Hawks, falcons, eagles, owls and other birds of prey are plentiful, as are the Passeriformes, represented by dozens of species of flycatchers, woodpeckers and other insectivores. Jungle birds can be elusive for the amateur birder, but shore birds move about in plain sight and are readily identified. Along with such common residents as gulls, frigate birds and pelicans, many more species make their homes along the shores and marshes of Mundo Maya. This is true of the Hummingbird, Cardinal and dozens of Pigeon and Dove species. Species commonly referred to as plovers, sandpipers and turnstones also live on the beach.
Turnstones do exactly that, turn over rocks and shells in search of a meal.
The estuaries and marshes along the Gulf, Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Mundo Maya constitute its wetlands habitat, home to some of the largest birds in the world. Unique and unmistakable with stark white plumage, it has a narrow, down-curving black beak and a red band around its neck. The remaining Jabiru populations keeps to the grassy, coastal savannas of Mundo Maya. Jabiru nests are usually found in trees standing alone, making them eminently visible. The Jabiru frightens easily and could be scared off its nest, leaving the young to die.