Bird Watching Curaçao – HOME

The first question we get from birders visiting the island of Curaçao is: ‘Can you recommend locations we can visit to spot birds?’ This question has many different answers. Curaçao might be relatively small in surface, but has an incredible variety of both native birds, migratory birds and new introductions whether by natural forces, or mankind, non-problematic or invasive. It all depends on what species you want to see exactly and how much time you have to spend searching for birds. In this series we introduce you to a variety of areas depending on the type of birds you want to see. With some tips and tricks and do’s and don’ts. This is the seventh article in a series of 10!

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Searching for endemics

Endemic species or subspecies or birds are almost always on a birder’s to see list. Endemic species, specific to certain regions have unique features that attract nature lovers from all over the world. And the same can be said about endemic subspecies, which can vary enormously in size, colours and behaviour from the originally described species. It is always exciting to encounter such a very special individual, belonging to the overall species but different enough to be considered an endemic for a certain region. Curaçao has many endemic subspecies of birds and the most visible is the charming Brown-throated parakeet called Prikichi in Papiamentu.  

The really interesting part of the story is that the Prikichi as it is know on Curaçao is different in coloration in comparison to the Brown-throated parakeet on Aruba and different from the Bonairean parakeet as well. They are therefor seen as three different subspecies, each endemic to their specific island of occurrence, whilst the species also occurs in South and Central America in different subspecies according to regions. On Curaçao you will find the Eupsittula pertinax pertinax, a green and blue bird with a brownish belly and yellow mask around the eyes.

Behaviour

The Prikichi occurs all over the island and can be found both in urban areas such as the inner city, as well as the more wild places on the island. These birds eat fruits and seeds and can often be found in vast quantities in mango, tamarind and other fruit trees where they will devour the fruits, their noisy presence impossible to overlook, even though it may take you some time to distinguish the birds in between the greenery. They also love to eat cactus fruits and the best places to look for them is on top of large columnar cacti where they eat ripe and unripe fruits alike. These birds live in flocks from 2 up till 60 individuals and will be calling out loudly while flying around. Besides the above mentioned food sources, these birds also love to eat the seedpods of Acacia trees (Wabi) as well those of the Mesquite tree (Indju), and will also devour flower bulbs of the Brazilwood tree and the wild Kibrahacha, the three that carries bright yellow flowers for only 2-3 days after a good rain shower.

Where to spot a Brown-throated parakeet

Follow the noise. That is the best tip we can give you. Often enough you will hear their screeching sounds before spotting them. So look for gardens with large fruit trees carrying fruits, or drive along the road towards Playa Kanoa or Knip to spot them sitting on top of the columnar cacti like Kadushi, Datu or Kadushi di pushi. Especially if the cacti have fruits.

These parakeet are very inquisitive but get spooked by loud noises, or people stepping out of a car. The best wat to photograph them is from the car window. Don’t think you can sneak up on them, the will have spotted you from a mile away.