The Blue Birds of Belize are a beautiful and rare species of bird that can be found throughout the country. These birds are known for their striking blue plumage and melodious song.
They are an essential part of Belize’s natural heritage and bring much joy to the people of Belize. As a species, the Blue Bird of Belize is considered to be threatened due to habitat destruction, hunting, and other human activities.
However, conservation efforts are underway to preserve and protect these birds for future generations.
16 Bluebirds to Watch in Belize
Belize is a small country in Central America, but it is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including many species of birds. Among them are 16 species of bluebirds, known for their bright blue plumage and melodious songs.
Here are 16 bluebirds, and we tell you where and how to find them in Belize.
1. Blue-Gray Tanager
The blue-gray tanager is a songbird species native to South America and Central America. It is a member of the tanager family Thraupidae, and its range extends from Mexico to northeast Bolivia and northern Brazil, covering much of the Amazon Basin.
This species has also been introduced to Lima, the capital of Peru. This bird is known as the blue jean on the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The blue-gray tanager is medium-sized, typically measuring five and six inches long.
Its plumage is grayish-blue, mainly in color, with a tinge of olive and yellow on the wings and tail. Its bill is black, while its legs are pale gray.
The male and female of the species look similar, with the female having slightly duller plumage. The blue-gray tanager is mainly a ground feeder, foraging in leaf litter and on the ground for insects and small fruits.
It can sometimes be seen visiting bird feeders, where it will take advantage of the accessible food sources found there.
Its song is a series of high-pitched whistles that can be heard from afar. The blue-gray tanager is a widespread species, and its population is not considered to be threatened.
It is a famous bird among birdwatchers, who value it for its colorful plumage and distinctive song.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Thraupis |
| Species | T. episcopus |
2. Red-Legged Honeycreeper
The red-legged honeycreeper is an attractive species of songbird belonging to the Tanager family. It is native to the tropical New World region, stretching from southern Mexico to Peru, Bolivia, Central Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Cuba.
Although it is rarely seen in this area, it has been introduced to southern Texas and can be found there. This species usually lives in tropical forests and other moist areas, where it forages for insects and other small invertebrates.
It also often visits flowering plants to feed on nectar. The red-legged honeycreeper is a small bird with a length of around 12 cm. Its plumage is mostly a light blueish-grey, with a deep red patch on its legs and a contrasting black head.
It has a short, pointed beak, which it uses to catch its prey.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Cyanerpes |
| Species | C. cyaneus |
3. White-Necked Jacobin
The white-necked jacobin is a beautiful, medium-sized hummingbird that is found in a variety of regions. It is native to Mexico, Central America, northern South America, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Trinidad & Tobago.
It is sometimes called the great Jacobin or collared hummingbird due to its distinct white neck and collar. The white-necked jacobin has dark green plumage with a metallic blue-green sheen on its head and back.
Its wings are black with white tips, and its tail is black with white spots. The most defining feature of the white-necked jacobin is its white neck and collar, which gives it its name.
The white-necked jacobin is also known for its long, curved bill, which is used to feed on nectar from flowers. The white-necked jacobin is a very active bird, flitting from flower to flower in search of nectar and insects.
It also has a distinctive call, a loud, shrill “chirp” used to attract mates and defend its territory. The white-necked jacobin is a significant species in its local habitats.
It plays a vital role in pollination, helping to spread pollen from flower to flower as it feeds.
It is also an important food source for many species of birds, reptiles, and even some mammals. Overall, the white-necked jacobin is a beautiful species that is an integral part of its local ecosystems. Its defining features and active lifestyle make it a sight to behold.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Florisuga |
| Species | F. mellivora |
4. Scarlet Macaw
The scarlet macaw is a beautiful bird native to the Americas. It has a bright yellow face and chest, and its wings and tail are adorned with shades of red and blue.
This parrot is a large bird, measuring up to three feet in length, and it is native to the humid evergreen forests of Central and South America. These birds are intelligent and have complex vocalizations. They are also highly social and often found in pairs or groups.
The scarlet macaw is an integral part of many tropical rainforest ecosystems, as it helps disperse seeds and pollinate flowers. Unfortunately, their population has decreased dramatically due to habitat loss and illegal poaching.
Conservation efforts are needed to protect this majestic species and its unique habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Ara |
| Species | A. macao |
5. Amazonian Motmot
The Amazonian motmot is a stunningly beautiful bird in the Amazon and Andean lowlands. It is part of the family Momotidae, which is part of the near-passerine bird group. This type of bird includes species like woodpeckers, kingfishers, and trogons.
The Amazonian motmot is found in many territories, from eastern Venezuela to eastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina.
This wide range of habitats makes it one of the most widely distributed birds in the Americas. The Amazonian Motmot is notable for its vibrant colors. It is typically a bright blue-green or green-bronze color with a black and white tail.
The long tail feathers are usually streaked with black and white and are often adorned with black and white spots.
