Birdwatching in Suriname
Spotting special birds in the interior of Suriname
The Danish Marianne Petersen spotted rare birds during her individual Suriname bird tour
Bird watching in the Surinamese jungle
It is important to first get a good idea of the birds in the various habitats and the options for traveling to the various locations. Because every traveler has different wishes when it comes to which type of birds they want to spot, we plan all trips tailor-made. The budget and basic comfort needs also play a role in the further development of a travel program.
Hoatzin spotted!
During the trip, Marianne spotted the rare Hoatzin bird together with Dion and her family. Just after sunrise or at dusk, this bird looks for food in the trees along the river. Dion knows exactly the places where he can spot these birds.
Information about the Hoatzin
The hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin) is also called stink bird or Canje pheasant in Suriname. This is a bird that is the only species in the family Opisthocomidae, one of the families of the order cuckoo birds. In the past it was considered one of the fowl birds, and now often belongs to a separate order, Opisthocomiformes. The precise relationship remains controversial. The birds are brown/black in color with a blue accent near the eye. Young birds have claws on their wings that help them climb trees. The claws alone do not indicate any relationship with Archaeopteryx or other ancient forms with claws.
lifestyle
The hoatzin searches for food among the trees close to the water in the early morning and at dusk. They hardly need to drink because 70% of plant food consists of water. They like to eat the leaves and fruits of the MokoMoko plant that can be found everywhere on the river banks. The enormous crop contains unique bacteria that break down the plant cells and convert them into sugars for energy through fermentation. The crop has a thick, muscular wall and a horny covering that move like a mixer to break down the plant food.
Stinkbird
They are called stink birds in Suriname because their meat stinks. That's probably why they aren't hunted.
Distribution and habitat
Nowadays the Hoatzins are only seen along the Corentijn and some of its tributaries, but in the past one has also been caught along the Marowijne. At Apoera they can be seen commonly and sometimes in groups in the vegetation along the water.
Source information
Wikipedia en Surinamebirds.nl
Birdwatching in Suriname
Marianne was happy that she had found our company after reading Niels Bomholt's travel report. She knew she could never arrange such a birding trip on her own. Organizing such a trip logistically is a significant job, especially if you have never been there before. In addition, the really good nature and bird guides are fully booked long in advance or are difficult to reach. I have personal contact with all guides in Suriname. The different guides all have their own working methods and often specialize in specific areas. Because I have been working with them for years, they know that Suriname Holidays is a reliable party and therefore I can clearly coordinate everything with them before departure. All you have to do is enjoy your birding tour in Suriname without any worries.
Would you also like to go birdwatching in Suriname?
I cordially invite you to visit me office in Haarlem. Then you can already get a bit into the travel mood Come and browse through my extensive bird book collection and photo albums. During such an introduction, I can lay the foundation for one together with you no-obligation and free quote. It is useful to make one in advance to make an appointmentso that I can make time for you. Appointments at the weekend or in the evenings are also possible.
Right from my first visit in 2003, Suriname stole my heart. An overwhelming jungle, friendly people and good food: Suriname has it all.
Because I know the country and its people so well, I can tell you exactly where you can find the nicest and most special places and what you can expect from your Suriname trip.
Going on holiday to Suriname with children
My two sons have been traveling since they were little and would prefer to go on holiday to Suriname every year. You have come to the right place for advice and useful tips from my own experience.
17 years later
Since 2010, I took over the company and became the owner. My goal is that with our experience we can contribute to the development of tourism in Suriname in the long term so that this industry is built up in the fairest and most sustainable way possible.
