With over 590 bird species, Belize is a birdwatcher’s paradise. I’ve had the good fortune of appropriate birding accommodations in Belize, first in the Georgeville bush and now at Smith Farm right outside of San Ignacio Town, where local birds are found by simply wandering outside my cabana. Every morning I’m out with my 200mm-400mm zoom trying to capturing shots in the rising sun or at dusk in the warm fading light. Here are a few from my gallery with brief descriptions of each species:
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos Sulfuratus)
The Keel-billed Toucan’s bill can reach lengths of nearly 20cm long and is around one third of the length of its body. The Keel-billed Toucan has a diet that primarily consists of large quantities of different varieties of fruit and berries. Large birds of prey and humans are the keel-billed toucan’s main predators.
WOODPECKERS
The Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) is 31.5 to 36 cm long and resembles the closely related pileated woodpecker.
The Yucatán woodpecker (Melanerpes pygmaeus) is a species of bird in the Picidae family. It is sometime referred to as the red-vented woodpecker.
RED-LORED PARROT (Amazona autumnalis)
The Red-lored Parrot is endemic to the tropical regions of the Americas, from eastern Mexico south to Ecuador. It is absent from the Pacific side of Central America north of Costa Rica. Their natural diet consists of a variety of fruits, nuts and seeds.
BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT (Momotus momota)
Often sitting still in their dense forest habitat, the Blue-crowned Motmot can be difficult to see, despite their size. They eat small prey such as insects and lizards, and will also regularly take fruit.
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus)
The Great-tailed Grackle, or blackbird, forages mostly on the ground, or by wading in very shallow water. Also forages in trees and shrubs, especially searching for nests to rob. Generally feeds in flocks.
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
The Great Kiskadee, or Flycatcher can be seen all over Belize, and are usually heard before being seen. While other birds are absent, kiskadees are active during the heat of the day looking for a meal
