Context

Colombia has 1,966 bird species, at least 84 of them endemic, and the changes in altitude of the Andes help explain much of this diversity. In a few hours of travel, the landscape can go from crops and warm forests to cloud forests and high mountain ecosystems, each with different birds. Some farms in the region have recorded more than 260 species in their surroundings. Walking at dawn with a guide lets you recognize songs, look for species of surprising colors and understand why watching birds can also help conserve their habitats.

What can you do?

• Take birdwatching walks at dawn
• Recognize birds by shape, song and behavior
• Take photographs
• Visit reserves, gardens and farms
• Record observations

Suggested places

Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda and Antioquia; Andean forests, reserves and coffee farms