Tag: colombia

  • Birds in Colombia: One-fifth of the World’s Birds

    Birds in Colombia: One-fifth of the World’s Birds

    Colombia is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world. This is due in part to the exceptionally high number of birds. Actually, Colombia holds about 10% of global biodiversity. It boasts the highest number of orchids, and the second in the number of plants, amphibians, butterflies, and freshwater fish. The richness of birds…

  • The City of Antpittas

    The City of Antpittas

    Perhaps the simplest and most humorous description of antpittas is that they look like ‘eggs with legs.’ This description might also remind you of Sheldon, Garfield the Cat’s friend, or Humpty Dumpty of “Through the Looking-Glass.” In fact, Humpty Dumpty’s name in Spanish is Zanco Panco. Zanco refers to his long legs, as does the…

  • Ocellated birds: what they are and why they have that name

    Ocellated birds: what they are and why they have that name

    While guiding in the humid forest of Colombia, I spotted an Ocellated Tapaculo,  a beautiful but elusive bird. Upon hearing this species’ name, one of the birders asked  “Where do these names come from? What does that name mean?” At the time, I had no answer to give him. But I wanted to be able to answer…

  • Colombia: New Tour, New Country, New Continent

    Colombia: New Tour, New Country, New Continent

    Colombia: New Tour, New Country, New Continent! It’s so hot right now – Colombia, that is, in terms of birding. For decades, Colombia has been off the radar in terms of general tourism for security reasons. Now, as this celebrated South American nation becomes safer by the day, Colombia has risen to the top of…