To discover Colombia's avian richness, you don't need to leave the city. In Bogotá, you can take various birdwatching routes with specialized guides to learn about the wide diversity of endemic, resident, and migratory species that inhabit its wetlands, eastern hills, paramos, and parks.
Not many visitors - or even residents - know that the city is the world's capital with the greatest bird diversity, as it has an ideal ecosystem that allows it to host 188 species, four of which are endemic.
The main bird species in Bogotá
Tinguas Pico Rojo, Tinguas Pico Amarillo, Patos Turrios, Monjitas Bogotanas, Copetones, Mirlas, Owls, and Hawks can be easily spotted in the city's urban area. With their colorful plumage and cheerful songs, each one enchants visitors and invites the conservation and dissemination of this national heritage.
Similarly, the city is an ideal place to observe migratory birds; 65 species can be spotted on their way to the southern part of the continent.
The best places
Among the most suitable places for this activity are the wetlands, places that are permanently or intermittently flooded, creating a unique ecosystem where aquatic birds can be easily seen throughout the day. According to official figures, there are 74 registered wetlands in the urban area of Bogotá.
The tours should be done early in the morning and may last, on average, two to four hours. Among the most recommended wetlands for bird enthusiasts are:
El Humedal Parque La Florida. It covers an area of 200 hectares where a bird observatory has been built. It hosts 75 species, ten of which are migratory and two are endemic. Two species in danger of extinction, the Cucarachero del Pantano and the Chingua, inhabit it.
El Humedal Córdoba. It has the greatest variety of birds, concentrated in a protected area of 404 hectares. 170 species have been documented in its territory.
El Humedal Santa María del Lago. Located in the locality of Engativá, it has a special bird observatory. Entrance is free.
Humedal La Conejera. Covering an area of 59 hectares and hosting 79 species, it was declared by Jorge Escobar - president of the organization “Humedales de Colombia” - as “one of the best fourteen destinations for birdwatching in the world.” It is one of the city's best-preserved ecosystems, where scientific research and environmental education activities are carried out.
Bogotá also has various parks where birdwatching is possible, among which the following stand out:
Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar. This park organizes free tours to observe species such as hummingbirds, turpials, herons, and hawks, among many others. On these tours, you learn to identify the sex of the birds, their life cycle, and their relationship with the ecosystem.
Jardín Botánico de Bogotá. It is an easily accessible place in the middle of the city, with trails where various bird species can be observed due to the rich vegetation present.
In the eastern hills, there are also tours to enjoy leisurely walks where binoculars and a good camera are essential.
Cataloged as Cultural and Natural Heritage of the city, in this sector, birdwatching can be done along different trails classified according to the terrain's difficulty. Places like Quebrada La Vieja and Quebrada las Delicias, Sendero Pico del Águila, Sendero La Aguadora, and the Sendero Peatonal a Monserrate are ecological paths where you can enjoy the courtship of the savannah avifauna.
It is important to always have a specialized guide who knows the trails and the appropriate attire for the weather and vegetation of the place.
Birdwatching in Bogotá is an activity that is becoming more established and professional every day, so the whole world can enjoy the charm of our animal species.
For more information, visit https://colombia.travel/birds/
