Rio Blanco, in the central Andes, has been touted as one of the three
top places to go birding in the world. Only 30 minutes from the city of
Manizales, the reserve covers 3,218 ha (7,945ac) with an altitudinal range
between 2,240 m (7,350 ft ) to 3,700 m (12,140 ft). It is possible to observe 6
species of Antpitta within a few hours at the three feeders located within a
short hike from the lodge:
The endemic Brown-banded, also endemic Bicolored, Undulated, Chestnut-crowned, Chestnut-naped, and Slate-crowned Antpitta. The seldom seen Slaty-backed Nightingale Thrush and Gray-browed Brush-Finch also feast at the feeders. The endemic Rufous-fronted Parakeet and the very rare Masked Saltator are also usually observed in the vicinity of the lodge.
The endemic Brown-banded, also endemic Bicolored, Undulated, Chestnut-crowned, Chestnut-naped, and Slate-crowned Antpitta. The seldom seen Slaty-backed Nightingale Thrush and Gray-browed Brush-Finch also feast at the feeders. The endemic Rufous-fronted Parakeet and the very rare Masked Saltator are also usually observed in the vicinity of the lodge.
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| Black-billed Mountain Toucan Andigena nigriostris By Christopher Calonje |
Along with endemic and rare species,
this area boasts many sought after species that include: Tyrannine Woodcreeper,
Golden-faced Whitestart, Dusky Piha, Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanagers,
Grass-green Tanager Powerful Woodpecker, and the hard to see Ocellated, Blakish
and Spillman’s Tapaculos. Black-billed Peppershrike, Plushcap, Mountain
Cacique, and Golden- plumed Parakeet and the uncommon Rusty-Faced Parrot are
also seen normally at the reserve.
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| Chestnut-naped Anpitta Grallaria nuchalis By Christopher Calonje |
