Great Abaco, an island located in the Bahamas, is home to a diverse array of bird species. These birds range from waterbirds like herons and egrets to songbirds like warblers and vireos.
The island’s varied habitats, including pine forests, wetlands, and beaches, offer ideal habitats for a wide range of bird species. Many of the bird species found in Great Abaco are migratory, making the island an important stopover location for these traveling birds.
The birdwatching opportunities in Great Abaco are abundant, making it a popular destination for bird enthusiasts from all over the world. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of birds in Great Abaco and explore the unique characteristics of some of the island’s most iconic species.
1. Gull-Billed Tern
The Gull-billed Tern is a species of seabird from the Laridae family. It has an extensive range, breeding in parts of Europe, Asia, Northwest Africa and North America.
It was formally described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 as Sterna nilotica before being reclassified to Gelochelidon nilotica.
The Australian subspecies was previously considered separate but now included with this species.
They are quite small birds measuring around 24 cm long with greyish brown upperparts throughout their body and white underneaths along with black legs and feet.
Their head also features a distinctive yellow bill which they use to hunt for fish on rivers or coasts near shallow waters where they tend to nest during summer months on ground level instead of trees like other terns do usually.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Gelochelidon |
| Species | G. nilotica |
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2. Semipalmated Sandpiper
The Semipalmated Sandpiper is a small shorebird belonging to the genus Calidris. It gets its name from Latin, with ‘Calidris’ meaning “grey-coloured waterside bird” and ‘pusilla’ translating as “very small”.
This species was previously placed in the genus Ereun but it has since been moved into its own group called �stints�.
These birds are usually found near coastal areas or wetlands where they feed on insects, crustaceans, mollusks and other aquatic invertebrates.
They have brownish plumage with white underparts which helps them blend into their environment for camouflage purposes when predators come close by.
Despite being quite small compared to other shorebirds, these resilient little birds can fly long distances during migration season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. pusilla |
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3. Cuban Emerald
The Cuban Emerald is a species of hummingbird found in the Bahamas and Cuba. It belongs to the Trochilini tribe, which are known as ’emeralds’.
This bird was formerly placed in the genus Chlorostilbon but recent studies have shown that it actually belonged with other emeralds.
The body of this small bird is predominantly green-colored with an iridescent blue throat patch on its chin and some purple or bronze feathers towards its tail end.
Its diet consists mainly of nectar from various flowers, although insects also form part of their daily sustenance.
They use their long curved beaks to reach deep into tubular flowers for nectar, while hovering mid-air like tiny helicopters.
With no natural predators due to their quick maneuverability and powerful wings; these birds can fly up to speeds over 50 km/h.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Riccordia |
| Species | R. ricordii |
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4. West Indian Woodpecker
The West Indian woodpecker is a species of bird belonging to the family Picidae. It can be found in Cuba, the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands, living mainly in subtropical or tropical dry forest, lowland moist forests and mangrove habitats.
This species has been observed to exhibit polyandrous breeding behaviour – meaning that one female mates with multiple males at once – making it quite unique among its peers.
The diet of this bird consists mostly of insects which are gleaned from tree trunks by probing or drilling into them using their powerful bills; they will also feed on fruits when available.
Despite being listed as Least Concern by IUCN Red List due to its wide range and stable population, human activities such as deforestation have caused some decline in numbers for this species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. superciliaris |
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5. Cuban Pewee
The Cuban Pewee is a species of bird belonging to the Tyrannidae family, found in Cuba and the northern Bahamas. It has a dark olive-grey upper body and dark grey underneath with white underwings.
Its head features an eye stripe that forms into a crescent shape near its beak.
Measuring 16 cm long, it can easily be identified by its distinct call heard during breeding season which includes whistles, chirps and rattling noises like marbles being shaken in a container.
The Cuban Pewee feeds on insects caught midair or gleaned from tree branches while perching.
During winter months they form mixed flocks with other birds where they search for food together such as fruit or nectar from flowers at forest edges or gardens – making them beneficial pollinators too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Contopus |
| Species | C. caribaeus |
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6. Thick-Billed Vireo
The Thick-billed Vireo is a small songbird native to the West Indies, found in places such as The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Cayman Islands and on cays off Cuba.
Occasionally it has been spotted as far away as south Florida. It is classified into one species with two subspecies: Vireo crassirostris and V.c. approximans of Providencia Island which may be considered its own species by some authorities.
This bird prefers dry forests or mangrove swamps for nesting where there are plenty of trees available for habitat protection from predators like hawks or owls.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes fruits when they’re in season.
