Belize Jungle Lodge | Mariposa Jungle Lodge | Cayo | Belize

What To Expect : Our Birding

Each morning at Mariposa Jungle Lodge, an avian symphony obviates the need for an alarm clock. The sweet cooing of morning doves, the noisy squawking of green parrots, the frog-like grunts of toucans, the gentle song of the trogon, are among the myriad sounds.

As a jungle newcomer, I’ve enjoyed these sounds for several years and finally decided to engage the services of an expert consultant so my staff guides and this novice could learn more about the birds at our Lodge. 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 virtual birder’s paradise.

In the first 24 hours of viewing, 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, including a wide variety of hummingbirds, present when certain flowers and fruits are in bloom. The next day we sighted dozens more.

There are over 400 known 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 birdwatching deck, where our guests can sit about 15 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 list of the 102 birds identified on this two-day expedition. Our staff birding guides will add to the list each month so we can advise our guests what they’re likely to find at various times of the year at our little piece of paradise.