The Birds of Bonaire are Something to See

Over two hundred species of the birds of Bonaire can be observed on this tiny island in the Netherland Antilles. Some of the birds are quite exotic and rare.

The island is also a favored spot for wintering North American bird migrants.

Bird watchers flock to Bonaire to view a variety of birds, and the chance at a rare bird encounter.

Bird watching is always fun and interesting on this Dutch Caribbean Island. There are lots of different birds to see and each one has something unique and wonderful to see.

Meet Some of the Birds of Bonaire

The Yellow-shouldered Amazon Parrot

This is an endangered species and is called the Lora on the island. A bright green bird with yellow patches on its head and shoulders, and a red patch on the wing. The Yellow-shouldered Amazon is highly sociable when not breeding, and they sometimes form flocks of up to one hundred birds.

The yellow markings distinguish it from other birds of Bonaire.

Due to habitat loss, population size, limited range, and over hunting for the cage bird trade, the status of the Yellow-shouldered Amazon is vulnerable to extinction.

The Caribbean Parakeet

The Caribbean Parakeet, (Aratinga pertinax)

This brightly colored bird is also called the Brown-throated Parakeet.

The sight of a green flock of these loud parakeets fascinates visitors to Bonaire, and the noise usually comes as quite a suprize to them.

If you get up close to these birds youu will see a bluish tint in the wings, yellow under the tail, and a yellowish eye ring.

The Pink Caribbean Flamingo

The trademark of Bonaire is the Caribbean flamingo. Even Bonaire's airport is named the Flamingo Airport after these brilliant pink birds.

Bonaire is the only flamingo breeding grounds in the Southern Caribbean.

When you see the flamingo breeding sites on the island you will be amazed at the number of birds there are. At times there are more flamingos on Bonaire than there are people!

The Ruby Topaz Hummingbird

It's always great fun to spot a hummingbird and the Ruby Topaz is a pretty little hummingbird.

The male of these birds of Bonaire appear dark until his brilliant red crown and golden breast flash in the sun.

Look out! The Males of this species are aggressive in defending their territory.

The Yellow Oriole

Another pretty resident of Bonaire, the yellow oriole is a favorite sighting of bird watchers visiting the island.

It's every bird watchers goal to capture a snapshot of the gorgeous plumage on this bird. That would be a cherished souvenir and a great page in any bird lovers photo album.

The bird’s body is solid yellow and it is quite a contrast from the black beak, wings, and tail.

The bird calls of the Yellow Oriole include a cat-like whine, and chattering noises.

The Bananaquit

The Bananaquit, one of the islands favorites, is a little bird with a high-pitched song.

It is sometimes called the sugar bird since it is attracted to bowls of sugar that people put out for it.

Since they can be rather bold if you imitate the sweet call, the miniature bird is not afraid to come closer to investigate.

The Green Heron

The Green Heron is one of the few birds that use tools when searching for food.

This Heron drops bait on the surface of the water to attract small fish. Bread crusts, insects, earthworms, twigs, and feathers are used to lure its prey.

The Smooth Flycatcher

The Smooth Flycatcher looks similar to another bird found on the Dutch Antilles Island, the Brown-crested Flycatcher, but is smaller.

The Smooth also lacks the Rufus tail feathers, and crest that are traits of the Brown-crested.

The White-tailed Nightjar

This bird can be found along dirt roads at night where streetlights attract moths and other insects for the nightjars to feed on.

The locals call them ‘palabrua’ meaning black magic bird. They got the name from the way their eyes shine red reflected by the night light.

Where to Find the Birds

Oh...and don't forget your binoculars!

The wild birds of Bonaire are a wondrous sight in their natural habitat. Many tourists come away from Bonaire with a new hobby!

Washington/Slagbaai National Park covers nearly one third of the island and this is the place to go bird watching while on Bonaire.

This 13,500-acre wildlife sanctuary is home to many of these birds and it protects both the native and migrating bird visitors.

You will find many hiking trails inside the park for bird watching. From here you can hike the trail to Branderis Hill, Bonaire’s highest point.

Anytime of year, Bonaire is a special place to give you a unique birding experience.