Spanish school, Research Station, Sustainable tourism, Ecotourism, Fish studies, Bird and other nature studies, Reforestation and Conservation Activities and Hostel in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, Nicaragua. Birdwatching, SCUBA diving, swimming, hiking, nature and wildlife watching. Hostel, great meals, great friends. Saving the planet and enjoying every minute of it!
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Nicaragua does not have an officially designated national bird. Nonetheless, the Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa) is widely regarded as the national bird. Its imagery permeates the symbology of the country, even appearing on the recently issued 200-cordoba note. All Nicaraguans love this bird, to be sure. Its name in Nicaraguan Spanish is Guardabarranco, or Bank Keeper.
A Turquoise-browed Motmot brings a caterpillar to the chicks in a nest on the patio of Estacion Biologica Laguna de Apoyo. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
This year marked a first. On our, not exactly expansive, patio, a pair of Turquoise-browed Motmots decided to nest. The nest conditions they require has spawned their Nicaraguan name: They choose a horizontal hole in a dirt bank, usually previously made by small reptiles, then expand and lengthen it. The nest is protected from some kinds of potential predators by its location that can be reached only with difficulty by small, clawed animals that can scale the wall, or by flying; by the length of the nest and usually a crook in the access tunnel, which makes any trip into the tunnel treacherous; and by extreme stealth on entering and leaving the nest.
The 200-cordoba note, made of plastic, features none other than the Guardabarranco.
The nest site was a drainage hole, placed in a stone retaining wall. It is shielded from easy view by a mahogany tree, but is less than two meters from every person entering and leaving Estacion Biologica. There was just enough cover from the mahogany tree to permit the birds to enter and leave without being easily noticed.
A juicy caterpillar is on its way to chicks in the Turquoise-browed Motmot nest. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
Once the eggs have hatched, the real work begins. Hungry chicks demand a lot of food, with particular nutrition profiles, particularly lots of protein. Both parents hurriedly made forays into the garden below and the jungle behind in search of fruits and especially small animals.
The Turquoise-browed Motmot, caterillar in tow, is waiting for its mate to emerge from the nest, to ferry more food to them. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
We were too busy to monitor the nest constantly. Furthermore, the parents noted whether someone was observing before entering or leaving the nest. We chose to act casually, let them do their thing, and hope for the best. This species is abundant in the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, some nests are found only 40 meters from our gate, but this first use of our own property made us proud.
The Turquoise-browed Motmot is uncharacteristically abundant in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
We never saw the chicks depart, and the large numbers of nearby birds of this species makes it impossible to state which bird came from where. Whether they survived and fledged, we can only speculate. Hopefully, because we try to make our grounds more natural and friendly to wildlife, the nesting pair was able to use a new site successfully, and perhaps we will get another visit in the future.
One does not have to be an expert to enjoy birdwatching. If you would like to see this gorgeous bird and lots of other forest birds, ask us to provide a field guide for a short excursion. Birdwatching is an inclusive, learning and enjoying activity, in which beginners can participate. Contact us if you would like to make a birdwatching excursion.
Although birds are not always easily photographed in the wild, some people are up for the challenge. The following photos were taken by Lars Saenger, who spent two weeks studying at Apoyo Spanish School and watching nature inside the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. These photos demonstrate that the area is great for practicing nature photography.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) populations found in Nicaragua do not breed locally. The entire Osprey population of Nicaragua is regarded as migratory, nesting further north. Some birds pass through Nicaragua on migratory trips, but many choose the ample aquatic ecosystems to fish in Nicaragua until moving northward for another reproductive period. Ospreys feed almost entirely on fish plucked from the surface of water. Even though the Osprey does not nest in Nicaragua, there are always a few individuals present in Laguna de Apoyo, most likely immatures that remain behind in their southern range until ready for reproduction.
Hoffmann's Woodpecker (Melanerpes hoffmannii)
Most of the bird species found in Nicaragua have wide ranges, often spanning many countries. Some, however, are found in more restrictive ranges, within an ecosystem. One such bird species, Hoffmann's Woodpecker (Melanerpes hoffmannii), is located only in Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. The species prospers in both open areas with plenty of trees and natural forest areas in the tropical dry forest region of Nicaragua. Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve is an ideal habitat for the bird, which is a close relative to and shares many superficial characteristics with the Red-Bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus), a species common through much of the eastern United States. Hoffmann's Woodpecker is active in most areas of the reserve year-round, including both the deepest forest areas and built areas with houses.
Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus)
Some birds prefer to inhabit areas without human influence, but others may be particularly attracted to humans. One bird that responds positively to human impacts on the forest is the Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus). They tend to be active throughout the day, loud and ebullient, and many other species do not prosper in their presence. They are not found deep into the forest.
Cinnamon Hummingbird (Amazilia rutila), feeding on the nectar of Tabebuia rosea.
Hummingbirds are always loved by birdwatchers. Their precise movements and delicate forms inspire awe among anyone who sees them. Among the most common hummingbird species in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve is the Cinnamon Hummingbird (Amazilia rutila). It and other hummingbirds consume nectar from flowers, as everyone knows; what fewer people appreciate, however, is that hummingbirds also consume very small arthropods, which they may glean from the air. One example of such prey is the juvenile spiders, that may actually be transported by the wind. The Cinnamon Hummingbird will feed on tiny spiders, often gleaning them from foliage and flowers. This bird species is common particularly near humans, and is even found in peri-urban areas of Managua.
Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarhynchus pitangua)
Many species of tyrant flycatchers have been documented in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, among them, the Boat-billed Flycatcher (Megarhynchus pitangua). At first glance, it resembles the Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulfuratus), but without cinnamon wing-feathers, and with a much more formidable peak and distinctive calls. It can be found in open areas as well as within a relatively closed canopy.
Turquoise-brlowed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa)
The bird most adored by Nicaraguans is the Turquoise-browed Motmot (Eumomota superciliosa). This lovely species is very common in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, likely because of the abundant sites for nesting available. The species makes nests in tunnels carved horizontally into loose clay and ash deposits in the steep banks in ravines and road cuts. This site may be among the best to find the species in the entire country.
Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer)
Among the numerous species of tyrant flycatchers in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, is the Dusky-capped Flycatcher (Myiarchus tuberculifer). Its genus consists of several species, some of which are quite difficult to distinguish at a distance. It is common throughout the reserve.
Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma)
Birdwatchers never tire of watching the Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma), especially around a nesting colony. Dozens of nests in the form of woven socks are constructed in a single tree, where the birds engage in highly social behavior among the nesting group. Nesting occurs during the dry season, sometimes starting as early as November, with as many as one hundred birds gathered into a single site! An oropendola colony is always a birdwatching paradise.
There is an amazingly complex set of conflicts between people and wildlife, much more extensive and complex than anyone can appreciate. Humans impact wild animals in their natural environment in numerous ways, and for most wildlife, the impacts are negative. Birds may almost always be seen near areas of human activity, but several species of birds are not compatible with humans or with the birds that are compatible with humans and accompany them.
At Estación Biológica Laguna de Apoyo, we often see, up close and personally, the clashes between humans and wildlife, and wildlife rarely prospers from the impact. Animals may end up hunted, abused, captured for the pet trade, or victims of habitat alterations and destruction provoked by humans. Often, wildlife die or appear injured or disabled and in need of wild animal rescue, thanks to the many ways humans encroach on wild environments.
We feel gratified and awed, however, by the kindness shown by a family visiting the area and the happy ending for an owl. This family had noted an owl in distress in standing water, near the lake, and upon our suggestion, brought us the poor bird. It was obviously in severe distress, completely defenseless, and at risk of getting attacked by pet cats in a yard. The owl appeared to be in shock. We took the owl, wrapped in an old shirt, and placed it in a cage, and waited. We gave it a small amount of water, and then left it alone, warm inside a cocoon to recover from the shock it was experiencing and guarded from the distractions of daytime in a draped cage.
The owl was clearly an adult Pacific Screech-Owl (Megascops cooperi). This is perhaps the most common and definitely the most evident of the owl species in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, particularly because of their willingness to reside in areas inhabited by humans. We have had some positive experience with this species, so we felt confident that we could feed it and give it a chance to survive and return to the wild. In the worst of cases, we could give it a restful end in a quiet place, if it indeed would not survive.
The Pacific Screech-Owl is taken from the cage, prepared to return to the wild. Photo Lars Sanger.
Within a few hours, the owl had recovered considerable energy. By the end of the day, it was sitting on a perch, and showing a much better posture. Then, an egg appeared under the perch! The egg had cracked in the fall, but nonetheless, it helped explain the distress of the poor animal. Encouraged by the event and the improvement of the spirits and energy of the bird, we gave it lots of food, in the form of Asian house geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus), an invasive species which abounds around artificial lights in the area. After two evenings and days of comfort and food, it had not produced another egg yet, but it (or rather, she) was calling in the evening and receiving a response from the trees above. Could it be her mate?
