List of birds of Guyana
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Guyana. The avifauna of Guyana include a total of 796 species, of which one is endemic and 94 are rare or accidental. Three species listed are extirpated in Guyana and are not included in the species count.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Accidental species are included in the total species count for Guyana.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.
- (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Guyana
- (E) Endemic - a species endemic to Guyana
- (Ex) Extirpated - a species that no longer occurs in Guyana although populations exist elsewhere
Tinamous
Order: Tinamiformes Family: Tinamidae
The tinamous are one of the most ancient groups of bird. Although they look similar to other ground-dwelling birds like quail and grouse, they have no close relatives and are classified as a single family, Tinamidae, within their own order, the Tinamiformes. They are distantly related to the ratites (order Struthioniformes), that includes the rheas, emus and kiwis. There are 8 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Gray tinamou, Tinamus tao
- Great tinamou, Tinamus major
- Cinereous tinamou, Crypturellus cinereus
- Red-legged tinamou, Crypturellus erythropus
- Little tinamou, Crypturellus soui
- Undulated tinamou, Crypturellus undulatus
- Variegated tinamou, Crypturellus variegatus
- Rusty tinamou, Crypturellus brevirostris (A)
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Least grebe, Tachybaptus dominicus
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary. There are 3 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea (A)
- Great shearwater, Puffinus gravis (A)
- Audubon's shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri (A)
Storm-petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 2 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus (A)
- Leach's storm-petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa (A)
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis
Boobies and gannets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster (A)
Cormorants
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage coloration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colorful. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Neotropic cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus
Darters
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga
Frigatebirds
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens
Bitterns, herons and egrets
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills. There are 20 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Capped heron, Pilherodius pileatus
- Cocoi heron, Ardea cocoi
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor
- Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea
- Snowy egret, Egretta thula
- Little egret, Egretta garzetta (A)
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Striated heron, Butorides striata
- Green heron, Butorides virescens
- Agami heron, Agamia agami
- Black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea
- Boat-billed heron, Cochlearius cochlearius
- Fasciated tiger-heron, Tigrisoma fasciatum (A)
- Rufescent tiger-heron, Tigrisoma lineatum
- Zigzag heron, Zebrilus undulatus
- Stripe-backed bittern, Ixobrychus involucris (A)
- Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
- Pinnated bittern, Botaurus pinnatus
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 3 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Wood stork, Mycteria americana
- Maguari stork, Ciconia maguari
- Jabiru, Jabiru mycteria
Ibises and spoonbills
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There are 7 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Buff-necked ibis, Theristicus caudatus
- Sharp-tailed ibis, Cercibis oxycerca
- Green ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis
- Bare-faced ibis, Phimosus infuscatus (A)
- Scarlet ibis, Eudocimus ruber
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (A)
- Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja
Flamingos
Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Caribbean flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber (A)
Screamers
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anhimidae
The screamers are a small family of birds related to the ducks. They are large, bulky birds, with a small downy head, long legs and large feet which are only partially webbed. They have large spurs on their wings which are used in fights over mates and in territorial disputes. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Horned screamer, Anhima cornuta (Ex)
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 11 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor
- White-faced whistling-duck, Dendrocygna viduata
- Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis
- Orinoco goose, Neochen jubata
- Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata
- Comb duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
- Brazilian teal, Amazonetta brasiliensis
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- White-cheeked pintail, Anas bahamensis
- Blue-winged teal, Anas discors
- Masked duck, Nomonyx dominica
New World vultures
Order: Falconiformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carrion. There are 5 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
- Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
- Lesser yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes burrovianus
- Greater yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes melambrotus
- King vulture, Sarcoramphus papa
Osprey
Order: Falconiformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, kites and eagles
Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight. There are 34 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Gray-headed kite, Leptodon cayanensis
- Hook-billed kite, Chondrohierax uncinatus
- Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus
- Pearl kite, Gampsonyx swainsonii
- White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus
- Snail kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis
- Slender-billed kite, Rostrhamus hamatus
- Double-toothed kite, Harpagus bidentatus
- Rufous-thighed kite, Harpagus diodon
- Plumbeous kite, Ictinia plumbea
- Long-winged harrier, Circus buffoni
- Gray-bellied goshawk, Accipiter poliogaster (A)
- Tiny hawk, Accipiter superciliosus
- Rufous-thighed hawk, Accipiter erythronemius (A)
- Bicolored hawk, Accipiter bicolor
- Crane hawk, Geranospiza caerulescens
- Black-faced hawk, Leucopternis melanops
- White hawk, Leucopternis albicollis
- Rufous crab-hawk, Buteogallus aequinoctialis
- Common black-hawk, Buteogallus anthracinus (A)
- Great black-hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga
- Savanna hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis
- Black-collared hawk, Busarellus nigricollis
- Gray-lined hawk, Buteo nitidus
- Roadside hawk, Buteo magnirostris
- Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus (A)
- Short-tailed hawk, Buteo brachyurus
- White-tailed hawk, Buteo albicaudatus
- Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus
- Crested eagle, Morphnus guianensis
- Harpy eagle, Harpia harpyja
- Black-and-white hawk-eagle, Spizastur melanoleucus
- Black hawk-eagle, Spizaetus tyrannus
- Ornate hawk-eagle, Spizaetus ornatus
Caracaras and falcons
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. There are 15 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Black caracara, Daptrius ater
- Red-throated caracara, Ibycter americanus
- Northern caracara, Caracara cheriway
- Yellow-headed caracara, Milvago chimachima
- Laughing falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans
- Barred forest-falcon, Micrastur ruficollis
- Lined forest-falcon, Micrastur gilvicollis
- Slaty-backed forest-falcon, Micrastur mirandollei
- Collared forest-falcon, Micrastur semitorquatus
- American kestrel, Falco sparverius
- Aplomado falcon, Falco femoralis
- Merlin, Falco columbarius (A)
- Bat falcon, Falco rufigularis
- Orange-breasted falcon, Falco deiroleucus
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
Guans, chachalacas and allies
Order: Galliformes Family: Cracidae
The Cracidae are large birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys. The guans and curassows live in trees, but the smaller chachalacas are found in more open scrubby habitats. They are generally dull-plumaged, but the curassows and some guans have colorful facial ornaments. There are 6 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Little chachalaca, Ortalis motmot
- Marail guan, Penelope marail
- Spix's guan, Penelope jacquacu
- Blue-throated piping guan, Pipile cumanensis
- Crestless curassow, Mitu tomentosa
- Black curassow, Crax alector
New World quails
Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. There are 2 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Crested bobwhite, Colinus cristatus
- Marbled wood-quail, Odontophorus gujanensis
Hoatzin
Order: Opisthocomiformes Family: Opisthocomidae
The Hoatzin is pheasant-sized, but much slimmer. It has a long tail and neck, but a small head with an unfeathered blue face and red eyes which are topped by a spiky crest. It is a weak flier which is found in the swamps of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.
