Bluebirds in Bolivia are some of the world’s most beautiful and unique birds. With over 10,000 species of birds, Bolivia is home to some of the rarest and most vibrant species on the planet.
Bluebirds in Bolivia have a few distinct features that make them stand out. They have a bright blue color, long tail feathers, and a white patch on their wings. These birds can be found in the Andes Mountains, tropical rainforests, and deserts.
They are known for their beautiful songs and are often seen in pairs. They feed on fruits, insects, and small mammals. They also migrate long distances to find food and suitable nesting sites.
Bolivia is a great place to observe and learn about these magnificent birds.
6 Bluebirds to Watch in Bolivia
Bolivia has a rich diversity of birds, with over 10,000 species recorded. Among them, some of the most striking and beautiful are the bluebirds, which have a bright blue color, long tail feathers, and a white patch on their wings.
These birds can be found in different habitats, from the Andes Mountains to the tropical rainforests and the desert. They are known for their melodious songs and their social behavior. Here are 6 of the most amazing bluebirds you can watch in Bolivia.
1. Blue-Throated Macaw
The blue-throated macaw is a macaw species only found in a small area of north-central Bolivia. This area, Los Llanos de Moxos, is the only place in the world where the blue-throated macaw can be found.
These birds have a distinctive blue throat that makes them easily recognizable. In 2014, the Bolivian government officially recognized the blue-throated macaw as a natural birthright of Bolivia.
This means that the species is now protected by law, and all efforts must be made to ensure its survival. The blue-throated macaw is a vital part of Bolivia’s biodiversity, and its conservation is essential for preserving the country’s natural heritage.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Ara |
| Species | A. glaucogularis |
2. Blue-Crowned Trogon
The blue-crowned trogon is a species of bird in the family Trogonidae, which includes quetzals and trogons. This particular bird species can be found in South American countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru.
This bird species is an example of sexual dimorphism, where males and females display different physical characteristics. In the case of the blue-crowned trogon, males have a blue crown, while females have uniform brown plumage.
The blue-crowned trogon is a medium-sized bird measuring 11 to 15 inches. It has a dark black tail with a white band, red vent, yellowish-green wings, and back. Additionally, the bird has bright yellow eyes and a yellow bill.
Its diet comprises fruit, insects, tiny frogs, and lizards. The blue-crowned trogon is a shy bird rarely seen in the wild. It prefers to stay in dense forests and low vegetation, where it can find food and shelter.
It is active during the day but can sometimes be seen at night. During breeding, the birds build nests in hollow trees or logs. The female lays two to three eggs and incubates them for around two weeks. Both parents feed the chicks until they can fly.
The blue-crowned trogon is a beautiful and unique bird species, and it is essential to conserve its habitat to help ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Trogoniformes |
| Family | Trogonidae |
| Genus | Trogon |
| Species | T. curucui |
3. Red-Fronted Macaw
The red-fronted macaw is a parrot species only found in a small semi-desert region in Bolivia. It is a scarce and endangered species, meaning that its population numbers are meager, and it is at risk of extinction.
Despite its endangered status, the red-fronted macaw has been bred in captivity and is now available as a pet, although not necessarily typical. This achievement is outstanding, as the species can be preserved despite its precarious wild population.
Captive breeding can also help reintroduce the species into the wild, if needed, by providing a more extensive and diverse gene pool. Captive breeding also allows more people to appreciate this beautiful bird, as they can observe them in captivity and learn more about them.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Ara |
| Species | A. rubrogenys |
4. Blue-Tufted Starthroat
The blue-tufted starthroat is a species of hummingbird belonging to the “mountain gems” tribe, Lampornithini, in the Trochilinae subfamily.
This bird species is found in numerous South American countries, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and possibly Ecuador.
It is characterized by its striking blue tuft on its throat. The blue-tufted starthroat is a tiny bird, typically growing to a maximum length of around 7 centimeters. It has a slender body, and its wings are bright green.
Its back is generally gray, and its chin and underparts are white. Its most distinctive feature is the blue tuft on its throat, which gives the bird its name. The blue-tufted starthroat is usually found at higher elevations, in higher mountain ranges and open woodlands.
It mainly eats small insects, such as mosquitoes and moths, which it can catch mid-air.
Its preferred habitat is near small streams and rivers, where it can find the insects it needs for sustenance. The blue-tufted starthroat is not considered a threatened species, though its population is declining due to habitat loss.
The main threats to this species are deforestation and other human activities encroaching on its habitats. Conservation efforts are needed to protect the blue-tufted starthroat and its habitats to ensure its survival for many years.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Heliomaster |
| Species | H. furcifer |
5. Yungas Manakin
The Yungas manakin is a type of bird in the Pipridae family. It looks very similar to the blue-backed manakin; however, its legs are a dull dark red rather than blue.
This species lives in high-humidity areas such as the Yungas region of Peru and Bolivia. This region is characterized by its highland forests, which provide the perfect habitat for the Yungas manakin.
The species is found mainly in these regions, enjoying the lush environment and mild climate. Its habitat provides plenty of food for the bird and a safe place to nest and breed.
The bird is usually found in small groups and can often be spotted flying from tree to tree for food. The Yungas manakin is a unique species of bird and a great example of the diversity of bird species in the Yungas region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pipridae |
| Genus | Chiroxiphia |
| Species | C. boliviana |
6. Agami Heron
The Agami Heron is a medium-sized heron found in Central America, Peru, and Brazil. It is also known as the Chestnut-bellied Heron, with a distinctive chestnut-colored belly. It is the only bird in its genus, Agamia, which makes it a unique species.
The Agami Heron is a resident breeder who lives in the exact location year-round. It usually inhabits wetlands and other shallow bodies of water, like marshes, lagoons, and rivers.
This species is an opportunistic feeder, meaning it will consume a variety of small aquatic animals, such as fish, frogs, and insects. The Agami Heron is a solitary species that may congregate in small groups during the breeding season.
The birds will construct a nest in trees or shrubs near the water, and the female will lay up to four eggs.
The chicks are born gray but gain their characteristic chestnut color as they mature. The Agami Heron is a common species, but its habitat destruction and hunting threaten its population.
Due to its small size and beautiful plumage, it is a highly sought-after species for hunters. Conservation efforts are needed to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Agamia |
| Species | A. agami |
Conclusion
Bluebirds are a treasured species in Bolivia and a symbol of hope and resilience. The Bolivian government has taken steps to protect them, and their numbers have increased in recent years.
Their presence is a reminder of the importance of protecting the environment and preserving Bolivia’s unique wildlife.