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Hummingbirds of Belize
Tourists travel to Belize for scuba diving, hiking, fishing, rafting, sailing, photography, and ... hummingbirds!
About Belize
 Map showing the location of Belize in Central America |
Belize is located in Central America, east of Guatemala and southeast of Mexico, on the Caribbean Sea. The population of the country is over 400,000 residents. Belize is organized into six districts (see map below), further divided into 31 constituencies.
Northern Belize features flat, swampy coastal plains, in places heavily forested, with highly diverse flora. The south contains the low mountain range of the Maya Mountains. The highest point in Belize is Doyle's Delight at 1,124 m (3,688 ft).
Belize has a rich variety of wildlife because of its position between North and South America and a wide range of climates and habitats for plant and animal life. Belize has a tropical climate with pronounced wet and dry seasons, although there are significant variations in weather patterns by region and altitude. The country is prone to hurricanes from June into November. With an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C), it's always warm, yet comfortable. Costal sea breezes as well as jungle and rainforests keep visitors cool even in the hottest summer months while winters can be cool but never very cold.
Belize's abundance of terrestrial and marine plants and animals and its diversity of ecosystems, including extensive coral reefs, give it a key place in the globally significant Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. The Belize Barrier Reef, one of the Western Hemisphere's most pristine ecosystems, is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 500 species of birds call Belize home from time to time. Some of the best places to see migrant and resident water birds are Crooked Tree and the seashores of Belize.
The Great Blue Hole of Belize is one of the most spectacular dive sites on earth. The crystal-clear sapphire waters are home to colorful tropical fish and several species of reef sharks - ideal for brave divers who love to get up close and personal with sea life. On dry ground, diverse rainforests, mangrove swamps, and Mayan ruins are perfect for exploration. The beaches of Belize are sunny and tranquil spots for a day of relaxation.
Enjoy your hummingbird explorations in Belize!
Map of Belize, Districts & Major Cities
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| Map courtesy of www.FreeWorldMaps.net |
Hummingbird Species in Belize
Hummingbirds exist only in the Western Hemisphere, with nearly half of the species living in the "equatorial belt," between 10 degrees north and south of the equator. The hummingbird family is large, with 366 species and 112 genera, mostly south of the United States, and many in Belize.
Hummingbirds comprise the family Trochilidae, among the smallest of birds, with most species measuring in the 3"-5" range.
Belize is home to about 26 species of hummingbirds, listed below. Some hummingbirds in Belize do not migrate. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird and the Buff-bellied Hummingbird do migrate north into the United States in warmer months.
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Photo Highlights of Hummingbirds Found in Belize
Buff-bellied Hummingbird |
Violet Sabrewing |
Cinnamon |
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Ruby-throated |
Green-breasted Mango |
Stripe-throated Hermit Hummingbird |
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Rufous-tailed Hummingbird |
White-necked Jacobin Hummingbird |
Plain-capped Starthroat |
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| Special thanks go out to the great nature photographers Alan Schmierer and Rolf Riethof for sharing many of their beautiful public-domain photographs of hummingbirds on this website via Flickr. | |||
Belize Travel & Tourism Resources
- Belize Travel Guide at TripAdvisor: Hotels, Restaurants, Things to Do
- Belize at Lonely Planet
- Belize at Travel & Leisure