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Psittacidae

Psittacidae are brightly colored arboreal birds.  Unfortunately, they are very popular as pets, and as a result, many species are endangered in the wild and several have been completely extirpated from most of their natural range in the region, such as the Scarlet Macaw.  Scarlet Macaws’ used to be seen in Tikal, but are now completely extinct in the park and have been virtually erased from the rest of its range.  Recent studies estimated that there may be as few as 300 breeding pairs in the wild, but experts tell us that there may be even fewer specimens of Ara macao left. Any effort to Rescue the Scarlet Macaw specimens that are left is worthwhile, but a difficult challenge.       Plumage of most the parrot species is bright green overall. Parrots feed mostly on seeds and fruits, often lifting food to their bill with their dexterous feet.  The typical view one gets of most species is of a pair of flock in flight, often-considerable distance.

 With practice, voices can be useful for identification but knowing which species occur where helps greatly; rarely do two similar parrots occur in the same range or habitat.  Most identication problems occur among the Amazons; head patterns are the key but can be hard to see on flying birds and many parrots may have to go down.  Rarely, do two species associate readily other than sometimes at fruiting trees. Out of 23 species that live in Mexico and Northern Central America, five species of parrots and one parakeet live in Tikal.  These are:

Brown- hooded Parrot, Pionopsitta h. haematotis
White- crowned Parrot, Pionus senilis
White- fronted Parrot, Amazona albifrons
Red- lored Parrot, Amazona automnalis
Mealy Parrot, Amazona farinosa
Olive- throated Parakeet, Aratinga nana

Trochilidae

About 65 species of hummingbirds are known in the region.  Hummingbirds are well known for their small size, remarkable flight powers, and brilliant colors.  Their slender, pointed, and proportionately long bills vary from straight to strongly arched and are used to probe flowers for nectar and insects; the tubular tongues have brush-like tips to aid in nectar gathering.  Hummingbirds are unique in being able to reverse their primaries while hovering (in effect, rotating the wings through 180°), which enables them to fly backwards, the wings are moved so quickly in flight as to appear blurred.Most hummingbirds have blackish-brown to dark grey remiges. Their songs vary from essentially non-existent (in species where displays are important) to complex and startlingly loud, calls are generally chips and trills.  Hummingbirds feed mostly on flowers’ nectar and insects.  Their nest are small cups of lichen, plant fiber, spider silk, hair, and other fine material, usually saddled on a branch or attached to a more vertical twig or stem by fibers and cobwebs.Nesting season often do not coincide with those of most other species in the region and an indication of nesting dates is given for each species, when available, in some cases, nesting seasons have been deduced from birds in breeding condition.  A good thing to learn is which flowers hummingbirds like.  Waiting patiently by a mass of suitable flowers is often the best way to take a good look at hummingbirds.

you like to came birding with us?For more information on responsible tours to the natural and archaeological World of the Maya, birding adventures and other outdoor experiences contact: Ecotourism & Adventure Specialists ecoadventure@tikalpark.com or visit our website at http://www.ecotourism-adventure.com

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