Yucatan Bird Watching and Birding List: Hacienda Chichen birding, Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico.



Yucatan Adventure Eco-Travel Guide: Birding and Bird-Watching Tours
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Find Here Our Recommended: Mexico's Top Eco-Spa Resorts Best Green Hotels in Yucatan Best Eco-Wellness Vacations Mayan Eco-Travel Packages Yucatan's Mayan Spa Offers Top Haciendas in Yucatan Mexico Top Green Spa Resorts Yucatan Birding Tours Chichen Itza Eco-Activities Yucatan Wedding Destinations Gourmet Mayan Fusion Cuisine Yucatan's Best Green Vacation Packages Yucatan Cenote Visits Eco-Cultural Articles ▫ Cenote ▫ Ecotourism ▫ Destination Weddings ▫ Maya People ▫ Maya Spa ▫ Mayan Cooking ▫ Xcalacoop Nutrition Center ▫ Mayan Art Masters ▫ Mayan Calendar ▫ Mayan Rituals ▫ Maya Civilization ▫ Colonial Traditions ▫ Maya Gods & Deities Archaeologists Bios: ▫ Edward Thompson ▫ Jean Charlot ▫ Merle Greene Robertson ▫ Tatiana Proskouriakoff ▫ Home ▫ Special Offers ▫ Safe Travel Tips ▫ Things To Do ▫ Contact Us		Embrace Mother Nature and the Joys of Bird-watching in Mexico's Top Green Spa Nature Retreat and Eco-Resort At the Hacienda Chichen's Bird Refuge and Maya Jungle Reserve in Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, guests and visitors alike marvel at the beauty of Mother Nature's wildlife, our Maya flora (plants) and Maya fauna (animals) Hacienda Chichen is Yucatan's ideal bird-watching; This Yucatan's birding destination and Eco-Spa Getaway offers many wonderful Eco-Cultural Vacation packages if you wish to truly enjoy bird-watching (birding) and experience great eco-friendly fun activities during your visit to Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico. The following is a brief list of the 157 wild birds found in the property: These are some of the birds found at Hacienda Chichen Bird Refuge Gardens and Mayan Jungle Reserve: Oscellated turkey, Agriocharis ocellata, this wild bird is endemic to Yucatan and protected in our Nature Reserve, is known to the Maya as the grand "Kutz". Males have a lovely plumage of iridescent golden yellow, violent, indigo blue, metallic greens and white; their head and neck color has deep hues of blue and violet with protuberances like a domestic turkey. Their tails have a semi-circular pattern near the end of the feathers. Found only in Yucatan, the Oscellated turkey feeds on seeds, shoots or insects, lives in small family groups within deciduous low bush forest. A ground dweller that can not be domesticated and nests in dense forest spots, sleeping at tree top branches. Mayan families enjoy to eat these shy and easy to disrupt birds. Turquoise-browed motmot: truly a majestic bird, "Toh" as the Maya people named the Eumomota superciliosa, has distinctive multi-color plumage a light turquoise crown, black eye marks, and two long tail semi-naked feathers with a drop like decorative shape tip. The Blue-crowned motmot, Motmotus momota (right photo) also named "Toh" by the Mayas, has similar facial marks and multi green/blue feathers with yellow/orange bellies, though its two semi-naked tail feathers are a bit shorter. Toh birds are among the few cave dwellers species, nesting in wells and Yucatan's cenotes. Painted bunting males have a distinctive combination of plumage colors: bright red fro the bottom of the peak to the belly and tail; the back has bright metallic hues of green, while the head blends deep indigo blue with violet tones, plus a red circle eye-line. This beautiful bird is a permanent resident in the Maya Jungle Reserve in Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico. Passerine ciris female bird has a pale brown back and yellow/green belly. They inhabit mid - low scrubland and forest. Shy, reproduces near water areas in wood dense wild sites. Feeds on seeds, small fruits, and some insects. At the Hacienda Chichen Bird Refuge it is seen near the pool area. You will find many Summer tanager birds, Piranga rubra, at dawn and during the day. The male has a distinctive bright red scarlet plumage all over the body but the wings which are a bit darker. A female has a olive-yellow plumage. Although Summer tanager are birds known to migration, at the Hacienda Chichen Nature Maya Jungle Reserve guests and visitors may see these scarlet beautiful birds almost all year around. The main diet of these birds is filled with seeds, insects, or tropical fruits. Green Jay, Cyanocorax