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Rufous-crowned Antpitta
Rufous-crowned Antpitta
Pittasoma rufopileatum
One of the most sought after birds in the Chocó is Pittasoma rufopileatum . It is often referred to as the flagship species of the Chocó. This beautiful bird is unmistakable but seldom seen. It rarely leaves the forest floor and lives in very wet lowland rainforest making it very difficult to find. It is currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN because of severe deforestation within its elevational range.
Alejandro Solona, a local bird guide, conservationist, and award-winning chocolatier, had a vision. He bought an old dilapidated farm 5 years ago with the idea of growing cacao. Being a birder and conservationist, he wanted to make sure his vision was beneficial to the earth. When his group first arrived, they recorded 54 species of birds on the grounds. 5 years later they have 156 recorded thanks to the reintroduction of native plants and trees. One of the most important finds on Alejandro’s property is the Pittasoma rufopileatum . For the last year and a half, Alejandro has been working on building a relationship with these birds. Each morning he collects insects in a jar before starting his hike up the hill behind his farm. When he gets to the top he calls for the birds hoping to get a response back. When he does, he then has to locate where they are calling from, eventually making his way to the birds. If the day is a success, the bird will pop out, grab a couple of insects and then vanish back into the understory.
Alejandro understands the value of nature. He decided to build a local business with the environment in mind. Not only has his vision produced amazing chocolate, fruit, vegetables, and provided locals with jobs. It has also provided a glimpse into the world of a bird that very poorly understood. Alejandro and team have also been working with local farmers to protect the remaining forest in the area to build a corridor up the Mashpi Lodge reserve. I highly recommend paying Alejandro a visit. Bird or not you'll still walk away with some amazing chocolate. I walked away excited to see such a bird but even more excited to learn about Alejandro's passion for the Chocó.
copyright James H. Muchmore Jr.
Rufous-crowned Antpitta
Rufous-crowned Antpitta
Pittasoma rufopileatum
One of the most sought after birds in the Chocó is Pittasoma rufopileatum . It is often referred to as the flagship species of the Chocó. This beautiful bird is unmistakable but seldom seen. It rarely leaves the forest floor and lives in very wet lowland rainforest making it very difficult to find. It is currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN because of severe deforestation within its elevational range.
Alejandro Solona, a local bird guide, conservationist, and award-winning chocolatier, had a vision. He bought an old dilapidated farm 5 years ago with the idea of growing cacao. Being a birder and conservationist, he wanted to make sure his vision was beneficial to the earth. When his group first arrived, they recorded 54 species of birds on the grounds. 5 years later they have 156 recorded thanks to the reintroduction of native plants and trees. One of the most important finds on Alejandro’s property is the Pittasoma rufopileatum . For the last year and a half, Alejandro has been working on building a relationship with these birds. Each morning he collects insects in a jar before starting his hike up the hill behind his farm. When he gets to the top he calls for the birds hoping to get a response back. When he does, he then has to locate where they are calling from, eventually making his way to the birds. If the day is a success, the bird will pop out, grab a couple of insects and then vanish back into the understory.
Alejandro understands the value of nature. He decided to build a local business with the environment in mind. Not only has his vision produced amazing chocolate, fruit, vegetables, and provided locals with jobs. It has also provided a glimpse into the world of a bird that very poorly understood. Alejandro and team have also been working with local farmers to protect the remaining forest in the area to build a corridor up the Mashpi Lodge reserve. I highly recommend paying Alejandro a visit. Bird or not you'll still walk away with some amazing chocolate. I walked away excited to see such a bird but even more excited to learn about Alejandro's passion for the Chocó.
copyright James H. Muchmore Jr.