- Hoatzin, Opisthocomus hoazin
Limpkins
Order: Gruiformes Family: Aramidae
The limpkin resembles a large rail. It has drab-brown plumage and a grayer head and neck.
- Limpkin, Aramus guarauna
Trumpeters
Order: Gruiformes Family: Psophiidae
The trumpeters are dumpy birds with long necks and legs and chicken-like bills. They are named for the trumpeting call of the males. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Gray-winged trumpeter, Psophia crepitans
Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers. There are 16 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Speckled rail, Coturnicops notatus
- Ocellated crake, Micropygia schomburgkii
- Russet-crowned crake, Anurolimnas viridis
- Rufous-sided crake, Laterallus melanophaius
- Gray-breasted crake, Laterallus exilis
- Mangrove rail, Rallus longirostris
- Rufous-necked wood-rail, Aramides axillaris
- Gray-necked wood-rail, Aramides cajanea
- Uniform crake, Amaurolimnas concolor
- Sora, Porzana carolina
- Yellow-breasted crake, Porzana flaviventer
- Ash-throated crake, Mustelirallus albicollis
- Paint-billed crake, Mustelirallus erythrops
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinica
- Azure gallinule, Porphyrio flavirostris
- Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
Sungrebe and finfoots
Order: Gruiformes Family: Heliornithidae
Heliornithidae is a small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots. There is 1 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Sungrebe, Heliornis fulica
Sunbittern
Order: Gruiformes Family: Eurypygidae
The sunbittern is a bittern-like bird of tropical regions of the Americas and the sole member of the family Eurypygidae (sometimes spelled Eurypigidae) and genus Eurypyga.
- Sunbittern, Eurypyga helias
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Wattled jacana, Jacana jacana
Avocets and stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus
Thick-knees
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Double-striped thick-knee, Burhinus bistriatus
Plovers and lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. There are 7 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Pied lapwing, Vanellus cayanus
- Southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
- Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia
- Collared plover, Charadrius collaris
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 23 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata (A)
- South American snipe, Gallinago paraguaiae
- Giant snipe, Gallinago undulata
- Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
- Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica (A)
- Eskimo curlew, Numenius borealis (Ex)
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
- Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
- Willet, Tringa semipalmata
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularia
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
- Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri
- Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
- White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus (A)
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Tryngites subruficollis (A)
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 2 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Great skua, Stercorarius skua (A)
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus (A)
Gulls and terns
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, kittiwakes and terns. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with gray or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.
- Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus (A)
- Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
- Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis
- Royal tern, Thalasseus maxima (A)
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Least tern, Sternula antillarum
- Yellow-billed tern, Sternula superciliaris
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger
- Large-billed tern, Phaetusa simplex
- Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
Skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rynchopidae
Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Black skimmer, Rynchops niger
Pigeons and doves
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 14 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia
- Scaled pigeon, Patagioenas speciosa
- Pale-vented pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis
- Plumbeous pigeon, Patagioenas plumbea
- Ruddy pigeon, Patagioenas subvinacea
- Eared dove, Zenaida auriculata
- Common ground-dove, Columbina passerina
- Plain-breasted ground-dove, Columbina minuta
- Ruddy ground-dove, Columbina talpacoti
- Blue ground-dove, Claravis pretiosa
- White-tipped dove, Leptotila verreauxi
- Gray-fronted dove, Leptotila rufaxilla
- Violaceous quail-dove, Geotrygon violacea (A)
- Ruddy quail-dove, Geotrygon montana
Parrots, macaws and allies
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back.
