New species of bird identified in Colombia

Diego Calderon (www colombiabirding com) with Antioquia Wren - Photo by Carlos Esteban Lara

June 2012. With more than 1880 species, Colombia has the highest number of recorded bird species of any country, and this week Colombian ornithologists have unveiled the discovery of a brand new endemic species of bird, the Antioquia Wren.

The new species of Wren (Thryophilus Sernai) was found in the dry Cauca River Canyon, a narrow valley enclosed by forests, in Northwestern Colombia, just 45 minutes outside the city of Medellin. The latest addition to the wren family can be told apart from its counterparts by its unique plumage coloration, the pattern of barring on its wings and tail, its smaller body size, and its distinctive birdsong. The identification of this wren was the result of a two-year project by Colombian ornithologists Andrés Cuervo, Daniel Cadena, Diego Valderrama and Sandra Calderon.

Huge range of habitats
Colombia's huge diversity of birds is largely down to the country's equally diverse range of habitats: three Andean Cordilleras, two inter-Andean valleys, the Amazon, Los Llanos (Orinoco), Santa Marta Mountains, Pacific and Caribbean coasts, deserts and lakes, and the rich Chocó biogeographical region all help to make it one of the most varied landscapes in South America.

For more information visit on Colombia visit: www.colombia.travel

Diego Calderon (www colombiabirding com) with Antioquia Wren -  Photo by Carlos Esteban Lara