conserv ation · vagrant ( one individual of one species or 0.03 percent). the neotropical migrants...
TRANSCRIPT
Victoria D. Piaskowski1, Mario Teur, Reynold N. Car, Kari M. Williamsl
and Wilber E. Martinez2,3
lBirds Without Borders. Ayes Sin Fronteras, Zoological Society of Milwaukee,
Wisconsin 53202, U.S.A.
2Birds Without Borders. Ayes Sin Fronteras, The Foundation for Wildlife Conservation,
Inc., San Ignacio, Cayo District, Belize.
3Current address: Trinidad Village, Orange Walk District, Belize
E-mail: [email protected]
Summary: The Birds Without Borders -Aves Sin FronterasSM project has beengathering avifaunal data at three different study sites in Belize, Central Americasince November of 1997. Bird banding was conducted within six distinct habitattypes resulting in 3,472 birds being banded. Fixed radius point counts were con-ducted along eleven transects representing eleven different habitat types. Detailedvegetation measurements were conducted at specific locations throughout thestudy sites. Analysis of these vegetation studies will be utilized to determine bird-habitat relationships in the areas studied. The Birds Without Borders -Aves SinFronteras project has gathered information on population size and trends, repro-ductive success, bird-habitat associations and vegetation characteristics withinspecific localities in central Belize. In this paper we brieftv summarize the results~rsome of the research conductedfrom 1997-2002. We also present a list of thespecies found at each study site during this time period and information on the Be-lize and regional conservation status of these species.
Key WordsBIODIVERSITY CONSERV ATION BELIZE
Introduction
The Birds Without Borders -Aves Sin Fronteras (BWB-ASF) project was initiated in1996 to study migratory and resident birds on privately owned lands in Wisconsin,U .S.A. and Belize, Central America. Wisconsin and Belize share approximately 114 spe-cies of migratory birds .These shared birds are N eotropical/N earctic migrants (N eotropi -
cal migrants), birds that breed in North America and spend the nqn-breeding season southof the Tropic of Cancer. BWB-ASF began in Belize in 1997 with four major goals:
I. Research on both migratory and resident bird species;
.2. Application of the research results to conservation by compiling the data into
recommendations for landowners on how land can be managed to benefit birds
3. Educating children and adults about birds;
70 Caribbean Geography 2003 13(1}
4. Training of Belizeans to conduct the research with the end result being autonomy
of Belizeans in designing and conducting their own research as well as implementing
local conse1Vation strategies.
A total of 566 bird species have been documented in Belize (Jones & Vallely,
2001), many of which have not been studied in detail. Based on the premise that 'many
characteristics of birds make them ideal biological indicators' (Stotz et al. 1996) and
because bird monitoring programmes are relatively inexpensive yet highly accurate,
BWB-ASF utilized birds as the focal point of the research. Ornithological research tech-
niques implemented were established in collaboration with other scientists and were
based on the standardized research protocols described below.
BWB-ASF is the only comprehensive, long-term monitoring project in Belize that
\...as designed to use birds as conse1Vation tools. BWB-ASF research was designed to
gather four types of information:
1. Obtain estimates of population size and trends for some bird species in selected
habitats within the study areas,
2. Assess the reproductive success of birds breeding in pine savanna habitats,
3. Determine the importance of six habitats to migrants and residents during the
non-breeding season and,
4. Conduct vegetation assessments and utilize these to determine bird-habitat asso-
ciations.
By studying the avifaunal composition of selected habitats in central Belize and by
looking at both the Belize and regional conse1Vation status of the bird species present,
BWB-ASF hoped to identify consef\'ation priorities and utilize the results of the research
to assist in the development oflocal and regional conservation strategies. In this paper we
briefly summarize the results of some of the research conducted from 1997 -2002. We
also present a list of the species found at each study site during this time period and infor-
mation on the Belize and regional conse1Vation status of these species.
Methods
Three different study sites within central Belize comprising a total area of approximately3.118ha were utilized to conduct the research (Figure I). The three study sites were lo-cated at the Tropical Education Center (TEC) of the Belize Zoo and adjacent privatelyowned lands, the Runaway Creek Nature Preserve (RCNP), and Chaa Creek and adjacentprivately owned lands. The TEC study site is located at 17°21'26.9"N, 88°32'26.0"Wand 46 m a.s.l. and consists of approximately 438ha of pine savanna, scrub shrub, cashewplantation and riparian habitat. The RCNP study site is owned and managed as a preserveby the F oundation for Wildlife Conservation, Inc. and consists of approximately 2,500haof diverse habitats including riparian, lowland broadleaf forest, karst. gallery forest anddifferent successional stages of pine savanna. The RCNP is located at 17°18'05.1"N,88°27' 31.8"W and 16 m a.s.l. and is approximately 10 kIn east of the TEC study site. TheCllaa Creek study site is located at 17°06'15.9"N, 89°04'53.2"W and 80m a.s.l. andconsists of 180ha of secondary broadleaf forest, two citrus plantations and pastures.
~
II
jI\
Mexico
LjJ
.;,
~....
