List of birds of French Guiana

This is a list of the bird species recorded in French Guiana. The avifauna of French Guiana includes a total of 750 species, of which 4 are endemic, 2 have been introduced by humans, and 156 are rare or accidental.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of Clements's 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflects this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for French Guiana.

The following tags have been used to highlight certain relevant categories. It must be noted that not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring, native species.

* (A) Accidental A species that rarely or accidentally occurs in French Guiana.
* (E) Endemic A species endemic to French Guiana.
* (I) Introduced A species introduced to French Guiana as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions.

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Tinamous

Order: TinamiformesFamily: Tinamidae

The tinamous are one of the most ancient groups of bird. Although they look similar to other ground-dwelling birds like quail and grouse, they have no close relatives and are classified as a single family Tinamidae within their own order, the Tinamiformes. They are distantly related to the ratites (order Struthioniformes), that includes the rheas, emu, and kiwi. There are 47 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Great Tinamou "Tinamus major"
*Cinereous Tinamou "Crypturellus cinereus"
*Red-legged Tinamou "Crypturellus erythropus"
*Little Tinamou "Crypturellus soui"
*Undulated Tinamou "Crypturellus undulatus" (A)
*Variegated Tinamou "Crypturellus variegatus"
*Rusty Tinamou "Crypturellus brevirostris" (A)

Grebes

Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large sized freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Least Grebe "Tachybaptus dominicus"
*Pied-billed Grebe "Podilymbus podiceps" (A)

Albatrosses

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Diomedeidae

The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. There are 21 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Yellow-nosed Albatross "Thalassarche chlororhynchos" (A)

hearwaters and Petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Procellariidae

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterised by united nostrils with a medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Bulwer's Petrel "Bulweria bulwerii"
*Cory's Shearwater "Calonectris diomedea"
*Greater Shearwater "Puffinus gravis" (A)
*Manx Shearwater "Puffinus puffinus" (A)
*Little Shearwater "Puffinus assimilis" (A)

torm-Petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Hydrobatidae

The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels, and are the smallest of sea-birds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Wilson's Storm-Petrel "Oceanites oceanicus"
*Leach's Storm-Petrel "Oceanodroma leucorhoa"

Tropicbirds

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Red-billed Tropicbird "Phaethon aethereus" (A)

Pelicans

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are 8 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Brown Pelican "Pelecanus occidentalis" (A)

Boobies and Gannets

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Sulidae

The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups comprise medium-to-large coastal sea-birds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Red-footed Booby "Sula sula" (A)
*Brown Booby "Sula leucogaster" (A)

Cormorants

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Phalacrocoracidae

The Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal, fish-eating sea-birds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black and white, and a few being colourful. There are 38 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Neotropic Cormorant "Phalacrocorax brasilianus"

Darters

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Anhingidae

Darters are frequently referred to as "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged.The males have black and dark brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have a much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet, and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Anhinga "Anhinga anhinga"

Frigatebirds

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large sea-birds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black and white or completely black, with long wings and deeply-forked tails. The males have inflatable coloured throat pouches. They do not swim or walk, and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There are 5 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Magnificent Frigatebird "Fregata magnificens"

Bitterns, Herons and Egrets

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds suck as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 19 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Capped Heron "Pilherodius pileatus"
*Cocoi Heron "Ardea cocoi"
*Great Egret "Ardea alba"
*Tricolored Heron "Egretta tricolor"
*Little Blue Heron "Egretta caerulea"
*Snowy Egret "Egretta thula"
*Cattle Egret "Bubulcus ibis"
*Striated Heron "Butorides striata"
*Green Heron "Butorides virescens" (A)
*Agami Heron "Agamia agami"
*Black-crowned Night-Heron "Nycticorax nycticorax"
*Yellow-crowned Night-Heron "Nyctanassa violacea"
*Boat-billed Heron "Cochlearius cochlearius"
*Fasciated Tiger-Heron "Tigrisoma fasciatum" (A)
*Rufescent Tiger-Heron "Tigrisoma lineatum"
*Zigzag Heron "Zebrilus undulatus" (A)
*Stripe-backed Bittern "Ixobrychus involucris"
*Least Bittern "Ixobrychus exilis"
*Pinnated Bittern "Botaurus pinnatus"

torks

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode of stork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Wood Stork "Mycteria americana"
*Maguari Stork "Ciconia maguari" (A)
*Jabiru "Jabiru mycteria" (A)

Ibises and Spoonbills

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Threskiornithidae

The Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There are 36 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Buff-necked Ibis "Theristicus caudatus" (A)
*Green Ibis "Mesembrinibis cayennensis"
*White Ibis "Eudocimus albus" (A)
*Scarlet Ibis "Eudocimus ruber"
*Roseate Spoonbill "Platalea ajaja"

Flamingos

Order: PhoenicopteriformesFamily: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet high, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly-shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are uniquely used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Caribbean Flamingo "Phoenicopterus ruber" (A)

creamers

Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anhimidae

The screamers are a small family of birds related to the ducks. They are large, bulky birds, with a small downy head, long legs and large feet which are only partially webbed. They have large spurs on their wings which are used in fights over mates and territorial disputes. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Horned Screamer "Anhima cornuta" (A)

Ducks, Geese and Swans

Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anatidae

The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Fulvous Whistling-Duck "Dendrocygna bicolor" (A)
*White-faced Whistling-Duck "Dendrocygna viduata" (A)
*Black-bellied Whistling-Duck "Dendrocygna autumnalis"
*Muscovy Duck "Cairina moschata"
*Comb Duck "Sarkidiornis melanotos" (A)
*American Wigeon "Anas americana" (A)
*Northern Pintail "Anas acuta" (A)
*White-cheeked Pintail "Anas bahamensis"
*Blue-winged Teal "Anas discors"
*Northern Shoveler "Anas clypeata" (A)
*Lesser Scaup "Aythya affinis" (A)
*Masked Duck "Nomonyx dominica"

New World vultures

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Cathartidae

The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carrion. There are 7 species worldwide, all of which are found only in the Americas, and 5 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Black Vulture "Coragyps atratus"
*Turkey Vulture "Cathartes aura"
*Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture "Cathartes burrovianus"
*Greater Yellow-headed Vulture "Cathartes melambrotus"
*King Vulture "Sarcoramphus papa"

Osprey

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Pandionidae

The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the Osprey. The Osprey is a medium large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.

