The birds on this page range up to 300 pounds plus there is an insect that only weighs one third of an ounce. What they have in common are magnificent wings with a rainbow of colors.
The birds on this page range up to 300 pounds plus there is an insect that only weighs one third of an ounce. What they have in common are magnificent wings with a rainbow of colors.
A remarkable surprise while approaching Bartolomé Island is seeing a Galápagos penguin. They are small, measuring about 19 inches long and weighing 5.5 pounds. This endemic species – spheniscus mendiculus – is the only penguin found north of the equator. With a population of 1,500 birds, it is also considered to be the world’s rarest penguin. The majority of Galápagos penguins live along the shores of two western islands: Fernandina and Isabela. So it is a visual treat to find this penguin resting in front of a cave on Bartolomé Island. Also peculiar is seeing them during the day when they are normally out hunting at sea. His buddy is a Sally Lightfoot crab.
Bartolomé Island, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Along the eastern coastline of Punta Suárez are colonies of blue-footed boobies. With a wingspan averaging five feet, they are the second largest booby endemic to the Galápagos. The mating season of these monogamous seabirds peaks between June and August. The female typically lays two eggs on the ground about five days apart. The parents take turns incubating the eggs with their bright blue feet for about 45 days. Then the chicks are protected and fed for about two months. There are more than 25,000 breeding pairs of blue-footed boobies living in the Galápagos Islands.
Punta Suárez, Española Island, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The second half of the trail at Punta Suárez moves inland. The path is littered with large, often treacherous rocks and flanked by tall scraggly vegetation. The experience is disappointing compared to the spectacular scenery and wildlife along the coast. Then you see it. This magnificent Galápagos hawk perched on a monolith. This raptor is endemic to the Galápagos. They average 18 to 23 inches with a wingspan of four to four-and-a-half feet. The largest ones live on Española Island. Conservationists estimate only 150 breeding pair remain in the archipelago, making this encounter a delightful rarity.
Punta Suárez, Española Island, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
According to legend, the Sally Lightfoot crab was named after a Caribbean burlesque dancer famous for her fancy footwork. Similarly, these salt water crabs have an uncanny ability to dart, dodge and weave in order to outwit most predators. The key word here is “most.” The stalking skills of this Galápagos heron were superior. This slate gray lava heron with yellow and red rimmed eyes is endemic to the Galápagos. The seabird is about 1.2 feet tall.
Punta Suárez, Española Island, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Waved albatross are monogamous. Finding the perfect mate involves an elaborate courtship. These two were actively flirting with hopes of finding true love. The ritual is fascinating to watch. The birds parade around each other. They fence with their long orange beaks, snapping them open and closed amongst loud chattering. Their heads bob in unison and their wings flap with excitement as the dance continues. This couple ended by intertwining their long white necks. Clearly, it was time to purchase an engagement ring.
Punta Suárez, Española Island, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The breeding season for frigatebirds – from initial bonding until the end of parenthood – is typically two years. Each monogamous pair will produce and raise only one chick during this period. However, because frigatebirds are colonial, it is common to see several chicks huddled together in sparse brush along with other seabirds. Although the chicks are fed regularly after hatching, the frequency is lessened as they grow older. So, after not eating for one or two days, you can imagine the ruckus these youngsters make when a parent swoops in with dinner. The noisy chick is silenced as it sticks its head inside of the adult’s bill while receiving the regurgitated food.
Great Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galápagos, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
You expect to see a lot of birds at a place called Bird Island. What is not expected is their acquiescence. They do not escape at the first sounds of approaching footsteps. Instead, they are unflinching as you walk by and are often as curious to see you as you are of them. They seem to enjoy tourists acting like paparazzi. This fearlessness stems from a lack of predators. Credit also goes to the Galápagos National Park for their excellent job of protecting the ecosystem and limiting the number of visitors. Among the park’s rules are staying within the narrow paths, never getting within six feet of the wildlife and enjoy photographing these incredible birds such as this red-footed booby.
Great Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galápagos, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Frigatebirds are enormous and majestic. The opposite is true of their chicks. They are born featherless and are routinely nurtured and nourished by their parents. When they reach the puffball stage – this adorable guy is about two months old – they are only fed once every day or two. So it is common to see them looking towards the sky for the arrival of their next meal. The frigatebird has an unusually long post-fledging period of six to 18 months. They are dependent on their devoted parents until capable of flight.
