INTRODUCTION
Three weeks of relatively constant but by no means obsessive birding resulted in just over 250 species of birds and some other wildlife, cultural and culinary highlights. As with all such trips we missed some birds which were supposed to be very common (Variable seedeater!) but also saw a few species that we never really expected to (Pheasant cuckoo, Spotted Wood quail, Marbled godwit, Strong-billed woodcreeper). We covered a good range of habitats though perhaps if we did it again we would spend slightly less time in forest to the benefit of wetland and grassland habitats. We also regretted not going to Laminai (for cultural rather than birding reasons) and if we were braver and a better swimmer (Paul) the ATM caves near Belmopan – those who visited thought they were a mindblowing place.
The field guide we used was ‘Birds of Belize’ by H. Lee Jones, illustrated by Dana Gardner. The illustrations are not amazing but are perfectly good nevertheless, while the text is very good and includes some interesting introductory chapters. The only comprehensive alternative for Belizean birds is ‘Guide to the birds of Mexico and Northern Central America’ by Steve Howell and Sophie Webb. We bought this book before leaving but didn’t take it with us for weight reasons. To be honest I don’t think its pictures are any better than Birds of Belize and it doesn’t have pictures of many of the north American warblers for instance. Inevitably quite a few birds seen were not identified for certain – various flycatchers and the odd hawk. We hired a guide on a couple of occasions and their knowledge of calls was always a particular bonus!
We also referred to a number of trip reports on the internet and also found the Lonely Planet guidebooks to be very informative and reliable.
We hired a car for one week through Crystal Car hire which was fine and they seemed a very helpful company. It was easier to get to San Ignacio and Tikal by bus and a few taxis as we didn’t need a car once we got there.
Food was generally excellent and we stayed healthy during the trip. What appeared to be an infected mosquito bite that just wouldn’t clear up when we got home eventually proved to be the dreaded bot fly when a larvae popped out probably two months after the bite. If you get a bite with a distinct hole and it gets painful on occasion then you are probably a lucky recipient too. When I took it into my local doctor it made his day!
PLACES VISITED & ACTIVITIES
Altan Ha
We flew into Cancun and got the overnight bus to Belize City where we picked up a hire car for the first week. We decided to detour to Altan Ha on the way to Crooked Tree mainly to get a flavour of the Mayan sights. As it was the first one we had seen it seemed pretty impressive and we also saw some good birds there including Bare faced Tiger bittern in a marsh within the complex and what turned out to be the only Brown-hooded parrots of the trip.
Crooked Tree Village (27 to 30 January 3 nights)
We hit Crooked Tree at a good time. It had been raining quite a bit prior to our arrival so the water level seemed just right – and high enough to enable the boat trips to run up river into some interesting areas – where we saw Agami heron and sungrabe amongst other fine birds. We stayed at BirdsEye View Lodge which was very pleasant. Other than the (excellent) boat trip we spent time walking along the paths leading along the lakeshore in both directions, explored the savanna areas behind the village and also saw quite a few birds just within the vicinity of the very pleasant and friendly town.
Cockscomb (30 January to 2 February 3 nights)
We stayed in the White House which is a fine wooden house just at the entrance to the Jaguar Reserve. Cockscomb was a great place to stay although unfortunately we had dreadful weather there for 2 of our 3 full days with rain almost all day. The rain probably helped to make the mosquitos and sand flies pretty intolerable which made the requisite standing still looking for birds quite difficult! Trails we saw a lot on included the first part of the Victoria Peak trail and the one local to the visitor centre. There are guides in the Maya Centre who will come out of requested and we took a night walk with one of these which was excellent although few birds were seen (highlight was three kinkajous). On the rainy days we were lucky that the White House had a platform underneath the building which provided a good place to sit and scan the surrounding trees without getting soaked.
