Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary


			Crooked Tree ~ Belize

Home to the Jabiru Stork, largest bird in the Western Hemisphere

Crooked Tree is a small village located about 30 minutes north of the Belize International Airport and lies within a wildlife sanctuary consisting of tropical forest and a vast wetland of lagoons and interconnecting waterways. Crooked Tree Lagoon Water-birds are the main attraction for visitors.

Bird-watchers, don your binoculars
and telephoto lens and get ready to witness
an orgy of ornithological bliss. Herons, ducks, kites, egrets, ospreys, kingfishers and hawks are just a smattering of the 275 bird species seen here, including the Jabaru stork, with a wingspan of up to 10-12 feet, making it the
largest flying bird in the New World.

Literally thousands of birds congregate within the sanctuary during the dry season, taking advantage of shallow water and easy food resources.

The best time to see them is between February and May. Most migratory birds arrive in November, and leave before the rainy season starts in July. Black Howler Monkeys, Morelet’s Crocodiles, Green Iguanas and freshwater turtles can also be found within
the sanctuary.

Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

The Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1984 for the protection of resident and migrant birds. The sanctuary consists of a network of over 12,800 acres of inland lagoons, marshes and waterways and provides a good resting area for thousands of migrating birds. The wetland is approximately a mile wide and more than 20 miles long. The reserve features a number of trails.

A pleasant way to explore the sanctuary is by boat. Many water birds congregate along the lakeshore and the banks are lined with interesting plants. Some of the birds you can expect to find here include the Black-Collared Hawk, Black-bellied Whistling-Duck several species of herons and egrets, limpkins, the elusive Sungrebe, and the even more elusive Agami Herons; Northern Jacanas, Least Grebes, Pygmy Kingfishers, Rufus-tailed Jacamars, and several species of parrots and the unique Snail Kite can all be found here and are frequently photographed up close.

"The Birdwalk" is about three quarters of a mile in length. The elevated walkway passes through wetlands and gives viewers on foot an opportunity to see the indigenous plant and wildlife.

Crooked Tree Village

The Village lies within the Sanctuary while a three and a half mile causeway connects Crooked Tree Village with the Northern Highway. This sleepy Creole village of narrow sandy lanes, lined with cashew trees, is home to 900 residents.

While Bird watching is by far the most popular activity, the village is also famous for its cashews. Cashew trees grow in abundance, yielding cashew nuts, cashew wine, and stewed cashew fruit. The village celebrates with an annual Cashew Festival in May. There is food, music, lots of dancing and celebration, and of course, lots of cashew.

No matter what time of year a trip to Crooked Tree yields a pleasant experience with friendly people and natural beauty.

Chau Hiix

Archaeological/wildlife/birding site. From Crooked Tree Village, 3-4 hours by canoe each way, or rent a motorboat: During the dry season on-site archeologist can give you a tour. Can be reached by vehicle from mid-April until late May.

Getting to Crooked Tree

From Belize City, travel on the New Northern Highway for approximately 37 miles (Look for signs). Turn left and travel on a well maintained dirt road for several miles until you see the Information center located on your left, just before the causeway, which leads into Crooked Tree Village.

From Corozal - Overnight in the northern border town of Corozal or fly or water-taxi to Corozal from Ambergris Caye in the morning as part of one of our Overnight Packages, which includes Crooked Tree as well as other popular Belize North destinations including Altun Ha, Lamanai and the Baboon Sancturary.

For Birders - Visit Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary as part of a Birding Package.