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. 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
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, geese, and waterfowl
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.
White-faced whistling-duck, Dendrocygna viduata
Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis
Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor
Comb duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
Orinoco goose, Oressochen jubata
Muscovy duck, Cairina moschata
Brazilian teal, Amazonetta brasiliensis
Blue-winged teal, Anas discors
White-cheeked pintail, Anas bahamensis
Northern pintail, Anas acuta
Masked duck, Nomonyx dominicus
Guans, chachalacas, and curassows
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.
Variable chachalaca, Ortalis motmot
Marail guan, Penelope marail
Spix's guan, Penelope jacquacu
Blue-throated piping-guan, Pipile cumanensis
Crestless curassow, Mitu tomentosum
Black curassow, Crax alector
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
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
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
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. Three species have been recorded in Guyana.
Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea
Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis (H)
Audubon's shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri
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. Two species have been recorded in Guyana.
Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
Leach's storm-petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa
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
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 and gannets
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
Cormorants and shags
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
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
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, egrets, and bitterns
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.
Pinnated bittern, Botaurus pinnatus
Zigzag heron, Zebrilus undulatus
Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
Stripe-backed bittern, Ixobrychus involucris
Rufescent tiger-heron, Tigrisoma lineatum
Fasciated tiger-heron, Tigrisoma fasciatum
Cocoi heron, Ardea cocoi
Great egret, Ardea alba
Snowy egret, Egretta thula
Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea
Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor
Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
Striated heron, Butorides striata
Agami heron, Agamia agami
Capped heron, Pilherodius pileatus
Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea
Boat-billed heron, Cochlearius cochlearius
Ibises and spoonbills
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
Order: Accipitriformes 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.
Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura
Lesser yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes burrovianus
Greater yellow-headed vulture, Cathartes melambrotus
King vulture, Sarcoramphus papa
Order: Accipitriformes 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, eagles, and kites
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
Ornate hawk-eagle, Spizaetus ornatus
Black-and-white hawk-eagle, Spizaetus melanoleucus
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
Tiny hawk, Accipiter superciliosus
Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
Bicolored hawk, Accipiter bicolor
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
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
Rails, 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. Sixteen species 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-cowled wood-rail, Aramides cajaneus (The SACC calls A. cajaneus gray-necked wood-rail)
Uniform crake, Amaurolimnas concolor
Russet-crowned crake, Anurolimnas viridis
Sora, Porzana carolina
Ash-throated crake, Mustelirallus albicollis
Paint-billed crake, Mustelirallus erythrops
Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (The SACC calls purple gallinule P. martinica)
Azure gallinule, Porphyrio flavirostris
Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
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
Order: Gruiformes Family: Aramidae
The limpkin resembles a large rail. It has drab-brown plumage and a grayer head and neck.
Limpkin, Aramus guarauna
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
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, Burhinus bistriatus
Stilts and avocets
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
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. Seven species have been recorded in Guyana.
Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
Pied lapwing, Vanellus cayanus
Southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis
Collared plover, Charadrius collaris
Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia
Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
The jacanas are a group of 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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
Wattled jacana, Jacana jacana
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. 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
Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
South American snipe, Gallinago paraguaiae
Giant snipe, Gallinago undulata
Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularia
Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
Willet, Tringa semipalmata
Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
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. Three species have been recorded in Guyana.
Great skua, Stercorarius skua
Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus (H)
Gulls, terns, and skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, kittiwakes, terns, and skimmers. 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. Sixteen 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)
Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
Common tern, Sterna hirundo
Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (H)
Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus (H)
Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis
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. Fourteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
Pale-vented pigeon, Patagioenas cayennensis
Scaled pigeon, Patagioenas speciosa
Plumbeous pigeon, Patagioenas plumbea
Ruddy pigeon, Patagioenas subvinacea
Common ground-dove, Columbina passerina
Plain-breasted ground-dove, Columbina minuta
Ruddy ground-dove, Columbina talpacoti
Blue ground-dove, Claravis pretiosa
Violaceous quail-dove, Geotrygon violacea
Ruddy quail-dove, Geotrygon montana
White-tipped dove, Leptotila verreauxi
Gray-fronted dove, Leptotila rufaxilla
Eared dove, Zenaida auriculata
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
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
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.