It has a pointed, hooked bill and long legs, which it uses to cling to tree branches and hunt for insects. The Amazonian motmot is an omnivorous bird that feeds on insects, fruit, and small lizards. It is also known to eat small fish occasionally.
Its main predators are larger birds of prey, such as hawks, eagles, and owls. The Amazonian motmot is an essential species in the Amazon and Andean lowlands. It plays a vital role in regulating insect populations and dispersing fruit and seeds.
It is also a critical component of the local ecosystem, providing essential food sources for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Momotidae |
| Genus | Momotus |
| Species | M. momota |
6. Yellow-Throated Euphonia
The yellow-throated euphonia is a beautiful songbird native to Mexico and Central America. Its range extends from Belize in the north to western Panama in the south, making it one of the region’s most widespread species of songbirds.
The yellow-throated euphonia belongs to the family Fringillidae, which includes birds such as finches, crossbills, and grosbeaks.
This species is known for its bright yellow throat, face, and distinct song, composed of short notes that can easily be heard in the forest. The yellow-throated euphonia is a relatively small bird, measuring only about 10 centimeters long.
It is usually found in the canopy of tropical and subtropical forests and is usually seen perched on the top of a tree or bush. This species primarily feeds on insects and fruit and is an important seed disperser in the forests where it lives.
It is also an important pollinator, helping to spread pollen from one plant to another, thus helping to ensure the health of the forest ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Euphonia |
| Species | E. hirundinacea |
7. Red-Footed Booby
The red-footed booby is a large seabird from the Sulidae family, and it is easily recognizable by its vibrant red feet. The bird’s feathers, however, can be of various shades, from light brown to dark grey.
These birds are known to be strong and agile fliers, but they lack the skill to take off and land gracefully. The red-footed booby is a tropical seabird that breeds in colonies in coastal areas, often on islands.
They are found in warm climates worldwide, from the Caribbean to the Pacific and even in some areas of South America. The red-footed booby is an integral part of the ecosystem, as it helps to keep the population of certain fish species in check by preying on them.
This bird is also an essential part of the beauty of the tropics, as its bright colors and playful habits make it a famous sight for tourists and locals alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. sula |
8. Tricolored Heron
The tricolored heron, also known as the Louisiana heron, is a species of heron found mainly in coastal regions of the Americas. This species is distinctive from other herons in the Americas due to its smaller size and more solitary nature.
It feeds mainly on small fish, which it catches by standing still in the water or actively searching. The tricolored heron can be identified by its blue-grey body, white head and neck, and orange-streaked wings.
It is generally found near estuaries, marshes, lagoons, and other areas with shallow water. The species is widespread in much of the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America.
The tricolored heron is not considered threatened or endangered despite its wide range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. tricolor |
9. Red-Lored Amazon
The Red-Lored Amazon, also known as the Red-Lored Parrot, is a species of parrot native to the tropical regions of the Americas. This species is found in humid evergreen and semi-deciduous forests from eastern Mexico to southern Ecuador, up to an altitude of 1,100 meters.
The Red-Lored Amazon is absent from the Pacific side of Central America, north of Costa Rica. This species of parrot is known for its striking coloring and attractive appearance. The body is mainly green, with a red forehead and lores (the area between the eyes and the bill).
The wings are blue, and the tail is long and pointed. The beak is black, and the eyes are yellow. The Red-Lored Amazon is a social bird usually found in groups of 4-10 individuals. They feed on fruits, nuts, flowers, and insects.
They are known to be good at mimicking sounds and can even learn to speak words and phrases. The Red-Lored Amazon is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN, meaning it is not facing any immediate threats.
However, habitat destruction, trapping for the pet trade, and the illegal trade of wild-caught birds still threaten this species. Conservation efforts must be taken to ensure that the Red-Lored Amazon can continue to thrive in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Amazona |
| Species | A. autumnalis |
10. Agami Heron
The Agami Heron is a bird native to Central America and parts of South America. It is a medium-sized heron found in countries such as Peru and Brazil. It is also known as the chestnut-bellied heron due to its distinctive coloring.
This species of heron is the only one of its genus, Agamia. The Agami Heron is a slim, elegant bird with white and gray plumage and a yellow bill. Its chest and belly are a warm chestnut color, with a long, black crest along its neck.
It usually stands around two feet tall, with a wingspan of around three and a half feet. The Agami Heron is a resident breeding bird that nests and breeds in the same area year-round. It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and lagoons.
It feeds on aquatic animals, including small fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. The Agami Heron is considered a vulnerable species, as its population is declining due to habitat loss and pollution.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat so that future generations can enjoy the beauty of this unique bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Agamia |
| Species | A. agami |
11. Ringed Kingfisher
The ringed kingfisher is a species of large, brightly-colored bird found in the Rio Grande Valley in southeast Texas, extending through Central America to the southern tip of South America. It is prominent and very vocal, making its presence known with its distinct call.
