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end of navigationWelcome to Birdquest
SOUTHERN MEXICO
Sunday 10th April -
Saturday 30th April 2011
(21 days)
Leader:
Mark Van Beirs
Group Size Limit: 8
The endemic Citreoline Trogon is one of a whole series of endemics that we'll be looking for during our endemic-rich itinerary (Pete Morris)
Mexico, land of the Mayas, Aztecs, Zapotecs and Conquistadores, is one of the most charismatic countries in the world. Sombreros, white-clad peons on a stubborn mule and siestas conjure up a sleepy image which disguises (as well as any Zapata-style moustache) a country rapidly entering the modern world, where good roads, accommodation and food are the norm, and birding always rewarding. It is the second most populous and the third largest country in Latin America, with an incredible variety of habitats ranging from steamy tropical lowland jungle and barren cactus-studded hills to refreshing pine forests and high alpine vegetation above the treeline. Over half of the country is at an altitude of over 1000m and much of that at over 2000m, and more than 80% of this splendid nation is classified as having a semi-arid climate.
Mexico basically consists of a high central plateau flanked by an eastern and a western range of mountains set back from the coast. Mexico City, one of the largest conurbations on Earth with more than 20 million inhabitants, is located in a high inter-montane basin measuring only 50 kilometres across, and was founded as Tenochtitlan under the militarist rule of the Aztecs. As well as experiencing cactus-covered plains and sleepy adobe villages dominated by white-painted churches, a Hollywood-inspired stereotype of Mexico a hundred years ago, we shall visit modern skyscraper cities, well preserved Zapotec sites inspiring awe for Mexico’s rich cultural history, tranquil oak and pine forests and fabulous mountains.
Mexico, both culturally and ornithologically, is a land of stark contrasts. A transitional zone between the temperate North American continent and the lush rainforests of Central America, Mexico’s position, physiography and contrasting habitats have produced an endemic-rich avifauna which, remarkably, is third only to Brazil and Peru amongst New World countries. Amazingly, no fewer than 213 species of birds are restricted to Mexico and northern Central America! Mexico is also the wintering ground of a splendid selection of colourful migrants from North America and the mixed warbler flocks are a real feature of its woods. This tour is designed to thoroughly explore the central and southwestern parts of the country, the richest region for birds in all Mexico, and our itinerary is the most comprehensive available for this endemic-rich part of the country. Accommodations, food and roads are mainly of a good standard, making travelling and birding in Mexico a pleasure.
Our journey starts in the cool forests on the volcanic slopes just to the south of Mexico City. Here we shall search for the rare Sierra Madre Sparrow at its only known remaining locality. Striped Sparrow and Black-polled and Hooded Yellowthroats are amongst the other endemics possible here.
In the state of Veracruz we will search limestone outcrops for the restricted-range Sumichrast’s Wren, whilst the pine-oak forests of the Sierra de Juarez should yield a rich crop of specialities, including Unicoloured Jay, Slate-coloured Solitaire and White-naped Brush-Finch.
Continuing south we shall explore the deserts and woods around the attractive city of Oaxaca. This is the richest area in the country for endemic birds, home to Beautiful Hummingbird, Dwarf Jay, Ocellated Thrasher, Collared Towhee and Bridled and Oaxaca Sparrows amongst others.
We next descend to the Pacific lowlands where semi-deciduous woodland holds three extremely localized endemics: Blue-capped and Cinnamon-sided Hummingbirds, and the stunning little White-throated Jay. The offshore waters at Puerto Angel often produce Black Storm-Petrel and Townsend’s Shearwater, together with an excellent selection of other pelagic species.
The arid scrub of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and coastal Chiapas is home to Orange-breasted and Rosita’s Buntings, two of the most stunning of Mexico’s many endemic birds, and the amazing Giant Wren is likewise found nowhere else. Breathtaking scenery at the El Sumidero Canyon near Tuxtla Gutierrez is augmented by the delightful Red-breasted Chat and the rare Belted Flycatcher, while not far away the striking but almost unknown endemic Nava’s Wren inhabits limestone karst outcrops. The sprightly, near-endemic Pink-headed Warbler is just one of our target species in the cool mountain forests surrounding the lovely town of San Cristobal de las Casas, where we will also keep our eyes open for gems like Blue-throated Motmot and Black-throated Jay.
Birdquest has operated tours to southern Mexico since 1987.
Tour Price: (provisional): £4430, €5227, $7310 London/London (or £3780, €4460, $6237 Mexico City/Mexico City). Price includes all transportation (including all flights), all accommodations, all meals, bottled water, some drinks, all excursions, all entrance fees, all tips for local drivers/guides and for accommodations/restaurants, leader services.
Single Room Supplement: (provisional): £589, €695, $972.
Deposit: £450, €531, $743. If booking more than 12 months before departure, the initial deposit is only £150, €177, $248.
The charismatic Lesser Roadrunner is always a crowd-pleaser! (Pete Morris)
4 photos
View Gallery Photos From SOUTHERN MEXICO
During the tour we will seek out a large number of endemics and specialities such as Abeille's Oriole (Pete Morris)
... Aztec Thrush (Pete Morris)
... the amazing Orange-breasted Bunting (Pete Morris)
... the stunning Russet-crowned Motmot (Pete Morris)
... the superb Chestnut-sided Shrike-Vireo (Pete Morris)
... the endemic Pine Flycatcher (Pete Morris)
... and the splendid White-eared Hummingbird (Pete Morris)
The air holidays shown are ATOL Protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 2937.
ATOL protection covers those booking a tour with us that includes a flight from London or elsewhere in the United Kingdom, regardless of where in the world you live.
Birdquest Ltd is Registered in England, Company No. 01568270. The address of our registered office is Two Jays, Kemple End, Stonyhurst, Clitheroe BB7 9QY
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