Tag: Birds
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The Treasure of the West Indies: Hummingbirds of the Caribbean
Hummingbirds are unique to the Americas. We can find them throughout the region in a number of different habitats and elevations. The Caribbean is no exception. The hummingbirds of the Caribbean dazzle us with their beautiful iridescent colors and intriguing behaviors. The islands of the West Indies are home to some unique and lovely species…
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Most Amazing Birds: Bird World Records
Birds are some of nature’s most marvelous creatures. They are the only animals that sport feathers. These, along with having hollow bones and other special skeletal features, give them the ability to fly. Feathers also have many other important uses, such as thermoregulation and elaborate displays. Birds are, essentially, living dinosaurs. It’s no surprise that…
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Bee Hummingbird, the Smallest Hummingbird in the World
We are reminiscing a lot these days about past trips and amazing experiences we have had over the past several years. Cuba is one destination that is always high on our list of most memorable trips. Everyone who has joined us in Cuba has had an incredible experience. We were able to observe a staggering…
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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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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…