Pablo Somarriba prepares to release the Pacific Screech-Owl. Photo Lars Sanger.
A recent evening, Pablo removed her from her cage, took her to a nearby secluded area, and released her. She did not hesitate. Within a fraction of a second, she had flown. She landed in a nearby tree, where she perched to assess her new freedom and examine the surroundings.
The Pacific Screech-Owl returns to the wild. Photo Lars Sanger.
Most birds and other wildlife affected by humans perish without notice, victims to cats, dogs, and to the transformations to habitat caused by human inhabitation. Even when people think they are making their country home compatible to wildlife, they may be eliminating a lot of elements of habitat vital to the natural order that is found in the ecosystem, such as undergrowth. Other impacts may involve pets. Cats are now understood to present a huge threat to wildlife.
These issues are grave in the context of the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, where human activity is intense. It is one of the most visited protected areas in Nicaragua, with some 100 residences and hotels along the shores of the lake.
Flight to freedom! Photo Lars Sanger.
Seeing an owl in flight is always a great surprise. They seem to command the air, appearing without notice, and moving swiftly, without noise or flutter. This owl, in only a few wing-strokes, flew to a nearby branch and landed. Below is a video of her first flight.
Our member of the neighborhood owl family is again in the wild, where she will, hopefully, reintegrate and go on to reproduce. She was saved from a sure death by dogs in a yard, and now, she has another opportunity to live and die in the wild as she was destined.
We can appreciate the Pacific Screech-Owl in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve almost any evening, by following the calls made within a family group. The members of a group frequently interchange a pleasant, bouncy call each evening. Occasionally during daytime, they can be spotted roosting in trees, sometimes just overhead of us in our daily activities. They are occasionally spotted during birdwatching excursions as well, because they may be roosting in plain view. This is one of the owls most tolerant of the presence of humans, so they are more easily found than most other owl species in the inhabited areas of the reserve.
The Pacific Screech-Owl is now in the wild again! Photo Lars Sanger.
Everyone is aware of how some bird species are quite evident and others are incredibly reclusive and difficult to note. This difference extends into most natural habitats that the birds use, especially forest habitats where birds can find lots of different places and ways to avoid detection. Birds are somewhat uniform anatomically, however, there are about ten thousand existing species, each with some distinguishing features, showing how feathers along with other features can make such a large number of distinctions which serve to fit ecological niches for feeding, defense and predator avoidance, migration, compatibility with the elements, and reproduction.
We have conducted several cycles of mist netting studies of the birds of Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve in Nicaragua, where there are tropical dry forest habitats facing several levels of human intervention. We have noted how several species of birds can be found commonly in one of our study sites but rare or almost not at all in another site of different vegetation structure and composition. The following are a sampling of the migratory birds that appear in our nets in our studies.
This remarkable partitioning of the habitats of the reserve is also noted among migratory birds. About a quarter of all the bird species found in Nicaragua conduct well-defined, seasonal migrations, in which nesting occurs in a northward habitat during the North American summer, and leaves the area along with most or all the birds of the same species southward for several months, once the chicks have hatched, fledged and gained independence. The birds remain in a southern habitat until time to return to the nesting grounds again.
Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve offers winter habitats to many migratory bird species which nest further north. One example is the Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea), which nests as far south as extreme northern Mexico, but all the birds of this species disappear move southward into a range extending from central Mexico , the southern tip of Florida, throughout the Antilles and to Panama.
The male Indigo Bunting is appropriately named for its attractive, practically solid blue coloration exhibited during reproduction. A feather molt in the fall, however, leaves the males with mostly drab, brown color, with some deep blue highlights. Hence, the male Indigo Bunting only uses the bright colors during reproduction and maintains a muted appearance when in Nicaragua, which may be driven by predator avoidance and possibly direct physiological costs to produce and maintain the bright plumage.
The female Indigo Bunting is never brightly colored, and lacks the blue wash seen in the male when not in reproductive plumage. Many bird species use color dimorphism in which males demonstrate their reproductive fitness with bold colors and plumage as secondary sexual characteristics which the females use in mate selection. Presumably, a male which will sire offspring more successfully will also have a nice wardrobe.
This female Indigo Bunting insisted on a fight so she got one-with the stem of a leaf. Photo Pier Boudreault.
