From the tropical forests of Belize and Guatemala to the ancient Maya cities and coastal wetlands of southeastern México, the Yucatán Peninsula has provided countless opportunities for discovery. This archive brings together my stories, field observations, and photographic encounters across the region, exploring its remarkable birds and wildlife, diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the memorable experiences that have shaped my understanding of this extraordinary corner of Mesoamerica.
Stories from the Yucatán Peninsula
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Lifer 630 – Yucatan Woodpecker
Sixty Seconds of Science – Lifer #630 Yucatan Woodpecker
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Lifer 629 – Keel-billed Toucan
Sixty Seconds of Science – Lifer #629 Keel-billed Toucan
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Lifer 628 – Turquoise-browed Motmot
Sixty Seconds of Science – Lifer #628 Turquoise-browed Motmot
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Lifer 627 – White-bellied Emerald
Sixty Seconds of Science – Lifer #627 White-bellied Emerald
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Lifer 626 – Wedge-tailed Sabrewing
Sixty Seconds of Science – Lifer #626 Wedge-tailed Sabrewing
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Lifer 624 – Ruddy Ground Dove
Sixty Seconds of Science – Lifer #624 Ruddy Ground Dove
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White Ibis
BEAUTIFUL BIRDS OF BELIZE The White Ibis is a distinctive wading bird that is commonly found in Belize. Adults have bright white feathers with a pinkish bill and legs.
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Limpkin
BEAUTIFUL BIRDS OF BELIZE The Limpkin is a fascinating wading bird native to wetlands and marshes in the Americas.
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Anhinga
BEAUTIFUL BIRDS OF BELIZE he Anhinga is among the most distinctive of North American birds, with long, snakelike neck, straight bill, large fanlike tail resembling that of a turkey
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Scaly-breasted Hummingbird
BEAUTIFUL BIRDS OF BELIZE The Scaly-breasted Hummingbird, native to Central and South America, is a charming and distinctive species among hummingbirds.
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Gray-breasted Martin
BEAUTIFUL BIRDS OF BELIZE The Gray-breasted Martin is a medium-sized member of the swallow family found in Belize and other parts of Central and South America.
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Boat-billed Heron
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #67 By Jim Gain 8/22/2023 About this Species The Boat-billed Heron (Cochlearius cochlearius) is a unique bird species found in Belize and throughout much of Central and South America. This medium-sized heron is…
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Snail Kite
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #66 By Jim Gain 8/20/2023 About this Species The Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is a medium-sized raptor species that is endemic to the Americas. Males are slate gray with red eyes and orange…
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Gray-headed Tanager
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #65 By Jim Gain 8/18/2023 About this Species The Gray-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata) is a small, colorful bird found in Belize and throughout much of Central and South America. It has olive to…
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Mottled Owl
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #64 By Jim Gain 8/15/2023 About this Species The Mottled Owl (Ciccaba virgata) is a medium-sized species of owl found throughout Central and South America, including Belize. This species has a distinctive mottled…
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Hooded Warbler
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #63 By Jim Gain 8/13/2023 About this Species The Hooded Warbler (Setophaga citrina) has a plain olive/green-brown back, and yellow underparts. Their outer rectrices have whitish vanes. Males have distinctive black hoods which…
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Gartered Trogon
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #62 By Jim Gain 8/11/2023 About this Species The Gartered Trogon is a stunning bird species found in Belize, which is located in Central America. These birds are known for their striking plumage,…
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Montezuma Oropendola
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #61 By Jim Gain 8/8/2023 About this Species The Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma) is a tropical bird species native to Central America, including Belize. It is a medium-sized bird, with a distinctive bright…
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Chestnut-colored Woodpecker
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #60 By Jim Gain 8/6/2023 About this Species The Chestnut-colored Woodpecker (Celeus castaneus) is a medium-sized woodpecker species found in Belize and other parts of Central America. As its name suggests, this bird…
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Black Catbird
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #59 By Jim Gain 8/4/2023 About this Species The Black Catbird, also known as the Black mockingbird, is a small, sleek bird that is primarily black in color. It has a distinctive red…
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Collared Aracari
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #58 By Jim Gain 8/1/2023 About this Species The Collared Aracari is a large-billed, colorful bird found from Mexico south to Northern South America. Aracaris (Pteroglossus) are small, slender toucans. The plumage typically…
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Rose-throated Becard
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #57 By Jim Gain 7/30/2023 About this Species The Rose-throated Becard is a small, brightly colored bird species found in Belize and other parts of Central America. The most distinguishing characteristics of this…
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Tawny-winged Woodcreeper
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #56 By Jim Gain 7/28/2023 About this Species The Tawny-winged Woodcreeper is one of three Dendrocincla woodcreepers found in Middle America. The present species is distributed from southern Mexico south to southeast Nicaragua on the…
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Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture
Beautiful Birds of Belize Blog – Post #55 By Jim Gain 7/25/2023 About this Species The Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus) is a species of New World vulture found in Belize and other parts of Central and South America. It…