Iconic bird of Venezuela

Common Birds of Venezuela

Venezuela's extraordinary diversity โ€” from Llanos wetlands to Pantepui tepui peaks โ€” hosts 1,450+ species including the Harpy Eagle, Scarlet Ibis, and unique Roraima endemics.

1,450+
Total species
45+
Endemics
65+
Threatened
Decโ€“Apr
Best months
๐Ÿฆ
1. Scarlet IbisLeast Concern
Eudocimus ruber

Venezuela's most spectacular waterbird โ€” thousands roost communally in mangroves along the northern coast; the sunset flight of thousands of crimson birds is Caribbean birding's greatest spectacle.

๐Ÿ“ Llanos, Orinoco Delta, Maracaibo coast๐Ÿ—“ Janโ€“Apr
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2. Harpy EagleVulnerable
Harpia harpyja

Venezuela's vast lowland forest harbors one of South America's largest Harpy Eagle populations โ€” Imataca Forest Reserve in the southeast is the most reliable area.

๐Ÿ“ Amazon and Orinoco lowland forest๐Ÿ—“ Decโ€“Apr
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3. HoatzinLeast Concern
Opisthocomus hoazin

The punk rocker of the bird world โ€” with its mohawk crest and perpetually bewildered expression, the Hoatzin clambers through riverside vegetation with the aid of wing-claws in chicks.

๐Ÿ“ Flooded Llanos rivers, Orinoco banks๐Ÿ—“ Year-round
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4. Venezuelan TroupialLeast Concern
Icterus icterus

Venezuela's national bird โ€” brilliant orange and black, with a bright blue eye-ring; bold and conspicuous at fruiting trees throughout the Llanos.

๐Ÿ“ Llanos savannah throughout๐Ÿ—“ Year-round
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5. Bearded BellbirdLeast Concern
Procnias averano

The male produces an explosive metallic "BONK" audible up to 1 km โ€” a pendulous mass of black wormlike wattles hangs from the throat; Henri Pittier NP is the most accessible site.

๐Ÿ“ Northern Venezuela cloud forest๐Ÿ—“ Janโ€“Apr
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6. CapuchinbirdLeast Concern
Perissocephalus tricolor

Named for the bare orange head patch resembling a Capuchin monk's tonsure โ€” males gather at leks and produce the most extraordinary mooing bellow of any bird.

๐Ÿ“ Amazon lowland forest, Bolรญvar state๐Ÿ—“ Decโ€“Apr
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7. Horned ScreamerLeast Concern
Anhima cornuta

A bizarre goose-like bird with a long bony horn projecting from the forehead and two sharp bony wing spurs โ€” calls loudly from wetland vegetation in the Llanos.

๐Ÿ“ Llanos wetlands๐Ÿ—“ Decโ€“Apr
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8. Crimson TopazLeast Concern
Topaza pella

One of the world's largest hummingbirds and arguably the most spectacular โ€” the male's violet and crimson plumage rivals any Bird-of-Paradise in extravagance.

๐Ÿ“ Amazon and Orinoco forest๐Ÿ—“ Decโ€“Apr

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