Discover why Panama is one of the most exciting birding destinations in the Americas.
At first light, the forest stirs. A motmot flicks its tail in the shadows. Hummingbirds dart above flowering heliconia. The call of a trogon echoes through the cool morning air.
Across Panama’s highlands, mangroves, and lowland rainforests, more than a thousand bird species thrive in a range of rich, overlapping habitats.
For birders, the country offers an incredible variety within easy reach. Expert guides and well-planned routes help reveal each region’s unique birdlife—often within a single morning.
Highlands: Cloud Forest Birds
In the western highlands near Boquete, the Quetzal Trail winds through cool, misty forests. Here, you may spot highland specialists like the resplendent quetzal, black-faced solitaire, and emerald toucanet.
Nearby, Mount Totumas Cloud Forest Reserve offers guided excursions through one of Panama’s least disturbed mountain ecosystems. Observation points and skilled local guides increase your chances of spotting high-altitude hummingbirds and near-endemic species.
Download Birdwatching Around Boquete Portfolio
Darién: Rare Lowland Birds
Darién Province remains a top destination for experienced birders. Rare species like the beautiful treerunner and black-crowned antpitta are best found here.
From Canopy Camp Darién, guests can search for the Harpy Eagle—Panama’s national bird—along with puffbirds, manakins, and other forest species. Each day is planned to focus on both key targets and unexpected sightings, guided by local experts.
Soberanía National Park and the Canopy Tower
Just outside Panama City, Soberanía National Park has recorded more than 500 species. The famous Pipeline Road is considered one of the top birding spots in the Americas.
At the Canopy Tower, guests stay among the treetops. It’s possible to spot blue cotingas, keel-billed toucans, and slaty-tailed trogons without even leaving the lodge. Nearby forest and river walks offer chances to see antbirds, tanagers, and mixed flocks.
Download Gamboa Wildlife Expedition Portfolio
Bocas del Toro: Birds of the Coast and Island
The Bocas del Toro archipelago adds coastal and island habitats to your birding itinerary. Mangrove channels are perfect to see mangrove cuckoos, while offshore islets attract red-billed tropicbirds and brown boobies. The nearby lowland forest is also home to Caribbean subspecies that are harder to find in other parts of Panama.
Download Starfish Beach, Boca del Drago & Bird Island Portfolio
Conservation in Action
Panama’s role as a major migratory corridor has led to important conservation efforts.
- Audubon Panama works with local groups to protect key stopover sites for shorebirds.
- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute runs long-term bird studies from its Bocas del Toro station.
- Partners in Flight connects Panama to continent-wide bird conservation strategies.
By choosing sustainable lodges and local guides involved in these efforts, your visit helps protect the very habitats you explore.
Planning That Makes the Difference
Successful birding in Panama depends on good planning. It means knowing when birds are most active, where flocks tend to gather, and how seasons affect visibility.
Panama Trails designs each trip around these patterns, focusing on time in the field, skilled guiding, and comfort. Locations are chosen for both bird diversity and a great guest experience.
