Birding in Panama Tours
Antbird Tours offers educational birding trips throughout Panama. The immersive nature of our tours ensures that clients will get far more than a cursory understanding of the tropics. While focusing primarily on birds, lessons on biodiversity, evolution, natural history, and tropical habitat conservation will serve to give clients a well-rounded education in tropical ecology.
Antbird Tours was founded by a professional ornithologist with a passion for the country of Panama. After completing a PhD in ornithology and spending years travelling and working throughout the tropics, the avian diversity of Panama stood out as unparalleled. The cultural history, the current state of conservation and beautiful people of the country only serve to strengthen it as a prime destination for study in tropical nature.
Antbird Tours offers birding in Panama tours into multiple regions of the country and a “grand tour” that offers a chance to see a cross-section of the entire country. At each location, clients stay at comfortable lodges and enjoy an all-inclusive experience as they are led through national park systems and private reserves by the owner and operator of the company. For every bird encountered, a full life history will be provided that includes their behaviour, plumage characteristics and co-evolution alongside the other birds, plants and animals within the ecosystem. At the end of the excursion, clients will not only have a significant species list but will also possess a working knowledge of ecology and evolution of birds in the tropics.
Antbird Tours is also happy to offer custom tours within Panama. Simply contact us with your desired length of stay and interests and we will provide you with an all-inclusive custom itinerary.
Antbird Tours firmly believes in the “power of one” and our trips are designed to provide you with an amazing experience within Panama, an impressive species list and an extensive understanding of how you can contribute to the conservation of tropical birds and habitats once you return home. Let Antbird Tours show you what is so magical about Panama.
Rufous-vented Ground-Cuckoo
Known as the “ghost bird” by many, the Rufous-vented Ground Cuckoo is one of the rarest species in the entire Country of Panama and many birders travel to the country with hopes of seeing one. Only found at army ant swarms, the Central Lowlands Tour offers the best chance at seeing this phantom species.
Harpy Eagle
The national symbol of Panama, the Harpy Eagle is a magnificent bird and rare throughout most of the country. A trip to the Eastern Lowlands increases your chances of seeing one of these massive birds of prey.
Crested Eagle
Even rarer than the Harpy, the Crested Eagle is a bird of the Eastern Lowlands and has never been common in the country. Sharing similar habits with the Harpy, this large bird of prey has an extremely large home range over which it travels.
Pheasant Cuckoo
Rare in the Central Lowlands, the Pheasant Cuckoo is often heard during dawn chorus but is always very difficult to see. Knowing where their territories are increased your chances of getting a good look at this species.
Resplendent Quetzal
Considered by many to be the most beautiful bird on earth, the Resplendent Quetzal breeds in the Western Highlands of the country. A trip to the mountainous coffee producing region of the country during the right moths almost guarantees a look at this gorgeous bird.
Blue Cotinga
The Blue Cotinga is a target bird for many visiting the Central Lowlands of Panama. Only viewed regularly from a canopy tower, this vibrant blue bird stands out against the verdant canopy of the rainforest.
Three-wattled Bellbird
Also known as the “anvil bird” the Three-wattled Bellbird produces a very high pitch vocalization that can be heard easily throughout the rainforests of the Western Highlands but is difficult to isolate. This makes finding the bird difficult. Travelling with a professional guide will ensure that, should you hear one, your chances of seeing the bird are maximized
Orange-bellied Trogon
A speciality of the highlands, this bird is often found during a day trip to an extinct volcano during the Central Lowlands Tour. A striking bird, the best way to find this species is by listening for its plaintive call along the forest edge.
Barred Puffbird
The Barred Puffbird is a husky member of the family Bucconidae, a truly neotropical group of birds. It is an impressive bird to see with an equally impressive vocalization and is viewed regularly during the Eastern Lowlands Tour.
Boat-billed Heron
This nocturnal heron is known for its secretive habits and massive bill. The bird is frequently found during the Central Lowlands Tour and is a crowd favourite.
All lodging and transportation in the country of Panama are provided by individuals that are conservation minded. The goal of Antbird Tours is to ensure that money makes its way into the hands of locals that will equate the conservation of natural resources with monetary gain. With this mindset, grassroots conservation efforts can take hold and make a difference from within the country.
Antbird Tours the best!