In order to avoid competition with other birds during breeding times these vireos migrate northward each year between April and June returning again around October before winter sets in making them an interesting sight if you happen to spot one.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. crassirostris |
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7. Olive-Capped Warbler
The Olive-capped Warbler is a species of New World warbler found in western and eastern Cuba, Grand Bahama and the Abaco Islands. It can typically be seen living amongst pine forests or near mixed woodlands.
This small bird has olive green feathers on its head that distinguishes it from other similar birds in its region. Its diet consists mainly of insects; however, they also feed off fruits such as those native to their natural habitats.
They are territorial birds who sing loudly during courtship displays in order to attract mates with whom they will form monogamous relationships for one breeding season at least.
The Olive-capped Warbler helps maintain balance within ecosystems by preying upon pests like moths, beetles and caterpillars which might otherwise cause damage to crops if left unchecked by predators like this avian species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. pityophila |
8. Lesser Black-Backed Gull
The lesser black-backed gull is a large, migratory bird found along the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America.
During winter months they are commonly spotted along the British Isles to West Africa while in summer many birds can be seen year-round on both east and west coastlines.
In recent years numbers of these birds have risen dramatically with some winters having great abundances present throughout their range.
They measure around 48cm long with wingspans reaching up to 110 cm across when fully grown – making them larger than most other common gull species.
These hardy seabirds feed mainly on small fish, crustaceans, molluscs as well as carrion or scraps from human activities that occur near coastal areas such as fishing ports or refuse dumpsites.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. fuscus |
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9. Bridled Tern
The Bridled Tern is a medium-sized seabird of the family Laridae, found in tropical oceans. It has an impressive wingspan of 77–81 cm and measures 30–32 cm in length – similar to that of the Common Tern.
Its scientific name originates from Ancient Greek; Onux meaning “claw” or “nail”, and Prion, which translates as “saw”. The specific anaethetus means ‘senseless’ or ‘stupid’.
These birds are elegant flyers with greyish brown upperparts and white underparts when they take off into flight, while their head appears black on top but turns to white below the eyes with a thin line between them.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Onychoprion |
| Species | O. anaethetus |
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10. Roseate Tern
The Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii) is a species of bird that belongs to the family Laridae. It gets its name from its pink breast in breeding plumage, which gives it a “roseate” appearance.
The genus Sterna comes from Old English and means “tern” while the specific dougallii refers to Scottish physician and collector Dr Peter McDougall (1777–1814).
This species was first described by George Montagu in 1813.
They are most common near coasts but can be found further inland occasionally too. These birds mainly feed on small fish like sardines, anchovies or herring as well as crustaceans when available.
They typically lay two eggs each year during their breeding season between May-September before migrating south for winter months.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. dougallii |
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11. Royal Tern
The Royal Tern is a beautiful seabird, endemic to the Americas. It has been spotted as far away as Europe on rare occasions though.
The species was first described by Georges-Louis Leclerc in 1781 from a specimen found in French Guiana and later illustrated with hand-coloured plates.
These birds have elaborate courtship displays that involve loud vocalizations and energetic aerial acrobatics.
They typically mate for life, nesting together near marshes or beaches each season close to their food source of fish and other small aquatic creatures. Their white plumage brightens up coastlines across America – they are truly majestic.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Thalasseus |
| Species | T. maximus |
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12. Spotted Sandpiper
The Spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small shorebird that can be found across North America and parts of South America.
It has an appealing spotted plumage, predominately brown in colour with white spots on the wings, tail feathers, head and neck.
The Common Sandpiper (A. hypoleucos) is its sister species which takes over geographically when the other moves away; they have been known to hybridize as well when strays settle down among breeders.
This bird was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1766 in his twelfth edition of Systema Naturae as a migratory summer visitor to Europe but it now also occupies many habitats too like beaches, riversides and even grasslands during migration periods or for breeding season itself.
Its diet consists mainly of insects such as air-borne flies plus molluscs from shallow water areas – this makes them quite unique amongst waders.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Actitis |
| Species | A. macularius |
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13. Bahama Yellowthroat
The Bahama yellowthroat is a small New World warbler, endemic to the Bahamas. It has an impressive large bill and measures 15 cm in length.
Male of the nominate race (Geothlypis rostrata rostrata) have olive-green upperparts with white underparts and bright yellow throat patch that extends slightly onto side of breast.
Females are similar but duller overall. There are three subspecies recognized; Geothlypis rostrata maynardi from Abaco Islands, G. r bracensis from Grand Bahama Island & Cay Sal Bank, G .r insularum from Great Inagua island respectively .
They inhabit dense scrubby thickets near water bodies such as swamps or marshes where they forage actively by gleaning insects off vegetation and flycatching low over water surface during breeding season.
