In Search of Beauty: Birds of the Colombian Andes
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
Colombia is home to nearly 2,000 bird species, and its most prominent mountain range, the Andes, shelters over 1,000 of them—many with restricted ranges or endemic to specific regions and branches.
Over the course of 17 days, we explored all three Andean ranges—Eastern, Central, and Western—seeking to photograph some of their most iconic species. Our focus remained on the Andean and high-Andean forest ecosystems, as well as the renowned páramo, which offers not only unique habitats but also breathtaking landscapes.
Our journey took place in the company of five photographers: Lisa, Randy, Abhilash, Adele, and Paul. Visiting Colombia for the first time, they had the opportunity to photograph nearly 300 bird species, collecting both stunning images and lifelong memories. Below, we present some of the highlights captured during our trip.
Starting high on the paramos and forest of the Eastern Andes, working in the buffer areas of Sumapaz and Chingaza national parks, we were able to capture some of their stunning birds, including the endemic Boyacá Antpitta, the Sword-billed Hummingbird - the longest bill in relation with body size - and the beautiful Great Sapphirewing
After the Eastern Andes, we visited several spots in the Western Cordillera, focusing especially on locations near Cali - world famous kilometer 18 - and later, towards the end of the trip, near Jardín, Antioquia.
For birdwatchers and bird photographers alike, this region offers an unmatched opportunity to experience some of the most spectacular birds. What makes the Western Andes truly exceptional is the concentration of endemics and near-endemics, many of them found nowhere else in the world. Iconic species such as the Multicolored Tanager, Chestnut Wood Quail, the spectacular Toucan Barbet and the elegant Colombian Chachalaca, turning every spot into a world-class photographic and birding experience
Our visit to the central cordillera was way over the expectations. the central Andes of Colombia is the only volcan-origin branch of the Andes, with some of the summits over 15.000 ft. Here we have spectacular birds that lives in the most dramatic and beautiful landscapes.
Our first morning we focused on two of the most iconic and mind-blowing hummingbirds of the top of the central Andes and after hard work at 13.100 ft we achieved them, not only with spectacular views and momentss but also with beautiful photos.
The central Andes has a nice web of private reseresves, mostly all of them in the Andean and High Andean forest, during 3 days we explored and enjoyed the most amazing and colorful birds!
Back on the western Andes, around the colorful town of Jardin, we had the great opportunnity to enjoy two of the most iconic birds - among many other ones! -
with a short - 2 days - extension to the town of San Rafael, a new very interesting destination - please check this link to read more about it - , we were able to add some many new birds for the trip, and here are some of the results.
We ended up our trip with over 300 bird species and tons of beautiful photos and moments! we would like to thanks to Tanager Photo Tours crew for and exceptional assistance during the trip, this includes main guides and local guides, office staff and drivers!
It was an incredible trip, a very dear group, many birds observed and shared experiences.