*Osprey "Pandion haliaetus"

Hawks, Kites and Eagles

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. There are 233 species worldwide and 36 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Gray-headed Kite "Leptodon cayanensis"
*Hook-billed Kite "Chondrohierax uncinatus"
*Swallow-tailed Kite "Elanoides forficatus"
*Pearl Kite "Gampsonyx swainsonii" (A)
*White-tailed Kite "Elanus leucurus" (A)
*Snail Kite "Rostrhamus sociabilis"
*Slender-billed Kite "Rostrhamus hamatus"
*Double-toothed Kite "Harpagus bidentatus"
*Rufous-thighed Kite "Harpagus diodon"
*Plumbeous Kite "Ictinia plumbea"
*Long-winged Harrier "Circus buffoni"
*Gray-bellied Goshawk "Accipiter poliogaster" (A)
*Tiny Hawk "Accipiter superciliosus"
*Plain-breasted Hawk "Accipiter ventralis" (A)
*Bicolored Hawk "Accipiter bicolor"
*Crane Hawk "Geranospiza caerulescens"
*Slate-colored Hawk "Leucopternis schistaceus"
*Black-faced Hawk "Leucopternis melanops"
*White Hawk "Leucopternis albicollis"
*Rufous Crab-Hawk "Buteogallus aequinoctialis"
*Common Black-Hawk "Buteogallus anthracinus"
*Great Black-Hawk "Buteogallus urubitinga"
*Savanna Hawk "Buteogallus meridionalis"
*Black-collared Hawk "Busarellus nigricollis"
*Solitary Eagle "Harpyhaliaetus solitarius" (A)
*Gray Hawk "Asturina nitida"
*Roadside Hawk "Buteo magnirostris"
*Broad-winged Hawk "Buteo platypterus"
*Short-tailed Hawk "Buteo brachyurus"
*White-tailed Hawk "Buteo albicaudatus"
*Zone-tailed Hawk "Buteo albonotatus"
*Crested Eagle "Morphnus guianensis"
*Harpy Eagle "Harpia harpyja"
*Black-and-white Hawk-Eagle "Spizastur melanoleucus"
*Black Hawk-Eagle "Spizaetus tyrannus"
*Ornate Hawk-Eagle "Spizaetus ornatus"

Caracaras and Falcons

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their feet. There are 62 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Black Caracara "Daptrius ater"
*Red-throated Caracara "Ibycter americanus"
*Crested Caracara "Caracara cheriway" (A)
*Yellow-headed Caracara "Milvago chimachima"
*Laughing Falcon "Herpetotheres cachinnans"
*Barred Forest-Falcon "Micrastur ruficollis"
*Lined Forest-Falcon "Micrastur gilvicollis"
*Slaty-backed Forest-Falcon "Micrastur mirandollei"
*Collared Forest-Falcon "Micrastur semitorquatus"
*Eurasian Kestrel "Falco tinnunculus" (A)
*American Kestrel "Falco sparverius" (A)
*Merlin "Falco columbarius"
*Bat Falcon "Falco rufigularis"
*Orange-breasted Falcon "Falco deiroleucus"
*Peregrine Falcon "Falco peregrinus"

Guans, Chachalacas and allies

Order: GalliformesFamily: Cracidae

The Cracidae are large birds, similar in general appearance to turkeys. The guans and curassows live in trees, but the smaller chachalacas are found in more open scrubby habitats. They are generally dull-plumaged, but the curassows and some guans have colourful facial ornaments. There are 50 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Little Chachalaca "Ortalis motmot"
*Marail Guan "Penelope marail"
*Blue-throated Piping-Guan "Pipile cumanensis"
*Black Curassow "Crax alector"

New World quails

Order: GalliformesFamily: Odontophoridae

The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. There are 32 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas, and 2 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Crested Bobwhite "Colinus cristatus"
*Marbled Wood-Quail "Odontophorus gujanensis"

Hoatzin

Order: OpisthocomiformesFamily: Opisthocomidae

The Hoatzin is pheasant-sized - but much slimmer - long-tailed, long-necked and has a small head. It has an unfeathered blue face with red eyes, and its head is topped by spiky crest. It is a weak flier which is found in te swamps of the Amazon and Orinoco rivers.

*Hoatzin "Opisthocomus hoazin"

Limpkins

Order: GruiformesFamily: Aramidae

The Limpkin resembles a large rail. It has drab brown plumage and a greyer head and neck.

*Limpkin "Aramus guarauna"

Trumpeters

Order: GruiformesFamily: Psophiidae

The trumpeters are dumpy birds with long necks and legs, and chicken-like bills. They are named for the trumpeting call of the males. There are 3 species worldwide, restricted to the Amazon basin, and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Gray-winged Trumpeter "Psophia crepitans"

Rails, Crakes, Gallinules, and Coots

Order: GruiformesFamily: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Ocellated Crake "Micropygia schomburgkii"
*Russet-crowned Crake "Anurolimnas viridis"
*Rufous-sided Crake "Laterallus melanophaius" (A)
*Gray-breasted Crake "Laterallus exilis"
*Clapper Rail "Rallus longirostris"
*Rufous-necked Wood-Rail "Aramides axillaris"
*Gray-necked Wood-Rail "Aramides cajanea"
*Uniform Crake "Amaurolimnas concolor" (A)
*Ash-throated Crake "Porzana albicollis"
*Yellow-breasted Crake "Porzana flaviventer"
*Paint-billed Crake "Neocrex erythrops" (A)
*Spotted Rail "Pardirallus maculatus" (A)
*Purple Gallinule "Porphyrio martinica"
*Azure Gallinule "Porphyrio flavirostris"
*Common Moorhen "Gallinula chloropus"

ungrebe and Finfoots

Order: GruiformesFamily: Heliornithidae

The Heliornithidae are small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Sungrebe "Heliornis fulica"

unbittern

Order: GruiformesFamily: Eurypygidae

The Sunbittern is a bittern-like bird of tropical regions of the Americas, and the sole member of the family Eurypygidae (sometimes spelled Eurypigidae) and genus Eurypyga.

*Sunbittern "Eurypyga helias"

Jacanas

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found worldwide in the Tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There 8 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Wattled Jacana "Jacana jacana"

Oystercatchers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*American Oystercatcher "Haematopus palliatus" (A)

Avocets and Stilts

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Black-necked Stilt "Himantopus mexicanus"

Plovers and Lapwings

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Pied Lapwing "Vanellus cayanus" (A)
*Southern Lapwing "Vanellus chilensis" (A)
*American Golden-Plover "Pluvialis dominica"
*Black-bellied Plover "Pluvialis squatarola"
*Semipalmated Plover "Charadrius semipalmatus"
*Wilson's Plover "Charadrius wilsonia" (A)
*Killdeer "Charadrius vociferus" (A)
*Collared Plover "Charadrius collaris"

andpipers and allies

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Scolopacidae

The Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 27 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Wilson's Snipe "Gallinago delicata"
*South American Snipe "Gallinago paraguaiae"
*Giant Snipe "Gallinago undulata" (A)
*Short-billed Dowitcher "Limnodromus griseus"
*Long-billed Dowitcher "Limnodromus scolopaceus" (A)
*Hudsonian Godwit "Limosa haemastica" (A)
*Whimbrel "Numenius phaeopus"
*Long-billed Curlew "Numenius americanus" (A)
*Upland Sandpiper "Bartramia longicauda"
*Greater Yellowlegs "Tringa melanoleuca"
*Lesser Yellowlegs "Tringa flavipes"
*Solitary Sandpiper "Tringa solitaria"
*Spotted Sandpiper "Actitis macularia"
*Willet "Catoptrophorus semipalmatus"
*Ruddy Turnstone "Arenaria interpres"
*Red Knot "Calidris canutus"
*Sanderling "Calidris alba"
*Semipalmated Sandpiper "Calidris pusilla"
*Western Sandpiper "Calidris mauri"
*Least Sandpiper "Calidris minutilla"
*White-rumped Sandpiper "Calidris fuscicollis"
*Baird's Sandpiper "Calidris bairdii" (A)
*Pectoral Sandpiper "Calidris melanotos"
*Dunlin "Calidris alpina" (A)
*Stilt Sandpiper "Calidris himantopus"
*Buff-breasted Sandpiper "Tryngites subruficollis" (A)
*Ruff "Philomachus pugnax" (A)

kuas and Jaegers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 7 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in French Guiana.