yucas, is known to Yucatan's Maya as majestic "Ses Ib" birds. These wild birds' plumage stands out with beautiful shades of green on back and wings. A blue-violet shade top with black marking bib coming from the head sides and throat. The green tail has yellow feathers on each side that are seen as it flies. Green Jays inhabit well preserved low or medium forest, feeding on fruits, tender shoots and flowers. Breeds and nests in deep foliage areas. Enjoys flying solitary but it is known to fly in groups of two or more during mating season. Yucatan's side roads and open forest areas are perfect places to find them. The Yucatan jay, Cyanocorax yucatecanicus, is an endemic bird species that Mayans call "Ch'el." This is a jay with a brilliant turquoise blue plumage on back and wings, bright yellow peak, feet, and eyeliner, with black feather head, throat, and belly. Breeds in undisturbed wooded areas, nesting in small flocks. Can be seen eating near banana and fruit crops, or insects and seeds. Flies in small groups and enjoys pastures and open fields; very talkative and social. The Yucatan Jay is a medium size bird that can be observed all times of the day. Females birds have black peaks and feet. Yucatan woodpecker, Melanerpes pygmaeous, is known to the Maya people as "Ch'ujum." This woodpecker is endemic to the Yucatan, living in low forest with plenty of insects to feed; loves the coconut plantation at Hacienda Chichen, an area that many families of Yucatan woodpeckers reside year round. Nests and breeds in old hollow wood branches where up to four eggs may be incubated for 23 days. Fascinating birds have black and white strips backs and wings plumage, and a pale yellow/brown body; the forehead yellow spot is clearly mark and the crest is vivid red. A large strong peak with a very long retractable tongue supported by a strong tendon attached to the skull of these birds help them feed. Yucatan parrots, "T'uut" in Maya, are another endemic birds, the species is only found in the Yucatan Peninsula, These birds travel in flocks from feeding grounds to their roosting sites. Parrots are monogamous for life and become good pets; but are best enjoy flying free in their medium forest habitat. Yucatan parrots love to fly together in small groups to feed on fruits, seeds, flowers high on tree branches. Talkative and noisy, their plumage is mainly emerald green with indigo blue outline wing feathers; when in flight, their red patched wings can be observed clearly. At the forehead, these birds have a patch of yellow feathers near the peak, a white spot covers the head top, red feather near eyes. Keel-billed Toucan, also known as the Rainbow billed toucan, inhabits the tropical forests in Colombia to the Yucatan in Mexico. Toucans, Ramphastos sulfuratus, are beautiful, colorful birds so attractive and elegant, they area a joy to observe in the wild. A Keel toucan has black body, belly, and tail plumage, blue eyeliner, and a yellow or white bib shaped chest. Feeds fruits, and seeds, enjoys flying in small groups to perch atop lush tree canopy. The large peak is light in weight for it is built as a sponge soft bone covered in keratin a very waxy protein. The Keel-billed toucan roosts in a hollow old tree branch with other toucans of the flock. Very sociable bird that is a joy to watch in the wild as it flies with his small flock from tree top to tree top. On tall tree branches you will find the Orange Oriole, Icterus auratus, an endemic bird species found only in Yucatan Peninsula. The male all body is covered with bright deep yellow with under hues of orange plumage; the wings are black with clearly marked white bands, the eye and neck have some areas of black plumage. It inhabits low forest and areas with fruit and flower trees, eats nectar, insects, seeds, and a few seeds. Nests with other birds of its kind, sociable and adapted, the Orange oriole, weaves impressive nests from plant fibers and tree or grass cuts; its nest are large, made out of straw and dry sticks artistically woven to hang. Mexican Sheartail hummingbird, Doricha eliza, only found in Mexico's subtropical shrub-land rural gardens, seldom in few urban garden areas. A near extinction threatened hummingbird the Mexican Sheartail is a Mexican endemic bird species that has been loosing its natural habitat; therefore these hummingbirds are protected at the Hacienda Chichen Bird Refuge and gardens, where their population has grown and