From July 24 to August 11, I visited the islands of Curaçao and Bonaire (part of the Netherlands Antilles) in the Caribbean. The holiday’s primary objectives were getting a sun tan, relaxing, and visiting some familiar places and people. However, I did spent some good time birding. In May 2003, I also visited the island of Curaçao for a one-week holiday. Back then, I spent very little time bird-watching, but I still scored a few species that I did not observe in 2006. For that reason, I included those observations as well.
There is little information available online on bird-watching on both islands (especially Curaçao), so I decided to write this trip report to assist any interested people.
Transport and accommodation
Curaçao: We stayed at Papagayo Beach Resort (Jan Thiel). This is an excellent resort with large and clean houses. The resort is also relatively green compared to the rest of the island and thus it attracts many birds. In order to get around the island, a car is required (they can be rented at many places; most resorts have an in-house car rental agency). There are buses, but these take you to tourist places only.
Bonaire: Here we stayed at Captain Don’s Habitat, along the road running just north of Kralendijk. The resort is located directly at sea, just like most hotels on Bonaire (as most visitors to the island are divers). All hotels are located along the coast in and around Kralendijk, and most are good options. Captain Don’s Habitat has an excellent restaurant (Rum Runners) and a neat bar looking out over the sea. On Bonaire, there is no public transport, so you will need to rent a car. Captain Don’s had an in-house car rental agency, but you can also find several in front of the airport. I recommend renting a 4WD (in order to get into Washington-Slagbaai National Park – see “Primary sites visited”).
Literature and other reference material used
I used the following literature for identification, background and miscellaneous reference:
Voous, K.H., 1955. Birds of the Netherlands Antilles (Dutch edition). - The most comprehensive and detailed guide available for the islands. It is somewhat outdated and the plates are not too good, but it will do. I think there is a more recent edition (1983?), but fact remains that this book is very, very hard to obtain.
De Boer, B.A., 1993. Our Birds, Curaçao/Bonaire/Aruba. - Small photographic guide to the most common bird species. A practical addition to Voous.
National Geographic, 1999. Field Guide to the Birds of North America (third edition). - Useful for identification of North American species, such as several waders and migrant passerines.
Hilty, S.L., 2002. Birds of Venezuela. - This large guide provides some useful additional information on species of South American origin, but is not required for identification issues.
De Boer, B.A., 2001. Our Animals, Curaçao/Bonaire/Aruba. - Small photographic guide with a.o. most of the herpetofauna covered.
General comments on the islands and their avifauna
With 425 km2 Curaçao is the largest island of the Netherlands Antilles. Bonaire, located to the east of Curaçao, is significantly smaller: 272 km2. The two islands are located roughly 50 km off the north-west coast of Venezuala.
Birding the Netherlands Antilles is relatively easy for several reasons. Fist of all, the islands consist mostly of acacia shrub and cactus forests, so there is hardly any endless canopy-searching like in most (forested) tropical areas. Secondly, most bird species are not bound to a specific habitat, so you can observe the majority even from your comfy porch in one of the greener resorts. Furthermore, because there are only few resident species on the islands, identification issues do not arise often for skilled birders. However, keep in mind that during migratory seasons the islands are a good place to see both North and South American species. If you are visiting the islands during those seasons, make sure you come prepared.
BirdLife International has the Netherlands Antilles assigned as a so-called ‘Secondary Area’. This is because of the presence of two restricted-range species: Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus) and Yellow-shouldered Parrot (Amazona barbadensis). The latter species is also labeled as ‘Vulnerable’ to extinction; it occurs on the adjacent mainland as well. Margarops fuscatus is represented on Bonaire by an endemic subspecies (ssp. bonairensis).
The islands’ avifauna consists of around 150 species of which the majority (roughly 40%) are migratory non-breeders. Not surprisingly, Curaçao and Bonaire show a great overlap in their avifauna. However, some species are found on only one of the islands. For example, you can find Rufous-collared Sparrow, Crested Bobwhite and American Kestrel on Curaçao, but not on Bonaire. On Bonaire, Pearly-eyed Thrasher occurs, which is absent from Curaçao. Also, Bonaire’s Troupials are introduced, whereas those on Curaçao are wild (the same vice versa applies to Yellow-shouldered Parrot).
