All Mexico’s archaeological sites are also national parks and as such are a haven for birds and animals. Visitors strolling along the paths at Chichén Itzá may be lucky enough to spot some of the Yucatán’s wildlife. Frequently seen are leafcutter ants, iguanas, armadillo, opossums and coatimundi, also known as tejon or pisote.
Home to species such as parrots, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, flycatchers, doves, golden-fronted orioles, Yucatán jays and swallows, among others, the forest springs to life at dawn with the sound of birdsong.
One feathered resident is easy to spot, whether you’re a birder or not: the Yucatan’s very own bird of paradise, the motmot or pajaro reloj (Eumomota Superciliosa, t’ho in Maya) is commonly seen at Chichén Itzá where it nests in the limestone walls of the cenotes. You’ll recognize the motmot by its soft call, hallmark turquoise color, and two-pronged tail, a section of which is stripped of feathers.