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.
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.
The Lesser Nighthawk is yet another special bird which migrates through Cozumel. The color of the adults is dark grayish-brown color with gray and white patterning. The male possesses a white throat, as the female's is a light brown shade. They are laying two eggs on the ground and without nest or so. The female then incubates the eggs till they hatch 20 days afterwards.
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.
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.
The Lesser Nighthawk is yet another special bird which migrates through Cozumel. The color of the adults is dark grayish-brown color with gray and white patterning. The male possesses a white throat, as the female's is a light brown shade. They are laying two eggs on the ground and without nest or so. The female then incubates the eggs till they hatch 20 days afterwards.
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.
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