Yesterday, April 30, a new avian species was added to Barbados’ checklist. The bird was not only a mega-rarity for the island but also for the region. The bird in question was a White-tailed Hawk (Geranoaetus albicaudatus), observed soaring high above St. Philip by young birder Jason Moore. I photographed it and was quickly identified by expert birder Ed Massiah from the photograph. Interestingly this may be the same unidentified raptor photographed in January in the same parish. This sighting represents the second record for the region, with the first being in St. Vincent in June 1964 (Gochfeld et al., 1973).
White-tailed Hawks are large and stocky birds, measuring approximately 17 - 24 inches (44 - 60 cm) in length, with a wingspan of up to 4.5 feet (142 cm). Adult White-tailed Hawks are predominantly gray above with a rufous chest and a white belly, while juveniles are a darker brown with streaking. Their range extends from southern Texas in the United States southward through Central and South America to central Argentina and Trinidad, where they are considered “very rare visitors” (Birds of Trinidad & Tobago by Kenefick et al.).
This sighting of the White-tailed Hawk in Barbados underscores the island's potential for unexpected avian visitors and will no doubt keep us local birders on our toes.
Stay safe and Enjoy Your birding!
No comments:
Post a Comment