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 that are 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. Birding at Hidden Valley features higher elevation and pine forest specialties, particularly Orange-breasted Falcon, Stygian Owl, Rufous-capped Warbler, and Rusty Sparrow. Birding at Blue Hole National Park and Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve offers excellent low elevation rainforest birding. The combination creates superb opportunities for an extraordinary birding vacation.