As a seed-eating species, the Indigo Bunting is generally found in open areas, where grasses may be found around large trees for perching and refuge. This species is found less often in the deeper forest.
In contrast to the Indigo Bunting, the Black-and-White Warbler (Mniotilta varia) feeds on insects found on the bark of trees, especially on the trunk and vertical limbs. It prefers more closed forest canopy and tends to stay low in the forest, climbing along on the trunk, then flying to another, nearby tree to land on the trunk and continue foraging. Its plumage is by no means camouflage for the bird, and there are more bold patterns on the male than on the female, in obvious use in mate selection.
Like the Indigo Bunting, the Black-and-White Warbler breeding range, in eastern US and Canada, does not overlap with its winter range, which encompasses the extreme southern US, Mexico and Central America, and the Antilles and extreme northern South America.
Another group of migratory birds which spend winter in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve are found in the thrush family (Turdidae). In its breeding range, the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) is known particularly for its haunting song, which is not given on its winter range. How fortunate are those who hear its song, for as Henry David Thoreau wrote, "wherever he hears it, it is a new world and a free country, and the gates of Heaven are not shut against him." Unlike the other two birds mentioned above, there are no significant differences in plumage between the sexes in this species. This species can be found foraging on the open ground beneath the shade of large trees, in similar actions to the common resident Clay-colored Thrush (Turdus grayi).
Less striking in appearance is another migratory thrush: the Swainson's Thrush (Catharus ustulatus), which is common in shaded areas in the Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve. Like the Wood Thrush, the sexes are similarly colored. Its muted color pattern may be of great advantage, especially when foraging on the ground, as it provides an even greater degree of camouflage than the Wood Thrush. The breeding range, across much of the US and Canada, is completely abandoned by this species during the winter. Birds from the western US and Canada pass the winter from Mexico into Costa Rica, whereas birds from the eastern US and Canada migrate across the Caribbean to Panama and South America for winter.
Another family of migratory landbirds consists of the tanagers, which are distributed into multiple families in spite of similar external characteristics. The Western Tanager (Piranga ludovicianus) has recently been placed in the cardinal family (Cardinalidae). It is less common than the Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra), and has a similar but less melodic, more raspy call on its winter habitat. The Western Tanager tends to stay close to the top of tall trees, coming down to lower levels only occasionally, for which we have relatively few capture records.
The mature male Western Tanager has a red head which fade to yellow neck and throat and olive-yellow body, over which bold black markings are found on the wings. The females lack red on the head and have fewer wing markings. As in many species, the males attain adult plumage after the first winter season, during which only vestiges of the adult male color pattern are noted. This species prefers more well-developed forest structure in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve.
Not all migratory birds spend winter in Nicaragua and breed further north. One bird which breeds in Nicaragua during the US summer months and then migrates to South America in September is the Sulfur-bellied Flycatcher (Myiodynastes luteiventris). The forests in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve will be punctuated by its squeaky call, which can be compared to a child's squeaky bathroom toy. As a tyrant flycatcher (Family Tyrannidae), it catches insects in flight in open areas, whether above trees in the canopy or over clearings, making sallies from perches at medium or high levels in trees.
The tyrant flycatchers are generally very aggressive birds, vigorously defending nesting territories from any bird or other animal it perceives to be a threat. Among the defense mechanisms is the use of its bright orange mouth, which it displays to frighten any threatening animal. A yellow flash can also be seen on the crest when excited.
Sulfur-bellied Flycatcher. Photo Vera Neumann.
Migrating birds enjoy a special legal status internationally, thanks to the increasing recognition of the special needs involved in twice-yearly migrations. Among the oldest of legislation to protect wildlife is the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, signed by the US government in 1918. Although Nicaragua is not a co-signatory on this or other, similar legislation, foreign investment may require all the stipulations in this law to be applied, even when the investment is made in Nicaragua.
Gaia has conducted studies of the birds of Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve now several years, during this period more than 225 bird species have been documented and some very interesting trends have been noted. One important finding is that the reserve is an important host for a very special bird, the Long-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis). This small, reclusive bird is found in the canyons, at low and middle levels of the forest, beneath the cover of canopy.
The adult male Long-taile Manakin is jet-black with a baby-blue back and crimson-red head. Two long tail-covert feathers stream behind the bird. Photo Pier-Oliver Beaudrault.