- Blue-and-yellow macaw, Ara ararauna
- Scarlet macaw, Ara macao
- Red-and-green macaw, Ara chloroptera
- Chestnut-fronted macaw, Ara severa
- Red-bellied macaw, Orthopsittaca manilata
- Red-shouldered macaw, Diopsittaca nobilis
- White-eyed parakeet, Aratinga leucophthalmus
- Sun parakeet, Aratinga solstitialis (A)
- Brown-throated parakeet, Aratinga pertinax
- Painted parakeet, Pyrrhura picta
- Fiery-shouldered parakeet, Pyrrhura egregia
- Green-rumped parrotlet, Forpus passerinus
- Dusky-billed parrotlet, Forpus modestus
- Golden-winged parakeet, Brotogeris chrysopterus
- Tepui parrotlet, Nannopsittaca panychlora
- Lilac-tailed parrotlet, Touit batavica
- Scarlet-shouldered parrotlet, Touit huetii
- Sapphire-rumped parrotlet, Touit purpurata
- Black-headed parrot, Pionites melanocephala
- Caica parrot, Pionopsitta caica
- Blue-headed parrot, Pionus menstruus
- Dusky parrot, Pionus fuscus
- Blue-cheeked amazon, Amazona dufresniana
- Festive amazon, Amazona festiva (A)
- Yellow-crowned amazon, Amazona ochrocephala
- Orange-winged amazon, Amazona amazonica
- Mealy amazon, Amazona farinosa
- Red-fan parrot, Deroptyus accipitrinus
Cuckoos and anis
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. There are 12 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
- Pearly-breasted cuckoo, Coccyzus euleri
- Mangrove cuckoo, Coccyzus minor
- Dark-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus melacoryphus
- Squirrel cuckoo, Piaya cayana
- Black-bellied cuckoo, Piaya melanogaster
- Little cuckoo, Piaya minuta
- Greater ani, Crotophaga major
- Smooth-billed ani, Crotophaga ani
- Striped cuckoo, Tapera naevia
- Pavonine cuckoo, Dromococcyx pavoninus
- Rufous-winged ground-cuckoo, Neomorphus rufipennis
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 15 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Tropical screech-owl, Megascops choliba
- Tawny-bellied screech-owl, Megascops watsonii
- Roraima screech-owl, Megascops roraimae (A)
- Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
- Mottled owl, Ciccaba virgata (A)
- Black-banded owl, Ciccaba huhula (A)
- Crested owl, Lophostrix cristata
- Spectacled owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata
- Amazonian pygmy-owl, Glaucidium hardyi
- Ferruginous pygmy-owl, Glaucidium brasilianum
- Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia
- Buff-fronted owl, Aegolius harrisii
- Striped owl, Pseudoscops clamator
- Stygian owl, Asio stygius
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
Oilbird
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Steatornithidae
The oilbird is a slim, long-winged bird related to the nightjars. It is nocturnal and a specialist feeder on the fruit of the oil palm.
- Oilbird, Steatornis caripensis
Potoos
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Nyctibiidae
The potoos (sometimes called poor-me-ones) are large near passerine birds related to the nightjars and frogmouths. They are nocturnal insectivores which lack the bristles around the mouth found in the true nightjars. There are 5 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Great potoo, Nyctibius grandis
- Long-tailed potoo, Nyctibius aethereus
- Common potoo, Nyctibius griseus
- White-winged potoo, Nyctibius leucopterus
- Rufous potoo, Nyctibius bracteatus
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 11 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Short-tailed nighthawk, Lurocalis semitorquatus
- Least nighthawk, Chordeiles pusillus
- Lesser nighthawk, Chordeiles acutipennis
- Nacunda nighthawk, Chordeiles nacunda
- Band-tailed nighthawk, Nyctiprogne leucopyga
- Pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis
- Rufous nightjar, Antrostomus rufus
- Spot-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus maculicaudus
- White-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus cayennensis
- Blackish nightjar, Caprimulgus nigrescens
- Ladder-tailed nightjar, Hydropsalis climacocerca
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 11 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Tepui swift, Cypseloides phelpsi (A)
- Black swift, Cypseloides niger (A)
- White-chinned swift, Cypseloides cryptus
- White-collared swift, Streptoprocne zonaris
- Band-rumped swift, Chaetura spinicaudus
- Gray-rumped swift, Chaetura cinereiventris
- Chapman's swift, Chaetura chapmani
- Short-tailed swift, Chaetura brachyura
- White-tipped swift, Aeronautes montivagus (A)
- Fork-tailed palm-swift, Tachornis squamata
- Lesser swallow-tailed swift, Panyptila cayennensis
Hummingbirds
Order: Trochiliformes Family: Trochilidae
Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. There are 37 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Rufous-breasted hermit, Glaucis hirsuta
- Eastern long-tailed hermit, Phaethornis superciliosus
- Straight-billed hermit, Phaethornis bourcieri
- Sooty-capped hermit, Phaethornis augusti
- Streak-throated hermit, Phaethornis rupurumii
- Little hermit, Phaethornis longuemareus
- Reddish hermit, Phaethornis ruber
- Pale-tailed barbthroat, Threnetes leucurus
- Blue-fronted lancebill, Doryfera johannae
- Gray-breasted sabrewing, Campylopterus largipennis
- Rufous-breasted sabrewing, Campylopterus hyperythrus (A)
- White-necked jacobin, Florisuga mellivora
- Brown violet-ear, Colibri delphinae
- Sparkling violet-ear, Colibri coruscans
- Green-throated mango, Anthracothorax viridigula
- Black-throated mango, Anthracothorax nigricollis
- Fiery-tailed awlbill, Avocettula recurvirostris
- Crimson topaz, Topaza pella
- Ruby-topaz hummingbird, Chrysolampis mosquitus
- Tufted coquette, Lophornis ornatus
- Peacock coquette, Lophornis pavoninus (A)
- Racket-tailed coquette, Discosura longicauda
- Blue-chinned sapphire, Chlorestes notata
- Blue-tailed emerald, Chlorostilbon mellisugus
- Fork-tailed woodnymph, Thalurania furcata
- Rufous-throated sapphire, Hylocharis sapphirina
- White-chinned sapphire, Hylocharis cyanus
- White-tailed goldenthroat, Polytmus guainumbi
- Green-tailed goldenthroat, Polytmus theresiae
- Plain-bellied emerald, Agyrtria leucogaster
- Versicolored emerald, Agyrtria versicolor (A)
- White-chested emerald, Agyrtria brevirostris
- Glittering-throated emerald, Polyerata fimbriata
- Copper-tailed hummingbird, Saucerottia cupreicauda
- Velvet-browed brilliant, Heliodoxa xanthogonys (A)
- Black-eared fairy, Heliothryx aurita
- Long-billed starthroat, Heliomaster longirostris
- Amethyst woodstar, Calliphlox amethystina
Trogons and quetzals
Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae
The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colorful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 6 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Green-backed trogon, Trogon viridis
- Violaceous trogon, Trogon violaceus
- Collared trogon, Trogon collaris
- Masked trogon, Trogon personatus
- Black-throated trogon, Trogon rufus
- Black-tailed trogon, Trogon melanurus
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 6 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon (A)
- Ringed kingfisher, Megaceryle torquatus
- Amazon kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona
- Green kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana
- Green-and-rufous kingfisher, Chloroceryle inda
- American pygmy kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea
Motmots
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Momotidae
The motmots have colorful plumage and long, graduated tails which they display by waggling back and forth. In most of the species, the barbs near the ends of the two longest (central) tail feathers are weak and fall off, leaving a length of bare shaft and creating a racket-shaped tail. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Blue-crowned motmot, Momotus momota
Jacamars
Order: Piciformes Family: Galbulidae
The jacamars are near passerine birds from tropical South America, with a range that extends up to Mexico. They feed on insects caught on the wing, and are glossy, elegant birds with long bills and tails. In appearance and behavior they resemble the Old World bee-eaters, although they are more closely related to woodpeckers. There are 7 species that have been recorded in Guyana.
