Medellin Discovers Nine More Bird Species Here During 2020
Medellin’s Environment Secretary Diana María Montoya Velilla announced December 12 the first-ever confirmed sighting of a Southern Beardless Tyrannulet (Camptostoma obsoletum, see photo, above), making it the ninth recording of previously unrecorded bird species here this year.
The bird, locally known as “mosquerito silbón,” was sighted in the Cerro Nutibara park, not far from the city center.
The Southern Beardless Tyrannulet, “a species never before registered in our city,” is native to Central and South America, usually found in semi-open areas and forest edges, according to the Environment Secretary.
“These findings are the result of protection and conservation efforts in this area, with which we guarantee ideal conditions for the fauna and flora that live here,” Montoya said.
“Among the ecosystem benefits offered by Cerro Nutibara is a barrier to urban expansion, support for ecological connectivity, climate regulation and soil protection,” she added.
The “mosquerito silbón” measures 10 centimeters in height, has grayish and opaque-yellow feathers and a disheveled forelock. It feeds mainly on flying insects and some fruits, “contributing to the biological control of insect populations and the dispersal of seeds for botanical renewal,” according to the Environment Secretary.
During 2020, 22 new species of wildlife have been reported in Medellín, of which nine are birds, “this being the year in which more wildlife has been recorded in the strategic ecosystems of the city,” the Secretary added.
