Costa Caleta Birds
Among the species of birds you can expect to see in and around Costa Caleta are species that you can expect to see in Northern Eorope, such as the collared dove, some like the spanish sparrow that resemble other species that are common elsewhere, and some such as the Canaria Islands stonechat that birdwatchers travel thousands of miles to see.
Some species are resident all year round, and all you need to do to see them is to have a coffee in an open air cafe. Others, such as the trumpeter finch are only obvious in the winter months, when they join the chipmunks to be fed by tourists.
Collared Dove.
Eurasian collared dove; Streptopelia decaocto.
This is the same species that is widely spread throughout Europe. This bird is often seen around bars and restaurants that have open patios and they are also prominent in the places that tourists go to feed the chipmunks, such as the path along the shore to Nuevo horizonte.
As is the case elsewhere the species was introduce for its ornamental value and has spread due to its ability to get along with people.
A Cory's shearwater and a great spotted cuckoo. The great spotted cuckoo was found distressed on the Cocosol complex. It was rescued so that none of the umpteen cats could do it harm, and was handed over to the local police. There are some useful numbers on the cory's shearwater page.
The sparrow is a very common species. Flocks can be seen regularly and those in the Elba hotel in Costa Antigua make a fair din. The trumpeter finch also flocks, but is not as noisy. They are commonly seen where the chipmunks are fed, as they like the same food.
The ruddy shellduck are quite shy and thats why the photo is so poor. This one was photographed in one of the barrancos off the road to Antigua. The great grey shrike is common. It is often heard before it is seen. They like to sit on aerials, probably as it provides a good vantage point for looking for their prey.
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