Birdwatching Tours and Vacations in Belize

While Belize is a country that offers much for visitors to see and do, getting to know more about native wildlife should be at the top of your list. Situated in Central America, Belize is a small country that has numerous native environments along the shoreline and farther inland. These include numerous cays and beaches on the Caribbean, plains, a tropical rainforest and more. With this in mind, it is not surprising to learn that Belize is home to more than 600 bird species and is one of the leading birding destinations in the region.

You can see dozens of bird species soaring around or perched on branches while you are on tours, lounging at the beach and more, but taking a special birding tour or two is a great way to explore some of the more beautiful habitats that are filled with fascinating species. For example, the scarlet macaw has a huge wingspan, vibrant colors and an astounding flight speed. This bird lives high up in trees, so it may be more easily viewed on a birding expedition that takes you through the rainforest. The keel-billed toucan is a gorgeous bird that has a distinctive, multi-colored beak. This is the national bird of Belize, and it also lives in trees in the rainforest. Other stunning birds to look for in the rainforest include the blue-crowned mot-mot and the harpy eagle.

There are also numerous interesting bird species that live close to bodies of water in Belize. For example, the red-footed booby primarily eats flying fish and must live close to the water for this reason. The frigatebird also feeds on flying fish, and it is distinctly visible thanks to its large, red gular sac. The great egret lives in marshlands in Belize, and it uses its pointy, long beak to catch fish and amphibians. A few other birds that are found close to waterways in Belize include the jabiru stork and the yellow head parrot.

Some local resorts are well-positioned for birding as well. Black Orchid Resort is conveniently located close to the Belize International Airport, and it also sits along the scenic Belize River. This location is home to numerous bird species, so you may be able to catch a glimpse of the native birds while sitting on a lounge chair by the pool or while sitting on your private balcony. When you make a reservation at Black Orchid, you also can schedule tours through the resort.