Primary sites visited on Curaçao
Here I will give some background of the primary birding sites I visited on Curaçao. Keep in mind that this list is nowhere near complete and there is more to discover on the island.
Papagayo Beach Resort
A lot of bird-watching was done from the porch of our beach resort, Papagayo (located at Jan Thiel). The gardens of the resort are relatively green and wet, so they attract plenty of (commoner) birds. Most of them are very confiding and will end up resting or foraging at your porch while you are having breakfast.
Highlights: Crested Bobwhite, American Kestrel, Groove-billed Ani, Ruby-topaz Hummingbird, easy and good views of most passerines.
St. Joris Bay
This large bay is located on the rough northern side of the island and can easily be reached by following the road to St. Catharina. From there on, there is a small entrance booth where we had to pay 5 NAF entry fee (why exactly I do not know; three years ago, this was not the case). After driving past the deteriorated Koraal Tabak estate, you can reach either the bay or the northern side of the coast. Highlight of the bay is the small island which is home to a roost of Magnificent Frigatebirds.
Piscadera area
When driving along the most western road of Willemstad northwards, you will cross the Veeris road. At this point, you can go left (right across Veeris road) and drive down a small harbour and shipyard. This will take you to several wet, muddy pools (when there has been frequent rain). You can leave your car there (do not leave any valuables inside!) and walk from there on. At some point, the path leads up to a house, but there you can also cross a small chain fence. I am not sure if you are allowed to walk here, but I ran into a police car just before that point and they just greeted me. The path behind the chain fence leads to a small T-intersection, where you can go left (to a small mangrove area) and right (to the water purification plant). The water purification plant is an interesting spot, as it usually home to egrets, cormorants, ducks, grebes and other waterbirds.
Highlights: Great Egret, Neotropic Cormorant, White-cheeked Pintail, Blue-winged Teal, Least and Pied-billed Grebe, Caribbean Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Brown-crested Flycatcher.
Lagun Jan Thiel
At Jan Thiel, there is a small chain fence which marks the start of path running behind Chogogo resort. This paths leads up to the hills and runs all the way to the Sea Aquarium. The most interesting points along this path are an overview over Lagun Jan Thiel (where you can sometimes see Caribbean Flamingoes in the distance) and a narrow piece of land separating the sea from the Lagun. Here, you can find plenty of birds, especially waders, egrets, herons, and terns. Most birds are rather close, so try to keep a bit of distance in order not to disturb them.
Also, Brown-throated Parakeets and Yellow Warbler are very common along the path. Both Brown-crested Flycatcher and Grey Kingbird can be seen flycatching from dead trees at the ‘narrow’ point.
Highlights: Caribbean Flamingo, Tricolored Heron, Green Heron, Snowy Egret, Least Tern, Spotted Sandpiper, other shorebirds and waders, Grey Kingbird, Brown-crested Flycatcher.
St. Willibrordus Bay saltpans
St. Willibrordus Bay, located on the other side of the road past Jan Kok, is renowned for its flamingoes. Besides those flamingoes, it is a good spot to check around for waders and shorebirds. You can walk along a small dam leading into the saltpans.
Hightlights: Caribbean Flamingo, Reddish Egret, Snowy Egret, Collared Plover, other shorebirds and waders, Grey Kingbird.
Porto Marie
Porto Marie is a nature reserve on the south coast. Its entrance is located at the outskirt of the tiny village of St. Willibrordus. Most of the area consists of hilly acacia and cactus shrub, which you will see when you drive past the entrance. At the end of the road through the park, there is a parking lot near the beach. There, you can enjoy the beautiful sea (entrance fee required if you wish to use the beach), dive, get a drink, or do some hiking. There is a small bird-watching trail, which starts at the beginning of the roundabout. It is a very narrow path, so check around well or you will miss it. The path leads along a forested area with some impressive giant cacti, and also passes some old wells. The path is a good place to see Brown-throated Parakeets, Yellow Warbler and other passerines.