*South Polar Skua "Stercorarius maccormicki" (A)
*Great Skua "Stercorarius skua" (A)
*Pomarine Jaeger "Stercorarius pomarinus"
*Parasitic Jaeger "Stercorarius parasiticus" (A)

Gulls

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Kelp Gull "Larus dominicanus" (A)
*Great Black-backed Gull "Larus marinus" (A)
*Lesser Black-backed Gull "Larus fuscus" (A)
*American Herring Gull "Larus smithsonianus" (A)
*Black-headed Gull "Larus ridibundus" (A)
*Laughing Gull "Larus atricilla"
*Franklin's Gull "Larus pipixcan" (A)
*Little Gull "Larus minutus" (A)
*Sabine's Gull "Xema sabini" (A)
*Black-legged Kittiwake "Rissa tridactyla" (A)

Terns

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Sternidae

Terns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Gull-billed Tern "Sterna nilotica"
*Caspian Tern "Sterna caspia" (A)
*Elegant Tern "Sterna elegans" (A)
*Sandwich Tern "Sterna sandvicensis"
*Royal Tern "Sterna maxima"
*Roseate Tern "Sterna dougallii"
*Common Tern "Sterna hirundo"
*Least Tern "Sterna antillarum"
*Yellow-billed Tern "Sterna superciliaris"
*Sooty Tern "Sterna fuscata" (A)
*Black Tern "Chlidonias niger"
*Large-billed Tern "Phaetusa simplex"
*Brown Noddy "Anous stolidus" (A)

kimmers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Rynchopidae

Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Black Skimmer "Rynchops niger"

Pigeons and Doves

Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Rock Pigeon "Columba livia" (I)
*Scaled Pigeon "Patagioenas speciosa"
*Pale-vented Pigeon "Patagioenas cayennensis"
*Plumbeous Pigeon "Patagioenas plumbea"
*Ruddy Pigeon "Patagioenas subvinacea"
*Eared Dove "Zenaida auriculata"
*Common Ground-Dove "Columbina passerina"
*Plain-breasted Ground-Dove "Columbina minuta"
*Ruddy Ground-Dove "Columbina talpacoti"
*Scaled Dove "Columbina squammata" (A)
*Blue Ground-Dove "Claravis pretiosa" (A)
*White-tipped Dove "Leptotila verreauxi"
*Gray-fronted Dove "Leptotila rufaxilla"
*Ruddy Quail-Dove "Geotrygon montana"

Parrots, Macaws and allies

Order: PsittaciformesFamily: Psittacidae

Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species worldwide and 27 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Blue-and-yellow Macaw "Ara ararauna"
*Scarlet Macaw "Ara macao"
*Red-and-green Macaw "Ara chloroptera"
*Chestnut-fronted Macaw "Ara severa"
*Red-bellied Macaw "Orthopsittaca manilata"
*Red-shouldered Macaw "Diopsittaca nobilis" (A)
*White-eyed Parakeet "Aratinga leucophthalmus"
*Sun Parakeet "Aratinga solstitialis" (A)
*Brown-throated Parakeet "Aratinga pertinax"
*Peach-fronted Parakeet "Aratinga aurea" (A)
*Painted Parakeet "Pyrrhura picta"
*Green-rumped Parrotlet "Forpus passerinus"
*Dusky-billed Parrotlet "Forpus sclateri" (A)
*White-winged Parakeet "Brotogeris versicolurus"
*Golden-winged Parakeet "Brotogeris chrysopterus"
*Lilac-tailed Parrotlet "Touit batavica"
*Sapphire-rumped Parrotlet "Touit purpurata"
*Black-headed Parrot "Pionites melanocephala"
*Caica Parrot "Pionopsitta caica"
*Short-tailed Parrot "Graydidascalus brachyurus"
*Blue-headed Parrot "Pionus menstruus"
*Dusky Parrot "Pionus fuscus"
*Blue-cheeked Amazon "Amazona dufresniana" (E)
*Yellow-crowned Amazon "Amazona ochrocephala"
*Orange-winged Amazon "Amazona amazonica"
*Mealy Amazon "Amazona farinosa"
*Red-fan Parrot "Deroptyus accipitrinus"

Cuckoos and Anis

Order: CuculiformesFamily: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Yellow-billed Cuckoo "Coccyzus americanus" (A)
*Pearly-breasted Cuckoo "Coccyzus euleri" (A)
*Mangrove Cuckoo "Coccyzus minor"
*Dark-billed Cuckoo "Coccyzus melacoryphus"
*Squirrel Cuckoo "Piaya cayana"
*Black-bellied Cuckoo "Piaya melanogaster"
*Little Cuckoo "Piaya minuta"
*Greater Ani "Crotophaga major"
*Smooth-billed Ani "Crotophaga ani"
*Striped Cuckoo "Tapera naevia"
*Pheasant Cuckoo "Dromococcyx phasianellus" (A)
*Pavonine Cuckoo "Dromococcyx pavoninus" (A)

Barn owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Tytonidae

Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Barn Owl "Tyto alba"

Typical owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Strigidae

Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 195 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Tropical Screech-Owl "Megascops choliba"
*Tawny-bellied Screech-Owl "Megascops watsonii"
*Great Horned Owl "Bubo virginianus"
*Mottled Owl "Ciccaba virgata" (A)
*Black-banded Owl "Ciccaba huhula"
*Crested Owl "Lophostrix cristata"
*Spectacled Owl "Pulsatrix perspicillata"
*Amazonian Pygmy-Owl "Glaucidium hardyi"
*Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl "Glaucidium brasilianum"
*Striped Owl "Pseudoscops clamator"
*Short-eared Owl "Asio flammeus" (A)

Potoos

Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Nyctibiidae

The potoos (sometimes called Poor-Me-Ones) are large near passerine birds related to the nightjars and frogmouths. They are nocturnal insectivores which lack the bristles around the mouth found in the true nightjars. There are 5 species, all of which are from the South American tropical region, and 5 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Great Potoo "Nyctibius grandis"
*Long-tailed Potoo "Nyctibius aethereus" (A)
*Common Potoo "Nyctibius griseus"
*White-winged Potoo "Nyctibius leucopterus" (A)
*Rufous Potoo "Nyctibius bracteatus" (A)

Nightjars

Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Short-tailed Nighthawk "Lurocalis semitorquatus"
*Lesser Nighthawk "Chordeiles acutipennis"
*Common Nighthawk "Chordeiles minor"
*Nacunda Nighthawk "Podager nacunda" (A)
*Band-tailed Nighthawk "Nyctiprogne leucopyga"
*Pauraque "Nyctidromus albicollis"
*Rufous Nightjar "Caprimulgus rufus"
*Spot-tailed Nightjar "Caprimulgus maculicaudus"
*White-tailed Nightjar "Caprimulgus cayennensis"
*Cayenne Nightjar "Caprimulgus maculosus" (A)
*Blackish Nightjar "Caprimulgus nigrescens"
*Ladder-tailed Nightjar "Hydropsalis climacocerca"

wifts

Order: ApodiformesFamily: Apodidae

Swifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in French Guiana.