Despite its range being limited it is common within its habitat throughout most islands except Grand Bahama Island & Cay sal bank which show some decline due to human activities like development projects & agriculture expansion plansScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. rostrata |
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14. Bahama Swallow
The Bahama swallow is a unique species of bird found only in the Bahamas. It has an emerald green head and back, blue wings, black tail and wingtips, and a white chin and belly.
This beautiful creature can be seen breeding mainly in pineyards on four islands – Andros, Grand Bahama, Abaco and New Providence.
The population on New Providence alone is estimated to number fewer than 250 individuals.
These swallows are generally solitary birds that feed during the day on insects such as flies or beetles.
They roost at night in shrubs or trees but rarely use artificial dwellings like barns or houses for shelter from predators.
Conservation efforts must be made to ensure this endemic species continues to thrive within its natural habitat range so future generations may appreciate its distinctive beauty too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. cyaneoviridis |
15. Forster’s Tern
Forster’s tern is a bird of the family Laridae, named after naturalist Johann Reinhold Forster. It mainly breeds in North America and winters south to Central America, though it can also be found rarely but annually in western Europe.
This species has even been documented wintering as far north as Ireland and Great Britain.
The genus name Sterna comes from Old English “stearn”, meaning “tern”.
These birds generally have grey upperparts with white underparts and black heads with a small crest at its forehead that gives it an elegant look when flying around looking for food by diving into the water.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. forsteri |
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16. Zenaida Dove
The Zenaida dove is a species of doves and pigeons found mainly in the Caribbean, but also parts of Mexico, Central America and South America.
With its distinct dark coloring, short rounded tail and an average length of 28-30 cm (11-12 inches), it stands out from other bird families.
It’s recognized as the national bird for Anguilla where locals refer to it as ‘turtle dove’. They are seen flying around open grasslands or roosting on tree branches close by populated areas.
These birds feed mostly on seeds that they pick off the ground while walking through fields.
The Zenaida Dove breeds all year round producing two broods during spring and summer months with both male and female taking turns incubating eggs over a span of 14 days before hatching into chicks.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. aurita |
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17. Common Ground Dove
The Common Ground Dove is a small bird that can be found in the southern United States, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America.
It’s considered to be one of the smallest dove species in North American with an average length of around 6–7 inches.
This ground-dwelling species spends most of its time on foot but has been known to fly when necessary or threatened.
The plumage is pale grayish brown above while their bellies are white and speckled with black spots along their wings.
Its diet consists mainly of seeds from grasses and other low vegetation which it forages for by walking slowly across open fields or lawns looking for food items like berries, grains, insects, spiders and snails.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columbina |
| Species | C. passerina |
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18. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a beautiful small songbird native to North America. It has a length of 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in), wingspan of 6.3 in (16 cm) and weighs only 5–7 g (0.18–0.25 oz).
Males have blue-gray upperparts with white underparts, slender dark bill, and long black tail edged in white; females are less vibrant but still eye catching.
Juveniles are brownish gray overall but may show some hints of the adult colouration around their tails or shoulders as they mature into adulthood.
Their diet consists mainly of insects which they catch while flitting through air like tiny darts.
This stunning species can be found anywhere from woodlands to urban parks so keep your eyes peeled for these delightful creatures on your next outdoor adventure.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
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19. Ring-Billed Gull
The Ring-billed Gull is a medium sized seabird that can be seen throughout North America. Its head, neck and underparts are white while its back and wings are silver gray in color.
It has a relatively short yellow bill with a dark ring around it, as well as yellow legs.
The genus name for this species of gull comes from the Latin word ‘Larus’ which referred to large sea birds or gulls; while the specific delawarensis refers to the Delaware River where these birds were first discovered.
These beautiful creatures thrive near coasts, lakeshores and other bodies of water but also have been known to inhabit urban areas such as parks close by those watersides due to their adaptability towards human habitats.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. delawarensis |
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20. Laughing Gull
The Laughing Gull is a medium-sized bird with gray wings, black head and white underparts. It has bright red legs and bill which make it easily distinguishable from other gulls.
The name comes from its unique laughing call which can be heard in coastal areas throughout the Americas where they breed. They are opportunistic omnivores that feed on fish, carrion, insects or even garbage when available.
During breeding season these birds form large colonies along the Atlantic coast of North America as well as parts of northern South America and Caribbean islands.
There are two subspecies; L megalopturus found in Canada to Central America while L atricilla inhabits rest of their range..
These species have become more common inland due to human settlement near coasts creating ideal habitat for them but also making them scavengers around urban areas.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Leucophaeus |
| Species | L. atricilla |
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21. Bonaparte’s Gull
Bonaparte’s gull is a small species of gull usually found in northern North America. It measures 28 to 38 cm (11 to 15 inches) long and has mainly white plumage with grey upperparts.
