Sunday, March 30, 2014

Orange-fronted Parakeet - Eupsittula canicularis

The Orange-fronted Parakeet is common in the lowlands and up to about 1,500 feet along the Pacific Coast from Mexico to Costa Rica.
Enjoying some tasty flowers!



These two young Orange-fronted Parakeets were patiently perched in the Granada market. With clipped wings, they will become a pet for someone.

References
Van Perlo, B. Birds of Mexico and Central America. Princeton UP. 2006.

Saturday, March 29, 2014

Montezuma Oropendala

The oropendala is one of my favourite birds in Nicaragua. The first time I saw this bird, which was when this photo was taken, I was by a stream, and chunks of bark started to fall down all around me. I looked up and saw the bird tearing off the bark to access the insects underneath. Wow!
I was advised this is an oropendala nest, and the image fits, but I never saw an oropendala in the six weeks I've spent in this area. 


The oropendala in flight.




Friday, March 28, 2014

Little Blue Heron - Egretta caerulea


Little Blue Herons are white during the first year of life, and can be difficult to distinguish from Snowy Egrets. This mature heron was easy to identify. 
This Little Blue Heron was fishing along the river in Gigante that drains into the Pacific. I watched as the heron stalked, snatched, and swallowed this fresh water fish.

References
1. Sibley DA. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf New York. 2000.
2. Sibley DA. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behaviour. Alfred A. Knopf New York. 2001.

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Squirrel Cuckoo

The Squirrel Cuckoo is common in Nicaragua and feeds on cicadas, wasps, and caterpillars, and occasionally on spiders and small lizards. 

The birds sometimes hop from branch to branch in the manner of a squirrel, which accounts for the name. 

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Brown Pelican - Pelecanus occidentalis

The Brown Pelican forages by plunge-diving from heights up to 20 meters. The pelican first brings its legs against the body and retracts its head, then slowly extends the neck and angles the wings backward. The head remains stable so the bird can sight prey along the length of the bill. Once in the water the pelican draws back the wings and opens the bill, centering the prey between the jaws. The bill is capable of holding about 8 kg of fish!
I took about a hundred photos to obtain this solitary image of the plunge-dive in the last second before entry into the water. Roberto, the local owner of an internet cafe, is on a paddleboard a few meters away.


Flying in formation, checking for fish in the swells. 

References
1. Sibley DA. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf New York. 2000.
2. Sibley DA. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behaviour. Alfred A. Knopf New York. 2001.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Snowy Egret - Egretta thula

The Snowy Egret wades in shallow water hoping to flush out fish or other aquatic food. Sometimes these birds stir the water with their yellow feet, either to attract or to frighten nearby fish into moving.

Snowy Egrets also forage from the air. They might fly low over the water and dip their bill beneath the surface, dive from a perch, or catch flies in the air.
The dull yellow lores turn cherry red during mating season. During courtship, these birds display spectacular head, neck, and scapular plumes or aigrettes. 

References
1. Sibley DA. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf New York. 2000.
2. Sibley DA. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behaviour. Alfred A. Knopf New York. 2001.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Willet - Catoptrophorus semipalmatus



Willets forage in fresh and salt water habitats. These birds favor the bottom dwelling invertebrates that live in muddy intertidal estuaries and bays. 
References
1. Sibley DA. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf New York. 2000.
2. Sibley DA. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior. Alfred A. Knopf New York. 2001.

Whimbrel - Numenius phaeopus

Crabs are plentiful and enjoyed by a variety of birds including this Whimbrel. 

The decurved bill is used to remove long, soft-bodied prey from mudflats. 
References
1. Sibley DA. The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf New York. 2000.
2. Sibley DA. The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behavior. Alfred A. Knopf New York. 2001.

Saturday, March 22, 2014

Turquoise-browed Motmot - Eumomota supercilosa

This motmot is the national bird of Nicaragua. The local name is Guardabarranco, which means guardian of the ravine.