North Caicos is a beautiful island in the Caribbean Sea, home to diverse flora and fauna. Among them, birds are one of the most intriguing species to observe.
The island’s unique landscape provides a natural habitat for various bird species. North Caicos is a popular breeding site for several migratory birds during their winter migration, including black-necked stilts, American kestrels, great egrets, and snowy egrets.
The wetland areas, mangroves, pine forests, and coastal cays on the island offer food and shelter to various bird species.
North Caicos is ideal for spotting birds as you explore the island’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a keen birdwatcher or appreciate nature, North Caicos is a bird lover’s paradise.
24 Common Birds Found Near North Caicos
If you’re looking for a birdwatching destination, you might want to consider North Caicos. This island in the Caribbean Sea is home to various bird species, some rare or endangered.
Here are 24 common birds that you can find near North Caicos, along with some interesting facts about them.
1. Canada Goose
The Canada goose is a majestic bird with a black head and neck, white cheeks, chin, and brown body. It’s native to North America but occasionally migrates to northern Europe across the Atlantic.
The species has also been introduced in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Finland. Canada geese are strong flyers that travel in flocks for protection from predators and form monogamous pairs for life.
They feed on grasses or grains near ponds or wetlands where they make their nests of down, which incubate eggs during the summertime before hatching them into goslings later.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. canadensis |
Also Featured In: Most Popular Bird Species in North America, Birds Live in Arkansas
2. Osprey
The Osprey is a majestic bird of prey with an incredibly wide habitat range. It has distinctive brown upperparts, greyish head, and underparts, making it easily identifiable in the skies above many regions worldwide.
With a wingspan of up to 180cm (71in) and a body length reaching 60cm (24in), this large raptor specializes in hunting for fish, soaring high over rivers and coasts, and searching for its next meal.
Despite living near water sources, they can also be found inhabiting mountainsides or even woodlands, proving their incredible adaptability. It is an impressive species that truly deserves admiration.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
Also Featured In: Ukrainian Birds You Should Know, Birds of Sweden
3. Sanderling
The Sanderling is a small wading bird found in the Arctic region. Its name comes from Old English, meaning “sand-ploughman”. It has grey feathers and light legs, giving it its distinct white coloration.
During summer breeding, they travel great distances – some wintering as far south as South America or Southern Africa. They typically feed on crustaceans such as shrimp and mollusks along coastal shores.
The Sanderling is an important species to watch out for because of its long migratory patterns and sensitivity to environmental change; if there’s trouble with this species, other birds may also be affected.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. alba |
Also Featured In: Top Birds Found in Mexico, Galapagos Birds You Should Know
4. Magnificent Frigatebird
The Magnificent Frigatebird is the largest frigatebird species, measuring between 89 and 114 cm in length and having a 7-8 ft wingspan.
It can be found over tropical waters off America from northern Mexico to Peru on the Pacific coast and in Florida down south.
Its diet consists mainly of fish they take from other seabirds or snatch directly from the ocean surface while flying low above it.
They also feed on crustaceans and squid when available.
This impressive bird has an unmistakable silhouette with its long pointed wings, forked tail feathers, and male’s red gular pouch, which inflates during courtship displays.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Fregatidae |
| Genus | Fregata |
| Species | F. magnificens |
Also Featured In: Birds that Live in the Ocean , Most Common Birds in South America Birds
5. Eurasian Collared Dove
The Eurasian collared dove is a species of bird native to Europe and Asia, with its range expanding through introduction in Japan, North America, and islands in the Caribbean.
It has become so widespread that it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. The scientific name for this bird was proposed by Hungarian naturalist Imre Frivaldsz – Columba decaocto.
This beautiful creature typically measures between 33-37 cm from tip to tail feathers, displaying an overall greyish brown plumage; they also have a distinctive black half collar around their neck, which gives them their common name.
These birds are mainly found inhabiting open woodlands or agricultural lands near human settlements where there’s plenty of food available, such as grain fields or gardens where fruits can be eaten off trees.
With a vast global population trend increasing steadily each year, these birds make great additions to many backyards worldwide.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decaocto |
Also Featured In: Birds That Live in Colorado, Most Common Romanian Birds
6. Cattle Egret
The Cattle Egret is a heron of the family Ardeidae found worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate areas. It has two subspecies: western cattle egret and eastern cattle egret.
They have white plumage with buff plumes on their head, neck, and back. The beak is yellowish-orange with a black tip, while the legs are orange or yellow colored depending on species variation.
