Colombia has the largest number of bird species of any country in the world. More than 1,900 species have been recorded there, giving Colombia an extraordinary share of global bird diversity.
Its location explains much of this richness. Colombia contains Caribbean lowlands, Pacific rainforest, Amazonian forest, dry valleys, wetlands and high Andean habitats. The Andes split into three major ranges inside the country, creating many elevations and isolated ecosystems where different birds can evolve and survive.
Colombia is particularly famous for hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, parrots and Andean species such as the Andean condor. Its tropical forests provide abundant fruit, nectar and insects, while mountain environments add colder habitats found nowhere near sea level.
A common mix-up is Brazil, which is larger and also exceptionally biodiverse. Brazil may lead in many overall biodiversity measures, but Colombia ranks first for recorded bird species. Exact totals can change as taxonomists split species, combine them or confirm new records, yet Colombia’s leading position remains the standard answer.