taken residence. Little is known about the Mexican Sheartail hummingbird behavior; feeds on nectar of flowers; can be observed near the hibiscus hedges in the garden's paths. The Mexican Sheartail hummingbird has a bright metallic green plumage upperparts and a magenta throat. Rose-throated becard, Pachyramphus aglaiae, is a winter migratory resident easy to spot at Hacienda Chichen Bird Refuge and beautiful gardens. Rose-throated becards are small flycatcher birds with gray upperparts, large head with a black feather cap, a fairly large pale rose-red throat spot, and pale gray underparts. Rose throated becards love to catche insects in flight and eat larvae, fruits and small wild berries. Their flight is often for short distances with rapid shallow wingbeats. Rose-throated becard lays two to six white with brown blotches eggs and builds large foot-long globular nests, wi Squirrel Cuckoo, Piaya cayana (Kip Cho in Maya), a rather large bird averaging 46 cm long. A shy bird is found in woodlands and semi-open jungle hedges; Squirrel Cuckoo birds fly only short distances, leaping from branch to branch feeding on large insects such as spiders, caterpillars, wasps, and sometimes fruit. Squirrel Cuckoo plumage has a cinnamon or chestnut upperparts covering the top head, then paler on the throat with an almost pink tone. Its lower breast and belly are grayish. Squirrel Cuckoo's long tail feathers have black with white band-like tips. The bill is lime and the iris is red. These beautiful birds call makes sharp "kip! weeuu sounds and whistles long wheeps. Females lay 2 or 3 eggs on leaf and twit high nests. Indigo Bunting, Passerina cyanea, showcases deep turquoise indigo blue plumage all over with a black mark in front of eyes, when in mating season (male photo); this beautiful indigo song-bird is found in Hacienda Chichen during its migratory winter season (Nov. to March each year); prefers undisturbed lush forest areas and rejoyadas, to observe Indigo bunting birds stroll gently through the hotel's Maya Jungle Reserve. Indigo Buntings migrate at night, using the stars for guidance; since they learn their night sky orientation as young birds observing the stars. The female plumage has pale brown upper feathers. Social flycatcher, Myiozetetes similis (X'takay in Maya) is a member of the tyrant flycatcher bird family. Social flycatcher birds plumage resemble that of Boat-billed flycatchers and Great kiskadee birds; however social flycatcher adult birds are smaller, 18 cm. long. The male head has a dark almost black crown with a strong white eyestripe; the upperparts are olive brown, wings and tail have gray brown feather tones. Social flycatcher belly and underparts are bright yellow and the throat is white. At the Hacienda Chichen these cheerful birds' calls chips-k'-cheery are sang all day long to the enjoyment of guests and visiting birders. Social flycatcher birds love to perch in the open terraces of the hotel and feed on small berries from many of the trees around the hotel's main arch. They nest near water from February to June. Yucatan wren, Campylorhynchus yucatanicus, called "Yan coti" in Maya. This endemic bird species is classified as a "near threatened" due to its small limited habitat range in an increasingly developed and fragmented region confined to the northern of Yucatan Peninsula 9including north-west Campeche) in Mexico. Yucatan wren birds enjoy scattered bushes, pastures, and the forest busy edges of the Hacienda Chichen's Bird Refuge grounds where they are protected. It borages in pairs and in family groups on the ground, diet is still unknown but possibly eats small grass seeds in low vegetation areas. Nests and breeds around March and May in ovoid grass nests inside tall bushes. Gray Hawk, Buteo nitidus, a neo-tropical raptor or bird of prey that breeds at Hacienda Chichen's lush gardens and wild forest edges. This beautiful raptor is know to Mayans as Yoksadz. Adult Gray hawks reach up to 50cm in height and hunt for food primarily using their talons; these raptors eat lizards, snakes, birds, small animals. Gray hawks display a characteristic curved tip to their beak. They have superb vision and hunting skills. Grey hawks also they have strong pale grey bodies, black tail with three wide white bands. Wings are gray, their striking stripped gray and white feather pattern covers breast; Gray hawks have strong orange legs. Gray hawks are short winged and have a fast agile