Here I will give some background of the primary birding sites I visited on Curaçao. This list is relatively complete (unlike Curaçao), as Bonaire is a smaller island with fewer spots.
Captain Don’s Habitat
Like in Curaçao, the bird-watching started at the resort. The resort itself was home to several songbirds, including the Pearly-eyed Thrasher. Grey Kingbird was nesting in a palm tree right in front of our cottage, and Brown-throated Parakeets were making noise all the time. At the resort’s restaurant, Laughing Gulls were common, and Green Heron could be seen at the diver’s pier.
Salt Works
The entire southern part of the island is covered by saltpans, surrounding a Flamingo Sanctuary. In the distance, many hundreds of pink dots (i.e. Flamingoes) can been. The saltpans themselves provide home to plenty of waders and shorebirds. At the seaside of the road leading around the southern end of the island, some small mangrove bushes are present, too.
Highlights: Caribbean Flamingo (large numbers), Tricolored Heron, Royal Tern, Black-bellied Plover, other waders and shorebirds.
Lac Bay
Lac Bay is a large mangrove area on the eastern side of the island. The southern part (Sorobon) is mainly used for recreation purposes. The northern side is very quiet and has several good pools for birding, as well as a beautiful beach at the end of the road (Lac Cai). Large heaps of Queen Conches remind one of how rich the mangrove once was. The area is now protected as part of the Bonaire Marine Park.
Highlights: Osprey, Caribbean Flamingo, Great Egret, Reddish Egret, Yellow-crowned Night-heron, Snowy Plover, Short-billed Dowitcher, Brown-crested Flycatcher, other waders and shorebirds.
Washington-Slagbaai National Park
The northern part of the island is covered by the Washington-Slagbaai National Park. The entrance can easily be found be driving up a road north of Rincon. This road also passes a small freshwater pond (which can be interesting). At the entrance of the park, you can buy a permit for 10 USD (with this permit, you are allowed to enter the park for 1 year, and also allows you to snorkel around the island).
A four-wheel drive is highly recommended to drive around the park, as road conditions are harsh (especially after rain, when the park may even close). The park offers a long and a short driving route, of which the long one passes the entire north coast (with some spectacular views). A map of the park is provided at the entrance (and most resorts, too) and offers detailed information of all spots in the park. Interesting birding spots are all saltpans (saliñas), Put Bronswinkel, Pos Mangel, and Juwa Pass. The latter, a very small spot (with an even smaller parking lot) at the top of a steep hill, is said to be a good place for Yellow-shouldered Parrot. I did not stop there, so I cannot confirm this.
Plan to spend at least half a day in the park, so you do not have to rush.
Total number of species on Curaçao was 60 (possibly 61). This species checklist follows no particular taxonomical order.
Least GrebeTachybaptus dominicus
Abundant at Piscadera water purification plant.
Pied-billed GrebePodilymbus podiceps
Less common than Least Grebe at Piscadera water purification plant.
Magnificent FrigatebirdFregata magnificens
Seen daily. There is also a large roost at a small island in St. Joris Bay with up to 30 individuals present.
Brown PelicanPelecanus occidentalis
Seen daily. They can be seen diving for fish at most bays, which is quite a spectacular sight.
Neotropic CormorantPhalacrocorax olivaceus
4 at Piscadera water purification plant.
(?) Brown BoobySula leucogaster
Possibly this species (a juvenile) seen flying across Jan Thiel Bay. Light conditions were poor and I had no binoculars ready, so therefore I am not 100% sure of this sighting.
Green HeronButeroides virescens
1 to 2 each time at Lagun Jan Thiel. Also flushed a bird from the shrubs around Lagun Jan Thiel twice.
Tricolored HeronEgretta tricolor
Common at Lagun Jan Thiel (both adults and juveniles).
Reddish EgretEgretta rufescens
1 dark morph at St. Willibrordus Bay, possibly accompanied by a white morph (which could not be identified with certainty due to extreme distance).
