The BOU Checklist series is back with a new book in its latest location, Barbados. This Caribbean island is home to endemic species as well as Western Palearctic vagrants, including the Common Cuckoo and Greenshank. The book’s familiar structure includes an introduction to the island’s ecology and a photographic section. The main part of the book focuses on the avifauna of the island.
Carib Grackles
The Carib Grackle is a blackbird from the family Icteridae. The species has a reputation as one of the most inventive and adaptable of all birds, especially in highly anthropogenized Barbados.
They make excellent use of a variety of man-made resources, including garbage. Researchers have studied this bird for more than two decades and have identified characteristics of male and female Carib Grackles that make them unique.
The Carib Grackle is a common tropical blackbird from the Lesser Antilles and northwestern South America east of the Andes. The adult male of the species is entirely black with a pale brown tail. The eyes are a bright yellowish-white. The Carib Grackle is also called the St. Vincent Grackle. The female’s plumage is brownish-black with a whitish supercilium.
The female Barbados Grackle is brownish-black overall with pale eyes. Its tail is brown. Its wings are dark. Both subspecies have brown legs and a black-and-white rump. The Carib Grackles of Barbados and Lesser Antilleas are migratory birds. Their calls are unique, but their song is often soft and melodic.
Earlier, the Carib Grackle and Great-tailed Grackle are closely related to each other. However, their genetics are not fully known. The Great-tailed Grackle was initially classified in a separate genus. Grackles in the Western Hemisphere and Antilleas are close relatives. However, it is unknown whether these two species ever crossed paths.
Barbados Bullfinch
The Barbados Bullfinch is an endemic species of seedeater found only in the island of the same name. Until recently, the Barbados Bullfinch was considered a subspecies of the Lesser Antillean bullfinch, which can be found on neighboring islands. But, recently, it has become one of the most prominent and easily recognizable birds in the island’s forests. Here’s what you should know about this fascinating bird.
The Barbados Bullfinch is the island’s only endemic bird, and the only truly Bajan bird. It lacks sexual dichromatism, which means its male and female are the same colour. The scientific name for the Barbados Bullfinch is loxigilla barbadensis, but locals call the species a sparrow. It feeds on seeds, insects, and other insects, and is incredibly intelligent.
The Barbados Bullfinch is a beautiful bird, and can be easily identified by its striking red and black coloration. It is also a wonderful symbol of the island’s rich heritage. It has been found to be a great tourist attraction, and is a popular spot for bird watching. The Barbados Bullfinch is a member of the tanager family, and is the island’s official bird.
Frigatebird
The Caribbean albatross, also known as the frigatebird of Barbados, breeds mostly in the tropical Atlantic region. There are only a few isolated populations in the Pacific off of Central America and the Galapagos Islands. It is mostly found in the Caribbean, but there are records of vagrants to the North Atlantic. In Barbados, between six and nine hundred pairs nest. While it is often confused with the lesser frigatebird, this species is actually the same species.
The Caribbean island of Barbados is home to three species of birds, the most common being the frigatebird. These birds are about the size of UK pigeons but are much more attractively coloured. Their neck markings are reddish-brown, and their irridescent patches glow in the sunlight. These birds are large and enigmatic in appearance. They are a favorite of visitors to the island.
The male frigatebirds mate in colonies, and they attract the females by inflating their red throat pouch and whacking their wings. Both male and female frigatebirds build nests together in bushes or on trees. Female frigatebirds assemble sticks and build a shallow platform nest on the perch of the male. The male frigatebirds gather and steal sticks from other males. Nest building takes thirteen days.
Osprey
In a recent report, the Osprey of Barbados was featured on the cover of National Geographic. Despite being rescued by a group of Barbados youths, it was still severely dehydrated and was unable to fly. The rehabilitation effort involved feeding the osprey a diet high in protein – sprats, a herring-like fish. Once the osprey recovered from the initial injury, it reformed and was soon able to fly to its mate.
Ospreys are large, fish-eating birds. Their upper bodies are brown with a black mask across their eyes and a dark bill. Their tail is short and their wings are long and narrow, with finger-like feathers. Their habitat is usually a lake, a river, or a body of water. They are a favorite of Barbados wildlife lovers and can be seen in many locations.
Sandpiper
Located in the prestigious St. James area, the Sandpiper of Barbados offers a contemporary blend of island style and Caribbean hospitality. The hotel features forty-seven rooms and suites, each with their own private balcony, and offers all the modern conveniences of home. For guests who want to relax after a day of sunbathing, the hotel offers a full range of watersports and a legendary beach bar.
A small luxury hotel on the island of Barbados, The Sandpiper is a charming family-owned property located on the west coast. Surrounded by lush tropical foliage, this romantic, colonial-style resort has many features to appeal to any traveler. Rooms are spacious, airy, and come with a small living room and covered terrace. The Tree Top Suites offer views of the Caribbean. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and a poolside bar.
Families are welcome at The Sandpiper, which caters to families. A babysitting service is available at no additional charge. Sandpiper also provides baby equipment, including cribs, highchairs, sterilizers, and play pens. The hotel also offers special room service for children. For parents with children, the hotel also offers a special family programme that ranges from fun swimming lessons to beach activities. There’s something for every age and budget at The Sandpiper of Barbados.
Pigeon
The pigeons of Barbados are a diverse group. Although their size and colouring is similar to that of the UK pigeons, they are much more attractive to look at. Their plumage is reddish brown, and their neck feathers have pretty irridescent patches, which glow when exposed to sunlight. Approximately the same size as the UK King Bird, they are a beautiful sight to see.
The Scaly-naped pigeons are forest-dwelling pigeons that live in the forests of the Caribbean and the Lesser Antilles, with the exception of Jamaica. They are found in dense forest canopies and often feed on fruit and seeds. Their unique call, “Who Are You?”, makes them easily identifiable in any area. Locals call them “Scaly-Naped Pigeons,” and they are known as such by many residents.
The Scaly-naped Pigeon is an attractive bird that is very similar to the common black pigeon, but is somewhat smaller in size and colouring. This bird calls from January through July, and the call peaks during the fruiting season. It builds its nest in a tree branch, usually a twig or loose stick platform. The female lays one or two glossy white eggs, incubating them for two weeks, and fledging them after 18 to 22 days.
If you’re interested in learning more about the island’s history, you can visit the Grenade Hall Signal Station. The Royal Artillery had manned the station in the 19th century, and messages were sent across the island within minutes. These unique birds are now protected, and their numbers are on the rise. You’re sure to find some interesting stories about these birds during your stay in Barbados. You’ll be glad you made the trip.
John is passionate about discovering the beautiful birds of the globe. He is researching & sharing the best birds of all countries that he can find to share his passion & hobby with the world.
