Belize is a remarkable place for birdwatching due to being a wintering site for many migratory species and also due to its range of ecologies from wetlands to tropical rainforests and mountain regions. The Belize Collection’s resorts cover several of these ecologies, putting you in an ideal position to incidentally or intentionally sight some of these feathered wonders.

The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant is the perfect place for you to spot birds drawn to tropical lowland forests, such as the scarce black and white owl. Meanwhile The Lodge at Jaguar Reef provides a great opportunity for you to venture to the Sittee River where you may run into a cattle heron. Further south at Umaya Resort, flying across the coast you might just spot a royal tern in search of its next meal.

With over 600 species observed and 809 ‘hotspots’ on global bird sighting app Ebird, Belize is rife with birds that will astonish and soothe you. Here are six birds you may get a chance to see while visiting one of the three The Belize Collection resorts.

Violet Sabrewing
Most likely sighted at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant

Though hummingbirds are known for their miniature quality, the violet sabrewing is unusual for its remarkably large size and aggressive demeanor. It prefers to reside in humid evergreen forest in highlands and foothills, meaning that you’re most likely to spot one while walking around the Rainforest Lodge. If you see a burst of violet at the corner of your eye, be sure to break out your binoculars to sight this gorgeous bird before it flits away.

Bare-throated Tiger Heron
Most likely sighted at The Lodge at Jaguar Reef

Belize has over 12 heron varieties, but for many the bare-throated tiger heron is the GOAT, not for its scarcity but for its sheer regality. A large but rather short-legged, primal-looking bird, the bare-throated heron is a denizen of mangroves and freshwater marshes in tropical lowlands. All plumages have naked yellow throat skin that’s not always easy to see and greenish legs. You can find them minding their own business indifferent to your observation. Regardless, a choice sighting should you get to bask in their glory. Bow to heron, queen of marshes.

Sungrebe
Most likely sighted at Umaya

Not all birds are fans of the forests and its bustling activity. Some, like the Sungrebe, prefer to pass their time out of the sun amid shady streams, mangroves, quiet ponds, and lake edges. The Sungrebe can be found swimming with a quirky slightly head-jerking motion. The striped head and neck and stout pointed bill are distinctive. You’ll perhaps spot one of these while lounging near the lagoon at Umaya Resort sipping on a sorrel cocktail. An easy one to tick off the checklist if you’re willing to wile the day away, and why not when you’re on vacation?

Collared Aracari
Most likely sighted at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant

The Collared Aracai is an attractive small toucan of tropical lowland forest and edge. They usually move in small groups through the canopy of fruiting trees. With yellow bodies with red and black markings and a serrated pattern on their bill, they are sure to make an impression. These toucans have been sighted from the private balconies of the Mountain View Suites at the Rainforest Lodge, scouting the fruit trees and catching up with each other. Break out a cup of coffee and join them in the morning hours.

Black-and-white Hawk-eagle
Most likely sighted at any time

As a kid you’re told to avoid looking at the sun, but it may be worth ignoring that advice for a chance to see the black-and-white hawk-eagle. An eagle that is rarely ever seen perched, it makes its home in lowland tropical forest. Look for its distinctive black mask, orange-yellow base of bill, and short black crest. It can sometimes be mistaken for an immature Gray-headed Kite, but its considerably larger size should indicate to you that you’re in the presence of something more majestic.

Keel-billed Motmot
Most likely sighted at The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant

One of three Motmot varieties sighted in Belize, the Keel-billed Motmot is smaller than its cousin the Lesson Motmot. These birds are forest-dwellers that like to sit around motionless on trees, so you’ll have to play a bit of ‘Where’s Waldo?’ to see one as you’re making your way up the hill on the Outlook trail. Like many introverts, they don’t get out much and can be hard to find. If you’re lucky enough to spot one, you’ll have bragging rights among the birders for years.