- Brown jacamar, Brachygalba lugubris
- Yellow-billed jacamar, Galbula albirostris
- Rufous-tailed jacamar, Galbula ruficauda
- Green-tailed jacamar, Galbula galbula
- Bronzy jacamar, Galbula leucogastra
- Paradise jacamar, Galbula dea
- Great jacamar, Jacamerops aureus
Puffbirds
Order: Piciformes Family: Bucconidae
The puffbirds are related to the jacamars and have the same range, but lack the iridescent colors of that family. They are mainly brown, rufous or gray, with large heads and flattened bills with hooked tips. The loose abundant plumage and short tails makes them look stout and puffy, giving rise to the English common name of the family. There are 8 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Guianan puffbird, Notharchus macrorhynchos
- Pied puffbird, Notharchus tectus
- Spotted puffbird, Bucco tamatia
- Collared puffbird, Bucco capensis
- White-chested puffbird, Malacoptila fusca
- Rusty-breasted nunlet, Nonnula rubecula
- Black nunbird, Monasa atra
- Swallow-wing, Chelidoptera tenebrosa
Barbets
Order: Piciformes Family: Capitonidae
The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly colored. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Black-spotted barbet, Capito niger
Toucans
Order: Piciformes Family: Ramphastidae
Toucans are near passerine birds from the Neotropics. They are brightly marked and have enormous, colorful bills which in some species amount to half their body length. There are 8 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Chestnut-tipped toucanet, Aulacorhynchus derbianus
- Green aracari, Pteroglossus viridis
- Black-necked aracari, Pteroglossus aracari
- Tawny-tufted toucanet, Selenidera nattereri
- Guianan toucanet, Selenidera culik
- Channel-billed toucan, Ramphastos vitellinus
- Red-billed toucan, Ramphastos tucanus
- Toco toucan, Ramphastos toco (A)
Woodpeckers and allies
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 20 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Golden-spangled piculet, Picumnus exilis
- White-bellied piculet, Picumnus spilogaster
- Guianan piculet, Picumnus minutissimus (E)
- White-barred piculet, Picumnus cirratus
- Yellow-tufted woodpecker, Melanerpes cruentatus
- Red-crowned woodpecker, Melanerpes rubricapillus (A)
- Little woodpecker, Veniliornis passerinus
- Blood-colored woodpecker, Veniliornis sanguineus
- Golden-collared woodpecker, Veniliornis cassini
- Yellow-throated woodpecker, Piculus flavigula
- Golden-green woodpecker, Piculus chrysochloros
- Golden-olive woodpecker, Piculus rubiginosus
- Spot-breasted woodpecker, Colaptes punctigula
- Waved woodpecker, Celeus undatus
- Chestnut woodpecker, Celeus elegans
- Cream-colored woodpecker, Celeus flavus
- Ringed woodpecker, Celeus torquatus
- Lineated woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus
- Red-necked woodpecker, Campephilus rubricollis
- Crimson-crested woodpecker, Campephilus melanoleucos
Ovenbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Furnariidae
Ovenbirds comprise a large family of small sub-oscine passerine bird species found in Central and South America. They are a diverse group of insectivores which gets its name from the elaborate "oven-like" clay nests built by some species, although others build stick nests or nest in tunnels or clefts in rock. There are 24 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Pale-legged hornero, Furnarius leucopus
- Hoary-throated spinetail, Synallaxis kollari
- Pale-breasted spinetail, Synallaxis albescens
- MacConnell's spinetail, Synallaxis macconnelli
- Plain-crowned spinetail, Synallaxis gujanensis
- Ruddy spinetail, Synallaxis rutilans
- Tepui spinetail, Cranioleuca demissa (A)
- Rusty-backed spinetail, Cranioleuca vulpina (A)
- Yellow-chinned spinetail, Certhiaxis cinnamomea
- Roraiman barbtail, Roraimia adusta (A)
- Rufous-tailed xenops, Xenops milleri
- Slender-billed xenops, Xenops tenuirostris
- Plain xenops, Xenops minutus
- Point-tailed palmcreeper, Berlepschia rikeri
- Rufous-rumped foliage-gleaner, Philydor erythrocercus
- Rufous-tailed foliage-gleaner, Philydor ruficaudatus
- Cinnamon-rumped foliage-gleaner, Philydor pyrrhodes
- Chestnut-crowned foliage-gleaner, Automolus rufipileatus
- Buff-throated foliage-gleaner, Automolus ochrolaemus
- Olive-backed foliage-gleaner, Automolus infuscatus
- Ruddy foliage-gleaner, Automolus rubiginosus
- Short-billed leaftosser, Sclerurus rufigularis
- Tawny-throated leaftosser, Sclerurus mexicanus
- Black-tailed leaftosser, Sclerurus caudacutus
Woodcreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dendrocolaptidae
The Dendrocolaptidae are brownish birds which maintain an upright vertical posture, supported by their stiff tail vanes. They feed mainly on insects taken from tree trunks. There are 18 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Plain-brown woodcreeper, Dendrocincla fuliginosa
- White-chinned woodcreeper, Dendrocincla merula
- Long-tailed woodcreeper, Deconychura longicauda
- Spot-throated woodcreeper, Deconychura stictolaema
- Olivaceous woodcreeper, Sittasomus griseicapillus
- Wedge-billed woodcreeper, Glyphorynchus spirurus
- Cinnamon-throated woodcreeper, Dendrexetastes rufigula
- Red-billed woodcreeper, Hylexetastes perrotii
- Strong-billed woodcreeper, Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus
- Amazonian barred-woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes certhia
- Black-banded woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes picumnus
- Striped woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus obsoletus
