Endemic Birds
Colombia is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and is home to a remarkable number of endemic bird species. Endemic birds are those that are found exclusively in a specific geographic region and nowhere else on Earth.
Richness of Endemic Species: Colombia boasts one of the highest levels of avian endemism in the world, with 80 species considered endemic.
Unique Habitats: These endemic species are often restricted to specific habitats within Colombia, such as the Andean mountains, cloud forests, or coastal regions.
Breathtaking Diversity: Endemic birds in Colombia showcase a diverse range of colors, sizes, and behaviors, making birdwatching in the country a truly unique and rewarding experience.
Conservation Significance: Protecting the habitats of endemic birds is crucial for their survival and contributes to the overall conservation efforts in Colombia, a country with high biodiversity but also facing environmental challenges.
Popular Endemic Species: Some well-known endemic bird species in Colombia include the Santa Marta Parakeet, the Gold-ringed Tanager, the Yellow-eared Parrot, and the Multicolored Tanager.
Birdwatching Tourism: Colombia has become a popular destination for birdwatchers seeking to observe endemic species in their natural habitats. Several birdwatching tours and eco-lodges cater to bird enthusiasts.
Cauca Guan
Cracidae
Penelope perspicax
Pava Caucana
Distribution: Slopes of West and Central Andes (Valle del Cauca, Risaralda Quindio, and Cauca)
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Alex Berryman eBird S48202808 Macaulay Library ML 178352261
Chestnut-winged Chachalaca
Cracidae
Ortalis garrula
Guacharaca Caribeña
Distribution: Caribbean Region between Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Sinú River
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Martin Flack eBird S65006967Macaulay Library ML 204793621
Colombian Chachalaca
Cracidae
Ortalis columbiana
Guacharaca Colombiana
Distribution: Slopes of the Inter-Andean Valleys
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Luis A. Materon
Blue-billed Curassow
Cracidae
Crax alberti
Paujil Piquiazul
Distribution: Spottily in forested mountains of northern Colombia
Status: Critically Endangered
Photo: by © Eduardo Lago V.
Chestnut Wood-quail
Odontophoridae
Odontophorus hyperythrus
Perdiz Colorada
Distribution: Slopes of west and central Andes
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Luis A. Materon
Gorgeted Wood-quail
Odontophoridae
Odontophorus strophium
Perdiz Santandereana
Distribution: West slope of East Andes
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © ProAves Colombia
Bogota Rail
Rallidae
Rallus Semiplumbeus
Rascón Bogotano
Distribution: High wetlands in East Andes (Cundinamarca, Boyacá)
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Neil Diaz eBird S15511791 Macaulay Library ML 42994581
Tolima Dove
Columbidae
Leptotila conoveri
Tórtola Tolimense
Distribution: Eastern slopes of Central Andes (Tolima and Huila
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © aaprophoto iStock/Getty Images Plus
Santa Marta Screech-owl
Strigidae
Megascops sp. nov
Autillo de Santa Marta
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Ondrej Prosicky iStock/Getty Images Plus
Bogotá Sunangel
Trochilidae
Heliangelus zusii
Angel de Bogotá
Distribution: Central and East Andes
Status: Probably Extinct
Santa Marta Blossomcrown
Trochilidae
Anthocephala floriceps
Colibrí cabecicastaño
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Ondrej Prosicky iStock/Getty Images Plus
Tolima Blossomcrown
Trochilidae
Anthocephala berlepschi
Spanish Name: Colibrí Cabecicastaño
Distribution: Central Andes (Quindío, Tolima, Huila)
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Peter Hawrylyshyn eBird S39345129 Macaulay Library ML 69682711
Buffy Helmetcrest
Trochilidae
Oxypogon stuebelii
Barbudito canelo
Distribution: Central Andes Páramo
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Ondrej Prosicky iStock/Getty Images Plus
Blue-bearded Helmetcrest
Trochilidae
Oxypogon cyanolaemus
Barbudito Azul
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Critically endangered
Photo: by © sebastian ballesteros caro eBird S42263512 Macaulay Library ML 83473161
Green-bearded Helmetcrest
Trochilidae
Oxypogon guerinii
Barbudito Verde
Distribution: Eastern Andes Páramo
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Jorge Muñoz García CAQUETA BIRDING eBird S38744955
Black-backed Thornbill
Trochilidae
Ramphomicron dorsale
Picoespina dorsinegro
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Dušan Brinkhuizen eBird S64750581 Macaulay Library ML 204884671
Colorful Puffleg
Trochilidae
Eriocnemis mirabilis
Calzoncitos de Munchique
Distribution: Western Andes in Cauca
Status: Critically endangered
Photo: by © Nigel Voaden eBird S18312247 Macaulay Library ML 45289601
Black Inca
Trochilidae
Coeligena prunellei
Inca Negro
Distribution: Eastern Andes in the departments of Boyacá, Santander and Cundinamarca.