Snowy EgretEgretta thula
Abundant at Lagun Jan Thiel, with around 60 individuals on July 31 (including a group resting in a tree).
Great EgretArdea alba
Around 20 to 30 individuals seen together at the Piscadera water purification plant in May 2003. Only a few individuals were seen in the same area in 2006.
Great Blue HeronArdea herodias
1 at St. Joris Bay in May 2003.
Caribbean FlamingoPhoenicopterus ruber ruber
1 brightly colored adult at Lagun Jan Thiel. On August 5, 16 individuals were seen in the far northwest side (saltpans) of Lagun Jan Thiel. Two dull-colored juveniles at St. Willibrordus Bay on August 3 (no other individuals found!). In May 2003, a group of around 20 individuals was present at St. Willibrodus Bay.
Black-bellied Whistling-duckDendrocygna autumnalis
1 at Lagun Jan Thiel on July 31.
White-cheeked PintailAnas bahamensis
Common at Piscadera water purificiation plant.
Blue-winged TealAnas discors
Several seen at the Piscadera water purification plant in May 2003.
Common MoorhenGallinula chloropus
Several at the Piscadera water purification plant.
Caribbean CootFulica caribaea
Several at Piscadera water purification plant.
American OystercatcherHaematopus palliatus
Seen on the rocky northcoast of St. Joris in May 2003
Black-necked StiltHimantopus mexicanus
Common at Piscadera water purification plant and Lagun Jan Thiel (also adult with 2 juveniles at the latter area).
Wilson's PloverCharadrius wilsonia cinnamominus
1 seen at rocky shores of St. Joris Bay. 4 at Lagun Jan Thiel on one day, 1 at another. At least 3 at St. Willibrordus Bay salt pans.
Collared PloverCharadrius collaris
1 at St. Willibrordus Bay salt pans.
Least SandpiperCalidris minutilla
5 seen around rocky/muddy shores at Lagun Jan Thiel on August 1; 2 on August 2.
Greater YellowlegsTringa melanoleuca
At Lagun Jan Thiel, sometimes paired up with Lesser Yellowlegs.
Lesser YellowlegsTringa flavipes
More common than Greater Yellowlegs.
Spotted SandpiperActitis macularia
On August 5 one individual in breeding plumage at Lagun Jan Thiel (spots seen; bird showed typical restless ‘nodding’ behaviour).
Ruddy TurnstoneArenaria interpres
Several at Lagun Jan Thiel; also at Daaibooi Bay in May 2003.
Laughing GullLarus atricilla
Common around the shore and seen in good numbers at a.o. Willemstad (harbors) and Avila Beach.
Royal TernSterna maxima
1 shortly following the Insulinde ship, sailing towards Klein Curacao; 1 at St. Joris Bay in May 2003.
Sandwich TernSterna sanvichensis eurygnatha
A few seen from the Reef Fort at Willemstad (Otrabanda), among the Laughing Gulls and Frigatebirds in May 2003.
Common TernSterna hirundo
Seen in the harbor area of Willemstad. Several were present at Lagun Jan Thiel, also resting on the ground (1st summer, 1st fall, adults) – the species is probably breeding there. Common at Klein Curaçao.
Least TernSternula antillarum antillarum
On August 5, at least 2 individuals were seen fishing among the Common Terns at Lagun Jan Thiel. Several at Klein Curaçao. This species is sometimes treated as a subspecies of Little Tern (Sternula albifrons).
White-tailed HawkButeo albicaudatus
1 individual circling high on the currents above Christoffel Park in May 2003.
OspreyPandion haliaetus
1 bird resting on a large wooden tower overlooking the sea at Avila Beach.
Crested CaracaraCaracara cheriway
1 seen feeding on carrion on the ground along a road near St. Willibrordus. Several individuals seen along the rocky hills/caves near Hato airport. Also seen along the road to Westpunt.
