Common Birds of Venezuela

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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