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Chantelle du Plessis (Andes EcoTours) eBird S32584449 Macaulay Library ML 40620201
White-tailed Starfrontlet
Trochilidae
Coeligena phalerata
Inca Coliblanco
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Near Threatened
Photo: by © Ondrej Prosicky iStock/Getty Images Plus
Gorgeted Puffleg
Trochilidae
Eriocnemis isabellae
Zamarrito del pinche
Distribution: Serranía del Pinche, Cauca
Status: Critically endangered
Photo: by © Fundación Ecohabitats Macaulay Library ML 307771831
Santa Marta Woodstar
Trochilidae
Chaetocercus astreans
Rumbito de Santa Marta
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Yve Morrell eBird S61649879 Macaulay Library ML 189197111
Chiribiquete Emerald
Trochilidae
Chlorostilbon olivaresi
Esmeralda del Chiribiquete
Distribution: Serranía del Chiribiquete
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Johnnier Arango 🇨🇴 theandeanbirder.com eBird S82142325 Macaulay Library ML 333511571
Santa Marta Sabrewing
Trochilidae
Campylopterus phainopeplus
Ala-de Sable de Santa Marta
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Jiri Hrebicek iStock/Getty Images Plus
Dusky Starfrontlet
Trochilidae
Coeligena orina
Inca Oscuro
Distribution: Spottily in the northern West Andes
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Guillermo NAGY Aramacao Tours eBird S48879788 Macaulay Library ML 187622091
Sapphire-bellied Hummingbird
Trochilidae
Lepidopyga lilliae
Colibrí manglero
Distribution: Caribbean Coast (Atlántico, Magdalena, La Guajira)
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Neil Diaz eBird S16314950 Macaulay Library ML 42900751
Chestnut-bellied Hummingbird
Trochilidae
Saucerottia castaneiventris
Amazilia buchicastaña
Distribution: Drier areas of the Magdalena River drainage (Boyacá, Santander)
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Robert DeKeyser eBird S86817680 Macaulay Library ML 332540151
Sooty-capped Puffbird
Bucconidae
Bucco noanamae
Bobo de Noanamá
Distribution: Northwest Colombia (Chocó, Antioquia)
Status: Near threatened
Photo: by © Stephan Lorenz eBird S53755972 Macaulay Library ML 203226231
White-mantled Barbet
Capitonidae
Capito hypoleucus
Torito Dorsiblanco
Distribution: North Central Andes & west slope of East Andes
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Trina Anderson eBird S38829890 Macaulay Library ML 67063431
Grayish Piculet
Picidae
Picumnus granadensis
Carpinterito Punteado
Distribution: Cauca Valley slopes and lowlands
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Peter Hawrylyshyn eBird S29009805 Macaulay Library ML 27199951
Beautiful Woodpecker
Picidae
Melanerpes pulcher
Carpintero Bonito
Distribution: North Central Andes & west slope of East Andes; Magdalena Valley
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Juan Carlos Luna Garcia eBird S122826687 Macaulay Library ML 506385891
Indigo-Winged parrot
Psittacidae
Hapalopsittaca fuertesi
Cotorra Aliazul
Distribution: Central Andes (Risaralda, Tolima, Quindío)
Status: Critically endangered
Photo: by © John Cahill xikanel.com eBird S53607569 Macaulay Library ML 144345551
Yellow-eared Parrot
Psittacidae
Ognorhynchus icterotis
Loro Orejiamarillo
Distribution: Few locations in the Colombian Andes
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Alex Berryman eBird S49112868 Macaulay Library ML 118397401
Santa Marta Parakeet
Psittacidae
Pyrrhura viridicata
Periquito de Santa Marta
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Cory Gregory eBird S53092810 Macaulay Library ML 221638451
Brown-breasted parakeet
Psittacidae