Ian Andersons Cave Branch and Blue Hole National Park (2-4 February)
We left 2 days unbooked and had originally planned to go to Red Bank to look for Scarlet Macaws. However we had not been able to contact people in the village to book accommodation and what information we could get suggested the birds were not around. As Plan B we drove to Gales Point where we hoped to do some coastal birding and look for manatees. When we arrived the Lodge was closed up and we couldn’t find anywhere else offering accommodation. Shame as it looked like a beautiful although sadly run down place. It was getting towards dusk so we decided to try the Caves Branch resort we had passed on the way down. We got a very nice cabana at a reasonable discounted rate and when on the bird walk next morning we were looking at three species of Trogon at the same time we felt a good decision has been made. We seemed to be the only people in the place who were not zip-wiring, absailing, cave diving and tubing but they were a friendly bunch and there is an excellent bird guide there called Abel. They had a list of around 250 birds on the property itself with 300 or so in the Blue Hole NP. Our 2 days there did however continue to be characterised by rain and mosquitos which was a drag. Luckily after that the sun shone for the rest of the trip.
Black Rock Lodge, San Ignacio (4-7 February)
We dropped our car back in Belize City, took the bus to San Ignacio and were picked up by Black Rock. Undoubtedly the nicest place we stayed in all holiday, the Lodge was really welcoming and two excellent bird guides Elvis and Carlos were always generous with information even when you were not hiring them out. We did a couple of early morning bird walks with them and a night drive. Having said all that we found Black Rock quite hard going at times and didn’t seem to see as much as groups in some previous reports – for example the large eagles didn’t show while we were there. But then a very quiet walk on the Summit trail ended with Green Toucanet and Spotted Wood quail so you win some you lose some!
Tikal, Guatemala (7 to 10 February 3 nights)
Tikal was fantastic. The archaeological sites were amazing even to a non expert and the birds really performed well. We stayed at the Tikal Inn which seemed to be the best of the three lodges and spent the whole time just wandering the site. Of all the places we visited Tikal showed the least difference in birding through the day – mornings were of course good but we were also seeing good birds around 2 to 3pm. Some highlights included lots of good forest birds and two stunners in Ocellated turkey and orange-breasted falcon. There is a very good bird guide available - Luis Antonio - who we did take out for a couple of hours one morning – he took us into the edges of the forest and along the old airstrip - where he helped us find pheasant cuckoo and the stunning grey-throated chat. His email is luisatoniooliverosfigueroa@yahoo.com
Caye Caulker (11 to 15 February 4 nights)
We bussed back from Tikal and then spent one night in Belize City (Chateau Caribbean which was very nice). We then caught the Water Taxi to Caye Caulker for 4 nights at Maxhapan Cabanas which was very pleasant although a little noisy and lacking in greenery. Caye Caulker was a very nice, relaxed island and the birding was far better than we expected. We spent most of our time in the mangrove forest and ponds around the airstrip where new stuff seemed to appear every time we visited. Unfortunately the island is developing fast and much of the land in this area seemed to be up for sale with a view to development so it may fast lose its appeal. We did also do one day trip to Swallow Caye to fulfil a long held ambition to see Manatees and a little snorkelling on the way home with highlights nursing sharks and southern stingray.
Chetumal/Mexico
We took the boat from Caye Caulker (via San Pedro) to Chetumal just over the border and spent a night there before getting a bus back to Cancun. Chetumal was a nice town and although we didn’t really get time to do much birding we found a path through mangrove forest on the southern edge of town with our only Altamira Orioles of the trip and an astonishing display of kingbirds and flycatchers taking advantage of the abundant insect life emerging from a drain.
Species order, taxonomy and nomenclature follows ‘Birds of Belize’.
GREAT TINAMOU We heard this bird at Cockscomb and had a fleeting glimpse on the antelope trail but didn’t regard it as ‘seen’. We also flushed another small Tinamou at dusk but not sure if it was Little or Slaty-breasted.