~
.~
, \'
'r
\
)
~
72 Caribbean Geof!;raphy 200313(1)
Nest-searching and monitoring based on the methods of Martin et al. (1997a, b)
were conducted in pine savanna habitats from approximately 6 April to 3 August of 1999,
2000 and 200 I. During this time period, bird banding was conducted every 6-10 days
based on the methods of Baillie (1990), Peach et al. (1996) and Burton and DeSante
( 1998). At the TEC study site, bird banding took place in the pine savanna and on the edge
of the gallery forest that traversed the northern edge of the savanna. At the RCNP stud)4
site, bird banding was conducted in pine savanna and the shrubland wIth pine that was
present within the savanna.
During the non-breeding season (February-April, 1999 and 2000; December-
April, 2000-2002), bird banding and censusing based on the methods ofMcCracken et al.
( 1993) were conducted in six different habitat types: a transition zone from a karst hill
forest to an adjacent seasonal wetland, scrub-shrub, pine savanna and riverine, karst hill
and secondary broadleafforests. For those species on which information was available,
age and sex were determined according to Stiles and Skutch ( 1989) and Pyle ( 1997).
Fixed-radius point counts based on the methods of Ralph et al. ( 1993) and Mallory ( 1997)
were conducted along 11 transects beginning in 1997 (five transects at the TEC and six
transects at Chaa Creek).
To characterize the habitats in which the research took place, vegetation measure-
ments based on the methods of Ralph et al. ( 1993), Martin et al. ( 1997a, b ), Mallory
( 1997) and Howe et al. ( 1997) were completed at bird banding sites, point-count loca-
tions, nest sites and within nest-searching plots.
Results
In the habitats studied in central Belize, we documented 321 species ofbirds representing56 different families (Table I )0 This represents 57 percent of the 566 species confirmed toexist in the entire country of Belize (Jones & V allely , 200 1 ). Of the 566 species docu-mented as being present in Belize, 271 ( 48 percent) were found at the RCNP study site,264 (47 percent) were documented at the TEC study site and 255 (45 percent) were foundat the Chaa Creek study site.
Of the 321 species ofbirds identified in central Belize by BWB-ASF research, 140
(44 percent) species representing 39 families are listed in varying categories of
conservation concern in the neighbouring countries ofMexico and Guatemala (CONAP ,
2000; CONABIO, 2004) (Table-l). In Mexico, 111 (35 percent) of the 321 species we
recorded in central Belize are categorized as of conservation concern, rare, threatened,
endangered and/or CITES-protected (CONA;BIO, 2004). In Guatemala, 68 (21 percent)
of the 321 species we recorded in centrai Belize are categorized as of conservation
concern, rare, threatened, endangered and/or CITES-protected (CONAP, 2000). Of the
140 bird species listed in varying categories of conservation concern in the neighbouring
countries of Mexico and Guatemala, lOO (71 percent) have been documented as being
secure in Belize (Miller & Miller, 1997) (Table 1 ).
In this paper, we group the birds of Belize into five distinct categories based on their
seasonality: residents, Neotropical migrants, transients, dry season residents andvagrants (Stiles & Skutch, 1989; Garcia et al. 1994; Howell & Webb; 1995, Miller &
Birds ofCentral Belize 73
Miller 1998; Jones & V allely ,2001 ). Some species have separate populations that can be
placed in two categories. For example, there are both resident and migratory populations
of the blue-gray gnatcatcher (Polioptila caernlea) in Belize.
Frequent and consistent observations by BWB-ASF over a five-year period, along
with nesting records, suggest that a substantial number of the Belize resident bird species
categorized as being of regional conservation concern appear to be secure within the habi-
tats studied in central Belize. This includes species such as the plain chachalaca ( Ortalis
vetula) and the white-fronted parrot (Amazona albifrons). The globally endangeredyellow-headed parrot (Amazona oratrix) and the globally near-threatened great curassow
(Crax rnbra) were confirmed as utilizing the habitats studied in central Belize. The
ornate-hawk eagle (Spizaetus ornatus),jabiru (Jabini mycteria), muscovy duck ( Cairina
moschata) and the crested guan (Penelope purpurascens), all species of conservation
concern in Belize, also have been documented as utilizing the central Belize habitats
studied. At least two nests of the regionally endangered jabiru stork have been confirmed
to exist on the RCNP .Of the 51 species of Neotropical migrants documented by BWB-A~F in central
Belize, 12 (24 percent) are listed as being of regional conservation concern (Table 1 ).
