Birding is a fruitful pasttime on the rock - we're home to 17 permanent resident breeding species, 8 of which are native to Bermuda. Over 200 species are recorded annually and most birds are seen in the fall, as weather systems move off of North America's eastern coast. If you're interested in learning more about our endemic birds, read on and don't forget to check out Part 1.
Bermuda Petrel
Image via Flickr, Bermuda Petrel by n88n88, via CC License
Also called the Cahow, the Bermuda Petrel is an endangered endemic species. Once thought to be extinct for centuries, it was rediscovered in 1951. The Bermuda Petrel is a pelagic seabird that returns in November and from January to June to breed in both natural and artificial burrows. Often seen off of the southern tip of Cooper's Island, these birds are nocturnal and brown-grey in color with white and black markings. A recovery programme is in place and the population has risen to over 100 nesting pairs and growing.
Grey Catbird
Image via Flickr, Grey Catbird by Elliot Gilfix, via CC License
Known for their name and beautiful slate color, many Grey Catbirds can be found in Bermuda. Medium-sized, males and females are indistiguishable from one another, which is another unique characteristic of this species. Their song resembles the meow of a cat and the Grey Catbird is also a fine mimic. In competition with the Kiskadee and the Starling, they favor woodlands and nest between April and June.
Mourning Dove
Image via Flickr, Mourning Dove by Linda Tanner, via CC License
A native species found abundantly in Bermuda, the Mourning Dove first began breeding on island in the 1950s. Preferring golf courses and farmland, they nest in trees and bushes between March and August. Often flying in large flocks, the Mourning Dove is named after its song, which resembles a mournful tune. Slender in size, these birds are brown to tan in color with black and white markings, a long tail and a small head.
Have you seen the Bermuda Petrel, Grey Catbird or Mourning Dove recently in Bermuda? Snap a pic and tag us on Facebook or Twitter!