Barn owl, Tyto alba
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
Tawny-bellied screech-owl, Megascops watsonii
Vermiculated screech-owl, Megascops guatemalae
Crested owl, Lophostrix cristata
Spectacled owl, Pulsatrix perspicillata
Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
Amazonian pygmy-owl, Glaucidium hardyi
Ferruginous pygmy-owl, Glaucidium brasilianum
Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia
Mottled owl, Ciccaba virgata
Black-banded owl, Ciccaba huhula
Buff-fronted owl, Aegolius harrisii
Stygian owl, Asio stygius
Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
Striped owl, Pseudoscops clamator (The SACC places striped owl in genus Asio)
Nightjars and allies
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
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Nyctibiidae
(The SACC places potoos in their own order, Nyctibiiformes)
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.
Great potoo, Nyctibius grandis
Long-tailed potoo, Nyctibius aethereus
Common potoo, Nyctibius griseus
White-winged potoo, Nyctibius leucopterus
Rufous potoo, Nyctibius bracteatus
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Steatornithidae
(The SACC places the oilbird in its own order, Steatornithiformes)
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
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Apodidae
(The SACC places swifts in their own order, Apodiformes)
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.
Black swift, Cypseloides niger
White-chinned swift, Cypseloides cryptus
Tepui swift, Streptoprocne phelpsi
White-collared swift, Streptoprocne zonaris
Chapman's swift, Chaetura chapmani
Short-tailed swift, Chaetura brachyura
Band-rumped swift, Chaetura spinicaudus
Gray-rumped swift, Chaetura cinereiventris
White-tipped swift, Aeronautes montivagus (H)
Lesser swallow-tailed swift, Panyptila cayennensis
Fork-tailed palm-swift, Tachornis squamata
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Trochilidae
(The SACC places hummingbirds in their own order, Trochiliformes)
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
Straight-billed hermit, Phaethornis bourcieri
Long-tailed hermit, Phaethornis superciliosus
Streak-throated hermit, Phaethornis rupurumii
Little hermit, Phaethornis longuemareus
Reddish hermit, Phaethornis ruber
Sooty-capped hermit, Phaethornis augusti
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-tailed coquette, 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
Blue-chinned sapphire, Chlorestes notata
Gray-breasted sabrewing, Campylopterus largipennis
Rufous-breasted sabrewing, Campylopterus hyperythrus
Fork-tailed woodnymph, Thalurania furcata
White-chested emerald, Amazilia brevirostris
Plain-bellied emerald, Amazilia leucogaster
Versicolored emerald, Amazilia versicolor
Glittering-throated emerald, Amazilia fimbriata
Green-bellied hummingbird, Amazilia viridigaster
Rufous-throated sapphire, Hylocharis sapphirina
White-chinned sapphire, Hylocharis cyanus
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 trogon, Trogon violaceus
Black-throated trogon, Trogon rufus
Collared trogon, Trogon collaris
Masked trogon, Trogon personatus
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
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 torquatus
Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon (H)
Amazon kingfisher, Chloroceryle amazona
Green kingfisher, Chloroceryle americana
Green-and-rufous kingfisher, Chloroceryle inda
American pygmy kingfisher, Chloroceryle aenea
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
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
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
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.
Tepui toucanet, Aulacorhynchus whitelianus
Green aracari, Pteroglossus viridis
Black-necked aracari, Pteroglossus aracari
Guianan toucanet, Selenidera culik
Tawny-tufted toucanet, Selenidera nattereri (H)
Toco toucan, Ramphastos toco
White-throated toucan, Ramphastos tucanus
Channel-billed toucan, Ramphastos vitellinus
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, Veniliornis kirkii
Golden-collared woodpecker, Veniliornis cassini
Blood-colored woodpecker, Veniliornis sanguineus
Little woodpecker, Veniliornis passerinus
Yellow-throated woodpecker, Piculus flavigula
Golden-green woodpecker, Piculus chrysochloros
Golden-olive woodpecker, Colaptes rubiginosus
Spot-breasted woodpecker, Colaptes punctigula
Ringed woodpecker, Celeus torquatus
Waved woodpecker, Celeus undatus
Cream-colored woodpecker, Celeus flavus
Chestnut woodpecker, Celeus elegans
Lineated woodpecker, Dryocopus lineatus
Red-necked woodpecker, Campephilus rubricollis
Crimson-crested woodpecker, Campephilus melanoleucos
Falcons and caracaras
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.
