{"id":2351,"date":"2025-06-04T21:31:51","date_gmt":"2025-06-04T21:31:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.avbelize.com\/splash\/?page_id=2351"},"modified":"2026-01-05T21:54:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T21:54:37","slug":"bird-watching-at-cockscomb-wildlife-sanctuary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.avbelize.com\/splash\/jungle\/bird-watching-at-cockscomb-wildlife-sanctuary\/","title":{"rendered":"Bird Watching at Cockscomb Wildlife Sanctuary"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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EXPLORE A BIRDER\u2019S PARADISE \u2013 COCKSCOMB WILDLIFE SANCTUARY <\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Where would you go to birding if you were looking for a huge pristine area managed by the Audubon Society? The answer is Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize. Cockscomb is renowned for its bird population with hundreds of species.<\/p>

The 126 000-acre Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary has great trails to follow in search of the 330 species of birds that inhabit or visit this jungle paradise. Originally established as a sanctuary for jaguars, most visitors come for the refreshing experience of getting back to nature.<\/p>

No promises, but we will be looking for the scarlet macaw, the great curassow, the keel-billed toucan, tinamou, the king vulture, several hawk species, flycatchers, tanagers, etc, etc. Not only will you be looking, but also you will be listening for the sounds of the birds and trying to identify them from their \u201csong\u201d. One unusual one is the white-collared manakin which you may not see but the snap of its wings but it makes a sound like two stones being banged together.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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In addition to jaguars, Cockscomb is home to four other wildcats\u2013jaguarundi, puma, ocelot and margay.<\/p>

While this tour is focused on birding, Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary has the world\u2019s highest concentration of big cats in the world. In addition to jaguars Cockscomb is home to jaguarondis, pumas, ocelots and margays. There is also a lot of \u201ccat food\u201d to be found including pacas, armadillos, agouties and red-brocket deer. Other cool wildlife sightings are coatis, anteaters, kinkajous, tapirs, otters, peccaries and a troops of howler monkeys.<\/p>

The tour leaves Placencia at as early as 05:00 am as bird sightings tend to be better early but departure can be as late as 08:00 if desired.<\/p>

Wear sturdy shoes, long sleeved shirt and long pants. Bring a camera, insect repellent, sunscreen, and plenty of water. Birders should bring binoculars as the jaguar preserve rain forest is quite dense. Bringing a change of clothing is recommended as you are likely to work up a good sweat.<\/p>

Fitness Level Required:<\/strong> low to strenuous, depending upon the specific trail to be followed.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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