PIED-BILLED GREBE Common at Crooked Tree
BROWN PELICAN Common round the Cayes and Belize City
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT Common at Crooked Tree, also several seen New River Lagoon
DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT Common round the Cayes
ANHINGA A very few seen at Crooked Tree
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD Very common round the Cayes, Belize City
GREAT BLUE HERON Fairly common at Crooked Tree and the Cayes. Also at Altan Ha
GREAT EGRET Common at Crooked Tree and Cayes. Also at Gales Point and Chetumal
SNOWY EGRET Fairly common at Crooked Tree and the Cayes
LITTLE BLUE HERON Fairly common at Crooked Tree and the Cayes. Also Gales Point and at Black Hole NP
LIMPKIN Fairly common at Crooked Tree
TRICOLORED HERON Fairly common at Crooked Tree and the Cayes
AGAMI HERON One bird seen in channel at north end of Crooked Tree lagoon
CATTLE EGRET Common or very common in suitable habitat throughout
GREEN HERON Fairly common at Crooked Tree and the Cayes, also Altan Ha
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON Small numbers at Crooked Tree and Caves Branch
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON Fairly common at Crooked Tree and the Cayes also Altan Ha
BOAT-BILLED HERON Several in trees at Crooked Tree, also seen at Cockscomb, Tikal – much commoner
than we expected
BARE-THROATED TIGER HERON One at Altan Ha. Four birds seen at three sites around Crooked Tree Village
WHITE IBIS Small groups seen at Caye Caulker and Crooked Tree
JABIRU One bird seen at Crooked Tree
ROSEATE SPOONBILL Common at Crooked Tree. Also at Altan Ha
FULVOUS WHISTLING DUCK A small group at Crooked Tree
BLUE-WINGED TEAL Common at Crooked Tree lagoon, also at Altan Ha and Caye Caulker
BLACK VULTURE Very common throughout on the mainland and also seen on Caye Caulker
TURKEY VULTURE Very common throughout on the mainland
LESSER YELLOW-HEADED VULTURE A few individuals seen around Crooked Tree – always on the ground or low flying.
KING VULTURE Ones and twos seen high overhead at Black Rock on several occasions
OSPREY Fairly common in Crooked Tree and Caye Caulker where nesting near the airport
COMMON BLACK-HAWK Small numbers at Crooked Tree
GREAT BLACK-HAWK Singles seen at Crooked Tree, Cockscomb, Black Rock
ROADSIDE HAWK Most common bird of prey and widespread in a variety of habitats
WHITE HAWK A pair seen at Black Hole NP and at Black Rock
BAT FALCON Two seen at the international airport on arials and seemed present almost everywhere. A suspected Orange-breasted falcon at distance at Black Rock turned out to be this species and we saw it on our last day in Central Chetumal.
ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON Having not seen them for sure at Black Rock we were delighted on our first early morning visit to the top of Temple IV Tikal that one was calling ten feet above us. Later that day we saw one from the same place catch an Olive-green parakeet, land in a nearby tree and rapidly dispose of it.
APLOMADO FALCON Two seen over swamp just east of Crooked Tree Village
SWALLOW TAILED KITE At least 8 seen apparently migrating along the mountain trail at Cockscomb. Also a single bird at Tikal
SNAIL KITE Common at Crooked Tree
LAUGHING FALCON Seen at Crooked Tree and heard only at Tikal
PLAIN CHACHALACA Parties seen at a number of forested and semi-forested sites.
CRESTED GUAN Pairs seen at close range at both Cockscomb and Tikal
OCELLATED TURKEY Common at Tikal, both around the visitor centre and throughout the ruins,
SPOTTED WOOD QUAIL A male seen at close range on the summit trail path just a few hundred metres from the buildings at Black Rock. Also hear calling from the veranda
GREY-NECKED WOOD RAIL Seen very well several times around Crooked Tree and at Tikal
CLAPPER RAIL One seen on pool close to the airstrip at Caye Caulker
RUFOUS-NECKED WOOD RAIL One seen in mangrove on SE corner of Caye Caulker
COMMON MOORHEN 1 seen Crooked Tree
AMERICAN COOT Very common at Crooked Tree and Chetumal
SUNGREBE One bird seen in channel at north end of Crooked Tree lagoon
NORTHERN JACANA Very common at Crooked Tree, also Altan Ha, Caves Branch, Tikal, Belize City
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER Fairly common Caye Caulker.
SEMI-PALMATED PLOVER Fairly common Caye Caulker, also seen St George’s Caye and at Chetumal.
KILLDEER Several pairs seen Crooked Tree, also seen Caye Caulker
BLACK-NECKED STILT Ones and twos seen alongside the airstrip on Caye Caulker
WILLET Small numbers present on Caye Caulker, 1 Belize City
SPOTTED SANDPIPER Seen in small numbers at Crooked Tree, Black Rock, Caye Caulker, Chetumal
WHIMBREL Several seen Caye Caulker
MARBLED GODWIT One seen on SE coast of Caye Caulker. Apparently this species is only a rare
visitor to Belize
RUDDY TURNSTONE Fairly common on Caye Caulker
LEAST SANDPIPER Small parties Crooked Tree and Caye Caulker
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER Fairly common on Caye Caulker.
