Green-and-black Fruiteater (Pipreola riefferii)

Green-and-black Fruiteater (Pipreola riefferii)

As the name implies this is a fruit eater, and thus also a seed-disperser, yet I've never encountered it by any feeding stations. It blends in very well with…


Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus)

Andean Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola peruvianus)

This is such a unique looking species, unmistakable and like no other bird species. I've encountered it deep in the Canaima National Park in Venezuela, by the…


Paradise Jacamar (Galbula dea)

Paradise Jacamar (Galbula dea)

Definitely the most beautiful of the jacamars! From the western canopy tower of Cristalino Jungle Lodge I enjoyed not just this one, but also its mate.…


Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana)

Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana)

From the two canopy towers of Cristalino Jungle Lodge you have a fantastic bird's eye view over the treetops, and you can see many of the canopy dwellers like…


Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda)

Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda)

You'll probably hear the characteristic song before you'll see this beautiful bird. This one is sitting on a branch hanging over the river that runs through…


Cleistocactus samaipatanus

Cleistocactus samaipatanus

Finding cacti on the sheer cliffs of Refugio Los Volcanes was a surprise to me! I saw their red flowers  from afar, but assumed totally different species.


Cardon cactus (Echinopsis tarijensis)

Cardon cactus (Echinopsis tarijensis)

When not in bloom it looks just like the white-flowering Echinopsis atacamensis, but this one is much rarer, and I found only one with flower here on the…


Cardon cactus (Echinopsis tarijensis)

Cardon cactus (Echinopsis tarijensis)

When not in bloom it looks like the white-flowering Echinopsis atacamensis, but this one is much rarer, and I found only one with flower here on the slopes of…


Cactus nest on Isla del Pescado (Fish Island)

Cactus nest on Isla del Pescado (Fish Island)

For birds that have a need to build nests above ground, a desert has few options, so they learn to deal with the spines and use them to their advantage. It…


Cardon cactus (Trichocereus atacamensis ssp. pasacana)

Cardon cactus (Trichocereus atacamensis ssp. pasacana)

The white-spined variety is my favourite of the cacti here, and with the backdrop of the white salt flats they create a surreal feeling of ice and snow!