Antioquia is one of the most biodiverse regions of Colombia, and this richness is clearly reflected in the numerous families of birds that can be spotted throughout its territory. The geographic area around Concepción, Santo Domingo, Guatapé, and Alejandría is abundant with these species, which are easy to observe if visitors are patient and perhaps equipped with good binoculars. These wonderful photos were taken by professional photographers during visits to the hotels in Concepción and have generously shared their visual art so the community can recognize and enjoy their beauty and majesty. We will start with two of the most emblematic species, the Momotus (motmot) and the Torrent Duck, followed by the Sirirí, Bichofue, numerous hummingbirds, and countless tanagers. Enjoy this amazing carousel of nature at its finest.
Motmot
Order: Coraciiformes / Family: Momotidae
Genus: Momotus / Species: M. aequatorialis
The Andean motmot (Momotus aequatorialis), also known as the blue-crowned motmot, mountain burgo, barranquero, soledad, or mountain motmot (in Colombia) or Andean watchman (in Peru), is a species of coraciiform bird in the genus Momotus of the family Momotidae. It is native to the Andean region of northwestern and western South America.
The masculine generic name “Momotus” derives from the Aztec word “momot,” used to designate these birds by Nieremberg and “motmot” by Hernández; the species name “aequatorialis” refers to Ecuador
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Torrent Duck
Order: Anseriformes / Family: Anatidae
Genus: Merganetta / Species: M. armata
The torrent duck (Merganetta armata), also known as the torrent duck or stream-cutting duck, is a species of anseriform bird in the family Anatidae that inhabits the Andes. It lives in cold, clear, fast-flowing mountain rivers in South America. Its geographic distribution ranges from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and it inhabits altitudes between 1,500 and 4,500 meters, although it has been documented from sea level, always in cold waters. Its total length is 38 to 46 cm.
The male is white with black stripes, and the female is brown with gray. They can be found along almost the entire Concepción River, from La Planta to the Matasano stream.
Lesser Kiskadee
Ord.: Passeriformes / Fam.: Tyrannidae
Gen.: Pitangus / Sp.: P. sulphuratus
The Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus), also known as pitohué, bichofeo, pichurrio, benteveo, wichiji, noisy kiskadee, bichajué, cristofué, yellow-breasted bird, pistoqué, ajicero, pitogüé or quitupí, is a passerine bird species in the family Tyrannidae.
Hoatzin
Ord.: Opisthocomiformes / Fam.: Opisthocomidae
Gen.: Opisthocomus / Sp.: O. hoazin
The hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), also known as hoacin, chenchena (in the Llanos), pava serere (in Bolivia), shansho (in Peru), water guacharaca (in Venezuela), or stinky turkey (in Colombia), is an opistocomiform bird species, the only member of the genus Opisthocomus and the family Opisthocomidae.
Tropical Kingbird
Ord.: Passeriformes / Fam.: Tyrannidae
Gen.: Tyrannus / Sp.: T. melancholicus
The tropical kingbird is a passerine bird species in the Tyrannidae family belonging to the genus Tyrannus. It is native to the Neotropics and ranges from southern United States through Central and South America to central Argentina.
Blue-gray Tanager
Ord.: Passeriformes / Fam.: Thraupidae
Gen.: Thraupis / Sp.: T. episcopus
The blue-gray tanager, also called bluish tanager, garden tanager, common azulejo, blue-gray tanager, simply azulejo, widowbird, sui sui, or suy suy, is a passerine bird species in the Thraupidae family, belonging to the genus Thraupis.
Common Kingfisher
Ord.: Coraciiformes / Fam.: Alcedinidae
Gen.: Alcedo / Sp.: A. atthis
The common kingfisher or halcyon (Alcedo atthis) is a coraciiform bird species of the Alcedinidae family that inhabits lakes and rivers in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Barred Antshrike
Ord.: Passeriformes / Fam.: Thamnophilidae
Gen.: Thamnophilus / Sp.: T. striatus
The barred antshrike (Thamnophilus multistriatus), also called laughing antshrike (in Colombia), painted-crown antpitta or black-backed antshrike (in Venezuela) or painted crown choca. It is native to the Andean region of northwestern South America.
Fined Beak Sparrow
Ord.: Passeriformes / Fam.: Passerellidae
Gen.: Arremon / Sp.: A. assimilis
The fined beak sparrow (Arremon assimilis), also called gray-cheeked brushfinch or Merida sparrow, is a passerine bird species of the family Passerellidae native to the northern Andes.
