List of birds of Guyana
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This is a list of the bird species recorded in Guyana. The avifauna of Guyana include a total of 785 confirmed species, of which one has been introduced by humans and two are extinct or extirpated. None are endemic. An additional 33 species are hypothetical and one is uncertain (see below).
Except as an entry is cited otherwise, the list of species is that of the South American Classification Committee (SACC) of the American Ornithological Society.[1] The list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) are also those of the SACC.[2]
The following tags have been used to highlight certain categories of occurrence.
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Guyana as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
- (H) Hypothetical - a species recorded but with "no tangible evidence" according to the SACC
- (?) Uncertain - a species whose presence is suspected but not confirmed according to the SACC
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. Seven species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Great tinamou, Tinamus major
- Cinereous tinamou, Crypturellus cinereus
- Little tinamou, Crypturellus soui
- Undulated tinamou, Crypturellus undulatus
- Red-legged tinamou, Crypturellus erythropus
- Variegated tinamou, Crypturellus variegatus
- Rusty tinamou, Crypturellus brevirostris
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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Horned screamer, Anhima cornuta (Extirpated)
Ducks
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. Eleven species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor
- White-faced whistling-duck, Dendrocygna viduata
- Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis
- Orinoco goose, Oressochen jubata
- Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata
- Comb duck, Sarkidiornis sylvicola
- Brazilian teal, Amazonetta brasiliensis
- Blue-winged teal, Spatula discors
- White-cheeked pintail, Anas bahamensis
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Masked duck, Nomonyx dominicus
Guans
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. Six species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Marail guan, Penelope marail
- Spix's guan, Penelope jacquacu
- Blue-throated piping-guan, Pipile cumanensis
- Variable chachalaca, Ortalis motmot
- Black curassow, Crax alector
- Crestless curassow, Mitu tomentosum
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. Two species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Crested bobwhite, Colinus cristatus
- Marbled wood-quail, Odontophorus gujanensis
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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- American flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber
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. Two species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Least grebe, Tachybaptus dominicus
- Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
Pigeons
Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. Fourteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
- Scaled pigeon, Patagioenas speciosa
- Pale-vented pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis
- Plumbeous pigeon, Patagioenas plumbea
- Ruddy pigeon, Patagioenas subvinacea
- Ruddy quail-dove, Geotrygon montana
- Violaceous quail-dove, Geotrygon violacea
- White-tipped dove, Leptotila verreauxi
- Gray-fronted dove, Leptotila rufaxilla
- Eared dove, Zenaida auriculata
- Blue ground dove, Claravis pretiosa
- Common ground dove, Columbina passerina
- Plain-breasted ground dove, Columbina minuta
- Ruddy ground dove, Columbina talpacoti
Cuckoos
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. Twelve species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Greater ani, Crotophaga major
- Smooth-billed ani, Crotophaga ani
- Striped cuckoo, Tapera naevia
- Pavonine cuckoo, Dromococcyx pavoninus
- Rufous-winged ground-cuckoo, Neomorphus rufipennis
- Little cuckoo, Coccycua minuta
- Squirrel cuckoo, Piaya cayana
- Black-bellied cuckoo, Piaya melanogaster
- Dark-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus melacoryphus
- Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
- Pearly-breasted cuckoo, Coccyzus euleri
- Mangrove cuckoo, Coccyzus minor
Oilbird
Order: Steatornithiformes 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: Nyctibiiformes 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. Five species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Rufous potoo, Phyllaemulor bracteatus
- Great potoo, Nyctibius grandis
- Long-tailed potoo, Nyctibius aethereus
- Common potoo, Nyctibius griseus
- White-winged potoo, Nyctibius leucopterus
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. Thirteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Nacunda nighthawk, Chordeiles nacunda
- Least nighthawk, Chordeiles pusillus
- Lesser nighthawk, Chordeiles acutipennis
- Short-tailed nighthawk, Lurocalis semitorquatus
- Band-tailed nighthawk, Nyctiprogne leucopyga
- Blackish nightjar, Nyctipolus nigrescens
- Band-winged nightjar, Systellura longirostris
- Common pauraque, Nyctidromus albicollis
- Roraiman nightjar, Setopagis whitelyi
- White-tailed nightjar, Hydropsalis cayennensis
- Spot-tailed nightjar, Hydropsalis maculicaudus
- Ladder-tailed nightjar, Hydropsalis climacocerca
- Rufous nightjar, Antrostomus rufus
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. Eleven species have been recorded in Guyana.