*White-collared Swift "Streptoprocne zonaris"
*Band-rumped Swift "Chaetura spinicaudus"
*Chimney Swift "Chaetura pelagica" (A)
*Chapman's Swift "Chaetura chapmani"
*Short-tailed Swift "Chaetura brachyura"
*Ashy-tailed Swift "Chaetura andrei" (A)
*Fork-tailed Palm-Swift "Tachornis squamata"
*Lesser Swallow-tailed Swift "Panyptila cayennensis"
*Alpine Swift "Tachymarptis melba" (A)

Hummingbirds

Order: TrochiliformesFamily: Trochilidae

Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. There are 337 species worldwide and 30 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Rufous-breasted Hermit "Glaucis hirsuta"
*Pale-tailed Barbthroat "Threnetes niger"
*Eastern Long-tailed Hermit "Phaethornis superciliosus"
*Great-billed Hermit "Phaethornis malaris"
*Straight-billed Hermit "Phaethornis bourcieri"
*Little Hermit "Phaethornis longuemareus" (E)
*Reddish Hermit "Phaethornis ruber"
*Gray-breasted Sabrewing "Campylopterus largipennis"
*Swallow-tailed Hummingbird "Eupetomena macrourus" (A)
*White-necked Jacobin "Florisuga mellivora"
*Green-throated Mango "Anthracothorax viridigula"
*Black-throated Mango "Anthracothorax nigricollis"
*Fiery-tailed Awlbill "Avocettula recurvirostris"
*Crimson Topaz "Topaza pella"
*Ruby-topaz Hummingbird "Chrysolampis mosquitus"
*Tufted Coquette "Lophornis ornatus"
*Racket-tailed Coquette "Discosura longicauda"
*Blue-chinned Sapphire "Chlorostilbon notatus"
*Blue-tailed Emerald "Chlorostilbon mellisugus"
*Fork-tailed Woodnymph "Thalurania furcata"
*Rufous-throated Sapphire "Hylocharis sapphirina"
*White-chinned Sapphire "Hylocharis cyanus"
*White-tailed Goldenthroat "Polytmus guainumbi"
*Green-tailed Goldenthroat "Polytmus theresiae"
*Plain-bellied Emerald "Agyrtria leucogaster"
*White-chested Emerald "Agyrtria brevirostris"
*Glittering-throated Emerald "Polyerata fimbriata"
*Black-eared Fairy "Heliothryx aurita"
*Long-billed Starthroat "Heliomaster longirostris"
*Amethyst Woodstar "Calliphlox amethystina" (A)

Trogons and Quetzals

Order: TrogoniformesFamily: Trogonidae

The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in French Guiana.

*White-tailed Trogon "Trogon viridis"
*Violaceous Trogon "Trogon violaceus"
*Collared Trogon "Trogon collaris"
*Black-throated Trogon "Trogon rufus"
*Black-tailed Trogon "Trogon melanurus"

Kingfishers

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Ringed Kingfisher "Ceryle torquatus"
*Amazon Kingfisher "Chloroceryle amazona"
*Green Kingfisher "Chloroceryle americana"
*Green-and-rufous Kingfisher "Chloroceryle inda"
*American Pygmy Kingfisher "Chloroceryle aenea"

Motmots

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Momotidae

The motmots have colorful plumage and long, graduated tails, which they display by waggling back and forth. In most of the species, the barbs near the ends of the two longest (central) tail feathers are weak and fall off, leaving a length of bare shaft, and creating a racket-shaped tail. There are 10 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Blue-crowned Motmot "Momotus momota"

Jacamars

Order: PiciformesFamily: Galbulidae

The jacamars are near passerine birds from tropical South America, with a range that extends up to Mexico. They are glossy elegant birds with long bills and tails, which feed on insects caught on the wing. In appearance and behaviour they show resemblances to the Old World bee-eaters, although they are more closely related to woodpeckers. There are 18 species and 7 species that occur in French Guiana.

*Brown Jacamar "Brachygalba lugubris"
*Yellow-billed Jacamar "Galbula albirostris"
*Rufous-tailed Jacamar "Galbula ruficauda" (A)
*Green-tailed Jacamar "Galbula galbula"
*Bronzy Jacamar "Galbula leucogastra"
*Paradise Jacamar "Galbula dea"
*Great Jacamar "Jacamerops aureus"

Puffbirds

Order: PiciformesFamily: Bucconidae

The puffbirds are related to the jacamars, and have the same range, but lack the iridescent colours of that family. They are mainly brown, rufous or grey, with large heads and flattened bills with a hooked tip. The loose abundant plumage and short tails makes them look stout and puffy, giving rise to the English common name of the family. There are 34 species and 8 species which occur in French Guiana.

*White-necked Puffbird "Notharchus macrorhynchos"
*Pied Puffbird "Notharchus tectus"
*Spotted Puffbird "Bucco tamatia"
*Collared Puffbird "Bucco capensis"
*White-chested Puffbird "Malacoptila fusca"
*Rusty-breasted Nunlet "Nonnula rubecula" (A)
*Black Nunbird "Monasa atra"
*Swallow-wing "Chelidoptera tenebrosa"

Barbets

Order: PiciformesFamily: Capitonidae

The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly coloured. There are 84 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Black-spotted Barbet "Capito niger"

Toucans

Order: PiciformesFamily: Ramphastidae

Toucans are near passerine birds from the neotropics. They are brightly marked and have enormous, colourful bills which in some species may amount to half their body length. There are 40 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Chestnut-tipped Toucanet "Aulacorhynchus derbianus" (A)
*Green Aracari "Pteroglossus viridis"
*Black-necked Aracari "Pteroglossus aracari"
*Tawny-tufted Toucanet "Selenidera nattereri" (A)
*Guianan Toucanet "Selenidera culik"
*Channel-billed Toucan "Ramphastos vitellinus"
*Red-billed Toucan "Ramphastos tucanus"
*Toco Toucan "Ramphastos toco"