Seven (58 percent) of these 12 are listed by Miller and Miller (1997) as being secure in
Belize.During mist netting and bird banding conducted from 1999-2002, a total of 3,472
birds of 161 species were banded at the three study sites. Of this total, 1, 105 (32 percent)
individuals representing 32 species were Neotropical migrants and 2,307 (66 percent)individuals representing 118 species were Belize residents. Twenty-two individuals ( 1
percent) of two species banded were categorized as residents/Neotropical migrants and
28 ( 1 percent) individuals of three species banded were dry season residents. The
remaining birds banded were transients (seven individuals offour species or 0.2 percent),dry season residents/transients (two individuals of one species or 0.06 percent), and a
vagrant ( one individual of one species or 0.03 percent). The Neotropical migrants banded
in high numbers included the gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) with 218 individuals
banded, the wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) with 123 individuals banded and ~he
magnolia warbler (Dendroica magnolia) with 115 individuals banded. The Belize resi-
dent species banded in high numbers included the white-collared seedeater (Sporophilatorqueola) with 220 individuals banded, the red-capped manakin (Pipra mentalis) with
149 individuals banded and the ochre-bellied flycatcher (Mionectes oleagineus) with 125
individuals banded. Of these, the ochre-bellied flycatcher and magnolia warbler are
listed as being of regional conservation concern yet secure in Belize, while for other
commonly captured species no information on the Belize status was presented in Miller
and Miller ( 1997).A total of303 nests representing 38 species were found and monitored as part of the
reproductive success research conducted in pine savanna habitats. The majority of nests
found (61 or 20 percent) were those of the fork-tailed flycatcher (Tyrannus savana).Other nests commonly found were those of the yellow-bellied elaenia (Elaenia
74 Caribbean Geo.£ravhy 2003 13 (I )
flavagaster, 42 or 14 percent), the gray-crowned yellowthroat ( Geathlypis paliacephala,
27 or 9 percent) and the pale-vented pigeon ( Calumba cayennensis, 17 or 6 percent).
Discussion
Comprising only 8,867 square miles, Belize is a relatively small Central American coun-try .However, the avifatfual composition of the central Belize habitats documented in thisstudy indicates the relative importance of these habitats to both Belize and the region.The habitats studied were representative of the diverse habitats found in central Belizeand included scrub-shrub, a transition zone from karst hill to adjacent seasonal wetland,different successional stages ofpine savanna, citrus and cashew plantations, pasture, and
riverine, karst hill and secondary broadleaf forest.The BWB-ASF research documented 321 bird species in a total study area of
approximately 3,118ha. This is a relatively small percentage of the total landmass in
Mesoamerica; however, it appears to be very significant in terms of the sustainability of
avian diversity .The creation and implementation of a long-term management plan for
the protection of the habitats present in central Belize will be critical in ensuring that the
140 avian species of regional conservation concern are protected amid increasing devel-
opment pressures. The BWB-ASF data will allow for this type of planning because
detailed information on the use of habitats by birds in different stages of their life cycle,
such as the breeding and non-breeding seasons, was studied. F or example, during non-
breeding season bird banding, the Swainson's warbler (Limnoth/_lpis s~\'ainsonii), a
species of conservation concern in Belize (Miller & Miller, 1997), was found to utilize
three of the habitats studied in central Belize, indicating the importance of these areas to
some Neotropical migrants.We are analyzing the bird banding and the vegetation data collected and in subse-
quent manuscripts will present information on the habitat preferences and survival of
both Neotropical migrant and resident species in the six habitats where bird banding was
conducted during the non-breeding season. We are also analyzing the bird banding,
reproductive success research and vegetation data collected in pine savanna habitats so
that the importance of these habitats to birds during both the breeding and non-breeding
seasons can be demonstrated. Analysis of research on the breeding biology of the Gray-
crowned yellowthroat (Martinez et a/., 2004) showed that this Belize resident species
bred successfully in pine savanna habitats in central Belize. The grassland yellow-finch
(Sica/is /uteo/a), a Belize resident species about which little is known (Jones & Vallel,y
200 1 ), was documented as breeding in pine savanna habitat at the TEC study site in 1999.
Preliminary analyses show that pine savannas are also important 10 Neotropical migrants
during the non-breeding season, as we detected numerous species of Neotropical
migrants such as the gray catbird, common yellowthroat ( Geoth/ypis trichas) and the
magnolia warbler in pine savannas during December to April.
During the past 10 years the central region of Belize has been exposed 10 increased
developmental pressures that have resulted in significant natural habitats being converted
or lost 10 citrus farms, fish (ti/apia) farms, gravel mines, pastures and logging.
Community development and increased hunting pressure also threaten these central
Bird.\' ofCentral Belize 75
Belize habitats and the animals and plants present within them. These developmental and
agricultural projects are placing increasing pressures on tpe integrity of the critical avian
habitats in central Belize. Unfortunately, the centralized location and ease of accessibility
enhances the feasibility ofmany such projects that eventually may result in the demise or
degradation of these habitats.The developmental pressures affecting central Belize undoubtedly will continue to
increase in order to meet the needs of the growing human population. The establishment
of privately owned sanctuaries such as the Runaway Creek Nature Preserve has become
imperative for the protection ofboth local and regional biodiversity. Continued research,
which will help to identify other critical areas and allow for the sustainable use of selected
lands, also will become increasingly important. It is only by evaluating the results of
systematic research such as that conducted by BWB-ASF, together with the impacts and
needs of the growing human population, that development plans can be designed that will
serve to ensure the successful co-existence of both humans and these critical avian
habitats.
AcknowledgmentsWe are grateful to the Zoological Society ofMilwaukee and the Foundation for Wildlife conserva-
tion, Inc. for funding the Birds Without Borders -Aves Sin FronterasSM (BWB-ASF) project. We
thank Gil Boese. founderofBWB-ASF project. forhis vision and support, and the many landown-
ers who allowed us to conduct research on their lands, especially Sharon Matola and Tony Garel of
the Belize Zoo and TEC and Mick and Lucy Fleming ofChaa Creek. The research would not have
been possible without the dedication and hard work of all of BWB-ASF field staff. We thank
Sharon Matola and Tony Garel of the Belize Zoo and TEC for their support throughout this study.
and the Conservation Division of the Belize Forestry Department ( Ministry of Natural Resources.