Barred forest-falcon, Micrastur ruficollis
Lined forest-falcon, Micrastur gilvicollis
Slaty-backed forest-falcon, Micrastur mirandollei
Collared forest-falcon, Micrastur semitorquatus
Black caracara, Daptrius ater
Red-throated caracara, Ibycter americanus
Crested caracara, Caracara cheriway
Yellow-headed caracara, Milvago chimachima
Laughing falcon, Herpetotheres cachinnans
American kestrel, Falco sparverius
Merlin, Falco columbarius (H)
Aplomado falcon, Falco femoralis
Bat falcon, Falco rufigularis
Orange-breasted falcon, Falco deiroleucus
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 parrot, Amazona festiva
Blue-cheeked parrot, Amazona dufresniana
Yellow-crowned parrot, Amazona ochrocephala
Mealy parrot, Amazona farinosa
Orange-winged parrot, Amazona amazonica
Green-rumped parrotlet, Forpus passerinus
Dusky-billed parrotlet, Forpus modestus
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
Scarlet macaw, Ara macao
Red-and-green macaw, Ara chloropterus
Chestnut-fronted macaw, Ara severus
Red-shouldered macaw, Diopsittaca nobilis
White-eyed parakeet, Psittacara leucophthalmus
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
Dusky-throated antshrike, Thamnomanes ardesiacus
Cinereous antshrike, Thamnomanes caesius
Rufous-bellied antwren, Isleria guttata
Spot-winged antshrike, Pygiptila stellaris
Brown-bellied antwren, 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
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
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
Brownish-headed antbird, Myrmelastes brunneiceps
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
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
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
Spotted antpitta, Hylopezus macularius
Thrush-like antpitta, Myrmothera campanisona
Tepui antpitta, Myrmothera simplex
Slate-crowned antpitta, Grallaricula nana
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 and woodcreepers
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.
Tawny-throated leaftosser, Sclerurus mexicanus
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, Philydor 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
Pale-breasted spinetail, Synallaxis albescens
Ruddy spinetail, Synallaxis rutilans
McConnell's spinetail, Synallaxis macconnelli
Plain-crowned spinetail, Synallaxis gujanensis
Hoary-throated spinetail, Synallaxis kollari
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-eight species have been recorded in Guyana.
White-lored tyrannulet, Ornithion inerme
Southern beardless-tyrannulet, Camptostoma obsoletum
Mouse-colored tyrannulet, Phaeomyias murina
Yellow tyrannulet, Capsiempis flaveola
Bearded tachuri, Polystictus pectoralis
Crested doradito, Pseudocolopteryx sclateri
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
Lesser elaenia, Elaenia chiriquensis
Rufous-crowned elaenia, Elaenia ruficeps
Sierran elaenia, Elaenia pallatangae
Ochre-bellied flycatcher, Mionectes oleagineus
McConnell's flycatcher, Mionectes macconnelli
Sepia-capped flycatcher, Leptopogon amaurocephalus
Chapman's bristle-tyrant, Phylloscartes chapmani
Olive-green tyrannulet, Phylloscartes virescens
Black-fronted tyrannulet, Phylloscartes nigrifrons
Sooty-headed tyrannulet, Phyllomyias griseiceps
Guianan tyrannulet, Zimmerius acer
Northern scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus arenarum
Amazonian scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus obscurior
Southern scrub-flycatcher, Sublegatus modestus
Pale-tipped tyrannulet, Inezia caudata
Ringed antpipit, Corythopis torquatus
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
Olivaceous flatbill, Rhynchocyclus olivaceus
Yellow-olive flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens
Yellow-margined flycatcher, Tolmomyias assimilis
Gray-crowned flycatcher, Tolmomyias poliocephalus
Yellow-breasted flycatcher, Tolmomyias flaviventris
Cinnamon-crested spadebill, Platyrinchus saturatus
White-throated spadebill, Platyrinchus mystaceus
Golden-crowned spadebill, Platyrinchus coronatus
White-crested spadebill, Platyrinchus platyrhynchos
Royal flycatcher, Onychorhynchus coronatus
Ruddy-tailed flycatcher, Terenotriccus erythrurus
Cinnamon manakin-tyrant, Neopipo cinnamomea
Cliff flycatcher, Hirundinea ferruginea
Whiskered flycatcher, Myiobius barbatus (The SACC calls M. barbatus sulphur-rumped flycatcher)
Roraiman flycatcher, Myiophobus roraimae
Bran-colored flycatcher, Myiophobus fasciatus
Euler's flycatcher, Lathrotriccus euleri
Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
Smoke-colored pewee, Contopus fumigatus
Tropical pewee, Contopus cinereus
Blackish pewee, Contopus nigrescens
