Cali

Introduction

Within Cali itself there are several areas which provide a good introduction to the birds of the Cauca Valley. Any waste ground or open park land no matter how big or small, may have a Black-shouldered Kite hovering over it looking for food; American Kestrels can be seen sat on roof tops and Pearl Kites on telephone wires while Yellow-headed Caracaras and less often Crested Caracaras can be seen flying over head.

Where to go and Birds to look for

In Ciudad Jardin in the south of the City there is a small pond a minute's walk from the Polo ground. It is best visited in the late afternoon. Here you may find Southern Lapwing, Green Kingfisher, Purple Gallinule, Black-bellied Whistling-duck, Wattled Jacana, Fork-tailed Flycatcher and Common Tody-flycatcher.

Alongside Calle 9 between Cra's 82-90 there is a park with a stream flowing through the middle. Again, this is best visited late afternoon. Walking along the stream you may see Greyish Piculet, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Ringed Kingfisher, Saffron Finch, Mouse-coloured Tyrannulet, Striated Heron, Steely-vented Hummingbird and Cattle Tyrant. Red-capped Cardinal has also been seen here.

Cali Zoo is probably not the best place to go birding. If, however, you are at all worried about safety, then the Zoo is a good option. Red-capped Cardinal is regular here. Also look for Striated Heron, Green Kingfisher and Streaked Saltator.

Universidad del Valle (Valle University) has large grounds which, on weekends, are very quiet. Here it is worth looking for Cinereous Becard, Grey-breasted Martin, Snail Kite, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Common Tody-flycatcher, Bar-crested Antshrike, Common Potoo and Saffron Finch.

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