A Birijita del Pinar/Olive-capped Warbler (Setophaga pityophila)that hopped up to my friend's feet, while collecting nest material. The Cuban name refers to their habitat, usually high up in pine woods. These insectivores are only found in two isolated spots on the east and west ends of Cuba, as well as Abaco and Grand Bahama islands. They nest from March-June in pine trees. Although they are fairly common where they occur, their restricted range puts them at risk. #nature#NaturePhotography#birds#Wildlife #naturecommunity#photography#birding #birdphotography #warbler#songbird#Cuba#Cubanwildlife#biodiversity
Siju Platanero, Aka Cuban Pigmy Owl (Glaucidium siju). Evidently nesting nearby, this little guy flew to a perch right over my head, presumably to make sure I stayed on the straight-and-narrow. These small owls are nocturnal, but didn't seem shy about being visible in broad daylight. I saw them repeatedly during my stay in the Playa Larga (Playa Girón)/Ciénaga de Zapata area. It is found pretty much anywhere there are lots of trees, except at higher altitudes and forages night and day on lizards, insects, small mammals and birds. #nature#NaturePhotography#birds#Wildlife#naturecommunity#photography#BirdsOfMastodon#birdphotography#birding#Cuba#Cubanwildlife#biodiversity#owl
Cabrerita de la Ciénaga/Zapata Sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata), a Cuban endemic found only in the Zapata wetland and a couple of other isolated spots, is considered threatened due to its restricted range and ongoing habitat fragmentation. Subspecies of this bird live in varying wetland terrestrial habitats, including sawgrass, wooded and shrubby areas and even areas of thorny shrubs and cacti. Diet varies seasonally, but they will feed on seeds and flowers, insects and other small invertebrates, and even small lizards. #nature#NaturePhotography#birds#Wildlife#naturecommunity#photography#BirdsOfMastodon#birdphotography#birding#Cuba#Cubanwildlife#sparrows#biodiversity#endangeredspecies
Two Cuban Anoles, left, the Cuban Knight Anole (Anolis equestris) and right, the Western Giant Anole (Anolis luteogularis). Both are considered giant anoles (~19 cm in snout-vent length, with a tail longer than that). Males slightly larger than females. Both are Cuban endemics, although A. equestris has been introduced into Florida, while A. luteogularis is only found on the western end of the island. The Anolis radiation provides a classic case of adaptive radiation with convergent evolution on the many Caribbean islands. Unrelated species (not sharing common ancestors possessing their traits) have evolved with very similar body forms to fill similar ecological niches on each island. These are categorized as "ecomorphs." Both A. equestris and A. luteogularis are "Crown-giant ecomorphs," since they prefer the higher limbs of tall trees.The A. luteogularis, which is noticeably moulting, was basking on a ladder at a tourist bar near a mojote , and allowed me to approach quite closely before extending its gular pouch (last photo), whereupon I backed up a bit to give it some space. #Cuba#Naturephotography#wildlifephotography#birds#reptiles#reptilephotography#ecology#evolution#Anolis#Cubanwildlife#fauna