- White-chinned swift, Cypseloides cryptus
- Black swift, Cypseloides niger
- Tepui swift, Streptoprocne phelpsi
- White-collared swift, Streptoprocne zonaris
- Gray-rumped swift, Chaetura cinereiventris
- Band-rumped swift, Chaetura spinicaudus
- Chapman's swift, Chaetura chapmani
- Short-tailed swift, Chaetura brachyura
- White-tipped swift, Aeronautes montivagus (H)
- Fork-tailed palm-swift, Tachornis squamata
- Lesser swallow-tailed swift, Panyptila cayennensis
Hummingbirds
Order: Apodiformes 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. Thirty-nine species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Crimson topaz, Topaza pella
- White-necked jacobin, Florisuga mellivora
- Rufous-breasted hermit, Glaucis hirsutus
- Pale-tailed barbthroat, Threnetes leucurus
- Streak-throated hermit, Phaethornis rupurumii
- Little hermit, Phaethornis longuemareus
- Reddish hermit, Phaethornis ruber
- Sooty-capped hermit, Phaethornis augusti
- Straight-billed hermit, Phaethornis bourcieri
- Long-tailed hermit, Phaethornis superciliosus
- Blue-fronted lancebill, Doryfera johannae
- Brown violetear, Colibri delphinae
- Sparkling violetear, Colibri coruscans (H)
- Black-eared fairy, Heliothryx auritus
- White-tailed goldenthroat, Polytmus guainumbi
- Tepui goldenthroat, Polytmus milleri (H)
- Green-tailed goldenthroat, Polytmus theresiae
- Fiery-tailed awlbill, Avocettula recurvirostris
- Ruby-topaz hummingbird, Chrysolampis mosquitus
- Green-throated mango, Anthracothorax viridigula
- Black-throated mango, Anthracothorax nigricollis
- Racket-tipped thorntail, Discosura longicaudus
- Tufted coquette, Lophornis ornatus
- Peacock coquette, Lophornis pavoninus
- Velvet-browed brilliant, Heliodoxa xanthogonys
- Long-billed starthroat, Heliomaster longirostris
- Amethyst woodstar, Calliphlox amethystina
- Blue-tailed emerald, Chlorostilbon mellisugus
- Gray-breasted sabrewing, Campylopterus largipennis
- Rufous-breasted sabrewing, Campylopterus hyperythrus
- Fork-tailed woodnymph, Thalurania furcata
- Green-bellied hummingbird, Saucerottia viridigaster
- Versicolored emerald, Chrysuronia versicolor
- White-chested emerald, Chrysuronia brevirostris
- Plain-bellied emerald, Chrysuronia leucogaster
- Glittering-throated emerald, Chionomesa fimbriata
- Rufous-throated sapphire, Hylocharis sapphirina
- White-chinned sapphire, Chlorestes cyanus
- Blue-chinned sapphire, Chlorestes notata
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
Limpkin
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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Gray-winged trumpeter, Psophia crepitans
Rails
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. Sixteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Mangrove rail, Rallus longirostris
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinica
- Azure gallinule, Porphyrio flavirostris
- Russet-crowned crake, Anurolimnas viridis
- Rufous-sided crake, Laterallus melanophaius
- Gray-breasted crake, Laterallus exilis
- Speckled rail, Coturnicops notatus
- Ocellated crake, Micropygia schomburgkii
- Ash-throated crake, Mustelirallus albicollis
- Paint-billed crake, Mustelirallus erythrops
- Gray-cowled wood-rail, Aramides cajaneus
- Rufous-necked wood-rail, Aramides axillaris
- Uniform crake, Amaurolimnas concolor
- Yellow-breasted crake, Porzana flaviventer
- Sora, Porzana carolina
- Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Sungrebe, Heliornis fulica
Plovers
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. Seven species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
- Pied lapwing, Hoploxypterus cayanus
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
- Southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis
- Wilson's plover, Anarynchus wilsonia
- Collared plover, Anarynchus collaris
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. One species 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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Double-striped thick-knee, Hesperoburhinus bistriatus
Sandpipers
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. Twenty-three species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
- Eskimo curlew, Numenius borealis (believed extinct)
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica (H)
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus (H)
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
- White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis (H)
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
- Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri
- Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
- Giant snipe, Gallinago undulata
- Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
- Pantanal snipe, Gallinago paraguaiae
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
- Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
- Willet, Tringa semipalmata
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a family of waders 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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Wattled jacana, Jacana jacana
Skuas
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. Three species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Great skua, Stercorarius skua
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus (H)
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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Black skimmer, Rynchops niger
Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, kittiwakes, terns, and skimmers. Gulls 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. 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. Fifteen species of Laridae have been recorded in Guyana.
- Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla
- Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus (H)
- Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
- Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus (H)
- Least tern, Sternula antillarum
- Yellow-billed tern, Sternula superciliaris
- Large-billed tern, Phaetusa simplex
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger (H)
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (H)
- Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis
- Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus (H)
Sunbittern
Order: Eurypygiformes 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
Southern storm-petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Oceanitidae
The storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. Until 2018, this family's species were included with the other storm-petrels in family Hydrobatidae. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
Northern storm-petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
Though the members of this family are similar in many respects to the southern storm-petrels, including their general appearance and habits, there are enough genetic differences to warrant their placement in a separate family. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Leach's storm-petrel, Hydrobates leucorhous
Shearwaters
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. Three species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea
- Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis (H)
- Audubon's shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri
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. Three species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Maguari stork, Ciconia maguari
- Jabiru, Jabiru mycteria
- Wood stork, Mycteria americana
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes 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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens
Boobies
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
Anhingas
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Anhingas 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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga
Cormorants
Order: Suliformes 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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Neotropic cormorant, Phalacrocorax brasilianus
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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis
Herons
Order: Pelecaniformes 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. Eighteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Rufescent tiger-heron, Tigrisoma lineatum
- Fasciated tiger-heron, Tigrisoma fasciatum
- Agami heron, Agamia agami
- Boat-billed heron, Cochlearius cochlearius
- Zigzag heron, Zebrilus undulatus
- Pinnated bittern, Botaurus pinnatus
- Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
- Stripe-backed bittern, Ixobrychus involucris
- Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea
- Striated heron, Butorides striata
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Cocoi heron, Ardea cocoi
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Capped heron, Pilherodius pileatus
- Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor
- Snowy egret, Egretta thula
- Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea
Ibises
Order: Pelecaniformes 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. Seven species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Scarlet ibis, Eudocimus ruber
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (H)
- Sharp-tailed ibis, Cercibis oxycerca
- Green ibis, Mesembrinibis cayennensis
- Bare-faced ibis, Phimosus infuscatus (H)
- Buff-necked ibis, Theristicus caudatus
- Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja
New World vultures
Order: Cathartiformes 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. Five species have been recorded in Guyana.