The kingfisher is a carnivore, feeding mainly on fish, crustaceans, and insects. The species is adapted for life near water, as its long, sharp bill is ideal for catching prey.
The ringed kingfisher is known for its striking plumage, featuring blue, green, and reddish-brown feathers. The birds can be seen perched atop trees or telephone poles, scanning for prey in the water below.
These birds are essential to the local ecosystems, as they help to keep populations of fish, crustaceans, and insects in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. torquata |
12. Green Jay
The green jay is a species of New World jay that is native to Central America. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 27 cm in length.
The coloration of the green jay across its range is quite variable but typically features a blue and black head, green wings and mantle, a bluish-green tail, a black bill, yellow or brown eye rings, and dark legs.
The combination of these features makes the green jay one of Central America’s most striking and memorable birds. The bird is also highly vocal, and its distinctive call can be heard from far away.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocorax |
| Species | C. luxuosus |
13. Cotinga
The cotingas are a family of birds belonging to the suboscine passerine group. They are found mainly in Central America and tropical South America. These birds are typically found near forests or the edges of forests and have a primarily frugivorous diet.
Cotingas have several distinct features, such as broad bills with hooked tips, rounded wings, and strong legs. These features allow cotingas to easily find and consume fruits from various sources in their natural environment.
Cotingas are known for their bright colors and vibrant plumage, which makes them a famous sight in tropical rainforests. The cotingas are an essential part of many ecosystems, as they help to spread the seeds of the fruits they consume, resulting in new plant growth.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cotingidae |
14. Cracidae
Source: Wikipedia
The Chachalacas, Guans, and Curassows are all birds belonging to the Cracidae family. This family consists of species of birds primarily found in tropical and subtropical Central and South America.
One species, the plain chachalaca, has a slightly extended range that reaches the southernmost parts of Texas in the United States. The chachalaca is a medium-sized bird found mainly in Mexico and Central America.
It has a long tail and a distinctive call that can be heard even from great distances. The guan is a giant bird, usually found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. They have shorter tails and mainly feed on fruits and insects.
The curassow is the family’s most prominent member family and is typically found in the tropical forests of South America. They have colorful plumage and are known for their loud calls. The Cracidae family is integral to the avian diversity in Central and South America.
They are beautiful and exciting birds and are essential to the local ecosystem. They provide food for numerous predators, such as raptors, and help disperse the seeds of many different plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Cracidae |
15. American Purple Gallinule
The Purple Gallinule is a species of swamphen found in the genus Porphyrio. It belongs to the order Gruiformes, known for its similarities to cranes, rails, and crakes. It is a rail species, meaning it is a member of the Rallidae family.
Locally, it is known as the Yellow-Legged Gallinule. The Purple Gallinule is a medium-sized bird, typically 25-30 cm long, and is identifiable by its bright purple-blue plumage and yellow legs.
It is a wetland bird residing in marshes, swamps, and shallow waters in North and South America, Africa, and Asia.
It is an omnivore, feeding on various aquatic plants, insects, and small crustaceans. The Purple Gallinule is a social bird, living in groups of up to 20 individuals.
It is very vocal, producing a variety of whistles, whines, and croaks to communicate with others in its group.
It is also an excellent swimmer, able to walk across lily pads, floating vegetation, and even along the water’s surface. The Purple Gallinule is a significant species to the wetland ecosystems it inhabits.
It is crucial in dispersing aquatic plants and helps control insect populations. It is also a famous bird for birdwatchers due to its vibrant plumage and entertaining behavior.
Despite its importance, the Purple Gallinule is threatened by habitat destruction and hunting, making it an endangered species in some parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Porphyrio |
| Species | P. martinicus |
16. Boat-Billed Heron
The Boat-billed Heron, also known as the Boatbill, is a unique bird in the heron family. It is the only species in its genus, Cochlearius, and used to be placed in its own distinct family, the Cochleariidae.
It lives in mangrove swamps in Central and South America, from Mexico to Peru and Brazil. The Boat-billed Heron is a large bird, measuring up to 90 cm in length.
Its most distinctive feature is its large, boat-like bill, which is pale yellow or cream and has a slight downward curve. Its head, neck, and chest are black, with white spots on its face and neck.
Its back, wings, and tail feathers are brown, and its long legs are grey. The Boat-billed Heron is a solitary and nocturnal bird, spending most of its time in dense vegetation near water.
It feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and insects, sometimes using its bill to stir the water and flush out prey. It also uses its bill to catch flying insects. The Boat-billed Heron is a vulnerable species whose population is declining due to habitat loss.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Cochlearius |
| Species | C. cochlearius |
Conclusion
The bluebirds of Belize are a unique and vital species that play an integral role in the health of the Belizean ecosystem. They help control insects, provide a source of food for other species, and act as important pollinators.
Through conservation efforts, the species has been able to thrive and increase in numbers, leading to a healthy and thriving population of bluebirds in Belize.
This is a testament to the power of conservation and the importance of protecting and preserving the environment within Belize.