Venezuela: Los Llanos – Birds of Los Llanos

Los Llanos is an absolute birders’ paradise – there are over 350 species of resident and migratory birds, and in astoundingly massive numbers! Some of the most iconic water bird species that show up near waterholes in massive numbers are Svarlet Ibis (visually striking with their crimson plumage), three species of storks – Jabiru Stork, Maguari Stork, and Wood Stork, Roseate Spoonbill, Black-bellied Whistling Ducks, White-faced Whistling Ducks, Orinoco Geese, and Great Egrets. There is a really unique species of heron – Rufescent Tiger Heron – that’s has a totally insane tiger-like coloration. There are several species of Kingfishers, Anhinga, Thick-knees, Jacanas, and many others. Los Llanos is home to a high density of raptors and predatory birds including Harpy Eagle, Crested Eagle, Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle, Black-collared Hawk, Great Black Hawk, Osprey, Savanna Hawk, White-tailed Hawk, and of course Crested Caracara. There are dozens of smaller birds – some quite colorful – Red-breasted Meadowlark, Venezuelan Troupial, Saffron Finch, Red-capped Cardinal, and others. And also some nocturnal species like Black-crowned Night-Heron and Potoo.