LESSER YELLOWLEGS One seen on Airstrip ponds at Caye Caulker
LAUGHING GULL Very common Belize City and the Cayes
GULL-BILLED TERN Small group c 20 seen Crooked Tree
CASPIAN TERN Small group c 20 seen at Crooked Tree with Gull-billed terns
ROYAL TERN Common around Caye Caulker and St George’s Caye
SANDWICH TERN Common around Caye Caulker and St George’s Caye
ROCK DOVE Feral, common in urban areas.
PALE-VENTED PIGEON Seen at Gales Point and quite common on Caye Caulker
SCALED PIGEON Seen at Caves Branch
WHITE-CROWNED PIGEON Frequently seen around the mini reserve Caye Caulker
WHITE-WINGED DOVE Common at Caye Caulker
EUROPEAN COLLARED DOVE One bird seen in the residential area of Caye Caulker
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE Small numbers seen Maya Centre, Cockscomb, Blue Hole NP and Chetumal
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE Identified for sure only around Blue Hole NP and Black Rock
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET Small parties of this species were seen regularly at Crooked Tree, around Maya Centre, Blue Hole. Common in Tikal where one was seen being consumed by Orange breasted falcon.
BROWN-HOODED PARROT Small groups seen at Altan Ha
WHITE-CROWNED PARROT Small numbers seen at Cockscomb, Black Rock and at Tikal
YELLOW-LORED (YUCATAN) PARROT Small numbers seen in the savannah around Crooked Tree
YELLOW HEADED PARROT Seen at Crooked Tree and Cockscomb
WHITE-FRONTED PARROT Seen near Gales Point, at Black Rock and at Tikal
RED-LORED PARROT The most common parrot at Tikal and Crooked Tree
MEALY PARROT Identified for sure only once at Tikal. Probably more widespread than this suggests
MANGROVE COCKOO One seen on the edge of the airstrip, Caye Caulker
SQUIRREL CUCKOO Individuals seen at the Crooked Tree, Cockscomb, Caves Branch and Tikal.
PHEASANT CUCKOO One seen along old airstrip at Tikal. Excellent views obtained .
GROOVE-BILLED ANI Fairly common round Crooked Tree village and seen on the edge of Chetumal in mangroves
MOTTLED OWL Heard around Crooked Tree, seen well near Black Rock
NORTHERN POTOO Two seen on a night drive out of Black Rock
COMMON PARAUQUE Common at Crooked Tree, also seen at Cockscomb, around Black Rock
VAUX’S SWIFT Small numbers seen over Cockscomb and at Black Rock
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT Small numbers around Black Rock – a nest seen along entrance track
LONG-BILLED HERMIT Only seen for sure at Caves Branch and in Tikal
STRIPE-THROATED HERMIT One at Cockscomb
WEDGE-TAILED SABREWING Several seen at Black Rock
PURPLE-CROWNED FAIRY Small numbers seen at Cockscomb and heard often, Blue Hole and Black Rock
GREEN-BREASTED MANGO Several seen in savannas around Crooked Tree. Common on Caye Caulker
CANIVET’S EMERALD Seen in Crooked Tree village, also towards the summit at Black Rock
WHITE-BELLIED EMERALD Individuals seen at Cockscomb, Blue Hole NP and at Tikal
RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD Common on the mainland, seen most days and often common.
