10,000 Birds

JULY 26, 2016

I remember the very first time I saw the national bird of Venezuela. The Venezuelan Troupial has a large range, and can be found in Venezuela (obviously), Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago, and a number of Caribbean Islands. In addition to striking feather patterns, the troupial is set apart from other oriole species in a variety of ways.

Venezuela 101

Venezuela Puerto Rico Colombia Trinidad 101

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 20, 2015

This map shows the distribution of the World’s bird species, based on overlying the breeding and wintering ranges of all known species. I used to live in Botswana, where there are about 450 bird species in an area a few dozen miles from the capital; then somewhat naively moved back to Serbia with mere 250 species around the capital.

Sri Lanka 256

Sri Lanka Botswana Africa Serbia 256

10,000 Birds

JULY 29, 2013

Since 1776 it has been protected land and the biodiversity there speaks volumes to what nearly 250 years of conservation can do. But I think that UNESCO explains things better than I can : The Tobago Main Ridge Forest Reserve is on record as the oldest legally protected forest reserve geared specifically towards a conservation purpose.

Trinidad 185

Trinidad Birds Venezuela Protection 185

10,000 Birds

JULY 17, 2012

Nick wrote a guest post on Forpus passerinus and the Ornithologists of Masaguaral which was full of passion, humor, and insight into his work while on location in Venezuela. Getting intimate with a species over the course of the breeding cycle is one of the more rewarding aspects of birding, and field research too.

Eggs 268

Eggs Venezuela Porcupines 2008 268

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 19, 2022

Running end-to-end across the northernmost section of the island, Trinidad’s Northern Range is the final outcrop of the mighty Andes after it bends eastward through Venezuela. There aren’t many places in the world where one can observe rainforest-dependent species against the stunning blue backdrop of the ocean.

Trinidad 262

Trinidad Woodpeckers Bats Venezuela 262

10,000 Birds

JULY 4, 2019

From the Amazon basin through the towering Andes to the endemic-rich Choco, it is possible to observe 600 species in two weeks and even 800 in three weeks – they could all find themselves on your life list. The next question is which is the best bird guide for the country? I haven’t birded South America yet.

Ecuador 144

Ecuador South America 2006 Birds 144