Bird Watching Curaçao – HOME

Quinlan Cijntje is an enthusiastic and knowledgeable local young birdwatcher, who inspires many people from the island to observe and learn more about the very interesting nature the island has. He joined the Bird Watching Curaçao volunteer team in 2021. He now studies in the Netherlands but will always be on the lookout for birds (and other animals) everywhere he is. Now that he is on vacation on his island he will share some of his birding experiences on this website and our social media channels.

Historic Discovery: First-Ever Sighting of a Juvenile Purple Gallinule on Klein Curaçao!

Hello, fellow bird enthusiasts!  We’ve embarked on a journey that will be etched in the annals of birdwatching history—last Friday, while searching for possible warblers, we stumbled upon a ground-breaking discovery on Klein Curaçao. This small, idyllic island has gifted us with the first-ever sighting of a juvenile Purple Gallinule, devoid of its vibrant adult plumage.

 Klein Curaçao: A Hidden Birdwatcher’s Gem
Klein Curaçao, the picturesque island just a short boat ride from its larger counterpart, is renowned for its pristine beaches and occasional rare bird sightings. While it’s not uncommon to spot various migratory birds, this particular encounter was nothing short of extraordinary.

 Background:
The Purple Gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus, is a stunning bird known for its striking purple and blue plumage as an adult. However, our recent visitor was a juvenile, lacking the vibrant colors that define its species. These gallinules are typically found in wetlands and marshy areas, making Klein Curaçao’s unique ecosystem the unlikeliest of homes.

 The Historic Encounter:
Last Friday morning, as we ventured into the island’s lush bushes once more, our hearts raced with the excitement of the unknown. The island’s bushes held secrets that even the most seasoned birdwatchers hadn’t yet uncovered. And then, there it was—a juvenile Purple Gallinule, standing amidst the verdant undergrowth as if waiting for us to discover it.

This young gallinule was a mosaic of subtle browns and grays, a stark contrast to the vivid purples and blues it would acquire in adulthood. Its soft, downy feathers and delicate appearance immediately set it apart from the island’s usual avian residents.

 Tourists and Boat Operators: The Monday Encounter
It’s important to note that this gallinule’s journey was first observed by tourists and boat operators earlier in the week. On a sunny Monday, it made a surprise appearance on the island’s sandy beach, capturing the attention of those fortunate enough to witness its arrival.

 Observing the Juvenile Gallinule:
We watched in utter fascination as the young Purple Gallinule expertly navigated the foliage, using its long, spindly toes to delicately step through the vegetation. Its beady eyes were alert, scanning for potential food, and its movements were both cautious and deliberate.

It was a mesmerizing sight to see this juvenile bird explore its surroundings, seemingly unfazed by our presence. As we observed this historic moment, we couldn’t help but be in awe of this young gallinule’s pioneering spirit.

 Photography Marvel:
Cameras clicked away as we documented this groundbreaking encounter. Every photograph captured the subtle beauty of the young Purple Gallinule, a reminder that even in its juvenile state, nature’s wonders are worth cherishing.

 A Remarkable Milestone:
This juvenile Purple Gallinule’s historic presence on Klein Curaçao marks a remarkable milestone in the island’s birdwatching history. As the first-ever recorded sighting of its species on the island, it signifies the island’s unique appeal to a diverse range of avian visitors.

As we reluctantly left the young Purple Gallinule to continue its exploration of the island’s verdant bushes, we couldn’t help but feel that we had been part of something truly special. Klein Curaçao had unveiled a hidden treasure, leaving us with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the natural world.

 Quinlan Cijntje