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 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.
A survey of the Belize checklist broken down by districts reveals that, aside from aquatic birds, a great many species are found throughout the country (see table below). However, a variety of species are found only in the more tropical southern Toledo District or in the higher elevation Cayo District of central Belize. These regional differences do create an opportunity for seeing a different variety of birds in each area.
Our tours to Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary and Lamanai Archaeological Site concentrate on the hardwood forests and waterways of Orange Walk District in north-cental Belize, where some Yucatan endemics are especially noteworthy.
Our tours of Hidden Valley in the Maya Mountains concentrate on higher elevation pine forests and lower elevation forests of the Cayo District in western Belize. Those tours also visit Caracol Archaeological Site where a number of hard-to-find birds can be reliably found.
Finally, our tours to Cockscomb Basin in the Stann Creek District, along with Sittee River, Red Bank, Blue Hole National Park and cayes off the coast, provide an opportunity to see birds with a more southern distribution plus nesting colonies of sea birds such as Magnificent Frigatebirds and Brown Boobies. They also afford an opportunity to visit Belize's barrier reef, second only to the Great Barrier Reef of northern Australia in size.
