Pico Pijol National Park

Birds

Pico Pijol National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting a wide variety of cloud forest and highland bird species. Many of these birds are strikingly colorful and known for their distinctive calls.

Resplendent Quetzal
One of the most sought-after birds in the park, the resplendent quetzal is known for its iridescent green and red plumage and long tail feathers. It primarily feeds on fruits like wild avocados.

Keel-billed Toucan
This large, colorful bird is easily recognizable by its oversized, multicolored bill. The keel-billed toucan plays a vital role in seed dispersal and is often found in the high canopy.

Emerald Toucanet
A smaller relative of the keel-billed toucan, the emerald toucanet is a bright green bird with a curved beak. It is commonly seen in pairs or small groups, feeding on fruit, insects, and small vertebrates.

Three-wattled Bellbird
This unique bird is known for its loud, metallic-sounding call, which can be heard from great distances. Males have three long wattles hanging from their beaks, making them easy to identify.

Slate-colored Solitaire
Although visually unremarkable, the slate-colored solitaire is famous for its haunting, flute-like song that echoes through the misty forest.

Highland Guan
This large, turkey-like bird is a key seed disperser in the park. It forages for fruits, seeds, and leaves in the understory and is often seen moving through the trees.

White-collared Manakin
A small bird known for its elaborate courtship displays, the white-collared manakin performs quick, energetic movements while making snapping sounds with its wings.

Golden-hooded Tanager
A stunningly colorful bird with blue, black, and golden-yellow feathers, the golden-hooded tanager is often seen in mixed-species flocks, foraging for fruit and insects in the canopy.

Black-and-white Owl
A nocturnal hunter, the black-and-white owl preys on insects, rodents, and small birds. Its striking plumage and piercing orange eyes make it a sought-after sighting for birdwatchers.

Violet Sabrewing
One of the largest hummingbirds in Central America, the violet sabrewing is an iridescent purple bird that hovers around flowers, using its long, curved bill to extract nectar.

Pico Pijol National Park’s diverse wildlife, stunning cloud forests, and pristine river valleys make it one of Honduras’ most important conservation areas. Whether for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, or ecotourists, this park offers a truly unforgettable experience in one of the country’s most biodiverse regions.

Popular

Pico Pijol National Park, located in central Honduras, is a breathtaking reserve characterized by dense cloud forests, rugged mountains, and pristine rivers. This remote and ecologically rich park provides a critical sanctuary for a wide range of rare and endangered species. Its mix of tropical and highland ecosystems makes it a vital conservation area and an exceptional destination for nature enthusiasts.

Popular Wildlife in Pico Pijol National Park

Jaguar
The jaguar is the top predator in Pico Pijol’s dense forests. With its muscular build and stunning rosette-patterned coat, this elusive feline is a stealthy hunter that preys on deer, peccaries, and other mammals, playing a crucial role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance.

Baird’s Tapir
As the largest land mammal in Central America, Baird’s tapir is a key species for seed dispersal in the rainforest. This shy, nocturnal herbivore forages on leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants, usually near rivers and swamps.

Ocelot
A smaller but equally stealthy wild cat, the ocelot is a nocturnal predator that hunts rodents, birds, and reptiles. Its beautifully patterned coat provides excellent camouflage in the thick vegetation of the park.

Margay
A tree-dwelling feline, the margay is an expert climber that can rotate its ankles to descend trees headfirst. This adaptation makes it an effective hunter of birds, small mammals, and reptiles in the dense canopy.

Nine-banded Armadillo
This nocturnal insectivore is recognized by its tough, segmented shell. The nine-banded armadillo digs burrows and forages for ants, termites, and other small invertebrates, playing a role in soil aeration.

Central American Spider Monkey
An agile and acrobatic primate, the spider monkey moves through the treetops using its long limbs and prehensile tail. It primarily feeds on fruit and contributes to seed dispersal, helping maintain the forest’s health.

White-faced Capuchin Monkey
Highly intelligent and social, the white-faced capuchin monkey is often seen foraging in the treetops. It has a diverse diet of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates and is known for its problem-solving abilities and tool use.

Fer-de-lance
One of the most venomous snakes in Central America, the fer-de-lance is a highly efficient ambush predator that preys on rodents, birds, and amphibians. Despite its reputation, it plays an essential role in controlling small animal populations.

Glass Frog
A remarkable amphibian with translucent skin, the glass frog allows observers to see its internal organs. These nocturnal frogs inhabit vegetation near streams, where they lay their eggs on leaves above the water.

Northern Tamandua
A medium-sized anteater, the northern tamandua uses its strong claws and long, sticky tongue to extract ants and termites from their nests. It is an excellent climber and forages both in trees and on the ground.

Birds

Pico Pijol National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting a wide variety of cloud forest and highland bird species. Many of these birds are strikingly colorful and known for their distinctive calls.

Resplendent Quetzal
One of the most sought-after birds in the park, the resplendent quetzal is known for its iridescent green and red plumage and long tail feathers. It primarily feeds on fruits like wild avocados.

Keel-billed Toucan
This large, colorful bird is easily recognizable by its oversized, multicolored bill. The keel-billed toucan plays a vital role in seed dispersal and is often found in the high canopy.

Emerald Toucanet
A smaller relative of the keel-billed toucan, the emerald toucanet is a bright green bird with a curved beak. It is commonly seen in pairs or small groups, feeding on fruit, insects, and small vertebrates.

Three-wattled Bellbird
This unique bird is known for its loud, metallic-sounding call, which can be heard from great distances. Males have three long wattles hanging from their beaks, making them easy to identify.

Slate-colored Solitaire
Although visually unremarkable, the slate-colored solitaire is famous for its haunting, flute-like song that echoes through the misty forest.

Highland Guan
This large, turkey-like bird is a key seed disperser in the park. It forages for fruits, seeds, and leaves in the understory and is often seen moving through the trees.

White-collared Manakin
A small bird known for its elaborate courtship displays, the white-collared manakin performs quick, energetic movements while making snapping sounds with its wings.

Golden-hooded Tanager
A stunningly colorful bird with blue, black, and golden-yellow feathers, the golden-hooded tanager is often seen in mixed-species flocks, foraging for fruit and insects in the canopy.

Black-and-white Owl
A nocturnal hunter, the black-and-white owl preys on insects, rodents, and small birds. Its striking plumage and piercing orange eyes make it a sought-after sighting for birdwatchers.

Violet Sabrewing
One of the largest hummingbirds in Central America, the violet sabrewing is an iridescent purple bird that hovers around flowers, using its long, curved bill to extract nectar.

Pico Pijol National Park’s diverse wildlife, stunning cloud forests, and pristine river valleys make it one of Honduras’ most important conservation areas. Whether for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, or ecotourists, this park offers a truly unforgettable experience in one of the country’s most biodiverse regions.