Guardabarranco (Turquoise-browed Motmot): the national bird

The avifauna of Nicaragua includes a total of 699 species, of which1 is endemic, 2 have been introduced by humans, and 14 are rare or accidental. 8 species are globally threatened.

• Guardabarranco which is Nicaragua's National bird.
• Chocoyos which are green parrots, mainly found in the Masaya volcano area.
• Toucans
• Macaws

Felines

Felines in Nicaragua include the jaguar, which is the largest feline found in the country. Other big cat species include:

• Cougars
• Jaguarondis
• Margays 
• Ocelot

Unusual animals

There are a number of unusual animals found in Nicaragua, some include:

• The three-toed sloth may not seem to move much at all if you spot them since it takes them six hours to travel just one mile.
• The Tamandua anteater is roughly four feet long and has massive claws.
• The Armadillo which is a shelled creature that lives off insects.

Endangered species

A White-faced Capuchin Monkey

There are many endangered animal species in Nicaragua.

• White-faced Capuchin Monkeys
• Black-handed Spider Monkeys
• Sea Turtles
• Jaguarondis

Ometepe harbors large populations of the endangered white-faced capuchin monkey. Efforts have been put in to protect these animals. Nicaragua has banned fishing of the Nicaragua shark and sawfish because of population declines., and the Wildlife Conservation Society and FFI has been involved in conservating the sea turtles.