Guyana is a birder's paradise that remains blissfully under the radar. While neighboring countries draw crowds, Guyana offers over 800 bird species in pristine habitats with virtually no other tourists in sight. From the bizarre, prehistoric Hoatzin to the world's most powerful eagle, Guyana delivers extraordinary birding experiences that serious birders dream about.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to plan your Guyana birding adventure — from must-see species and prime locations to practical tips for maximizing your sightings.
Must-See Bird Species
The Hoatzin — Guyana's National Bird
The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) is unlike any other bird on Earth. Often called the "Stinkbird" or "Canje Pheasant," this prehistoric-looking creature features a spiky crest, blue facial skin, and red eyes. But the real wonder lies beneath the surface.
Prehistoric Wonder
Young Hoatzins have claws on their wings — a feature lost in evolution by virtually all other birds. Their digestive system ferments food like a cow's stomach, giving them their distinctive smell. The Hoatzin is truly a living fossil, and seeing one in the wild is unforgettable.
Where to see them: The coastal waterways near Georgetown, particularly along the Mahaica River and in the Berbice region. They're also found at Surama and along rivers throughout the interior.
Harpy Eagle — King of the Sky
The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is the world's most powerful eagle, capable of snatching sloths and monkeys from the canopy. With talons the size of grizzly bear claws and a wingspan of over 2 meters, encountering a Harpy Eagle is a life-changing birding experience.
Where to see them: Iwokrama Forest has several monitored nests that guides can take you to. The Kanuku Mountains and southern forests also harbor breeding pairs. Patience and expert local guides are essential.
Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock
The Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock (Rupicola rupicola) is one of South America's most spectacular birds. Males are brilliant orange with a distinctive half-moon crest, and their lek displays — where multiple males gather to dance and compete for females — are among birding's greatest spectacles.
Cock-of-the-Rock Lek
Location: Near Atta Lodge, Iwokrama
Best time: Dawn and late afternoon
Season: Year-round, most active Oct-March
Experience: 3-15 males displaying at once
Other Target Species
- Scarlet Macaw — Pairs flying overhead at dawn and dusk
- Crimson Fruitcrow — Stunning red-and-black, canopy specialist
- Capuchinbird — Bizarre appearance with eerie calls
- Sun Parakeet — Critically endangered, brilliant golden plumage
- Amazonian Umbrellabird — Impressive crest and wattle
- Black Curassow — Large ground bird of pristine forest
- Zigzag Heron — Cryptic and highly sought-after
- Rufous-winged Ground-Cuckoo — Incredibly elusive forest floor specialist
Best Birding Locations
Iwokrama Forest
Guyana's premier birding destination with over 500 species recorded. The canopy walkway offers unique access to canopy specialists, while forest trails and the road itself produce excellent sightings including Harpy Eagle, Cock-of-the-Rock, and countless other species.
3-5 nights recommended
Rupununi Savannah
Open grasslands mixed with gallery forests create a different birding experience. Target species include Bearded Tachuri, Sharp-tailed Tyrant, and numerous raptors. The Karanambu and Caiman House areas are particularly productive.
3-4 nights recommended
Surama Village
Community-run eco-lodge with excellent mixed-habitat birding. The combination of forest edge, riverine areas, and savannah nearby provides diverse birding. Local guides have exceptional knowledge of their territory.
2-3 nights recommended
Coastal Georgetown Area
Don't overlook the coast! The botanical gardens, sea wall, and nearby waterways provide excellent birding for Hoatzin, herons, kingfishers, and migrant shorebirds. Perfect for pre-departure birding.
1-2 days recommended
When to Go Birding
| Season | Months | Birding Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | Sept-April | Best overall — clear trails, birds concentrated at water, comfortable conditions |
| Wet Season | May-August | Breeding plumage, displaying behavior, lush forest, some flooded trails |
| Peak Birding | Oct-March | North American migrants present, Cock-of-the-Rock leks most active |
Pro Tip
Book early morning canopy walks — the hour after dawn is when bird activity peaks. At Atta Lodge, arrange to be on the canopy walkway before sunrise. Your guide will know the best platforms for current species activity.
Essential Birding Gear
- Binoculars: 8x42 or 10x42 — essential for canopy birds
- Spotting scope: Useful for savannah birding (guides often have these)
- Camera: 400mm+ lens recommended for photography
- Field guide: "Birds of Northern South America" by Restall et al.
- Recording device: For playback and documentation
- Headlamp: For pre-dawn starts and owling
- Rain protection: Waterproof bag for optics
- Neutral clothing: Greens and browns — avoid white and bright colors
Book Your Birding Adventure
Experience world-class birding in pristine wilderness with expert local guides. Plan your Guyana birding trip today.
View Birding ToursHow to Book
Serious birding trips require specialized guides and carefully planned itineraries. We recommend booking through tour operators with dedicated birding programs and expert local guides who know exactly where to find target species.
A typical 10-14 day birding itinerary covers Georgetown area, Iwokrama Forest, Surama, and the Rupununi, with realistic expectations of 350-450 species. Check our Tour Operators page for recommended birding specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bird species are found in Guyana?
Guyana has over 800 recorded bird species, representing about 8% of all bird species worldwide. This includes 32 species of toucans, parrots, and macaws, numerous hummingbirds, and spectacular species like the Harpy Eagle and Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock.
What is Guyana's national bird?
The Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) is Guyana's national bird, locally called the "Canje Pheasant" or "Stinkbird." This prehistoric-looking bird has claws on its wings when young and a unique digestive system that ferments food like a cow's stomach.
Where is the best place for birdwatching in Guyana?
Iwokrama Forest is the top destination with 500+ species. The Rupununi Savannah offers grassland specialists, Surama provides excellent mixed-habitat birding, and the coastal areas near Georgetown are perfect for Hoatzin and waterbirds.
When is the best time for birding in Guyana?
October to April (dry season) offers the best conditions with clearer trails and birds concentrated at water sources. However, the wet season (May-August) brings breeding plumage and displaying behavior. Both seasons are productive.
Last updated: January 2026. Planning a birding expedition? Browse our birding tours or contact us for expert recommendations.