This bird usually feeds near large herds of animals, such as cows, horses, etc., where it finds plenty of insects, like grasshoppers, crickets, etc.
Its presence benefits these animals by removing ectoparasites from them, which leads to a healthier livestock population.
It nests colonially in trees or shrubs located close to water bodies during breeding season which generally takes place between March-June every year.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Bubulcus Bonaparte, 1855 |
| Species | B. ibis |
Also Featured In: Egyptian Birds, Asian Birds
7. Cormorants
Cormorants are a family of aquatic birds found around the world. They include 40 species, such as great cormorants and common shags.
In Britain, these two species are the most commonly seen in their natural habitats.
Cormorants have long necks and webbed feet and can be identified by their glossy black feathers, which they use to help them easily swim through water as they hunt for food like fish or crustaceans.
They have an impressive wingspan, often reaching up to five feet across when fully extended.
Despite being strong swimmers, these birds also enjoy spending time perched on rocks near rivers or shorelines, where they will preen themselves to keep clean and dry during cooler weather conditions.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae Reichenbach, 1850 |
Also Featured In: Most common Birds in France, Flocks Birds around Us
8. Great Egret
The Great Egret is a large, white bird found in many regions of the world. It has four subspecies reside across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe.
This species usually lives near bodies of water such as lakes and marshes. They are also spreading into more northern areas of Europe due to climate change.
These birds have long yellow legs with an impressive wingspan, allowing them to soar majestically through the sky, hunting for fish or amphibians in shallow waters below.
Their feathers have been used historically by Native Americans as part of traditional garments or ceremonies. Still, this practice should be avoided today so these amazing creatures can thrive without harm from humans.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
Also Featured In: Common Birds in the Cities, Swamps Birds You Should Know
9. American Flamingo
The American flamingo is a large species of bird found in the Neotropics. It has bright pink feathers and long legs, making it easily distinguishable from other species of flamingos.
The diet consists mostly of shrimp and small fish, but they are also known to eat algae, aquatic insects, mollusks, crustaceans, and seeds.
They live around coastal lagoons or salt ponds in colonies with thousands of birds nesting together on mud flats.
Flamingos build nests out of sticks that sit atop their feet as they wade through shallow waters, looking for food during low tide periods when these areas become more accessible for feeding.
These birds have an interesting courtship ritual involving neck stretching, which looks like a dance to attract mates before the breeding season begins in May-June each year, leading to chicks hatching during the July-August time
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. ruber |
Also Featured In: Common Birds in Colombia, Birds You’ll Find in Zoo
10. Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a majestic wading bird found in many parts of North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and even as far away as the Galapagos Islands.
It has an impressive wingspan which can reach up to six feet wide. Its feathers are mainly bluish-gray with brownish streaks on its neck and chest, while its head displays white plumes.
The adult herons can also be identified by their yellow bill and legs.
They live near bodies of water such as lakes, marshes, or rivers, feeding on fish using a spear-like motion with their sharp bills.
An all-white population exists only in south Florida and the Florida Keys, making it unique.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
Also Featured In: Common Birds in Canada, Blue Birds You’ll Found around Us
11. White-Cheeked Pintail
The white-cheeked pintail is a species of dabbling duck first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758. This beautiful bird is mainly found in the Caribbean, South America, and Galápagos Islands.
It prefers to inhabit brackish lakes or other waters with some salinity where it swims gracefully amongst its environment.
White-cheeked pintails have striking brown plumage on their back, which contrasts beautifully against their white cheeks and bellies.
They also possess an elongated tail that aids them during flight and helps them attract potential mates while courting.
These birds feed primarily on aquatic invertebrates but may also consume small fish or plant material if available.
The conservation status of the white-cheeked pintail is currently considered “Least Concern” due to its wide distribution range and stable population numbers across much of its native habitat range.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. bahamensis |
Also Featured In: Birds of Ecuador, Birds that You’ll Find in Puerto Rico
12. West Indian Whistling Duck
The West Indian whistling duck is a beautiful species of bird native to the Caribbean. This duck has an unmistakable call, as its name implies it can whistle.
It also has black bill and legs with grey-brown feathers that help camouflage it in its environment.
The primary breeding range of this species includes the Bahamas, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico, where they live mainly in shallow freshwater wetlands such as ponds or swamps.
Besides their distinctive whistles, these birds can communicate through various other calls, including grunts, honks, and quacks.
They feed on aquatic plants but may occasionally eat small invertebrates like insects.