Fuscous flycatcher, Cnemotriccus fuscatus
Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus
Rufous-tailed tyrant, Knipolegus poecilurus
Amazonian black-tyrant, Knipolegus poecilocercus
Drab water tyrant, Ochthornis littoralis
Pied water-tyrant, Fluvicola pica
White-headed marsh tyrant, Arundinicola leucocephala
Long-tailed tyrant, Colonia colonus
Large-headed flatbill, Ramphotrigon megacephalum
Rufous-tailed flatbill, Ramphotrigon ruficauda
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, Pitangus lictor
Great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus
Boat-billed flycatcher, Megarynchus pitangua
Rusty-margined flycatcher, Myiozetetes cayanensis
Dusky-chested flycatcher, Myiozetetes luteiventris
Yellow-throated flycatcher, Conopias parvus
Streaked flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus
Piratic flycatcher, Legatus leucophaius
Variegated flycatcher, Empidonomus varius
Crowned slaty flycatcher, Empidonomus 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
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oxyruncidae
Sharpbill, Oxyruncus cristatus
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
Screaming piha, Lipaugus vociferans
Rose-collared piha, Lipaugus streptophorus
White bellbird, Procnias alba
Bearded bellbird, Procnias averano
Pompadour cotinga, Xipholena punicea
Bare-necked fruitcrow, Gymnoderus foetidus
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. Sixteen 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
Striped manakin, Machaeropterus regulus
White-crowned manakin, Dixiphia pipra
Crimson-hooded manakin, Pipra aureola
Scarlet-horned manakin, Ceratopipra cornuta
Golden-headed manakin, Ceratopipra erythrocephala
Wing-barred piprites, Piprites chloris (The SACC considers P. cloris to be incertae sedis)
Tityras and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tityridae
Twelve species have been recorded in Guyana.
Black-tailed tityra, Tityra cayana
Black-crowned tityra, Tityra inquisitor
Olivaceous schiffornis, Schiffornis olivacea
Cinereous mourner, Laniocera hypopyrra
Dusky purpletuft, Iodopleura fusca
Cinereous becard, Pachyramphus rufus
White-naped xenopsaris, Xenopsaris albinucha
Green-backed becard, Pachyramphus viridis (H)
White-winged becard, Pachyramphus polychopterus
Black-capped becard, Pachyramphus marginatus
Glossy-backed becard, Pachyramphus surinamus
Pink-throated becard, Pachyramphus minor
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. 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
Black-whiskered vireo, Vireo altiloquus
Crows, jays, 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. Two species have been recorded in Guyana.
Violaceous jay, Cyanocorax violaceus (H)
Cayenne jay, Cyanocorax cayanus
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-thighed swallow, Atticora tibialis
White-banded swallow, Atticora fasciata
Southern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis
Purple martin, Progne subis
Caribbean martin, Progne dominicensis (H)
Gray-breasted martin, Progne chalybea
Brown-chested martin, Progne tapera
Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor (H)
White-winged swallow, Tachycineta albiventer
Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (H)
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
Sedge 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 aradus
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
Long-billed gnatwren, Ramphocaenus melanurus
Tropical gnatcatcher, Polioptila plumbea
Guianan gnatcatcher, Polioptila guianensis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Donacobiidae
Black-capped donacobius, Donacobius atricapilla
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. Eleven 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
Black-billed thrush, Turdus ignobilis
Black-hooded thrush, Turdus olivater
White-necked thrush, Turdus albicollis
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. one species has been recorded in Guyana.
Tropical mockingbird, Mimus gilvus
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. One species has been recorded in Guyana.
Yellowish pipit, Anthus lutescens
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. 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
Golden-crowned warbler, Basileuterus culicivorus
Flavescent warbler, Myiothlypis flaveola
Riverbank warbler, Myiothlypis rivularis
Two-banded warbler, Myiothlypis bivittata
Slate-throated redstart, Myioborus miniatus
Tepui redstart, Myioborus castaneocapillus
Tanagers and allies
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. Sixty-five species have been recorded in Guyana.
