Beautiful Birds
Bird Adventure
Curacao is home to a number of colourful birds that are sure to brighten up any birdwatching walk. Wara Wara, my favourite bird (see above) is native to Curacao. This bird is known for its distinctive red legs, brown plumage, and melodious song. Its diet includes of a variety of foods, including insects, berries and believe it or not in addition to being a scavenger the bird helps to pollinate the plants.
Look out for these birds!
COLOURFUL BIRDS OF CURACAO
Green-Throated Carib: The Green-Throated Carib is a species of hummingbird that is known for its striking green and black plumage. This bird is found in the forests and gardens of Curacao, where it feeds on nectar and small insects. The Green-Throated Carib is known for its aerial acrobatics, as it darts back and forth through the air in search of food.
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak: The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak is a species of songbird that is characterized by its striking rose-red plumage and distinctive song. This bird is found in the forests and woodlands of Curacao, where it feeds on seeds, fruit, and insects. The Rose-Breasted Grosbeak is known for its musical abilities, and its song can often be heard echoing through the trees.
Western Tanager: The Western Tanager is a species of songbird that is characterized by its bright yellow and black plumage. This bird is found in the forests and woodlands of Curacao, where it feeds on insects and fruit. The Western Tanager is known for its bold and curious nature, and it is often seen perched on tree branches or foraging for food on the ground.
Caribbean Martin: The Caribbean Martin is a species of swallow that is known for its iridescent blue and green plumage. This bird is found along the coasts and beaches of Curacao, where it feeds on insects and small crustaceans. The Caribbean Martin is known for its graceful and agile flight, as it gracefully glides through the air in search of food.
Northern Mockingbird: The Northern Mockingbird is a species of songbird that is characterized by its gray plumage and distinctive song. This bird is found in the forests and woodlands of Curacao, where it feeds on insects, fruit, and seeds. The Northern Mockingbird is known for its ability to mimic the songs of other birds, and its song is often described as a series of melodic chirps and trills.
BIRDS OF PREY IN CURACAO
Osprey: The Osprey is a large bird of prey that is easily recognizable by its distinctive black and white plumage and long, hooked bill. Ospreys are commonly found along the coastlines and beaches of Curacao, where they hunt for fish and other aquatic creatures. These birds are known for their incredible diving abilities, as they can plunge into the water from great heights to capture their prey.
Peregrine Falcon: The Peregrine Falcon is another bird of prey found on Curacao. This species is characterized by its dark blue-gray plumage and powerful flight abilities. Peregrine Falcons are one of the fastest birds in the world, and they are known for their incredible diving speed, which can reach over 240 mph. These birds feed on a variety of prey, including birds, bats, and small mammals.
Harpy's Eagle: The Harpy's Eagle is a large bird of prey that is found in the forests of Curacao. This species is characterized by its powerful build, large talons, and distinctive, crest-like feathers on its head. Harpy's Eagles feed on a variety of prey, including monkeys, sloths, and other mammals, which they capture with their sharp talons.
Short-tailed Hawk: The Short-tailed Hawk is a bird of prey that is found in the forests and savannas of Curacao. This species is characterized by its short, rounded wings and powerful flight abilities. Short-tailed Hawks feed on a variety of prey, including insects, reptiles, and small mammals. They are known for their aggressive hunting tactics, and they are often seen swooping down from the air to capture their prey.
Snail Kite: The Snail Kite is a bird of prey that is found in the wetlands and marshes of Curacao. This species is characterized by its long, hooked bill and distinctive red eye. Snail Kites feed on a variety of prey, including snails, which they extract from their shells with their sharp bills. These birds are also known for their aerial acrobatics, as they gracefully soar through the air in search of food.
BIRDS OF THE SEA IN CURACAO
American White Pelican: The American White Pelican is a large bird that is known for its distinctive white plumage and long bill. This bird is often seen in the shallow waters around Curacao, where it feeds on fish and other aquatic animals. The American White Pelican is known for its cooperative hunting techniques, as large groups of birds work together to catch fish.
Brown Pelican: The Brown Pelican is a species of bird that is known for its brown plumage and distinctive bill. This bird is found along the coastlines of Curacao, where it feeds on fish and other seafood. The Brown Pelican is known for its unique feeding behavior, as it plunges into the water from the air to catch its prey.
Roseate Spoonbill: The Roseate Spoonbill is a species of bird that is known for its pink plumage and distinctive bill. This bird is found along the coasts and in the shallow waters of Curacao, where it feeds on crustaceans, mollusks, and other small aquatic animals. The Roseate Spoonbill is known for its graceful movements, as it gracefully moves its bill back and forth through the water to search for food.
Double-Crested Cormorant: The Double-Crested Cormorant is a species of bird that is known for its dark plumage and distinctive head crest. This bird is found along the coasts and in the shallow waters of Curacao, where it feeds on fish and other seafood. The Double-Crested Cormorant is known for its efficient hunting abilities, as it dives deep into the water to catch its prey.
Great Egret: The Great Egret is a species of bird that is known for its white plumage and long, slender bill. This bird is found along the coasts and in the shallow waters of Curacao, where it feeds on fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals. The Great Egret is known for its stately appearance, as it stands still in the shallow waters and patiently waits for its prey to come within reach.
MIGRATION BIRDS OF CURACAO
Many species of migratory birds stop in Curaçao as a rest stop during their long flight to other destination. Curaçao provides an important stopover for birds traveling between North America and South America, as it is located near major migratory routes in the Caribbean.
They stop in Curaçao because of food, shelter and of course rest.
Some of the most common species of migratory birds that stop in Curaçao include warblers, hawks and falcons, shorebirds, hummingbirds, and waterfowl.
Hummingbirds you ask - how can this tiny bird travel across the ocean?
Hummingbirds are able to migrate long distances by taking advantage of their strong wing muscles, which allow them to fly for long periods of time without rest. During migration, they often fly for several hours each day, covering hundreds or even thousands of miles over the course of several weeks or months.
To prepare for migration, hummingbirds build up their energy reserves by feeding on nectar, insects, and other food sources. This allows them to store enough energy to fuel their long flights, and they can also make use of thermals (updrafts of warm air) to help conserve energy while they are in the air.
While it may seem remarkable that such small birds can undertake such long migrations, their unique anatomy and abilities make it possible. Their high metabolism and ability to fly for extended periods of time, combined with their excellent navigation skills, allow them to travel vast distances in search of food and breeding grounds.
In the case of Curacao, hummingbirds may travel to the island as part of their migration, taking advantage of the abundant food sources and favorable weather conditions to rest and refuel before continuing on their journey.