- Buff-throated woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus guttatus
- Chestnut-rumped woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus pardalotus
- Straight-billed woodcreeper, Dendroplex picus
- Streak-headed woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes souleyetii (A)
- Guianan woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes albolineatus
- Curve-billed scythebill, Campylorhamphus procurvoides
Typical antbirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thamnophilidae
The antbirds are a large family of small passerine birds of subtropical and tropical Central and South America. They are forest birds which tend to feed on insects at or near the ground. A sizable minority of them specialize in following columns of army ants to eat small invertebrates that leave their hiding places to flee from the ants. Many species lack bright color; brown, black and white being the dominant tones. There are 49 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Fasciated antshrike, Cymbilaimus lineatus
- Black-throated antshrike, Frederickena viridis
- Great antshrike, Taraba major
- Black-crested antshrike, Sakesphorus canadensis
- Band-tailed antshrike, Sakesphorus melanothorax (A)
- Barred antshrike, Thamnophilus doliatus
- Mouse-colored antshrike, Thamnophilus murinus
- Northern slaty-antshrike, Thamnophilus punctatus
- Amazonian antshrike, Thamnophilus amazonicus
- Spot-winged antshrike, Pygiptila stellaris
- Plain antvireo, Dysithamnus mentalis
- Dusky-throated antshrike, Thamnomanes ardesiacus
- Cinereous antshrike, Thamnomanes caesius
- Pygmy antwren, Myrmotherula brachyura
- Guianan antwren, Myrmotherula surinamensis
- Rufous-bellied antwren, Myrmotherula guttata
- Brown-bellied antwren, Myrmotherula gutturalis
- White-flanked antwren, Myrmotherula axillaris
- Long-winged antwren, Myrmotherula longipennis
- Plain-winged antwren, Myrmotherula behni (A)
- Gray antwren, Myrmotherula menetriesii
- Spot-tailed antwren, Herpsilochmus sticturus
- Todd's antwren, Herpsilochmus stictocephalus
- Roraiman antwren, Herpsilochmus roraimae
- Rufous-winged antwren, Herpsilochmus rufimarginatus
- Dot-winged antwren, Microrhopias quixensis
- White-fringed antwren, Formicivora grisea
- Rufous-rumped antwren, Terenura callinota
- Ash-winged antwren, Terenura spodioptila
- Dusky antbird, Cercomacroides tyrannina
- Willis's antbird, Cercomacroides laeta
- Blackish antbird, Cercomacroides nigrescens
- Gray antbird, Cercomacra cinerascens
- Rio Branco antbird, Cercomacra carbonaria
- White-browed antbird, Myrmoborus leucophrys
- Warbling antbird, Hypocnemis cantator
- Black-chinned antbird, Hypocnemoides melanopogon
- Silvered antbird, Sclateria naevia
- Black-headed antbird, Percnostola rufifrons
- Spot-winged antbird, Percnostola leucostigma
- Roraiman antbird, Percnostola saturata
- White-bellied antbird, Myrmeciza longipes
- Ferruginous-backed antbird, Myrmeciza ferruginea
- Black-throated antbird, Myrmeciza atrothorax
- White-plumed antbird, Pithys albifrons
- Rufous-throated antbird, Gymnopithys rufigula
- Wing-banded antbird, Myrmornis torquata
- Spot-backed antbird, Hylophylax naevia
- Scale-backed antbird, Hylophylax poecilinota
Antthrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Formicariidae
Antthrushes resemble small rails. There are 3 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Rufous-capped antthrush, Formicarius colma
- Black-faced antthrush, Formicarius analis
- Short-tailed antthrush, Chamaeza campanisona
Antpittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Grallariidae
Antpittas resemble the true pittas with strong, longish legs, very short tails and stout bills. There are 4 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Variegated antpitta, Grallaria varia
- Spotted antpitta, Hylopezus macularius
- Thrush-like antpitta, Myrmothera campanisona
- Slate-crowned antpitta, Grallaricula nana
Gnateaters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Conopophagidae
The gnateaters are round, short-tailed and long-legged birds, which are closely related to the antbirds. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Chestnut-belted gnateater, Conopophaga aurita
Cotingas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cotingidae
The cotingas are birds of forests or forest edges in tropical South America. Comparatively little is known about this diverse group, although all have broad bills with hooked tips, rounded wings and strong legs. The males of many of the species are brightly colored or decorated with plumes or wattles. There are 16 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Guianan red-cotinga, Phoenicircus carnifex
- Red-banded fruiteater, Pipreola whitelyi (A)
- Screaming piha, Lipaugus vociferans
- Rose-collared piha, Lipaugus streptophorus (A)
- Purple-breasted cotinga, Cotinga cotinga
- Spangled cotinga, Cotinga cayana
- Pompadour cotinga, Xipholena punicea
- Bare-necked fruitcrow, Gymnoderus foetidus
- Crimson fruitcrow, Haematoderus militaris
- Purple-throated fruitcrow, Querula purpurata
- Red-ruffed fruitcrow, Pyroderus scutatus
- Amazonian umbrellabird, Cephalopterus ornatus (A)
- Capuchinbird, Perissocephalus tricolor
- White bellbird, Procnias alba
- Bearded bellbird, Procnias averano (A)
- Guianan cock-of-the-rock, Rupicola rupicola
Manakins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pipridae
The manakins are a family of subtropical and tropical mainland Central and South America, and Trinidad and Tobago. They are compact forest birds, the males typically being brightly colored, although the females of most species are duller and usually green-plumaged. Manakins feed on small fruits, berries and insects. There are 16 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Olive manakin, Xenopipo uniformis (A)