Woodpeckers and allies

Order: PiciformesFamily: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium sized birds with chisel like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward, and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 218 species worldwide and 22 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Golden-spangled Piculet "Picumnus exilis"
*White-bellied Piculet "Picumnus spilogaster"
*Guianan Piculet "Picumnus minutissimus" (E)
*White-barred Piculet "Picumnus cirratus"
*White Woodpecker "Melanerpes candidus"
*Yellow-tufted Woodpecker "Melanerpes cruentatus"
*Little Woodpecker "Veniliornis passerinus"
*Blood-colored Woodpecker "Veniliornis sanguineus"
*Golden-collared Woodpecker "Veniliornis cassini"
*Red-stained Woodpecker "Veniliornis affinis"
*Yellow-throated Woodpecker "Piculus flavigula"
*Golden-green Woodpecker "Piculus chrysochloros"
*Golden-olive Woodpecker "Piculus rubiginosus"
*Spot-breasted Woodpecker "Colaptes punctigula"
*Scaly-breasted Woodpecker "Celeus grammicus" (A)
*Waved Woodpecker "Celeus undatus"
*Chestnut Woodpecker "Celeus elegans"
*Cream-colored Woodpecker "Celeus flavus"
*Ringed Woodpecker "Celeus torquatus"
*Lineated Woodpecker "Dryocopus lineatus"
*Red-necked Woodpecker "Campephilus rubricollis"
*Crimson-crested Woodpecker "Campephilus melanoleucos"

Ovenbirds

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Furnariidae

Ovenbirds comprise a large family of small sub-oscine passerine bird species found in Central and South America. They are a diverse group of insectivores which gets its name from the elaborate "oven-like" clay nests built by some species, although others build stick nests or nest in tunnels or clefts in rock. There are 243 species worldwide and 22 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Pale-breasted Spinetail "Synallaxis albescens"
*MacConnell's Spinetail "Synallaxis macconnelli"
*Plain-crowned Spinetail "Synallaxis gujanensis"
*White-bellied Spinetail "Synallaxis propinqua"
*Ruddy Spinetail "Synallaxis rutilans" (A)
*Speckled Spinetail "Cranioleuca gutturata" (A)
*Yellow-chinned Spinetail "Certhiaxis cinnamomea"
*Rufous-tailed Xenops "Xenops milleri" (A)
*Slender-billed Xenops "Xenops tenuirostris" (A)
*Plain Xenops "Xenops minutus"
*Streaked Xenops "Xenops rutilans" (A)
*Point-tailed Palmcreeper "Berlepschia rikeri"
*Rufous-rumped Foliage-gleaner "Philydor erythrocercus"
*Rufous-tailed Foliage-gleaner "Philydor ruficaudatus"
*Cinnamon-rumped Foliage-gleaner "Philydor pyrrhodes"
*Chestnut-crowned Foliage-gleaner "Automolus rufipileatus"
*Buff-throated Foliage-gleaner "Automolus ochrolaemus"
*Olive-backed Foliage-gleaner "Automolus infuscatus"
*Ruddy Foliage-gleaner "Automolus rubiginosus"
*Short-billed Leaftosser "Sclerurus rufigularis"
*Tawny-throated Leaftosser "Sclerurus mexicanus"
*Black-tailed Leaftosser "Sclerurus caudacutus"

Woodcreepers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Dendrocolaptidae

The Dendrocolaptidae are brownish birds and maintain an upright vertical posture, supported by their stiff tail vanes. They feed mainly on insects taken from tree trunks. There are 57 species worldwide and 19 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Plain-brown Woodcreeper "Dendrocincla fuliginosa"
*White-chinned Woodcreeper "Dendrocincla merula"
*Long-tailed Woodcreeper "Deconychura longicauda"
*Spot-throated Woodcreeper "Deconychura stictolaema"
*Olivaceous Woodcreeper "Sittasomus griseicapillus"
*Wedge-billed Woodcreeper "Glyphorynchus spirurus"
*Long-billed Woodcreeper "Nasica longirostris" (A)
*Cinnamon-throated Woodcreeper "Dendrexetastes rufigula"
*Red-billed Woodcreeper "Hylexetastes perrotii"
*Strong-billed Woodcreeper "Xiphocolaptes promeropirhynchus" (A)
*Amazonian Barred-Woodcreeper "Dendrocolaptes certhia"
*Black-banded Woodcreeper "Dendrocolaptes picumnus"
*Striped Woodcreeper "Xiphorhynchus obsoletus"
*Buff-throated Woodcreeper "Xiphorhynchus guttatus"
*Chestnut-rumped Woodcreeper "Xiphorhynchus pardalotus"
*Cocoa Woodcreeper "Xiphorhynchus susurrans"
*Straight-billed Woodcreeper "Dendroplex picus"
*Lineated Woodcreeper "Lepidocolaptes albolineatus"
*Curve-billed Scythebill "Campylorhamphus procurvoides"

Typical antbirds

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Thamnophilidae

The antbirds are a large family of small passerine birds of subtropical and tropical Central and South America. They are forest birds, and tend to feed on insects at or near the ground. A sizable minority of them specialize in following columns of army ants to eat the small invertebrates that leave hiding to flee the ants.Many species lack bright colour; brown, black and white being the dominant tones. There are about 212 species worldwide and 47 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Fasciated Antshrike "Cymbilaimus lineatus"
*Black-throated Antshrike "Frederickena viridis"
*Great Antshrike "Taraba major"
*Black-crested Antshrike "Sakesphorus canadensis"
*Band-tailed Antshrike "Sakesphorus melanothorax" (E)
*Barred Antshrike "Thamnophilus doliatus"
*Blackish-gray Antshrike "Thamnophilus nigrocinereus"
*White-shouldered Antshrike "Thamnophilus aethiops"
*Mouse-colored Antshrike "Thamnophilus murinus"
*Northern Slaty-Antshrike "Thamnophilus punctatus"
*Amazonian Antshrike "Thamnophilus amazonicus"
*Spot-winged Antshrike "Pygiptila stellaris" (A)
*Dusky-throated Antshrike "Thamnomanes ardesiacus"
*Cinereous Antshrike "Thamnomanes caesius"
*Pygmy Antwren "Myrmotherula brachyura"
*Guianan Antwren "Myrmotherula surinamensis"
*Rufous-bellied Antwren "Myrmotherula guttata"
*Brown-bellied Antwren "Myrmotherula gutturalis"
*Stipple-throated Antwren "Myrmotherula haematonota" (A)
*White-flanked Antwren "Myrmotherula axillaris"
*Long-winged Antwren "Myrmotherula longipennis"
*Plain-winged Antwren "Myrmotherula behni" (A)
*Gray Antwren "Myrmotherula menetriesii"
*Spot-tailed Antwren "Herpsilochmus sticturus"
*Todd's Antwren "Herpsilochmus stictocephalus"
*Spot-backed Antwren "Herpsilochmus dorsimaculatus" (A)
*Dot-winged Antwren "Microrhopias quixensis"
*White-fringed Antwren "Formicivora grisea"
*Ash-winged Antwren "Terenura spodioptila"
*Gray Antbird "Cercomacra cinerascens"
*Dusky Antbird "Cercomacra tyrannina"
*Blackish Antbird "Cercomacra nigrescens" (A)
*White-browed Antbird "Myrmoborus leucophrys"
*Warbling Antbird "Hypocnemis cantator"
*Black-chinned Antbird "Hypocnemoides melanopogon"
*Silvered Antbird "Sclateria naevia"
*Black-headed Antbird "Percnostola rufifrons"
*Spot-winged Antbird "Percnostola leucostigma"
*White-bellied Antbird "Myrmeciza longipes" (A)
*Ferruginous-backed Antbird "Myrmeciza ferruginea"
*Black-throated Antbird "Myrmeciza atrothorax"
*White-plumed Antbird "Pithys albifrons"
*Rufous-throated Antbird "Gymnopithys rufigula"
*Wing-banded Antbird "Myrmornis torquata"
*Spot-backed Antbird "Hylophylax naevia"
*Dot-backed Antbird "Hylophylax punctulata" (A)
*Scale-backed Antbird "Hylophylax poecilinota"

