Birding Venezuela
A birding trip to Venezuela which aims to see the highest number of species should logically aim to visit as many as possible of the biogeographic regions described above. Given the size of Venezuela this requires time.
A good two week introductory trip might comprise a visit to the Coastal Cordillera, the Andes and the Llanos and would typically produce about 450 species. With a further two weeks, the Guayana Highlands can be added. Variations might include the arid north-west or the Maracaibo Basin. On the other hand, there is nothing as relaxing as a week’s leisurely birding in the llanos at one of the famous wildlife ranches or Hatos. For those who like to be challenged, that week might better be spent chasing antbirds at an Amazonian lodge. In short, the birding possibilities in Venezuela are endless!
The starting point for planning a birding trip to Venezuela is Mary Lou Goodwin’s Birding in Venezuela, published by the Venezuelan Audubon Society (4th edition 1997; 5th edition in press). Read this book thoroughly before contacting a travel agent or local guide. Nigel Wheatley’s Where to Watch Birds in South America (Princeton University Press, 1995) is of some use, but it is more general and less accurate.
The most recent list of the birds of Venezuela (with one or two errors) is to be found in Rodner, Lentino and Restall’s Checklist of the Birds of Northern South America (Pica Press, 2000). Electronic lists are available at several sites.Checklists for Archipiélago Los Roques, Canaima, Cinaruco-Capanaparo, Guatopo, Henri Pittier, Macarao, Morrocoy, Península de Paria, El Tamá and Yacambú Nacional Parks and for Delta Amacuro State are available from the Venezuelan Audubon Society. Checklists are also available for the ranches of Hato El Cedral and Hato Piñero, for Junglaven lodge and for the Gran Sabana.
Several responsible local tour companies offer Venezuela itineraries. In addition, the country is visited by most of the larger international companies. There are several competent bird guides, but it is wise to ask previous visitors for recommendations as some visitors have been disappointed.
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