Central Lowlands Birding Tour in Panama
We had never been birding outside the U.S. before but after hearing Dr. Clarkson speak so enthusiastically about birding in Panama I really wanted to go. We were nervous about the whole idea but Dr. Clarkson made all the arrangements so we had nothing to worry about. Charles is an amazing guide with a phenomenal knowledge of the birds, wildlife and culture of Panama. The group size was small allowing for individual attention and Dr. Clarkson was able to make sure we all saw every bird he found. We had a great, fun trip and in fact are going again. We highly recommend Antbird Tours
What a Brain for Birds
Central Lowlands Birding Tour in Panama
Charles knows more about birds than anyone I have ever met. Our trip to Panama was amazing. We went in April and it was hot, fortunately we were out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. The bird's were plentiful, but Charles could identify the birds by their calls, many of which we did not see. The accommodations were nice. We had AC and good home cooked meals. The company was delightful.
Highly Recommended!
Central Lowlands Birding Tour in Panama
I have traveled to Panama with Antbird Tours three times for the Central Lowlands tour. Yes, it is that good! Dr. Charles Clarkson is an amazing tour guide and a fantastic ornithologist. He expertly manages every detail while traveling and the group size is always small, allowing each client to receive a lot of personal attention. I cannot even begin to describe the amount of birding you can accomplish with Charles as your guide. He has a wealth of knowledge and shares it in a way that keeps things fun and highly informative. While on a trip with Antbird Tours, Charles will literally bird 14 hours a day for those that want to see it all, yet he has always has plenty of "outs" lined up for those that prefer to bird part of the day and relax the other part of the day. The energy, vibe, and quality of this tour keeps me coming back again and again. Two thumbs up!
Central Lowlands tour - highly recommended!
Central Lowlands Birding Tour in Panama
My partner and I went on the Central Lowlands tour, and it exceeded all of our expectations. Within only a couple of hours of arriving in Gamboa, we began to take the amazing variety of birds for granted, and this is all due to the fact that Dr. Charles Clarkson is not simply taking you birdwatching - he is immersing you in the rhythm of the ecosystem of central Panama. For beginning birders, he is incredibly helpful: finding and pointing out birds quickly and clearly, identifying them by ear and by eye. He is able to explain their behaviors, their habitats, and their interaction with the whole world of flora and fauna. The tour was completely suitable for all kinds of people - those who want to be active, and those who are happier taking things at a slower pace. The lodging in Gamboa was a perfect, comfortable homebase for all the excursions, and the hosts (Ivan and Gladys) are so warm and welcoming. Every piece of the tour was carefully planned out, and that means that participants just get to revel in the beauty of Panama and its wildlife.
Book Antbirds for Your Neotropical Birding Trip
Central Lowlands Birding Tour in Panama
Antbird Tours has developed several amazing "standard" trips in Panama(https://www.antbirdtours.com/). From my experience, Antbird will customize yours to fit your interests. Chief Guide and founder Charles Clarkson, with his extensive expertise in all things Neotropical, is a fantastic leader and birder, freely sharing his wealth knowledge about birds and their ecology. He has the unique gift of paying attention to the needs of everyone in the group, and makes individual adjustments on the fly if needed. I participated in the Antbird Tour's inaugural trip to the Central Lowlands of Panama (Pipeline Road and environs), and that experience convinced me to join the Panama Western Highlands tour in 2019. The "Energizer Bunny of Birding" gives you a wonderful trip experience, whether you are a die-hard global "lister" like me, or are more casual in your birding interests. Want a company who will give your personalized attention, a lot of fun, and almost guaranteed success at finding the birds you want to see? Then book with Antbird Tours. I did, and will continue to do so.
Panama!
Eastern Lowlands Birding Tour in Panama
We may never have visited the beautiful country of Panama if we had not come across Ornithologist Charles Clarkson and his company, Antbird Tours. But, having been exposed to his enthusiasm and depth of knowledge about all birds, we were compelled to accompany him to his favorite place on Earth to watch them. And we are so glad we did. The trip to Gamboa was a perfect introduction to Panama and to the thousand bird species that live there either year round or seasonally. The emphasis on using local business people to support the trip helped us to get a taste of the real Panama and Charles' ability to speak Spanish helped us to navigate the language barrier. Hiking through the rain forest with Charles goes way beyond "birding." He locates birds by ear then spots them, no matter how small or high up in a tree, and makes sure all members of the group get to lay eyes on them. Identifying the bird is only the beginning: he is a scientist, not a hobbyist, so he has observed the birds' behavior and studied their life histories. But he's a normal, fun human being so he talks about birds in everyday language and with a passion that is contagious. We highly recommend Antbird Tours.
