Ornithologists and tourists from around the world arrive in Chocó hoping to see some of the bird species inhabiting the Colombian Pacific, and they are not disappointed.

Colombia holds the top spot for bird diversity worldwide with 1,932 known species, of which around 1,080 have been recorded in the Chocó territory. 58% of the country’s avifauna calls this beautiful and remote region home, which boasts 150 endemic species with colorful plumage and captivating songs.

This Department has a water wealth that ranks it among the richest in freshwater availability per person. Its numerous rivers, which flow through the vast Selva de Darién, at whose feet lies the Pacific Ocean, make it one of the planet’s most biodiverse settings.

In Chocó, over 250 rivers originate. This water paradise has more than 3,000 streams and around 20 wetlands. It is one of the wettest areas in the world, as rain is constant year-round.

In this unique setting, filled with forests, mangroves, beaches, and muddy flats, life abounds, reflected in the abundance of the most beautiful birds in the world, which are our country’s most precious treasure.

The biological richness of regions is measured by the diversity of birds they host, as these require a variety of habitats offering abundant food.

Over one hundred species, including migratory birds and occasional visitors, are marine in habit. Among those nesting on islets, cliffs, and mangroves, you can easily find gulls, terns, pelicans, and boobies.

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Of the birds with terrestrial habits, 40% feed on insects. There are 126 species of flycatchers, including 113 species of tanagers and 86 species of hummingbirds. Tanagers are brightly colored birds that dance and sing in groups.

They travel in flocks, covering great distances and dispersing seeds to far-off places. Hummingbirds, renowned for their beauty, though less migratory, are easily observed. Species like the Zafiro de Humbolt and the Amazilia Colirrojo flit through mangroves seeking heliconias and tubular flowers.

Jacamars and swifts feed on flying insects, while antbirds consume termites, crickets, caterpillars, flies, and butterflies living among the foliage and jungle plants.

Few species are granivorous, like pigeons and doves. Most birds in Chocó feed on fruits and flower nectar, such as toucans, guans, parrots, trogons, cotingas, and tinamous.

Diurnal and nocturnal raptors are less commonly seen. Owls, barn owls, eagles (harpy, crowned, and iguana), hawks, and falcons feed on squirrels, iguanas, sloths, and monkeys.

Where to go?

A great place for this activity is the Reserva Natural El Almejal in Bahía Solano, which, besides hosting several endemic species, is an important migratory corridor.

There, you can observe around 800 bird species without issue at any time of year. To reach El Almejal, take a small plane from Medellín, Bogotá, or Pereira to Bahía Solano.

In the heart of the tropical humid jungle, at Parque Nacional Ensenada de Utría, you’ll find a complex of seaside cabins, a relaxing ecolodge where you can explore enchanting trails and covered decks for birdwatching while walking, and engage in other recreational and educational activities away from mass tourism. El Almejal is “the area with the highest number of species per square meter in the world.”

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This Reserve features mangrove, coral, humid jungle, and marine ecosystems, where you can enjoy stunning landscapes and trails. There, you can get close to species like the Blue Cotinga, the Chocó Paujil, and the Baudó Oropendola. It is 35 minutes by boat from Parque Natural Utría and is one of the most striking beaches on the Colombian Pacific.

The Reserva ProAves Las Tángaras, located in the municipality of Carmen de Atrato, 140 kilometers from Medellín by road, is another place created to protect the habitat of two endemic tanager species: the Tatama Tanager (Bangsia aureocincta) and the Black-and-Gold Tanager (Bangsia Melanochlamys). With 4,000 hectares and an altitude of 1,250 to 3,400 meters above sea level, this reserve protects the Atrato River basin (the most important river in Chocó) and hosts numerous Embera indigenous reserves.

There, you’ll find lodging and numerous trails with observation towers, terraces, and rest areas. Though fog is common, you can access hummingbird gardens and have the chance to spot Golden-ringed Tanagers and the Chocó Vireo. Birdwatching is complemented by the experience of observing various terrestrial animals inhabiting the Atrato River and the beautiful rocks adorning it.

Visit the Reserves of Chocó and fall in love with the beauty and diversity of Colombian birds! The experience of hearing their sweet songs, true symphonies, will leave you breathless.