Cozumel is a small tropical island in Mexico which sits in the Caribbean Sea. This small island is widely known to be a great tourist spot. This tropical island holds a myriad of birds as well as other animals, both endemic and migratory. However many of these animals are decreasing in numbers. The island is being visited by countless of visitors and birdwatchers each year to explore the island and see some interesting 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.
The Island's Endemic Birds
The Great Curassow is another endemic bird but such species also belong to the list of endangered ones. This bird is a huge, pheasant-like bird which can weigh just as much as 6.8-11 pounds or 3.1-4.8 kilograms. The male is black with a curly crest and yellow knob on its bill while its counterpart the females have barred, rufous and dark morphs. These birds are several of the biggest of their kind, and quite often mate to several other breeds hence creating hybrids.
Some Of The 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.
The American Flamingo is said to be among these migratory birds of the island. It's the only flamingo which naturally inhabits North America. And such bird was often referred to as Caribbean Flamingo right up until these were found staying in the Galapagos. It is in between the months of May to August that they are laying a single egg, and it takes anywhere from 28 to 32 days at the time it start incubation till the time that it hatches. The chick is brought up by the two parents right up until they reach sexual maturity six years after that. Did you know that these birds have a life expectancy of 40 years? Yes they do and can live longer compare to other bird species.
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.
This beautiful small island is also a home to Black Skimmers. These tern-like sea birds are black and white having a bright orange beak that they employ to catch food when they skim across the water, as a result giving them their name. Breeding adults have darker coloring while the non-breeders have light brown bellies. The chicks look like the adults, yet have a white speckle pattern above their wings. It is during the day that feeding occurs totally, simply because the adults go on looking expeditions in the evening.
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.
The Island's Endemic Birds
The Great Curassow is another endemic bird but such species also belong to the list of endangered ones. This bird is a huge, pheasant-like bird which can weigh just as much as 6.8-11 pounds or 3.1-4.8 kilograms. The male is black with a curly crest and yellow knob on its bill while its counterpart the females have barred, rufous and dark morphs. These birds are several of the biggest of their kind, and quite often mate to several other breeds hence creating hybrids.
Some Of The 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.
The American Flamingo is said to be among these migratory birds of the island. It's the only flamingo which naturally inhabits North America. And such bird was often referred to as Caribbean Flamingo right up until these were found staying in the Galapagos. It is in between the months of May to August that they are laying a single egg, and it takes anywhere from 28 to 32 days at the time it start incubation till the time that it hatches. The chick is brought up by the two parents right up until they reach sexual maturity six years after that. Did you know that these birds have a life expectancy of 40 years? Yes they do and can live longer compare to other bird species.
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.
This beautiful small island is also a home to Black Skimmers. These tern-like sea birds are black and white having a bright orange beak that they employ to catch food when they skim across the water, as a result giving them their name. Breeding adults have darker coloring while the non-breeders have light brown bellies. The chicks look like the adults, yet have a white speckle pattern above their wings. It is during the day that feeding occurs totally, simply because the adults go on looking expeditions in the evening.
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:
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.
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