Crooked Tree Bird Sanctuary

Crooked Tree is a small village located in the Belize District, known for its wetlands and diverse birdlife. The area is situated on the shores of the Crooked Tree lagoon, which is a large shallow lake that supports a unique ecosystem of mangroves, savannahs, and flooded forests.

Crooked Tree is home to over 300 bird species, making it one of the best birdwatching destinations in Belize. The area is especially famous for its waterbirds, such as herons, egrets, cormorants, and ibises. One of the most iconic birds of Crooked Tree is the Jabiru Stork, which is the tallest bird in Central and South America and is known for its distinctive black and white plumage.

Other notable bird species in the area include the Northern Jacana, the Snail Kite, the Black-bellied Whistling Duck, and the American Pygmy Kingfisher. Many migratory birds also visit Crooked Tree during the winter months, including warblers, tanagers, and flycatchers.

Crooked Tree has established several protected areas, including the Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, which covers over 16,000 acres of wetlands, savannahs, and forests. The sanctuary provides important habitat for many bird species and is also home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Visitors to Crooked Tree can explore the area on foot, by boat, or on horseback, and can enjoy guided birdwatching tours and other outdoor activities. Overall, Crooked Tree is a unique and important ecological hotspot in Belize, and its wetlands and birdlife are an integral part of the country’s natural heritage.