- King vulture, Sarcoramphus papa
- Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
- Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
- Lesser yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes burrovianus
- Greater yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes melambrotus
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
The family Pandionidae 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
Order: Accipitriformes 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. Thirty-five species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Pearl kite, Gampsonyx swainsonii
- White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus
- Hook-billed kite, Chondrohierax uncinatus
- Gray-headed kite, Leptodon cayanensis
- Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus
- Crested eagle, Morphnus guianensis
- Harpy eagle, Harpia harpyja
- Black hawk-eagle, Spizaetus tyrannus
- Black-and-white hawk-eagle, Spizaetus melanoleucus
- Ornate hawk-eagle, Spizaetus ornatus
- Black-collared hawk, Busarellus nigricollis
- Snail kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis
- Slender-billed kite, Helicolestes hamatus
- Double-toothed kite, Harpagus bidentatus
- Rufous-thighed kite, Harpagus diodon
- Plumbeous kite, Ictinia plumbea
- Long-winged harrier, Circus buffoni
- Gray-bellied hawk, Accipiter poliogaster
- Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
- Bicolored hawk, Accipiter bicolor
- Tiny hawk, Microspizias superciliosus
- Crane hawk, Geranospiza caerulescens
- Common black hawk, Buteogallus anthracinus
- Rufous crab hawk, Buteogallus aequinoctialis
- Savanna hawk, Buteogallus meridionalis
- Great black hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga
- Solitary eagle, Buteogallus solitarius (H)
- Roadside hawk, Rupornis magnirostris
- White-tailed hawk, Geranoaetus albicaudatus
- White hawk, Pseudastur albicollis
- Black-faced hawk, Leucopternis melanops
- Gray-lined hawk, Buteo nitidus
- Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus (H)
- Short-tailed hawk, Buteo brachyurus
- Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus
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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Amerian barn-owl, Tyto furcata
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. Fifteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Tropical screech-owl, Megascops choliba
- Foothill screech-owl, Megascops roraimae
- Tawny-bellied screech-owl, Megascops watsonii
- Crested owl, Lophostrix cristata
- Spectacled owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata
- Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
- Mottled owl, Strix virgata
- Black-banded owl, Strix huhula
- Amazonian pygmy-owl, Glaucidium hardyi
- Ferruginous pygmy-owl, Glaucidium brasilianum
- Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia
- Buff-fronted owl, Aegolius harrisii
- Striped owl, Asio clamator
- Stygian owl, Asio stygius
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
Trogons
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. Six species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Black-tailed trogon, Trogon melanurus
- Green-backed trogon, Trogon viridis
- Guianan violaceous-trogon, Trogon violaceus
- Amazonian black-throated trogon, Trogon rufus
- Collared trogon, Trogon collaris
- Masked trogon, Trogon personatus
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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Amazonian motmot, Momotus momota
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. Six species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Ringed kingfisher, Megaceryle torquata
- Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon (H)
- Amazon kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona
- American pygmy kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea
- Green kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana
- Green-and-rufous kingfisher, Chloroceryle inda
Jacamars
Order: Galbuliformes 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 puffbirds. Seven species 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: Galbuliformes 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. Eight species 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-winged puffbird, Chelidoptera tenebrosa
New World 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. One species 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. Eight species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Toco toucan, Ramphastos toco
- White-throated toucan, Ramphastos tucanus
- Channel-billed toucan, Ramphastos vitellinus
- Tepui toucanet, Aulacorhynchus whitelianus
- Guianan toucanet, Selenidera culik
- Tawny-tufted toucanet, Selenidera nattereri (H)
- Green aracari, Pteroglossus viridis
- Black-necked aracari, Pteroglossus aracari
Woodpeckers
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. Twenty-one species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Golden-spangled piculet, Picumnus exilis
- White-bellied piculet, Picumnus spilogaster
- White-barred piculet, Picumnus cirratus
- White woodpecker, Melanerpes candidus (H)
- Yellow-tufted woodpecker, Melanerpes cruentatus
- Red-crowned woodpecker, Melanerpes rubricapillus
- Red-rumped woodpecker, Dryobates kirkii
- Golden-collared woodpecker, Dryobates cassini
- Blood-colored woodpecker, Dryobates sanguineus
- Little woodpecker, Dryobates passerinus
- Red-necked woodpecker, Campephilus rubricollis
- Crimson-crested woodpecker, Campephilus melanoleucos
- Lineated woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus
- Ringed woodpecker, Celeus torquatus
- Waved woodpecker, Celeus undatus
- Cream-colored woodpecker, Celeus flavus
- Chestnut woodpecker, Celeus elegans