Environment and Industry) for granting the necessary research permits. We thank Hector Mai and
Martin Meadows for their assistance in identifying unknown plant specimens. Paula Brookmire
proviued valuable comments on this manuscript. This is publication # 4 of the BWB-ASF project.
References
American Ornithologists' Union ( 1998) Checklist of North American birds, th ed.
Washington, D.C.: American Ornithologists' Union.
Baillie, S.R. (1990) 'Integrated population monitoring of breeding birds in Britain and
Ireland', Ibis, 132, 151-156.
Burton, K.M. & D.F. DeSante ( 1998) MAPS Manual. Instructions for the establishmentand operation of stations as part of the monitoring avian productivity and survivor-
ship program, Point Reyes Station, CA: Institute for Bird Populations.
CONABIO (2004) Comision Nacional Para el Conocimiento y uso de la Biodiversidad,
http:/ /www .conabio.gob.mx.
CONAP (2000) Consejo Nacional de Areas Protegidas: Listado de Especies de Fauna
Silvestre Amenazadas de Extincion (Lista Roja de Fauna).
Garcia, J ., Matola, S., Meadows, M. & C. Wright ( 1994) A checklist of the birds of Belize,
World Wildlife Fund-U.S.
76 Caribbean Geography 2003.13(1)
Howe, R. W ., Niemi, G.R., Lewis, S.J. & D.A. Welsh. (1997) , A standard method formonitoring songbird populations in the Great Lakes ~egion " Passenger Pigeon, 59,
183-194.
Howell, S.N.G. & S. Webb. (1995) A guide to the birds ofMexicoandNorthern CentralAmerica, New York: Oxford University Press.
Jones, H.L. & A.C. Vallely (200 1) Annotated checklist of the birds of Belize, Barcelona:Lynx Edicions.
Mallory , E.P. ( 1997) Rio Bravo Conservation Area monitoring, Unpublished protocolprovided by the author.
Martin, T.E., Paine, C., Conway, C.J., Hochachka, W.M., Allen, P. & W. Jenkins.( 1997a ) The Breeding Biology Research and Monitoring Database (BBIRD ) fieldprotocol, Missoula, MT: Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit.
Martin, T.E., Paine, C., Conway, C.J., Hochachka, W.M., Allen, P. & W. Jenkins.( 1997b ) The Breeding Biology Research and Monitoring Database (BBIRD ) grass-land protocol, Missoula, MT: Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit.
Martinez, W.M., Piaskowski, V.D. & M. Teul. (2004). 'Reproductive biology of thegray-crowned yellowthroat ( Geothlypis poliocephala palpebralis) in central Be-lize', Ornitologia Neotropical in press.
McCracken,J.D., Hussell, D.J.T. & E.H. Dunn. (1993) A manualformonitoringbirdmi-gration, Port Rowan, Ontario: Long Point Bird Observatory .
Miller B.W. & C.M. Miller. (1997) , An Avian Risk Assessment', Bird species ofcon-
servation concern in Belize, Report to Programme for Belize and The Nature
Conservancy.
Miller B. W .& C.M. Miller ( 1998) Birds of Belize: A checklist, Belize, Central America:Belize Audubon Society.
Peach, W .1 ., Buckland, S. T. & S.R. Baillie. ( 1996) 'The use of constant effort mist-netting to measure between-year changes in the abundance and productivity ofcommon passerines', BirdStlldy, 43, 142-156.
Pyle, P. ( 1997) Identification guide to North American birds, Bolinas, CA: Slate CreekPress.
Ralph, C.J., Geupel, G.R., Pyle, P., Martin, T.E. & D.F. DeSante (1993) Handbook offield methods for monitoring landbird, United States Department of AgricultureForest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, General Technical ReportPSW-GTR-144.
Stiles, F.G. & A.F. Skutch. (1989) A guide to the birds of Costa Rica, Ithaca, NY: Cor-nell University Press.
Stotz, D.F., Fitzpatrick, J.W., Parker III, T.A. & D.K. Moskovits. (1996) .Neotropicalbirds -ecolog)' and conservation, Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.
Birds qfCentral Belize 77
T ABLE I: Belize seasonality, regional conservation status and Belize conservation status
for avian species detected at three Birds Without Borders -A yes Sin Fronteras study
sites in Belize, Central America
Belize seasonality codes: R=Resident, present year-round; M=Migrant, present October-April, does not breed inBelize; T=Transient, present during migration; D=Dry season resident, breeds in Belize, then migrates south
(breeding migrant), V=Vagrant, very few records, Belize not part of the normal range.
TEC=Tropical Education Center study site; RCNP=Runaway Creek Nature Preserve study site; CHAA=Chaa
Creek study site.
Belize conservation status codes: C=Conservation concern; R=Rare; S=Secure; A=Accidental; H=Hunted.