CINNAMON HUMMINGBIRD Common on Caye Caulker, mainly seen in gardens around the town
BLACK-HEADED TROGON Seen only at Caves Branch
VIOLACEOUS TROGON Common at Caves Branch, also Black Rock and Tikal
SLATY-TAILED TROGON Small numbers seen Cockscomb, Caves Branch and Black Rock
BLUE-CROWNED MOTMOT Seen only at Caves Branch
RINGED KINGFISHER Seen commonly only at Altan Ha and Crooked Tree
BELTED KINGFISHER Common at Crooked Tree and also seen frequently on Caye Caulker
GREEN KINGFISHER Fairly common at Altan Ha, Crooked Tree, Cockscomb
AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER One seen on southern lagoon at Crooked Tree
COLLARED ARACARI Small parties seen on the fruit feeders at Black Rock
GREEN TOUCANET Two seen in forest on the summit trail at Black Rock
KEEL-BILLED TOUCAN Seen fairly commonly at Maya Centre/Cockscomb, Black Rock and Tikal
ACORN WOODPECKER Common around Crooked Tree – groups of up to 10 together, also at Gales Point
GOLDEN-FRONTED WOODPECKER Common and widespread – seen at Crooked Tree, Caves Branch/Blue Hole,
Tikal and on Caye Caulker
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER Small numbers at Crooked Tree, also at Caves Branch
YELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER Single bird seen three times on Caye Caulker on road to airport
BLACK-CHEEKED WOODPECKER Seen at Cockscomb. Common at Blue Hole/Caves Branch and especially at Black Rock
CHESTNUT-COLORED WOODPECKER A few singles seen at Tikal
LINEATED WOODPECKER Seen at Crooked Tree and Cockscomb, also at Tikal
PALE-BILLED WOODPECKER Several seen at Black Rock and at Tikal
RUDDY WOODCREEPER Several seen at Tikal
WEDGE-BILLED WOODCREEPER Individuals seen at Cockscomb and Caves Branch
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER A few individuals seen at Black Rock and at Tikal
IVORY-BILLED WOODCREEPER We missed a bird at Caves Branch. Finally seen at Tikal where we then saw several
STRONG BILLED WOODCREEPER One seen nr Mundo Perdido, Tikal
PLAIN XENOPS Two individuals seen Tikal
BARRED ANTSHRIKE Pairs seen at Crooked Tree, Cockscomb and Caves Branch
DOT-WINGED ANTWREN A pair seen at Cockscomb
BLACK FACED ANTTHRUSH A pair seen at Tikal. We then saw the same birds in the same area nr the
entrance three times
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA Two different singles seen at Cockscomb
GREENISH ELAENIA Single bird identified at Cockscomb
NORTHERN BENTBILL One seen along Victoria Peak trail, Cockscomb
STUB-TAILED SPADEBILL 2 to 3 birds seen at Tikal near the entrance – very difficult bird to get a good look at
COMMON TODY-FLYCATCHER Several seen at Crooked Tree and at Caves Branch
EYE-RINGED FLATBILL 1 seen Tikal
SULPHUR-RUMPED FLYCATCHER A couple seen at Cockscomb and several at Tikal
VERMILLION FLYCATCHER Very common around Crooked Tree, individuals also seen Maya Centre
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA We managed to see several individuals of this characteristic bird – at
Crooked Tree, Blue Hole, Black Rock and Tikal
BLACK PHOEBE Small numbers seen at Caves Branch around main buildings and at Black Rock
THRUSH-LIKE SCHIFFORNIS Heard frequently at Tikal once we knew what the call was – but only one of us managed a brief view of this elusive bird
RUFOUS PIHA Good views obtained not far from Temple VI at Tikal
RUFOUS MOURNER A good view of one in forest along the main track at Cockscomb
TROPICAL PEWEE Small numbers seen at Crooked Tree and at Black Rock
YELLOW-BELLIED FLYCATCHER Seen for sure at Cockscomb, Caves Branch and Black Rock
LEAST FLYCATCHER We identified this flycatcher twice at Cockscomb - one just by the entrance
gate using the scope
OLIVE SIDED FLYCATCHER One seen near main buildings at Black Rock
DUSKY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER Quite common at Crooked Tree, also seen at Caves Branch and at Tikal
GREAT CRESTED FLYCATCHER 3 or 4 seen at Black Rock. A small group on mangrove outside Chetumal accompanied by 50+ other kingbirds and flycatchers
GREAT KISKADEE Common and widespread in a variety of habitats
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER Small numbers seen in most areas
SOCIAL FLYCATCHER Very common and widespread in a variety of habitats on the mainland
TROPICAL KINGBIRD “Yellow-bellied” kingbirds were very common and widespread on the mainland and the cayes. When we heard them, most appeared to be Tropical Kingbird
COUCH’S KINGBIRD We couldn’t get very excited about looking for this bird but id’d for sure by voice at Black Rock
FORK-TAILED FLYCATCHER Small group seen in grassland outside Crooked Tree
CINNAMON BECARD A pair seen Cockscomb and another at Caves Branch
ROSE-THROATED BECARD One seen at Cockscomb. Several seen at Tikal including a splendid male
BLACK-CROWNED TITYRA One seen near entrance to Tikal
MASKED TITYRA Fairly common at well forested sites – Cockscomb, Blue Hole, Black Rock, Tikal
WHITE-COLLARED MANAKIN Fairly common at Cockscomb, Caves Branch/Blue Hole and Black Rock
RED-CAPPED MANAKIN Single male seen above the main entrance track at Cockscomb
WHITE-EYED VIREO Common at Crooked Tree, Black Rock and Tikal
MANGROVE VIREO Common at Black Rock, Tikal. Also seen at Chetumal
YELLOW-THROATED VIREO Individuals seen at Cockscomb and Caves Branch
YUCATAN VIREO Fairly common on Caye Caulker
LESSER GREENLET Ones or twos seen at Black Rock and Tikal
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE 1 seen in Crooked Tree village, also at Chetumal
BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER Common around Crooked Tree and also at Caves Branch/Blue Hole
BROWN JAY Common and widespread on the mainland, less in very forested areas
YUCATAN JAY Small party seen in woodland along the Crooked Tree lagoon
GRAY CATBIRD Common throughout the mainland
BLACK CATBIRD Fairly common on Caye Caulker, mainly around the airport and Mini Reserve. Also
seen nr Chetumal.
