Feathered Extravaganza
Saevus|March - May 2020
Maitreya — a teenager, a birding enthusiast and a published author — is ready to whisk us away to one of the most megadiverse countries’ in the world, Colombia. Get ready to be blown away by its breathtaking assemblage of birds!
MAITREYA SUKUMAR
Feathered Extravaganza

There are several countries which are very species-rich in terms of birds, but there is only one that truly stands out — Colombia. It has 1909 species in a geographical area that is just onethird the size of the Indian subcontinent. A first-time visitor to Colombia is likely to be partly dazzled and partly bewildered by the buffet of neotropical species that literally seem to be falling off the trees.

Situated in north-western South America, Colombia has three major biogeographic zones: the Andes, the Amazon and the Llanos. It also has other habitats, such as the arid coastal desert of the Guajira Peninsula. The sheer variety of zones has resulted in an astounding diversity of birds such as hummingbirds, tanagers, guans, brush finches… the list goes on. You cannot do justice to Colombia in a single trip, unless it lasts months. Over the next few pages, we will explore some of the region’s unique birding habitats.

THE WILD PARAMO

The Paramo is a vast high-altitude grassland that can be accessed by a drive of just around a couple of hours from Bogota, the capital of Colombia. It is a surreal, windswept landscape, bitterly cold, filled with a unique vegetation. As one drives up from Bogota, the vegetation changes— the trees of the city give way to high altitude Paramo forest and then treeless Paramo grassland with bromeliads and flowering bushes everywhere, interspersed with cold streams.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SAEVUSView all
Staying ALIVE!
Saevus

Staying ALIVE!

The importance of getting to the root causes of conflict with wildlife, is essential. Its mitigation will guarantee the very survival of all species.

time-read
8 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Frames from the WILD
Saevus

Frames from the WILD

A few amazing shots from a horde of incredible ones!

time-read
3 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
WAKE UP!
Saevus

WAKE UP!

A frightening thought a world without wildlife, mornings without birdsong, and all that we take for granted! We must realise the dangers threatening the beauteous green world and its inhabitants around us!

time-read
4 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Dolphin DILEMMA!
Saevus

Dolphin DILEMMA!

A crucial article to highlight the significance, and plight of Our riverine friends.

time-read
3 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Gecko Quest!
Saevus

Gecko Quest!

The authors take us on the trail of a gecko from West Bengal, through the hills of the Bankura district.

time-read
2 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Endangered EXOTICA!
Saevus

Endangered EXOTICA!

The author takes us on an exotic ride into the forests of Malaysia, allowing us glimpses of the beauties of its wildlife!

time-read
3 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Mellifluous Magpie!
Saevus

Mellifluous Magpie!

Immerse yourselves in the world of the musical and glorious Magpie Robin! The authors help acquaint us with this beautiful bird.

time-read
10+ mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Think Different!
Saevus

Think Different!

The author brings to us the very real concern for the horses employed around pilgrimage sites in India.

time-read
4 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Take Heed!
Saevus

Take Heed!

The authors make a case for the conservation of the rare and lesser-known Sociable Lapwing.

time-read
6 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24
Close Encounters!
Saevus

Close Encounters!

The author introduces us to two amazing yet very different bird species, showing us the diversity of our ecosystems,

time-read
4 mins  |
SAEVUS NOVEMBER 23 MARCH 24