RIO BLANCO BIRDWATCHING COLOMBIA

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.

 

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.

Chestnut-naped Anpitta Grallaria nuchalis  By Christopher Calonje