Category: Birds

Neotropic Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) are a frequent sight at Lighthouse Reef, gracefully plunging into the waters to hunt. These skilled diving waterbirds call this area home and seem unbothered by respectful human visitors. With Tropical Storm Sara behind us, today’s calm and sunny weather is a welcome relief for all creatures, especially the cormorants. Clear […]

As Tropical Storm Sara sweeps through, the White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) are making the most of the high waters on Long Caye. These elegant wading birds, known for their bright white feathers, curved reddish-orange bills, and pink legs, are a striking sight against the stormy backdrop. Taking advantage of the break in the weather, the […]

“It’s a blustery day, but at least it’s warm!” remarked this visiting Palm Warbler (Setophaga palmarum), perched with us on the dock. This non-breeding adult, taking a moment to enjoy the view of building clouds across the water, is one of many migratory songbirds that grace Lighthouse Reef during their journey from North America. Palm […]

This is not the first time this guy has come by to see what we’re up to at Lr3 and this time I was able to grab a few pics. Cattle egret aren’t full timers on Long Caye, but sometimes a few will winter here. This year, we’ve had at least 2 strolling across the […]

The red-footed booby (Sula sula) is a large seabird recognized for its striking red feet, pointed bill, and streamlined body. As the smallest of the booby species, it excels in diving and fishing, catching fish and squid by plunging into the ocean from great heights. You can find red-footed boobies on Half Moon Caye, where […]

Egrets are long-legged wading birds belonging to the heron family, Ardeidae, and they commonly inhabit Belize’s wetlands, coastal areas, and freshwater habitats. These elegant birds feature slender bodies, long necks, and striking white plumage, although some species may display different colors during breeding seasons. Egrets use their sharp, pointed beaks to spear fish, amphibians, and […]

The mangrove warbler (Setophaga petechia) is a small, vibrant bird commonly found in Belize and across Lighthouse Reef, particularly in mangrove swamps and coastal forests. This species, a subspecies of the yellow warbler, showcases striking plumage that is typically bright yellow with greenish or olive tones on the back. Males often display a chestnut-red streak […]

The brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a large water bird that inhabits the coastlines of North, Central, and South America. You can easily identify it by its brown-gray body, large bill with a distinctive throat pouch, and long wingspan that can reach up to 7 feet. Unlike other pelicans, brown pelicans dive from heights into […]

The Osprey, Pandion haliaetus, also known as the “fish hawk” due to its diet primarily consisting of fish, has a significant presence in Belize. Here’s a brief history: Overall, the Osprey holds a significant place in Belize’s natural heritage, contributing to its ecological diversity and attracting interest from both conservationists and tourists alike. Efforts to […]