American KestrelFalco sparverius
Regularly seen in the vicinity of Jan Thiel. E.g. a male was seen resting on street lantern at the Papagayo Beach Resort entrance. 1 female seen at St. Joris.
Crested BobwhiteColinus cristatus
Seen almost daily at Papagayo Beach Resort, usually in pairs. On one day, a group of 4 was seen feeding between doves, Troupials, and Groove-billed Anis.
Red-necked PigeonColumba squamosa
1 seen perched in the scrubby area between Jan Thiel bay and Lagun Jan Thiel on July 31. 2 at Porto Marie. This species was very easy to observe at Kura Hollanda Beach Resort (Westpunt), where they were present in the large fruit trees running along the coast.
Bare-eyed PigeonColumba corensis
Abundant around the island.
Eared DoveZenaida auriculata
Common around the island.
Common Ground-DoveColumbina passerina
Common around the island.
White-tipped DoveLeptotila verreauxi
Common around the island.
Rock PigeonColumba livia forma domestica
Exotic species. Common around human settlements, especially in Willemstad.
Brown-throated ParakeetAratinga pertinax pertinax
Seen around the island. Extremely common at, amongst others, Port Marie.
Yellow-shouldered ParrotAmazona barbadensis ssp.
A loud group of about 8 seen flying high over Willemstad harbor in the early morning (7 AM). Species is probably introduced on Curaçao, although exact status is unknown.
Groove-billed AniCrotophaga sulcirostris
Seen often at Papagayo Beach Resort, in family groups up to 10 individuals. Also seen at Piscadera area and Port Marie.
Ruby-topaz HummingbirdChrysolampis mosquitus
Sometimes seen at Papagayo Beach Resort, feeding in flowering trees.
Common Emerald HummingbirdChlorostilbon mellisugus
Common at Papagayo Beach Resort. Also seen at other places, including Piscadera area and Port Marie.
Brown-crested FlycatcherMyiarchus tyrannulus
1 at Piscadera area, 1 at St. Joris, 1 at Port Marie. Also seen flycatching at Lagun Jan Thiel.
Grey KingbirdTyrannus dominicensis
1 individual at Lagun Jan Thiel. Probably also seen at Willibrordus Bay saltpans.
Barn SwallowHirundo rustica
On August 3, a few were seen flying past Papagayo Beach Resort (near the coast). On August 4, 1 at Boka Tabla. On August 5, 5 at Lagun Jan Thiel.
Tropical MockingbirdMimus gilvus
Common around the island.
House SparrowPasser domesticus
Exotic species, bound to human settlements. Interestingly also found at Klein Curaçao (probably the only songbird there).
Yellow WarblerDendroica petechia rufopileata
A common species in any quiet shrubby area outside of towns. 1 seen at Papagayo Beach Resort. Several heard singing and one seen around Koraal Tabak (St. Joris). Abundant at scrubby area around Lagun Jan Thiel and Port Marie.
BananaquitCoereba flaveola uropygialis
Common nearly everywhere, sometimes abundant. A famous spot is Restaurant Jaanchi's at Westpunt, where feeders attract large numbers (they even nest inside the restaurant!).
Black-faced GrassquitTiaris bicolor
Common around the island.
Rufous-collared SparrowZonotrichia albicollis
Seen at Papagayo Beach Resort and Port Marie.
Saffron FinchSicalis flaveola
Exotic species of South American origin. Exact status is unknown (as Venezuela holds a wild population), but it is widely assumed that Curaçao’s population originated from escaped cage birds. Common at Papagayo Beach Resort, where they sometimes came to feed on the porch.
Shiny CowbirdMolothrus bonariensis
Exotic species of South American (Venezuelan) origin. First reported from Curaçao around 1985. Curaçao’s population most likely stems from escaped cage birds (Debrot & Prins, 1996 in Caribbean Journal of Science). I saw this species s regularly at Papagayo Beach Resort.
TroupialIcterus icterus
Common around the island.
Yellow OrioleIcterus nigrogularis
Less numerous than Troupial, but usually seen every day.