Despite being hunted for food by humans these ducks remain widespread throughout their habitats due to successful conservation efforts put into place over recent years making them a symbol of hope for many wildlife enthusiasts around the world today.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. arborea |
Also Featured In: Most Common Types of Birds Found in Cuba, British Virgin Islands Birds You Need to See
13. Northern Gannet
The Northern Gannet is the largest seabird species in the northern Atlantic, with a white body and long neck.
It has yellowish head feathers and black-tipped wings that can reach up to 6 feet across when fully extended.
The beak is large and orange-yellow. This bird breeds along western Europe’s coasts and northeastern North America.
They forage for fish by plunging into the sea from high above, making them an impressive sight on any given day.
Their diet consists mainly of herring, mackerels, or sand eels, which they catch midair after diving at speeds reaching over 100 miles per hour.
With their striking features, these birds are truly majestic creatures that have existed since prehistoric times – a testament to their hardiness and adaptability.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Morus |
| Species | M. bassanus |
Also Featured In: Birds found in portugal, Italian Birds You Should Know
14. Oystercatchers
Oystercatchers are a family of waders forming the Haematopodidae, with one genus: Haematopus.
They live in coastal regions worldwide, excluding polar and some tropical areas of Africa & South East Asia.
Eurasian, South Island & Magellanic oystercatcher species also breed far inland – breeding grounds being found much deeper than other family members.
They have long beaks used to feed on mollusks such as mussels, clams, and oysters, which they crack open using their strong bills.
Oystercatchers are usually quite vocal birds, making loud calls when disturbed or alarmed.
The males display more brightly colored plumage than females, who share similar brown/black hues for camouflage purposes during nesting season.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Charadrii |
| Family | Haematopodidae Bonaparte, 1838 |
| Genus | Haematopus Linnaeus, 1758 |
Also Featured In: Best Birds Watching in Austria, Native Birds of Kazakhstan
15. Eurasian Whimbrel
Eurasian Whimbrels are a wading bird species commonly found in subarctic regions of Europe and Asia.
They have white rumps, long curved bills, brown wings, and backs with light streaking on the lower breast.
These birds feed mainly on crustaceans, mollusks, or worms they find while probing in the mud during low tide.
During the breeding season, they can be seen nesting near coastal areas or wetlands where food is plentiful.
This species has recently been split from Hudsonian whimbrels. However, some authorities still consider them to be one species due to their similarities, including migration patterns and habitat preferences.
Eurasian whimbrels are an important part of many ecosystems because they help control insect populations by eating larvae before it can cause damage to crops or vegetation nearby.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. phaeopus |
Also Featured In: Singapore Birds, Birds that Live in San Francisco Bay Area
16. White-Crowned Pigeon
The White-crowned Pigeon is a species of bird belonging to the Columbidae family, widely found in the Caribbean. In the first half of the 18th century, it was described as such.
Artist John James Audubon immortalized this pigeon through his watercolor painting featured in Birds of America, published during the early 19th century.
These birds primarily feed on fruits and seeds and have white crowns that make them easily recognizable even from afar.
The beauty of these birds makes them popular amongst birdwatchers worldwide, who flock to observe their behavior while they eat or nest.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. leucocephala |
Also Featured In: Belize Birds, Winged Marvels of St Martin’s: A Bird Enthusiast’s Delight
17. Common Ground-Dove
The Common Ground is a small bird found in the southern United States, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
It’s considered one of the smallest dove species in North America, 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 |
Also Featured In: Barbados Birds, Birds You’ll Find in South Texas
18. Double-Crested Cormorant
The double-crested cormorant is a majestic bird with an impressive wingspan across North America from the Aleutian Islands down to Mexico.
Its black plumage stands out against its bright orange-yellow facial skin and some extended patches of white feathers on each side of its throat.
It measures 28 – 35 inches in length and has webbed feet that enable it to swim gracefully through rivers, lakes, and coastal areas.
These birds are known for their voracious appetite for fish, sometimes diving over 100 ft deep into water looking for food.
Despite this reputation, they feed on crustaceans, amphibians, and insects when available.
Cormorants have been part of many cultures throughout history due to their remarkable ability to fly long distances, making them valued messengers or companions during fishing expeditions at sea.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Nannopterum |
| Species | N. auritum |
Also Featured In: Cormorant Species, Water Birds Live around Us
19. Columbidae
Columbidae is a bird family that includes both doves and pigeons. These birds are characterized by their stout bodies, short necks, and small, slender bills with fleshy ceres in some species.
They feed mainly on seeds, fruits, and plants found worldwide but have the greatest variety in the Indomalayan and Australasian regions.
