Birding Trip to Panama

Panama with its rich collection of flora and fauna is indeed a great choice for the nature lover but for an ornithologist the rare species of bird available here are really amazing. There are over 970 species of birds (including 12 endemic and 122 migratory species). Since 45% of the country is covered with tropical rainforest Panama is a great choice for a tropical birding vacation.

Panama Vacation Tourism

There are many spectacular birding spots. There is good transportation as well, making your birding vacation a memorable experience. The word “Panama” means “abundance” of fish. This country is also a rich source of natural vegetation. According to the recent report there are 340 species of birds available here (annual 24-hour Atlantic Christmas Bird Count). Therefore, a birding trip to Panama can be an invigorating experience for any ornithologist. When you embark on your birding expedition in Panama you will need a guide, otherwise it would be very difficult for you to identify the birds.

You can see the spot-crowned barbet, or the mealy parrots, or even the orange-chinned parakeets in Panama. There 100 swallowtail kites or a family of howler monkeys present a rare kaleidoscope of fauna in Panama.

Panama Renowned Birding

Panama which sprawls over 77000 km2 is one of the most renowned birding destinations in Latin America. Since Panama is a crossing point of North and South America, various species of birds which are available in these two places are also available in Panama.

In the western side of Panama are the mountainous zones of the Chiriqui (Volcan, Cerro Punta, Finca Hartman). They reach an altitude of 2000 m above the sea level. This is mainly a cloudy forest region and is the highest plane in Panama and home of many highland varieties: Resplendent Quetzal, Prong-billed Barbet, Yellow-thighed Finch, Black Guan, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Turquoise Cotinga, Fiery-billed Aracari are some of them.

In the center of Panama there are places like Canal Zone which comprise Madden Lake, Summit Ponds, Achiote Road and the famous Pipeline Road. It is actually a tropical rainforest zone which has a relative proximity to urban centers and a very good road network. Some of the rare species of birds available in Panama are Black-crowned Antpitta, Blue Cotinga, Lance-tailed Manakin, White-bellied Antbird.

The swampy area of the Tocumen Marsh and the Metropolitan Park in Panama is a house for the Rosy Thrush-Tanager and Yellow-green Tyrannulet.

In the eastern region of Panama lies the Darien which is the wildest part of the country and is located near the Colombian border. This is a wide zone of tropical rainforest and consists of many National Parks. Here you can discover a large number of regional species: Pirre Warbler, Treerunner and the Pirre Bush-Tanager.

The typical neotropical families, like trogons, antbirds, tanagers and tyrant flycatchers are very interesting for the Panama visitors. About 150 species of neo-tropical migrants occur in this place. During springtime in Panama, the migratory species of birds flock here in huge number.

In Panama, you can find a variety of birds which are more likely to be present in Central America like Passerini’s Tanager, Green Shrike-Vireo, and Resplendent Quetzals, as well as their South American Counterparts: Flame-rumped Tanager, Yellow-browed Shrike-Vireo, and Golden-headed Quetzal.

While you go birding in Panama the best things that you can carry along with you are a pair of binoculars and a zoomed camera. They will undoubtedly be the best companions for your birding trip in Panama.