subject: The Amazon Is A Birdwatchers Heaven [print this page] The Amazon rainforest is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Its tropical jungles, pristine rivers, and exotic flora and fauna attract thousands of visitors every year. Amazon rainforest tours offer interesting activities such as trekking, fishing, and canoeing, among others. Bird watching is also a hugely popular activity in the Amazon rainforest.
Birdwatchers come to see the Amazons unique and endangered bird species. There are literally tens of thousands of animal species in the Amazon; birds account for 1500 of these species and which is also about one third of all bird species on earth. Visitors on Amazon rainforest tours will therefore get to see some of the worlds rarest bird species many of which are exclusively found in the Amazon or in very few other places.
The Amazon rainforest makes for the perfect habitat for diverse bird species because of its unique ecosystem. A lot of rain pours in the forest thus giving rise to numerous lakes, rivers and swamps. Birds make their homes in the trees and other vegetation all which grow abundantly because of the good supply of water. These birds feed on insects, small animals, fruits, nuts and seeds. While many birdwatchers are only interested in seeing rare or endangered species for the satisfaction this will give them, many others come to see how the birds live, feed, reproduce, migrate, and so on. We also have people who come to study the Amazonian ecosystem either as students or biologists interested in the regions flora and fauna.
Some very interesting bird species can be seen while on Amazon rainforest tours. Many of the birds you will find in the rainforest have very strange behaviors and appearances. The Amazon is best known for parrots and macaws both of which have colorful plumages and sharp beaks. There are numerous species of macaws in this rainforest. There are also birds such as herons and egrets which live close to water bodies and prey on fish, frogs and other small animals that live in the shallow waters. Other birds live in the trees and thickets that make up the forest and here you will encounter hundreds of species ranging from tiny hummingbirds to raptors and owls.
The Amazon is the richest ecosystem as far as birds are concerned and so its a must visit for anyone who loves bird watching. Amazon rainforest tours are best undertaken between June and October when the water levels in the main rivers are a bit low thus allowing for easier navigation through the jungle.
