The Otun-Quimbaya Sanctuary, in the western slope of the central Andes,
is a flora and fauna sanctuary that was created in 1996 to protect a cloud
forest that ranges between 1,600 m (5,740 ft) and 2,255 m (7,400 ft) in
elevation and covers 489 ha (1,208 acres). The endangered, endemic Cauca Guan
is relatively easy to see at the reserve. These birds were believed to be
extinct until a population of the species was rediscovered in 1990. Otun is
also one of the best places in the world to observe Red-ruffed Fruitcrow.
Red-Ruffed Fruitcrow Pyrodetus scutatus By Christopher Calonje |
Birding along the dirt road can be very
productive, with targets including Wattled Guan, Torrent Duck, Blue-naped
Chlorophonia, White-capped Tanager, Bronze-winged Parrot, Masked Trogon,
Wedge-billed hummingbird, White-bellied Woodstar, Russet-crowned Warbler. and
the nearly-threatened and localized Colombian Screech-Owl.
Cauca Guan Penelope Perspicax By Anderson Munoz
Speckled Hummingbird Adelomya melanogenys By Carlos Mario Wagner
Torrent Duck Merganetta armata By Christopher Calonje
Brown-banded Anpitta Grallaria milleri By Christopher Calonje