Tag: Birds
-
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…
-
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…
-
Birding Cuba: Community, Culture and Conservation
Cuba is one of our favorite destinations for a number of reasons. It boasts nearly 400 bird species (25 of which are endemic, according to the Clements Checklist). Its welcoming culture, good food, and year-round warm temperatures make it a delight to visit. We are offering our next tour to this tropical island in February…
-
Birding in a Volcano: El Valle de Anton
El Valle de Anton, located in Panama’s western foothills, is a true birder’s paradise. Birding in El Valle is among the best in all of Central America. It is also one of the most unique places in the world. An ancient volcano once towered over the land and sea. More than 200,000 years ago, it…
-
Birding Safari: A Birder’s Approach to a Tiger Safari
As a birder you might ask yourself: would a tiger safari be a good experience for me? I would answer with a resounding “Yes!”. However, as birders planning to go on a tiger safari, we should prepare in advance for a very different experience. We will need to make some adjustments to our birding strategy.…
-
Top 10 Birds to See in Bhutan
While the land-locked kingdom of Bhutan prides itself on its Gross National Happiness (GNH) one of the most appealing draws to “the land of the thunder dragon” is its birds. Perhaps it’s the enjoyment of birds that contributes to their GNH! Nearly 700 birds, many spectacular, unique and rare, can be found in Bhutan. As…
-
Playa Muerto: Harpy Eagles and Community Development in Darien
Darien, Panama, is considered one of the most biodiverse places in the world. It is home to lush tropical forests, Harpy Eagles, jaguars, and a host of other incredible plants and animals. A trip there is a true “off the beaten path” experience. While it does hold some challenges, the rewards for taking a trip…
-
What is Bird Migration?
It’s that time of year again! Around the world, birds are preparing for their migration from their overwintering grounds to their breeding grounds. But let’s take a deeper look at these bird movements. What is bird migration? Bird migration is the regular seasonal movement of birds. We may recognize that birds are migrating when bird…
-
Great Curassow: A Neotropical Specialty
Walking through the lowland rainforests of Central America, you hear a rustling off-trail along the forest floor. Scanning the dense foliage of the understory, you catch a glimpse of a large, turkey-like bird. It is glossy black all over with a bright yellow knob above the bill and a perfectly curled crest as if it…