Reptile observations Curaçao
Cosmopolitan House GeckoHemidactylus mabouia
Exotic species. In good numbers at our resort.
Green IguanaIguana iguana
Seen around the island. Several individuals were also present at Papagayo Beach Resort.
Striped AnoleAnolis lineatus
A single individual was always present near the front door of our cottage at Papagayo Beach Resort.
Laurent’s WhiptailCnemidophorus murinus murinus
Common around the island, as well as on Klein Curaçao. They can grow rather large!
Annotated species checklist Bonaire
Total number of species on Bonaire was 53. This species checklist follows no particular taxonomical order.
Pied-billed GrebePodilymbus podiceps
1 at Saliña Bartol in Washington-Slagbaai NP.
Magnificent FrigatebirdFregata magnificens
Seen near the shore at various places on the island.
Brown PelicanPelecanus occidentalis
Seen near the shore at various places on the island.
Yellow-crowned Night HeronNyctanassa violacea
1 juvenile resting in the shade near Saliña Matijs in Washington-Slagbaai NP. 1 adult foraging at the northern side of Lac, opposite to the Mangrove & Kayaking Info Center
Green HeronButeroides virescens
Seen at our resort, at the local dive pier and in a tree hanging over the sea shore. Also a few at Lac Bay and 2 at Saliña Slagbaai (Washington-Slagbaai NP).
Tricolored HeronEgretta tricolor
1 at the Salt Works.
Reddish EgretEgretta rufescens
3 dark morphs around Lac Bay (2 seen well at the northern side, also hunting in its typical method). 1 dark morph at Saliña Slagbaai and 1 white morph at Saliña Bartol (Washington-Slagbaai NP).
Snowy EgretEgretta thula
1 at the northern side of Lac Bay. Also at Saliña Slagbaai and 2 at Saliña Bartol in Washington-Slagbaai NP.
Great EgretArdea alba
2 at Lac Bay (seen from beach at Lac Cai and also while kayaking through the mangroves there).
Caribbean FlamingoPhoenicopterus ruber rubber
Large numbers (hundreds) seen from great distance in the Flamingo Sanctuary. Several tens were seen very well at the northern side of Lac Bay. Small groups were seen in various saliñas around Washington-Slagbaai NP and also in the pond between Rincon and the national park entrance.
Caribbean CootFulica caribaea
Several in the freshwater pond between Rincon and Washington-Slagbaai NP.
Black-necked StiltHimantopus mexicanus
Seen around the Salt Works area and Lac Bay.
Wilson's PloverCharadrius wilsonia cinnamominus
At the Salt Works. Also a few seen at the northern side of Lac Bay.
Snowy PloverCharadrius alexandrinus
1 female at the northern side of Lac Bay.
Black-bellied (Grey) PloverPluvialis squatarola
1 in breeding plumage at the Salt Works on August 8.
SanderlingCalidris alba
3 at the Salt Works on August 8.
Semipalmated SandpiperCalidris pusilla
3 at the Salt Works on August 8. Several at the northern side of Lac Bay on August 9.
Least SandpiperCalidris minutilla
A few feeding among Semipalmated Sandpipers at the northern side of Lac Bay
Short-billed DowitcherLimnodromus griseus
1 feeding opposite to the Mangrove & Kayaking Info Center (northern side of Lac Bay)
WhimbrelNumenius phaeopus hudsonicus
1 near the Mangrove & Kayaking Info Center on August 11.
Greater YellowlegsTringa melanoleuca
1 at Saliña Bartol (Washington-Slagbaai NP) and probably at Saliña Slagbaai as well (not identified with certainty there).
Lesser YellowlegsTringa flavipes
1 at the northern side of Lac Bay.
Ruddy TurnstoneArenaria interpres
At the Salt Works area.
Laughing GullLarus atricilla
Common around the shore.
Royal TernSterna maxima
At the Salt Works, where several were resting on the ground as well. It was common at the northernmost point of Lac Bay (Lac Cai), where they were fishing near the shore.
Common TernSterna hirundo
1 at Lac Bay.
