Cayala ecological park is part of Guatemala City’s metropolitan green belt. Green belts are sometimes referred to as the “lungs” of a city – a sizeable population of trees in an urban area has a demonstrably beneficial effect on air quality.

Many of the species of birds found at Cayala are endemic, meaning that they are not often seen in other parts of the world. More than 80 species of birds call this park home, covering a wide swath of the avian spectrum. Besides endemic species, there are also resident and migratory flocks of birds that have made Cayala their stomping grounds in Guatemala City. These different populations allow for a vibrant and fluctuating variety of birds.

Some birds you might see include hummingbirds, pygmy owls, blue-and-white mockingbirds, and black-capped swallows. Birders especially look forward to spotting the bushy-crested jay, a bird with a black head and a dark blue body. But birds aren't the only winged species visitors come to admire. This park is also known for its butterflies, adding even more color to the already vibrant grounds.