Identify Birds & Insects by Call

Sitting in Watamula there are so many sounds. This blog post helps you try and identify the caller. From the cheerful whistles of the Trupial and the chattering flocks of Prikichi in the morning to the soothing hum of cicadas and the haunting calls of barn owls at night, the island is alive with sound. Take a moment to pause, listen.

Morning Bird Calls

Trupial (Venezuelan Troupial)

• Call: A rich, flute-like whistle very melodious and cheerful.

• About: This bright orange bird with a black head and white wing patches is Curaçao's national bird and a local favorite. It’s often seen perched on fences or treetops, serenading the morning with its harmonious tunes.

Chuchubi (Tropical Mockingbird)

• Call: A mimic, its song can be a medley of other bird calls, whistles, and even snippets of human-like tunes.

• About: Known for its gray and white plumage, the chuchubi is highly territorial and often sings to assert its dominance or attract a mate. Its song varies widely depending on the local soundscape, making each mockingbird unique.

Prikichi (Brown-throated Parakeet)

• Call: A loud, squawking chatter, often heard in small flocks.

• About: These vibrant green parakeets are social creatures, often seen darting through the skies or feeding on fruit-bearing trees. Their calls are a jubilant start to the day, reflecting their lively personalities.

Yellow Oriole (Icterus nigrogularis)

• Call: A series of clear, whistling notes, often resembling a short, cheerful tune.

• About: This striking yellow bird with black markings is another iconic figure in Curaçao's avian community. It prefers the edges of forests and gardens, where it can forage and sing undisturbed.

Bare-eyed Pigeon (Patagioenas corensis)

• Call: A deep, rhythmic cooing that carries across long distances.

• About: These pigeons are often spotted in flocks, foraging in open fields or perched on utility lines. Their calming calls add a steady rhythm to the island’s morning chorus.

Daytime Insects and Reptiles

Cicadas

• Call: Everyone knows this summer sound. A continuous, high-pitched drone, rising and falling like a wave.

• About: Found in shrubs and trees, these insects thrive in the heat of the day. Their sound serves as a backdrop to the island’s tropical ambiance and signals the vibrancy of its ecosystem.

Geckos

• Call: A series of rapid clicks or chirps, often heard in the shade.

• About: Geckos are not just insect hunters but also an integral part of Curaçao's soundscape. Their chirps are often heard at dusk and throughout the night as they establish territories or attract mates.

Katydids

• Call: A rhythmic "katy-did-katy-didn't" that resonates through the vegetation.

• About: Katydids are masters of camouflage, their green bodies blending seamlessly into foliage. Their persistent calls create a calming yet lively atmosphere during the hotter hours of the day.

Whistling Beetles

• Call: A soft, intermittent whistling sound produced by wing vibrations.

• About: Found in the underbrush, these beetles are less visible but often audible, adding subtle notes to the midday symphony.

Evening Bird Calls

Barn Owl

• Call: A haunting screech, echoing through the cliffs and open landscapes.

• About: Known locally as "Shoco di burico," these owls are stealthy nocturnal hunters. Their piercing calls are often heard near open fields and rocky terrains, adding a mystical touch to the twilight hours.

Crested Caracara

• Call: A harsh, rattling cackle, often heard in the early evening.

• About: While not strictly nocturnal, these bold scavengers are active during dawn and dusk. Their calls signal their presence in the open landscapes they inhabit.

Nightjars (Antillean Nighthawk)

• Call: A repetitive "peent" sound, often accompanied by wing beats.

• About: These ground-nesting birds are most active at dusk, their calls blending with the crickets to create a serene evening soundscape.

Night Frogs and Crustaceans

Curaçao Frog (Leptodactylus sp.)

• Call: A low, guttural croak, often amplified by water surfaces.

• About: Found in freshwater pools, these frogs are vital indicators of the island's wetland health. Their croaking intensifies after rainfall, signaling the arrival of a tropical downpour.

Ghost Crabs

• Sound: A soft clicking as they scuttle across the sandy beaches.

• About: Known for their nocturnal habits, ghost crabs are often seen under the moonlight, digging burrows or foraging along the shoreline. Their movements and sounds are a quiet reminder of the island’s thriving coastal life.

Tree Crickets

• Call: A soothing trill that rises and falls in intensity.

• About: Tree crickets are found in the foliage of shrubs and trees. Their calls are a defining feature of Curaçao's nocturnal soundscape, providing a natural lullaby.

Land Hermit Crabs

• Sound: A faint rustling or scraping noise as they move across the terrain.

• About: These shy creatures are often heard more than seen, especially in the quiet of the night. Their subtle sounds add texture to the nighttime symphony.