Conservation status for Mexico (Mex.) based on La Nonna Oficial Mexicana (NOM-ECOL-059-94)(CONABIO), March 2004. Conservation status for Guatemala (Guat.) based on CITES (Resolucion No. 27-
96, CONAP, Guatemala 9 de Mayo, 1996) and CONAP (Consejo Nacional de Areas Protegidas), February2000. Conservation status for Belize based on Miller and Miller, November 1997, An Avian Risk Assessment-Bird species of Conservation Concern in Belize-Appendix 10 and the Belize Biodiversity Infonnation System.
..~ -
.u =...~=~c""c Q .Q
u ...:a9 =...=
=0"= "'
00 = =~ ;.. -
;:..~0000-
-"' "'-= 0...
0...:=N =
:= C...0
= "'=..."'
<<=u
=-zu"
u'-'~Species
sR
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
RIM
RIM
RIM
M
RIM
R
RIM
RIM
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x.x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
s
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
ss
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
ss
x
x
Great Tinamou (Tinamus major)
Little Tinamou (Crypturellus soui)
Thicket Tinamou (Crypturellus cinnamomeus)
Slaty-breasted Tinamou (Crypturellus boucardi)
Least Grebe (Tachybaptus-dominicus)
Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga)
Magnificent Frigatebird (FregatCJ magnificens)
Bare-throated Tiger-Heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum)
Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)
Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
78 Caribbean Geowaphy 200313(1)
~ ..:.u ~
~~=~="'= .-1-
Qu-eUc~
o =u ~
cu~N CU
~ =U O
= ~CUU~
<<=u
=-;z:u~
u~~Species
=0...
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
M
R
R
R
Drr
R
R
D
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
M
R
R
R
R
R
x
x
x x x
x
x
x
s
c
c
c
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
c
c
c
c
H
x
x
x
x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
sssx
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
c
s
R
s
s
s
s
s
s
c
R
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x x
x
x
x
x
ccss
x
x
x
x
Boat-billed Heron (Coch/earius coch/earius)
Roseate Spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja)
Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria)
Wood Stork (Mycteria americana)
Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus)
Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture (Cathartes burrovianus)
King Vulture (Sarcoramphus papa)
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumna/is)
Muscov:-' Duck (Cairina moschata)
Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors)
Osprey (Pandion ha/iaetus)
Gray-headed Kite (Leptodon cayanensis)
Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus)
Swallow-tailed Kite (E/anoidesforficatus)
White-tailed Kite (E/anus /eucurus)
Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis)
Plumbeous Kite (Jctinia p/umbea)
Black-collared Hawk (Busare//us nigricoJ/is)
White Hawk (Leucoptemis a/bico//is)
Gray Hawk [Asturina nitida (p/agiata»)
Common Black-Hawk (Buteoga//us anthracinus)
Great Black-Hawk (Buteoga/1us urubitinga)
Roadside Hawk (Buteo magnirostris)
Short-tailed Hawk (Buteo brach}'Urus)
White-tailed Hawk (Buteo a/bicaudatus)
Zone-tailed Hawk (Buteo a/bonotatus)
Black Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus l)o'rannus)
Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus)
Barred Forest-Falcon (Micrastur rufico/1is)
Collared Forest-Falcon (Micrastur semitorquatus)
Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans) ,
x
x
x
x
I
,
Birds ofCentral Belize 79
=O4j;",~, = =" > -= ...=4j4j-~ "' "'=oc.-
:c-=co"'
<<=u
Q.zu~
u.~~= =
u"'
u~~
Species
M
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Mrr
x x
x
x
x
x
x
cRsscccsRss
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x.x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
R
R
Mrr
R
M
Mrr
M
R
R
R
R
Mrr
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
ss
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x s
xx s
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x s
x
x s
American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
Aplomado Falcon (Falcofemoralis)
Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis)
Plain Chachalaca (Ortalis vetula)
Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens)
Great Curassow {Crax rubra)
Black-throated Bobwhite (Colinus nigrogularis)
Spotted Wood-Quail (Odontophorus guttatus)
Singing Quail {Dactylortyx thoracicus)
Ruddy Crake {Laterallus ruber)
Gray-necked Wood-Rail (Aramides cajanea)
Purple Gallinule (Porph}'rula martinica)
American Coot (Fulica americana)
Sungrebe {Heliornis fulica)
Limpkin {Aramus guarauna)
Killdeer {Charadrius vocifenls)
Northern Jacana {Jacana spinosa)
Solitary Sandpiper {Tringa solitaria)
Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia)
Common Snipe ( Gallinago gallinago)
Pale-vented Pigeon {Columba cayennensis)
Scaled Pigeon {Columba speciosa)
Red-billed Pigeon {Columbajlavirostris)
Short-billed Pigeon (Columba nigrirostris)
Mourning Dove {Zenaida macroura)
Plain-breasted Ground-Dove {Columbina minuta)
Ruddy Ground-Dove {Columbina talpacoti)
Blue Ground-Dove (Claravis pretiosa)
White-tipped Dove {Leptotila verreauxi)
Gray-fronted Dove (Leptotila rufaxilla (plumbeiceps)]
Gray-chested Dove (Leptotila cassini)
Ruddy Quail-Dove (Geotrygon montana)
~ ..:~ ~ =
I..~=~=""'= 0- I..Q .Q
u y =~
Q =y =
80 Caribb~an Geo~raphy 200313(1)
=0
~-.:"'N ec =
~~ ~ -
= ~ "'
~=u
~z
~
c~=N =
= =~ 0
= "'=~"'
u~r-
Species~0...