- Yellow-throated woodpecker, Piculus flavigula
- Golden-green woodpecker, Piculus chrysochloros
- Golden-olive woodpecker, Colaptes rubiginosus
- Spot-breasted woodpecker, Colaptes punctigula
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. Fifteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- 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
- Crested caracara, Caracara plancus
- Red-throated caracara, Ibycter americanus
- Black caracara, Daptrius ater
- Yellow-headed caracara, Milvago chimachima
- American kestrel, Falco sparverius
- Merlin, Falco columbarius (H)
- Bat falcon, Falco rufigularis
- Orange-breasted falcon, Falco deiroleucus
- Aplomado falcon, Falco femoralis
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
New World and African parrots
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. Twenty-nine species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Lilac-tailed parrotlet, Touit batavicus
- Scarlet-shouldered parrotlet, Touit huetii
- Sapphire-rumped parrotlet, Touit purpuratus
- Tepui parrotlet, Nannopsittaca panychlora
- Cobalt-winged parakeet, Brotogeris cyanoptera
- Golden-winged parakeet, Brotogeris chrysoptera
- Caica parrot, Pyrilia caica
- Dusky parrot, Pionus fuscus
- Blue-headed parrot, Pionus menstruus
- Festive amazon, Amazona festiva
- Blue-cheeked amazon, Amazona dufresniana
- Yellow-crowned amazon, Amazona ochrocephala
- Mealy amazon, Amazona farinosa
- Orange-winged amazon, Amazona amazonica
- Dusky-billed parrotlet, Forpus modestus
- Green-rumped parrotlet, Forpus passerinus
- Black-headed parrot, Pionites melanocephalus
- Red-fan parrot, Deroptyus accipitrinus
- Painted parakeet, Pyrrhura picta
- Fiery-shouldered parakeet, Pyrrhura egregia
- Brown-throated parakeet, Eupsittula pertinax
- Sun parakeet, Aratinga solstitialis
- Red-bellied macaw, Orthopsittaca manilatus
- Blue-and-yellow macaw, Ara ararauna
- Chestnut-fronted macaw, Ara severus
- Scarlet macaw, Ara macao
- Red-and-green macaw, Ara chloropterus
- Red-shouldered macaw, Diopsittaca nobilis
- White-eyed parakeet, Psittacara leucophthalmus
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. Fifty species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Rufous-rumped antwren, Euchrepomis callinota
- Ash-winged antwren, Euchrepomis spodioptila
- Fasciated antshrike, Cymbilaimus lineatus
- Black-throated antshrike, Frederickena viridis
- Great antshrike, Taraba major
- Black-crested antshrike, Sakesphorus canadensis
- Barred antshrike, Thamnophilus doliatus
- Mouse-colored antshrike, Thamnophilus murinus
- Northern slaty-antshrike, Thamnophilus punctatus
- Band-tailed antshrike, Thamnophilus melanothorax
- Amazonian antshrike, Thamnophilus amazonicus
- Streak-backed antshrike, Thamnophilus insignis
- Plain antvireo, Dysithamnus mentalis
- Spot-tailed antwren, Herpsilochmus sticturus
- Todd's antwren, Herpsilochmus stictocephalus
- Roraiman antwren, Herpsilochmus roraimae
- Rufous-margined antwren, Herpsilochmus frater
- Dusky-throated antshrike, Thamnomanes ardesiacus
- Cinereous antshrike, Thamnomanes caesius
- Rufous-bellied antwren, Isleria guttata
- Spot-winged antshrike, Pygiptila stellaris
- Brown-bellied stipplethroat, Epinecrophylla gutturalis
- Pygmy antwren, Myrmotherula brachyura
- Guianan streaked-antwren, Myrmotherula surinamensis
- White-flanked antwren, Myrmotherula axillaris
- Long-winged antwren, Myrmotherula longipennis
- Plain-winged antwren, Myrmotherula behni
- Gray antwren, Myrmotherula menetriesii
- Dot-winged antwren, Microrhopias quixensis
- White-fringed antwren, Formicivora grisea
- Guianan warbling-antbird, Hypocnemis cantator
- Willis's antbird, Cercomacroides laeta
- Dusky antbird, Cercomacroides tyrannina
- Blackish antbird, Cercomacroides nigrescens
- Gray antbird, Cercomacra cinerascens
- Rio Branco antbird, Cercomacra carbonaria
- White-browed antbird, Myrmoborus leucophrys
- Black-chinned antbird, Hypocnemoides melanopogon
- Silvered antbird, Sclateria naevia
- Black-headed antbird, Percnostola rufifrons
- Roraiman antbird, Myrmelastes saturatus
- Spot-winged antbird, Myrmelastes leucostigma
- White-bellied antbird, Myrmeciza longipes
- Ferruginous-backed antbird, Myrmoderus ferrugineus
- Black-throated antbird, Myrmophylax atrothorax
- Wing-banded antbird, Myrmornis torquata
- White-plumed antbird, Pithys albifrons
- Rufous-throated antbird, Gymnopithys rufigula
- Spot-backed antbird, Hylophylax naevius
- Common scale-backed antbird, Willisornis poecilinotus
Gnateaters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Conopophagidae
The gnateaters are round, short-tailed, and long-legged birds, which are closely related to the antbirds. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Chestnut-belted gnateater, Conopophaga aurita
Antpittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Grallariidae
Antpittas resemble the true pittas with strong, longish legs, very short tails, and stout bills. Six species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Variegated antpitta, Grallaria varia
- Scaled antpitta, Grallaria guatimalensis
- Slate-crowned antpitta, Grallaricula nana
- Spotted antpitta, Hylopezus macularius
- Thrush-like antpitta, Myrmothera campanisona
- Tepui antpitta, Myrmothera simplex
Antthrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Formicariidae
Antthrushes resemble small rails. Three species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Rufous-capped antthrush, Formicarius colma
- Black-faced antthrush, Formicarius analis
- Short-tailed antthrush, Chamaeza campanisona
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. The woodcreepers are brownish birds which maintain an upright vertical posture, supported by their stiff tail vanes. They feed mainly on insects taken from tree trunks. Forty-four species have been recorded in Guyana.
