Belize is home to over 500 species of resident and migratory birds; making it an ideal Central America destination for birders and nature lovers. Whether you’re an avid bird-watcher or amateur, one thing is almost guaranteed; you will see beautiful and exotic birds everywhere in Belize.
Not to disappoint, my birding experience – which before my trip to Belize was very minimal, if non-existent – went full throttle from day one at my arrival at the Lamanai Outpost Lodge. In what was an impromptu activity, I headed on my first night bird watching tour; cruising on a shallow boat over crocodile infested the New River Lagoon.
In fact, the New River Lagoon is considered one of the best places in Belize for bird watching. Here are a few shots taken during that ride.
Tiger Heron
Ringed Kingfisher
Pauraque Bird
Northern Potoo
Green Heron
American Pygmy Kingfisher
Little Frog
There’s something I failed to mention… that boat ride was also a crocodile catching experience. We saw a few treacherous eyes pooping on the water, and quickly submerging, as we got close. Still, we could see the 10 foot+ silhouette under the water as they swam under our boat and around it.
While we didn’t catch any, the next morning we were shown a small crocodile that was caught the night before. I was brave enough to hold it (mouth bound, of course) and feel its plasticky rubber-like skin.
FYI… No harm was done to the crockie. It was later released back to the river.
Crocodile
Me with the little Crocodile
Not to be outdone, other parts of Belize showcased their best in aviary and wildlife. In the southern region of Toledo, you will find places like Machaca Hill, San Jose Village, and even across the border towards Guatemala, that are also good spots for bird watching and river cruising.
Locals call this one the Leopard Bird.
Howler Monkeys are everywhere at Machaca Hills
Black-headed Trogon
Montezuma Oropendola
And... a good traditional Turkey.
Though Belize is small in size, it certainly offers an array of ecosystems, habitats, and landscapes that offer a varied birding scene that gives no trouble to the casual observer, like me, to spot dozens of species flying through.
Nice bird shots!
And I would be really scared (but I guess, that’s why very very tempted too) to hold the small crocodile.
Thanks Abhijit! Believe me, I was somewhat scared, but even more tempted to hold the crockey!
I don’t know much about birds but they can be fascinating creatures. I’ve actually found myself just watching them recently, observing their behavior. Sounds like a great expedition! Great photo with the crocodile and love the turkey! Is it Thanksgiving yet?
Jeremy, I don’t know much about birds either, but I can say that watching birds in Belize requires zero knowledge.
They are so abundant and beautiful that you get used to see them everywhere. The turkey… ha! That was at San Jose Village, where by now it could be someone’s meal.
Great shots! Looks like a great trip. Don’t know if I would have been able to hold that crocodile though :/
Thanks Ali! It was a great trip, indeed. Holding the crocodile wasn’t as scary as I though it would be. Though I admit I still was a bit scared.
Norbert,
We lived in Belize in Corozal near Orange Walk with our 3 sons. I remember the boat ride and visit to Lamanai, but looks like you did a night-time bird watching tour. What great photos and I shall be in touch with you again about guest posting. How many countries have you been to so far since you decided to travel?
Sonia, I love the Orange Walk district (at least what I saw). Yes, I did a bird watching night tour as it was something last minute and the lodge guys wanted to show us around the area.
Sure, contact me back.
Um, yikes… I need to recount the countries, but I guess I’m around 30 – 35.
These pics might make me reconsider my stance on bird watching. For some reason, I can’t get as excited about birds as other wildlife. Crocodiles, though… I would love to hold one!
Ha! Well, I’m not big on bird watching, but that is unavoidable in Belize; whether you’re doing it on purpose or just walking around. The crocs are cool… and scary!
What AWESOME shots, incredible!!! I didn’t want the pics to end.
Thanks Andi! I wish I had taken more pics of the birds. There were so many more I just didn’t have the chance to capture.
Hey Norbert,
Fantastic post!! I love to go on wildlife oriented excursions. I have never been on a specific bird watch tour but I would life to go on one. When I went to Belize, I saw tons of wildlife while walking around the Caracol ruins. I also held a small crocodile in Panama. Central America is a great place to easily catch a glimpse of wildlife.
Thanks Ruth! Ah, you went to Belize too! So much wildlife, right?! I didn’t have the chance to go to Caracol, but I bet it was as full of birds and other animals as the rest of Belize. The crocs are cool to hold, right?!
I love how sharp & clear these photos are even though they’re taken at night.
Thanks Samuel! I had a bit of help with a spotlight in the night shots. I wish I was more savvy with my camera, but I’m really happy with what I caught.
I have never though of bird watching as being particularly exciting…however…the fact that you can do it at night, changes my opinion and makes me want to go!
Kyle, bird watching at night is definitely a different experience, especially if you’re traveling through a crocodile infested river! It’s interesting to see the nocturnal birds in full action, something that is rarely seen during the day.
I got to hand it to you, that is some of the best photography I have ever seen. You were able to get a bunch of excellent photos of those birds. The picture of the little frog is so cute. I definitely would love to go bird watching there. Great article!
Thanks Bob! I think that little frog is really cute too! The birds were pretty impressive also, with many of them being really colorful!
The birds are such adorable creatures! I loved watching them as well here! Thank you for sharing these lovely clicks!
Thanks Arti! I loved having the opportunity to photograph them. I’m very impressed by the abundant and beautiful bird life in Central America.
Great photos, especially the ringed kingfisher and the green heron. What a great experience, I would love to go to Belize and see the birds. Thanks for sharing your adventure. Geoff
Thanks Geoff! Yes, if you’re into birding, then Belize is a place you have to go!