Pyrrhura calliptera
Periquito Aliamarillo
Distribution: Spottily in northern East Andes
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © David Jeffrey Ringer eBird S37939168 Macaulay Library ML 62482431
Rufous-fronted Parakeet
Psittacidae
Bolborhynchus ferrugineifrons
Periquito Frentirrufo
Distribution: Central Andes (Los Nevados National Park)
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Diego Monsalve serna eBird S38173399 Macaulay Library ML 63514541
Santa Marta Antbird
Thamnophilidae
Drymophila hellmayri
Hormiguerito de Santa Marta
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Near Threatened
Photo: by © Miguel Aguilar @birdnomad eBird S62261240 Macaulay Library ML 219238001
East Andean Antbird
Thamnophilidae
Drymophila caudata
Hormiguerito Rabilargo
Distribution: West slope of East Andes; Upper Magdalena Valley (Caquetá, Huila)
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Jorge Muñoz García CAQUETA BIRDING eBird S51027972 Macaulay Library ML 139445641
Parker's Antbird
Thamnophilidae
Cercomacra parkeri
Hormiguero de Parker
Distribution: Central Andes; small area of central West Andes
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Ian Davies eBird S8440471 Macaulay Library ML 41025931
Brown-banded Antpitta
Grallariidae
Grallaria milleri
Tororoi de Miller
Distribution: Central Andes (Caldas, Tolima, Risaralda, Quindío)
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Luis Agudelo eBird S50474941 Macaulay Library ML 127013781
Santa Marta Antpitta
Grallariidae
Grallaria bangsi
Tororoi de Santa Marta
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Tom Johnson eBird S53092809 Macaulay Library ML 142774091
Cundinamarca Antpitta
Grallariidae
Grallaria kaestneri
Tororoi de Cundinamarca
Distribution: East slope of East Andes (Cundinamarca)
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Marky Mutchler eBird S116568538 Macaulay Library ML 478215761
Urrao Antpitta
Grallariidae
Grallaria fenwickorum
Tororoi de Urrao
Distribution: Páramo de Frontino, West Andes (Antioquia)
Status: Critically endangered
Photo: by © Dubi Shapiro eBird S65093347 Macaulay Library ML 205158921
Paramillo Tapaculo
Rhinocryptidae
Scytalopus canus
Tapaculo de Paramillo
Distribution: Northern West Andes
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © José Castaño eBird S36870776 Macaulay Library ML 58135531
Santa Marta Tapaculo
Rhinocryptidae
Scytalopus sanctaemartae
Tapaculo Buchirrufo
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Near Threatened
Photo: by © Niall D Perrins eBird S134088468 Macaulay Library ML 559332271
Upper Magdalena Tapaculo
Rhinocryptidae
Scytalopus rodriguezi
Tapaculo del Magdalena
Distribution: East slope of Central Andes, Upper Magdalena Valley
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Lisa & Li Li eBird S141322095 Macaulay Library ML 588230721
Stiles's Tapaculo
Rhinocryptidae
Scytalopus stilesi
Tapaculo de Stiles
Distribution: Northern Central Andes (Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda)
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Su Li eBird S147484253 Macaulay Library ML 609163297
Brown-rumped Tapaculo
Rhinocryptidae
Scytalopus latebricola
Tapaculo Ratón
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Near Threatened
Photo: by © Jorge Muñoz García CAQUETA BIRDING eBird S42530739 Macaulay Library ML 86238011
Santa Marta Foliage-gleaner
Furnariidae
Clibanormis rufipectus
Hojarasquero de Santa Marta
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Near threatened
Photo: by © Nick Athanas eBird S57529002 Macaulay Library ML 164997611