Red-capped cardinal, Paroaria gularis
Black-faced tanager, Schistochlamys melanopis
Magpie tanager, Cissopis leverianus
Red-billed pied tanager, Lamprospiza melanoleuca
Hooded tanager, Nemosia pileata
Gray-headed tanager, Eucometis penicillata
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
Fulvous shrike-tanager, Lanio fulvus
Silver-beaked tanager, Ramphocelus carbo
Blue-backed tanager, Cyanicterus cyanicterus
Blue-gray tanager, Thraupis episcopus
Palm tanager, Thraupis palmarum
Black-headed tanager, Tangara cyanoptera
Burnished-buff tanager, Tangara cayana
Masked tanager, Tangara nigrocincta (H)
Dotted tanager, Tangara varia
Speckled tanager, Tangara guttata
Yellow-bellied tanager, Tangara xanthogastra
Spotted tanager, Tangara punctata
Turquoise tanager, Tangara mexicana
Paradise tanager, Tangara chilensis
Opal-rumped tanager, Tangara velia
Bay-headed tanager, Tangara gyrola
Swallow tanager, Tersina viridis
Black-faced dacnis, Dacnis lineata
Blue dacnis, Dacnis cayana
Short-billed honeycreeper, Cyanerpes nitidus
Purple honeycreeper, Cyanerpes caeruleus
Red-legged honeycreeper, Cyanerpes cyaneus
Green honeycreeper, Chlorophanes spiza
Guira tanager, Hemithraupis guira
Yellow-backed tanager, Hemithraupis flavicollis
Chestnut-vented conebill, Conirostrum speciosum
Bicolored conebill, Conirostrum bicolor
Stripe-tailed yellow-finch, Sicalis citrina
Saffron finch, Sicalis flaveola
Grassland yellow-finch, Sicalis luteola
Wedge-tailed grass-finch, Emberizoides herbicola
Blue-black grassquit, Volatinia jacarina
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
Paramo seedeater, Catamenia homochroa (H)
Red-crested finch, Coryphospingus cucullatus (H)
Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola
Sooty grassquit, Tiaris fuliginosus
Olive-backed tanager, Mitrospingus oleagineus (The SACC considers M. oleagineus to be incertae sedis.)
Buff-throated saltator, Saltator maximus
Grayish saltator, Saltator coerulescens
Slate-colored grosbeak, Saltator grossus
Buntings and New World sparrows
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. Four species have been recorded in Guyana.
Grassland sparrow, Ammodramus humeralis
Pectoral sparrow, Arremon taciturnus
Rufous-collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis
Tepui brushfinch, Atlapetes personatus
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. 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
Yellow-green grosbeak, Caryothraustes canadensis
Red-and-black grosbeak, Periporphyrus erythromelas
Rose-breasted chat, Granatellus pelzelni
Blue-black grosbeak, Cyanocompsa cyanoides
Dickcissel, Spiza americana
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. Sixteen species have been recorded in Guyana.
Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
Red-breasted meadowlark, Sturnella militaris
Carib grackle, Quiscalus lugubris
Golden-tufted grackle, Macroagelaius imthurni
Velvet-fronted grackle, Lampropsar tanagrinus
Yellow-hooded blackbird, Chrysomus icterocephalus
Shiny cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis
Giant cowbird, Molothrus oryzivorus
Epaulet oriole, Icterus cayanensis
Venezuelan troupial, Icterus icterus
Yellow oriole, Icterus nigrogularis
Yellow-rumped cacique, Cacicus cela
Red-rumped cacique, Cacicus haemorrhous
Green oropendola, Psarocolius viridis
Crested oropendola, Psarocolius decumanus
Finches, euphonias, 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. Eleven species have been recorded in Guyana.
Plumbeous euphonia, Euphonia plumbea
Purple-throated euphonia, Euphonia chlorotica
Finsch's euphonia, Euphonia finschi
Violaceous euphonia, Euphonia violacea
Golden-bellied euphonia, Euphonia chrysopasta
White-vented euphonia, Euphonia minuta
Orange-bellied euphonia, Euphonia xanthogaster
Golden-sided euphonia, Euphonia cayennensis
Blue-naped chlorophonia, Chlorophonia cyanea
Red siskin, Spinus cucullatus
Hooded siskin, Spinus magellanica
