Jhonathan Miranda

Based in Caracas, Venezuela, Jhonathan Miranda is a biologist from the Central University of Venezuela (UCV), specialising in ecology with a deep focus on birds. His interest in the natural world was sparked at a young age, initially drawn to dinosaurs, botany, and mammalogy. However, during his university years, he discovered that birds were the most ideal and fascinating subjects for study, marking the beginning of his ornithological passion. His solid academic foundation is reflected in his numerous scientific publications across areas like bird biogeography, evolution, phylogenetics, taxonomy, natural history, conservation, distribution, and ecology.

Since 2007, Jhonathan has gained recognition and experience as a guide, leading over 150 tours and more than 100 scientific expeditions. His extensive knowledge spans all of Venezuela, guiding groups for international and national companies, his own initiatives, and institutions from the USA. His initial guiding experiences focused on the coastal mountain range, his home region. This expanded through his research work into areas like the Andes and southern Venezuela, eventually covering the entire country.

Professionally, Jhonathan has collaborated with prestigious researchers and institutions such as Cornell, Smithsonian, UCV, Provita, and the Phelps Collection, serving in key roles as a researcher, ornithologist, field technician, and coordinator. His commitment to ornithology is evident in his active participation within the scientific community: he is the coordinator of the Venezuelan Bird Records Committee of the Venezuelan Ornithological Union, coordinator and reviewer for eBird across all of Venezuela, and a member of the South American Classification Committee (SACC) and the board of directors of the Venezuelan Ornithological Union. He was also responsible for writing and designing the species packs for the Merlin app in Venezuela and is a regular contributor to Birds of the World.

A notable highlight in his career includes the rediscovery of three bird species previously thought lost: Grallaria chthonia, Campylopterus duidae, and Diglossa duidae. Furthermore, he has significantly contributed to the knowledge of Venezuela’s avifauna by adding over eight new country records, including: Myiornis senilis, Ramphocelus nigrogularis, Ochthoeca frontalis, Buthraupis wetmorei, Limnodromus scolopaceus, Charadrius melodus, Monasa nigrifrons, and Stilpnia vitriolina. He is also a co-author of the official bird lists by state and for Venezuela as a whole, a work conducted through the Bird Records Committee. Currently, he is working on the description of new species to science, a testament to his ongoing contribution to ornithological discovery.

Jhonathan possesses vast experience in ornithology, birding, and has really good ears for the birds, excelling in diverse habitats and regions such as mountains, forests, and plains. He has travelled extensively throughout Venezuela and explored ten other American countries, solidifying a deep understanding of Neotropical avifauna. His interest in birds is comprehensive, covering behaviour, taxonomy, photography, sound recording, migration, systematics, evolution, phylogenetics, and conservation.

Outside of his tours, Jhonathan enjoys exploring new routes, dedicating his time to bird photography (at which he is highly skilled),  and staying active with birding, nature walks,and  running. He also has a passion for motorcycle travel, an ideal way to explore and connect with nature.