- White-bearded manakin, Manacus manacus
- White-throated manakin, Corapipo gutturalis
- Blue-backed manakin, Chiroxiphia pareola
- Crimson-hooded manakin, Pipra aureola (A)
- White-crowned manakin, Dixiphia pipra
- Golden-headed manakin, Pipra erythrocephala
- Scarlet-horned manakin, Pipra cornuta (A)
- Tepui manakin, Lepidothrix suavissima
- White-fronted manakin, Lepidothrix serena
- Western striped manakin, Machaeropterus striolatus
- Black manakin, Xenopipo atronitens
- Saffron-crested tyrant-manakin, Neopelma chrysocephalum
- Pale-bellied tyrant-manakin, Neopelma pallescens
- Tiny tyrant-manakin, Tyranneutes virescens
- Wing-barred piprites, Piprites chloris
Tyrant flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain coloring. As the name implies, most are insectivorous.
- White-lored tyrannulet, Ornithion inerme
- Southern beardless-tyrannulet, Camptostoma obsoletum
- Mouse-colored tyrannulet, Phaeomyias murina
- Yellow tyrannulet, Capsiempis flaveola
- Yellow-crowned tyrannulet, Tyrannulus elatus
- Forest elaenia, Myiopagis gaimardii
- Gray elaenia, Myiopagis caniceps
- Yellow-crowned elaenia, Myiopagis flavivertex
- Greenish elaenia, Myiopagis viridicata
- Yellow-bellied elaenia, Elaenia flavogaster
- Small-billed elaenia, Elaenia parvirostris
- Plain-crested elaenia, Elaenia cristata
- Rufous-crowned elaenia, Elaenia ruficeps
- Lesser elaenia, Elaenia chiriquensis
- Sierran elaenia, Elaenia pallatangae
- Ochre-bellied flycatcher, Mionectes oleagineus
- MacConnell's flycatcher, Mionectes macconnelli
- Sepia-capped flycatcher, Leptopogon amaurocephalus
- Olive-green tyrannulet, Phylloscartes virescens
- Sooty-headed tyrannulet, Phyllomyias griseiceps
- Slender-footed tyrannulet, Zimmerius gracilipes
- Amazonian scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus obscurior
- Northern scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus arenarum
- Pale-tipped tyrannulet, Inezia caudata
- Bearded tachuri, Polystictus pectoralis
- Crested doradito, Pseudocolopteryx sclateri (A)
- Short-tailed pygmy-tyrant, Myiornis ecaudatus
- Double-banded pygmy-tyrant, Lophotriccus vitiosus
- Helmeted pygmy-tyrant, Lophotriccus galeatus
- Pale-eyed pygmy-tyrant, Atalotriccus pilaris
- Ruddy tody-flycatcher, Poecilotriccus russatus (A)
- Slate-headed tody-tyrant, Poecilotriccus sylvia
- Boat-billed tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus josephinae
- White-eyed tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus zosterops
- Common tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum
- Spotted tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum maculatum
- Painted tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum pictum
- Ringed antpipit, Corythopis torquata
- Rufous-tailed flatbill, Ramphotrigon ruficauda
- Olivaceous flatbill, Rhynchocyclus olivaceus
- Yellow-olive flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens (A)
- Yellow-margined flycatcher, Tolmomyias assimilis
- Gray-crowned flycatcher, Tolmomyias poliocephalus
- Yellow-breasted flycatcher, Tolmomyias flaviventris
- Cinnamon-crested spadebill, Platyrinchus saturatus
- Golden-crowned spadebill, Platyrinchus coronatus
- White-throated spadebill, Platyrinchus mystaceus (A)
- White-crested spadebill, Platyrinchus platyrhynchos
- Amazonian royal-flycatcher, Onychorhynchus coronatus
- Roraiman flycatcher, Myiophobus roraimae (A)
- Bran-colored flycatcher, Myiophobus fasciatus
- Ruddy-tailed flycatcher, Terenotriccus erythrurus
- Whiskered flycatcher, Myiobius barbatus
- Cinnamon tyrant, Neopipo cinnamomea
- Cliff flycatcher, Hirundinea ferruginea
- Fuscous flycatcher, Cnemotriccus fuscatus
- Euler's flycatcher, Lathrotriccus euleri
- Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
- Smoke-colored pewee, Contopus fumigatus (A)
- Tropical pewee, Contopus cinereus
- Blackish pewee, Contopus nigrescens
- Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus
- Drab water-tyrant, Ochthornis littoralis
- Amazonian black-tyrant, Knipolegus poecilocercus
- Rufous-tailed tyrant, Knipolegus poecilurus
- Pied water-tyrant, Fluvicola pica
- White-headed marsh-tyrant, Arundinicola leucocephala
- Long-tailed tyrant, Colonia colonus
- Cinnamon attila, Attila cinnamomeus
- Bright-rumped attila, Attila spadiceus
- Todd's sirystes, Sirystes subcanescens
- Grayish mourner, Rhytipterna simplex
- Pale-bellied mourner, Rhytipterna immunda
- Dusky-capped flycatcher, Myiarchus tuberculifer
- Swainson's flycatcher, Myiarchus swainsoni
- Short-crested flycatcher, Myiarchus ferox
- Brown-crested flycatcher, Myiarchus tyrannulus
- Lesser kiskadee, Philohydor lictor
- Great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus
- Boat-billed flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua
- Rusty-margined flycatcher, Myiozetetes cayanensis
- Dusky-chested flycatcher, Myiozetetes luteiventris
- Yellow-throated flycatcher, Conopias parva
- Streaked flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus
- Piratic flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius
- Variegated flycatcher, Empidonomus varius
- Crowned slaty flycatcher, Griseotyrannus aurantioatrocristatus
- Sulphury flycatcher, Tyrannopsis sulphurea
- White-throated kingbird, Tyrannus albogularis
- Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus
- Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