- South American leaftosser, Sclerurus obscurior
- Short-billed leaftosser, Sclerurus rufigularis
- Black-tailed leaftosser, Sclerurus caudacutus
- Spot-throated woodcreeper, Certhiasomus stictolaemus
- Olivaceous woodcreeper, Sittasomus griseicapillus
- Long-tailed woodcreeper, Deconychura longicauda
- White-chinned woodcreeper, Dendrocincla merula
- Plain-brown woodcreeper, Dendrocincla fuliginosa
- Wedge-billed woodcreeper, Glyphorynchus spirurus
- Cinnamon-throated woodcreeper, Dendrexetastes rufigula
- Amazonian barred-woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes certhia
- Black-banded woodcreeper, Dendrocolaptes picumnus
- Red-billed woodcreeper, Hylexetastes perrotii
- Strong-billed woodcreeper, Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus
- Striped woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus obsoletus
- Chestnut-rumped woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus pardalotus
- Buff-throated woodcreeper, Xiphorhynchus guttatus
- Straight-billed woodcreeper, Dendroplex picus
- Curve-billed scythebill, Campylorhamphus procurvoides
- Streak-headed woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes souleyetii
- Guianan woodcreeper, Lepidocolaptes albolineatus
- Slender-billed xenops, Xenops tenuirostris
- Plain xenops, Xenops minutus
- Point-tailed palmcreeper, Berlepschia rikeri
- Rufous-tailed xenops, Microxenops milleri
- Pale-legged hornero, Furnarius leucopus
- Sharp-tailed streamcreeper, Lochmias nematura
- Rufous-rumped foliage-gleaner, Neophilydor erythrocercum
- Cinnamon-rumped foliage-gleaner, Philydor pyrrhodes
- Rufous-tailed foliage-gleaner, Anabacerthia ruficaudata
- White-throated foliage-gleaner, Syndactyla roraimae
- Ruddy foliage-gleaner, Clibanornis rubiginosus
- Chestnut-crowned foliage-gleaner, Automolus rufipileatus
- Buff-throated foliage-gleaner, Automolus ochrolaemus
- Olive-backed foliage-gleaner, Automolus infuscatus
- Roraiman barbtail, Roraimia adusta
- Rusty-backed spinetail, Cranioleuca vulpina (H)
- Tepui spinetail, Cranioleuca demissa
- Yellow-chinned spinetail, Certhiaxis cinnamomeus
- Plain-crowned spinetail, Synallaxis gujanensis
- McConnell's spinetail, Synallaxis macconnelli
- Pale-breasted spinetail, Synallaxis albescens
- Hoary-throated spinetail, Synallaxis kollari
- Ruddy spinetail, Synallaxis rutilans
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. Fifteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Tiny tyrant-manakin, Tyranneutes virescens
- Pale-bellied tyrant-manakin, Neopelma pallescens
- Saffron-crested tyrant-manakin, Neopelma chrysocephalum
- Blue-backed manakin, Chiroxiphia pareola
- White-throated manakin, Corapipo gutturalis
- Olive manakin, Xenopipo uniformis
- Black manakin, Xenopipo atronitens
- Orange-bellied manakin, Lepidothrix suavissima
- White-fronted manakin, Lepidothrix serena
- White-bearded manakin, Manacus manacus
- Crimson-hooded manakin, Pipra aureola
- Striolated manakin, Machaeropterus striolatus
- White-crowned manakin, Pseudopipra pipra
- Scarlet-horned manakin, Ceratopipra cornuta
- Golden-headed manakin, Ceratopipra erythrocephala
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. Sixteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Red-banded fruiteater, Pipreola whitelyi
- Guianan red-cotinga, Phoenicircus carnifex
- Guianan cock-of-the-rock, Rupicola rupicola
- Crimson fruitcrow, Haematoderus militaris
- Purple-throated fruitcrow, Querula purpurata
- Red-ruffed fruitcrow, Pyroderus scutatus
- Amazonian umbrellabird, Cephalopterus ornatus
- Capuchinbird, Perissocephalus tricolor
- Purple-breasted cotinga, Cotinga cotinga
- Spangled cotinga, Cotinga cayana
- Rose-collared piha, Lipaugus streptophorus
- Screaming piha, Lipaugus vociferans
- White bellbird, Procnias alba
- Bearded bellbird, Procnias averano
- Pompadour cotinga, Xipholena punicea
- Bare-necked fruitcrow, Gymnoderus foetidus
Tityras
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tityridae
Tityridae are suboscine passerine birds found in forest and woodland in the Neotropics. The species in this family were formerly spread over the families Tyrannidae, Pipridae, and Cotingidae. They are small to medium-sized birds. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain coloring. Twelve species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Black-crowned tityra, Tityra inquisitor
- Black-tailed tityra, Tityra cayana
- Olivaceous schiffornis, Schiffornis olivacea
- Cinereous mourner, Laniocera hypopyrra
- Dusky purpletuft, Iodopleura fusca
- White-naped xenopsaris, Xenopsaris albinucha
- Green-backed becard, Pachyramphus viridis (H)
- Cinereous becard, Pachyramphus rufus
- White-winged becard, Pachyramphus polychopterus
- Black-capped becard, Pachyramphus marginatus
- Glossy-backed becard, Pachyramphus surinamus
- Pink-throated becard, Pachyramphus minor
Sharpbill
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oxyruncidae
The sharpbill is a small bird of dense forests in Central and South America. It feeds mostly on fruit but also eats insects.
