Natural Regions

Guyana is geographically part of the Neotropics, an area that includes Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America, and which accounts for a quarter of the world's bird species. Guyana is fortunate to be home to more than 800 of these species. The country is geographically divided into three main natural regions, the Coastlands, the Rainforest and the Savannahs. Where the birdlife is concerned, these regions provide distinctly different habitats, each with its own diverse array of species.

The Coastlands

Extending from Venezuela in the west to Suriname in the east, Guyana has more than two hundred miles of Atlantic Coastline. Although most of this region is below the level of the sea at high tide, it is home to ninety percent of Guyana's total population. The coastlands can be divided into three general habitats: coastal forest and mangrove; cultivated lands; and populated areas. The seashore at low tide also accommodates many migrant species after their long journey from other regions of the Neotropics.

Click here to learn more about the birds of the coastlands.

The Rainforest

Eighty percent of Guyana's 214,970 sq km (83,000 sq miles) is covered with tropical rainforest. It is geographically linked to the great Amazon River basin and therefore shares the spectacular avifauna of this region. Birds are by far the most visible of the fauna of the rainforest, and they add a welcome touch of colour and sound to this environment.

Click here to learn more about the birds of the rainforest.

The Savannahs

In Guyana there are two distinct areas of savannah. The intermediate savannahs are found along the banks of the Berbice River, while the much more extensive Rupununi grassland savannahs occupy the country's southwestern border with Brazil. Although these areas have many endemic bird species, there is also an overlapping of forest and coastland species.

click here to learn more about the birds of the savannahs.