Rio Blanco has been touted as one of the three top places to go birding in the world! The reserve is managed by Aguas de Manizales, the municipal water company for the beautiful city of Manizales. The city is in the center of the famed Coffee Triangle and the hospitality at the reserve is beyond comparison. The reservation covers a large altitudinal gradient, and thus represents a strata of varied ecosystems. It is possible to observe five species of Antpitta within a few hours at the three feeders located within a short hike from the lodge: The endemic Brown-banded, Bicolored, Chestnut-crowned, Chestnut-naped, and Slate-crowned Antpitta. The seldom seen Slaty-backed Nightingale Thrush and Gray-browed Brush-Finch also feast at the feeders. The endemic Rufous-fronted Parakeet and the very rare Masked Saltator are also usually observed in the vicinity of the lodge. Along with endemic and rare species, this area boasts many sought after species that include: Tyrannine Woodcreeper, Golden-faced Redstart, Dusky Piha, Black-billed and Buff-breasted Mountain-Tanagers, Grass-green and White-capped Tanager, Powerful Woodpecker, and the the hard to see Ocellated, Blakish and Spillman’s Tapaculos. Black-billed Peppershrike, Plushcap, Moun¬tain Cacique, and Golden-plumed Parakeet are also options.
The reserve boasts several well-maintained hummingbird feeders that attract various speecies of hummingbirds that include Tourmaline Sunangel, Buff-tailed Coronet, Speckled Hummingbird, Bronzy and Collared Inca, Mountain Velvet-breast, the tiny White-bellied Woodstar and Long-tailed Sylph.
