Birds of a Forest That Endures
Birdwatching in Colombia’s Tropical Dry Forest in the Magdalena River Valley
The tropical dry forest in Colombia is an ecosystem at risk of disappearing due to ongoing habitat loss. This environment supports diverse species of cacti, lianas, and large trees that shed their leaves during the dry season. Despite these conditions, it sustains remarkable biodiversity, including reptiles, insects, and many bird species, making it an important place for tropical dry forest birdwatching in Colombia and for discovering the birds of this threatened ecosystem.
Birdwatching in Tolima: Río Viejo Wetland and El Mirador Forest
During this birdwatching tour in Tolima, Colombia, we visit two representative sites of this ecosystem in the municipality of San Luis: Río Viejo Wetland and the forest of Finca El Mirador. These habitats support birds typical of the tropical dry forest and surrounding silvopastoral landscapes, enriching the experience while offering excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and for observing lowland birds in the Magdalena River Valley.
During the tour, it is possible to watch the following interest special birds:
Endemic species (E): Apical Flycatcher, Velvet-fronted Euphonia and Colombian Chachalaca.
Near-endemic species: Spectacled Parrotlet, Scrub Tanager, Shining-green Hummingbird, Red-billed Emerald and Black-bellied Wren.
Other species: Little Tinamou, White-tipped Dove, Common Ground Dove, Ruddy Ground Dove, Plain-breasted Ground Dove, Striped Cuckoo, Squirrel Cuckoo, Pale-bellied Hermit, White-vented Plumeleteer, Bicolored Hawk, Roadside Hawk, Whooping Motmot, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Olivaceous Piculet, Red-crowned Woodpecker, Red-rumped Woodpecker, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Collared Forest-Falcon, Laughing Falcon, Crested Caracara, Yellow-headed Caracara, American Kestrel, Bat Falcon, Aplomado Falcon, Orange-chinned Parakeet, Blue-headed Parrot, Yellow-crowned Parrot, Scarlet-fronted Parakeet, Barred Antshrike, Black-crowned antshrike, White-bearded Manakin, Yellow-bellied Elaenia, Common Tody-Flycatcher, Vermilion Flycatcher, Yellow-olive Flatbill, Tropical Kingbird, Gray-breasted Wood-Wren, Thick-billed Euphonia, Shiny Cowbird, Yellow Oriole, Tropical Parula, Bananaquit,, Bay-headed Tanager, Blue-and-black Tanager, Plain-colored Tanager, Blue Dacnis, Black-faced Dacnis and more.
Species in some threat category:
- Critically endangered (CR): n/a
- Endangered (EN): n/a
- Vulnerable (VU): n/a
- Near Threatened (NT): n/a
- Data Deficient (DD): n/a
Austral species migratory May – September: Fork-tailed Flycatcher.
Boreal species migratory September – April: Broad-winged Hawk, Swainson’s Hawk, Merlin, Western Wood Pewee, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Red-eyed Vireo, Bank Swallow, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Blackburnian Warbler, Bay-breasted Warbler, Black-and-White Warbler, Summer Tanager, Scarlet Tanager.
Destination
Payandé Village and San Luis Municipality – Tolima.
Date
At the visitor’s availability.
Location
San Luis Municipality.
Attractions
Tropical dry forest and birds of the two ecosystems.
Weather
Hot weather.
Altitude
700 m.a.s.l.
Aimed at
Children: 7 – 9 years old
Teenagers: 10 – 14 years old.
Youth: 15 – 20 years old.
Young Adults: 21 – 39 years old.
Adults: 40 – 64 years old.
Senior: 65 years and older.
Minimum number of participants
1 PAX.
Difficulty level
Medium (Undulating terrain, average effort)
Duration
8 hours approximately.
Distance to be covered
2 kilometres approximately.
The plan includes
- Medical insurance card covering events in Colombia.
- Terrestrial transportation.
- Breakfast.
- Snacks and hydration during the trip.
- Lunch.
- Professional Tourist Guide and Birdwatching Guide Specialist, who accompanies the person or group during the whole day.
- An exclusive comfort accessory designed for your journey.
The plan does not include
- Activities not included in the itinerary.
- Services not included in the plan, such as toiletries, personal items, and laundry service.
- Articles of a personal character, medical expenses and international calls.
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Tips or gratuities, which are voluntary and at the guest’s discretion.
- Additional charges or extensions for reasons beyond our control.
Recommendations
Is important to follow the next recommendations to have a pleasant experience during the whole day which will be in a natural context:
- Punctuality: Don´t forget to arrive at the place at the hour indicated by us, this will allow us to fulfill let to achieve with our itinerary.
- Attire: Carry comfortable clothes for hot weather and a raincoat. Don´t wear jeans. You can carry other articles like a cap, hat, gloves, and neck warmer.
- Self-care: Carry sunscreen, grooming kit, repellent, and one or two plastic backs to put garbage on. It is very important to carry your medicine if you are in some medical treatment.
- Personal elements: Carry a suitcase (Not Mochila or handbags) if you go in a group is very important each person carry their bag to distribute the weight equally.
- Feeding and hydration: We will have breakfast, lunch, and snacks. You can carry food to generate energy during the activity and on the tour we will give you water.
- Documents: Carry your passport and personal documents that you will need. Remember you will have a medical assistance card if you have health problems during the activity.
- Money: You can carry money that you need or if you want to buy something in the place that you visit. On the tour, we can find artisanal products or food prepared in the region.
- Restrictions:
– Do not arrive at activities in a drunkenness or post-drunkenness state.
– Do not get under states of legal or illegal psychoactive substances.
– Don´t smoke during the activity.
– Do not bring pets or other types of animal species to the place where the activity will take place.
– Do not carry radios or elements that disturb the tranquility of the ecosystem.
Do you have questions or want to make a reservation? Contact us! Our advisors will provide you with all the information you require.