New Colonies of Rare Bird Found in Colombia

The discovery of new colonies of the baudo oropenduala, one of the world's most endangered birds, increases its known population dramatically, but there are sill fewer than 100 in the wild.

Photo By: Fundación ProAves

As many as 80 baudo oropendualas, a bird so endangered that fewer than a dozen were known to live in the wild previously, have been found during a recent expedition by the Colombian conservation organization Fundación ProAves, partially funded by American Bird Conservancy.

The birds, however, remain vulnerable. The area in Colombia's Western Cordillera where they were found is not protected by a park, and deforestation is accelerating in the region. American Bird Conservancy has been working with partners to increase protected land in areas rich in wildlife and has now helped to expand or create 43 bird reserves in Central or South America.

Not only colorful, with brown wings, a pointed gray and orange bill, a long yellow tail and a pink cheek patch, but memorable: Called "gregarious," they eat large insects and fruit, and make a range of vocalizations, including mimicry of other birds.

COMMENTS ()