Cali, the capital of salsa, is also known as a birdwatching paradise in Colombia. In November 2024, Cali was named “Bird City” the American Bird Conservancy and Environment for the Americas. This title is supported by an impressive figure: 561 species recorded in its territory, which represents more than 30% of all the species found in the country, concentrated in just 0.05% of Colombia’s land surface.
Cali’s privileged location, nestled between the Andes mountain range and the Pacific Ocean, allows it to host ecosystems as diverse as dry forests, tropical rainforests, and transitional climate zones.
@plancalicol 🕊️🌳 Hoy Cali canta más fuerte, por el sonido de sus aves. Desde el amanecer, la ciudad despierta con el trinar de azulejos, turpiales, guacharacas y mirlas que revolotean entre samanes, ceibas y guayacanes. En cada parque, cerro y río, la naturaleza se expresa con alas abiertas y melodías únicas. 🌿 ¡Déjate llevar por este vuelo sonoro y descubre por qué Cali no solo se baila, también se escucha! 📍 Explora nuestros senderos ecológicos, vive la magia del ecoturismo y conéctate con las especies que hacen de nuestra ciudad un paraíso biodiverso. 🐦 Cali, ciudad de aves, vida y alegría. Artículo tomado de Facebook Colombia BirdFair. #CaliEsNatural #TurismoDeAves #CaliVuelaAlto #PlanCali #CaliCiudadVerde ♬ sonido original – Plan Cali
Iconic bird species in Cali, Colombia
Among the most common and emblematic birds that can be observed in Cali are:
Multicolored tanager (Chlorochrysa nitidissima): endemic to Colombia, considered a gem for its vivid green, blue, and yellow tones.
@pedrobernalph La tangara multicolor, una joya endémica de nuestro país #colombiapaisdelasaves #birdphotography ♬ original sound – Pedro Bernal Photographer
Blue-crowned motmot (Momotus momota): easily recognizable by its long racket-shaped tail and striking plumage.
@pedrobernalph Habías visto las pestañas de un barranquero? En algunas regiones lo llaman el pájaro puro por la similitud a su canto. Tu como lo llamas? #birdphotography #colombiapaisdelasaves ♬ original sound – Pedro Bernal Photographer
Green hermit (Phaethornis guy): one of the most frequent in gardens and humid forests, known for its speed and distinctive buzzing sound.
@corpoboyaca El Colibrí chillón (Colibri coruscans) y el Colibrí colihabano (Boissonneaua flavescens), dos habitantes más de #boyacacolombia ♬ Naturaleza – Sonidos del Bosque
Red-headed barbet (Capito squamatus): with a bright red head that makes it a spectacle in motion.
@birds2196 🔴🌿 Say hi to the Red-headed Barbet! Found in the mountain forests of Central and South America, this striking bird is known for its bright red head and chunky beak. A true gem of the tropics! #RedHeadedBarbet #TropicalBirds #Birdwatching ♬ original sound – BIRDS
Yellow-rumped cacique (Cacicus cela): black with intense yellow plumage, very vocal and often seen in noisy groups.
@danielbrisket El cacique Candela
Great kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus): recognized for its loud call and unmistakable bright yellow chest.
@naturo300 Esta hermosa ave nos visita diariamente 🪶 🇬🇧 Great Kiskadee 🇨🇷 Pecho Amarillo 🆔 Pitangus sulphuratus
♬ Howl's Moving Castle Theme: Merry-Go-Round of Life – Piano – Frozen Silence
Great thrush (Turdus fuscater): one of the most adaptable species, found in both urban and rural areas.
@vidasalvajeconjhony Canto de Zorzal Piquinegro #salgarantioquia #biodiversidad #avesdecolombia #cantodeaves #zorzalpiquinegro #birds #canto ♬ sonido original – JR25 Wildlife – vidasalvajeconjhony
The diversity of species is not only a tourist attraction but also an indicator of the natural wealth and the good state of conservation of ecosystems in the region.
Ideal birdwatching sites
Around Cali, several destinations are considered true sanctuaries for birds and birdwatchers. One of the most notable is the Farallones de Cali National Natural Park, which stretches from lowland areas to paramos, offering a mosaic of unique habitats. Endemic and migratory species alike can be found here, making it a safe haven for birds.
Another iconic spot is the San Antonio Forest, located just a few kilometers from the city center. This site is visited by birdwatchers from around the world, especially during the annual bird counts that are part of Global Big Day, an international event dedicated to recording species. The proximity of these natural spaces to the city has strengthened birdwatching tourism in Cali as a growing economic and cultural activity.
Additionally, urban parks and local gardens also allow visitors and residents to enjoy the songs and colors of birds. It is not unusual that, during a walk through Cali’s green areas, people encounter species that would be far harder to find in other cities.
Cali, a global reference in birdwatching tourism
The recognition of Cali as “Bird City” places it on the global map of birdwatching tourism, a sector that attracts thousands of international travelers in search of unique experiences in contact with nature. The capital of Valle del Cauca thus joins other Latin American cities that have understood the value of their biodiversity as a driver of sustainable development.
For the people of Cali, this title is also a source of pride and a reminder of the importance of protecting the ecosystems that make the presence of so many species possible. At a time when environmental conservation is a global challenge, Cali offers an example of how biodiversity can become both a symbol of identity and a tool for responsible tourism.