Belize is an excellent choice for a first birding tour to Central America. There are fewer species to bewilder a first-time visitor to the tropics, and yet there are birds of special interest not found farther south in Costa Rica. Belize birding tours typically visit the Maya Mountains of western Belize, sometimes nearby Tikal in Guatemala, and typically the central Maya Mountains around Cockscomb Basin and/or Crooked Tree Sanctuary. More expense birding tours are based in Chan Chich, a more remote and much more expensive place to visit.
Some 580 species of birds have been recorded in the tiny country of Belize. From the hardwood forests of northern Belize to the montane forests of the relatively low-lying Maya Mountains to the numerous offshore islands to the subtropical rainforests of southern Belize, the great diversity of life in Belize still survives for birders to explore and enjoy. Low human population density combined with historical circumstance and a very active Belize Audubon Society has led to wonderful preservation of many natural areas, many of which are associated with the numerous archaeological sites in this heartbed of ancient Mayan civilization.
Birding in Belize offers an interesting mix of Central American birds plus several Yucatan endemics. For those new to Central American birding, Belize is a great introduction to subtropical families and species. For those who have already taken a birding tour to Costa Rica or Panama, Belize offers a variety of target species found in the Yucatan and northern Belize but not further south.
Birding at Crooked Tree features a fine combination of aquatic specialties such as Jabiru, Sungrebe, and Agami Heron plus Yucatan endemics such as Yucatan Woodpecker, Yucatan Flycatcher, and Yucatan Jay. The best time of year to visit is the dry season from January through May. January tends to be windy and water levels are still quite high, so birds that require lower water levels such as Jabirus are usually absent. Water levels decline as the dry season progresses. The lagoon teems with bird life in June but by then the water levels are so low it's difficult to navigate the lagoon by boat. April and May are good months because water levels are lower but still navigable.
Birding at Hidden Valley features higher elevation and pine forest specialties, particularly Orange-breasted Falcon, Stygian Owl, Rufous-capped Warbler, and Rusty Sparrow. Hidden Valley Inn is superbly comfortable, and the private property around the lodge offers superb birding. There is an excellent combination of primary forest in the ravines, pine forest, and open areas that represent a diversity of habitats. Many birding groups visiting Hidden Valley take the road south to Caracol Archaeological Site. The road has been recently improved and paved, and the site is excellent for lower elevation forest birding. Caracol used to be the most reliable place to see the rare Keel-billed Motmot, but lately this bird has been hard to find because disturbance around more accessible nesting sites has caused the bird to move into more remote areas. During 2006 there were several incidents along the road to Caracol where armed bandits from nearby Guatemala robbed tourists at gun-point. Since then the military has established a presence there and is providing security to travelers going to Caracol.
Birding at Pook's Hill, Blue Hole National Park, Mama Noot's, and Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve offer excellent low elevation rainforest birding. Pook's Hill owns substantial private property with a combination of lowland forest and open park-like areas along with hummingbird feeders that attract several species of hummingbirds. The property is very good for finding toucans, flycatchers, and tanagers. Blue Hole National Park is a small park with a quite steep upper trail through primary forest. A key target bird found there is the Tody Motmot, a difficult bird to find elsewhere. Mama Noot's, which borders Mayflower-Bocawina National Park, and Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve offer similar foest birding. Both places are great for seeing a wide diversity of lowland forest birds. At Cockscomb Basin there is always the possibility of seeing a Jaguar, though chances are small. Fresh tracks are seen much more frequently than actual Jaguars.