Exceptional Experience with Antbird Tours
Eastern Lowlands Birding Tour in Panama
My highest recommendation is offered to birders interested in experiencing the species-rich birds of Panama with Antbird Tours. Having birded in 20 countries with a variety of guides over 37 years, I can unequivocally endorse Dr. Charles Clarkson as the best guide ever. His knowledge of Ornithology and Ecology is matched by his familiarity with Panama, and bilingual skills with people ranging from novices to advanced birders. In just 4 days of birding, we saw 233 species and had a great time. ​
What a way to start one's Central America birding!
Western Highlands Birding Tour in Panama
What a way to kick off one' s Central America birding expeditions! We birded the Gamboa on arrival day (great direct flights from US), discovered an "ant swarm" along The Pipeline in Gamboa on day 2, by day 5 we were cruising down the Chucuque River in The Darien to where Embara Indian guides led us to observe Crested Eagle and Harpy Eagle nests! All rooms had showers and a/c, Charles Clarkson has developed a great network of places to stay, even at the end of the world in Avizas in The Darien (look it up on Google). Totally safe, American dollars the currency. I'll be back with Antbird Tours, count on it.
Fabulous tours!
Western Highlands Birding Tour in Panama
I enthusiastically recommend Antbird Tours birding trips to Panama in the highest possible terms. I went with Dr. Charles Clarkson on his last birding tour to Panama (in October 2016) and it was the trip of a lifetime. I was so thrilled by the experience that I am taking another trip back to Panama with Dr. Clarkson in March/April 2017. Dr. Clarkson has a deep knowledge of Panamanian birds and boundless enthusiasm for the country and its wildlife. He bent over backwards to make the trip enjoyable and successful for everyone in our small group, which ranged from highly experienced and intrepid birders, who could go all day, to less experienced and less energetic folk like me, who needed a mid-day break.
Antbird Tours is awesome
Western Highlands Birding Tour in Panama
I have been to Panama twice with Antbird Tours, and am going back a third time in a few months. Dr. Clarkson is a remarkable tour leader -- he knows every bird in Panama by sight and sound, he educates about the ecology and the culture, he sees to every detail of logistics so that the participants are comfortable, safe, and happy, and beyond that he is simply a great guy and a good companion on the adventure. I know a dozen or more folks who, having gone on one of these tours, has gone back for a second, or third, or even a fourth; I can't think of a better recommendation than that. If you are interested in birding in Panama, Antbird Tours must be your first choice!
Antbird Tours A Must
Western Highlands Birding Tour in Panama
I have travelled with Antbird Tours three times and have enjoyed and learned from each experience. Dr. Clarkson is extremely knowledgeable about Panama's flora and fauna and experiencing an ant swarm is a memory for life. He is very accommodating and considerate of his traveling guests. I would recommend his tours highly and plan to go on his Western Highlands Trip soon.
Birds and Photography
Grand Panama Birding Tour
I am interested in birds and photographing them. The Antbird tour was perfect for me. You can do over 12 hours of birding if you wish. I usually took the early afternoon off so I could nap and get ready for more in the later afternoon. I got over 100 keeper shots in the 5 days so I couldn't be happier. Accomodations are not luxurious but were clean, comfortable, awesome shower, and air conditioned. Charles was always ready (actually eager) to put me on a bird. I hope to go again next year. I especially like that Charles is able to tell you a lot about the bird's habitat, food, etc., etc.
Antbird Tours
Grand Panama Birding Tour
"My wife and I are fairly new to birding. A birding class by Dr. Charles Clarkson continued to spur our enthusiasm for the activity. Taking a trip with him to Panama with his Antbird tours was unbelievably enjoyable for us. He has the ability to make the trip fun for beginners as well as experts at the same time. Not only does he point out the birds but explains their behavior as well as their habitat, not just ticking off a list. Also, he takes care of all the details of the trip which makes it unbelievably relaxing. When we had some an unexpected difficulties with transit he had alternate plans in place before we left the airplane to make our next connection. My wife and I would on unreservedly recommend trip with him and in fact will be going again." - Dr.M.Robert Sandfort M.D. & Dr. Katrine Hansen M.D.
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