WHitehawk Birding blog
Welcome to the Whitehawk Birding Blog! Here we share fun birding and nature facts and news in posts that we hope you find of interest. We hope you enjoy!
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National Bird of Guatemala: The Resplendent Quetzal
Have you ever wondered which birds are considered the most beautiful ones on Earth? No matter who’s making the list, it is safe to say that you will probably find the national bird of Guatemala on it. This bird is known for its brilliant green plumage, rich red underparts, shaggy green crest, and most of…
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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Belize
Have you ever wanted to visit Belize? This relatively small country located in the heart of Central America, is nestled between Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. It has so much to offer birders and nature lovers in general. Here is our list, in no particular…
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Size of Harpy Eagle and Natural History of a Top Predator in the Rainforest
The Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja) is considered to be the most powerful eagle in the world. Its thick tarsi (legs), strong toes, and sharp talons make this species a formidable predator. Historically found in rainforest habitats from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, the Harpy Eagle feeds on a number of different prey items. It prefers…
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Bird Photography in the Tropics: A Brief Guide
Bird photography is experiencing a real boom right now. More and more nature photography enthusiasts are now looking at birds and making them part of their hobby. At the same time, more and more birders enjoy taking pictures of the birds they observe. It is common to find groups of birders where at least half…
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Amazing Birds: Fun Owl Facts
Owls are fascinating birds. They tuck themselves away during the day and emerge at night to hunt in the darkness. We do not often see them due to their nocturnal lifestyle, but every sighting of an owl becomes a memory not soon forgotten. We often think of owls as mysterious creatures, but the truth is,…
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The Orange-breasted Falcon: Denizen of the Neotropics
When one thinks of falcons, perhaps the first bird to come to mind is the swift and stunning Peregrine Falcon. While a fascinating bird in its own right, for us, the quintessential falcon is none other than the Orange-breasted Falcon (OBF). It has impressively large feet, a bright orange breast, and incredible speed (though no…
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Incubating Orange-breasted Falcon as host for a Vampire Bat
Incubating birds are often times target for predation which could come from unexpected places. Sometimes even from potential prey items! The Orange-breasted Falcon (Falco deiroleucus) population is probably declining in Central America and researchers are trying to figure out why. In 2008, while working as biologists for The Peregrine Fund, Angel, Yeray and Marta were able…
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Zapata Wren during our last tour in Cuba
The Zapata Wren is the most restricted endemic in Cuba, only present in the Zapata Peninsula and certainly a must-see during any trip to Cuba. It is also the only member of its genus, Ferminia! Like most wrens, it hides out in the dense grasses of marshes, and is best detected by its loud song.…
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Cuban Trogon – Cuba’s colorful national bird
Our first tour to Cuba is about to begin! Cuba is the largest and most biodiverse island in the Caribbean. Its national bird is the Cuban Trogon, one of the 26 endemic species that can be seen in Cuba, in addition to the many near endemic and regional endemics. It is one of only two…