Situated on the Bay of Chetumal in Northern Belize, Orchid Bay is perched on the edge of an extensive marine biosphere. Belize is home to over 500 different species of birds, and Orchid Bay’s isolated and exotic location has allowed birders the opportunity to spot over 270 of those species.
Signature Birding Package
Three days of Belize birding
Our birding package includes three unique excursions. Float along the river on your way to the Lamanai Maya ruins and spot exotic herons, egrets, and jacanas before soaking in the rich history of Belize. Then, head through the mangrove channel, carved by the Mayans, before arriving at an isolated and stunning section of the Belize Barrier Reef that is left unexplored by other resorts. This pristine location is home to Great Blue Herons, frigate birds, olive-throated parakeets, double-crested cormorants, and more. And finally, take a trip to Barracuda Lake for a remote birding adventure. This lake is surrounded by lush flora, including over 200 species of orchid, and is a popular migratory birding destination.
These excursions can also be booked individually. Contact us at reservations@orchidbay.bz or +613-902-0032 for more information!
Shipstern Birding Adventure
A marine birding experience
In addition to our signature birding package, you can also move inland and explore the Shipstern Lagoon, the largest inland lagoon in Belize. Covering one-third of the Shipstern Nature Reserve, this is a prime location for observing toucans, Araçaris, orioles, spoonbills, white ibis, heron, and endemic species including the yellow-lored parrot, red-vented woodpecker, yucatan flycatcher, and jays and black catbird. If conditions are right, you may even catch a glimpse of an American Woodstork nesting.
Belize Birding Facts
Birds you may see on an Orchid Bay adventure
Jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria)
Measuring in at 5 feet tall with a wingspan of over 8 feet, the Jabiru is the largest bird in Belize. They can occasionally be spotted in roadside pools, but are most reliably seen in and around the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary. This powerful stork is considered an endangered species, but recent studies have confirmed that Belize has the healthiest breeding population of jabirus for all of Central America.
Great Egret (Casmerodius albus)
This graceful heron is one of the largest egret species in the world. Active mostly at dusk and dawn, these birds can be spotted hunting in the shallow marine wetlands around Belize. During the breeding season it displays an impressive plume of delicate feathers.
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
The King Vulture is the largest and most colorful of the four species of vulture in Belize. Known as “king jan kro,” the vultures inhabit the forested lowlands of Belize. These scavenger birds have an extremely strong bill that is well adapted for tearing and long, thick claws.
Red-footed booby (Sula sula)
The red-footed booby is the smallest of the booby species. As suggested by the name, they will always have red feet but the colour of their plumage varies. Although agile in the air, the red-footed booby is clumsy in take offs and landings. These birds feed at sea, but nest on land. Flying fish are their favourite food, caught at night when the fish are near the surface.
Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
With a wingspan of over 3 feet, the Scarlet Macaw is the largest parrot in the world. Their wide and strong wings allow these birds to reach flight speeds of 35 miles per hour. The Scarlet Macaw’s beautiful and bright red, yellow, and blue plumage helps it blend into the rain forest. These birds often fly in pairs or small groups and can be heard calling to each other in raucous hoarse voices.
Keel-Billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
The Keel-billed Toucan is the national bird of Belize. The most conspicuous characteristic of this toucan is the huge and vibrantly colored bill. The Keel-billed toucan is known locally as the “bill bird.”
Book Now
Contact us at reservations@orchidbay.bz or +613-902-0032 to book your birding excursion.