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Yucatan and its Birds
“The state of Yucatan is home to 444 of the 547 bird species registered for the entire YucatanPeninsula, which in turn represents 50% of all the birds reported for Mexico. The species are diverse in that they belong to 67 of the 75 bird families found within this region. Apart from the great diversity of species to be found in the area, the region’s fame for endemicism in both its flora and fauna makes a visit to the Yucatan (incorporating the three states of Campeche, Quintana Roo and Yucatan) a “must” for enthusiastic wildlife viewers. Invariably, such visitors are drawn to the state of Yucatan to view the only colony of American Flamingos in Mexico – numbering more than 40,000 individuals – and to observe the antics of the endemic Yucatan Wren, that predominately inhabits the north coast of the state. In addition, the state of Yucatan has traditionally served as the region’s cultural center and is the perfect place to combine birds with visits to Maya archeological zones and rural communities, where birdwatching is becoming popular among local nature guides,” Barbara MacKinnon.
The most exciting bird event is the Toh Festival de Aves (Toh Bird Festival), which takes place each November. This year it will be held November 18-21, 2010. For information on the festival, and how to register, there is a link below.
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What kind of birds make their home in the Yucatan?
The following description is courtesy of the Hacienda Chichen's Bird Refuge, which offers a splendid Bird Watching holiday, a brisk walking distance from the ruins of Chichen Itza.
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| Endemic to Yucatan and protected in our Nature Reserve, the beautiful Oscillated turkey, Agriocharis ocellata, is known to the Maya as the grand "Kutz". Males have a lovely plumage of iridescent golden yellow, violent, indigo blue, metallic greens and white; their head and neck color has deep hues of blue and violet with protuberances like a domestic turkey. Their tails have a semi-circular pattern near the end of the feathers. Found only in Yucatan, the Oscillated turkey feeds on seeds, shoots or insects, lives in small family groups within deciduous low bush forest. A ground dweller that cannot be domesticated and nests in dense forest spots, sleeping at tree top branches. Maya families enjoy to eat these shy and easy to disrupt birds.
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The majestic looking Turquoise-browed mot-mot or "Toh" as the Maya named this bird, Eumomota superciliosa, has distinctive multi-color plumage a light turquoise crown, black eye marks, and two long tail semi-naked feathers with a drop like decorative shape tip. The Blue-crowned mot-mot, Motmotus momota (right photo) also named "Toh" by the Mayas, has similar facial marks and multi green/blue feathers with yellow/orange bellies, though its two semi-naked tail feathers are a bit shorter. Toh birds are among the few cave dwellers species, nesting in wells and Yucatan's cenotes.
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Painted bunting males have a distinctive color pattern plumage: bright red from their peak's bottom to their belly and tail. Their backs have bright metallic hues of green, while their head blends deep indigo blue with violet tones, plus a red circle eye-line. This beautiful bird is a permanent resident in the Maya Jungle Reserve in Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico. Passerine ciris female bird has a pale brown back and yellow/green belly. They inhabit mid–low scrubland and forest. Shy, reproduces near water areas in wood dense wild sites. Feeds on seeds, small fruits, and some insects. At the Hacienda Chichen Bird Refuge it is seen near the pool area.
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You will find Summer tanager birds, Piranga rubra, at dawn or during the day perching within our gardens. Males have a distinctive bright red scarlet plumage all over the body but the wings which are a bit darker. A female has a olive-yellow plumage. Although Summer tanager are birds known to migration, at the Hacienda Chichen Nature Maya Jungle Reserve guests and visitors may see these scarlet beautiful birds almost all year around. The main diet of these birds is filled with seeds, insects, or tropical fruits.
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| The Green Jay, Cyanocorax yucas, is known in Yucatan as the majestic "Ses Ib" birds. These wild birds' plumage stands out with beautiful shades of green on back and wings. A blue-violet shade top with black marking bib coming from the head sides and throat. The green tail has yellow feathers on each side that are seen as it flies. Green Jays inhabit well preserved low or medium forest, feeding on fruits, tender shoots and flowers. Breeds and nests in deep foliage areas. Enjoys flying solitary but it is known to fly in groups of two or more during mating season. Yucatan's side roads and open forest areas are perfect places to find them.
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The Yucatan jay, Cyanocorax yucatecanicus, is an endemic bird species that Maya call "Ch'el." This is a jay with brilliant turquoise blue plumage on back and wings, bright yellow peak, feet, and eyeliner, with black feather head, throat, and belly. Breeds in undisturbed wooded areas, nesting in small flocks. Can be seen eating near banana and fruit crops, or on the ground some insects and seeds. Flies in small groups and enjoys pastures and open fields; very talkative and social. The Yucatan Jay is a medium size bird that can be observed all times of the day. Females birds have black peaks and feet.
