Héctor Gómez de Silva

Héctor Gómez de Silva was born in Mexico in 1969, but spent his early years in New York City and Kenya. He began birding in New York at eight years of age, and published his first article about birds at the age of fifteen while living in Kenya. He worked as a research assistant in Papua New Guinea for several months in 1992, where he was able to see 27 species of birds of paradise. Since his return to his native country in 1985, Héctor has acquired one of the highest Mexico bird lists at 960 species.

Héctor has published more than 30 articles on Mexican bird distribution, natural history, taxonomy and conservation. He is adept at identifying birds by their vocalizations. His work on bird songs has led to raising the Nava’s Wren to species status. In 1994, he was involved in the rediscovery of the endangered Bearded Wood-Partridge in central Veracruz. Héctor completed his Doctorate degree in Ornithology from the National University of Mexico, specializing in bird community ecology. He is fluent in English and Spanish and has a working knowledge of French and Tok Pisin. Héctor has led birding tours for more than 18 years, mostly in Mexico and Central America but also Papua New Guinea, Peru, Brazil, New Caledonia, Kenya and Uganda. He very much enjoys sharing birds with people who appreciate them. 

Testimonials:

"Hector knows all the birds thoroughly, is excellent at pointing out each of their unique fieldmarks, telling you what to look at, and is excellent at birding by ear." - 2017 Central Mexico tour participant

"Hector's knowledge of the habitat's and calls is exceptional. He is a quiet, humble guy - did a great job." - 2017 Central Mexico tour participant

"Hector is an exceptional guide. There was no break for him. This is our 3rd tour with him." - 2016 Southern Mexico participant

With over 40 professional bird tours under my belt, I have not met a guide any better. Birding knowledge was excellent as expected, but patience and perseverance was exemplary.  Attentiveness to all other needs, other than birding was really good."  - 2016 Southern Mexico participant

"Hector was very relaxed guiding in his home country.  There is no doubt of his excellent knowledge of birds, especially the endemics." - Central Mexico participant 2015

"Hector is very personable and I enjoyed being with him." anon 2014

"Excellent+." T.R. 2014

"Excellent. Hector was very knowledgeable and had a wide xperience in all the locations we visited." anon 2014

"Excellent. Hector is very experienced and very calm and steady. Excellent English." L.G. 2014

"Excellent. Hector (and Kyle) really did a fine job of locating the birds and did their best for everyone to see very bird possible." E.D. 2014

"Excellent. Really appreciate Hector (and Kyle)'s commitment, knowledge and dedication to service. Hector is a superb birder and very gifted at spotting and identifying." H.S. & C.S. 2014

"Excellent. Hector is a fantastic and knowledgeable birder." J.W. & H.B. 2014

"Excellent. These men are wonderful! (With Colin Jones)" C. & B.C. 2014

"Beyond excellent. Hector (and Colin Jones) were terrific guides. It made all the difference that we could leave the less mobile members with a competent guide while we stomped off into the jungle." D.G. 2014

"Excellent. Both guides (with Colin Jones) were very knowledgeable about the birds of the area and both were very accommodating and understanding of the needs of the tour participants. They also worked well with our local guide." M.M. 2014

"Hector took very good care of us at all times. He was very patient, kind, attentive, and caring. He was also very knowledgeable not only about birds but about all things in nature." A.P. 2013

"Excellent guide. Enjoyed my second trip with him." anon 2013

"Hector is excellent. He has a great memory and remembers who saw a bird and who missed it and makes sure the person who missed it gets it next time the bird is seen. He has a talent for describing precisely where the bird is and for getting us on the bird. He stresses the field marks on a bird that characterize that bird and makes ID certain. His knowledge of birds, taxonomy, vocalizations, subspecies, etc, is broadening part of the trip and we appreciate that he is an ornithologist." D.C. & A.C. 2012

“Hector is a really great birder. And he’s really great at directing your eyes to the “bird in the tree” – that’s not a skill to be taken for granted.” Anon 2012

“I felt privileged to spend 8 dayas with these two (with driver Rafael) educated, knowledgeable gentlemen – Hector is an expert guide.” Anon 2012

“Hector was very good at identifying birds, getting them to come close and to make sure I saw them.” Anon 2012

“Hector, as always, is knowledgeable, courteous, infinitely patient, and attempts to ensure that everyone sees the bird.” D.A.&C.P. 2011

“Both guides (with Robert) were extremely knowledgeable and well-prepared. I appreciated the opportunity to do some more physically challenging activities though members of the group weren’t interested in them. Hector was very patient and attentive to the needs of everyone.” M.M. 2011

“Both guides (with Robert) are brilliant spotters and can identify by sound as well. They made sure all got to see every bird.” L.G. 2011

“Very knowledgeable and enthusiastic birding guide. Tried to ensure that everyone saw the birds. Very personable.” P.T. 2011

“Hector was good in very way: Kind, knowledgeable, patient.” D.F. 2011

“Both Robert and Hector were excellent in spotting and identifying birds, and getting them in the scope. Hector was wonderful and I would go on another tour with him. Robert is an expert birder but not as good at going with the age of his clients.” P.F. 2011

“Two superb birders (Paul & Hector). Hector probably the most impressive field birder I’ve met in 37 years of birding. His song recognition skills are unbelieveable. They both did a great job of helping people see the birds they wanted to see – and in making people understand how the birds could be identified again in future. Very patient and very attentive to people who were having health issues. They really understood and paid attention to all aspects of their roles. A pleasure to meet and spend time with both of them.” M.S. 2010

“Hector in particular was excellent, but then he lives in Mexico.” Anon 2010

“Great guides! Hector excelled at finding and identifying the birds. Paul was our shepherd of the flock and did a great job of caring for us. It was a great combo!” anon 2010

“Hector was amazing at birds and did his best to make sure we all saw each one. When he found out we were interested in plants, too, he tried to add information where he could. When we were fascinated by local cultures, we could take time to observe. The animals we saw were always pointed out and we had time to watch them.” R.&C.H. 2009