Toucans In Belize: Where To Spot Them

Belize is home to a wide range of colourful birds, including the keel-billed toucan, the country's national bird. The toucan is distinguished by its huge yellow, orange, red, green and black bill. The best places to see toucans in Belize include the Belize Zoo, the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the Community Baboon Sanctuary, and the Lodge at Chaa Creek.

The Belize Zoo

The zoo's primary purpose is to educate Belizeans and foreigners about the country's native wildlife. It is home to a variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles, all housed in enclosures that encompass their natural habitat. The dense, natural vegetation is separated only by gravel trails through the forest, making it seem more like a wildlife encounter than a zoo.

Among the many birds at the zoo is the keel-billed toucan, Belize's national bird. Toucans are known for their colourful beaks and croaking calls. Visitors to the zoo can feed these inquisitive birds and learn more about their habits and habitat.

In addition to toucans, the zoo is home to other bird species such as scarlet macaws, red-lored amazons, yellow-headed amazons, jabiru, harpy eagles, king vultures, and barn owls. The zoo also features a wetland aviary and a variety of parrots, owls, and raptors.

Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

The sanctuary has a vast array of wildlife, including an estimated 40 to 50 jaguars, pumas, ocelots, margays, jaguarundis, peccaries, howler monkeys, gibnuts, agoutis, snakes, coatamundis, and over 300 bird species. The best time to visit the sanctuary is during the rainy season, especially at the beginning (June/July), as this is when the wildlife is most active.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary has the most extensive trail network of any reserve in Belize. The River Overlook and Warrie Trails are usually the best for wildlife spotting. The lower forest and the re-growth around the sanctuary headquarters are good for birdwatching. The White-collared Manakin, a strange bird that makes a clicking sound like two stones being banged together, can be found deeper in the forest.

The sanctuary has excellent visitor facilities, including a visitor centre, swimming areas, and various types of accommodation. There are trails of all kinds, starting with a self-guided walk and other short tracks of under a mile that cut through the different habitats around the main centre. There are also more demanding paths that lead to swimming areas, waterfalls, and up to the pine forests of the basin's rim.

The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in wildlife and nature. It offers a unique opportunity to spot jaguars and other wildlife in their natural habitat, explore the diverse plant and animal life of the tropical forests of Belize, and learn about the country's conservation efforts.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of flora and fauna. Located about 40 minutes northwest of Belize City, it spans 16,400 acres of lagoons, creeks, swamps, broadleaf forests, and pine savannas. Established in 1984 by the Belize Audubon Society, the sanctuary is recognised as a Ramsar site, ensuring its protection and pristine state.

Birdwatchers will be delighted by the array of species that call this place home. With over 300 species of birds, including the keel-billed toucan, heron, Muscovy duck, and the jabiru stork, it's no wonder that Crooked Tree is considered one of the best birding destinations in Belize. The best time to observe these feathered friends is from November to May when many migratory birds make their winter retreat to the sanctuary.

But Crooked Tree is not just for bird lovers. The sanctuary is also home to various wildlife exclusive to tropical regions, such as crocodiles, howler monkeys, iguanas, and 34 species of reptiles and amphibians. If you're lucky, you might even spot a jaguar or puma!

To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Crooked Tree, consider taking a Birding Boat Tour. These tours allow you to get up close and personal with the flora and fauna while your guide provides insights into the wildlife's appearance, habitat, and migration patterns.

When visiting Crooked Tree, don't miss the opportunity to explore the village located on an island at the sanctuary's centre. Known as one of the oldest Creole communities in Belize, the village offers a unique cultural experience. You can also find eco-tours, outdoor activities, and essential amenities like accommodation, meals, and transportation.

For those seeking a comfortable stay, Beck's Bed & Breakfast is an excellent choice, offering a delightful villa experience with all the modern conveniences. Alternatively, there are other options like Bird's Eye View Lodge, Crooked Tree Lodge, and Tillett's Village Lodge, each providing a unique blend of comfort and proximity to nature.

Whether you're a birdwatcher, nature photographer, or simply seeking a tranquil escape, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination in Belize. With its rich biodiversity and cultural charm, it promises an unforgettable experience.

Community Baboon Sanctuary

The Community Baboon Sanctuary (CBS) is a grassroots conservation operation run by local women's organisations. It is located in the Belize River valley, in the village of Bermudian Landing, and is spread over seven Creole villages. The sanctuary is home to the black howler monkey, an endangered species that exists only in Belize, northern Guatemala, and southern Mexico.

The CBS is a Non-Governmental, community-based organisation, managed by the Women's Conservation Group. It is unique in that it is completely embedded within the seven Belize River Valley communities that comprise it and is linked to the Kriol culture and history of the region. The nature of the CBS is such that the local communities have agreed to leave the forest intact for the monkeys to travel around in the canopy. In exchange, there is an expectation of increased tourism.

The CBS was established in 1985 by Dr Rob Horwich and Dr Jon Lyon, who later formed Community Conservation. The sanctuary has become a conservation model that has inspired a new wave of community conservation projects in Belize and internationally. It involves the participation of seven villages and over 120 landowners. Each landowner has signed a voluntary pledge to protect the monkey's habitat by preserving forested areas along the river and in corridors along the borders of their properties. The black howler monkeys have made a comeback in the area and now roam freely.

The CBS Museum & Visitor's Centre offers exhibits and displays on the black howler, the history of the sanctuary, and other Belizean wildlife. The admission fee includes a one-hour guided nature walk, where visitors are likely to encounter a resident troop of black howlers. The trained local guides also offer insights into the many medicinal plants found in the area. The Visitor's Centre also offers night hikes, canoe trips, and croc-spotting tours. The centre can connect visitors with local homestays providing food and lodging.

The CBS is home to over 3500 howler monkeys and more than 250 bird species.

Chaa Creek

Guests at Chaa Creek can enjoy complimentary early morning birding walks guided by specialist naturalists. The lodge also offers a "Creatures of the Night" nocturnal nature walk, where guests can learn about the calls of shy, nocturnal creatures, and spot signs of big cats.

The Blue Morpho Butterfly Exhibit is another highlight of Chaa Creek, where visitors can interact with iridescent blue butterflies found only in certain parts of Central and South America. The exhibit offers a unique opportunity to learn about the life cycle of butterflies and their natural habitat.

In addition to wildlife experiences, Chaa Creek provides comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, and a convivial jungle bar. Guests can also explore the reserve through various activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, hiking, or walking. The lodge is committed to conservation and has been recognised for its efforts, ensuring that guests' stays have a minimal impact on Belize's rich and diverse ecology.

With its wide range of activities and focus on conservation, Chaa Creek offers a unique and immersive experience for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of Belize.

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