This delightful new tour explores the lovely landscapes of the east Andean foothills, the pristine beauty of the Llanos, and the edges of the Colombian Amazon rainforest. Expect a remarkable diversity of habitats, ranging from …
For avid birders, the crack of dawn often signals the start of an exciting day, and what better way to kick off the morning than with a much-needed cup of coffee? In this Colombia birding …
Embark on a birding adventure that seamlessly merges two of Colombia's premier birding regions: the central Andes and the Caribbean.
Colombia holds almost 20% of all birds on the planet, boasting an impressive 1,930 species in total, with 93 being endemics – even more amazingly, is that new species are still being discovered!
Colombia, located in the northwest region of South America, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. The nation is bordered by Venezuela to the east, Brazil to the southeast, Peru to the south, Ecuador and Panama to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the north.
Colombia is home to a remarkable variety of bird species, Thanks to its wide variety of landscapes and climates, Colombia is a megadiverse country with some of the highest biodiversity on the planet. Regardless of size, Colombia holds almost 20% of all birds on the planet, boasting an impressive 1,930 species in total, with 93 being endemics – even more amazingly, is that new species are still being discovered!
With its lush rainforests, high-altitude Andean mountains, expansive plains, and pristine coastlines, provides an an array of habitats that allow for such high diversity. From the iconic Andean Condor to the Resplendent Quetzal, Colombia offers such a wonderful birding experience.. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, with its unique ecosystems, stands out as a birding hotspot, hosting a myriad of species adapted to different altitudes.
Beyond its birds, Colombia’s culture is equally captivating. The vibrant cities, such as Bogotá and Cartagena, highlight a blend of indigenous, European, and Afro-Colombian influences. Rich historical sites, delicious cuisine, and warm hospitality add to the allure of this South American gem. Whether birding, navigating the coffee plantations of the Zona Cafetera, or wandering through colonial towns, Colombia promises an enriching experience for those seeking both a birding and cultural immersion.
At Sustainable Birding, we don’t offer ready-made, off-the-shelf birding tours. Our approach is deeply personalised—we meticulously craft each of our tours in Colombia from scratch, ensuring every detail aligns with your unique preferences. Whether exploring the diverse landscapes of the Andes, the Amazon rainforest, or the Caribbean coast, our team of seasoned birding experts use our comprehensive knowledge to tailor your birding holiday, guaranteeing an experience perfectly attuned to your specific requirements.
All our birding tours in Colombia are expertly guided by our passionate, knowledgeable and experienced Colombian tour leaders. They are some of the best guides on the planet! So, give us a call or drop us an email and let’s talk Colombia!
Reasons to go on a Tailor-made Birding Tour
• Select the exact dates that suit your schedule.
• Choose the ideal time of year for your birding adventure.
• Travel alongside your preferred companions—be it family, friends, or fellow birders.
• Set your pace—whether fast or brisk.
• Customise within your personal budget, from luxurious to budget accommodations or a mix.
• Craft a tour that matches your specific interests—whether intense birding, leisurely exploration, photography, culture, music, wine, botany, butterflies, herpetology, geology, diving, hiking, and beyond.
• Our team is here to cater to your interests and ensure a fulfilling birding holiday.
Explore our selection of Scheduled Group Birding Tours in Colombia. These groups tours have been designed to fit different birding preference and time restraints. Typically, our group tours are more affordable, and allow people to meet up and make lifelong memories with fellow birders. All our group tours are small and come with an expert Tour Leader, having groups no bigger than 6 individuals, so you still get that intimate feeling and the full attention of the Tour Leader.
Please refer to our Birding Calendar for tour schedules, dates, and fixed prices.
