Tag: Whitehawk Birding
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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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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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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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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…
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Cuba Trip Report is now online!
In February we had a fantastic trip to the largest island in the Caribbean: Cuba. Here, we present you our last Cuba Trip Report. Birding in Cuba Cuba boasts a great variety of habitats, supporting hundreds of species, both terrestrial and aquatic, and over two dozen viable endemics, making it a very popular destination for…
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Birds in Cuba
Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. Known for its colorful cityscape and delicious food, Cuba also offers great biodiversity. Approximately 371 species of birds reside in or migrate through Cuba every year. Deciduous forests, xeric landscapes, grasslands, rivers, high mountain peaks (the highest mountain is Pico Turquino, which reaches nearly 6,500 feet), marshes,…
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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…