Great Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galápagos, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
These Nazca boobies were playfully engaged in a mating ritual called skypointing. The female on the right has a pinkish-orange bill while her perspective mate’s bill is orange. Both feature white plumage with dark brown feathers on their wings and tails. The orange iris is highlighted by a black facemask.
Great Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galápagos, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The largest colony of red-footed boobies is on Genovesa Island. You are guaranteed to come face to blue bill with this delightful seabird. At less than two pounds, they are the smallest of the Galápagos boobies. Their plumage color can vary from either a white morph to the more common brown feathers. But there is no mistaking their bright red feet as they cling to a branch and stare curiously at you. You will laugh when you see one take off – they are clumsy at best. But in the sky, their over three foot wingspan can carry them up to 100 miles.
Great Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galápagos, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Galápagos short-eared owl is an endemic species on Genovesa Island. They are smaller than most owls with a wingspan of 33 to 40 inches. Storm petrels are their favorite prey. Colonies of these seabirds swarm the cliffs at Prince Phillip’s Steps and nest in lava fields. Unlike most owls, this predator hunts during the day. They are difficult for visitors to see because their plumage is perfect camouflage for their environment. Inspect crevices in the lava rocks. Some are littered with feathers and bones from successful hunts. If you are lucky, you will catch a glimpse of this short-eared owl standing near its dining room.
Great Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galápagos, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
These swallow-tailed gulls were sleeping among the rocks in the early morning rain until rudely awakened by tourists trudging up Prince Phillip’s Steps. You might joke the bright red rim around their eyes means they were out all night. They were. The creagrus furcatus is the only gull species in the world that feeds nocturnally. Their primary diet is squid augmented by small fish. Approximately 35,000 swallow-tailed gulls live in the Galápagos. A large percent of the 50 colonies are here at Genovesa and two other eastern islands.
Great Darwin Bay, Genovesa Island, Galápagos, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
You will not walk far on North Seymour Island before encountering a blue-footed booby. Their radiant blue feet are unmistakable and, frankly, unbelievable. This 32 to 34 inch marine bird is a lightweight at about 3.25 pounds. On the ground, they are fearlessness when approached. Their clownish waddle is laughable. Spanish navigators called the bird “bobo” meaning stupid. This derogatory term evolved into booby. Yet they are amazing aviators. Their five-foot wingspan folds inward when their yellow irises spot a school of sardines. A flock of 12 or more will plunge simultaneously into the water like missiles traveling 60 m.p.h. They can then swim up to 80 feet deep to catch their prey. Estimates suggest there are over 6,500 blue-footed boobies in the Galápagos. Unfortunately, the population is declining.
North Seymour Island, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Rábida Island is home to nine of the 14 finch species endemic to the Galápagos. They are collectively called Darwin’s finches because they contributed to Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. He collected bird specimens during his five weeks in the Galápagos in 1835. But he was unaware of their genetic differences until 1837 when John Gould from the Zoological Society of London identified 12 unique types of finches. Each species had adapted to the conditions of their habitat. This is a female common cactus finch. The ground bird’s name stems from its propensity to feed on prickly pear cactus (Opuntia). The Geospiza scandens is found on 13 islands in the Galápagos.
Rábida Island, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Finches are often believed to be the inspiration for Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Although they contributed to his breakthrough discovery, the various finch species were not identified until two years after his Galápagos visit. Yet Darwin did observe uniqueness among mockingbirds. He called them mocking-thrushes. An entry in his extensive journal aboard HMS Beagle exclaimed he was astonished to see different species even from neighboring islands. There are four species of mockingbirds endemic to the Galápagos and six subspecies. The type living on Isla Rábida and three other islands is Mimus parvulus personatus. Part of the bird’s diet is eating fruit. The seeds pass through the feces and germinate elsewhere.
Rábida Island, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
During Charles Darwin’s five week visit to the Galápagos Islands in 1845, he noticed finches varied by island. Two years after he returned to London, it was confirmed these small birds had evolved into distinct sub-species. The most notably difference is the shape of their beaks based on available food. This finding helped support Darwin’s theory of evolution. There are 15 types of finches in the Galápagos This is a large tree finch. Its scientific name is Camarhynchus psittacula.
