Information obtained from the recoveries of banded birds has historically been used to deduce their migratory routes and other key aspects of their life histories. This paper analyses information on Neotropical migratory species recaptured in the Colombian provinces of Atlántico and Magdalena between 1923 and 2011, using data obtained from the U. S. Bird Banding Laboratory. In this area 707 individuals of 14 species of waterbirds were encountered, among which were blue-winged teal (Anas discors) and royal tern (Thalasseus maximus) with the largest number of encountered individuals, as well as species with few records in Colombia: American wigeon (Anas americana), Northern pintail (Anas acuta), and roseate tern (Sterna dougalli). This analysis contributes to knowledge about the distribution of several species occurring in the country and assesses their migratory status; for instance, we determined that Eudocimus albus has both migratory and resident populations in Colombia. This paper attempts to promote the use of existing data on recaptured birds, and to bring attention to the fact that people who inhabit the study area are unaware of the bird banding goals, which has resulted in hunting of banded birds, illegal pet trade, and removal of the bands from birds.