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Yucatan woodpecker, Melanerpes pygmaeous, is known to Maya people as a "Ch'ujum." This woodpecker is endemic to the Yucatan, living in low forest with plenty of insects to feed; loves the coconut plantation at Hacienda Chichen, an area that many families of Yucatan woodpeckers reside year round. Nests and breeds in old hollow wood branches where up to four eggs may be incubated for 23 days. Fascinating birds have black and white strips backs and wings plumage, and a pale yellow/brown body; the forehead yellow spot is clearly mark and the crest is vivid red. A large strong peak with a very long retractable tongue supported by a strong tendon attached to the skull of these birds help them feed.
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Yucatan parrots, "T'uut" in Maya, are another endemic birds, the species is only found in the Yucatan Peninsula, These birds travel in flocks from feeding grounds to their roosting sites. Parrots are monogamous for life and become good pets; but are best enjoy flying free in their medium forest habitat. Yucatan parrots love to fly together in small groups to feed on fruits, seeds, flowers high on tree branches. Talkative and noisy, their plumage is mainly emerald green with indigo blue outline wing feathers; when in flight, their red patched wings can be observed clearly. At the forehead, these birds have a patch of yellow feathers near the peak, a white spot covers the head top, red feather near eyes.
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Other popular birds include:
The Keel-Billed Toucan is also known as the Rainbow billed toucan and it inhabits the tropical south forest in Colombia to Yucatan. The Ramphastos sulfuratus, are beautiful, colorful birds so attractive and elegant, they area a joy to observe in the wild. A Keel toucan has black body, belly, and tail plumage, blue eyeliner, and a yellow or white bib shaped chest. Feeds fruits, and seeds, enjoys flying in small groups to perch atop lush tree canopy. The large peak is light in weight for it is built as a sponge soft bone covered in keratin a very waxy protein. The Keel-billed toucan roosts in a hollow old tree branch with other toucans of the flock. Very sociable bird that is a joy to watch in the wild as it flies with his small flock from tree top to tree top.
Up on tree top branches you will find the Orange Oriole, Icterus auratus, an endemic bird species found only in Yucatan Peninsula. The male all body is covered with bright deep yellow with under hues of orange plumage; the wings are black with clearly marked white bands, the eye and neck have some areas of black plumage. It inhabits low forest and areas with fruit and flower trees, eats nectar, insects, seeds, and a few seeds. Nests with other birds of its kind, sociable and adapted, the Orange oriole, weaves impressive nests from plant fibers and tree or grass cuts; its nest are large, made out of straw and dry sticks artistically woven to hang.
Gray Hawk (Buteo nitidus) is a neo-tropical raptor or bird of prey that breeds in the Hacienda Chichen's lush royal palms and forest edges. This beautiful raptor is known to the Maya as Yoksadz. Adult Gray hawks can reach up to 50cm in height and hunt for food primarily using its talons; this raptor eats lizards, snakes and other small animals. Gray hawks display a characteristic curved tip to their beak and have super vision; they have pale grey body, black tail with three white bands and strong orange legs; gray hawks are short winged with a fast agile flight. Territorial in nature; their nest usual has two pale blue white eggs.
Other endemic birds found in the Yucatan Peninsula include:
Black-throated bobwhite, Colinus nigrogularis, "Bech" in Maya.
Yucatan night-jar, Caprimulgus badius, called "Box Pujuy" in Maya.
Yucatan poorwill, Nyctiphrynus yucatanius, called "Chac Pujuy" in Maya.
Mexican sheartail, Dorich eliza, an emerald green humming bird, "Dzunum" in Maya.
Yucatan flycatcher, Myiarchus yucatanesis, known in Maya as a " X'takay "
Ridway's rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis, or "Cutzam" in Maya.
Yucatan wren, Campylorhynchus yucatanicus, called " Yan coti" in Maya.
Black catbird, Melapnotilia glabrirostris, or Box Chika' in Maya.
Orange oriole, Icterus auratus, " yuyum" in Maya, popular in our Bird Refuge.
Rose-throated tanager, Piranga roseogularis, rare to observe but can be heard.
Yucatan vireo, Vireo magister,
Yellow-throated Warbler, Dendroica dominica,
Rufous-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis erythrothorax
And to this, consider the other 140 species of birds! A complete listing is provided below.
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To contact the Toh Bird Festival, click here.
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To contact the Hacienda Chichen Bird Watching Refugee, click here.
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For a complete listing of the Birds in Yucatan, click here.
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And here is a listing of organizations of interest to bird watching enthusiasts in Yucatan:
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