- Gray kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis
- Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana
Becards and tityras
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tityridae
- Green-backed becard, Pachyramphus viridis (A)
- White-winged becard, Pachyramphus polychopterus
- Black-capped becard, Pachyramphus marginatus
- Glossy-backed becard, Pachyramphus surinamus
- Cinereous becard, Pachyramphus rufus
- Pink-throated becard, Pachyramphus minor
- Black-tailed tityra, Tityra cayana
- Black-crowned tityra, Tityra inquisitor
- Cinereous mourner, Laniocera hypopyrra
- Dusky purpletuft, Iodopleura fusca
- Thrush-like schiffornis, Schiffornis turdinus
- White-naped xenopsaris, Xenopsaris albinucha
Sharpbill
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oxyruncidae
- Sharpbill, Oxyruncus cristatus
Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 13 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Brown-chested martin, Progne tapera
- Purple martin, Progne subis
- Gray-breasted martin, Progne chalybea
- Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor (A)
- White-winged swallow, Tachycineta albiventer
- Blue-and-white swallow, Notiochelidon cyanoleuca
- White-banded swallow, Atticora fasciata
- Black-collared swallow, Atticora melanoleuca
- White-thighed swallow, Neochelidon tibialis
- Southern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
- Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
- Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (A)
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Yellowish pipit, Anthus lutescens
Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 9 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Bicolored wren, Campylorhynchus griseus
- Coraya wren, Thryothorus coraya
- Buff-breasted wren, Thryothorus leucotis
- Tepui wren, Troglodytes rufulus
- Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis
- White-breasted wood-wren, Henicorhina leucosticta
- Flutist wren, Microcerculus ustulatus (A)
- Wing-banded wren, Microcerculus bambla
- Musician wren, Cyphorhinus aradus
Donacobius
Order: Passeriformes Family: Donacobiidae
- Black-capped donacobius, Donacobius atricapilla
Mockingbirds and thrashers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalizations, especially their ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. Their coloring tends towards dull-grays and browns. There is 1 species which has been recorded in Guyana.
- Tropical mockingbird, Mimus gilvus
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 11 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Rufous-brown solitaire, Cichlopsis leucogenys (A)
- Veery, Catharus fuscescens
- Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus
- Pale-eyed thrush, Turdus leucops (A)
- Yellow-legged thrush, Turdus flavipes
- Black-hooded thrush, Turdus olivater (A)
- Pale-breasted thrush, Turdus leucomelas
- Black-billed thrush, Turdus ignobilis
- Cocoa thrush, Turdus fumigatus
- Spectacled thrush, Turdus nudigenis
- White-necked thrush, Turdus albicollis
Gnatcatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their build and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers and gnatwrens are mainly soft bluish gray in color and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. They are birds of fairly open woodland or scrub, which nest in bushes or trees. There are 4 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Collared gnatwren, Microbates collaris
- Long-billed gnatwren, Ramphocaenus melanurus
- Guianan gnatcatcher, Polioptila guianensis
- Tropical gnatcatcher, Polioptila plumbea
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 2 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Violaceous jay, Cyanocorax violaceus (A)
- Cayenne jay, Cyanocorax cayanus
Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. There are 9 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus
- Black-whiskered vireo, Vireo altiloquus
- Tepui vireo, Vireo sclateri
- Lemon-chested greenlet, Hylophilus thoracicus
- Ashy-headed greenlet, Hylophilus pectoralis
- Buff-cheeked greenlet, Pachysylvia muscicapinua
- Tawny-crowned greenlet, Tunchiornis ochraceiceps
- Slaty-capped shrike-vireo, Vireolanius leucotis
- Rufous-browed peppershrike, Cyclarhis gujanensis
New World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The New World warblers are a group of small, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. There are 16 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Tropical parula, Setophaga pitiayumi
- Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
- Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca (A)
- Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea (A)
- Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata
- American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
- Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea
- Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis
- Masked yellowthroat, Geothlypis aequinoctialis
- Slate-throated redstart, Myioborus miniatus (A)
- Tepui redstart, Myioborus castaneocapillus (A)
- Two-banded warbler, Basileuterus bivittatus (A)
- Golden-crowned warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus
- Flavescent warbler, Basileuterus flaveolus
- Neotropical river warbler, Basileuterus rivularis
- Rose-breasted chat, Granatellus pelzelni
Tanagers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Thraupidae
The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly colored. They are seed eaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings.
