Birdwatchers From Around The World Are Traveling To One Breathtaking Country

Nature lovers should be in on a little secret: Colombia may just be the world's primary destination for birdwatching. The locals are accustomed to having such a wide variety of avian neighbors — all with their own unique songs and plumes — in their backyards that people regard the biodiversity as a complete norm. With more bird species than any other country in the world, Colombia is home to almost 2,000 varieties, housing 20% of all the avian species on the planet.

Birds thrive in this biodiverse paradise due to its rich ecosystem, and terrain that varies from mountain and rainforest to paramo — a high mountain environment unique to Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The variety of birds that live in Colombia's versatile landscape have adapted to the varying types of topography. As a result, thousands of visitors a year flock (pun intended) to the South American nation to catch glimpses of the endemic resident and migratory birds that live there, with special conservation-led tourist trails catered to bird watchers.

Conservation groups have joined together to protect this incredibly important ecological region, with research and conservation efforts culminating in the launch of the Northern Colombia Bird Trail, a collection of reserves that protect the biodiversity of this region. This trail will lead visitors to Ecoparque Los Besotes, part of the Santa Marta Range where a keen-eyed birdwatcher may spot a blue-billed curassow or the even less common military macaw. Later the trail leads to Serrania Del Perija, an isolated mountain region that is part of the East Andes on the border of Venezuela. The birding lodge Chamicero Del Perija is surrounded by an incredible, wildlife-rich forest that is home to endemic species of thistletail and brunsfinch amongst others. Biologists excitedly await new discoveries in this incredibly diverse ecosystem, as it has proven to be so rich in species that they believe there is more to be uncovered.

The trail also connects visitors to Los Flamencos Sanctuary on the edge of the Guajira Desert, where forest is sparse and land dry. This is a naturally protected area where you may see rare birds such as the vermilion cardinal or a white-whiskered spinetail. However, perhaps the best place for birdwatching in the whole country is the mountain region of Santa Marta, which is home to 600 species of bird, including 19 endemic species that can only be seen in this region. You'll find beautiful bluenaped chlorophonias and various types of hummingbirds at the reserve.

The success of the Northern Colombia Birding Trail initiative has led to the formation of central, eastern, and southwestern Andes Birding Trails as well. They cover separate parts of the incredibly rich and diverse country, and there are a multitude of different birds to be seen in each area. Aside from these trails, there are a huge amount of birds to be seen in the Sierra Nevada region of Colombia as well as in the Amazon Rainforest.

The Colombian Bird Fair also happens annually in Cali, a city southwest of Bogotá that you can reach by plane or a 10-hour bus or car ride. This event, aimed at conserving local biodiversity, gathers experts and amateurs for conferences, educational events and day trips. With international events such as these, as well as the birdwatching trails and wildlife sanctuaries and aviaries, Colombia's support for scientific research, which in turn promotes ecotourism in the region, proves that it is a leader in the realm of conservation. So pack your binoculars, and don't forget a bird guide, and get ready to be awe-stricken by Colombia's birds.