Guatemala is home to an incredible variety of birds, from the dazzling hummingbirds of the highlands to the majestic raptors of the lowlands.
Tour Guatemala’s avian world and explore its diverse collection of colorful toucans, parrots, and other feathered friends.
Overview of Guatemala’s Protected Areas and Key Bird Hotspots.
Guatemala is home to many protected areas that are potential hotspots for birdwatching. These include the Maya Biosphere Reserve and Laguna del Tigre National Park in the lowlands.
Also, many private and public reserves have been declared Important Bird Areas (IBA), like Lake Atitlan and El Pilar in the highlands.
Birders should also consider visiting Todos Santos Municipal Park and Tikal National Park, a Natural and cultural World Heritage Destination in northern Guatemala.
These two areas have an impressive variety of birds, including some specialties of Guatemala!
The Magnificent Horned Guan
A highlight for many birdwatchers in Guatemala is the magnificent Horned Guan, a sizeable ground-dwelling bird found only in Guatemala.
The male Horned Guan has impressive glossy black plumage, legs, a red horn., white chestnut under-tail feathers, and elongated secondary feathers on its wings. This species is most easily spotted in the forest within the volcanic chain.
How to Identify Central American Toucans.
Toucans are among the most recognizable and colorful birds in Central America.
Three species of toucans live in Guatemala Keel-billed Toucan, Collared Aracari, and Emerald Toucanet.
The most easily visible distinguishing feature amongst these birds is their bill size and shape – the Keel-billed Toucan has the most significant bill, while the Emerald Toucanet has the smallest.
Additionally, identifying a toucan’s plumage can help narrow down an identification; they’re typically black or brown with patches of bronze and vibrant colors like red, blue, yellow, or green around their faces or bodies.
Popular Hummingbird Species Found in Guatemala.
Guatemala is a paradise for bird watchers, especially those fond of hummingbirds.
Over 28 different species of hummingbirds can be found in Guatemala, including the Rufous Sabrewing and Wine-throated Hummingbird.
The White-necked Jacobin is another popular species found in Guatemala; they’re easy to spot due to their distinctive white collar and turquoise throat feathers.
Additionally, Garnet-throated and Amethyst-throated Hummingbirds are abundant in mountain forests.
Whether you’re an avid birder or just someone appreciating nature from afar, there’s something special about watching hummingbirds flit from flower to flower!
