BIRDING IN BELIZE
Because of its extensive protected forests, varied wetland habitat, and location on a major migratory route, Belize is a mino mecca for both novice and experienced birders, who arrive throughout the year and from all over the world. The Belize Audubon Society (www.belizeaudubon.org) reports 587 recorded bird species in Belize, about 20 percent of which are migrants from other parts of North America. The Belize Audubon Society (BAS) helps manage many of the country's wildlife reserves and maintains updated checklists and field guides. Always check with BAS for the latest sightings, and you can purchase several bird guides in the central BAS office in the historic Fort George area of Belize City.
A number of lodges throughout the country cater specifically to birders. A sure sign is if they have downloadable bird checklists on their websites. Another is whether or not they employ guides; many inland resorts have brilletn Belizean birders on their staff for daily sunrise walks and other activities. Belizean park rangers also generally have excellent bird identification skills, notably Israel Manzanero, who works at St. Herman's Cave and Blue Hole National Park; his knowledge is legendary in birder circles.
Twitchers on a serious mission (motmot or death!) can choose from several bird-centric tour operators; this is for those who'd rather let someone else (someone who knows where the birds are) handle the logistics of a countrywide tour, so you can keep your eyes glued to the binocs. One option is Paradise Expeiditons (www.birdinginbelize.com).
Bring binoculars; wear boots, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, and lightweight trousers; and carry a copy of Birds of Belize by H. Lee Jones, illustrated by Dana Gardner.
For details about specifics you're likely to encounter, or to participate in the annual Christmas bird count, consult the Belize Audubon Society's website, particularly the "Birds of Belize" section. Following are the most popular spots for birders.
CROOKED TREE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Take a guided boat tour of these vast wetlands, host to a spectacular variety of wading birds, especially during the dry season (March through May). This is the last Central American stronghold of the jabiru stork - the tallest flying bird in the Americas, which can reach five feet in ehight, with up to a 11-foot wingspan.
LAMANAI ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE
Enjoy the extensive river and lake sections as you travel to and from the jungle-encrusted, bird-choked ruins of Lamanai. All four species of trogon found in Belize can be seen here, along with many woodcreepers and woodpeckers. Be sure to watch for both blue-crowned and tody motmots, which burrow into unexcavated ruin walls to nest.
MOUTAIN PINE RIDGE
Overlapping microclimates and habitats are favored by several speciies of extremely rare raptors, including the rare orange-breasted falcon, which nests near Thousand-Foot Falls. At the Caracol ruins, you can spot a keel-billed motmot, especially in March and April.
COCKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
At Belie's preeminent birding destination, beginners will be overwhelmed by the abundance of wildlife and serious birders have a shot at a "big day" spotting 100 species in a single day. Some of the less traveled trails, like the Antelope or Gibut Loops, may give you the chance of spotting a pheasant cuckoo. Also, swarms of army ants attract ground dwelling species, such as tanagers and woodcreepers.
THE NORTHERN CAYES
The mangroves and littoral forests of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are disaapearing, but these island are still a stopover for many migratories, plus theya re home to several threatened and endangered native species. Be sure to make a pilgrimage to the red-fotted booby colony on Half Moon Caye National Monument.
RED BANK VILLAGE
This small Maya settlement in southern Belize is the annual destination of one of Belize's last scarlet macaw populations (January through March). In March and April, various hawks can be seen over the peaks around the village, including swallow-tailed and plumbeous kites; the apolmado falcon lives in the surrounding pine savanna.
AQUACALIENTE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
In Toledo District, near the village of Laguna, this reserve features breeding colonies of unique wading birds, as well as other species found nowhwere else in Belize; most can be sighted within a half-hour drive from Punta Gorda.
A number of lodges throughout the country cater specifically to birders. A sure sign is if they have downloadable bird checklists on their websites. Another is whether or not they employ guides; many inland resorts have brilletn Belizean birders on their staff for daily sunrise walks and other activities. Belizean park rangers also generally have excellent bird identification skills, notably Israel Manzanero, who works at St. Herman's Cave and Blue Hole National Park; his knowledge is legendary in birder circles.
Twitchers on a serious mission (motmot or death!) can choose from several bird-centric tour operators; this is for those who'd rather let someone else (someone who knows where the birds are) handle the logistics of a countrywide tour, so you can keep your eyes glued to the binocs. One option is Paradise Expeiditons (www.birdinginbelize.com).