- Sharpbill, Oxyruncus cristatus
Royal flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Onychorhynchidae
In 2019 the SACC determined that these species, which were formerly considered tyrant flycatchers, belonged in their own family.
- Royal flycatcher, Onychorhynchus coronatus
- Ruddy-tailed flycatcher, Terenotriccus erythrurus
- Sulphur-rumped flycatcher, Myiobius barbatus
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. Ninety-seven species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Wing-barred piprites, Piprites chloris
- Cinnamon manakin-tyrant, Neopipo cinnamomea
- Cinnamon-crested spadebill, Platyrinchus saturatus
- White-throated spadebill, Platyrinchus mystaceus
- Golden-crowned spadebill, Platyrinchus coronatus
- White-crested spadebill, Platyrinchus platyrhynchos
- Ringed antpipit, Corythopis torquatus
- Chapman's bristle-tyrant, Pogonotriccus chapmani
- Olive-green tyrannulet, Phylloscartes virescens
- Black-fronted tyrannulet, Phylloscartes nigrifrons
- Ochre-bellied flycatcher, Mionectes oleagineus
- McConnell's flycatcher, Mionectes macconnelli
- Sierra de Lema flycatcher, Mionectes roraimae
- Sepia-capped flycatcher, Leptopogon amaurocephalus
- Olivaceous flatbill, Rhynchocyclus olivaceus
- Yellow-margined flatbill, Tolmomyias assimilis
- Gray-crowned flatbill, Tolmomyias poliocephalus
- Yellow-breasted flatbill, Tolmomyias flaviventris
- Yellow-olive flatbill, Tolmomyias sulphurescens
- Short-tailed pygmy-tyrant, Myiornis ecaudatus
- Double-banded pygmy-tyrant, Lophotriccus vitiosus
- Helmeted pygmy-tyrant, Lophotriccus galeatus
- Pale-eyed pygmy-tyrant, Atalotriccus pilaris
- Boat-billed tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus josephinae
- White-eyed tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus zosterops
- Pearly-vented tody-tyrant, Hemitriccus margaritaceiventer
- Ruddy tody-flycatcher, Poecilotriccus russatus
- Slate-headed tody-flycatcher, Poecilotriccus sylvia
- Spotted tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum maculatum
- Common tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum cinereum
- Painted tody-flycatcher, Todirostrum pictum
- Cliff flycatcher, Hirundinea ferruginea
- Guianan tyrannulet, Zimmerius acer
- Pale-tipped tyrannulet, Inezia caudata
- Yellow-bellied elaenia, Elaenia flavogaster
- Small-billed elaenia, Elaenia parvirostris
- Plain-crested elaenia, Elaenia cristata
- Lesser elaenia, Elaenia chiriquensis
- Rufous-crowned elaenia, Elaenia ruficeps
- Tepui elaenia, Elaenia olivina
- Yellow-crowned tyrannulet, Tyrannulus elatus
- Forest elaenia, Myiopagis gaimardii
- Gray elaenia, Myiopagis caniceps
- Yellow-crowned elaenia, Myiopagis flavivertex
- Greenish elaenia, Myiopagis viridicata
- Yellow tyrannulet, Capsiempis flaveola
- Sooty-headed tyrannulet, Phyllomyias griseiceps
- Southern beardless-tyrannulet, Camptostoma obsoletum
- White-lored tyrannulet, Ornithion inerme
- Mouse-colored tyrannulet, Nesotriccus murinus
- Bearded tachuri, Polystictus pectoralis
- Crested doradito, Pseudocolopteryx sclateri
- Cinnamon attila, Attila cinnamomeus
- Bright-rumped attila, Attila spadiceus
- Piratic flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius
- Large-headed flatbill, Ramphotrigon megacephalum
- Rufous-tailed flatbill, Ramphotrigon ruficauda
- Great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus
- Lesser kiskadee, Philohydor lictor
- Sulphury flycatcher, Tyrannopsis sulphurea
- Boat-billed flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua
- Streaked flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus
- Rusty-margined flycatcher, Myiozetetes cayanensis
- Dusky-chested flycatcher, Myiozetetes luteiventris
- Yellow-throated flycatcher, Conopias parvus
- Variegated flycatcher, Empidonomus varius
- Crowned slaty flycatcher, Empidonomus aurantioatrocristatus
- White-throated kingbird, Tyrannus albogularis
- Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus
- Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana
- Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
- Gray kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis
- Grayish mourner, Rhytipterna simplex
- Pale-bellied mourner, Rhytipterna immunda
- Todd's sirystes, Sirystes subcanescens
- Dusky-capped flycatcher, Myiarchus tuberculifer
- Swainson's flycatcher, Myiarchus swainsoni
- Short-crested flycatcher, Myiarchus ferox
- Brown-crested flycatcher, Myiarchus tyrannulus
- Long-tailed tyrant, Colonia colonus
- Roraiman flycatcher, Myiophobus roraimae
- Bran-colored flycatcher, Myiophobus fasciatus
- Northern scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus arenarum
- Amazonian scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus obscurior
- Southern scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus modestus
- Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus
- Pied water-tyrant, Fluvicola pica
- White-headed marsh tyrant, Arundinicola leucocephala
- Rufous-tailed tyrant, Knipolegus poecilurus
- Amazonian black-tyrant, Knipolegus poecilocercus
- Drab water tyrant, Ochthornis littoralis
- Fuscous flycatcher, Cnemotriccus fuscatus
- Euler's flycatcher, Lathrotriccus euleri
- Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
- Smoke-colored pewee, Contopus fumigatus
- Tropical pewee, Contopus cinereus
- Blackish pewee, Contopus nigrescens
Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. Nine species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Rufous-browed peppershrike, Cyclarhis gujanensis
- Ashy-headed greenlet, Hylophilus pectoralis
- Lemon-chested greenlet, Hylophilus thoracicus
- Slaty-capped shrike-vireo, Vireolanius leucotis
- Tawny-crowned greenlet, Tunchiornis ochraceiceps
- Buff-cheeked greenlet, Pachysylvia muscicapinua
- Tepui vireo, Vireo sclateri
- Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus (?)
