BIRDING DAY TRIP – MANIZALES

Río Blanco Reserve

2,500 m | 8,200 ft

Half or full day

Connects with Los Nevados NP

Antpitta feeding stations and Andean forest

Río Blanco Reserve is one of Colombia’s best-known birding destinations and a pioneer in the use of antpitta feeders. Near the lodge and main road, visitors can look for Brown-banded, Bicolored, and Chestnut-crowned Antpittas.

Hummingbird feeders attract a variety of Andean species, including Collared Inca, Tourmaline Sunangel, Bronzy Inca, Long-tailed Sylph, Buff-tailed Coronet, White-bellied Woodstar, and Fawn-breasted Brilliant. Tanager feeders bring in an equally colorful mix, while the reserve continues to develop new setups and photography opportunities.

The forest is also a great place to look for mixed-species flocks moving through the canopy and understory, with tanagers, hemispinguses, woodcreepers, woodpeckers, and other birds. Río Blanco is also a place to search for rare species such as Masked Saltator, Powerful Woodpecker, Dusky Piha, and Rusty-faced Parrot, making it a rewarding stop for birders and photographers.

Birds to look for

  • Brown-banded Antpitta (endemic)
  • Chestnut-crowned Antpitta
  • Bicolored Antpitta
  • Masked Saltator
  • Powerful Woodpecker
  • Black-billed Mountain-toucan
  • Plushcap
  • Flammulated Treehunter
  • Rusty-faced Parrot
  • White-throated Daggerbill
  • Crimson-mantled Woodpecker
  • Bar-bellied Woodpecker
  • White-capped Dipper
  • Dusky Piha

Photographic gallery

PHOTOS: JOHNNIER ARANGO, TOUR LEADER

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