Central America - Nicaragua

Nicaragua is perhaps the most overlooked of the Central American nations. Birding in Nicaragua is still very much in its infancy, but with 60,000 square miles, much of it roadless, Nicaragua at least offers adventurous birders unlimited opportunities for new birding discoveries. Despite being the second poorest country in the hemisphere the enthusiastic birder should overcome the consequential infra-structural difficulties. For the greatest number of species, birders should visit a range of locations. For those short on time the Chocoyero Reserve, about an hours’ drive from Managua, provides easy access to a range of species. The dry tropical forest holds Great Currasow, various species of trogons and woodcreepers. The park's prime attraction is the hundreds of Green Parakeets that nest and roost behind a waterfall. Lake Nicaragua is the largest lake in the region and an important habitat for shorebirds and waterfowl. The wetlands to the north offer the chance of finding Nicaragua's best-known near endemic, the Nicaraguan Grackle. Further north and into the highlands, El Jaguar at 1350 metres is located at the southern end of the range of Emerald-chinned Hummingbird. Golden-cheeked Warbler is another gem found along the cloud-forest trails. Finca Esperanza Verde is another secluded eco-lodge in this region where Keel-billed Toucan and Long-tailed Manakin can be encountered. Less easy to access in the south of the country is Los Guatuzos, a large RAMSAR designated nature reserve. Despite logistical difficulties, the reserve holds a range of stellar species including Agami Heron, Sungrebe and Gray-necked Wood-rail. Text sourced from Kristi Streiffert's article in Winging It – September/October 2006

Keel-billed Toucan © Aidan G Kelly