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© Mathias Ritschard

RN Bellavista (Victoria)

5.32538 , -74.92332

Colombia

Reserva Bellavista is located above the village of Victoria (Caldas) in the foothills of the Central Cordillera at around 1000m and offers great opportunities for birdwatchers. Birding is mostly done in the remains of humid tropical forest, but the forest edge and the surrounding cultivated land is also worth exploring. Magdalena specialities that can be found in and around Reserva Bellavista include White-mantled Barbet, Beautiful Woodpecker, Magdalena Antbird, Velvet-fronted Euphonia and Sooty Ant-Tanager. Moreover, this is a great place to see the rare White-bibbed Manakin. Reserva Bellavista also has a rehabilitation centre for confiscated wildlife, so don't be surprised if you hear unexpected parrot calls while birding, they might come from the well-hidden aviaries.

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The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Site name was changed by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) into "RN Bellavista (Victoria)" (2021-08-31 14:45:52 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 5.3254/-74.9233 (2020-11-25 08:14:39 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Victoria & RN Bellavista" (2020-11-25 08:14:39 )

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-31 16:49:45
Reserva Bellavista is located above the village of Victoria (Caldas) in the foothills of the Central Cordillera at around 1000m and offers great opportunities for birdwatchers. Birding is mostly done in the remains of humid tropical forest, but the forest edge and the surrounding cultivated land is also worth exploring. Magdalena specialities that can be found in and around Reserva Bellavista include White-mantled Barbet, Beautiful Woodpecker, Magdalena Antbird, Velvet-fronted Euphonia and Sooty Ant-Tanager. Moreover, this is a great place to see the rare White-bibbed Manakin. Reserva Bellavista also has a rehabilitation centre for confiscated wildlife, so don't be surprised if you hear unexpected parrot calls while birding, they might come from the well-hidden aviaries.
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-31 16:40:31
Reserva Bellavista is located in the foothills of the Central Cordillera at around 1000m and offers great opportunities for birdwatchers. Birding is mostly done in the remains of humid tropical forest, but the forest edge and the surrounding cultivated land is also worth exploring. Magdalena specialities that can be found in and around Reserva Bellavista include White-mantled Barbet, Beautiful Woodpecker, Magdalena Antbird, Velvet-fronted Euphonia and Sooty Ant-Tanager. Moreover, this is a great place to see the rare White-bibbed Manakin. Reserva Bellavista also has a rehabilitation centre for confiscated wildlife, so don't be surprised if you hear unexpected parrot calls while birding, they might come from the well-hidden aviaries.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Colombian Chachalaca (Ortalis columbiana)
White-mantled Barbet (Capito hypoleucus)
Beautiful Woodpecker (Melanerpes pulcher)
Spectacled Parrotlet (Forpus conspicillatus)
Magdalena Antbird (Sipia palliata)
White-bibbed Manakin (Corapipo leucorrhoa)
Black-chested Jay (Cyanocorax affinis)
Sooty-headed Wren (Pheugopedius spadix)
Black-bellied Wren (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris)
Velvet-fronted Euphonia (Euphonia concinna)
Fulvous-vented Euphonia (Euphonia fulvicrissa)
Sooty Ant-Tanager (Habia gutturalis)
Scrub Tanager (Stilpnia vitriolina)

Magdalena Antbird (Sipia palliata) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 16:40:45)

Olivaceous Piculet (Picumnus olivaceus) was deleted by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:37:49)

White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii) was deleted by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:37:43)

Colombian Chachalaca (Ortalis columbiana) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:37:37)

Scrub Tanager (Stilpnia vitriolina) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:36:06)

Sooty Ant-Tanager (Habia gutturalis) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:34:46)

Fulvous-vented Euphonia (Euphonia fulvicrissa) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:33:50)

Velvet-fronted Euphonia (Euphonia concinna) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:33:22)

Black-bellied Wren (Pheugopedius fasciatoventris) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:32:35)

Sooty-headed Wren (Pheugopedius spadix) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:32:11)

Black-chested Jay (Cyanocorax affinis) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:31:35)

White-bibbed Manakin (Corapipo leucorrhoa) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:31:28)

Spectacled Parrotlet (Forpus conspicillatus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:28:25)

Beautiful Woodpecker (Melanerpes pulcher) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:27:28)

Olivaceous Piculet (Picumnus olivaceus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:27:13)

White-mantled Barbet (Capito hypoleucus) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:26:23)

White-vented Plumeleteer (Chalybura buffonii) was added by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) (2021-08-31 15:25:05)

  • Timing and strategy

Birding is good all year round. If you visit September to April, there are chances to find some of the migratory birds from North America, too. 

There is usually more precipitation from March to July and September to November, but it can rain anytime.

At least one full day is needed to find most of the specialities. It is recommended to hire a local guide.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-31 16:47
Birding is good all year round. If you visit September to April, there are chances to find some of the migratory birds from North America, too.  There is usually more precipitation from March to July and September to November, but it can rain anytime. At least one full day is needed to find most of the specialities. It is recommended to hire a local guide.
  • How to get there

Victoria can be reached by road from Bogotá or Medellin in ca. 4–5 hours, public transport is a bit slower. Note that the direct road from Mariquita is in bad state, so you need a 4x4. It might be better to take a detour and arrive from Perico. The reserve is ca. 5 km from the village by road or ca. 2 km if you walk uphill.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-31 17:00
Victoria can be reached by road from Bogotá or Medellin in ca. 4–5 hours, public transport is a bit slower. Note that the direct road from Mariquita is in bad state, so you need a 4x4. It might be better to take a detour and arrive from Perico. The reserve is ca. 5 km from the village by road or ca. 2 km if you walk uphill.

There are no restrictions of access to the reserve and entry is free.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-31 17:00
There are no restrictions of access to the reserve and entry is free.
  • Other attractions

The forest has a high biodiversity in general, there are lots of beautiful insects or plants to see.

The village of Victoria was built around a huge Ceiba, it is a must to pay a visit to this very impressive tree on the main square.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-31 17:20
The forest has a high biodiversity in general, there are lots of beautiful insects or plants to see. The village of Victoria was built around a huge Ceiba, it is a must to pay a visit to this very impressive tree on the main square.

There is nice accomodation available in the Reserve, the Eco Hotel La Reserva Natural. This is especially recommended, if you do not have a private vehicle to reach the reserve in the early morning. If you are on a tight budget, there are cheaper options available in the village. Hotel Maria Paula (+57 311 3976204) is especially recommended.

There are various restaurants and (coffee) bars in Victoria. If you travel from the village to the reserve in the early morning, stop for a delicious Arepa at the exit of the village (see map).

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-31 17:30
There is nice accomodation available in the Reserve, the Eco Hotel La Reserva Natural. This is especially recommended, if you do not have a private vehicle to reach the reserve in the early morning. If you are on a tight budget, there are cheaper options available in the village. Hotel Maria Paula (+57 311 3976204) is especially recommended.recommended. There are various restaurants and (coffee) bars in Victoria. If you travel from the village to the reserve in the early morning, stop for a delicious Arepa at the exit of the village (see map).
Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-31 17:08
There is nice accomodation available in the Reserve, the Eco Hotel La Reserva Natural. This is especially recommended, if you do not have a private vehicle to reach the reserve in the early morning. If you are on a tight budget, there are cheaper options available in the village. Hotel Maria Paula (+57 311 3976204) is especially recommended.

The area is generally very safe, but it is always better to be accompanied by a local guide.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) on 2021-08-31 17:13
The area is generally very safe, but it is always better to be accompanied by a local guide.
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

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