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.
Among the rarest endemic birds is the Cozumel Thrasher which is found on the island. However such specie is deemed to be nearly extinct. It belongs to the mockingbird family having brown and white with a long, curved bill which is believed to create a complex and irritating warbling. The species population rapidly declined after the Hurricane Gilbert in September of 1988. The most recent reports of sightings were in the year 2006; following two worse hurricanes strike this tropical isle.
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.
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.
You will find a lot more interesting birds, both native to Cozumel as well as migratory birds. Whether you are an experienced birdwatcher or not you will surely enjoy birding in the island of Cozumel.
Among the rarest endemic birds is the Cozumel Thrasher which is found on the island. However such specie is deemed to be nearly extinct. It belongs to the mockingbird family having brown and white with a long, curved bill which is believed to create a complex and irritating warbling. The species population rapidly declined after the Hurricane Gilbert in September of 1988. The most recent reports of sightings were in the year 2006; following two worse hurricanes strike this tropical isle.
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.
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.
You will find a lot more interesting birds, both native to Cozumel as well as migratory birds. Whether you are an experienced birdwatcher or not you will surely enjoy birding in the island of Cozumel.
