tropics; many along Aquitania road etc. Warszewiczia coccinea, Rubiaceae. Called Chaconia or Wild Poinsettia; large red bracts look like flowers(but its tiny flowers are yellow); very showy; on many hillsides including Laguna Tabacal; lower Bavaria Reserve Xanthoxylum sp. (?) the trees at Mana Dulce with obvious pointed woody spikelike thorns on trunk and 2 pairs of entire leaflets per leaf; another similar tree with large woody thorns on its trunk had a dozen or more pinnately compound leaves that were acutely pointed, unlike the more rounded leaflets op the Mana Dulce plant; likely more than one genera involved here Manihot spp. Yucca, or Manioc or Cassava (all the same), Euphorbiaceae, food plant and a staple in Amazonia; we looked at some plants growing in a garden somewhere; in Santa María are? Leaf looks a bit like marijuana leaf.

Warszewiczia coccinea. Santa María. Photo C. Carlson.

Some references of interest: 1) Davis, Wade. 2004. The Lost Amazon: The Photographic Journey of Richard Schultes. Chronicle Books, San Francisco. The black-and-white photography (all with 2 ¼ x 2 ¼ Rolleiflex) is priceless. Text, weaves together the life and travels of Richard Schultes, the most renowned ethnobotanist of the 20th century. Book features 12 of his years in eastern Colombia. 2) Davis, Wade, 2020. Magdalena, River of Dreams. A Story of Colombia. Alfred Knopf, New York etc. This reads like a history of Colombia, almost more than you might want to know. 3) Davis, Wade, One River. An ethnobotanical account, may also be of interest. 4) El Sendero de la Anaconda. A film current (2020) on Netflix, narrated by and featuring Wade Davis. Filmed in eastern Colombia; features the life of Davis’s professor Richard Schultes. 5) Leman, Tim, and Edwin Scholes. 2012. Birds of Paradise: Revealing the World’s most Extraordinary Birds. National Geographic and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Stunningly beautiful and informative book documenting all species of “birds of paradise” and the expeditions of these two young scientists. This book might be of interest just because it is so beautiful!! www.ventbird.com 26 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021

Some of us bird watching (including the cat!) at Ukuku Rural Lodge. Photo C. Carlson.

Heliconid butterfly. Photo C. Carlson.

www.ventbird.com 27 Colombia: Bogota, Eastern Andes & the Magdalena Valley, 2021