Cueva del Guácharo National Park

Birds

The park is most famous for its remarkable birdlife, particularly its namesake, the oilbird. The lush forests and cave systems provide habitat for a wide array of bird species, including many endemic and migratory birds.

Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis)
The park’s most iconic species, the oilbird is a nocturnal, cave-dwelling frugivore that navigates using echolocation—an ability rare among birds. It feeds on oily fruits, giving it its name.

Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)
This striking bird is known for its vibrant red-orange plumage and elaborate courtship displays. Males gather in leks to compete for female attention with their dramatic calls and dances.

White-tailed Trogon (Trogon chionurus)
A beautiful bird with green and blue plumage and a distinctive white tail, the white-tailed trogon is often seen perched motionless in the forest canopy as it searches for insects and fruit.

Military Macaw (Ara militaris)
This large, green parrot is an intelligent and social species often found in pairs or flocks. It is known for its powerful beak and loud calls that echo through the forest.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
A graceful raptor with striking black and white plumage, this bird is often seen soaring effortlessly above the park in search of small prey.

Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severus)
Smaller than other macaws, this species has a predominantly green body with a reddish-brown forehead. It is highly social and can be seen flying in noisy flocks.

Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota)
This colorful bird has a striking blue-green plumage, a long racket-shaped tail, and a distinctive call. It is often found near forested streams.

Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus)
A powerful bird of prey with striking plumage, the ornate hawk-eagle is a skilled hunter that preys on birds, mammals, and reptiles within the forest.

Scarlet-fronted Parakeet (Psittacara wagleri)
This vibrant green parakeet with a red forehead is commonly seen in flocks. It is known for its loud, raucous calls and preference for fruit-rich habitats.

Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
A strikingly patterned raptor, this eagle is a powerful hunter that soars high above the forest, scanning for prey such as small mammals and birds.

Cueva del Guácharo National Park is a haven for wildlife, offering an incredible mix of mammals, reptiles, and birds that thrive in its diverse habitats. Its unique ecosystems make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Popular

Cueva del Guácharo National Park, located in Venezuela, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, dramatic limestone cave systems, and lush cloud forests. The park is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife, including unique mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in its dense forests and karst formations.

Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)
A medium-sized wild cat with a striking spotted coat, the ocelot is a nocturnal predator that roams the forest in search of small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is known for its stealthy hunting abilities and elusive nature.

Paca (Cuniculus paca)
This large, nocturnal rodent has a spotted brown and white coat that helps it blend into the forest understory. Pacas are known for their burrowing behavior and are often found near water sources.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)
With its elongated snout and bushy tail, the giant anteater is an expert at feeding on ants and termites. It uses its long, sticky tongue to extract insects from nests, making it an important part of the ecosystem.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
These pig-like mammals are social creatures that move in small groups, foraging for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates. They have coarse fur and a distinct white collar around their neck.

Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
The only bear species found in South America, the spectacled bear gets its name from the unique white or yellowish facial markings around its eyes. It is an omnivore, feeding on fruits, leaves, and small animals.

Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus)
Known for their loud, guttural calls that can be heard for miles, these monkeys live in the park’s dense canopy. They primarily eat leaves and fruit and live in social groups.

Bush Dog (Speothos venaticus)
A rare and elusive carnivore, the bush dog is a small, short-legged canid with webbed feet adapted for swimming. It hunts in packs and preys on rodents and other small animals.

Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii)
This small, arboreal viper is easily recognizable by its striking coloration and distinctive “eyelash” scales above its eyes. It is highly venomous and ambushes prey from tree branches.

Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius)
One of the most endangered crocodiles in the world, the Orinoco crocodile can be found in the park’s river systems. It is a powerful apex predator that primarily feeds on fish and other aquatic animals.

Giant Armadillo (Priodontes maximus)
The largest armadillo species, this nocturnal creature is rarely seen due to its secretive nature. It has large claws adapted for digging and feeds mainly on termites and ants.

Birds

The park is most famous for its remarkable birdlife, particularly its namesake, the oilbird. The lush forests and cave systems provide habitat for a wide array of bird species, including many endemic and migratory birds.

Oilbird (Steatornis caripensis)
The park’s most iconic species, the oilbird is a nocturnal, cave-dwelling frugivore that navigates using echolocation—an ability rare among birds. It feeds on oily fruits, giving it its name.

Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)
This striking bird is known for its vibrant red-orange plumage and elaborate courtship displays. Males gather in leks to compete for female attention with their dramatic calls and dances.

White-tailed Trogon (Trogon chionurus)
A beautiful bird with green and blue plumage and a distinctive white tail, the white-tailed trogon is often seen perched motionless in the forest canopy as it searches for insects and fruit.

Military Macaw (Ara militaris)
This large, green parrot is an intelligent and social species often found in pairs or flocks. It is known for its powerful beak and loud calls that echo through the forest.

Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus)
A graceful raptor with striking black and white plumage, this bird is often seen soaring effortlessly above the park in search of small prey.

Chestnut-fronted Macaw (Ara severus)
Smaller than other macaws, this species has a predominantly green body with a reddish-brown forehead. It is highly social and can be seen flying in noisy flocks.

Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota)
This colorful bird has a striking blue-green plumage, a long racket-shaped tail, and a distinctive call. It is often found near forested streams.

Ornate Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus ornatus)
A powerful bird of prey with striking plumage, the ornate hawk-eagle is a skilled hunter that preys on birds, mammals, and reptiles within the forest.

Scarlet-fronted Parakeet (Psittacara wagleri)
This vibrant green parakeet with a red forehead is commonly seen in flocks. It is known for its loud, raucous calls and preference for fruit-rich habitats.

Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle (Spizaetus melanoleucus)
A strikingly patterned raptor, this eagle is a powerful hunter that soars high above the forest, scanning for prey such as small mammals and birds.

Cueva del Guácharo National Park is a haven for wildlife, offering an incredible mix of mammals, reptiles, and birds that thrive in its diverse habitats. Its unique ecosystems make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.