These reserves located along the western slopes of the western Andes have been identified as Important Bird Areas by BirdLife International and are an initiative of Serraniaguas. Serraniaguas Corporation connects the conservation corridors of the Tatamá National Park and the Serrania de los Paraguas through a series of sixty community-managed and seven state-managed nature reserves. They promote sustainable development through the conservation of biodiversity and have a diverse base of stakeholders, which include farmers, ecotourism ventures, environmental groups, rural schools and women's associations. Both reserves span andean and subandean forests from 1650 to 2500 metres above sea level. The area is relatively new to birdwatching but boasts over 290 species including 6 endemic and 30 near-endemic species. These areas are accessible only by four-wheel drive so we hire local Jeeps to take us along seldomly driven roads. Target species here include the endemic Gold-ringed and, Black-and-gold Tanagers, Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager, Munchique Wood-Wren, Bicolored Antvireo, Orange-breasted Fruiteater , Violet-tailed sylph, Velvet-purple Coronet, Club-winged Manakin, Indigo Flowerpiercer , Glistening-green Tanager, Tanager Finch, Common Potoo,and Beautiful Jay. While visiting el Cairo, we will lodge in a very unique and typical home in the picturesque town or choose to stay in a clean and comfortable hotel. Days here will be long ones, but certainly very productive!
el Cairo bird list (Download PDF)
Photo Credits: C.M. Wagner