flight. Territorial in nature; they highly guard their breeding grounds; their nests usual are high and have two pale blue white eggs. Other endemic birds found in the Yucatan Peninsula that can be observed at the Hacienda Chichen Bird Refuge and Maya Jungle Reserve are the: Rose-throated bacard, Piranga roseogularis. Black-throated bobwhite, Colinus nigrogularis, "Bech" in Maya. Yucatan night-jar, Caprimulgus badius, called "Box Pujuy" in Maya. Yucatan poorwill, Nyctiphrynus yucatanius, called "Chac Pujuy" in Maya. Mexican sheartail, Dorich eliza, an emerald green humming bird, "Dzunum" in Maya. Yucatan flycatcher, Myiarchus yucatanesis, known in Maya as a " X'takay " Ridway's rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis, or "Cutzam" in Maya. Yucatan wren, Campylorhynchus yucatanicus, called " Yan coti" in Maya. Black catbird, Melapnotilia glabrirostris, or Box Chika' in Maya. Orange oriole, Icterus auratus, " yuyum" in Maya, popular in our Bird Refuge. Yucatan vireo, Vireo magister, Yellow-throated Warbler, Dendroica dominica, Rufous-breasted Spinetail Synallaxis erythrothorax Other birds found in Hacienda Chichen's Bird Refuge are: Plain chachalaca, Ortalis vetula (Baach in Maya) Gray hawk, Asturina nitida, (Yoksadz in Maya) Laughing falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans (Kos in Maya) Rudy ground dove, Columbina talpacoti (Chak Mucuy in Maya) Squirrel Cuckoo, Piaya cayana (Kip Cho in Maya) Groove billed ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris ( Chic Bul in Maya) Barn owl, Tyto alba ( Xoch' in Maya) Ferruginious pygmy owl, Glaucidium brasilianum ( X;nuk in Maya) Green breasted mango, Anthracothorax prevostii (Dzunum, all hummingbirds) Ruby throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris, (Dzunum Maya) Buff billied hummingbird, Amazilla yucatanensis (Dzunum in Maya) Lineated woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus (Colonte in Maya) Great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus, ( X'takay in Maya all similar birds in colors) Boat-billed flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangus (X'takay in Maya) Social flycatcher, Myiazetetes similis (X'takay in Maya) Tropical king bird, Tyranius melancholius (X'takay in Maya) Mask tityra, Tityra semifasciata, (Pelan K'euel in Maya) Rufous browed peppershrike, Cyclartis gujanensis, ( Yax chii in Maya) Clay color robin, Turdus greyi, ( X'Kok in Maya ) Summer tanager, Piranga rubra (Chac'chii in Maya) Great tail grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus (X'Kau in Maya) Melodious black-bird, Dives dives ( Pich in Maya ) Hooded oriole, Icterus cucullutus ( Yuyum in Maya, same all yellow orioles ) Altamira oriole, Icterus gularis ( Yuyum in Maya, same all yellow orioles ) There are a hundred other non-endemic bird species observed as regular residents of the Bird Refuge at Hacienda Chichen Bird Refuge in Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico, all of them have found a peaceful safe heaven to nest, breed, and enjoy their natural habitat gifts; also guests and local workers have learned to admire and protect these creatures. We wish to share Yucatan's animal kingdom with future generations; therefore, caring and protecting animals and their habitat is our mission Birding in Yucatan at Hacienda Chichen is quite a joy, over 157 wild bird species are found in this green hotel's Bird Refuge and gardens. Birding for professional birders is very rewarding and photographers truly find wonderful opportunities to get great photos here; also the amateur birders delight in birding with one of our Mayan Local Bird-watching guides who help birders indentify birds as well as Mayan medicinal plants during the 90 minutes bird guided tours offered at Hacienda Chichen in the Yucatan, where bird-watching is one of the highlights moments of most guests visiting this Mayan region. For Yucatan birding activities and birding tours in the Yucatan, please contact Chichen Services via email: info@chichenservices.com or visit www.chichenservices.com to find which Nature and Birding Vacation Package is best for you! Wildlife Protection and Reforestation: Hacienda Chichen Eco-Spa Resort is truly an unique eco-hotel and Colonial historic landmark in the mist of Chichen Itza's Mayan temples, Yucatan, Mexico. With a high environmental awareness commitment and strong ecological safe practices, Hacienda Chichen is a Nature Lover destination, especially