"8" Places to Go Bird Watching - In Belize

1.  Cockscomb 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.

2.  Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
In 1998, this protected area was declared Belize's first Ramsar site based on the wetland's international significance 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.

3.  Aguacaliente Wildlife Sanctuary
These wetlands in the Toledo District attract a number of very visible birds forming the principal attraction for visitors.  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 Belize.

4.  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.

5.  Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker
Of all the habitats in Belize, the littoral forest on the Cayes is the most endangered due to development.  Caye littoral forests benefit the Black Catbird and White-crowned Pigeon, both are listed as near-threatened species.  The mangrove habitat also attracts many other birds.

6.  Caracol Archaeological Reserve
Caracol is one of the last outposts where the Keel-Billed Motmot, a 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.

7.  Half 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 Booby Birds with black on the trailing edge of the wings.

8.  Red 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.