Bring binoculars; wear boots, a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, and lightweight trousers; and carry a copy of Birds of Belize by H. Lee Jones, illustrated by Dana Gardner.
For details about specifics you're likely to encounter, or to participate in the annual Christmas bird count, consult the Belize Audubon Society's website, particularly the "Birds of Belize" section. Following are the most popular spots for birders.
CROOKED TREE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Take a guided boat tour of these vast wetlands, host to a spectacular variety of wading birds, especially during the dry season (March through May). This is the last Central American stronghold of the jabiru stork - the tallest flying bird in the Americas, which can reach five feet in ehight, with up to a 11-foot wingspan.
LAMANAI ARCHAEOLOGICAL ZONE
Enjoy the extensive river and lake sections as you travel to and from the jungle-encrusted, bird-choked ruins of Lamanai. All four species of trogon found in Belize can be seen here, along with many woodcreepers and woodpeckers. Be sure to watch for both blue-crowned and tody motmots, which burrow into unexcavated ruin walls to nest.
MOUTAIN PINE RIDGE
Overlapping microclimates and habitats are favored by several speciies of extremely rare raptors, including the rare orange-breasted falcon, which nests near Thousand-Foot Falls. At the Caracol ruins, you can spot a keel-billed motmot, especially in March and April.
COCKSCOMB BASIN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
At Belie's preeminent birding destination, beginners will be overwhelmed by the abundance of wildlife and serious birders have a shot at a "big day" spotting 100 species in a single day. Some of the less traveled trails, like the Antelope or Gibut Loops, may give you the chance of spotting a pheasant cuckoo. Also, swarms of army ants attract ground dwelling species, such as tanagers and woodcreepers.
THE NORTHERN CAYES
The mangroves and littoral forests of Caye Caulker and Ambergris Caye are disaapearing, but these island are still a stopover for many migratories, plus theya re home to several threatened and endangered native species. Be sure to make a pilgrimage to the red-fotted booby colony on Half Moon Caye National Monument.
RED BANK VILLAGE
This small Maya settlement in southern Belize is the annual destination of one of Belize's last scarlet macaw populations (January through March). In March and April, various hawks can be seen over the peaks around the village, including swallow-tailed and plumbeous kites; the apolmado falcon lives in the surrounding pine savanna.
AQUACALIENTE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
In Toledo District, near the village of Laguna, this reserve features breeding colonies of unique wading birds, as well as other species found nowhwere else in Belize; most can be sighted within a half-hour drive from Punta Gorda.
GROWING INTEREST IN BIRDER'S
A growing number of hotels and tour companies in Belize are catering to the special needs and interests of birdrs, and a few (notably Chan Chich, near Gallon Jug, Caribbean Villas in San Pedro) are targeting birders speciafically. You'll find nature trails recorded species lists, and viewing platforms at many locations throughout the country, particularly among the Cayo District lodges.
The first annual Belize Bird-Fest was held October 2-8, a998, under the sponsorship of the Belize Audubon Society. Northward migration peaks in early October and rare transients can be spotted along with resident birds. Itineraries take birders to reef, wetland, savannah, and forest habitats. The Bird-Fest is organized in cooperation with local hotels, guides, and outfitters, at all-inclusive rates, starting at about $1,200. USD for double occupancy, excluding airfare.
The first annual Belize Bird-Fest was held October 2-8, a998, under the sponsorship of the Belize Audubon Society. Northward migration peaks in early October and rare transients can be spotted along with resident birds. Itineraries take birders to reef, wetland, savannah, and forest habitats. The Bird-Fest is organized in cooperation with local hotels, guides, and outfitters, at all-inclusive rates, starting at about $1,200. USD for double occupancy, excluding airfare.
BIRDS OF BELIZE
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN
You'll see this brilliantly colored creature, designated the national bird of Belize, on signs and symbols throughout the country. (The Toucan is probably better known in the United States as "the Fruit Loops" bird, because of its association with the ad campaign of a popular breakfast cereal.