Silvery-throated Spinetail
Furnariidae
Synallaxis subpudica
Chamicero Cundiboyacense
Distribution: East Andes (Cundinamarca, Boyacá)
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © neil bowman iStock/Getty Images Plus
Rusty-headed Spinetail
Furnariidae
Synallaxis fuscorufa
Chamicero Serrano
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Jose Illanes eBird S54142501 Macaulay Library ML 244507901
Streak-capped Spinetail
Furnariidae
Cranioleuca hellmayri
Chamicero Coronado
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Cory Gregory eBird S65213326 Macaulay Library ML 214802911
Antioquia Bristle-tyrant
Tyrannidae
Phylloscartes lanyoni
Atrapamoscas Antioqueño
Distribution: Central Andes (Antioquia, Caldas); west slope of East Andes (Cundinamarca, Boyacá)
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Dušan Brinkhuizen eBird S64751841 Macaulay Library ML 241564431
Santa Marta Bush-tyrant
Tyrannidae
Myiotheretes pernix
Atrapamoscas de Santa Marta
Distribution: Higher elevations in Colombia’s Santa Marta Mountains.
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Dušan Brinkhuizen eBird S64750579 Macaulay Library ML 204884761
Apical Flycatcher
Tyrannidae
Myiarchus apicalis
Atrapamoscas Apical
Distribution: Inter-Andean Valleys and adjacent slopes
Status: Least concern
Photo: by © Knut Hansen eBird S26866151 Macaulay Library ML 23708481
Chestnut-capped Piha
Cotingidae
Lipaugus weberi
Guardabosque Antioqueño
Distribution: Small region in the northern part of the central Andes
Status: Critically Endangered
Photo: by © Fabrice Schmitt eBird S30831128 Macaulay Library ML 31844281
Santa Marta Wren
Troglodytidae
Troglodytes monticola
Cucarachero de Santa Marta
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Critically endangered
Photo: by © Rob Felix eBird S41774917 Macaulay Library ML 81294531
Apolinar's Wren
Troglodytidae
Cistothorus apolinari
Cucarachero de Apolinar
Distribution: East Andes (Cundinamarca, Boyacá)
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Neil Diaz eBird S14860440 Macaulay Library ML 43036901
Antioquia Wren
Troglodytidae
Thryophilus sernai
Cucarachero Paisa
Distribution: Small region in the Cauca Valley
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Rob Jansen - RobJansenphotography.com eBird S133774239 Macaulay Library ML 560236101
Niceforo's Wren
Troglodytidae
Thryophilus nicefori
Cucarachero de Nicéforo
Distribution: West slope of East Andes (Santander, Boyacá)
Status: Critically endangered
Photo: by © Robert Lockett eBird S53190523 Macaulay Library ML 148199681
Munchique Wood-wren
Troglodytidae
Henicorhina negreti
Cucarachero de Munchique
Distribution: Spottily in the West Andes
Status: Critically endangered
Photo: by © Peter Hawrylyshyn eBird S25337316 Macaulay Library ML 64858551
Black-and-gold Tanager
Thraupidae
Bangsia melanochlamys
Tángara Aurinegra
Distribution: Central Andes (Antioquia); West Andes (Chocó, Risaralda, Valle del Cauca)
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Edwin Munera eBird S28377915 Macaulay Library ML 32274661
Gold-ringed Tanager
Thraupidae
Bangsia aureocincta
Tángara de Tatama
Distribution: West Andes (Chocó, Risaralda, Valle del Cauca, Antioquia)
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Steve Kelling eBird S52502507 Macaulay Library ML 140390641
Black-cheeked Mountain-tanager
Thraupidae
Anisognathus melanogenys
Tángara Serrana
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Neil-bowman iStock/Getty Images Plus
Turquoise Dacnis
Thraupidae
Dacnis hartlaubi
Dacnis Turquesa
