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.

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.

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.

Turquoise-browed Motmot - Eumomota supercilosa

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