Listado actualizado de las aves endémicas y casi-endémicas de Colombia

The continuous assessment of endemic and near-endemic species is an important and complementary tool to identify and determines conservation priorities and responsibilities for a country. We reappraised the Colombian endemic and near-endemic bird list by Stiles (1998). The new lists, was based on an extensive literature survey, field observations and ornithological records for the country. Of the 1639 resident species, 79 were classified as endemics, 193 as near-endemics, including five species restricted to islands, 19 species classified as of interest since they have nearly 50% of their geographical distribution in Colombia, while 16 species are data deficient to determine their status. Highest concentrations of species are found at medium elevations in mountains (800-2400 m.a.s.l.), with the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Pacific geographic region and Eastern Cordillera having the highest proportion of species. Of the near-endemics, most of them are shared with Ecuador and Panama at the Pacific side. Recent distributional information is needed for several species, as well as studies on natural history, population dynamics and life history traits. It is necessary to contrast our findings with the new threatened species list underway, to further complement extinction risks, assess conservation action plans, and the biological responsibilities we have in Colombia.