Cauca Guan
Chestnut-winged Chachalaca
Colombian Chachalaca
Blue-billed Curassow
Chestnut Wood-quail
Gorgeted Wood-quail
Tolima Dove
Black-backed Thornbill
Buffy Helmetcrest
Blue-bearded Helmetcrest
Green-bearded Helmetcrest
Gorgeted Puffleg
Colorful Puffleg
Black Inca White-tailed Starfrontlet
Glittering Starfrontlet
Golden-bellied Starfrontlet
Santa Marta Woodstar
Chiribiquete Emerald
Santa Marta Blossomcrown
Tolima Blossomcrown
Santa Marta Sabrewing
Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird
Indigo-capped Hummingbird
Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird
Bogota Rail
Santa Marta
Screech-owl
Sooty-capped Puffbird
White-mantled Barbet
Greyish Piculet
Beautiful Woodpecker
Rufous-fronted Parakeet
Indigo-winged Parrot
Turquoise-winged Parrotlet
Sinu Parakeet
Santa Marta Parakeet
Upper Magdalena
Parakeet Brown-breasted
Parakeet Cocha Antshrike
Parker’s Antbird
Santa Marta Antbird
East Andean Antbird
Great Antpitta
Santa Marta Antpitta
Cundinamarca Antpitta
Boyaca Antpitta
Urrao Antpitta
Brown-banded Antpitta
Tatamá Tapaculo
Santa Marta Tapaculo
Magdalena Tapaculo
Stiles’s Tapaculo
Brown-rumped Tapaculo
Paramillo Tapaculo
Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner
Beautiful Treerunner
Streak-capped Spinetail
Rusty-headed Spinetail
Silvery-throated Spinetail
Chestnut-capped Piha
Antioquia Bristle-tyrant
Moustached Brush-finch
Santa Marta Brush-finch
Yellow-headed Brush-finch
Dusky-headed Brush-finch
Antioquia Brush-finch
Baudo Oropendola
Bronze-brown Cowbird
Red-bellied Grackle
Mountain Grackle
Santa Marta Warbler
White-lored Warbler
Yellow-crowned Whitestart
Golden-fronted Whitestart
Sooty Ant-tanager
Crested Ant-tanager
Carriker’s Mountain-tanager
Santa Marta Mountain-tanager
Multicolored Tanager
Gold-ringed Tanager
Black-and-gold Tanager
Turquoise Dacnis
Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer
The optimal time for birding in Colombia largely depends on the specific regions you plan to explore. Generally, the dry seasons, from December to March and July to September, are considered the best times for birding. During these periods, the weather is more predictable, making it easier to navigate diverse landscapes and spot a wide array of bird species. The optimal time for birding in Colombia largely depends on the specific regions you plan to explore. Generally, the dry seasons, from December to March and July to September, are considered the best times for birding. During these periods, the weather is more predictable, making it easier to navigate diverse landscapes and spot a wide array of bird species.
However, Colombia’s diverse ecosystems mean that different areas may have slightly varied peak birding seasons. For instance, the Amazon rainforest tends to offer excellent birding opportunities during the drier months, while the Andean regions may provide favourable conditions throughout the year. It’s advisable to let us know the specific habitats and bird species you’re interested in and we can tailor and plan your birding tour accordingly.
Colombia experiences a diverse range of weather patterns and climates due to its varied topography and proximity to the equator. Generally, the country is characterised by two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
The dry season typically occurs from December to March and July to August. During these months, many regions, especially in the Andean and coastal areas, experience lower precipitation and more stable weather conditions. This period is often considered more suitable for outdoor activities, including birdwatching.
Conversely, the rainy season spans April to June and September to November. This period sees increased rainfall, particularly in the form of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. The Amazon rainforest and some coastal regions can receive significant rainfall during these months.
It’s essential to note that Colombia’s diverse geography contributes to microclimates, and weather conditions can vary significantly from one region to another. Coastal areas tend to be hot and humid, while the Andean highlands offer cooler temperatures due to the altitude.
In Colombia’s varied habitats and climates, it’s essential to be prepared. Bring lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colours and don’t forget sturdy hiking boots. Be prepared for unexpected rain showers with waterproof jacket and trousers. Protection against insects with effective repellent and shield yourself from the tropical sun with a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Mosquito repellent is crucial to ward off insect bites.
Equipment such as high-quality binoculars tailored for birdwatching is essential and if you have a good working camera and lens, then please bring it with you! A comprehensive field guide specific to the country’s birds, such as Field Guide to the Field Guide to the Birds of Colombia by Fernando Ayerbe Quiñones would be recommended.
*Remember that when you book a Colombia birding tour with us over 14 days, we will send you a new complementary field guide!
The Sustainable Birding Company is a subsidiary of Far and Wild Travel, a tailor-made tour company based in Cumbria, UK. Far and Wild Travel offer sustainable, luxury, tailor-made tour itineraries throughout Africa and around the world.