Cozumel, situated off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, is home to many species of birds. The island’s diverse ecosystems, which include mangroves, forests, and beaches, attract both resident and migratory species.
The birdwatching opportunities in Cozumel are abundant, ranging from casual sightings of pelicans and seagulls on the beaches to glimpses of rare and exotic species in the island’s nature reserves.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply enjoy observing the natural world, Cozumel’s birdlife offers a fascinating glimpse into the island’s rich ecological diversity.
1. Vireonidae
Vireonidae birds are a family of passerine birds found in the New World, Southeast Asia and other tropical regions.
They have dull plumage with greenish coloration and typically measure between small to medium sizes.
These migratory birds were so named by Latin referring to the female golden oriole or even European greenfinch.
Vireo species can be seen perching on branches while they feed mainly on insects such as caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers and cicadas among others; some also eat fruits which provide them with essential nutrients for their diet.
As well as being known for their musical chirpings during mating season these colourful little creatures make wonderful additions to any garden.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Orioloidea |
| Family | Vireonidae Swainson, 1837 |
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2. Yucatan Woodpecker
The Yucatan woodpecker is a species of bird in the family Picidae, commonly referred to as the red-vented woodpecker. It can be found from Belize and Mexico across the entire Yucatán Peninsula.
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry forests, shrubland, and even heavily degraded former forest areas.
Adults typically have a black back with white barring on both sides of their wings; they also possess a distinctive crimson patch at their lower belly area which gives them their “red-vented” name.
They mainly feed off insects that inhabit dead trees but may also eat fruits during different times of year when available.
The Yucatan Woodpecker has an important role in its ecosystem by helping disperse seeds through propagating fruit plants while searching for food sources within tree trunks – this helps maintain healthy populations of native vegetation throughout its range.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Melanerpes |
| Species | M. pygmaeus |
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3. Black-Whiskered Vireo
The black-whiskered vireo is a small passerine bird, found in the southern United States, West Indies and northern South America.
It breeds mainly in open deciduous wooded areas but has been known to be an occasional vagrant to Costa Rica.
This species migrates partially north during its winter season from Greater Antilles up towards northern parts of South America.
The male can easily be identified by his distinctive black whiskers on either side of its face while females are generally duller with white streaks along their wings and back.
They make nests at mid tree levels usually out of twigs, grasses or strips of bark which they line with finer materials like feathers or fur for insulation purposes.
All in all these birds are delightful additions to any habitat where they inhabit.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. altiloquus |
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4. Western Spindalis
The Western Spindalis is a unique and fascinating species of songbird. It was formerly classified as a stripe-headed tanager, but it has since been reclassified as incertae sedis – that is, its exact place in the avian family tree cannot be determined.
This bird stands out from other birds due to its colorful plumage; males have yellow heads with black streaks across their faces while females are olive green all over with white stripes on the wings and back.
They inhabit tropical forests throughout much of Central America where they feed mainly on fruits and insects.
These birds are agile fliers who often flock together in small groups or pairs when searching for food sources such as mangoes, papayas, figs or even nectar from flowers.
The Western Spindalis makes an interesting addition to any backyard aviary.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Spindalidae |
| Genus | Spindalis |
| Species | S. zena |
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5. Yucatan Nightjar
The Yucatan nightjar is a species of bird belonging to the family Caprimulgidae. It is found in Belize, Guatemala, Mexico and Honduras. This nocturnal bird has distinct brownish-black plumage with light streaks on its wings and tail feathers.
Its call consists of a series of distinctive chirps that can be heard during nighttime hours. These birds feed mainly on insects but will also take small reptiles or amphibians if the opportunity presents itself.
They are most active at dusk when they come out to hunt for food as well as socialize with other members of their species before returning back to their roosts shortly after dawn breaks.
