Birding Hotspots in Belize

Ornate Hawk-eagleCockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary - While visitors rarely see a jaguar, the many ecosystems of Cockscomb support a rich and varied bird fauna - forest species, pine woodland and savanna species, species restricted to riverine areas, and birds associated with higher elevations. Cockscomb also provides important protection for game species, such as the Great Curassow and Crested Guan, as well as other species of conservation concern such as the Ornate Hawk-eagle, Keel-billed Motmot, and seasonally the Scarlet Macaw.

JabirusCrooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary - In 1998, this protected area was declared Belize's first Ramsar site based on the wetland's international significance especially for many migratory and non-migratory wetland bird species. Large numbers of wading birds flock into the lagoons during Belize's dry season (February through May) when food is hard to find in other places. Explore the lagoon and its tributaries, searching for Jabiru and Wood Storks, Bare-throated Tiger and Boat-billed Herons, Sungrebe, Black-collared Hawk, Snail Kite, and American Pygmy Kingfisher. Crooked Tree offers great birding opportunities on land as well. Look for Yucatan endemics among the pine and hardwood forest habitats and the endangered Yellow-headed Parrot of the pine savannah.

Wood StorksAguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary - These wetlands in the Toledo District attract a number of very visible birds forming the principal attraction for visitors to the Sanctuary. Aguacaliente protects important breeding colonies for the Wood Stork and Boat-billed Heron. There are a few birds in Toledo District that can't be found elsewhere in the Belize: Western Slaty-Antshrike, Paltry Tyrannulet, Gray-breasted Crake, Band-tailed Barbthroat, and with luck, Violet-crowned Woodnymph and Bare-crowned Antbird. Most of these birds can be found within a half-hour drive from Punta Gorda.

Rusty Sparrow © 2008 BirdsPlus Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve - Raptors cruise the valleys of the Pine Ridge and it is the most likely place in Belize to see the rare Orange-breasted Falcon. Reserve specialties include Rufous-capped Warbler, Grace's Warbler, Red Crossbill, Pine Siskin, Stygian Owl, Eastern Bluebird, Rusty Sparrow, Hepatic Tanager, and Yellow-backed Oriole.

 

 

White-crowned PigeonAmbergis Caye and Caye Caulker - Of all the habitats in Belize, the littoral forest on the cayes is the most endangered due to coastal development. Caye littoral forests benefit the Black Catbird and White-crowned Pigeon, both are listed as Near-Threatened species. Mangrove habitats attract birds such as the Rufous-necked Wood-rail. During migration the cayes are an excellent place to see migrants such as warblers, thrushes, tanagers, and orioles.

 

Ocellated TurkeyCaracol Archaeological Reserve - The main attraction is the Keel-billed Motmot, which nests in the area. Belize is one of the last outposts where this globally vulnerable species is relatively common. Other notable birds seen at Caracol include Ocellated Turkey, Crested Guan, and Great Curassow. While admiring the largest Maya site in Belize you may also see colorful toucans and trogons.

 

Red-footed BoobiesHalf Moon Caye Natural Monument - Declared a crown reserve bird sanctuary in 1928, the Red-footed Booby colony of Half Moon Caye is the oldest site for wildlife protection in Belize. Half Moon Caye’s population, an estimated 4,000 birds, is made up almost entirely of white morphs with black on the trailing edge of the wings. When migration is on it's phenomenal at Half Moon Caye; many new species for the country have been recorded here. The latest addition from Half Moon Caye was the White-throated Sparrow in 2007.

Scarlet MacawRed Bank Village - The unmistakable Scarlet Macaw flocks to the small Maya Village of Red Bank in South Stann Creek seasonally. As many as 100 birds gather near the village, primarily from January to March, to feed on the sweet, ripe fruits of the annato trees. The Red Bank Scarlet Macaw Conservation Group was formed with members from the village. Mr. Geronimo Sho is the chairman of the group and is the person to contact before visiting the site.