Research on Nearctic-Neotropical migratory birds in Colombia has strengthened in the last decade although most work has been centered on boreal migrants. Achievements are reflected in recent publications, in the studies presented at national ornithology conferences, and in the publication of the National Plan for Conservation of Migratory Species. However, there are still significant information gaps and challenges that must be addressed to guide the conservation of migratory bird populations in decline. During the III Colombian Ornithological Congress in 2010, twelve talks were presented during a symposium on migratory birds. The differentiation of studies between winter and migration periods stood out as a novelty, as well as the presentation of projects aimed at answering questions about the ecology of species instead of showing exclusively descriptive data. Discussions during the symposium generated new research questions and identified current gaps in knowledge. The main conclusion was that there is a need to generate information about the less studied migratory systems like the Neotropical austral, intratropical and local systems. For all systems we need a more comprehensive assessment of species' distribution ranges during stationary periods (or winter) and migration. Habitat use and relative habitat quality for different species, considering body condition and survival between periods, must be investigated as well. Studies on migratory strategies, migratory routes, survival during winter and migration, and on migratory connectivity, should be replicated in more species and locations because they are critical to understanding the mechanisms regulating populations and the conservation needs of each species. Finally, coordinated efforts, the publishing of research findings and the establishment of national and international alliances will be crucial to increase our knowledge on Nearctic-Neotropical-Austral migrants in Colombia.