The Yucatan nightjar’s population numbers have been decreasing due to habitat destruction caused by human activities such as deforestation and agricultural expansion which has lead it being listed as Near Threatened according IUCN Red List criteria assessment from 2018 onwardsScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Antrostomus |
| Species | A. badius |
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6. Mangrove Swallow
The Mangrove Swallow is a gorgeous bird that can be seen along coasts from Mexico to Panama.
It has bright blue-green upperparts, blackish flight feathers and a white rump, with the standout feature being its supraloral white streak – a line near its eye which only occurs in two other species of Tachycineta.
This swallow is often found flying around mangroves where it feeds on insects such as flies, wasps and beetles during the day and perches for roosting at night.
They nest in colonies close to each other under eaves or overhangs of buildings and tree hollows lined with mud pellets they create themselves.
The Mangrove Swallow makes an important contribution to our ecosystems by providing natural pest control services while adding beauty to coastal areas throughout Central America.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. albilinea |
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7. Grey-Breasted Martin
The grey-breasted martin is a large swallow species, native to Central and South America. It has several subspecies, with some migrating north as far as Venezuela during the southern hemisphere’s winter season.
Adults of this species are 18cm long and have forked tails. They mainly feed on insects in open habitats such as savannas or grasslands, but can also be seen near human settlements or agricultural areas.
The birds usually build their nests under bridges or other man-made structures like eaves of buildings or porches where they stay safe from predators.
Grey-breasted martins form monogamous pairs that remain together throughout the year; both male and female take part in nest building activities along with feeding young ones once hatched out of eggs laid by females alone typically laying three to four white eggs per clutch..Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Progne |
| Species | P. chalybea |
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8. Blue Ground Dove
The Blue Ground Dove is a stunningly beautiful bird found in tropical areas of North, Central and South America.
It has an iridescent blue-green back with a gray head and wings, while its breast is pinkish orange in color.
This small dove lives mainly in open woodlands, forest edges, clearings and roadsides – particularly around more humid regions – from sea level to about 1 200 meters altitude.
The species builds cup shaped nests out of twigs which it places on trees or shrubs usually near water sources.
These birds are quite common but their numbers have unfortunately been decreasing due to habitat loss caused by deforestation for agricultural purposes as well as hunting pressure from humans who use them for food or trapping baitbirds.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Claravis Oberholser, 1899 |
| Species | C. pretiosa |
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9. House Wren
The House Wren is a small bird of the wren family found from Canada to South America. It’s quite common in suburban areas and is one of the most widely distributed native birds in North and South America.
Its taxonomy can be complicated, with some subspecies groups considered separate species.
The House Wren has a brown back, grey head, white eyebrow stripes, light chestnut belly and buffy flanks.
They often inhabit old or abandoned buildings as well as shrublands near fields or open woods for nesting sites.
During breeding season they are highly territorial so make sure you create an inviting environment if you wish to invite them into your yard.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Troglodytidae |
| Genus | Troglodytes |
| Species | T. aedon |
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10. Yucatan Vireo
The Yucatan vireo is a species of bird belonging to the family Vireonidae. It has an overall dull plumage and measures 14.5–15.5 cm (5.7–6.1 in).
Its bill is stout, hooked and grayish with paler base, while its crown is dull gray with white eyebrow above it’s brown eyes adorned by broad dark stripe running through them .
The upperparts are olive-gray in color whereas throat and breast show yellowish wash that gradually fades off towards belly which appears somewhat pale grey or whitish in colouring along with undertail coverts being tinged grey on edges.
This species tends to inhabit moist forested areas as well as scrubland making short flights between perches though they also occasionally join flocks during migration season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. magister |
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11. Yellow-Faced Grassquit
The Yellow-faced Grassquit is a small passerine bird found in Central America, South America and the Caribbean. It belongs to the tanager family Thraupidae and is its only member of the genus Tiaris.
This species was first described by French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson based on an specimen collected from Haiti in 1760.
The plumage of this colorful bird varies greatly depending on location with males having bright yellow faces, black throats and grey undersides while females are generally much duller with brownish heads, white chins or buffy breasts.
