Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park

Birds

Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park is a haven for birdwatchers, with its lush forests and wetlands supporting an incredible variety of avian species. Here are ten of the most popular birds found in the park:

Keel-Billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus)
This striking toucan, with its large multicolored beak, is a common sight in the park’s canopy. It feeds on fruits, insects, and small reptiles, playing an essential role in seed dispersal.

Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)
One of the most vibrant birds in the region, the scarlet macaw’s bright red, yellow, and blue plumage makes it an unmistakable presence. These intelligent parrots are highly social and can be heard squawking loudly as they fly overhead.

Crested Guan (Penelope purpurascens)
A large, turkey-like bird, the crested guan is often seen moving through the trees in search of fruit. Its loud, guttural calls make it easy to detect even when hidden among the foliage.

Black-Headed Trogon (Trogon melanocephalus)
With its striking yellow belly and black head, this trogon is a favorite among birdwatchers. It prefers forest edges and is often seen perched motionless while scanning for insects.

Slaty-Tailed Trogon (Trogon massena)
Another colorful trogon species, the slaty-tailed trogon, features a bright red belly and a deep green back. It thrives in dense forests and is typically found sitting quietly on branches.

White-Fronted Parrot (Amazona albifrons)
A small but noisy parrot, the white-fronted parrot travels in flocks and is often seen feeding on fruit trees. Its green body and white forehead distinguish it from other parrots in the area.

Great Curassow (Crax rubra)
This large, ground-dwelling bird is known for its glossy black feathers and distinctive curly crest. It forages on the forest floor, searching for fallen fruit and small invertebrates.

Rufous-Tailed Hummingbird (Amazilia tzacatl)
One of the many hummingbird species in the park, this tiny but energetic bird hovers around flowers, sipping nectar. Its metallic green body and rufous-colored tail make it easy to identify.

Laughing Falcon (Herpetotheres cachinnans)
A snake-eating raptor, the laughing falcon gets its name from its distinctive call, which sounds like laughter. It perches high in trees, scanning the ground for prey.

Bat Falcon (Falco rufigularis)
This small but powerful falcon is often seen darting through the sky in pursuit of birds and large insects. Its sharp hunting skills and fast flight make it an impressive predator.

Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park offers a remarkable glimpse into the wildlife of Guatemala, where ancient ruins and vibrant ecosystems coexist in a stunning natural setting.

Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo National Park, located in the dense tropical forests of northern Guatemala, is home to a wide variety of fascinating wildlife. This ancient Maya site is surrounded by rich biodiversity, including large mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its diverse ecosystems. Here are some of the more popular species found in the park:

Jaguar (Panthera onca)
As the apex predator of the region, the jaguar is a symbol of strength and mystery in the Maya world. This elusive big cat roams the park’s dense forests, preying on deer, peccaries, and other animals. Though rarely seen, evidence of their presence can be found through tracks and camera traps.

Baird’s Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
The largest land mammal in Central America, Baird’s tapir, is a nocturnal herbivore often spotted near water sources. With its elongated, flexible snout, it feeds on leaves, fruits, and aquatic plants, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal.

Spider Monkey (Ateles geoffroyi)
Known for its acrobatic skills, the spider monkey is a common sight in the treetops of Yaxha-Nakum-Naranjo. These highly social primates travel in groups and use their long limbs and prehensile tails to swing effortlessly through the canopy.

Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra)
The deep, resonant calls of the howler monkey echo throughout the park, especially at dawn and dusk. This large, black-furred primate spends most of its time high in the trees, feeding on leaves and fruit.

White-Nosed Coati (Nasua narica)
A curious and adaptable omnivore, the white-nosed coati is often seen scavenging along trails. These raccoon relatives have long snouts and tails, which they use for balance as they climb trees and search for insects, fruits, and small vertebrates.

Ocellated Turkey (Meleagris ocellata)
This vibrantly colored wild turkey is endemic to the Yucatán Peninsula and is distinguished by its iridescent plumage and bright blue, orange-spotted head. It forages in the forest understory and is an important part of the local ecosystem.

Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata)
This rodent, resembling a large guinea pig, is often spotted darting through the undergrowth. It feeds primarily on fallen fruit and seeds, contributing to forest regeneration by burying food caches.

Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii)
Inhabiting the freshwater lakes and rivers of the park, Morelet’s crocodile is a medium-sized reptile that preys on fish, birds, and small mammals. It is a key predator in aquatic ecosystems, maintaining the balance of prey populations.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
These pig-like mammals travel in small groups, foraging for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates. They play an essential role in maintaining the health of the forest by dispersing seeds.

Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis)
A rare but fascinating resident of the park’s waterways, this agile swimmer preys on fish, crustaceans, and amphibians. Its playful nature and energetic movements make it a delightful sight for lucky visitors.