Despite being a small island of Mexico located in the Caribbean Sea, Cozumel is widely known as an amazing tourist spot. The island holds a wide variety of birds along with other animals, both endemic inhabitants and migratory avian visitors, a number of which are decreasing. Every year, countless birdwatchers come to explore the island and see interesting and beautiful birds.
One of many rarest endemic birds is the Cozumel Thrasher that is found to be nearly extinct. Such bird species is part of the mockingbird family. This bird has a brown and white with a long curved bill which is thought to produce a complex, scratchy warbling. After the Hurricane Gilbert struck the island a great decline of such species was observed. The newest reports of sightings were in 2006, right after two more serious hurricanes struck the island.
Other Endemic Birds Of Cozumel
One other endemic bird that also belongs in the list of several endangered species is the Great Curassow. This is a huge, pheasant-like bird that may weigh approximately 6.8-11 pounds or 3.1-4.8 kilograms. The male is black with a curly crest, yellow knob on its bill while its female counterpart actually has three morphs - barred, rufous, and dark. These birds are a few of the biggest of their kind, and frequently mate to other breeds which results to hybrids.
Migratory Birds on Cozumel
Of course, not all birds in this beautiful island are endemic. There are some species that make use of migration patterns. This provides additional bonuses for birdwatchers which come at the proper time, as they can see a wider selection of incredible birds throughout their stay.
Among these species is the American Flamingo. It's the only flamingo which generally inhabits North America. And before was known as the Caribbean Flamingo till these were found living in the Galapagos. Between May and August, they lay a single egg, and it takes between 28 to 32 days from the moment it starts incubation till the time that it hatches. The chick is brought up by each parents till they reach sexual maturity six years after that. These birds are one of the longest living birds as they have a life expectancy of 40 years.
Another special bird which migrates to Cozumel is the Lesser Nighthawk. The color of the adults Lesser Nighthawks are dark grayish-brown color with gray and white patterning. The male has a white throat; however the female has a light brown shade. They simply lay their two eggs on the ground. The female then incubates the eggs right up until they hatch 20 days shortly after.
The Black Skimmers consider Cozumel a home. These tern-like sea birds are white and black with a bright orange beak which they utilize to catch food whenever they skim across the water which in fact gave them their name. Breeding adults have darker coloring while the non-breeders have light brown bellies. The chicks appear like the adults, yet possess a white speckle pattern over their wings. Feeding occurs during the day solely, chiefly because the adults go on expeditions all the way through the night.
One can find much more attractive birds, both native and migratory to Cozumel as well as hybrids. Cozumel is one best place to see colorful and interesting birds. Experienced birdwatchers and those that enjoy watching birds are bound to have an interesting bird watching experience in this island.
One of many rarest endemic birds is the Cozumel Thrasher that is found to be nearly extinct. Such bird species is part of the mockingbird family. This bird has a brown and white with a long curved bill which is thought to produce a complex, scratchy warbling. After the Hurricane Gilbert struck the island a great decline of such species was observed. The newest reports of sightings were in 2006, right after two more serious hurricanes struck the island.
Other Endemic Birds Of Cozumel
One other endemic bird that also belongs in the list of several endangered species is the Great Curassow. This is a huge, pheasant-like bird that may weigh approximately 6.8-11 pounds or 3.1-4.8 kilograms. The male is black with a curly crest, yellow knob on its bill while its female counterpart actually has three morphs - barred, rufous, and dark. These birds are a few of the biggest of their kind, and frequently mate to other breeds which results to hybrids.
Migratory Birds on Cozumel
Of course, not all birds in this beautiful island are endemic. There are some species that make use of migration patterns. This provides additional bonuses for birdwatchers which come at the proper time, as they can see a wider selection of incredible birds throughout their stay.
Among these species is the American Flamingo. It's the only flamingo which generally inhabits North America. And before was known as the Caribbean Flamingo till these were found living in the Galapagos. Between May and August, they lay a single egg, and it takes between 28 to 32 days from the moment it starts incubation till the time that it hatches. The chick is brought up by each parents till they reach sexual maturity six years after that. These birds are one of the longest living birds as they have a life expectancy of 40 years.
Another special bird which migrates to Cozumel is the Lesser Nighthawk. The color of the adults Lesser Nighthawks are dark grayish-brown color with gray and white patterning. The male has a white throat; however the female has a light brown shade. They simply lay their two eggs on the ground. The female then incubates the eggs right up until they hatch 20 days shortly after.
The Black Skimmers consider Cozumel a home. These tern-like sea birds are white and black with a bright orange beak which they utilize to catch food whenever they skim across the water which in fact gave them their name. Breeding adults have darker coloring while the non-breeders have light brown bellies. The chicks appear like the adults, yet possess a white speckle pattern over their wings. Feeding occurs during the day solely, chiefly because the adults go on expeditions all the way through the night.
One can find much more attractive birds, both native and migratory to Cozumel as well as hybrids. Cozumel is one best place to see colorful and interesting birds. Experienced birdwatchers and those that enjoy watching birds are bound to have an interesting bird watching experience in this island.
About the Author:
Did you know going birding on Cozumel is a piece of cake? Duende Tours offers a great Cozumel Lagoon and birdwatching tour taking you to the best places to spot birds. More birding articles.