They feed mainly on grass seeds but will also take insects when available making them very adaptable birds that can be seen flitting between low shrubs and bushes looking for food sources in open habitats such as clearings near forest edges or farmland boundaries.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Tiaris Swainson, 1827 |
| Species | T. olivaceus |
12. Dusky-Capped Flycatcher
The Dusky-capped Flycatcher is a small, passerine bird belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family. It can be found in areas of semi-open woodland from southern Arizona and Texas southward to northern Argentina and Trinidad.
During winter months, American breeders retreat to Mexico while other parts remain resident year round. Adults are 18 cm long and have brownish olive upperparts with buffy underparts; they also feature dusky caps which give them their name.
This species has an active foraging style usually carried out high up in trees where it catches insects on the wing or gleans food from foliage.
The call consists of harsh chirps typically given when perched atop dead branches or tree tops. With its wide range across multiple countries this species is currently considered least concern by IUCN Red List due to stable population trends.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Myiarchus |
| Species | M. tuberculifer |
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13. Northern Beardless Tyrannulet
The Northern Beardless Tyrannulet is a small passerine bird found in the tyrant flycatcher family.
It inhabits light forests, cultivation and gardens with trees across southeasternmost Arizona and Texas of the United States through Mexico, Central America and up to northwestern Costa Rica.
The domed nests they build are made from plant fibre or leaves featuring a side entrance for easy access.
This species is known for its prominent yellowish-olive upperparts as well as white under parts with faint barring on sides.
Its tail feathers have black tips which gives it an extra touch of beauty.
These birds love to feed on insects such as grasshoppers, flies etc., although sometimes fruits can be seen in their diet too.
If you’re lucky enough you might spot them flitting between branches during mating season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Camptostoma |
| Species | C. imberbe |
14. Bright-Rumped Attila
The bright-rumped attila is a small passerine bird found in northwestern Mexico to Brazil, and on Trinidad.
It is a member of the tyrant flycatcher family and has a hooked, slightly upturned bill and upright stance.
This bird is relatively large compared to other flycatchers, measuring 7 inches in length. Its most notable feature is its bright rump, which contrasts with its duller, brownish upperparts.
The bright-rumped attila is polymorphic, meaning that it has different colorations in different regions.
Despite its name, this bird doesn’t have a particularly bright coloration, but it has a distinctive call that’s used to establish its territory.
The bright-rumped attila is primarily insectivorous and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and scrublands.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Attila |
| Species | A. spadiceus |
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15. Yellow-Green Vireo
The Yellow-green vireo is a migratory passerine bird found in North and South America. It breeds in areas from Mexico to Panama and winters in the western Amazon Basin and northern and eastern Andes.
It was first described by American ornithologist John Cassin in 1851. The bird is small in size and has yellow-green plumage.
Its specific epithet, flavoviridis, is derived from the Latin words flavus (yellow) and viridis (green), which describe the bird’s coloration.
The Yellow-green vireo is known for its melodious song, and its diet mainly comprises insects and berries.
This species of vireo is a remarkable bird, and its migration patterns make it an interesting subject for bird enthusiasts to observe and study.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. flavoviridis |
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16. Cozumel Vireo
The Cozumel vireo is a unique bird found only on the Mexican island of Cozumel. It belongs to the family Vireonidae and inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forests that have suffered heavy degradation.
This species is not found anywhere else, and its existence depends on the conservation of its habitat. It is a small bird with distinctive markings, making it easy to identify in the wild.
Despite being endemic to Cozumel, the Cozumel vireo faces threats such as deforestation and the loss of its natural habitat.
It is important to preserve the forest ecosystems in which this species thrives to ensure its survival.
The Cozumel vireo is a reminder of the unique biodiversity that exists on the island of Cozumel and the importance of protecting of such species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. bairdi |
17. Rose-Throated Becard
The rose-throated becard is a medium-sized bird belonging to the Tityridae family. Its scientific name is Pachyramphus aglaiae, and it was named after Aglaé Brelay.
