Members of our bird population may be spotted flitting through our lush parks and gardens at any time of the year, showing off their flashy feathers. More than 350 types of birds visit annually.

Great Kiskadee

The bright lemon-yellow birds are easy to spot, and with their loud kis-ka-dee call they are easy to hear, too. The bird’s name comes from its distinctive call, which sounds very similar to the French phrase for “What are you saying?” — “Qu’est-ce que dit?”

• A member of the flycatcher family, the kiskadee dives for fish, much like a kingfisher
• It also eats fruits, berries and seeds
• Introduced to our habitat in the 1950s, it is now a permanent and abundant resident
• Look for this bird in trees and shrubs. In other words, everywhere

Bermuda Petrel

Also known as a Cahow, this member of the Petrel family is one of the world’s rarest seabirds. So rare, in fact, that for 350 years it was thought to be extinct. In recent years, a local conservationist fought to bring the species back into circulation.

• These greyish-brown birds have a wingspan of 91.4CM / 36IN and eat squid, among other delicacies of the sea
• The birds nest in burrows on our East End islets from November through May
• They are nocturnal and might, with luck, be seen over the ocean at dusk

Indigo Bunting

Perhaps you’ve already seen the deep blue hue of Indigo Buntings, but you haven’t seen them in their full brilliance until you observe them in Bermuda. The male Bunting becomes an even deeper blue colour while wintering here.

• This member of the finch family forages for food in wooded areas and on the ground
• Look for indigo buntings in trees, hedges, shrubs and small bushes

Whimbrel

The Whimbrel is a member of the sandpiper family. It feeds along beaches and eats insects, molluscs, sand fleas and other crustaceans. Commonly seen near our airport on the shoreline or perimeter grasses, the whimbrel is only an occasional winter resident on our island.

Ruddy Turnstone

Very aptly named, the Ruddy Turnstone uses its slender bill to turn stones in search of food, which includes sand fleas, worms, insects and larvae.

• This bird, a member of the sandpiper family, often feeds alone or in small groups among other shorebirds
• Found in abundance during our winter, the ruddy turnstone also visits in summer
• Look for this bird near our beaches

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