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
M
Drr
R
R
R
R
T
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
xxxxxxxxxxx
x xxxx
xxxxxxxx
c
c
c
c
c
c
c
xxxxxx
x
x
x x
x
x Rx
xx
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
R
s
R
s
s
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
?
x
x
x
x
x
sssss
Olive-throated Parakeet (Aratinga nana)
Brown-hooded Parrot (Pionopsitta haematotis)
White-crowned Parrot (Pion~ senilis)
White-fronted Parrot (Ama::ona albifrons)
Yellow-lored Parrot (Amazona xantholora)
Red-Iored Parrot (Amazona autumnalis)
Mealy Parrot (Amazonafarinosa)
Yellow-headed Parrot (Amazona oratrix)
Mangrove Cuckoo (CocC}=us minor)
Squirrel Cuckoo (Piaya cayana)
Striped Cuckoo (Tapera naevia)
Pheasant Cuckoo (Dromococc)X phasianellus)
Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris)
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Venniculated Screech-Owl (Otus guatemalae)
Central American Pygmy-O\\-I (Glaucidium griseiceps)
Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum)
Mottled Owl (Oiccaba virgala)
Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis)
Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor)
Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis)
Yucatan Nightjar (Caprimulgus badius)
Northern Potoo (Nyctibiusjamaicensis)
While-collared Swift (StreplOprOCne zonaris)
Chimney Swift ( Chaetura pelagica)
Vaux's S\\'ift (Chaetura vauxi)
Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift (Panyptila cayennensis)
Long-tailed Hennit (Phaethornis superciliosus)
Little Hennit (Phaethornis longuemareus)
Wedge-tailed Sabrewing (Campylopterus curvipennis)
White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
Green-breasted Mango (Anthracothcrax prevostii)
-58
~...:.u ~
~~=
~c"'= .-1,.Q .Q
u u-- ='0
Q Cu ~
Birds ofCentral Belize 81
~ .;.u ~
t~=
~c""c Q .Q
u cOOQ C...~
c000::
.~ ~u := ,
=--zu~
<<=u
u~E-
Species
0...
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
M
R
R
R
R
R
R
M
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
M
R
R
R
xxxxxx
~
x
x
x
xxxx
x
x
x
x
sssssss
xxxxxxxxxxx
x
x
x
xxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
x
x
x
x
ssssx
xxxxxxx
x
x
x
x
s
ss
x
x
x
x
ss
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
sx x
x
x
x
x
x
x
s
Canivet's Emerald (ChJorostiJbon canivetii)
White-bellied Emerald (AmaziJia candida)
Azure-crowned Hummingbird (AmaziJia cyanocephaJa)
Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (AmllziJia tzacat/)
Buff-bellied Hummingbird (AmaziJia yucatanensis)
Cinnamon Hummingbird (AmaziJia rutiJa)
Purple-crowned Fairy (HeJiothryx barroti)
Long-billed Starthroat (HeJiomaster Jongirostris)
Ruby-throated Hummingbird (ArchiJochus coJubris)
Black-headed Trogon (Trogon meJanocephaJus)
Violaceous Trogon (Trogon vioJaceus)
Slaty-tailed Trogon (Trogon massena)
Tody Motmot (HyJomanes momotuJa)
Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota)
Ringed Kingfisher (CeryJe torquata)
Belted Kingfisher (CeryJe alCyon)
Amazon Kingfisher (ChJor'oceryJe amazona)
Green Kingfisher (ChJoroceryJe americana)
American Pygmy Kingfisher (ChJoroceryJe aenea)
White-necked Puffbird (Notharchus macrorhynchos)
Rufous-tailed Jacamar (GaJbuJa roficauda)
Emerald Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus prasinu.~)
Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus)
Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos.suJjiJratus)
Acorn Woodpecker (j'vlelanerpesformicivoros)
Black-cheeked Woodpecker (Melanerpes pucherani)
Red-vented Woodpecker (Melanerpes pygmaeus)
Golden-fronted Woodpecker (MeJanerpes aurifrons)
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Picoides scalaris)
Smoky-brown Woodpecker (Veniliornisjumigatus)
Golden-olive Woodpecker (Piculus robiginosus) x
82 Caribbean Geowaphy 2003 13(1)
>< ...:.~ ~
,~=~c"'= .-~O .o
u 0.1 cOO
0 c0.1 ~
0QJ::N =
:: =QJ O
= "'=QJ"'
g..zu~
<<=u
u~~
Species
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
s
s
s
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
sssss
x
x
x
x
R x x x x sR
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
TIM
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x s
x
x
xss
s
x
x
x
x
x
sssss
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
ssss
x
x
Chestnut-colored Woodpecker (Ce/eus castaneus)
Lineated Woodpecker (Dryocopus /ineatus)
Pale-billed Woodpecker (Campephi/us guatema/ensis)
Rufous-breasted Spinetail (SJ..na//axis erythrothorax)
Plain Xenops (Xenops minutus)
Tawny-winged Woodcreeper (Dendrocinc/a anabatina)
Ruddy Woodcreeper (Dendrocinc/a homochroa)
Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapil/us)
Wedge-billed Woodcreeper (Gl)phorynchus spirurus)
Northern Barred-Woodcreeper (Dendroco/aptes
sanctithomae)
Ivory-billed Woodcreeper (,\iphorhynchusflavigaster)
Streak-headed V".oodcreeper (Lepidoco/aptes sou/eyetii)
Great Antshrike (Taraba major)
Barred Antshrike (Thamnophilus do/iatus)
