BIRDING BELIZE

Each morning at Mariposa Jungle Lodge, an avian symphony obviates the need for an alarm clock, and provides excellent birding opportunities. The sweet cooing of Mourning Doves, the noisy squawking of Green Parrots, the frog-like grunts of toucans, the gentle song of the trogon, are among the myriad sounds.

After enjoying these sounds for a few years as a jungle newcomer, I decided to engage the services of an expert consultant so we could become better birders, able to help those guests interested in birding Belize. I thought I’d like to be able to recognize something other than a toucan or hummingbird, and to distinguish between the social flycatcher and its related kiskadee. Francisco, our consultant, confirmed what I’d long suspected. Our resort is a bird watching paradise

In the first 24 hours of birding, starting at the often unproductive hour of 11:30 A.M., Francisco identified 67 species in a relatively small area. And this occurred at the end of May, in the heart of the dry season. We know there are numerous other species present when certain flowers and fruits are in bloom. The next day we sighted dozens more.

Stay at Mariposa Jungle Lodge and Add to Your Belize Birding List with the Assistance of Our Guides or On Your Own!

There are over 400 known bird species in this geographical area that ranges from broadleaf forest to open agricultural land to the nearby Mountain Pine Ridge Forest. Having seen 102 species and a variety of nests, Francisco concluded it would be conservative to anticipate between 200 and 250 species over the course of a year. With his advice, we selected a site to erect our first bird watching deck, where our guests can sit about 20 feet above ground and comfortably enjoy a 360 degree view of an area replete with different trees, density, nests, and birdlife

We’ve prepared a birding check list of the Belize birds we see at Mariposa Jungle Lodge. Our staff birding guides update the list periodically so we can advise our guests which birds they are likely to see when staying at our lodge.

For a list of Mariposa Bird species click here.