This keep-billed toucan is fairly common in Belize and prefers to live in tall trees, particularly those that bear nuts or fruit. The bird tends to swoop low as it flies, owing to the weight of its canoe-shaped bill. The toucan's stubby wings seem undersized for such a big load. The red tipped beak is apple green with a triangle of orange on top and a streak of powder blue below. The toucan has green around its eyes, yellow on its collar, red under its tail, and its legs and feet are bright blue. Belize's most famous keel-billed toucan, "Rambo" lives at the Belize Zoo. He'll introduce you to the distinctive toucan call, a froggy creek creek that is usually made during a flapping, soaring glide from one big tree to the next. |
JABIRU STORK
The jabiru is the largest flying bird in the Western Hemisphere, standing up to 5 feet tall and with a wingspan reaching up to 10 feet or more. It is also one of the rarest birds in Central America. Besides its size, the jabiru can be identified by its massive, slightly turned up black bill, its all white wings and body feathers, and its bare black head, which has a wide, inflatable crimson band at the base of the neck. It feeds on fish, snails, frogs, and snakes.
In Belize, where the jabiru is fully protected, a population of about 30 storks nests during winter months along swamp edges and roadside pools, as well as in wet savannas and lowland pine ridges. Considered "rare" in Belize and "imperiled" in other parts of its range, Belize's jabirus return from Mexico around November to make their nests, usually at the tops of tall, secluded trees. Breeding continues until early April, when the birds begin migrating back to Mexico for the summer. Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a favorite breeding ground of this enormous bird, and its nests are carefully protected. The jabiru is most commonly seen in Belize from December through March. |
PARROTS
Seven species of parrots, one species of parakeet, and one species of macaw make Belize their home. Parrots have few enemies in the jungle except for larger predators, who tend to eliminate the weakest or most vulnerable birds. A far bigger threat is posed by humans, who continue to destroy the parrots forest habitat, capture it for commercial purposes, or even kill it for food. The capture of young parrots usually does considerable damage to the environment, since nesting trees are often cut down in the hope that chicks will somehow survive the fall. The species captured in greatest numbers here is the yellow-headed parrot, prized in North America as a fluent and easily trained "talker". Other vocal members of the same family are the Aztec (or olive-throated) parakeet and mealy (or blue-crowned) parrot. The latter mates for life and almost always flies in a two-by-two formation with its partner. These species are quite social and like to live near others of their kind.
The common names of parrots are inspired by easily identifiable head markings ("lore" refers to the area between eyes and beak, "crown" is the top of the head, and "front" is the forehead, while "hood" and "head" are self-explanatory). The less gregarious parrots found in Belize are the brown-hooded, red-lored, yellow-lored, yellow-headed, white-fronted, and white crowned. Only sharp eyed birders are usually able to tell the latter two species apart. Like many tropical animals (and people), parrots usually nap during the heat of the day and are most often seen during later afternoon and early morning feeding periods. The birds roost in groups overnight. |
SCARLET MACAW
One of the rarest birds in Belize is the scarlet macaw, the third-largest of the world's 16 surviving macaw species. It is one of eight such species in danger of extinction throughout much of its range, which extends from subtropical Mexico south to Bolivia.A macaw sighting is an unforgettable experience. Mature birds, locally referred to as parrots or guacamallos, are over 2 feet tall and adorned with brilliant plumage, particularly bright red wing feathers speckled with dabs of yellow, orange, and blue.
The greatest threat to this magnificent bird is the destruction of its forest habitat, nest-robbing for the wild bird trade, and killing for meat and feathers. The first systematic study of scarlet macaws in Belize was carried out by the Center for the Study of Tropical Birds. It concluded that the bird has a relatively confined range in the dense central forests of the country, extending from the Maya Mountains divide north to the Mountain Pine Ridge. A few individuals and small flocks have been seen in other areas from time to time. In recent years, however, no more than 30 birds have ever been seen at any given time or location. In 1997, it was reported that scarelt macaws had begun to reinhabit the Cocokscomb Basin, after disappearing for many years. The absence of hunting and loggin in this wildlife santtuary has apparently restored food trees favored by the birds and removed the threats once posted by humans. |
BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT
This beautiful and relatively large bird is sometimes called "Good Cook," because its deep-throated, hoot-hoot call (usually heard at dawn or dusk) sounds like those two words. It is also distinguished by its indigo head feathers and long tail. The latter acquires an oddly pointed shape through feathers and long tail. The latter acquires an oddly pointed shape through removal of central feathers by preening and wear. While the blue-crowned motmot is fairly common, its cousin, the keel-billed motmot, is one of the rarest birds in Central America, and only a few sightings have been documented. The bird is believed to be extinct in Mexico. There have been only two known sightings in Guatemala, and until mid-summer of 1994, the keel-billed motmot had not been seen in Belize for more than eight years. A recent sighting was made at the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve, and there may be other indiviudals in remote pretected areas.
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