5 Birds to Look Out For When Birding in Belize

Think about the joys of recognizing a flash of good blue or the majestic silhouette of a raptor in opposition to a verdant jungle backdrop. In Belize, all these sights aren’t onerous to return by. With its lush rainforests, expansive wetlands, spectacular coasts, and over 580 chook species, Belize is a dream vacation spot for chook fanatics. Belize’s wealthy ecosystems present the proper habitat for an array of gorgeous and uncommon birds, making it a necessary cease on any bird-watching itinerary. Listed below are 5 must-see birds when birding in Belize.

1. The Pretty Cotinga

On the high of the checklist for a lot of birders visiting Belize, the Pretty Cotinga lives as much as its title with its hanging look. The males are a blinding turquoise and violet. This makes them one of the visually charming birds in Belize. Females, whereas extra subdued in coloration with their olive-brown feathers, are nonetheless a delight to identify.

These birds are identified for his or her elusive nature and their choice for the mid-canopy layer of forests, making sightings each difficult and rewarding. Whenever you do catch a glimpse of a Pretty Cotinga, it’s a second you’ll bear in mind without end. 

2. The Orange-Breasted Falcon

Orange-breasted Falcon. Picture courtesy Roni Martinez

The Orange-breasted Falcon is a uncommon and majestic chook of prey, identified for its hanging orange breast and highly effective construct. These falcons are expert hunters, usually seen hovering excessive above the forest cover or perched on cliff edges. Their sharp talons and eager eyesight make them formidable predators, and their looking dives are a spectacular show of agility and energy. Recognizing an Orange-breasted Falcon is a spotlight for any birder visiting Belize. Deliver your binoculars to the Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve to attempt to spot one from a distance.

The place to Keep: Discovered contained in the Mountain Pine Ridge space, Hidden Valley Wilderness Lodge provides quite a lot of journey excursions for company. This contains birding, throughout which you may simply spot an orange-breasted Falcon. 

3. The Stygian Owl

The Stygian Owl. Picture © Claudia Brasileiro by way of ebird.

The Stygian Owl is a mystical and elusive chook with piercing yellow eyes and hanging ear tufts. Named after the River Styx in Greek mythology, this owl has an enigmatic presence, usually noticed at nightfall or through the evening. Its sinister look and haunting calls add an aura to the night, particularly if you happen to’re out on an evening hike!

Comparable: Belize: A Small Nation with Huge Birding

Discovering a Stygian Owl requires endurance and a little bit of luck, however the expertise of encountering this nocturnal chook is actually magical. Set forth for a hide-and-seek and possibly spot them roosting excessive within the timber of the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary or Mountain Pine Ridge.

4. The Ornate Hawk-Eagle

The Ornate Hawk Eagle. Picture © Fernando Burgalin Sequeria by way of ebird

The Ornate Hawk-Eagle is a surprising chook of prey with a fierce demeanor and complicated plumage. With a hanging black and white sample on their chest and a crest atop their head, these eagles are each stunning and formidable! Recognized for his or her hiccuping chirps, you may spot them hovering overhead throughout mid-mornings. These eagles are sometimes seen gliding excessive above the forest or perched majestically on a tree department. Set forth to the west and go to Belize’s Cayo district seeking these astounding birds.

The place to remain: Discovered surrounded by the jungles of Cayo, Candy Songs Jungle Lodge – a Muy’Ono Resort – is the proper basecamp for birding adventures. 

5. The Keel-Billed Motmot

Picture By Francesco Veronesi from Italy – Keel-billed Motmot

You’ll discover this little man within the jungles of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve, close to Caracol. The Keel-billed Motmot is a vibrant, colourful chook with a particular racket-shaped tail. Their inexperienced plumage, vibrant blue ‘eyebrows’, and keel-shaped invoice make them one of the eye-catching birds in Belize. Typically seen perched immobile, they’re comparatively simple to {photograph}. The Keel-billed Motmot’s distinctive tail and gorgeous colours make them a favourite amongst birders and photographers alike. Should you spot one, be sure to take a lot of photos!

Whereas we might go on and on about Belize’s breathtaking birds, we’d be losing the time it takes to identify them! So, as an alternative of ready round, seize your binoculars and see what number of of Belize’s 580 chook species yow will discover! Make it a recreation each time you come to Belize, and also you’ll by no means get bored with seeing new or outdated feathered associates. Birding in Belize may turn out to be your new favourite exercise.

Featured: A uncommon orange-breasted falcon noticed on a hike. Picture © Caribbean Tradition + Life-style