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD Very common outside of forests in Belize and on Caye Caulker
GREY-BREASTED MARTIN Small numbers at Crooked Tree
MANGROVE SWALLOW Common around water – seen at Crooked Tree, Black Rock and Chetumal
NORTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW Seen at Black Rock and Tikal
RIDGWAY’S ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW identified at Tikal where they seemed to be mixed up with Northern
rough-winged’s
SPOT-BREASTED WREN Small numbers at Crooked Tree, Cockscomb, Blue Hole and Black Rock
BAND-BACKED WREN One seen in the garden of Sleeping Giant Lodge between Belmopan and Blue Hole
SPOT BREASTED WREN Seemingly quite common and seen several times at Crooked Tree, Cockscomb, Caves Branch, Black Rock
HOUSE WREN Fairly common around Crooked Tree village, also seen at Black Rock and Tikal
WHITE-BREASTED WOOD-WREN Several seen at Cockscomb and also Caves Branch – hard to get a good look at though
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN Several seen at Cockscomb
SWAINSON’S THRUSH 1 seen at Tikal
WOOD THRUSH Common and widespread on the mainland – seen at Altan Ha, Blue Hole, Black Rock and Tikal
CLAY-COLORED ROBIN Common and widespread on the mainland
PROTHONOTARY WARBLER One seen in the channel edge just by the Agami heron, Crooked Tree lagoon
BLUE-WINGED WARBLER One seen in savannas at Crooked Tree
NORTHERN PARULA Several seen at Crooked Tree
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER Several seen at Cockscomb and at Tikal
GREY-THROATED CHAT A superb male seen along the old airstrip at Tikal
CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER Small numbers seen at Black Rock and at Tikal
MAGNOLIA WARBLER Very common almost everywhere including Caye Caulker
YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER Commonly seen at Crooked Tree, Cockscomb, Black Rock
BLACK THROATED GREEN WARBLER Several seen at Crooked Tree at and at Black Rock
CAPE MAY WARBLER Two birds seen on the edge of the airstrip, Caye Caulker
MANGROVE WARBLER Small numbers seen around the southern end of Caye Caulker – seemed confined to dense mangrove
YELLOW WARBLER Common in many places both on the mainland and at Caye Caulker
WILSON’S WARBLER A couple of birds seen at Black Rock
PALM WARBLER Small numbers at Crooked Tree, Tikal and on Caye Caulker
KENTUCKY WARBLER Seen on the forest floor at Tikal
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT Seen at Maya Centre, Blue Hole and on Caye Caulker
HOODED WARBLER Common on the mainland
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER Common on the mainland
TENNESSEE WARBLER Seen in a good area near the Lazy Iguana, Caye Caulker
AMERICAN REDSTART Common to very common throughout
WORM EATING WARBLER One seen in forest in Tikal – initially confused by the fact that this and Swainson’s warbler are the wrong way round in ‘Birds of Belize’
OVENBIRD Small numbers at Altan Ha, Crooked Tree and Tikal
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH Fairly common on the mainland, also seen on Caye Caulker
LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH Fairly common on the mainland
BANANAQUIT Fairly common on Caye Caulker, also at Chetumal
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER Seen commonly at Crooked Tree, Cockscomb and Caves Branch/Blue Hole
YELLOW-WINGED TANAGER Fairly common at Caves Branch and Black Rock
GREY HEADED TANAGER Seen in small numbers at Altan Ha, Caves Branch, Black Rock and Tikal
RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER Fairly common at Cockscomb, Blue Hole/Caves Branch (in the restaurant!), Black Rock and Tikal
RED-CROWNED ANT TANAGER We suspected we saw this at Black Rock but finally convincingly seen at Tikal
BLACK-THROATED SHRIKE-TANAGER Seen fairly commonly at Cockscomb and at Tikal
CRIMSON-COLLARED TANAGER Seen fairly commonly at Cockscomb, Caves Branch/Blue Hole and Black Rock
SUMMER TANAGER Fairly common almost everywhere including Caye Caulker
PASSERINI’S TANAGER A few pairs seen at Cockscomb and Caves Branch/Blue Hole
SCRUB EUPHONIA Seen at Cockscomb and at Caves Branch
YELLOW-THROATED EUPHONIA Seen at Maya Centre, then at Caves Branch, Black Rock and Tikal
OLIVE-BACKED EUPHONIA Seen in small numbers at Cockscomb and Caves Branch/Blue Hole. More common at Black Rock including on the bird table
GOLDEN-HOODED TANAGER Small parties seen around Caves Branch and Blue Hole NP
GREEN HONEYCREEPER A few seen at Cockscomb and at Caves Branch/Blue Hole
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER Small numbers at Blue Hole NP and Black Rock
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT Small numbers seen at Crooked Tree, Maya Centre, and at Caves Branch
WHITE-COLLARED SEEDEATER Common and widespread
THICK-BILLED SEED-FINCH Singles seen at Cockscomb and at Caves Branch
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT Small groups seen at Black Rock
BLUE-BLACK GROSBEAK A pair seen at Cockscomb
BLUE BUNTING 1 male seen at Black Rock
INDIGO BUNTING Small numbers seen at Black Rock
GRAYISH SALTATOR Several seen at Cockscomb
BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR Present around the buildings at Caves Branch
BLACK-HEADED SALTATOR Seen at Altan Ha and Crooked Tree
BLACK-FACED GROSBEAK Single bird seen at Cockscomb
ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK Small numbers seen at Caves branch and then at Black Rock
ORANGE-BILLED SPARROW Common at Cockscomb, also seen at Caves Branch/Blue Hole
GREEN-BACKED SPARROW Small numbers seen at Black Rock and Tikal
CHIPPING SPARROW Small numbers seen in savanna on the outskirts of Crooked Tree village
RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD One bird seen at Crooked Tree
MELODIOUS BLACKBIRD Very common on the mainland
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE Common in urban and open areas, everywhere except Cockscomb and Blue Hole
YELLOW-BILLED CACIQUE Small numbers seen at Cockscomb and Caves Branch
MONTEZUMA OROPENDOLA Common at Altan Ha and Crooked Tree and in forested areas at caves Branch,
Black Rock, Tikal
BLACK-COWLED ORIOLE Several seen at Crooked Tree, Caves Branch and Black Rock
ORCHARD ORIOLE Common at Crooked Tree, Cockscomb and also at Chetumal
HOODED ORIOLE Quite common on Caye Caulker
YELLOW-TAILED ORIOLE One bird seen at Caves Branch
BALTIMORE ORIOLE Fairly common on the Belize mainland
ALTAMIRA ORIOLE Seen on mangrove swamp on the edge of Chetumal
OTHER TAXA
Mammals
Not a huge variety, but saw Spider (Tikal) and Black Howler (Cockscomb and Tikal) Monkeys, two species of squirrel (Yucatan and Deppe’s), Gray Fox (Gales Point and Black Rock), Kinkajou (Cockscomb), White-nosed Coati (Cockscomb and Tikal) , Agouti (Crooked Tree and Tikal), Common or Virginia Possum (Black Rock), Caribbean Manatee, and a variety of unidentified bats
Reptiles and Amphibians
We saw Morelet’s Crocodile and Saltwater crocodile (Caye Caulker), one turtle species, Coral snake (Black Rock) and a wide variety of lizards - basilisks, geckos, anoles etc. - and frogs