A Birding Adventure in the Llanos of Colombia

Scarlet Ibis © David Ascanio

Great biodiversity with many easy to see waterbirds; an incredible mix of lowland habitats including savanna, tracts of gallery forest, grasslands, and shrubby vegetation; good chances for seeing the bizarre Hoatzin and the unique Scarlet Ibis.

The vast llanos of the Orinoco that spread across central Venezuela also extend far south into Colombia. With current political difficulties in Venezuela, many nature lovers have looked to Colombia for new alternatives—just at a time when Colombia opened almost everywhere to birders. With this in mind, we are offering this trip to the Colombian llanos, to a ranch that is quite similar to those we have visited in Venezuela in the past.

Hato La Aurora, and contiguous Reserva Casanare, can be reached by a short plane flight from Bogotá to the eastern base of the Andes and then an overland trip of about six hours, birding eastward into the heart of this marvelous region.

The ranch has been welcoming visitors for several years now at a lovely site next to the Ariporo River with gallery forest along both sides and large shade trees bordering the entrance road. It’s a great place for an introduction to these vast grasslands, and there are sure to be birds in abundance. Visitors can explore the 40,000+ acres ranch and reserve by safari designed truck.

Close to 200 bird species are possible on this tour, including such spectacular birds as Sunbittern, Orinoco Goose, Whistling Heron, Crestless Curassow, both Great and Common potoos, Scarlet Macaw, Jabiru, Gray-cowled Wood-Rail, and many tyrant-flycatchers. Evening spotlighting of night birds, reptiles, mammals, and amphibians from the custom-designed observation truck will be a highlight.

Early mornings will give us the opportunity to enjoy the chorus of the llanos wildlife, from Sunbitterns serenading us to macaws and parrots celebrating life. In addition, a boat trip (provided the water level allows) will offer close encounters with wildlife coming to drink water or living in the contiguous gallery forest hosting many smaller passerine birds including Pale-headed Jacamar and White-bearded Flycatcher, the only true llanos endemics.

With a combination of great wildlife, comfortable accommodations, and a relaxed atmosphere, this trip offers a wonderful weeklong getaway.

In the llanos expect basic but generally good accommodations; food generous and very good; birding on foot on little-traveled roads; safari truck is a 4-wheel-drive vehicle; midday breaks; in the Bogotá plateau, accommodations are good and walking is minimal.

Jabiru © David Ascanio