Bird facts are always of interest to any birder. Cool facts about national birds are no exception! Most countries have officially (or at least unofficially) selected a national bird to best represent their local avifauna. Central American countries have done a great job of boasting some of the most beautiful birds the region has to offer. So, without further ado, here we go!
Guatemala – Resplendent Quetzal
Guatemala takes the prize for selecting one of the most iconic and most beautiful birds on Earth as its national bird – the Resplendent Quetzal. It is found throughout the highlands of Guatemala and other Central American countries. It is revered for its shimmery green plumage, contrasting with its bright red belly and bushy crest. Its most outstanding feature, however, is the long trailing upper tail coverts of the male. The Resplendent Quetzal has played an important role in Meso-American mythology. The name “quetzal” is an Ancient Mayan term for tail feather. The Mayans were said to have used the long tail feathers for currency. The Resplendent Quetzal is found on the Guatemalan flag and coat of arms. The country’s currency is also called, you guessed it, the Quetzal.
Belize – Keel-billed Toucan
The Keel-billed Toucan is another emblematic bird of Central America. Belize chose it as their national bird of Belize when the country declared its independence from the United Kingdom in 1981. Widespread throughout Belize (and through most of Central America), it is a welcome sight to anyone. It is easily distinguishable with that huge colorful bill. Being easily recognizable, common and beautiful makes the Keel-billed Toucan a great choice for Belize’s national bird.
El Salvador and Nicaragua – Turquoise-browed Motmot
It’s no surprise that two Central American countries have chosen the Turquoise-browed Motmot as their national birds. It is one of the most beautiful species of the motmot family. Found throughout El Salvador and the Pacific slope of Nicaragua, this elegant bird of Meso-America sports rich olive-rufous plumage highlighted with bright turquoise blue, and a long racquet-tipped tail. It is a bird not to be missed in either of these countries. In El Salvador it is known locally as Torogoz. In Nicaragua it is known as Guardabarranco.
Honduras – Scarlet Macaw
Honduras declared the Scarlet Macaw as its national bird in 1993. It is another brightly-colored and well-known bird associated with the Neotropics. Honduras chose this threatened species as a way to raise awareness of Honduras’ bird life among its population and beyond. The hope is that it would spark conservation interest globally to assist the small population in Honduras and throughout its extensive yet fragmented range. Like other Central American national birds, it is attractive and calls attention easily. The local name in Honduras for the Scarlet Macaw is La Guara Roja. A small population thrives in the La Mosquitia reserve in the eastern part of the country, and can be seen along the northern Caribbean coast.
Costa Rica – Clay-colored Thrush
Instead of choosing a more recognizable, colorful, beautiful bird associated with the tropics, Costa Rica took a different approach to selecting their national bird. Instead, they decided to honor a bird that can be seen by everyone who lives in and visits here – the ubiquitous Clay-colored Thrush! Costa Rica reveres this bird for its abundance and ease of observation, its charismatic nature in suburban gardens and most of all, its melodic song. The dawn song of the Clay-colored Thrush is sweet music to everyone’s ears, definitely making up for its drab brown plumage. A close cousin of the American Robin, the Clay-colored Thrush ranges from extreme southern US (Texas) throughout all of Central America and into northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela.
Panama – Harpy Eagle
In such a small country, Panama has the greatest biodiversity of all of Central America. With over 1000 species of birds to choose a national bird from, Panama made a great decision by choosing the largest and most powerful eagle, the Harpy Eagle. Panama’s easternmost province, Darién, supports the largest population of Harpy Eagles in Central America. Sightings of this elusive forest eagle are uncommon but more frequent here than in the rest of the region. The Harpy Eagle represents sovereignty and is an indicator of a healthy environment. The Harpy Eagle was designated as Panama’s national bird in 2002 and is on the top of the coat of arms of the Republic of Panama.
Well, there you have it, the full list of national birds from the beautiful Central American countries. We challenge you to join us to see all these birds on our tours!
