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THE BEST BIRDING SITES IN GUATEMALA
 
 

Welcome to Mayantrail.com!

If you’re visiting our site it’s because you’re eager to have a unique birding adventure—and Guatemala’s the perfect place to do that. This is a bird-watcher’s paradise, a country of dazzling landscapes where more than 700 species of birds inhabit some of the most diverse ecosystems in the Americas—and the world.

At Mayantrail.com you’ll find all the information you need about the best birding spots in Guatemala, how to get to them, visitors’ reviews and ranking of the locations.

Wondering what makes Guatemala a unique birding destination?

Imagine taking a morning hike on a volcano on the shores of Lake Atitlán to watch Cabanis' Tanager, Resplendent Quetzals or Horned Guans coast above coffee farms nestled in the mountains of the western highlands.

A two-hour drive to the southern coasts takes you to the environs of several species of kingfishers and herons, native to the Pacific Coast mangrove swamps.

A day later, you could be trekking through the humid tropical forest that surrounds the ancient Mayan temples of Tikal and come face-to-face with people-friendly Ocellated Turkeys. Better yet, you could climb atop one of the temples to get a view of Yellow-winged Tanagers and Ornate Hawk-Eagles tackle their prey, just as they have been doing since before the Maya built this majestic city.

There’s also much to see as you canoe through the wetlands of the Atlantic Coast or hiking the Sierra de las Minas, where in October you could presence the arrival of migratory birds, among the most prominent the Golden-cheeked Warbler, an endangered species. But perhaps you prefer visiting the popular Quetzal Biotope and its surroundings in the central highlands, where you may get a glimpse of the ever-elusive red-breasted quetzal, the country’s national bird.

There are so many more birds and places to be discovered. So read on, and let us guide you in preparing for your birding journey in a place many affectionately call the Country of the Eternal Spring.

   

  • Pavo de Cacho, Horned Guan , Oreophasis derbianus
    Cracidae
    San Pedro Volcano, Sep-07 Javier Rivas

  • Bobo Vientre-blanco, Brown Booby , Sula leucogaster
    Sulidae
    South Coast, Jose Quinones

  • Pelicano Blanco Americano, American White Pelican , Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
    Pelecanidae
    Zoo, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Pelicano Cafe, Brown Pelican , Pelecanus occidentalis
    Pelecanidae
    Florida, May-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Anhinga anhinga, Anhinga , Anhinga Americana
    Anhingidae
    Florida, May-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Fregata magnifica, Magnificent Frigatebird , Fregata magnificens
    Fregatidae
    South Coast, Jose Quinones

  • Garzon Blanco, Great Egret , Ardea alba
    Ardeidae
    South Coast, Dic-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Garcita Blanco, Snowy Egret , Egretta thula
    Ardeidae
    Amatitlan, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Garza Ganadera, Cattle Egret , Bubulcus ibis
    Ardeidae
    Hun Nal Ye, Mar-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Garcita Verde, Green-backed Heron , Butorides virescens
    Ardeidae
    Bocas del Polochic, Roberto Quesada, FDN

  • Garza Tricolor, Tricolored Heron , Egretta tricolor
    Ardeidae
    Lake Amatitlan, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Garzon Azulado, Great Blue Heron , Ardea herodias
    Ardeidae
    Florida, May-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Garza Azul, Little Blue Heron , Egretta caerulea
    Ardeidae
    Florida, May-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Ibis Blanco, White Ibis , Eudocimus albus
    Threskiornithidae
    Florida, May -08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Aura Cabecirroja, Turkey Vulture , Cathartes aura
    Cathartidae
    South Coast, Maria Neuweiler

  • Gavilan Pescador, Osprey , Pandion haliaetus
    Accipitridae
    Florida, May-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Aguililla Coliroja, Red-tailed Hawk , Buteo jamaicensis
    Accipitridae
    Guatemala City, Oct-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Milano Tijereta, Swallow-tailed Kite , Elanoides forficatus
    Accipitridae
    Florida, Apr-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Halcon Peregrino, Peregrine Falcon , Falco peregrinus
    Falconidae
    Antigua Guatemala, Sep-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Halcon Guaco, Laughing Falcon , Herpetotheres cachinnans
    Falconidae
    Tarrales, Apr-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Cernicalo Americano, American Kestrel , Falco sparverius
    Falconidae
    Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Gallineta Comun, Common Moorhen , Gallinula chloropus
    Rallidae
    Lake Amatitlan, Maria Neuweiler