Least TernSternula antillarum antillarum
Several seen around the Salt Works.
OspreyPandion haliaetus
1 soaring over the mangroves at the northern side of Lac Bay.
Crested CaracaraCaracara cheriway
3 circling above road near Washington-Slagbaai NP entrance. Also 1 seen very well in the NP itself.
Red-necked PigeonColumba squamosa
3 at Put Bronswinkel in Washington-Slagbaai NP. Also at Karpata manorial estate on the road from Kralendijk to Rincon.
Bare-eyed PigeonColumba corensis
Common around the island.
Eared DoveZenaida auriculata
Common around the island.
Common Ground-DoveColumbina passerina
Abundant at Washington-Slagbaai, where they sometimes gather in large numbers around rain pools on the road. Overall one of the commonest birds on the island.
White-tipped DoveLeptotila verreauxi
At our resort and in Washington-Slagbaai NP.
Rock PigeonColumba livia forma domestica
Exotic (domesticated) species. A flock of around 20 birds always present at the resort.
Brown-throated ParakeetAratinga pertinax xanthogenius
Common around the island. Especially large groups can be found in Washington-Slagbaai NP. NOTE: Different subspecies than the one on Curaçao.
Yellow-shouldered ParrotAmazona barbadensis rothschildi
A group of around 10 feeding in a garden on the outskirts of Kralendijk (road to Sorobon)
Groove-billed AniCrotophaga sulcirostris
Seen on the roadside near our resort.
Ruby-topaz HummingbirdChrysolampis mosquitus
Seen feeding in a flowering tree at the resort.
Northern Scrub-FlycatcherSublegatus arenarum glaber
2 quite easily spotted at Put Bronswinkel (Washington-Slagbaai NP). I spent little time bird-watching in areas similar to Put Bronswinkel, but I believe it is common in the NP.
Brown-crested FlycatcherMyiarchus tyrannulus
1 at the northernmost point of Lac Bay (Lac Cai). 1 flycatching (with prey) at Saliña Slagbaai (Washing Slagbaai NP).
Grey KingbirdTyrannus dominicensis
A common sight (and sound!) on Bonaire. Also a pair nesting in a palm tree next to our cottage at Captain Don's Habitat.
Barn SwallowHirundo rustica
A large flock resting in the shrub and on the ground at the Salt Works area. Several swallows spp. have also been seen at other places around the islands, but most of them have not been identified (most likely the majority were Barn Swallows).
Tropical MockingbirdMimus gilvus
Common.
Pearly-eyed ThrasherMargarops fuscatus bonairensis
1 seen well at the resort, with nest material. Another one seen at Put Bronswinkel in Washington-Slagbaai NP.
House SparrowPasser domesticus
Present at our resort and at Lac Cai.
Yellow WarblerDendroica petechia rufopileata
Common in shrubby areas outside of town.
BananaquitCoereba flaveola uropygialis
Common. Their song sounded slightly different than the one from Curaçao’s population.
Black-faced GrassquitTiaris bicolor
Common.
Saffron FinchSicalis flaveola
Exotic species (see note on Curaçao list). On the roadside near our resort and at Washington-Slagbaai NP.
Carib GrackleQuiscalus lugubris
Sometimes seen in flight in Kralendijk (near our resort) and at Lac Bay.
TroupialIcterus icterus
At our resort and in Washington-Slagbaai NP.
Yellow OrioleIcterus nigrogularis
At our resort and in Washington-Slagbaai NP.
Reptile observations Bonaire
Green IguanaIguana iguana
Present at our resort. Also common in Washington-Slagbaai NP. At Pos Mangel, there were a few really tame individuals hanging around.
Ruthven’s AnoleAnolis bonairensis
1 in a palm tree tree at our resort. Species is endemic to Bonaire and Klein Bonaire.
Bonaire Island Whiptail LizardCnemidophorus murinus ruthveni
Common around the island. In Washington-Slagbaai NP they were so tame, groups of over ten individuals would come up to you (begging for food). Beware though; they bite! (Yes, I do speak out of experience…)