Columbidae have an unmistakable soft cooing sound, making them one of the most beloved avian families worldwide – especially among city dwellers.
Whether it be feeding time or hearing their soothing call throughout nature walks, these birds will remain a favorite for many more years.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Columbimorphae |
| Order | Columbiformes Latham, 1790 |
| Family | Columbidae Leach, 1820 |
Also Featured In: birds of white, Birds for Your Home Garden
20. Ring-Necked Duck
The Ring-necked duck is a popular diving bird found in freshwater ponds and lakes across North America.
They are known for their relatively small to medium size and distinctive ring around their neck, which gives them their name.
Interestingly, their scientific name is derived from a Greek word for an unidentified seabird and the Latin word for “neck.”
These ducks are great swimmers and divers, spending much of their time underwater searching for food, mostly consisting of aquatic vegetation and invertebrates.
They are also known for their striking appearance, with beautiful black, gray, and white feather coloring.
The Ring-necked duck is a fascinating bird, and its unique characteristics make it a subject of interest for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. collaris |
Also Featured In: Phoenix Birds You Should Know, Common Central Park Birds
21. Sandpiper
Sandpiper is a type of wading bird that belongs to the family Scolopacidae. It is a diverse family that includes various species, such as curlew and snipe.
Sandpipers have different bill lengths that allow them to feed on small invertebrates and creatures found in mud or soil.
Due to this diversity, different species can coexist in the same habitat without competing for food.
Sandpipers are commonly found near the coast and in other wetland environments.
They are known for their slender legs, long beak, and streamlined body that enables them to move easily in and out of water.
Sandpipers are a unique and fascinating bird species that are interesting to observe in their natural habitat.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Scolopaci |
| Family | Scolopacidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
Also Featured In: Birds You’ll Find in the Sea, Turkey Birds You Should Know
22. Brown Pelican
The majestic brown pelican is a dive-feeding bird that belongs to the pelican family. It is one of the three pelican species in the Americas and is known to dive into water to catch its prey.
This bird can be found from the Atlantic Coast of New Jersey to the mouth of the Amazon River and along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to northern Chile, including the Galapagos Islands.
Its scientific name is Pelecanus occidentalis, and it has a colored brown plumage, its distinct characteristic.
The brown pelican belongs to the largest bird species that exists today, with a wingspan that can stretch up to seven feet long.
This bird helps maintain a balance in the ecosystem by eating smaller fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic prey.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. occidentalis |
Also Featured In: Flight Birds You Should Know, Common Southern Californian Birds
23. Turnstone
Turnstones are two species of birds in the Scolopacidae family, closely related to calidrid sandpipers. They are sometimes considered members of the Calidriini tribe.
The genus Arenaria, which includes the ruddy turnstone, was introduced by French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson in 1760.
The name “Arenaria” comes from the Latin word for “sandy place.” Turnstones are known for flipping over stones and other objects, such as insects and small crustaceans, to find food.
They are migratory and can be found in coastal areas worldwide, including rocky shores, tidal flats, and pebble beaches.
The two species of turnstones are the ruddy turnstone and the black turnstone, which are found primarily along the Pacific coast of North America.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Subfamily | Arenarinae |
| Genus | Arenaria Brisson, 1760 |
Also Featured In: Common Cornwall Birds, Native Birds Of Middle Caicos
24. American Oystercatcher
The American oystercatcher, a member of the Haematopodidae family, is known for feeding on oysters. They were originally named the “sea pie” but were renamed in 1731 by naturalist Mark Catesby.
There are currently an estimated 43,000 American oystercatchers living in the wild. They are also referred to as the American pied oystercatcher or PiruPiru. With around 1,500 breeding pairs, these birds are considered a threatened species.
Known for their distinctive black and white plumage, American oystercatchers are often seen along the coastlines of North and South America.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae |
| Genus | Haematopus |
| Species | H. palliatus |
Also Featured In: Common Birds Found near Robert Island, Birds That Live around Grand Turk Island
Conclusion
North Caicos is home to a diverse array of 24 common bird species, enriching its natural landscape and providing opportunities for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
These avian residents contribute to the region’s ecological balance and showcase the importance of preserving habitats conducive to their survival.
The variety of birds in North Caicos reflects the island’s ecological richness and highlights its significance as a sanctuary for avian biodiversity.
By appreciating and conserving these feathered inhabitants, we enhance the island’s natural beauty and contribute to the global effort of safeguarding avian populations and their habitats for future generations to cherish and enjoy.
