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:: Birding ::
 Bosque Nublado Santa Lucia 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 Lucia is home to
many different species of birds and more than 394 species have been
recorded. (Click on 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. (Click on Endangered Bird List). Santa Lucía has developed a Conservation Monitoring Project to learn more about both the birdlife and the forest to ensure that we are correctly managing the reserve and protecting its birds.
 There are many ways to enjoy and see the birds of Santa Lucia:
- 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 including Empress Brilliant, Brown Inca, Violet-tailed Sylph and Booted Racket-tail. While hiking the trials, 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 Lucia. 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 (Click on Birding Tour) or you can plan your own itinerary (Click on Prices.) Please Contact Us for more information.
Santa Lucía offers a unique birding experience and birders do not leave us disappointed.
We look forward to hearing from you.
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