When most people think of the Mayan Jungle, they envision beautiful beaches and tropical weather. However, this region of the world offers much more than just beautiful landscapes. With over 500 species of birds, including 12 endemics, the Yucatan Peninsula is home to a great diversity of bird life in various ecosystems such as coasts, mangrove swamps, wetlands, and different types of jungle. 

The Yucatan Peninsula’s privileged location between the north and south of the continent and the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea makes it an ideal stopover for many migratory bird species. Over 200 bird species migrate from North America and use the peninsula as their home or crossing bridge during the winter of the northern hemisphere. During the summer, about ten “visitors” from South America and other parts of the Caribbean make Yucatan their breeding place. 

Colorful toucans, Yucatan jays, woodpeckers, orioles and even pelicans, they all are a sight behold. Binoculars are not needed to become an avid bird watcher in this lush ecosystem; all it takes is a brief pause at the window or at a rooftop to listen to their singing and see their colorful feathers jumping between trees and flying across the sky.