Amar Aves Birdwatching Tulum

10/08/2026

Northern Barred-Woodcreeper

Many birders hear the word « woodcreeper, » they picture the Brown Creeper of North America or the Eurasian Treecreeper. But in the Neotropics, woodcreepers are a completely different lineage of birds. Rather than being closely related to the treecreepers (Certhiidae),
they’re actually members of the ovenbird family (Furnariidae), where they evolved independently
to fill a remarkably similar ecological role. It’s a good example of convergent evolution.

Mexico is home to 11 regularly occurring species of woodcreepers, ranging from the tiny Wedge-
billed Woodcreeper to the impressive Strong-billed Woodcreeper. The Northern Barred-
Woodcreeper is one of the largest. Together, these species occupy different habitats and forest levels, each specializing in its own way of finding food.

Powerful and methodical, the Northern Barred-Woodcreeper moves effortlessly up massive tree
trunks, using its stiff tail for support as it searches beneath bark, in bromeliads, and among epiphytes for large arthropods. It will also occasionally take small lizards. Like several other
tropical forest birds, it often follows army ant swarms, taking advantage of the insects and other small creatures flushed from the leaf litter.

The Northern Barred-Woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes sanctithomae) is one of the true specialists of the Neotropical forests.

24/07/2026

Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda)

The Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) may look like a giant hummingbird, but it’s actually more closely related to puffbirds in the Galbulidae family.

Perched quietly on an exposed branch, it patiently waits before darting out to catch flying insects such as butterflies, dragonflies, and bees with remarkable precision.

In the Yucatán Peninsula, this stunning species is found in the southern part of the peninsula, where it inhabits forest edges, clearings, and semi-open woodlands.

With its iridescent emerald plumage and glowing rufous tail, it’s one of the region’s most striking birds.

16/07/2026

Mayan Antthrush (Formicarius moniliger)

On a recent birding trip to Sian Ka'an, Muyil, we were thrilled to find this shy, ground-dwelling antbird.

Officially recognized as a separate species from the Black-faced Antthrush in 2020, the Mayan Antthrush has quickly become a must-see target for birders visiting the Yucatán Peninsula.

Despite this growing popularity, surprisingly little is known about its behavior and every observation helps us better understand this elusive species.

Anyone up for doing some research? Let us know what you find in the comments! 👇

22/05/2026

Descubre cómo el avistamiento de aves impulsa la conservación en la Península de Yucatán. Nuestro nuevo blog explora la importancia de proteger bosques, humedales y ecosistemas costeros a través del ecoturismo responsable y la apreciación de la naturaleza. Lee más y únete al esfuerzo por la biodiversidad: https://wix.to/B5JRc1g

This blog explores the connection between birdwatching, biodiversity, and conservation in the Yucatán Peninsula, highlighting the importance of protecting the region’s forests, wetlands, and coastal ecosystems through responsible ecotourism and greater appreciation of the natural world.

08/05/2026

Precision, power, and perfect timing.

A striking record of an Osprey in active foraging flight, talons engaged and prey aligned head first, a behavior that reduces drag and reflects the species’ highly specialized piscivorous adaptations.

Widely distributed across every continent except Antarctica, Ospreys are long distance migrants and among the most efficient fish hunting raptors. Their reversible outer toe and spiny foot pads provide a secure grip on slippery prey, while their plunge diving technique enables remarkable capture precision.

A masterclass in fishing efficiency and raptor adaptation.

Photograph by captured during one of our field observation.