Introduction - Adventure Guide to Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao - page 12

Birds
Native and migrating birds are the islands' true wild-
life treasure. On Bonaire, flamingos are the national
symbol. These captivating birds flock around the salt
ponds at the Pekelmeer Sanctuary, one of the few places
in the world where flamingos breed. The rare and
endangered yellow-shouldered lora parrot ( Amazonia
Barbadensis Rothchild ) also lives on Bonaire and is
protected by international treaty. This mostly green parrot is recognized
by yellow feathers on the shoulders, thighs, and around the eyes. Adults
measure about 13 inches from head to tail, and the shy birds congregate in
flocks to feed on wild fruit, including cactus fruits.
Fantastic Flamingos
These long-legged long-necked birds have a distinc-
tive pink plumage, with black flight feathers. An
adult may grow to a height of five feet and weigh as
much as eight pounds. Most live 20 to 30 years, but
records indicate a life span of up to 50 years. In the
wild, flamingos eat algae, aquatic invertebrates, and small seeds.
They feed with their head upside down and their bill in the water
so that they can pump water through their bill with their tongue
in order to sift out food.
While flamingos are shy around people and will run or fly away
when they feel threatened, they are quite social and prefer to live
in large flocks. They walk gracefully and balance delicately on one
leg when at rest.
Flamingos mate for life, and the monogamous pairs build volcano-
shaped nests for their young. Females typically lay one egg dur-
ing a breeding season, and each egg incubates for 28 days. Hatch-
lings are covered with gray down that remains through several
molts before the bird becomes pink.
Curaçao's national bird is the yellow-breasted oriole ( trupial kachó ).
Locals say its relative, the orange-breasted oriole ( trupial ), is a mes-
senger of good news and a sign of good luck. Orioles can be spotted perch-
ing on top of pillar cacti, and their bottle-shaped nests may be seen
hanging from high tree branches.
Approximately 160 other species of birds live on Curaçao, including the
talkative bright green Caribbean parakeet with a distinctive yellow
face ( prikichi ). While these birds are beautiful and a delight to visitors,
farmers dislike them because they feed on crops and destroy gardens.