La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal Island, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Galápagos Islands is home to 110 species of birds of which 49 are land birds. Yet only the Chatham Island Mockingbird is totally endemic to San Cristóbal Island. If you are not too distracted watching tortoises at La Galapaguera, you will spot several types of birds in the trees and on the forest floor. This adorable songbird is a Galápagos yellow warbler (Setophaga petechial). The reddish-brown crown and chest streaks indicate this is an adult male.
La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal Island, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Every morning and afternoon, commercial fishermen arrive onshore and drag their packed coolers to a modest yet active fish market. The fresh catches displayed on the cutting table might include red snapper, grouper, tuna and scorpion fish. If you visit the island during the last three months of the year, you will see the locals snap up red and green spiny lobsters. The market’s best customers are brown pelicans. These gangly seabirds wait patiently for scraps then burst into competition when one falls.
Fishing Piers, Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The great blue heron is a common resident along North American coastlines. Yet the Ardea herodias cognata bangs species is endemic to the Galápagos. This elegant shore bird has a 5.5 to 6.5 foot wingspan and stands 4.5 feet. It is fun watching this master hunter glide stealthily along the water’s edge on its tall legs. Then its S-shaped neck lunges toward its target. This heron rarely misses spearing a meal with its sharp beak.
Ave Charles Darwin, Puerto Ayora, Ecuador Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic Ocean. The archipelago hosts colonies of Gentoo penguins. You will be fascinated watching these penguins waddle along the coast on their webbed feet with their tails sticking out. Other residents include the stately king penguins. Dress warmly when visiting Bertha’s Beach. The temperature is usually cold and the wind blows relentlessly.
Bertha's Beach, FIQQ 1ZZ, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This brown pelican found strutting along the Atlantic coast in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, looks ready to charm the other pelicans during spring break. The bright blond head is perfectly coiffured as if hours were spent at the featherdresser. The chest is wet and slicked back with that casual surfer look. The two-foot bill sports the rainbow colors of a Dreamsicle. And that debonair stare from those red eyes clearly indicate his player status. Yup, he’s ready to party hardy.
Enlarge/Slideshow
This black-necked stork seemed to be showing off her long red legs and iridescent facial plumage. This native of Australian and Southeast Asian coastal wetlands stands about 60 inches tall with a wingspan of 90 inches. The long bill and neck are perfectly designed to catch fish and other marine life in shallow water. The genders are visually similar except the adult female has intense yellow eyes. The Zoo Miami has a pair of these storks in the Asia section.
Enlarge/Slideshow
The Great Heron is a joy to watch as they patiently stand three to four feet tall in shallow water and then take long, measured strides before lashing out towards an aquatic prey. There seems to be considerable debate, particularly in Florida, if the Great Blue Heron and the Great White Heron are the same bird with just a morph in color or if they are separate species. There are several organizations, such as the Florida Shorebird Alliance, that tags and then reports on bird activities and migrations. The silver tag on this bird’s right leg is an example.
16850 Gulf Blvd, North Redington Beach, FL 33708 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Since 1978, the Peace River Wildlife Center has been a non-profit organization dedicated to wildlife rehabilitation in Punta Gorda. Each year the PRWC rescues and treats about 2,000 birds and animals. Most of them are returned to the wild. However, some become permanent residents like Annie, a common great horned owl. Admission to their facility at Ponce de Leon Park is free. The way this raptor stared at me with those enormous and acute yellow eyes was a real hoot.
3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This is a large flock of Royal Terns vacationing during the winter along the Gulf coast of Sanibel, Florida, but some of their relatives will migrate down to the Caribbean. They scamper along the saltwater beach in front of the tourists while making a shrill sound, then will scatter and regroup once the beachcomber walks by. During the breeding season, which runs from April through July, this 18 to 20 inch bird’s black head plumage turns all black (not spotty like in the picture) and they can be seen as far north as Maryland.
Enlarge/Slideshow
The Pier in St. Petersburg, Florida, has been closed since 2013 and will soon be demolished. It once was a popular location for anglers but it is now largely deserted. But apparently some of the best local fisherman never got the memo because a flock of these brown pelicans perch on the wooden pilings while waiting to ambush an unsuspecting meal.
899 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The yellow-crowned night heron is a fairly common bird that lives along the coastal waters in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America and northern sections of South America. But it may be hard to find it because, as its name suggests, it is a nocturnal feeder. So it is easier to visit this and all the other birds at the Florida Aquarium.