Dusky Antbird (Cercomacra f)7annina)
Black-faced Annhrush [Formicarius ana/is (moniliger)]
Yello~-bellied T)Tannulet (Ornithion semiflavum)
Northern Beardless- Tyrannulet (CamptostonlQ imberbe)
Greenish Elaenia (Myiopagis \.iridicata)
Yellow-bellied Elaenia (Elaeniaflavogaster)
Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (;~fionectes o/eagineus)
Sepia-capped Flycatcher (Leptopogon amaurocepha/us)
Northern Bentbill (Oncostoma cinereigulare)
Slate-headed Tody-Flycatcher (Poecilotriccus sylvia)
Common Tody-flycatcher (Todirostrum cinereum)
Eye-ringed Flatbill (RhynchoC)'clus brevirostris)
Yellow-olive Flycatcher (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)
Stub-tailed Spadebill (PlafJ.7inchus cancrominus)
Royal Flycatcher (Onychorh.\'nchus coronatus)
Sulphur-rumped Flycatcher (,\~viobius sulphureipygius)
Tropical Pewee (Contopus cinereus)
Yellow-bellied Flycatcher (Empidonax flaviventris)
Birds ofCentral Belize 83
~ ...:> ~ ~~ ~ =
~=""'= .-~O .o
u cOO0 c...~
~4,/::N ~
:: C4,/ 0
= "'~4,/"'
<<:u
=..zu~
v~~
Species
M
M
R
R
R
R
T/M
R
R
R
R
D
D
D
R
R
T
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
M
R
M
D
R
R
R
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
xx
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x s
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x s
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x s
x
x
ss
White-throated Flycatcher (Empidonax a/bigu/aris)
Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus)
Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans)
Vermilion Flycatcher (Pyrocepha/us rubinus)
Bright-rumped Attila (Atti/a spadiceus)
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tubercu/ifer)
Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus)
Brown-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)
Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarynchus pitangua)
Social Flycatcher (Myiozetetes similis)
Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus)
Sulphur-bellied Flycatcher (Myiodynastes luteiventris)
Piratic Flycatcher (Legatus leucophaius)
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Couch's Kingbird (TyranmlS couchii)
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus)
Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana)
Thrush-Iike Schiffornis (Schiffornis turdinus)
Gray-collared Becard (Pachyramphus major)
Rose-throated Becard (Pachyramphus aglaiae)
Masked Tityra (Tityra semifasciata)
Black-crowned Tityra (Tityra inquisitor)
White-collared Manakin (Manacus candei)
Red-capped Manakin (Pipra mentalis)
White-eyed Vireo ( Vireo griseus)
Mangrove Vireo [ Vireo pallens (semijlavus)]
Yellow-throated Vireo ( Vireo jlavifrons)
Yellow-green Vireo ( Vireo jlavoviridis)
Tawny-crowned Greenlet (Hylophilus ochraceiceps)
Lesser Greenlet (Hylophilus decurtatus)
Rufous-browed Peppershrike (Cyclarhis gujanensis)
84 Caribbean Geo.p;raphy 2003 13(1)
~ ~.u ~
t~=~c"'c .-~
o..;~Uc"O
o c...~
cQ
u .= ~
N =.---~U -
= ~
c,,=N ~
= =" 0
~ "'~""'
~=u
~z
~
u~~
Species~
,u~co...
R
R
R
T
D
T
R
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
c
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
RIM x x x
R
TIM
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
RIM
R
T
T
M
R
R
M
R
Mrr
Mrr
V
Mff
M
M
x
xx x
x
x
x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
ss
x sx
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Green Jay (Cyanocoraxyncas)
Brown Jay (Cyanocorax morio)
Yucatan Jay (Cyanocorax yucatanicus)
Purple Martin (Progne subis)
Gray-breasted Martin (Progne chalybea)
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
Mangrove Swallow (Tachycineta albilinea)
Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx
serripennis)Ridgeway Rough-winged Swallow
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Band-backed Wren (Campylorhynchus zonatus)
Spot-breasted Wren (Thryothorus maculipectus)
Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
House Wren (Troglodytes aedon)
White-bellied Wren (Uropsila leucogastra)
White-breasted Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucosticta)
Long-billed Gnatwren (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)
Tropical Gnatcatcher (Polioptila plumbea)
Gray-cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus)
Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus)
Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)
Clay-colored Robin (Turdus grayi)
White-throated Robin (Turdus assimilis)
Gray Catbird (Dumelella caralinensis)
Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus)
Blue-winged Warbler ( J:"ermivora pinus)
Tennessee Warbler ( Vermivora peregrina)
Orange-crowned Warbler ( Vermivora celata)
Nashville Warbler ( Vermivora ruficapilla)
Northern Parula (Parula americana)
Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia)
x
x
x
x
I
l~
Birds ofCentral Belize 85
~ ..:.~ =
t ~ =
~=\-'= o.;~
u=-oo =...=
=0
4J~",~, ..=,~ ::~..
