Regardless of being a small tropical island sitting in the Caribbean Sea, Cozumel is best and widely known as a great spot for tourists. This tropical island offers a wide range of birds and also other animals, both endemic and migratory inhabitants to see. However, some of these species are found to be decreasing in numbers. Many birdwatchers come to the island to see some interesting birds that cannot be seen in other parts of the world.
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.
Endemic Birds
Another endemic bird is the Great Curassow which is also threatened by extinction. It's a big, pheasant-like bird that may weigh around 6.8-11 pounds or 3.1-4.8 kilograms. This male bird is black having a curly crest as well as yellow knob on its bill. For females of this specie you will find three morphs: rufous, barred, as well as dark. These birds are a few of the biggest of their kind, and often mate along with other breeds, which creates hybrids.
Migratory Birds on Cozumel
You can also see other birds which are not endemic to the island of Cozumel. A number of these species employ it in their migration patterns. This offers additional bonuses for birdwatchers that come at the best time of the year where migrant birds migrate to this island as they can see a wider range of wonderful birds during 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.
The Lesser Nighthawk is another special bird that migrates to Cozumel. The adults have a dark grayish-brown color with gray and white patterning. The male comes with a white throat, but the female's throat has a light brown shade. Without nest around them, these birds lay two eggs on the bare ground. The female then incubates the eggs until finally they hatch 20 days after that.
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.
There are actually more amazing birds that are both native and migratory to Cozumel. One of the very best places to see interesting and colorful birds is in Cozumel. No matter whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or one who simply enjoys seeing different kinds of birds you are sure to enjoy your birding experience in this small beautiful 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.
Endemic Birds
Another endemic bird is the Great Curassow which is also threatened by extinction. It's a big, pheasant-like bird that may weigh around 6.8-11 pounds or 3.1-4.8 kilograms. This male bird is black having a curly crest as well as yellow knob on its bill. For females of this specie you will find three morphs: rufous, barred, as well as dark. These birds are a few of the biggest of their kind, and often mate along with other breeds, which creates hybrids.
Migratory Birds on Cozumel
You can also see other birds which are not endemic to the island of Cozumel. A number of these species employ it in their migration patterns. This offers additional bonuses for birdwatchers that come at the best time of the year where migrant birds migrate to this island as they can see a wider range of wonderful birds during 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.
The Lesser Nighthawk is another special bird that migrates to Cozumel. The adults have a dark grayish-brown color with gray and white patterning. The male comes with a white throat, but the female's throat has a light brown shade. Without nest around them, these birds lay two eggs on the bare ground. The female then incubates the eggs until finally they hatch 20 days after that.
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.
There are actually more amazing birds that are both native and migratory to Cozumel. One of the very best places to see interesting and colorful birds is in Cozumel. No matter whether you're an experienced birdwatcher or one who simply enjoys seeing different kinds of birds you are sure to enjoy your birding experience in this small beautiful island.
About the Author:
Bird Watching is a great way to explore and discover the beauty of nature. See the birding tips for more information. In case you're looking to go birding on Cozumel, try the Cozumel Lagoon and birdwatching tour, the best way to see Cozumel.
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