701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The demoiselle crane may be the smallest of the crane species at about three feet tall but they are a very proud and inquisitive bird when they strut their stuff like this one at the Kookaburra Aviary in Busch Gardens. This red-eyed beauty with a high-pitched trumpeting call hails from Eurasia but then migrates to warmer climates in the winter. This one seemed perfectly content in the warm sunshine of Florida.
10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
Unlike her male counterpart, the female rosy-billed pochard duck doesn’t have a red bill; instead it is blue and her colors are subdued shades of brown and tan. This freshwater rosy-bill, which is classified as a diver but acts more like a dabbling duck, hails from South America, predominately in Argentina and parts of Chile. This hen can also be observed swimming alongside her favorite drake companion at the Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida.
10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
About a million of these distinctive ducks, which are appropriately called a rosy-billed pochard, live on lakes and marshes in the lower half of South America. Only the drake has that prominent knob at the base of his red bill. Notice how his head shines with a purple iridescence in the sunshine at Busch Gardens in Tampa.
10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
If after one look at this gorgeous bird you think it is a peacock but it has some resemblance to a pheasant then you have a sharp eye because it is a Palawan peacock-pheasant. As its name suggests, it hails from the Palawan Island which is a province of the Philippines. Its colorful display of blue, violet, green and turquoise plumage is radiant in the Floridian sun at Busch Gardens.
10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The long, flat and circular shape of this wading bird’s bill gives it a unique and slightly bizarre appearance, but it is the perfect tool for the roseate spoonbill to dig through mud in search of food. Similar to a flamingo, its pink plumage is derived from its diet of crustaceans. It can be found in the shallow, fresh waters of South America and the Caribbean as well as at Busch Gardens in Tampa.
10165 N McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The white plumage and graceful S-shaped neck of the mute swan makes it one of the prettiest waterfowl species. It is easily recognized by the distinct black knob on top of its orange bill. This gorgeous bird was found peacefully swimming in the Ill River in Strasbourg, France.
Quai Mullenheim & Avenue d’Alsace, 67000 Strasbourg, France Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
This female mallard was taking a nap along the banks of the Ill River with her beak tucked into her plumage. When I approached, she opened one eye, sized me up and decided that having her picture taken was not worth the effort to fly away.
3 impasse de la Grande Boucherie, 67000 Strasbourg, France Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
In 1954, a fisherman found an injured great white pelican and nursed him back to health. For over 30 years, Petros the Pelican was a celebrity and the official mascot of Mykonos Island. After he was killed by a car in 1985, his legacy lived on when three other pelicans became permanent residents. Jackie Kennedy-Onassis donated Irene. Another wounded bird is called Nikola. The Hamburg Zoo gifted this one who carries on the name Petros.
Mykonos Waterfront, Mikonos 846 00, Greece Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The nēnē or Hawaiian goose is the state’s bird yet is only found on four of the eight Hawaiian Islands. The goose almost became extinct during the 1950s when only 30 birds remained. Thanks to aggressive conservation efforts, the population significantly increased. Today, there are about 2,000 Hawaiian geese in the wild so they are still considered endangered. The bird’s black head crest and body feathers resemble a Canadian goose. The neck has distinctive diagonal stripes.
3716 Kilauea Rd Kilauea, HI 96754 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
You might say that the island of Kaua’i is “strictly for the birds” because flocks of wild or feral chickens are running everywhere. The red junglefowl was introduced by the Polynesians hundreds of years ago. The mua have now proliferated to the point where they are a nuisance to the locals and a delight for the tourists. This rooster was crowing loudly and strutting proudly at sunrise at Lāwa’i Bay on the island’s southern tip near Po’ipū.
Ka Lae O Kaiwa, Lawai Rd, Koloa, HI 96756 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions
The blue coloring of the hyacinth macaw is stunning and is accented by the yellow patch around its eyes and the base of its curved beak. This endangered species, which primarily lives in the Pantanal region of Brazil, is the largest macaw. This beautiful parrot, also called a hyacinthine, is owned by David Vanzo from the town of Lahaina on the west coast of Maui, once the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii.
698 Wharf St, Lahaina, HI 96761 Enlarge/Slideshow See On Map Directions