Distribution: Spottily in Andes (Valle del Cauca, Huila, Quindío, Antioquia, Risaralda, Cundinamarca, Boyacá)
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Nick Athanas eBird S45495847 Macaulay Library ML 99274371
Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer
Thraupidae
Diglossa gloriosissima
Picaflor Pechirrufo
Distribution:Spottily in West
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © John Cahill xikanel.com eBird S46030300 Macaulay Library ML 102482361
Multicolored Tanager
Tharaupidae
Chlorochrysa nitidissima
Tángara Multicolor
Distribution: West Andes; Central Andes (Risaralda, Antioquia)
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Luis A. Materon
Antioquia Brushfinch
Thraupidae
Atlapetes blancae
Gorrión Montés Antioqueño
Distribution: Northern Central Andes (Antioquia)
Status: Critically endangered
Photo: by © Jorge Muñoz García CAQUETA BIRDING eBird S61257772 Macaulay Library ML 198120371
Sierra Nevada Brushfinch
Emberizidae
Arremon basilicus
Gorrión Montés Listado
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Near Threatened
Photo: by © Phillip Edwards eBird S65011056 Macaulay Library ML 204876511
Santa Marta Brushfinch
Emberizidae
Atlapetes melanocephalus
Gorrión Montés de Santa Marta
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Eric VanderWerf eBird S38652008 Macaulay Library ML 70333571
Yellow-headed Brushfinch
Emberizidae
Atlapetes flaviceps
Gorrión Montés de Anteojos
Distribution: East slope of Central Andes (Huila, Tolima)
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Robert Lewis eBird S39263608 Macaulay Library ML 71012261
Dusky-headed Brushfinch
Emberizidae
Atlapetes fuscoolivaceus
Gorrión Montés Oliváceo
Distribution: Upper Magdalena Valley (Huila, Cauca)
Status: Near threatened
Photo: by © Stephan Lorenz eBird S65508987 Macaulay Library ML 216081381
Sooty Ant-tanager
Cardinalidae
Habia gutturalis
Habia ceniza
Distribution: Foothills of northern Andes including Magdalena Valley
Status: Near threatened
Photo: by © Peter Hawrylyshyn eBird S25307864 Macaulay Library ML 20284191
Crested Ant-tanager
Cardinalidae
Habia cristata
Habia copetona
Distribution: West slope of West Andes
Status: Least Concerned
Photo: by © Eduardo Lago V.
Santa Marta Warbler
Parulidae
Basileuterus basilicus
Arañero de Santa Marta
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Eric VanderWerf eBird S38652008 Macaulay Library ML 70334071
White-lored Warbler
Parulidae
Myiothlypis conspicillata
Arañero Embridado
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Near threatened
Photo: by © Matthew Grube eBird S63950982 Macaulay Library ML 208316931
Yellow-crowned Redstart
Parulidae
Myioborus flavivertex
Abanico Colombiano
Distribution: Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Knut Hansen eBird S32504157 Macaulay Library ML 39724651
Baudo Oropendola
Icteridae
Psarocolius cassini
Oropendola del Chocó
Distribution: Coastal mountains of the Pacific Region
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © Luis Carlos García Mejía eBird S53010065 Macaulay Library ML 141987861
Mountain Grackle
Icteridae
Macroagelaius subalaris
Tordo Montañero
Distribution: West slope of East Andes
Status: Endangered
Photo: by © Herman Amaya eBird S68639762 Macaulay Library ML 232188341
Red-bellied Grackle
Icteridae
Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster
Cacique Candela
Distribution: Spottily in Andes
Status: Vulnerable
Photo: by © J Esteban Berrio iStock/Getty Images Plus
Velvet-fronted Euphonia
Fringillidae
Euphonia concinna
Eufonia Frentinegra
Distribution: Magdalena Valley
Status: Least Concern
Photo: by © Luis A. Materon
