Birds of the Chicamocha Canyon, Colombia: A call for conservation

Abstract

We present a list of birds of the Chicamocha Canyon, located between the departments of Boyacá and Santander, Colombia. The region has an extension of 3342 km2 and an altitudinal gradient between 300 and 2300 m a. s. l. The dataset used in the development of this list was compiled from research carried out in the area, review of secondary sources, and review of databases. A total of 291 species of birds are presented, among which 239 are residents and 53 are Nearctic migrants; 8 of the species are in some threat category at a global and national level, 7 are endemic and 12 are almost endemic. The chestnut-bellied hummingbird (Amazilia castaneiventris) and Niceforo's wren (Thryophilus nicefori) are highlighted. This information contributes to the development of initiatives for the creation of protected areas, promotion of community birdwatching and ecological restoration projects.