This is a Groove-billed Ani, Crotophaga Sulcirostris, a bird of savannas and other open spaces. It has a fairly general diet, feeding on fruits, seeds and insects. The Groove-billed Anis is an unusual bird because they live in small groups consisting of one to five breeding pairs. As a group, these birds defend their territory, and they also lay their eggs in one communal nest, where all of the group members incubate the eggs and care for the young.

Among its particularities is its aggressive and territorial nature, often times seen attacking larger birds and able to elude raptors by easily maneuvering through the air with agility and precision.

Today’s Belize Photo of the Day is the White-tipped Dove and its scientific name is Leptotila verreauxi.

Today’s Belize Photo of the day is the Collared Aracari Toucan and its scientific name is Pteroglossus torquatus. This social toucanet breeds from Southern Mexico and throughout Central America making its year-round home in the tropical rainforests.

Today’s Belize Photo of the day is the Ruddy Ground Dove and is scientifically known as Columbina talpacoti. The Ruddy Ground Dove is a resident breeder from Mexico, Central and South America, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, northern Argentina, and Trinidad and Tobago. In Belize, it is a fairly common resident on the Northern Cayes, along the coast and in the Southern, Western and Central Belize.

Today’s Belize Photo of the day is the Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl which is scientifically known as the Glaucidium Brasilianum. This small owl ranges from 7 inches (18cm) in size and breeds in South-central USA, Mexico, and Central America (Belize of course) and takes residence in parts of South America. It can be found in mid-levels to sub canopy within deciduous and semi-deciduous broad leaf forests.

Todays Belize photo of the day the Lantana and its scientifically known as Lantana camara. Lantanas are a native species to the New World and Old World Tropics and the Southern parts of the United States.

Today’s Belize photo of the day is the White-fronted Parrot and its scientific name is Amazona albifrons. This specie is also known as the White-fronted Amazon and nicknamed the Spectacled Amazon Parrot. It is named for it’s white patch of feathers on their foreheads and bright red coloring around their eyes.

Granted, Belize is unlike anywhere else when it comes to natural beauty and breathtaking flora and fauna, and I defy anyone to not take at least a passing interest in the amazing, colourful birdlife of that little Caribbean paradise, but still, my sudden love affair with our fine feathered friends came as a complete and now very welcome surprise. Even my best mates shook their heads in wonder.

I really love nature and everything there is in nature like the birds when they sing, the rushing waters in rivers, creeks and lakes, the noise of the wind, and all the little animals you can find in the wild. I especially like the colourful attracting birds like the scarlet macaws, blue jays, toucans, and parrots.

This large wren breeds in lowlands and foothills from sea level up to 1700 m altitude in thinned forest or open woodland, scrub, second growth and groves around houses. It mainly occurs on the Caribbean side of the Central American mountain ranges. Its large spherical nest has a wide side entrance and is constructed 2 – 30 m high in a tree or shrub, often hidden amidst bromeliads.

Belize Eco Tourism Vacation Sweepstakes

I was initially drawn to Chaa Creek because of my passions: medicine and
rainforest conservation and art.  Chaa Creek is still the perfect place to
satisfy all of these while enjoying spending time with my husband.  But as I
perused more information about Chaa Creek, I came to realize that it is an
even more perfect place for us!
 
I am fascinated by the beauty and behavior of butterflies, and am a firm
believer in efforts to protect them. As I read …

Our private 365-acre reserve is always abuzz with the reverberating sounds of a tropical forest concerto. A fly-past of squadrons of brilliantly colored parrots, the distance hoot of a Blue-crowned Mot-Mot and the fragrance of frangipani blossoms welcomes you to a new world steeped in Mayan history, and surrounded by nature’s bounty.
Become a fan of Chaa Creek on Facebook and learn more about Belize!

If you are planning to go Central America — or just love learning about birds — I highly recommend this book by noted Belize naturalist (and good friend) Carolyn Miller.

 DISCOVER THE AVIAN DIVERSITY OF BELIZE
With Miguel Choco, experienced birder.

“Ever seen the illusive Keel-billed Motmot?”  I have!  Join me on one of my birding expeditions and you’ll get to see that and much, much more.  I’ll take you on a seven-day expedition to six exotic locations, where we’ll do some serious birding. Whether you know anything about birds matters not, we host the novice, intermediate or professional birder. You will learn to identify birds both visual and vocal also listen …

The national bird of Belize is the Keel-billed Toucan, or, as the locals say, “the bill bird”. It is clear why the locals call it the bill bird – as it seems to be almost all bill! In fact, measuring around 5-6 inches, the bill is nearly a third of the entire length of this little feathered friend. While it does seem large and cumbersome, it is in fact a spongy, hollow bone covered in keratin, which …