Ambergris Caye Belize Resort Development - Department of ...

2.3.1.2.2.4 Avi-fauna or Birds
The project site was richly invested with bird species. Grimshaw and Paz cited the existence of
182 species of birds for the larger BCNP/MR [See Table 2.7]. The Tunich Nah Survey Team
documented 52 species of birds for the project site: Seven (7) of these species have not been
previously documented by Grimshaw and Paz [2004].
In 1995 Martin Meadows identified 186 species of birds in the Laguna de Cantena area of
Bacalar Chico National Park. The survey by the Tunich Nah Team revealed that tropical
Littoral forest supports three times (3x) the level of species as compared to the more central
scrub forest. The Laguna de Cantena area is important for several Yucatan endemics such as
the Red Vented Woodpecker (Malenerpes pymaeus), Yucatan Vireo (Vireo magister), and
the Black Catbird (Melanoptila glarirostris). The lagoon is an important feeding area for
wetland species such as Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens), Roseate Spoonbill Heron (Ajaia
ajaja) and Wood Storks. Some mangrove cayes in the lagoon are roosting areas for over ten
species (Meadows 1995).
Fifteen (15) North American migrants were identified on the site, these observations all
occurred at the end of bird migration period (Mar-May). The birds use the property and
adjacent areas as feeding and roosting grounds. Olive Throated Parakeets (Aratinga nana) are
reported by local fishers to nest in coconut palms. The key bird habitat observed on this site is
the Beach/Littoral forest located along the shoreline that supports the Black Catbird
(Melanoptila glabrirostris), which is endemic to Belize.
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