World’s most bird bio diverse country increases its lead!
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.
Published in Wildlife Extra
Nic Slocum
Nic Slocum is an experienced naturalist and wildlife guide and is best known for his escorted tours taking enthusiasts out, both in Ireland and overseas, to view and photograph whales and dolphins. Nic maintains a lifelong passion for using the written word to promote the conservation of our wildlife and wild places and has appeared as an expert commentator on both radio and TV. A zoologist by training, Nic has published articles on conservation related issues in regional and national newspapers. Nic is a director of Whale Watch West Cork.com and Whales World Wide.com
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