- Chivi vireo, Vireo chivi
- Black-whiskered vireo, Vireo altiloquus
Jays
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. Two species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Violaceous jay, Cyanocorax violaceus (H)
- Cayenne jay, Cyanocorax cayanus
Swallows
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. Fifteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Blue-and-white swallow, Pygochelidon cyanoleuca
- Black-collared swallow, Pygochelidon melanoleuca
- Tawny-headed swallow, Alopochelidon fucata
- White-banded swallow, Atticora fasciata
- White-thighed swallow, Atticora tibialis
- Southern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
- Brown-chested martin, Progne tapera
- Purple martin, Progne subis
- Caribbean martin, Progne dominicensis (H)
- Gray-breasted martin, Progne chalybea
- Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor (H)
- White-winged swallow, Tachycineta albiventer
- Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (H)
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. Ten species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Flutist wren, Microcerculus ustulatus
- Wing-banded wren, Microcerculus bambla
- House wren, Troglodytes aedon
- Tepui wren, Troglodytes rufulus
- Grass wren, Cistothorus platensis
- Bicolored wren, Campylorhynchus griseus
- Coraya wren, Pheugopedius coraya
- Buff-breasted wren, Cantorchilus leucotis
- White-breasted wood-wren, Henicorhina leucosticta
- Musician wren, Cyphorhinus arada
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. Four species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Collared gnatwren, Microbates collaris
- Trilling gnatwren, Ramphocaenus melanurus
- Tropical gnatcatcher, Polioptila plumbea
- Guianan gnatcatcher, Polioptila guianensis
Donacobius
Order: Passeriformes Family: Donacobiidae
The black-capped donacobius is found in wet habitats from Panama across northern South America and east of the Andes to Argentina and Paraguay.
- Black-capped donacobius, Donacobius atricapilla
Thrushes
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. Twelve species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Veery, Catharus fuscescens
- Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus
- Rufous-brown solitaire, Cichlopsis leucogenys
- Pale-eyed thrush, Turdus leucops
- Yellow-legged thrush, Turdus flavipes
- Pale-breasted thrush, Turdus leucomelas
- Cocoa thrush, Turdus fumigatus
- Spectacled thrush, Turdus nudigenis
- Pantepui thrush, Turdus murinus
- Campina thrush, Turdus arthuri
- Black-hooded thrush, Turdus olivater
- White-necked thrush, Turdus albicollis
Mockingbirds
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. one species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Tropical mockingbird, Mimus gilvus
Pipits and wagtails
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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
- Yellowish pipit, Anthus chii
Finches
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. Eleven species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Red siskin, Spinus cucullatus
- Hooded siskin, Spinus magellanica
- Blue-naped chlorophonia, Chlorophonia cyanea
- Plumbeous euphonia, Euphonia plumbea
- Purple-throated euphonia, Euphonia chlorotica
- Finsch's euphonia, Euphonia finschi
- Orange-bellied euphonia, Euphonia xanthogaster
- Golden-bellied euphonia, Euphonia chrysopasta
- White-vented euphonia, Euphonia minuta
- Violaceous euphonia, Euphonia violacea
- Golden-sided euphonia, Euphonia cayennensis
Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passerellidae
Most of the species are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many of these have distinctive head patterns. Four species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Grassland sparrow, Ammodramus humeralis
- Pectoral sparrow, Arremon taciturnus
- Rufous-collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis
- Tepui brushfinch, Atlapetes personatus
Blackbirds
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. Sixteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
- Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
- Red-breasted meadowlark, Leistes militaris
- Green oropendola, Psarocolius viridis
- Crested oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus
- Yellow-rumped cacique, Cacicus cela
- Red-rumped cacique, Cacicus haemorrhous
- Venezuelan troupial, Icterus icterus
- Epaulet oriole, Icterus cayanensis
- Yellow oriole, Icterus nigrogularis
- Giant cowbird, Molothrus oryzivorus
- Shiny cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis
- Carib grackle, Quiscalus lugubris
- Velvet-fronted grackle, Lampropsar tanagrinus
- Golden-tufted grackle, Macroagelaius imthurni
- Yellow-hooded blackbird, Chrysomus icterocephalus
Wood-warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The wood-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. Fifteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis
- Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea
- Masked yellowthroat, Geothlypis aequinoctialis
- American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
- Tropical parula, Setophaga pitiayumi
- Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea (H)
- Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca (H)
- Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
- Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata
- Flavescent warbler, Myiothlypis flaveola
- Riverbank warbler, Myiothlypis rivularis
- Two-banded warbler, Myiothlypis bivittata
- Golden-crowned warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus
- Slate-throated redstart, Myioborus miniatus
- Tepui redstart, Myioborus castaneocapillus
Mitrospingids
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mitrospingidae
Until 2017 the four species in this family were included in the family Thraupidae, the "true" tanagers.
