Photo Gallery

The ornithological fauna of Central America comprises twenty-two orders and eighty-six families. It is undoubtedly one of the richest in the world and has long been the prestige of the republics of the sub-continent. A multitude of birds appear among the designs that adorn pottery and codices from pre-Columbian times. Unfortunately, we know almost nothing about the exact significance of these animals in the religious life of the ancient inhabitants of the region. The same is true of the jabira, which is the largest stork in the world, a splendid bird represented in this document. - 1977

One of the best represented birds in the ornithological fauna of the Central American republics is a member of the large parrot family, known in the region as the Macaw. These magnificent animals have always attracted human attention. They owe this prestige to the extreme beauty and variety of colours of their plumage. In pre-Columbian times, the Indians used these feathers to make real mosaics. Each feather was carefully attached to a cotton fabric and formed part of complex compositions. Feathers were also used to make ornamental objects such as necklaces and often large headdresses that were worn by priests and members of the nobility during religious ceremonies celebrated with great pomp by all members of the community. - 1977

Dusk in Panama City. The birds, whose name is Chanjame, take up their night quarters on the wires. The picture was taken at 5:45 pm. - 1977

This engraving of a bird is located near Estelí, a town in the north of Nicaragua. It is located 148 km north of Managua on the Panamericana in the central highlands at an altitude of about 840 m and surrounded by mountains up to 1600 m. In pre-Columbian times, the area was settled by the Chorotegas, who called the area Estelí (i.e. blood river). - 1977