Bosque Nublado Santa Lucía is home to an extraordinary diversity of birds and is a paradise for birders.

The reserve contains over 1800 acres of nearly virgin cloudforest ranging from 1400 meters to 2600 meters. Because of the differences in elevation, Santa Lucía is home to many different species of birds and more than 394 species have been recorded. Bird List

Many rare birds can be seen and heard, such as White-faced Nunbird, Giant Antpitta, Moustached Antpitta, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Wattled Guan, Beautiful Jay, Long-wattled Umbrella Bird, Dark-backed Wood-Quail, Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Black-and -Chestnut Eagle and Powerful Woodpecker. In fact the nunbirds can sometimes be seen sitting in the trees by the lodge and the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucans are frequently found feeding in fruiting trees close by.

Some of these birds, including the Dark-backed Wood-Quail, Giant and Moustached Antpittas and the Long-wattled Umbrella Bird, are in danger of becoming extinct. Endangered Bird List

Enjoy Birding at Santa Lucía

There are many ways to enjoy and see the birds of Santa Lucía:

Hike the many well maintained trails of the reserve.
Observe the birdlife from our birding tower, located in a strategic area of the reserve.
Or just relax on the porch of the lodge and watch the hummingbird feeders.

At the feeders you will see many endemic species of hummingbirds including Empress Brilliant, Brown Inca, Violet-tailed Sylph and Booted Racket-tail. While hiking the trails, look out for many different species of cotingas, parrots, guans, woodpeckers, antthrushes and hawks just to name a few. Over fifty species of tanagers have been observed in huge mixed flocks, among them the rare and beautiful Buff -breasted Mountain-Tanager, Black-chinned Mountain -Tanager and the stunning Grass-green Tanager. At higher elevations, the now endangered Beautiful Jay is present. Also on the reserve are several leks including those of the Club-winged Manakin, Golden-winged Manakin, and a very large and active Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek which is a definite must-see.

There are seven species of antpitta residing in Santa Lucía. They are a challenge to find, but with the help of our local guides and some patience, most birders will have good luck. It was only recently that the rare Giant and Moustached antpittas were discovered.

Our local guides are expert and enthusiastic birders and enjoy sharing Santa Lucía's birds with visitors. We offer a special inclusive tour for birders or you can plan your own itinerary. Please contact us for more information or click here for prices.

Santa Lucía offers a unique birding experience and birders do not leave us disappointed.

We look forward to hearing from you.

More Resources

Please contact us for more information about birding tours:

Ask for: Sally Johnsen
Phone: (1) 520 399 4050 in USA
E-mail: empidonax@netzero.net

Please see the following pages and documents for more information:

 Seven Day Birding Tour
 Bird List
 Endangered Bird List
 How to get to Santa Lucía
 Packing List for Eco-tourists