for birders and bird-watching aficionados hoping to observe hundred of colorful wild birds joyfully singing and moving in such closeness that a pair of binoculars may not be needed to fully appreciate each bird. Genuinely committed to Sustainable Tourism in Yucatan, this acclaimed Green Spa Jungle Resort offers native eco-cultural activities to all its guests since 2003, when Mr. Bruce Gordon and Mrs. Belisa Barbachano took over the operation of this beautiful hacienda and boutique green hotel. Mr. Bruce Gordon directs all ecological ventures of the hotel such as its Nature & Wildlife Conservation, and Reforestation programs; he also oversees the Hacienda Chichen's green hospitality practices and policies. Under his direction, the Hacienda Chichen is committed to taking active measures to preserve, conserve, and enrich the flora and fauna habitats, aiming to increase diversity and protect the habitat of endemic wildlife. His responsible actions have stopped the illegal hunters of white deer and other endangered animal species (fauna) for entering the property; thus, increasing the safety of many endangered endemic species in the region, including families of kinkajous, oscillated turkeys, and white tail deer. Mr. Gordon and his forest-guards have planted over 2,500 indigenous hardwood trees in the property and reclaimed over 80 acres of unauthorized farmed land. staff; thus, increasing the natural joy of learning about each other; this interaction enriches the local community at the same time that the community enriches the visitors’ cultural experience and knowledge. The property of Hacienda Chichen sits in the heart of the ancient Maya city of Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico. For three generations, the owners have kept this property as a green Maya Jungle Resort with utmost environmental care, protecting Yucatan's fauna (animals) and endemic flora (plants) within their vast private Maya Jungle Reserve Eco-Spa Resort's property; respecting not only Yucatan's historical legacy, its impressive Maya and Colonial cultural value, but the hospitality green vision and sustainable social mission that has made Hacienda Chichen an innovating eco-cultural destination where travelers can experience authentic Mayan cultural traditions. ABOUT YUCATAN ADVENTURE ECO-TRAVEL GUIDE: We are a joined volunteer team with the Maya Foundation In Laakeech, a NGO Sustainable Civil Society dedicated to the welfare of the Mayan rural people and communities near Chichen Itza, Yucatan, Mexico. Our volunteer team thanks the Hacienda Chichen Resort and Yaxkin Spa active organized efforts to Sustainable Tourism and Green Awareness Eco-Social activities to protect the Mayan Jungle environment: flora and fauna, as well as the Mayan native cultural traditions, and local rural-communities such as Xcalacoop, Yucatan, Mexico. Indeed, few hotels and haciendas in Yucatan, Mexico have dedicated their efforts to “Responsible Tourism” as wholeheartedly. HOW TO HELP US HELP? There are plenty of ways you can support and help the communities you visit, ask us about small useful gifts that you could pack for to support local schools and conservation projects. Your support is highly appreciated; you can help by buying at Toh Boutique Mayan Art-crafts or by making a donation to support The Maya Foundation In Láakeech A.C. social and ecological programs. If you wish to be involved in MFIL volunteer work, the Hacienda Chichen offers free rooming and other discounts, please read our volunteer FAQ article. Best Birding in Yucatan! A bird-watcher's paradise: Hacienda Chichen offers you a great birding destination. Yucatan Adventure & Hacienda Chichen proudly support the social programs of THE MAYA FOUNDATION IN LÁAKEECH We highly recommend to you Hacienda Chichen Resort as a Top Green boutique hotel committed to a Sustainable Travel and Eco-Spa Resort quality hotel, the top one among Yucatan's haciendas. Visit Chichen Services Mayan Green Vacations Portal and book one of their great vacations. Yucatan Birding Tours and Vacation Packages that include guided birding tours in Chichen Itza. Contact us now to request articles you would like to read in our website. June 2006 Updated December 2007 Re-edited March & September 2008 Updated July, October, December 2009

	Yucatan Adventure is Mexico's Top Green Eco-Travel Guide - Bringing you birding information to enjoy Hacienda Chichen, the Yucatan and the Mayan World.