Birding in the Sacranix mountains, Guatemala

Cloud forest at 1500 m in the Sacranix mountain. Photo/©: K. Eisermann.

Birding in the Sacranix mountain. This mountain range covers 200 km² of primary forest and is located between Cobán and the Chixoy river. This area offers the rare opportunity to hike along an altitudinal transect and see the vegetation changing from cloud forest in 1800 m to lowland rain forest in 400 m. More than 300 bird species were recorded in Sacranix (Eisermann 2001, unpub. obs.).

The birds are obvious indicators of different forest types. Entering the cloud forest in 1600 m early in the morning, whistles and wing rattle of Highland Guans (Penelopina nigra) are all around, and the beautiful song of the Slaty Solitaire (Myadestes unicolor) is the most dominant of the dawn chorus. Sudden calls of the Resplendent Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) will make you search for this jewel in the moist green. Noisy flocks of Azure-hooded Jays (Cyanolyca cucullata) wander through the forest. The plaintive call of the Blue-crowned Chlorophonia (Chlorophonia occipitalis) carries far through the canopy. Grey-breasted Wood-Wrens (Henicorhina leucophrys) are singing in duet in the undergrowth. More inconspicuous but common species in this cloud forest are Yellowish Flycatcher (Empidonax flavescens), Eye-ringed Flatbill (Rhynchocyclus brevirostris), and Paltry Tyrannulet (Zimmerius villisimus). Mixed-species flocks led by Common Bush-Tanagers (Chlorospingus ophthalmicus) are often joined by Scaly-throated Foliage-gleaner (Anabacerthia variegaticeps) and Slate-throated Redstart (Myioborus miniatus). The Green-throated Mountain-Gem (Lampornis viridipallens) is the most common hummingbird in the cloud forest.

Hiking down slope you will notice a change at 1200 m elevation. Trees are not laden with mosses anymore and you will listen to voices which were absent in the upper forest.

cloud forest

Cloud forest. Photo/©: K. Eisermann.

Red-crowned Ant-Tanager (Habia rubica), Yellow-throated Euphonia (Euphonia hirundinacea), Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) and Olivaceous Woodcreeper (Sittasomus griseicapillus) are some of the typical lowland species. The White-bellied Wood-Wren (Henicorhina leucosticta) joins the occurrence of the Grey-breasted, until this species is lacking completely farther down slope. The altitude around 1200 m is very species rich for its transition between different bird communities. There the Slaty Antwren (Myrmotherula schisticolor) is seen frequently in mixed-species flocks. Also the Shining Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes lucidus) has been observed here.

As you descent the mountain, temperature rises, and the bird community gains more and more elements of lowland rainforests. In 600 m elevation you will find a typical Atlantic Slope lowland bird community. But a few birds of the cloud forest, mainly the Slaty Solitaire und the Common Bush-Tanager are still present, but in low density. Large parrots (Amazona spp.) have not been recorded in Sacranix.

Accommodation: We include Sacranix (cloud forest) only as one-day-excursion from Cobán in our tours. But as customized tour we can organize a 4-days birding hike. Total walking distance is about 40 km. This is a rough tour, including camping in Q’eqchi’ communities. There is no other accommodation option in the area.

When is the best time for a visit in the Sacranix mountain? Definitely April to June, main breeding season and tremendous for birding!

How do you support conservation in the Sacranix mountain? Several conservationist NGO are working together with the small Maya Q’eqchi’ communities in the area in order to promote sustainable development and the conservation of the forest. With your visit you will provide an income to our local guide and to the forest owning community. This demonstrates the importance of the forest as source for an alternative income. For more information about conservation work in Sacranix please visit the web site of PROEVAL-RAXMU at www.proeval-raxmu.org