Antthrushes and Antpittas

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Formicariidae

The ground antbirds are a family comprising the antthrushes and antpittas. Antthrushes resemble small rails while antpittas resemble the true pittas with longish strong legs, very short tails and stout bills. There are about 63 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Rufous-capped Antthrush "Formicarius colma"
*Black-faced Antthrush "Formicarius analis"
*Variegated Antpitta "Grallaria varia"
*Spotted Antpitta "Hylopezus macularius"
*Thrush-like Antpitta "Myrmothera campanisona"

Gnateaters

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Conopophagidae

The gnateaters are round, short-tailed, and long-legged birds, which are closely related to the antbirds. There are 8 species worldwide, all found in South America, and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Chestnut-belted Gnateater "Conopophaga aurita"

Cotingas

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cotingidae

The cotingas are birds of forests or forest edges of tropical South America. Comparatively little is known about this diverse group, although all have broad bills with hooked tips, rounded wings, and strong legs. The males of many of the species are brightly coloured, or decorated with plumes or wattles. There are 71 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Sharpbill "Oxyruncus cristatus"
*Guianan Red-Cotinga "Phoenicircus carnifex"
*Dusky Purpletuft "Iodopleura fusca" (A)
*Screaming Piha "Lipaugus vociferans"
*Purple-breasted Cotinga "Cotinga cotinga"
*Spangled Cotinga "Cotinga cayana"
*Pompadour Cotinga "Xipholena punicea"
*Bare-necked Fruitcrow "Gymnoderus foetidus"
*Crimson Fruitcrow "Haematoderus militaris" (A)
*Purple-throated Fruitcrow "Querula purpurata"
*Capuchinbird "Perissocephalus tricolor"
*White Bellbird "Procnias alba"
*Guianan Cock-of-the-rock "Rupicola rupicola"

Manakins

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Pipridae

The manakins are a family bird species of subtropical and tropical mainland Central and South America, and Trinidad and Tobago. They are compact forest birds, the males typically being brightly coloured, although the females of most species are duller and usually green-plumaged. Manakins feed on small fruits, berries and insects. There are 57 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in French Guiana.

*White-bearded Manakin "Manacus manacus"
*White-throated Manakin "Corapipo gutturalis"
*Blue-backed Manakin "Chiroxiphia pareola"
*Crimson-hooded Manakin "Pipra aureola"
*White-crowned Manakin "Dixiphia pipra"
*Golden-headed Manakin "Pipra erythrocephala"
*White-fronted Manakin "Lepidothrix serena"
*Black Manakin "Xenopipo atronitens" (A)
*Saffron-crested Tyrant-Manakin "Neopelma chrysocephalum" (A)
*Tiny Tyrant-Manakin "Tyranneutes virescens"
*Wing-barred Piprites "Piprites chloris"
*Thrush-like Schiffornis "Schiffornis turdinus"

Tyrant flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Tyrannidae

Tyrant flycatchers are passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust with stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain colouring. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. There are 429 species worldwide, all found only in the Americas and 93 species which occur in French Guiana.

*White-lored Tyrannulet "Ornithion inerme"
*Southern Beardless-Tyrannulet "Camptostoma obsoletum"
*Mouse-colored Tyrannulet "Phaeomyias murina"
*Yellow Tyrannulet "Capsiempis flaveola" (A)
*Yellow-crowned Tyrannulet "Tyrannulus elatus"
*Forest Elaenia "Myiopagis gaimardii"
*Gray Elaenia "Myiopagis caniceps" (A)
*Yellow-crowned Elaenia "Myiopagis flavivertex"
*Yellow-bellied Elaenia "Elaenia flavogaster"
*Small-billed Elaenia "Elaenia parvirostris" (A)
*Plain-crested Elaenia "Elaenia cristata"
*Rufous-crowned Elaenia "Elaenia ruficeps" (A)
*Lesser Elaenia "Elaenia chiriquensis"
*Ochre-bellied Flycatcher "Mionectes oleagineus"
*MacConnell's Flycatcher "Mionectes macconnelli"
*Sepia-capped Flycatcher "Leptopogon amaurocephalus"
*Olive-green Tyrannulet "Phylloscartes virescens" (A)
*Slender-footed Tyrannulet "Zimmerius gracilipes"
*Amazonian Scrub-Flycatcher "Sublegatus obscurior"
*Northern Scrub-Flycatcher "Sublegatus arenarum"
*Pale-tipped Tyrannulet "Inezia caudata"
*Bearded Tachuri "Polystictus pectoralis"
*Short-tailed Pygmy-Tyrant "Myiornis ecaudatus"
*Double-banded Pygmy-Tyrant "Lophotriccus vitiosus" (A)
*Helmeted Pygmy-Tyrant "Lophotriccus galeatus"
*Smoky-fronted Tody-Flycatcher "Poecilotriccus fumifrons"
*Slate-headed Tody-Tyrant "Poecilotriccus sylvia"
*Snethlage's Tody-Tyrant "Hemitriccus minor"
*Boat-billed Tody-Tyrant "Hemitriccus josephinae"
*White-eyed Tody-Tyrant "Hemitriccus zosterops"
*Common Tody-Flycatcher "Todirostrum cinereum"
*Spotted Tody-Flycatcher "Todirostrum maculatum"
*Painted Tody-Flycatcher "Todirostrum pictum"
*Ringed Antpipit "Corythopis torquata"
*Rufous-tailed Flatbill "Ramphotrigon ruficauda"
*Olivaceous Flatbill "Rhynchocyclus olivaceus"
*Yellow-olive Flycatcher "Tolmomyias sulphurescens"
*Yellow-margined Flycatcher "Tolmomyias assimilis"
*Gray-crowned Flycatcher "Tolmomyias poliocephalus"
*Yellow-breasted Flycatcher "Tolmomyias flaviventris"
*Cinnamon-crested Spadebill "Platyrinchus saturatus"
*Golden-crowned Spadebill "Platyrinchus coronatus"
*White-throated Spadebill "Platyrinchus mystaceus"
*White-crested Spadebill "Platyrinchus platyrhynchos"
*Amazonian Royal-Flycatcher "Onychorhynchus coronatus"
*Bran-colored Flycatcher "Myiophobus fasciatus"
*Ruddy-tailed Flycatcher "Terenotriccus erythrurus"
*Whiskered Flycatcher "Myiobius barbatus"
*Cinnamon Tyrant "Neopipo cinnamomea" (A)
*Cliff Flycatcher "Hirundinea ferruginea"
*Fuscous Flycatcher "Cnemotriccus fuscatus"
*Euler's Flycatcher "Lathrotriccus euleri"
*Olive-sided Flycatcher "Contopus cooperi" (A)
*Eastern Wood-Pewee "Contopus virens" (A)
*Tropical Pewee "Contopus cinereus"
*White-throated Pewee "Contopus albogularis"
*Drab Water-Tyrant "Ochthornis littoralis" (A)
*Pied Water-Tyrant "Fluvicola pica"
*White-headed Marsh-Tyrant "Arundinicola leucocephala"
*Long-tailed Tyrant "Colonia colonus"
*Cinnamon Attila "Attila cinnamomeus"
*Bright-rumped Attila "Attila spadiceus"
*Cinereous Mourner "Laniocera hypopyrra"
*Sirystes "Sirystes sibilator"
*Grayish Mourner "Rhytipterna simplex"
*Pale-bellied Mourner "Rhytipterna immunda"
*Dusky-capped Flycatcher "Myiarchus tuberculifer"
*Swainson's Flycatcher "Myiarchus swainsoni"
*Short-crested Flycatcher "Myiarchus ferox"
*Brown-crested Flycatcher "Myiarchus tyrannulus"
*Lesser Kiskadee "Philohydor lictor"
*Great Kiskadee "Pitangus sulphuratus"
*Boat-billed Flycatcher "Megarynchus pitangua"
*Rusty-margined Flycatcher "Myiozetetes cayanensis"
*Social Flycatcher "Myiozetetes similis"
*Dusky-chested Flycatcher "Myiozetetes luteiventris"
*Yellow-throated Flycatcher "Conopias parva"
*Streaked Flycatcher "Myiodynastes maculatus"
*Piratic Flycatcher "Legatus leucophaius"
*Variegated Flycatcher "Empidonomus varius"
*Sulphury Flycatcher "Tyrannopsis sulphurea"
*White-throated Kingbird "Tyrannus albogularis"
*Tropical Kingbird "Tyrannus melancholicus"
*Gray Kingbird "Tyrannus dominicensis"
*Fork-tailed Flycatcher "Tyrannus savana"
*White-winged Becard "Pachyramphus polychopterus"
*Black-capped Becard "Pachyramphus marginatus"
*Glossy-backed Becard "Pachyramphus surinamus"
*Cinereous Becard "Pachyramphus rufus"
*Pink-throated Becard "Pachyramphus minor"
*Black-tailed Tityra "Tityra cayana"
*Masked Tityra "Tityra semifasciata" (A)
*Black-crowned Tityra "Tityra inquisitor"

