Subscribe To This Site
Galapagos Coastal BirdsSome coastal birds are migrants and are not permanent residents of the Galapagos Islands. For these birds, the Galapagos is an oasis where they stop to feed during long migrations. The Oystercatchers for example are present all year around and nest along the coastline of Galapagos. These Galapagos birds make their living in the inter tidal zone, feeding mainly on crustaceans and mollusks. Oystercatchers are able to open crab shells whit their strong beaks. Galapagos birds are classified in 3 main categories:
There are around 140 species of birds in the Galapagos Islands. 58 species are residential, 76 migratory and 6 introduced. Up to 50% of Galapagos resident birds are endemic to theses Islands. Some of these species are currently threatened due to factors associated with human presence. And introduced animals like dogs and goats. You can differentiate resident Galapagos birds from migratory or Galapagos coastal birds by the capacity of tolerance the resident birds have developed. It is common for coastal birds not to allow a person to get too close to them. Galapagos land birds instead are most likely to actually approach humans because of their human fearless nature. The majority of animals you will see in Galapagos are birds. These Islands are a paradise for birdwatching lovers. The Galapagos is home to a variety of sea, coastal, and land birds including three species of Boobies, Penguins, Finches, Flightless Cormorants, and Waved Albatross. See More Galapagos Birds Galapagos Greater FlamingoFlamingos are very shy birds (unlike much wildlife in Galapagos). They love privacy specially when they are breeding and you cannot get too close to them and will normally only be viewed at some distance. A pair of binoculars would be a good aid to observe these birds. Galapagos Lava HeronThis is the only endemic heron bird of the Galapagos. Lava Herons are small birds with dark wings and back and their legs have an orange color.They feed mainly on small fish, crabs, lizards and insects. These Galapagos coastal birds can be seen on the coast and lagoons. Great Blue HeronThese Galapagos birds can be found nesting on most of the bigger Islands like Isabela, Santa Cruz and San Cristobal. Great blue herons, (Ardea herodias) have a wingspan of almost two meters.It is a fierce and very efficient predator feeding mainly on marine iguanas, lava lizards and common fish. Galapagos Coastal Birds Classification
Galapagos Recommended Reading:Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles of the Galapagos Islands: An Identification Guide, 2nd Edition This is the most comprehensive guide to the unique wildlife of the Galapagos, excellent and detailed descriptions of its extraordinary birds, mammals, and reptiles. (Highly recommended) Galapagos: A Natural History If you have any questions regarding the Galapagos Coastal Birds or if you'd like to request more information about our recommended Galapagos Land Tours to visit this Archipelago, You can Contact us here
|
