CHECKLIST OF THE BIRDS OF BELIZE 
1 
The object of this checklist is to provide, in a compact and 
concise format, information on the distribution and abundance of 
birds in Belize. Distribution and abundance data are taken from the 
literature (see reference list) and from the considerable field 
experience of the authors, especially that of Ms. Weyer. Also of 
help were unpublished field observations of a number of workers that 
have been accumulated by Ms. Weyer, including Henry Pelzl’s report on 
the birds of the Cays. 
The format is a simple list of all species of birds known to 
have occurred in Belize through 1985. The sequence and nomenclature 
(both English and scientific names are given) are taken from the 
Ctieck-list of North American Birdss 6th edition and supplement 
(American Ornithologists* Union 1983, 1985). Information on 
abundance and distribution (both temporal and eco-geographical) in 
Belize is coded after each name. Obviously, considerable 
simplification has had to be made in some cases. However, we believe 
the information provided will act-as a reliable guide for most 
species. 
TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION 
Information on the temporal status is listed first. For many 
Belizian birds this is a simple matter because for most species 
little variation in abundance exists during the time of year in which 
the species is present. Some species, however, have separate 
wintering and breeding populations in the country; others are present 
only as migrants and may vary greatly in abundance during the time 
they are present. We have represented only the time of year during 
which these species are most numerous although in some cases we have 
added brief comments. The codes used are; 
PR - Permanent Resident; These species (but not necessarily the 
individuals) are present throughout the yearr. For most 
species in this category the relative abundance shows 
little variation throughout tfje year. 
WR - Winter Resident; Species present during winter (generally 
October through March) but absent at other times. 
SR - Summer Resident; Species present during summer (generally April 
through September) but absent at other times. 
T - Transient; Species present during migration periods (generally 
August through October and March through May). 
WV - Winter Visitant; Species sometimes present in very low numbers 
during winter (generally October through March) but 
Belize is not part of the normal winter range. 
A - Accidental; Very few records; Belize is not part of the normal 
range of these species. 
