Naciones Unidas National Park

Birds

Naciones Unidas National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, offering a variety of species that thrive in its forests and open spaces. Below are some of the most notable birds found in the park.

Lesson’s Motmot (Momotus lessonii)
With its vibrant turquoise and green plumage and distinctive racket-shaped tail feathers, Lesson’s motmot is one of the park’s most beautiful birds. It feeds on insects, small reptiles, and fruits.

White-fronted Parrot (Amazona albifrons)
This lively and vocal parrot is easily recognizable by its white forehead and green body. It thrives in forested areas and is often seen flying in noisy flocks.

Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
One of the most iconic birds in the region, the keel-billed toucan has a strikingly colorful beak. It primarily feeds on fruits but also eats insects, small reptiles, and eggs.

Rufous-tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
A small yet aggressive hummingbird, it is known for its iridescent green plumage and reddish tail. It is commonly seen darting between flowers, feeding on nectar.

Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa)
Similar to Lesson’s motmot, this bird is recognized for its vivid blue and green feathers and long tail. It is often spotted perched on branches, observing its surroundings before swooping down to catch insects.

Collared Aracari (Pteroglossus torquatus)
A relative of the toucan, the collared aracari has a distinctively long, curved beak. It is social and often found in small flocks, feeding on fruits and insects.

Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)
This bold and noisy bird is a common sight, with its bright yellow body and black-and-white head pattern. It is highly adaptable and feeds on insects, fruits, and even small vertebrates.

Blue-crowned Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia occipitalis)
A small, vibrant green and blue bird, the blue-crowned chlorophonia feeds primarily on fruits. It is often found in the treetops, making it a challenge to spot.

Gray-headed Kite (Leptodon cayanensis)
A bird of prey that soars over the forest in search of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It has striking gray and white plumage and a distinctive flight pattern.

Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum)
Despite its small size, this owl is a fierce predator, hunting insects, small birds, and rodents. It is active during the day, making it more visible than most owls.

Naciones Unidas National Park provides a remarkable sanctuary for both mammals and birds, offering visitors a glimpse into Guatemala’s rich biodiversity.

Naciones Unidas National Park, located in Guatemala, is a small but ecologically significant protected area. Despite its modest size, the park is home to a variety of wildlife species, particularly mammals and reptiles that thrive in its tropical forests and grasslands. Below are some of the more popular species that can be found in the park.

White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica)
A highly adaptable and social mammal, the white-nosed coati is commonly seen foraging in groups. They use their long snouts to dig for insects, fruits, and small vertebrates. Their bushy tails help them balance as they move through the trees.

Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)
These large rodents play an essential role in seed dispersal. They have strong hind legs that allow them to make quick escapes from predators. Agoutis are mostly active during the day and are often seen darting between trees in search of food.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
A relative of wild boars, the collared peccary is a stocky, pig-like mammal that lives in small groups. They feed on roots, fruits, and small invertebrates. Despite their tough appearance, they are highly social and communicate through vocalizations and scent markings.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
Recognized for its armored shell, the nine-banded armadillo is a nocturnal creature that digs burrows and feeds primarily on insects. Its keen sense of smell helps it locate food underground.

Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
One of the only canines capable of climbing trees, the gray fox is a skilled hunter that preys on small mammals, birds, and insects. It is usually active at dusk and dawn and often avoids human interaction.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
This elusive wild cat is known for its striking spotted coat. The ocelot is a nocturnal hunter, preying on rodents, birds, and small reptiles. Though rarely seen, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the park’s ecosystem.

Northern Tamandua (Tamandua mexicana)
A medium-sized anteater, the northern tamandua has strong claws and a long, sticky tongue to extract ants and termites from nests. It spends time both on the ground and in trees, making it an agile feeder.

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis)
A fast-moving reptile, the black spiny-tailed iguana prefers dry, rocky areas and open spaces. It is primarily herbivorous but will occasionally eat insects. These iguanas are excellent climbers and often bask in the sun.

Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii)
Found in freshwater habitats, this medium-sized crocodile is known for its powerful bite. Though not as large as some other crocodile species, it is a top predator in the region, feeding on fish, birds, and small mammals.

Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor maynardi)
Adaptable and intelligent, the northern raccoon thrives in various habitats. It is an opportunistic feeder, often foraging for fruits, insects, and small animals. Its dexterous front paws allow it to manipulate objects skillfully.