Eco-tourism has done a lot to improve the lives of both the people and birds of many Latin American countries. It has also allowed many of us to learn about birds outside of the confines of North American. But what have we as birders done to share and encourage that same love of birds and the environment with our Hispanic neighbors here in the United States. Periodically, while on a trail birding I encounter folks who have not mastered English but would like to know about the birds I am looking at. It would be helpful if I/we learned the names of some of our most common backyard birds and share that information with these folks in their native language.
In 2005 Ken Kaufman authored Guía de campo Kaufman a las aves de Norteamérica which is still the only guide to North American birds in Spanish. We have this guide at all of our outreach events to share with our Hispanic visitors. National Audubon’s online guide to North American birds is available in Spanish (go to Guide to North American Birds then click on Español in the top menu bar. Cornell Lab of Ornithology does not have a Spanish version for their online guide, All About Birds, but they do include Spanish names in the overview section about the bird. Below is a list of common birds found in Mecklenburg County with Spanish equivalents used by Audubon. If Cornell listed a different name, that is in parentheses.
Northern Cardinal - Cardenal Rojo (Cardenal Norteño)
Carolina Chickadee - Carbonero De Carolina
Tufted Titmouse - Herrerillo Bicolor
Great Blue Heron - Garza Morena (Garza Azulada)
Red-tailed Hawk - Aguililla Cola Roja (Busardo Colirrojo)
Barred Owl - Búho Barrado (Cárabo Norteamericano)
Downy Woodpecker - Carpintero Albinegro Menor (Pico Pubescente)
House Finch - Pinzón Mexicano (Camachuelo Mejicano)
Brown-headed nuthatch - Sita De Cabeza Castaña (Trepador Cabecipardo)
Song Sparrow - Gorrión Cantor (Chingolo Cantor)
Mourning Dove - Huilota Común (Zenaida Huilota)
Mallard - Pato de Collar (Ánade Azulón)
Birds in Latin American culture
Another way to bridge the gap between cultures is to learn about how birds fit into Latin American culture. Like the United States and Canada, many Latin American countries have national birds. Here are a few.
The Rufous Hornero is the national bird of Argentina. It became so as the result of a school survey in 1928. It is also known as the red ovenbird due to its oven-like nest. It is found all across Argentina and is listed as ‘of least concern’ in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN’s) Red List of Threatened Species.
The Andean Condor is the national bird of Colombia. It is part of local lore and lives to over 70 years.
Costa Rica has three national animals one of which is the Yiguirro Thrush (Clay-colored Thrush). The melodious Yiguirro became the country’s national bird in 1977 and is not threatened.
Guatemala has the Quetzal bird as its national bird. Its feathers once served as currency among ancient Mayans and today is the currency name of Guatemala. It is part of ancient folklore and has a ‘near threatened’ status in the IUCN list.
Panama has the Harpy Eagle as its national bird. Although it is common in Brazil, it has a ‘near threatened’ status in the IUCN Red List in Panama.
For a complete list - https://mnlatinos.com/blog/2021/01/05/the-national-birds-of-latin-american-countries/
Latin American connection
The birds themselves also connect us with our southern neighbors. Do you know where ‘our’ birds are going this fall? See if you can match the bird to its country.
1. Brazil | A. American Redstart |
2. Belize | B. Broad-winged Hawk |
3. Costa Rica | C. Catbird |
4. Jamaica | D. Chimney Swift |
5. Columbia | E. Great Crested Flycatcher |
6. Honduras | F. Indigo Bunting |
7. Uruguay | G. Ovenbird |
8. Guatemala | H. Palm Warbler |
9. Ecuador | I. Red-eyed Vireo |
10. Cuba | J. Rose-breasted Grosbeak |
11. Nicaragua | K. Summer Tanager |
12. Bahamas | L. Swainson’s Hawk |
Answers: 1-I; 2-C; 3. B; 4-A; 5-K; 6-F; 7-L; 8-J; 9-D; 10-H; 11-E; 12-G
コメント