Signature Species
The iconic birds that make Guyana a world-class birding destination
Photo: Itiel Cd / Pexels
Harpy Eagle
Harpia harpyja Surama (3 nest sites), Iwokrama
1-hour hike to nest sites
High success at active nests
World's most powerful raptor
Moderate
Guianan Cock-of-the-rock
Rupicola rupicola Kaieteur, Surama, Iwokrama
Active leks with displaying males
Nearly guaranteed at leks
Spectacular orange plumage
Easy at Lek
Photo: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
Blood-colored Woodpecker
Veniliornis sanguineus Georgetown Botanical Gardens
Guiana Shield endemic (300-mile coastal strip)
Regular with patience
Best urban birding target
Moderate
Capuchinbird
Perissocephalus tricolor Iwokrama (Mori Scrub, Burro Burro)
Bizarre mooing calls
Good at known locations
"Weirdest bird" — a must-see!
Moderate
Crimson Fruitcrow
Haematoderus militaris Atta Lodge clearing (regular!)
Canopy of humid lowland forest
Good at Atta when fruiting
Uncommon and patchy elsewhere
Moderate
Photo: iNaturalist (CC BY)
Sun Parakeet
Aratinga solstitialis Karasabai Village (last stronghold)
ENDANGERED - major target
Requires dedicated trip
Brightest psittacid in Americas
Requires Planning
Zigzag Heron
Zebrilus undulatus Atta area, Caiman House wetlands
Highly elusive, crepuscular
Dawn/dusk in swampy areas
A "lucky" sighting!
Difficult
All 5 Potoo Species
Nyctibius spp. Surama (Great Potoo trail)
Only place to see all 5 species!
Night walks required
Great, Common, Long-tailed, Rufous, White-winged
Moderate (Night)
Photo: Cricket Raspet / iNaturalist
Scarlet Macaw
Ara macao Iwokrama, Shell Beach, Rupununi
Spectacular red, yellow & blue
Regular in pairs or flocks
Loud, unmistakable calls
Easy
Photo: Philipp Hoenle / iNaturalist
Hoatzin (National Bird)
Opisthocomus hoazin Georgetown canals, Rupununi rivers
"Prehistoric" bird with clawed wings
Common along waterways
Smells of fresh-cut grass!
Easy
Photo: iNaturalist (CC BY)
Toco Toucan
Ramphastos toco Rupununi savannas, forest edges
World's largest toucan
Regular in open habitats
Iconic orange bill
Easy
Crimson Topaz
Topaza pella Iwokrama canopy, forest clearings
One of largest hummingbirds
Requires patience at feeders
Stunning crimson gorget
Moderate
Photo: Charlesjsharp / Wikimedia
Jabiru
Jabiru mycteria Rupununi savannas, wetlands
Tallest flying bird in Americas
Easy in wet season
Distinctive red neck pouch
Easy (Wet Season)
More Target Species
Hoatzin (National Bird)
Red Siskin (Endangered)
Guianan Red-Cotinga
Blue-cheeked Parrot
Crestless Curassow
Bearded Tachuri
Orange-breasted Falcon
Rufous-winged Ground-Cuckoo
Guianan Toucanet
Scarlet Macaw
Purple-breasted Cotinga
Jabiru