Here are excerpts from “New Bird Species on Bonaire (2021-2024).” See full article at DCNA Nature (BioNews 81).
Every year, ‘new bird species’ are observed on the ABC islands, meaning species for which there are no previous records from Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao. Since 2016, updates for bird species new to Bonaire have been regularly provided in BioNews. Between 2016 and 2020 (see BioNews issues 11, 19, 31, and 43), a total of sixteen new species were reported, four of which were entirely new to the ABC islands. Among these new species for Bonaire, is a bird of prey that was only identified in 2024, eight years after the initial observation. This article discusses the sighting of this bird of prey and the eight new species recorded between 2021 and 2024. [. . .]
Blue-and-white Swallow (2021) On July 10, three local birders (Sietse Nagelkerke, Steve Schnoll, and Susan Davis) were up early at the Washikemba wetland, observing a Wattled Jacana that had been discovered the day before by two visitors. While they were enjoying this rare vagrant, an unfamiliar swallow appeared over the wetland. The bird alternated between foraging low over the water and resting on a bare tree in the middle of the wetland. Based on their photos, they were able to identify the bird the same day as a Blue-and-white Swallow. [. . .]
The Blue-and-white Swallow has three subspecies, all of which breed in South America. The amount of white on the undertail coverts of the Bonaire bird suggests it belongs to the subspecies patagonica. This subspecies breeds in the southern part of South America and migrates to the northern parts of the continent after the breeding season.
Manx Shearwater (2021) On November 11, Martijn Hickmann discovered a shearwater while working on the water along the seaward side of Lac Bay. The bird was alternately flying around and resting on the sea. He managed to film the bird, and based on his recordings, it was identified as a Manx Shearwater. [. . .] On November 14, 2023, Hickmann once again observed and photographed a Manx Shearwater at the same location. [. . .] The Manx Shearwater breeds primarily—and in large numbers—on islands in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean. Outside the breeding season, the species disperses across the Atlantic Ocean, reaching the southern tips of South America and South Africa. Its presence in the Caribbean Sea is exceptional.
Green-winged Teal (2021) On the afternoon of November 21, Peter-Paul Schets observed a female teal swimming in the “main pond” of the water treatment facility. This could only have been a Green-winged Teal (American Teal). Visually, the females of this species are indistinguishable from the Eurasian Teal, which occurs in Europe and Asia. Until a few years ago, both (Eurasian Teal and Green-winged Teal) were considered subspecies of a single species, the Common Teal. [. . .]
The Green-winged Teal has a wide range across North America and winters as far south as Mexico and the islands in the northern part of the Caribbean Sea. Occasionally, an individual travels as far as the ABC islands. Interestingly, this was the first recorded sighting for Bonaire. Observations from Aruba and Curaçao are known from November through April. [. . .]
Yellow-legged Thrush (2022) On the ABC islands, rare songbirds are typically observed in October and November, but in 2022, Steve Schnoll demonstrated that May can also bring surprises. On May 20, he discovered a female Yellow-legged Thrush in Washington-Slagbaai National Park, the first recorded sighting for the ABC islands. Schnoll observed the bird again the following day. The male of this species is black and resembles a male Blackbird, while the female is brown. Both sexes have yellow legs. [. . .] The species breeds in northern Venezuela, which is relatively close to the ABC islands. However, a crossing to the islands had never been documented before.
White-tailed Kite (2022) On September 4, Susan Davis discovered an adult White-tailed Kite near the water treatment facility. This small, graceful bird of prey offered a stunning sight as it hunted, hovering in place. The bird ultimately stayed on Bonaire for over two weeks, with the last sighting recorded on September 19. During this time, it appeared in various locations but was occasionally untraceable for days. [. . .] The White-tailed Kite is found in the western and southern United States, Central America, and much of South America. It is relatively common in northern Venezuela and is known for its migratory behavior. Despite this, the species has been observed on the ABC islands only twice, making these sightings quite remarkable. [. . .]
White-eyed Vireo (2024) On January 13, Steve Schnoll discovered a White-eyed Vireo at Pos Mangel in Washington-Slagbaai National Park. He managed to record its characteristic song and later observed the bird multiple times, with the last sighting in late March. Schnoll also succeeded in capturing some excellent photos. This sighting represents a new species for the ABC islands. The White-eyed Vireo breeds across much of the United States and in the northeastern part of Mexico. It typically winters in the southern United States, southern Mexico, and the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Jamaica). The Bonaire bird had clearly strayed far from its usual range.
Marbled Godwit (2024) [See photo by Denise de Jongh-Rekwest above.] The newest observed on Bonaire up to 2024 was a Marbled Godwit. On March 21, during a visit to the salt pans, Susan Davis spotted a large shorebird standing among a group of Black-necked Stilts that she had not seen before. It turned out to be a Marbled Godwit. [. . .] The photos Davis took of this bird are the first documented images of the species for the ABCs. Three days after the initial sighting, the bird was also observed by Denise de Jongh-Rekwest. [. . .]
Conclusion: Thanks to the perseverance of a few local birders, new species are still being added to the ABC islands’ bird lists every year. On Bonaire, approximately 245 species have now been recorded, with slightly more on Aruba and Curaçao. [. . .]
For full article, please visit https://dcnanature.org/bonaire-birding-2024/
[Shown above: Marbled godwit by Denise de Jongh-Rekwest, 24 March 2024, salt pan Pekelmeer.]
Here are excerpts from “New Bird Species on Bonaire (2021-2024).” See full article at DCNA Nature (BioNews 81). Every year, ‘new bird species’ are observed on the ABC islands, meaning species for which there are no previous records from Aruba, Bonaire, or Curaçao. Since 2016, updates for bird species new to Bonaire have been regularly