4J4J-= "' "';;
O4.1=
.~ ~
u=
Q..
'6~
<<=u
u~!-
Species
Q0.1
T
M
M
M
T
M
R
T
M
M
T
M
M
M
M
wr
wr
M
R
M
R
M
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
M
T
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x x s
x xxx
x s
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
scsss
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
xs
sx
x
Chestnut-sided Warbler (Dendroica pensylvanica)
Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia)
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Dendroica coronata)
Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens)
Blackburnian Warbler (Dendroicafusca)
Yellow-throated Warbler (Dendroica dominica)
Grace's Warbler (Dendroica graciae)
Bay-breasted Warbler (Dendroica castanea)
Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia)
American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla)
Prothonotary Warbler (Protonotaria citrea)
Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus)
Swainson's Warbler (Limnothl}pis s\vainsonii)
Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus)
Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis)
Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla)
Kentucky Warbler (Oporornisformosus)
Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)
Gray-crowned Yellowthroat (Geothlypis poliocephala)
Hooded Warbler (Wilsonip citrina)
Golden-crowned Warbler (Basileuterus culicivorus)
Yellow-breasted Chat (lcteria virens)
Gray-throated Chat (Granatl!llus sallaei)
Bananaquit (Coerebaflaveola)
Gray-headed Tanager (Eucometis penicillata)
Black-throated Shrike- Tanager (Lanio aurantius)
Red-crowned Ant- Tanager (Habia rubica)
Red-throated Ant- Tanager (Habiafuscicauda)
Rose-throated Tanager (Piranga roseogularis)
Hepatic Tanager (Pirangaflava)
Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra)
Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea)
x x x
xs
sx
x
xx
R
x
x
x
x
x
x
86 Caribbean GeoRraphy 200313(1)
l;-u::N ~
:: CU O
= "'~U"'
<<=u
Q..zu~
u~~
Species
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
Mrr
R
R
R
R
R
R
M
R
R
Mrr
M
M
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
:x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x sx
x
x
x
x
x x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
A
s
s
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x sx
x
x
x
x
Crimson-collared Tanager (Ramphocelus sanguinolentus)
Passerini's Tanager (Ramphocelus passerinii)
Blue-gray Tanager (Thraupis episcopus)
Yellow-winged Tanager (Thraupis abbas)
Scrub Euphonia (Euphonia affinis)
Yellow-throated Euphonia (Euphonia hirundinacea)
Olive-backed Euphonia (Euphonia gouldi)
Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
Blue-black Grassquit ( r'olatinia jacarina)
Variable Seedeater (Sporophila americana)
\Vhite-collared Seedeater (Sporophilia torqueola)
Thick-billed Seed-Finch (01}'=oborus.fimereus)
Blue Seedeater (Amaurospi=a concolor)
YeIlow-faced Grassquit (Tiaris oli.acea)
Grassland Yellow-Finch (Sicalis luteola)
Orange-billed Sparrow (.4rremon aurantiirostris)
Olive Sparrow (Arremonops n{fi.irgatl/S)
Green-backed Sparrow (Arremonops chloronotus)
Chipping Sparrow (Spi=ella passerina)
Savannah Sparrow (Passerculus sand,l'icnensis)
Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannanlm)
Grayish Saltator (Saltator coenllescens)
Buff-throated Saltator (Saltator ma,\"imus)
Black-headed Saltator (Saltator atriceps)
Black-faced Grosbeak ( Caryothraustes poliogaster)
~orthern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
Rose-breasted Grosbeak (PheuctiC!IS ludovicianus)
Blue-black Grosbeak (Cyanocompsa C}'anoides)
Blue Bunting (Cyanocompsa pare//ina)
Blue Grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea)
Indigo Bunting (Passerina c>'anea),
Painted Bunting (Passerina c{ris)
x
x
x
x
x
x s
x
x
~.:.u ~t~=~c"'c .0..; ~
Uc'O° C" ~
Birds ofCentral Belize 87
~ ...:.~ =
t~=~c"'c .-~O .o
u COO0 c...=
c0
"= "'--~ =N ;,. -
= ...~
= "' "'CO"'
.G-41::N ~
.-"4j := ,
<<=u
Q,.zu~
u~~Species
xT
R
R
R
R
R
R
R
M
R
R
R
M
R
R'
x
x
sx
x
x.
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
xx
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x s
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Dickcissel (Spiza americana)
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)
Eastern Meadowlark (Sturnella magna)
Melodious Blackbird (Dives dives)
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus me-~icanus)
Bronzed Cowbird (Molothrus aeneus)
Giant Cowbird (Scaphidura oryzivora)
Black-cowled Oriole (Icterus dominicensis)
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurius)
Hooded Oriole (Icterus cIIICllllatlls)
Yellow-backed Oriole (Icterus chrysater)
Yellow-tailed Oriole (Icterus 1Ilesomelas)
Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)
Yellow-billed Cacique (Ambl}'cercus holosericeus)
Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma) sx