During breeding season, it develops a slaty-black hood on its head. Both male and female Bonaparte’s gulls look alike; they are not sexually dimorphic like some other birds.
This bird was first described by George Ord in 1818, although Native Americans had likely been familiar with the bird for much longer than that.
Its scientific name Chroicocephalus philadelphia means “grey headed Philadelphia” due to its resemblance to the city’s official bird – the American Bald Eagle.
The bonaparte’s Gull is an active hunter which feeds mostly on insects and invertebrates as well as fish eggs or larvae when available.
Despite their size, these birds can often be seen flying far away from shorelines over open water looking for food.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. philadelphia |
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22. Northern Parula
The Northern Parula is a small, migratory warbler native to North America. It measures between 4.3 and 4.9 inches in length and has a wingspan of 6.3-7.1 inches wide.
Its plumage consists mainly of yellowish green upper parts with an orange patch on its chest as well as blue crowns for males during the breeding season.
Females have duller colors than their male counterparts overall but are still quite striking from afar.
This species breeds primarily in eastern Canada down through Florida, though some northern populations may migrate southward come wintertime while others stick around year round depending on the weather conditions they face each year – truly amazing adaptability set them apart from other birds in this region.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. americana |
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23. Solitary Sandpiper
The Solitary sandpiper is a small shorebird that belongs to the Tringa genus. Its scientific name is Tringa solitaria, which means “solitary” in Latin. It measures 18-23 cm in length and has a distinct white-rumped tail.
The name Tringa comes from Ancient Greek trungas, which refers to a thrush-sized wading bird.
The Solitary sandpiper is named so because it is often found alone. It is a migratory bird that breeds in North America and winters in South America.
Its diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and small fish, which it picks up using its long, thin bill. Despite its name, this bird is not entirely solitary and has been known to feed and roost with other shorebirds.
The Solitary sandpiper is a unique and fascinating species that can be found in wetland habitats across North and South America.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. solitaria |
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24. Least Sandpiper
The Least Sandpiper is a shorebird that holds the title for being the smallest of its kind. Its Ancient Greek genus name, kalidris or skalidris, referred to grey-colored waterside birds.
The breed’s brown feathers with dark brown streaks, white underside, greenish legs, and short, thin, dark bill characterize adult Least Sandpipers.
The Medieval Latin name of the species, minutilla, further describes the breed’s tiny size.
These birds are known to inhabit shallow water marshes and mudflats during the summertime, and they migrate to coasts during the winters.
Least Sandpipers mainly feed on insects and small crustaceans, often by running and pecking in shallow water or mud.
Despite their small size, these birds travel great distances during migration, making impressive journeys from their breeding and wintering grounds.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. minutilla |
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25. Western Sandpiper
The Western sandpiper is a small shorebird found in North America. Its genus name, Kalidris, comes from the Ancient Greek term used by Aristotle for some grey-colored waterside birds.
The species name, mauri, is named after Italian botanist Ernesto Mauri. This species is one of the most abundant shorebirds in North America, with a population in the millions. Western sandpipers have dark legs and a short, straight bill.
They are often seen running quickly along the shorelines, probing the sand for insects and small crustaceans.
During breeding season, they nest in the Arctic tundra, and during migration, they can be found on mudflats and beaches along the Pacific Coast as well as inland shallow freshwater wetlands.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. mauri |
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26. Wilson’s Plover
Wilson’s plover is a bird belonging to the Charadriidae family. The species was named after the ornithologist Alexander Wilson by his friend George Ord.
This small bird is typically found along the coasts of the Americas and breeds on both sides of the equator. Its range extends northward, including much of the U.S.
eastern seaboard and the Pacific coast of Mexico. Wilson’s plover is a coastal wader that loves to inhabit sandy and rocky shores, beaches, and salt marshes. They feed on crustaceans, insects, and other small creatures found near the shoreline.
This bird’s male and female have a similar appearance, with brownish-grey upperparts and white underparts. They are known to fiercely defend their nests and young against predators.
The Wilson’s plover is a unique bird species that plays a significant role in the coastal ecosystem.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. wilsonia |
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27. American Redstarts
The American redstart bird is a species in the Setophaga genus of New World warblers. Like other Setophaga species, male American redstarts sport vibrant breeding plumage.
These birds are known for their unique feeding techniques and can often be found feeding in different parts of the same tree.
The American redstart is one of the many species in this genus that embark on long-range migrations, choosing to winter in Central and South America.
These birds are known for their agility and acrobatics, flitting through canopies and darting after insects. The American redstart is a small bird, measuring about six inches in length, and is easily identified by its black and orange plumage.
These birds are a common sight in eastern North America during the breeding season, but can be a challenge to spot during migration as they are constantly on the move.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga Swainson, 1827 |