wallows and Martins

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Hirundinidae

The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Brown-chested Martin "Progne tapera"
*Purple Martin "Progne subis"
*Caribbean Martin "Progne dominicensis" (A)
*Gray-breasted Martin "Progne chalybea"
*Southern Martin "Progne elegans" (A)
*Tree Swallow "Tachycineta bicolor" (A)
*White-winged Swallow "Tachycineta albiventer"
*Blue-and-white Swallow "Notiochelidon cyanoleuca" (A)
*White-banded Swallow "Atticora fasciata"
*Black-collared Swallow "Atticora melanoleuca"
*White-thighed Swallow "Neochelidon tibialis"
*Southern Rough-winged Swallow "Stelgidopteryx ruficollis"
*Bank Swallow "Riparia riparia"
*Cliff Swallow "Petrochelidon pyrrhonota" (A)
*Barn Swallow "Hirundo rustica"

Wagtails and Pipits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Motacillidae

The Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Yellowish Pipit "Anthus lutescens"

Wrens

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Troglodytidae

The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and a thin down-turned bill. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 80 species worldwide (of which all but one are New World species) and 7 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Black-capped Donacobius "Donacobius atricapilla"
*Coraya Wren "Thryothorus coraya"
*Buff-breasted Wren "Thryothorus leucotis"
*House Wren "Troglodytes aedon"
*White-breasted Wood-Wren "Henicorhina leucosticta"
*Wing-banded Wren "Microcerculus bambla"
*Musician Wren "Cyphorhinus aradus"

Mockingbirds and Thrashers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Mimidae

The mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalizations, especially their ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. Their colouring tends towards dull greys and browns . There are 35 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Tropical Mockingbird "Mimus gilvus"

Thrushes and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 335 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Veery "Catharus fuscescens" (A)
*Gray-cheeked Thrush "Catharus minimus"
*Pale-breasted Thrush "Turdus leucomelas"
*Black-billed Thrush "Turdus ignobilis"
*Cocoa Thrush "Turdus fumigatus"
*Bare-eyed Thrush "Turdus nudigenis"
*White-necked Thrush "Turdus albicollis"

Gnatcatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Polioptilidae

These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their build and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers and gnatwrens are mainly soft bluish grey in colour, and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. They are birds of fairly open woodland or scrub, and nest in bushes or trees. There are 15 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Collared Gnatwren "Microbates collaris"
*Long-billed Gnatwren "Ramphocaenus melanurus"
*Guianan Gnatcatcher "Polioptila guianensis"
*Tropical Gnatcatcher "Polioptila plumbea"

Crows, Jays, Ravens and Magpies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Corvidae

The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show high levels of learning behavior. There are 120 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*Cayenne Jay "Cyanocorax cayanus"

Vireos

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Vireonidae

The vireos are a group of small to medium sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. They are typically greenish in colour and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. There are 52 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Red-eyed Vireo "Vireo olivaceus"
*Black-whiskered Vireo "Vireo altiloquus" (A)
*Lemon-chested Greenlet "Hylophilus thoracicus"
*Gray-chested Greenlet "Hylophilus semicinereus"
*Ashy-headed Greenlet "Hylophilus pectoralis"
*Buff-cheeked Greenlet "Hylophilus muscicapinus"
*Tawny-crowned Greenlet "Hylophilus ochraceiceps"
*Slaty-capped Shrike-Vireo "Vireolanius leucotis"
*Rufous-browed Peppershrike "Cyclarhis gujanensis"

New World warblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Parulidae

The New World warblers are a group of small, often colourful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. There are 119 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Tennessee Warbler "Vermivora peregrina" (A)
*Tropical Parula "Parula pitiayumi" (A)
*Yellow Warbler "Dendroica petechia"
*Blackburnian Warbler "Dendroica fusca" (A)
*Blackpoll Warbler "Dendroica striata" (A)
*American Redstart "Setophaga ruticilla" (A)
*Prothonotary Warbler "Protonotaria citrea" (A)
*Northern Waterthrush "Seiurus noveboracensis" (A)
*Connecticut Warbler "Oporornis agilis" (A)
*Masked Yellowthroat "Geothlypis aequinoctialis"
*Neotropical River Warbler "Basileuterus rivularis"
*Rose-breasted Chat "Granatellus pelzelni" (A)

Bananaquit

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Coerebidae

The Bananaquit is a small passerine bird. It has a slender, curved bill, adapted to taking nectar from flowers and is the only member of the genus "Coereba" (Vieillot, 1809) and is normally placed within the family Coerebidae, although there is uncertainty whether that placement is correct.