  • Carao, Limpkin , Aramus guarauna
    Aramidae
    Florida, May-08 Jose Quinones

  • Candelero Americano, Black-necked Stilt , Himantopus mexicanus
    Recurvirostridae
    South Coast, Sep-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Jacana Mesoamericana, Northern Jacana , Jacana spinosa
    Jacanidae
    South Coast, Sep-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Zarapito Trinador, Whimbrel , Numenius phaeopus
    Scolopacidae
    South Coast, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Playero Alzacolita, Spotted Sandpiper , Actitis macularia
    Scolopacidae
    South Coast, Nov-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Playero Pihuihui, Willet , Catoptrophorus semipalmatus
    Scolopacidae
    South Coast, Aug-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Patamarilla Menor, Lesser Yellowlegs , Tringa flavipes
    Scolopacidae
    South Coast, Sep-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Playero Gordo, Red Knot (winter) , Calidris canutus
    Scolopacidae
    South Coast, Sep-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Golondrina-marina de Sandwich, Sandwich Tern , Sterna sandvicensis
    Laridae
    South Coast, Jose Quinones

  • Tortola Colilarga, Inca Dove , Columbina inca
    Columbidae
    South Coast, Nov-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Loro Cachete-amarrillo, Red-lored Parrot , Amazona autumnalis
    Psittacidae
    Francois Herrera

  • Guacamaya Roja, Scarlet Macaw , Ara macao
    Psittacidae
    El Peru, Peten, Apr-99 Jose Quinones

  • Perico Verde Mexicano, Green Parakeet , Arantinga holochlora
    Psittacidae
    Retalhuleu, Dec-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Garrapatero Pijuy, Groove-billed Ani , Crotophaga sulcirostris
    Cuculidae
    Amatitlan, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Tecolotito Comun, Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl , Glaucidim brasilianum
    Strigidae
    Thorn Scrub, Andrea Najera, FDN

  • Tecolote Vermiculado, Vermiculated Screech-Owl , Otus guatemalae
    Strigidae
    Thorn Scrub, Andrea Najera, FDN

  • Buho Cornudo, Great Horned Owl , Bubo virginianus
    Strigidae
    Zoo, Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Tapacaminos Prestame-tu-cuchillo, Buff-collared Nightjar , Caprimulgus ridgwayi
    Caprimulgidae
    Thorn Scrub, Andrea Najera, FDN

  • Biemparado Norteno, Northern Potoo , Nyctibius jamaicensis
    Nyctiibidae
    Tarrales, Apr-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Fundaguero Morado, Violet Sabrewing (male) , Campylopterus hemileucurus
    Trochilidae
    El Pilar, Antigua, Jan-09 Maria Neuweiler

  • Fundaguero Morado, Violet Sabrewing (female) , Campylopterus hemileucurus
    Trochilidae
    El Pilar, Antigua, Jan-09 Maria Neuweiler

  • Colibri Orejiblanco, White-Eared Hummingbird , Hylocharis leucotis
    Trochilidae
    Guatemala City, Jul-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Colibri de Berilo, Berylline Hummingbird , Amazilia beryllina
    Trochilidae
    El Pilar, Antigua, Jan-09 Maria Neuweiler

  • Colibri Canelo, Cinnamon Hummingbird , Amazilia rutila
    Trochilidae
    South Coast, Nov-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Colibri Colirufo, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird , Amazilia tzacatl
    Trochilidae
    Hun Nal Ye, Mar-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Colibri Coroniazul, Azurecrown Hummingbird , Amazilia cyanocephala
    Trochilidae
    El Pilar, Antigua, Jan-09 Maria Neuweiler

  • Fundaguero Rufo, Rufous Sabrewing , Campylopterus rufus
    Trochilidae
    El Pilar, Antigua, Jan-09 Maria Neuweiler

  • Colibri Magnifico, Magnificent Hummingbird (female) , Eugenes fulgens
    Trochilidae
    El Pilar, Antigua, Jan-09 Maria Neuweiler

  • Colibri Magnifico, Magnificent Hummingbird (male) , Eugenes fulgens
    Trochilidae
    El Pilar, Antigua, Jan-09 Maria Neuweiler

  • Colibri-serrano Gorjiverde, Green-throated Mountain-gem , Lampornis viridipallens
    Trochilidae
    El Pilar, Antigua, jul-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Orejavioleta Verde, Green-violet Ear , Colibri thalassinus
    Trochilidae
    El Pilar, Antigua, Jan-09 Maria Neuweiler

