On any visit to Nicaragua you will see birds and here are some of our personal favorites. Although they may appear to be exotic and therefore by inference elusive, they are in fact “common or garden” varieties that can be seen readily!

White Throated Magpie Jay (locally known as Urraca)

A large turquoise and white bird that is usually heard before it is seen! They like to travel in family groups and are very vocal and gregarious. Like all magpies they are terrible thieves and will happily snatch your breakfast pancake from under your nose!

Spot Breasted Oriole (locally known as “sisitote”)

A wonderful flash of bright orange colour accompanied with a distinctive chirpy song. These birds are usually seen in pairs, particularly around fruit trees such as papaya and guava.

Turquoise Browed Motmot (locally known as Guardabarranco)

The national bird of Nicaragua looks like a kingfisher with a long tail. They are often seen sitting on power cables, flicking their unusual tails to attract insects and they have a range of calls including a very distinctive “Ah”.

Rufous Naped Wren (locally known as “una reinita”)

These cheeky, noisy birds are found commonly under the eaves of houses or along walls and they produce a spectacular range of calls including one that sounds like castanets.

Cinnamon Hummingbird (locally known as “colibri” or “gurion”)

Particularly seen around hibiscus and noni flowers these tiny, delicate birds give a wonderful iridescent flash of green and bronze.