Although this species is uncommon in open areas, it is easily heard in its shaded habitat, with unique calls and songs that let one know where it can be found. Although the adult males are spectacular, with brilliant red head, baby blue back and bright orange legs, it can still be missed because it moves little, often remaining still for long periods, and prefers deep shade.
Juveniles and females are even more difficult to sight, because the base color is olive green. Once the bird is sighted, the legs are often the diagnostic feature, because of the angle of view and limited light where the bird is perched.
An immature male Long-tailed Manakin is just beginning to show blue on the back. Photo Joe Taylor.
We usually think of small birds reaching sexual maturity after one year and perhaps only living two or a few years. The long-tailed Manakin is distinctly long-lived. The males, in fact, only reach sexual maturity after four years, during which their changes in plumage occur in several stages. Two or three males work together to perform a song and dance to attract the females, and the females choose the group with the most accomplished performance. The senior male of the group mates and the others await their turn to move up in the hierarchy. Females build nests and raise young alone.
The Gaia mist netting studies of birds in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve is finally yielding some useful data, after several years of capturing thousands of birds. The Long-tailed Manakin counts among the most frequently captured bird species, in the most densely forested sites, although its capture numbers are considerably lower where the forest canopy is incomplete and undergrowth is removed. We are just learning which birds are the most important species in the reserve, and definitely, the Long-tailed Manakin ranks highly.
Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve is an interesting location to study this species, as it has a very high population density in some locations, where as many as 20 individuals have been captured in a three-day period. The high population found in our study area is also interesting because of its proximity to the southern range limit of the species, found in northwestern Costa Rica.
An adult male Long-tailed Manakin has lent a few minutes of his time to our scientists for study. Photo Pier-Oliver Beaudrault.
In our next phase of study of this species, we hope to undertake population dynamics and nesting success. If you are interested in participating in bird studies in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve, we would love to work with you. This is also a relatively easy bird to find, and we would love to take you on a birdwatching excursion. Please contact us if you would like to volunteer or undertake an internship in the study of this bird or other birds in the area or simply to go birdwatching with one of our expert guides.
Two male Long-tailed Manakins in a courtship ritual. Photo Jesse Bickley and Anna James.
Everyone likes pet animals. Animals bring happiness to our life in a lot of ways, by showing affection, their physical attractiveness, and by humoring us with their actions. Animals like dogs and cats have evolved thousands of years in the presence of humans, to the point that they are incapable of living distant from us. It might even seem that we are co-dependent on them, too, sometimes we can't live without them.
These two macaws have been rescued from the pet trade, and we care for them at Estacion Biologica in Laguna de Apoyo. Photo Jen Moran.
We humans have a disconcerting tendency to interfere with the other species with whom we share this planet, however. It isn't enough that we eat some, use others to make housing, clothing and utensils. We like the idea of having animals around us, doing our bidding. We see a beautiful animal such as a macaw in the forest, and we think, "I want one". Even the precolombian people were known to capture these majestic animals and keep them as pets. It is difficult for us to accept and appreciate animals in the wild without giving in to the urge to dominate them, by capturing or killing them.
Feather-plucking is one of several responses to years of captivity for animals that were never meant to be in cages. This bird can never return to the wild, so we are giving her the best treatment we can. Photo Jen Moran.
Our fascination with wild animals has some perverse consequences. We insist on demonstrating our strength and courage by dominating wild animals by riding wild bulls and roping calves in rodeos, for instance. Ernest Hemingway wrote long and eloquent of his fascination with hunting animals and with the bullfight, a continuing tradition in Spain and Latin America, in which the bullfighter is pitted in a life-and-death struggle with a large, angry animal, albeit armed with deadly lances. We all know this to be an unfair fight, but millions are thrilled when the animal is conquered violently.
This bird's broken wing has doomed her to a long lifetime in captivity. The pet trade in wild animals is extremely cruel, and should never be supported. Please do not ever pay for a wild animal! Photo Jen Moran.
Among most of us today, bullfights and rodeos are not popular. But our fascination with wild animals is such that having a wild animal as a pet is common and few people criticize this practice. However, unlike dogs and cats, wild animals suffer greatly in captivity, in ways that we may ignore as pet owners.
These two birds are best friends and inseparable. Both are severely psychologically and physically scarred by their handling in the pet trade. Photo Jen Moran.