*Bananaquit "Coereba flaveola"

Tanagers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Thraupidae

The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly coloured. They are seed eaters, but their preference tends towards fruit and nectar. Most have short, rounded wings. There are 256 species worldwide and 45 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Chestnut-vented Conebill "Conirostrum speciosum"
*Bicolored Conebill "Conirostrum bicolor"
*Black-faced Tanager "Schistochlamys melanopis"
*White-rumped Tanager "Cypsnagra hirundinacea" (A)
*Magpie Tanager "Cissopis leveriana" (A)
*Red-billed Pied Tanager "Lamprospiza melanoleuca"
*Guira Tanager "Hemithraupis guira"
*Yellow-backed Tanager "Hemithraupis flavicollis"
*Hooded Tanager "Nemosia pileata"
*Gray-headed Tanager "Eucometis penicillata"
*Fulvous Shrike-Tanager "Lanio fulvus"
*Flame-crested Tanager "Tachyphonus cristatus"
*Fulvous-crested Tanager "Tachyphonus surinamus"
*White-shouldered Tanager "Tachyphonus luctuosus"
*White-lined Tanager "Tachyphonus rufus"
*Red-shouldered Tanager "Tachyphonus phoenicius"
*Hepatic Tanager "Piranga flava"
*Summer Tanager "Piranga rubra" (A)
*Silver-beaked Tanager "Ramphocelus carbo"
*Blue-gray Tanager "Thraupis episcopus"
*Palm Tanager "Thraupis palmarum"
*Blue-backed Tanager "Cyanicterus cyanicterus"
*Plumbeous Euphonia "Euphonia plumbea"
*Purple-throated Euphonia "Euphonia chlorotica" (A)
*Finsch's Euphonia "Euphonia finschi"
*Violaceous Euphonia "Euphonia violacea"
*Golden-rumped Euphonia "Euphonia cyanocephala" (A)
*White-lored Euphonia "Euphonia chrysopasta"
*White-vented Euphonia "Euphonia minuta"
*Golden-sided Euphonia "Euphonia cayennensis"
*Turquoise Tanager "Tangara mexicana"
*Paradise Tanager "Tangara chilensis"
*Spotted Tanager "Tangara punctata"
*Speckled Tanager "Tangara guttata" (A)
*Dotted Tanager "Tangara varia" (A)
*Bay-headed Tanager "Tangara gyrola"
*Burnished-buff Tanager "Tangara cayana"
*Opal-rumped Tanager "Tangara velia"
*Black-faced Dacnis "Dacnis lineata"
*Blue Dacnis "Dacnis cayana"
*Green Honeycreeper "Chlorophanes spiza"
*Short-billed Honeycreeper "Cyanerpes nitidus" (A)
*Purple Honeycreeper "Cyanerpes caeruleus"
*Red-legged Honeycreeper "Cyanerpes cyaneus"
*Swallow-Tanager "Tersina viridis"

Buntings, Sparrows, Seedeaters and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Emberizidae

The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as Sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are species 275 worldwide and 18 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Pileated Finch "Coryphospingus pileatus" (A)
*Blue-black Grassquit "Volatinia jacarina"
*Plumbeous Seedeater "Sporophila plumbea"
*Wing-barred Seedeater "Sporophila americana"
*Lesson's Seedeater "Sporophila bouvronides"
*Lined Seedeater "Sporophila lineola"
*Yellow-bellied Seedeater "Sporophila nigricollis" (A)
*Ruddy-breasted Seedeater "Sporophila minuta"
*Chestnut-bellied Seedeater "Sporophila castaneiventris"
*Large-billed Seed-Finch "Oryzoborus crassirostris"
*Chestnut-bellied Seed-Finch "Oryzoborus angolensis"
*Saffron Finch "Sicalis flaveola" (A)
*Grassland Yellow-Finch "Sicalis luteola" (A)
*Wedge-tailed Grass-Finch "Emberizoides herbicola"
*Red-capped Cardinal "Paroaria gularis" (A)
*Pectoral Sparrow "Arremon taciturnus"
*Grassland Sparrow "Ammodramus humeralis"
*Rufous-collared Sparrow "Zonotrichia capensis"

altators, Cardinals and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cardinalidae

The cardinals are a family of passerine birds that are robust, seed-eating birds, with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. There are 43 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Red-and-black Grosbeak "Periporphyrus erythromelas"
*Grayish Saltator "Saltator coerulescens"
*Buff-throated Saltator "Saltator maximus"
*Slate-colored Grosbeak "Saltator grossus"
*Yellow-green Grosbeak "Caryothraustes canadensis"
*Rose-breasted Grosbeak "Pheucticus ludovicianus" (A)
*Blue-black Grosbeak "Cyanocompsa cyanoides"

Troupials and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Icteridae

The icterids are a group of small to medium, often colourful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage colour, often enlivened by yellow, orange or red. There are 98 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in French Guiana.

*Bobolink "Dolichonyx oryzivorus" (A)
*Unicolored Blackbird "Agelasticus cyanopus"
*Yellow-hooded Blackbird "Chrysomus icterocephalus"
*Chestnut-capped Blackbird "Chrysomus ruficapillus" (A)
*Red-breasted Blackbird "Sturnella militaris"
*Eastern Meadowlark "Sturnella magna"
*Carib Grackle "Quiscalus lugubris"
*Shiny Cowbird "Molothrus bonariensis"
*Giant Cowbird "Molothrus oryzivorus"
*Moriche Oriole "Icterus chrysocephalus"
*Epaulet Oriole "Icterus cayanensis"
*Yellow Oriole "Icterus nigrogularis"
*Yellow-rumped Cacique "Cacicus cela"
*Red-rumped Cacique "Cacicus haemorrhous"
*Crested Oropendola "Psarocolius decumanus"
*Green Oropendola "Psarocolius viridis"
*Oriole Blackbird "Gymnomystax mexicanus"

parrows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Passeridae

Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in French Guiana.

*House Sparrow "Passer domesticus" (I)

ee also

*List of birds
*Lists of birds by region

References

*cite web
last = Lepage
first = Denis
authorlink =
coauthors =
year =
url = http://www.bsc-eoc.org/avibase/avibase.jsp?region=gf&pg=checklist&list=clements
title = Checklist of birds of French Guiana
format =
work = Bird Checklists of the World
publisher = Avibase
accessdate = 26 April
accessyear = 2007
*cite book
title=Birds of the World: a Checklist
first= James F.
last = Clements
publisher = Cornell University Press
date = 2000
id = ISBN 0934797161
pages = 880