Panama is one of the most appropriate places in Central America for bird watching. Foreigners and nationals enjoy Panama’s breathtaking natural landscapes harmonized by exotic birds that enliven the mornings of this tropical country. The resplendent quetzal, the three-wattled bellbird, the harpy eagle and the king vulture are just a few of the 950 species of birds that you can see in the wooded areas of Panama.

Toucans are colorful birds

The toucan is a neotropical bird. In Panama there are several species of toucans that can easily be seen in the wooded areas near the Panama Canal and even in Panama City. Toucans are known for their enormous multicolored beaks which give them a disproportional look; when in fact it really is very light and almost entirely hallow.

As far as their characteristics, toucans are gregarious and are generally seen in small herds in arboreal with fruit. Its source of food is fruits and berries as well as big insects, small reptiles, amphibians, and eggs and pigeons of other species. Toucans nest in tree holes and their young rest in abandoned woodpecker holes.

Panama has seven species of toucans: Emerald Toucanet, Collared Aracari, Fiery-billed Aracari, Yellow-eared Toucanet, Rainbow-billed Toucan, Swainson’s Toucan and the  Choco Toucan.

A reserve for birds

The Isla Escudo de Veraguas (Veraguas’ Shield Island) is part of the insular system of Bocas del Toro located in the far northeast of this archipelago. Although it is a small island it maintains a permanent population of birds, specially migrating birds. Isla Escudo de Veraguas has been included in the Directory of Important Birds; the island is a rare and threatened place with singular communities of unique birds with associated characteristics.

The most sought-after birds in Panama

Parrots, parakeets, macaws and cockatoos all belong to the Psittacidae family, and are considered the most sought-after bids in Panama for their eye-catching plumage, mainly the Yellow-crowned Parrot because of its special feature- it talks. These birds eat flowers, fruit, seeds and leave sprouts. They nest in tree holes and in termite nests, and usually travel in pairs of herds becoming numerous.

Parakeets & Parrots

Panamanian species of parrots and parakeets are green, but include other colors like red, yellow, orange, blue or white in their plumage. Panama has 22 species of Psittacidaes, five of which are common to the city of David in Chiriqui. These are gregarious and boisterous birds that can be seen during the evening hours in trees near houses and buildings or flying over the city.