The pet trade in wild animals has been devastating to wildlife in Nicaragua. Today, very few people have ever seen a macaw in the wild. Nicaragua has two species, the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) and the Great Green Macaw (Ara ambiguus). Until about 1983, a flock of Scarlet Macaws was easily spotted flying over urban Managua, during the day, returning to roost in the Chiltepe Peninsula before dark. The pet trade took that flock away. Along the Pacific region of Nicaragua, all of which is native habitat for this glorious animal, only perhaps ten or fifteen animals remain, in the northwest corner, in the Cosiguina Peninsula. It is sad that one can not enjoy these majestic animals by birdwatching, but rather, we have to watch them through the bars of cages in zoos and the homes of wealthy individuals.
Although both these birds suffer dramatic psychological effects from captivity, they are dying for attention. Our Eco-Warrior Volunteers at Estacion Biologica Laguna de Apoyo help with their care. Photo Jen Moran.
Most of the wild animals we rescue at GAIA end up getting released into the wild, if all goes well, and they have their opportunity to live and die in the forest, not in a cage as subjects of the whims of humans. These two animals, however, will never return, thanks to the horrible abuse they have received in captivity. We are giving them the wildest experience possible, with cages that look to the forest, lots of space, and as diversified a set of experiences as we can manage. We hope that through our small efforts, Nicaragua is a better place for wild animals and humans, alike.
These macaws will love you!! But they still bite! Photo Jen Moran.
Would you like to help us care for rescued wild animals? Please consider volunteering with GAIA or making a donation. We need spare cages, money for food and veterinary costs, and volunteers to spend time serving them! Please contact us.
As we earlier posted, a pair of Tropical Kingbirds (Tyrannus melancholicus) produced three eggs this past Mother's Day in a vigorous courtship, which has now become three rapidly-growing chicks. Both parents spend all the daylight hours defending them and providing food for them. Here, we present more photos of this growing family, with special thanks to Rebecca Brown for camera donation.
The Tropical Kingbird watches over an open area from a high perch, in plain view of the nest where three chicks are in constant desire of food. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
Within a week of hatching, incipient wing-feathers became visible among the hair-like plumage characteristic of most nestlings. The Tropical Kingbird chicks have grown rapidly, but sleeping and eating are their only activities.
A week after hatching, these Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) chicks are beginning to show flight feathers. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
One parental bird remains with the nest at night, but both parents are seeking food for the chicks all day long. They mostly catch items on the wing, capturing all kinds of insects in the sky, grabbing arthropods from leaves or even plucking tiny fruits such as hot peppers. Although little idle time remains for the adults, they communicate constantly, bicker, and they even occasionally perform a "dance"-each flying in tandem about four meters high, from a perch, while singing.
Once the Tropical Kingbird chicks awaken, only one thing can be on their minds-food. The parents feed them small insects and fruits, and even larger insects such as butterflies and dragonflies. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
Both parents are near the nest during all daylight hours and nothing happens there of which they are not immediately aware. They squabble with other birds, especially Social Flycatchers which have a nest only some twelve meters away. The Tropical Kingbirds are adept flyers and fearless, taking on any animal that enters its territory, even humans, who will feel their presence from behind if lingering nearby.
The orange flash colors in the crest of this Tropical Kingbird are visible when the bird feels threatened, although the chicks are all oblivious to any danger nearby. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
Far from being free of danger, these chicks at one week of life after hatching would represent a merry morsel to most other animals. The parents must continue their protection aggressively, given that the nest and chicks are readily visible and accessible from land and air.
Upon waking, the chicks immediately open wide and beg, expecting a tasty insect or fruit. Whereas in the first couple of days, all food brought was regurgitated, the chicks now must ingest their food items without as much prior treatment. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
The Tropical Kingbird is not only valiant, it is also somewhat tolerant of humans, permitting some great opportunities for nature photography. While by no means the rarest or most spectacular bird in Nicaragua, it is nonetheless an interesting and somewhat willing subject, and an example of what a birdwatcher can expect beyond just seeing a lot of different birds. These birds are available to the observer in both forested and altered settings, and they can make a fine show.
Parental Tropical Kingbirds both deliver food in turn throughout the day. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
A parental Tropical Kingbird observes in loving contemplation of the chicks. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
The chicks still have considerable growth ahead of them before fledging, and even then, dependence continues, as they learn to fly and feed themselves. This parental pair will continue to be busy for weeks to come.
Foods provided to the chicks include vegetable matter, as is shown in the bill of one of the parental units. Photo Jeffrey McCrary.
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our projects in wild nature conservation.
