Colombia is home to around 1,900 bird species, more than any other country and nearly one-fifth of all the birds on Earth. Three Andean ranges, two coasts, deserts, grasslands and the Amazon create a huge variety of habitats, and more than 80 species are endemic. Since the 2016 peace agreement, birdwatching tourism has grown rapidly, bringing income to rural communities.
At a glance
| Best time | December to March and June to August (drier months, varying by region) |
| Getting there | Fly to Bogotá, Medellín, Cali or Santa Marta |
| Time needed | 10 to 21 days |
| Big draws | Endemics, hummingbirds, antpittas, tanagers, toucans |
| Good for | Keen birders, photographers, nature travellers |
Top birding regions
Santa Marta Mountains
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, an isolated mountain range near the Caribbean coast, has more endemic birds than any comparable area in the Americas, including the Santa Marta parakeet, Santa Marta antpitta and white-tailed starfrontlet. The El Dorado reserve is the base for most birders.
Central and Western Andes
Around Manizales, Río Blanco reserve is famous for antpitta feeding stations. Montezuma Road in Tatamá National Park offers Chocó endemics. The Coffee Axis combines birding with coffee farms.
The Chocó
The Pacific lowlands and foothills are among the wettest places on Earth and full of endemics, such as the Baudó oropendola.
Eastern Andes and Bogotá
Wetlands near Bogotá have the endemic Bogotá rail and Apolinar’s wren. Chingaza National Park has high-Andean species.
Los Llanos
The vast tropical grasslands of eastern Colombia offer easy viewing of waterbirds, raptors, hoatzins, capybaras and giant anteaters. See our giant anteater profile.
The Amazon
Around Leticia, on the Amazon River, you can find Amazonian species, pink river dolphins and monkeys.
Iconic birds
- Hummingbirds: over 160 species, including the sword-billed hummingbird, whose bill is longer than its body.
- Antpittas: many species, some visiting feeding stations.
- Andean condor in the high páramo. See our Andean condor profile.
- Tanagers, toucans, quetzals and cocks-of-the-rock.
Safety
Colombia has become much safer for travellers, and popular birding areas are widely visited. Some regions remain affected by armed groups and crime. Check current government travel advice and use experienced local guides and operators.
When to go
Colombia’s seasons vary by region. The drier periods, roughly December to March and June to August in much of the Andes, are generally easiest for birding. Northern migrants are present from about October to April.
Frequently asked questions
How many bird species does Colombia have? Around 1,900, the most of any country.
Where is the best place to start birding in Colombia? The Santa Marta mountains and the Central Andes around Manizales offer many endemics and good infrastructure.
Is Colombia safe for birdwatching? Popular birding routes are widely visited. Check current advice and travel with reputable guides.
How long do I need? Two to three weeks covers several regions; a week can focus on one or two.
Related guides
- Mindo cloud forest birding
- Best hummingbird destinations
- How to record your sightings for science
- Animal profiles: Andean condor, Toco toucan, Hoatzin
Cover photo: Colegota, CC BY-SA 2.5 es, via Wikimedia Commons