Colombia, the Birdwatching Paradise: World Leader Again in 2025

Colombia has done it again. Once more, our country has been crowned the number one birding destination in the world, recording 1,560 species spotted during the Global Big Day 2025, held on May 10.

This event, which brings together experts and enthusiasts from around the globe to identify birds in a single day, is more than a competition: it’s a snapshot of our planet’s biodiversity—and Colombia didn’t just participate… it soared!

From the Chocó rainforests to the plains of Meta, from Andean páramos to Caribbean mangroves, thousands took to the outdoors with binoculars and cameras, driven by passion, expertise, and a deep bond with the land.

Birdwatching Tourism: A Growing Opportunity

This achievement is not only a source of national pride—it also gives wings to birdwatching tourism, one of the most sustainable and meaningful ways to travel. Colombia holds the world record for bird species, and each one is a reason for nature lovers to visit.

In regions like the Coffee Cultural Landscape, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the Amazon, and the Andes, local ecotourism initiatives are flourishing, guided by communities who have turned their love for birds into a way of life—and a source of development.

Where to Go Birdwatching in Colombia

If you’re dreaming of a journey into nature, here are some must-visit destinations for birdwatching in Colombia:

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: Over 600 species, many endemic. One of the most important birdwatching spots in the world.

Biogeographic Chocó (Bahía Solano & Nuquí): Rainforests and exotic species like the turquoise cotinga and Andean cock-of-the-rock.

Río Blanco Natural Reserve (Manizales): A favorite among international birders—hummingbirds and antpittas are easy to spot.

Casanare & the Eastern Plains: Perfect for spotting savannah and wetland species like herons, ibises, and the majestic osprey.

Amazon (Leticia and surroundings): A biodiversity explosion, featuring unique tropical species in a magical setting.

Tatamá & Montezuma (Risaralda): A hidden gem in the Andes with records of over 500 bird species.

Conservation: The Key to Keep Soaring

This global recognition is also a call to action: we must protect ecosystems, preserve bird habitats, and support biologists, guides, and watchers who make this shared dream possible.

At Tierra Querida, we believe that looking to the sky is also a way to reconnect with our roots. Every birdsong, every flight, every burst of color reminds us that we live in a unique country—one whose natural wealth is also a shared responsibility.

Colombia is not only the land of birds. It’s the country that hears them, protects them, and celebrates them.