  • Trogon Collarejo, Collared Trogon , Trogon collaris
    Trogonidae
    Bocas del Polochic, Aug-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Momota Coriazul, Blue-crowned Motmot , Momotus momota
    Momotidae
    Guatemala City, Sep-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Momoto Coronicafe, Russet-crowned Motmot , Momotus mexicanus
    Momotidae
    Thorn Scrub, Cesar Queme, FDN

  • Momoto Cejiturquesa, Turquoise-browed Motmot , Eumomota superciliosa
    Momotidae
    South Coast, Nov-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Martin Pescador Collarejo, Ringed Kingfisher , Ceryle Torquata
    Alcedinidae
    Auto Safari Chapin, Jan-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Tucancillo collarejo, Collared Aracari , Pteroglossus torquatus
    Ramphastidae
    Hun Nal Ye, Mar-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Tucan Pico-multicolor, Keel-billed Toucan , Ramphastos sulphuratus
    Ramphastidae
    Hun Nal Ye, Mar-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Carpintero Lineado, Lineated Woodpecker , Dryocopus lineatus
    Picidae
    Retalhuleu, Dec-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Carpintero Frentidorado, Golden-fronted Woodpecker , Melanerpes aurifrons
    Picidae
    Guatemala City, Aug-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Carpintero Castano, Chestnut-colored Woodpecker , Celeus castaneus
    Picidae
    Bocas del Polochic, Aug-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Mosquero Negro, Black Phoebe , Sayornis nigricans
    Tyrannidae
    Amatitlan, Jul-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Titira Enmascarada, Masked Tityra , Tytira inquisitor
    Tyrannidae
    Tarrales, Apr-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Luis Gregario, Social Flycatcher , Myiozetetes similis
    Tyrannidae
    Tarrales, Apr-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Tirano Tropical, Tropical Kingbird , Tyrannus melancholicus
    Tyrannidae
    Auto Safari Chapin, Jan-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Tirano-tijereta Rosado, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher , Tyrannus forficatus
    Tyrannidae
    South Coast, Maria Neuweiler

  • Mosquero Vientre-ocre, Ochre-bellied Flycatcher , Mionectes oleagineus
    Tyrannidae
    Cerro San Gil, Fundaeco

  • Mosquero Real, Royal Flycatcher , Onychorynchus coranatus
    Tyrannidae
    Cerro San Gil, Fundaeco

  • Picochato Rabon, Stub-tailed Spadebill , Platyrinchus cancrominus
    Tyrannidae
    Cerro San Gil, Fundaeco

  • Pibi, Pewee , Contopus sp.
    Tyrannidae
    Atitlan, Jul-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Saltarin Cabecirrojo, Red-capped Manakin , Pipra mentalis
    Pipridae
    Cerro San Gil, Fundaeco

  • Chara Centroamericana, Busy-crested Jay , Cyanocorax melanocyaneus
    Corvidae
    Guatemala City, Mar-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Urraca-hermosa Cariblanca, White-throated Magpie-Jay , Calocitta formosa
    Corvidae
    Retalhuleu, Dec-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Chara Papan, Brown Jay , Cyanocorax morio
    Corvidae
    Hun Nal Ye, Mar-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Golondrina Manglera, Mangrove Swallow , Tachycineta albilinea
    Hirundinidae
    South Coast, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Golondrina Riberena, Bank Swallow , Riparia riparia
    Hirundinidae
    South Coast, Nov-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Matraca Nuquirufa, Rufous-naped Wren , Campylorhynchus rufinucha
    Troglodytidae
    South Coast, Sep-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Zorzal Pardo, Clay-colored Robin , Turdus greyi
    Turdidae
    Guatemala City, May-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Zorzalito maculado, Wood Thrush , Hylocichla mustelina
    Turdidae
    Hun Nal Ye, Mar-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Cenzontle Sureno, Tropical Mockingbird , Mimus gilvus
    Mimidae
    Atitlan, Jun-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Chipe Amarrillo, Yellow Warbler , Dendroica petechia
    Parulidae
    Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Chipe de Kentucky, Kentucky Warlber , Oporornis formosus
    Parulidae
    Cerro San Gil, Fundaeco

  • Chipe Cejidorada, Golden-browed Warbler , Basileuterus belli
    Parulidae
    Albores, Andrea Najera, FDN

  • Chipe de Wilson, Wilson?s Warbler , Wilsonia pusilla
    Parulidae
    Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweilerr

  • Chipe Peregrino, Tennessee Warbler , Vermivora peregrina
    Parulidae
    Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Chipe Ceruleo, Cerulean Warbler , Dendroica cerulea
    Parulidae
    Retalhuleu, Dic-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Tangara Aliamarilla, Yellow-winged Tanager , Thraupis abbas
    Thraupidae
    Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Tangara Azuligris, Blue-grey Tanager , Thraupis episcopus
    Thraupidae
    Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Mielero Patirrojo, Red-legged Honeycreeper , Cyanerpes cyaneus
    Thraupidae
    Retalhuleu, Dec-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Tangara Escarlata, Scarlet Tanager , Piranga olivacea
    Thraupidae
    Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Rascador Patilludo, Prevosts?Ground-Sparrow , Melozone biarcuatum
    Emberizidae
    Cerro de Oro, Atitlan, Jun-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Semillero Collarejo, White-collared Seedeater male , Sporophila torqueola
    Emberizidae
    South Coast, May-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Semillero Pechicanelo, Rudy-breasted Seadeater , Sporophila minuta
    Emberizidae
    South Coast, Mar-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Semillero Apizarrado, Slate-colored Seedeater , Sporophila schistacea
    Emberizidae
    Bocas del Polochic, Aug-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Gorrion Chingolo, Rufous-collared Sparrow , Zonotrichia capensis
    Emberizidae
    Atitlan, Jul-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Colorin Morado, Varied Bunting , Passerina versicolor
    Cardinalidae
    Thorn Scrub, Andrea Najera, FDN

  • Saltador Cabecinegro, Black-headed Saltator , Saltator atriceps
    Cardinalidae
    Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Zanate Mayor, Great-tailed Grackle , Quiscalus mexicanus
    Icteridae
    Zoo, Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Tordo Cantor, Melodius Black-bird , Dives dives
    Icteridae
    Atitlan, Jun-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Bolsero Pechimanchado, Spot-breasted Oriole , Icterus pectoralis
    Icteridae
    South Coast, Sep-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Bolsero de Altamira, Altamira Oriole , Icterus gularis
    Icteridae
    Thorn Scrub, Andrea Najera, FDN

  • Bolsero de Baltimore, Baltimore Oriole female , Icterus galbula
    Icteridae
    Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Bolsero de Baltimore, Baltimore Oriole male , Icterus galbula
    Icteridae
    Guatemala City, Oct-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Bolsero Castano, Orchard Oriole , Icterus spurius
    Icteridae
    Retalhuleu, Dec-07 Maria Neuweiler

  • Oropendola, Montezuma Oropendola , Psarocolius montezuma
    Icteridae
    Hun Nal Ye, Mar-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Todo Sargento, Red-winged Blackbird , Agelaius phoeniceus
    Icteridae
    Florida, May-08 Maria Neuweiler

  • Vaquero Ojirrojo, Bronzed Cowbird , Molothrus aeneus
    Icteridae
    Patulul, Jul-08 Maria Neuweiler




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Map by UVG
 

Some Visitors' Reviews

This will give you an idea of other persons experiences of the site and can help you choose destinations of your preference.

Tikal
Tikal may possibly be the most magical place in Latin America for nature watching. As observers move through time from the pre-Columbian era to the present, one can easily imagine the central role nature played in the ideology and culture of this ancient, tropical way of life. Birds are easy to spot in Tikal, they fly today as they did even before the Maya city existed…what does the future hold?

--Robin Schiele
Nature illustrator
www.robinschiele.com

Los Andes
I visited Los Andes in the spring of 2006 and was very impressed with the diversity of birdlife present there. Even the grounds around the main house were alive with hummingbirds, warblers, and other species attracted to the native plants in the gardens. But it is the system of trails in the cloud forest above the tea and coffee fields where the best bird watching occurs. Our local guides knew the favorite haunts of the resplendent quetzal (which has been studied at Los Andes by ornithologists for a number of years) and the rare azure-rumped tanager, both of which we found, along with more than 40 other species, in a morning of birding.

I can highly recommend Los Andes as a bird-watching destination in the western highlands of Guatemala.

--Bill Thompson, III
Editor
Bird Watcher's Digest


Birding in San Juan La Laguna, Lake Atitlán
To see the views of the place http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=6D684AA535BA74B8
For more information read San Pedro Volcano alternatives.



  
Red-legged Honeycreeper / La Reunion
  
Yellow-throated Euphonia / La Reunion

New destinies, new photos!

Visit http://www.mayantrail.blogspot.com to know more about Guatemala and its birds (information in Spanish).