Bird
Watching
Few people realise that the Caribbean is
home to far more birds than people. The
region’s tropical surroundings, rich flora
and natural stopping-off point on migratory
routes have made it a natural haven for birds
of all hues, shapes and sizes.
H
uge flocks of pink flamingos fill the sky in Bonaire
and the Bahamas while the brilliantly-coloured
scarlet ibis make a stunning sight in their natural
habitat in Trinidad.
On Grand Inagua in the Bahamas, the 1,000-strong human
population is dwarfed by the 60,000 spoonbills, ducks and
flamingos that also call this island home, while Trinidad
boasts more bird species than the whole of Canada.
Barbuda lays claim to having the world’s largest colony of
Frigate birds, with 10,000 of them, while the British Virgin
Islands has around 200 species ranging from pelicans and
boobies to peregrine falcons, osprey and kestrels.
But it’s Trinidad and Tobago which are rated as
among the world’s leading bird-watching spots. The
Asa Wright Centre, set in a tropical forest in Trinidad,
is internationally renowned among bird-watchers and
Dream Destinations
environmentalists.
Suriname and Guyana also score highly in the bird-
spotting stakes with the latter being home to more than
800 indigenous species of bird. These include some of the
world’s most beautiful species such as macaws and toucans,
while Belize is famous for the red-footed booby bird.
The Caribbean is believed to have one of the highest
concentrations of endemic parrots with most islands,
such as Bonaire, Dominica, Puerto Rico, St Lucia, Cuba,
the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, having their own
distinctive brightly-coloured versions.
Another thrilling sight is the
dart of tiny hummingbirds
as they hover over flowers.
There are said to be 18
Imagine relaxing together in the wonderful Caribbean
different types, including
sunshine, or strolling along a glorious white sandy beach
some endemic species, and before bathing in the warm, turquoise sea.
can be spotted in countries
Welcome to your perfect holiday, by rex resorts.
including Trinidad and Tobago
For more information call 020 8741 5333
and the Bahamas.
or visit www.rexresorts.com
More information on
Caribbean birds and their
habits can be found on The
Society for the Conservation
of Caribbean Birds (SCSCB)
Website –
www.scscb.org
ANTIGUA
•
GRENADA
•
ST LUCIA
•
TOBAGO
•
BARBADOS
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