- Chestnut-vented conebill, Conirostrum speciosum
- Bicolored conebill, Conirostrum bicolor
- Black-faced tanager, Schistochlamys melanopis
- Magpie tanager, Cissopis leveriana
- Red-billed pied tanager, Lamprospiza melanoleuca
- Guira tanager, Hemithraupis guira
- Yellow-backed tanager, Hemithraupis flavicollis
- Hooded tanager, Nemosia pileata
- Olive-backed tanager, Mitrospingus oleagineus (A)
- Gray-headed tanager, Eucometis penicillata
- Fulvous shrike-tanager, Lanio fulvus
- Flame-crested tanager, Tachyphonus cristatus
- Fulvous-crested tanager, Tachyphonus surinamus
- White-shouldered tanager, Tachyphonus luctuosus
- White-lined tanager, Tachyphonus rufus
- Red-shouldered tanager, Tachyphonus phoenicius
- Silver-beaked tanager, Ramphocelus carbo
- Blue-gray tanager, Thraupis episcopus
- Palm tanager, Thraupis palmarum
- Blue-backed tanager, Cyanicterus cyanicterus
- Blue-naped chlorophonia, Chlorophonia cyanea
- Turquoise tanager, Tangara mexicana
- Paradise tanager, Tangara chilensis
- Yellow-bellied tanager, Tangara xanthogastra (A)
- Spotted tanager, Tangara punctata
- Dotted tanager, Tangara varia
- Bay-headed tanager, Tangara gyrola
- Burnished-buff tanager, Tangara cayana
- Masked tanager, Tangara nigrocincta (A)
- Black-headed tanager, Tangara cyanoptera (A)
- Opal-rumped tanager, Tangara velia
- Black-faced dacnis, Dacnis lineata
- Blue dacnis, Dacnis cayana
- Green honeycreeper, Chlorophanes spiza
- Short-billed honeycreeper, Cyanerpes nitidus
- Purple honeycreeper, Cyanerpes caeruleus
- Red-legged honeycreeper, Cyanerpes cyaneus
- Swallow-tanager, Tersina viridis
- Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola
- Red-crested finch, Coryphospingus cucullatus (A)
- Blue-black grassquit, Volatinia jacarina
- Slate-colored seedeater, Sporophila schistacea (A)
- Plumbeous seedeater, Sporophila plumbea
- Gray seedeater, Sporophila intermedia
- Wing-barred seedeater, Sporophila americana
- Lesson's seedeater, Sporophila bouvronides
- Lined seedeater, Sporophila lineola
- Yellow-bellied seedeater, Sporophila nigricollis
- Ruddy-breasted seedeater, Sporophila minuta
- Chestnut-bellied seedeater, Sporophila castaneiventris
- Large-billed seed-finch, Oryzoborus crassirostris
- Great-billed seed-finch, Oryzoborus maximiliani (A)
- Chestnut-bellied seed-finch, Oryzoborus angolensis
- White-naped seedeater, Dolospingus fringilloides (A)
- Sooty grassquit, Tiaris fuliginosa (A)
- Slaty finch, Haplospiza rustica (A)
- Saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola (A)
- Grassland yellow-finch, Sicalis luteola
- Stripe-tailed yellow-finch, Sicalis citrina (A)
- Wedge-tailed grass-finch, Emberizoides herbicola
- Red-capped cardinal, Paroaria gularis
Buntings, sparrows and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns.
- Tepui brush-finch, Atlapetes personatus (A)
- Pectoral sparrow, Arremon taciturnus
- Grassland sparrow, Ammodramus humeralis
- Rufous-collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis
Saltators, cardinals and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 11 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Hepatic tanager, Piranga flava
- Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea (A)
- Summer tanager, Piranga rubra
- White-winged tanager, Piranga leucoptera
- Red-and-black grosbeak, Periporphyrus erythromelas
- Grayish saltator, Saltator coerulescens
- Buff-throated saltator, Saltator maximus
- Slate-colored grosbeak, Saltator grossus
- Yellow-green grosbeak, Caryothraustes canadensis
- Blue-black grosbeak, Cyanocompsa cyanoides
- Dickcissel, Spiza americana (A)
Troupials and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 19 species which have been recorded in Guyana.
- Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus (A)
- Yellow-hooded blackbird, Chrysomus icterocephalus
- Red-breasted blackbird, Sturnella militaris
- Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
- Carib grackle, Quiscalus lugubris
- Shiny cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis
- Giant cowbird, Molothrus oryzivorus
- Moriche oriole, Icterus chrysocephalus
- Epaulet oriole, Icterus cayanensis
- Yellow oriole, Icterus nigrogularis
- Venezuelan troupial, Icterus icterus
- Yellow-rumped cacique, Cacicus cela
- Red-rumped cacique, Cacicus haemorrhous
- Crested oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus
- Green oropendola, Psarocolius viridis
- Oriole blackbird, Gymnomystax mexicanus (Ex)
- Velvet-fronted grackle, Lampropsar tanagrinus
- Golden-tufted grackle, Macroagelaius imthurni (A)
- Orange-backed troupial, Icterus croconotus
Siskins, crossbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.
- Plumbeous euphonia, Euphonia plumbea
- Purple-throated euphonia, Euphonia chlorotica
- Finsch's euphonia, Euphonia finschi
- Violaceous euphonia, Euphonia violacea
- Golden-rumped euphonia, Euphonia cyanocephala
- White-lored euphonia, Euphonia chrysopasta
- White-vented euphonia, Euphonia minuta
- Orange-bellied euphonia, Euphonia xanthogaster (A)
- Golden-sided euphonia, Euphonia cayennensis
- Hooded siskin, Spinus magellanica (A)
See also
References
- Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of Guyana". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 26 April 2007.
- Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press. p. 880. ISBN 0-934797-16-1.
External links
- Birds of Guayana - World Institute for Conservation and Environment