Birds of the Rainforest
The rainforest provides a habitat for more than half of the bird species found in Guyana. No other ecosystem supports such a high diversity of species, and they include some of the most fascinating and spectacular birds in the world.
The rainforest itself has three distinct layers: the canopy, the understory, and the floor. The canopy supports many species such as the elusive Happy Eagle, Toucans, Parrots, and Macaws, including the endangered Scarlet Macaw. In the middle section of the forest, Hummingbirds, Trogans, Jacamars, Tanagers, Woodpeckers and Antbirds abound. This section of the forest is also home to the magnificent Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, which is especially visible during mating season. The ever present Screaming Piha, which provides the familiar voice of the rainforest, is more difficult to spot. The fallen fruit and seeds found on the forest floor provide the diet for many species that are largely terrestrial. These include some of the most vocal species of the rainforest such as Tinamous, Curassows, Guans, Chacalacas and Trumpeters, which can sometimes be seen feeding in large groups.
