Birding Zones

Guyana's three main natural regions—coastlands, rainforest, and savannahs—are further divided into six bird zones with specific geographic characteristics:

Zone One: Because of its wide diversity of birds, Georgetown is considered its own zone. Georgetown is six square miles of parks, cultivated lands, and coastline with good access to all areas. Key bird families are Woodpeckers, Tanagers, Plovers, Parrots, Macaws, Flycatchers, Hummingbirds, Raptors, and Terns. Highlight species include the Blood-colored Woodpecker and Festive Parrot.

Zone Two: Contains 5,000 square miles of coastal swamps, mangrove forests, and cultivated lands that stretch from the western border with Venezuela to the eastern border with Suriname. With a combination of paved and unpaved roads, boats, and small aircraft, access is fairly good. More than 400 species can be identified; key families include Ibises, Tanagers, Sandpipers, Plovers, Herons, Tyrant Flycatchers, and Parrots.

Zone Three: 10,000 square miles of lowland grass and scrub savannahs with mixed forests. Access ranges from paved roads, roads requiring a 4x4 vehicle, rivers, and small aircraft. Zone three contains more than 500 bird species; key families include Storks, Herons, Hawks, Falcons, Finches, Ducks, Toucans, Vireos, and Herons.

Zone Four: 6,200 square miles of mixed white sand forest and mixed scrub and white sand savannahs. Access is by paved roads, off road trails, and riverways. This zone has more than 350 species; key families include Woodpeckers, Tanagers, Flycatchers, Nightjars, Raptors, Jacamars, Jays, and Hummingbirds.

Zone Five: 1,800 square miles of mixed marsh and white sand forests. An all-weather road requiring 4x4 vehicles and scheduled flights access this area. More than 300 species have been identified; key families include Finches, New World Blackbirds, Potoos, Tanagers, and Owls.

Zone Six: Guyana's largest zone of 60,000 square miles containing mountainous rainforests in the north and mixed flooded forests and mountains to the south. Access is by 4x4 vehicles, small aircraft, and the many rivers. Zone Six is home to at least 650 bird species, with many migratory, uncommon, and rare species. Bird families include Eagles, Falcons, Cotingas, Parrots, Tanagers, Flycatchers, Toucans, and Hummingbirds. Zone six highlights include the Harpy Eagle, Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, Red Siskin, and Amazon Umbrella Bird.