Taxonomists have debated the classification of this bird for a long time, with many suggesting that it belongs in the Cotingidae or Tyrannidae family. However, recent evidence strongly supports its placement in the Tityridae family.
The rose-throated becard is known for its distinctive rose-colored throat and is a beautiful addition to the avian world. As a medium-sized bird, it is neither too big nor too small, making it easy to observe in its natural habitat.
Given its unique physical characteristics and status as a member of the Tityridae family, the rose-throated becard is an important bird for both birdwatchers and researchers to study.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tityridae |
| Genus | Pachyramphus |
| Species | P. aglaiae |
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18. Grey-Crowned Yellowthroat
The Grey-crowned yellowthroat is a type of bird that belongs to the family of Parulidae. It can be found in various countries including Belize, Honduras, and the United States.
Its natural habitats include tropical moist shrubland and degraded forest areas. The bird has a grey head and a yellow throat. It is a small-sized bird and is mostly found in open areas.
Due to its habitat destruction, the species is now considered as threatened. To conserve their population, a number of conservation programs have been implemented.
Overall, the Grey-crowned yellowthroat is a beautiful bird that contributes to the biodiversity of the environment.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Geothlypis |
| Species | G. poliocephala |
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19. Cozumel Thrasher
The Cozumel thrasher is a rare bird endemic to the island of Cozumel off the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico.
Believed to be the most critically endangered species in Mexico, the existence of the bird is probable but not certain.
This member of the mockingbird family closely resembles the long-billed and brown thrashers. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this unique and remarkable species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Toxostoma |
| Species | T. guttatum |
20. Cozumel Emerald
The Cozumel emerald is a unique species of hummingbird found only on the Mexican island of Cozumel. Its taxonomic history has been complex, initially described as Chlorostilbon forficatus before being considered a subspecies of the golden-crowned emerald.
However, it is now recognized as a distinct species, belonging to the tribe Trochilini. With its bright green plumage and characteristic long, curved bill, the Cozumel emerald is a popular sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Unfortunately, like many species of hummingbirds, the Cozumel emerald is threatened by habitat loss and climate change.
Conservation efforts are needed to protect this unique and beautiful species for future generations to enjoy.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Cynanthus |
| Species | C. forficatus |
21. Greenish Elaenia
The Greenish Elaenia is a bird belonging to the Tyrant Flycatcher family. It can be found in a number of countries throughout Central and South America as well as some areas in the United States.
This bird typically inhabits subtropical or tropical dry forests. Its coloring is greenish, as the name implies, lending it a unique and distinctive appearance.
Despite its small size, it is an efficient and effective predator, capturing insects and other small prey with great agility and speed.
In addition to its physical talents, the Greenish Elaenia is known for its beautiful and melodious bird song. Overall, this species is an important part of the ecosystem and a fascinating subject for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Myiopagis |
| Species | M. viridicata |
22. Rose-Throated Tanager
The Rose-throated tanager is a cardialid bird found in the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America. It has greyish plumage and the male has a pink throat and crown while the female has a yellow throat and crown.
This bird species is endemic to Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico. Sam, an American ornithologist, may have studied or observed this bird in its natural habitat.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Piranga |
| Species | P. roseogularis |
23. Rufous-Browed Peppershrike
The Rufous-browed peppershrike is a passerine bird that belongs to the vireo family. These birds are commonly found in woodlands, forest edges, and areas with tall trees in various countries including Mexico, Trinidad, Argentina and Uruguay.
These birds are quite widespread, and are often seen and heard due to their distinctive calls. The species was first described in 1789 by Johann Friedrich Gmelin, a German naturalist.
The Rufous-browed peppershrike is known for its beautiful plumage, which is characterized by rufous-colored feathers on their brow and wings, as well as a white throat and underbelly.
These birds are also noteworthy for their predilection for fruit, which they supplement with insects and other small prey.
The Rufous-browed peppershrike is a fascinating creature that has captured the attention of birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Cyclarhis |
| Species | C. gujanensis |