- Olive-backed tanager, Mitrospingus oleagineus
- Red-billed pied tanager, Lamprospiza melanoleuca
Cardinal grosbeaks
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. Nine species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Hepatic tanager, Piranga flava
- Summer tanager, Piranga rubra
- Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea (H)
- White-winged tanager, Piranga leucoptera
- Rose-breasted chat, Granatellus pelzelni
- Red-and-black grosbeak, Periporphyrus erythromelas
- Yellow-green grosbeak, Caryothraustes canadensis
- Amazonian grosbeak, Cyanoloxia rothschildii
- Dickcissel, Spiza americana
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. As a family they are omnivorous, but individual species specialize in eating fruits, seeds, insects, or other types of food. Most have short, rounded wings. Sixty-four species have been recorded in Guyana.
- Blue-backed tanager, Cyanicterus cyanicterus
- Hooded tanager, Nemosia pileata
- Green honeycreeper, Chlorophanes spiza
- Guira tanager, Hemithraupis guira
- Yellow-backed tanager, Hemithraupis flavicollis
- Bicolored conebill, Conirostrum bicolor
- Chestnut-vented conebill, Conirostrum speciosum
- Stripe-tailed yellow-finch, Sicalis citrina
- Saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola
- Grassland yellow-finch, Sicalis luteola
- Paramo seedeater, Catamenia homochroa (H)
- Greater flowerpiercer, Diglossa major
- Blue-black grassquit, Volatinia jacarina
- Flame-crested tanager, Loriotus cristatus
- White-shouldered tanager, Loriotus luctuosus
- Fulvous-crested tanager, Tachyphonus surinamus
- White-lined tanager, Tachyphonus rufus
- Red-shouldered tanager, Tachyphonus phoenicius
- Gray-headed tanager, Eucometis penicillata
- Red-crested finch, Coryphospingus cucullatus (H)
- Silver-beaked tanager, Ramphocelus carbo
- Fulvous shrike-tanager, Lanio fulvus
- Short-billed honeycreeper, Cyanerpes nitidus
- Purple honeycreeper, Cyanerpes caeruleus
- Red-legged honeycreeper, Cyanerpes cyaneus
- Swallow tanager, Tersina viridis
- Black-faced dacnis, Dacnis lineata
- Blue dacnis, Dacnis cayana
- Lesson's seedeater, Sporophila bouvronides
- Lined seedeater, Sporophila lineola
- Chestnut-bellied seedeater, Sporophila castaneiventris
- Ruddy-breasted seedeater, Sporophila minuta
- Chestnut-bellied seed-finch, Sporophila angolensis
- Great-billed seed-finch, Sporophila maximiliani
- Large-billed seed-finch, Sporophila crassirostris
- Gray seedeater, Sporophila intermedia
- Wing-barred seedeater, Sporophila americana
- White-naped seedeater, Sporophila fringilloides
- Yellow-bellied seedeater, Sporophila nigricollis
- Slate-colored seedeater, Sporophila schistacea
- Plumbeous seedeater, Sporophila plumbea
- Buff-throated saltator, Saltator maximus
- Olive-gray saltator, Saltator olivascens
- Slate-colored grosbeak, Saltator grossus
- Wedge-tailed grass-finch, Emberizoides herbicola
- Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola
- Sooty grassquit, Asemospiza fuliginosa
- Red-capped cardinal, Paroaria gularis
- Black-faced tanager, Schistochlamys melanopis
- Magpie tanager, Cissopis leverianus
- Black-headed tanager, Stilpnia cyanoptera
- Burnished-buff tanager, Stilpnia cayana
- Masked tanager, Stilpnia nigrocincta (H)
- Turquoise tanager, Tangara mexicana
- Paradise tanager, Tangara chilensis
- Opal-rumped tanager, Tangara velia
- Bay-headed tanager, Tangara gyrola
- Blue-gray tanager, Thraupis episcopus
- Palm tanager, Thraupis palmarum
- Dotted tanager, Ixothraupis varia
- Speckled tanager, Ixothraupis guttata
- Yellow-bellied tanager, Ixothraupis xanthogastra
- Spotted tanager, Ixothraupis punctata
References
- ^ Robbins, Mark B. (June 10, 2013). "Species lists of birds for South American countries and territories: Guyana". South American Classification Committee of the American Ornithological Society. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
- ^ Remsen, J. V., Jr., J. I. Areta, E. Bonaccorso, S. Claramunt, G. Del-Rio, A. Jaramillo, D. F. Lane, M. B. Robbins, F. G. Stiles, and K. J. Zimmer. Version 27 July 2024. A classification of the bird species of South America. American Ornithological Society. https://www.museum.lsu.edu/~Remsen/SACCBaseline.htm retrieved July 28, 2024
See also
External links
- Birds of Guayana - World Institute for Conservation and Environment