Bahia Porete – Kaurrele National Park

Birds

Bahía Portete – Kaurrele National Natural Park’s blend of dry coastal environments, mangroves, and marine ecosystems creates an amazing place for birdwatching.  Here are some of the more popular:

American Flamingo
This large wading bird is known for its vibrant pink plumage and distinctive downward-bent bill. It feeds primarily on algae and small invertebrates, which it filters from the water.

Magnificent Frigatebird
With its long wings and forked tail, the magnificent frigatebird is a masterful aerialist. Males are known for their bright red throat pouches, which they inflate during courtship displays.

Scarlet Ibis
This striking bird boasts bright red plumage and is often seen foraging in shallow waters for crustaceans and insects. Its vibrant color comes from the carotenoid pigments in its diet.

Roseate Spoonbill
Recognizable by its pink coloration and spoon-shaped bill, the roseate spoonbill feeds by sweeping its bill through shallow water to capture small fish and invertebrates.

Brown Pelican
This coastal bird is known for its large bill and throat pouch, which it uses to scoop up fish. It often dives from the air into the water to catch its prey.

Cocoi Heron
A large wading bird, the cocoi heron is predominantly gray and white with a black cap. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals in the park’s wetlands.

Neotropic Cormorant
This versatile bird is often seen diving for fish in both freshwater and coastal environments. It has a slender body and a long neck, with dark plumage.

Crested Caracara
A bold and opportunistic raptor, the crested caracara is often seen scavenging or hunting small animals. It has a distinctive appearance with a black cap and white neck.

Anhinga
Also known as the “snakebird” due to its long neck, the anhinga swims with its body submerged, stalking fish. After diving, it often perches with wings spread to dry.

American Yellow Warbler
This small songbird is bright yellow with reddish streaks on its chest. It is commonly found in the park’s coastal forests and mangroves, where it feeds on insects and nectar.

Bahía Portete – Kaurrele National Natural Park’s blend of dry coastal environments, mangroves, and marine ecosystems make it a unique and essential conservation area in Colombia. Whether for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, or cultural explorers, the park offers a remarkable glimpse into the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Guajira Peninsula.

Popular

Bahía Portete – Kaurrele National Natural Park, located in the La Guajira department of northern Colombia, is a coastal sanctuary characterized by its arid climate, mangrove ecosystems, and rich marine biodiversity. Established to protect the unique marine and coastal environments of the Guajira Peninsula, the park encompasses approximately 140.8 km², with average temperatures ranging between 28 and 30 °C. The area holds cultural significance for the indigenous Wayúu communities, who have been integral in the park’s conservation efforts.

Nine-banded Armadillo
This small mammal is recognized by its distinctive armor-like shell composed of nine movable bands. It is primarily nocturnal, feeding on insects, grubs, and other invertebrates, and plays a role in soil aeration through its burrowing activities.

Crab-eating Fox
Adapted to diverse habitats, the crab-eating fox is an omnivorous canid that feeds on fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and crustaceans. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in the park’s arid environment.

American Crocodile
Inhabiting the coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps of the park, the American crocodile is a large reptile that feeds on fish, birds, and small mammals. It is an important apex predator within its ecosystem.

Green Iguana
This arboreal lizard is commonly found in the park’s mangrove forests. It is primarily herbivorous, feeding on leaves, flowers, and fruits, and is known for its vibrant green coloration and impressive size.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Critically endangered, the hawksbill sea turtle frequents the park’s coastal waters. It feeds mainly on sponges and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of coral reefs.

Leatherback Sea Turtle
As the largest of all sea turtles, the leatherback visits the park’s beaches for nesting. It primarily feeds on jellyfish and is known for its distinctive leathery shell.

Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
This species is known for its synchronized nesting in mass numbers, known as arribadas. The olive ridley feeds on a variety of marine organisms, including jellyfish and algae.

Rainbow Whiptail
A vibrant lizard species, the rainbow whiptail is often seen in open areas within the park. It is insectivorous and known for its speed and agility.

South American Rattlesnake
This venomous snake is found in the park’s dry habitats. It preys on small mammals and birds and is recognized by the distinctive rattle at the end of its tail.

Blue Land Crab
Inhabiting the park’s coastal zones, the blue land crab is known for its striking coloration. It plays a significant role in the ecosystem by recycling nutrients and aerating the soil through its burrowing behavior.

Birds

Bahía Portete – Kaurrele National Natural Park’s blend of dry coastal environments, mangroves, and marine ecosystems creates an amazing place for birdwatching.  Here are some of the more popular:

American Flamingo
This large wading bird is known for its vibrant pink plumage and distinctive downward-bent bill. It feeds primarily on algae and small invertebrates, which it filters from the water.

Magnificent Frigatebird
With its long wings and forked tail, the magnificent frigatebird is a masterful aerialist. Males are known for their bright red throat pouches, which they inflate during courtship displays.

Scarlet Ibis
This striking bird boasts bright red plumage and is often seen foraging in shallow waters for crustaceans and insects. Its vibrant color comes from the carotenoid pigments in its diet.

Roseate Spoonbill
Recognizable by its pink coloration and spoon-shaped bill, the roseate spoonbill feeds by sweeping its bill through shallow water to capture small fish and invertebrates.

Brown Pelican
This coastal bird is known for its large bill and throat pouch, which it uses to scoop up fish. It often dives from the air into the water to catch its prey.

Cocoi Heron
A large wading bird, the cocoi heron is predominantly gray and white with a black cap. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and small mammals in the park’s wetlands.

Neotropic Cormorant
This versatile bird is often seen diving for fish in both freshwater and coastal environments. It has a slender body and a long neck, with dark plumage.

Crested Caracara
A bold and opportunistic raptor, the crested caracara is often seen scavenging or hunting small animals. It has a distinctive appearance with a black cap and white neck.

Anhinga
Also known as the “snakebird” due to its long neck, the anhinga swims with its body submerged, stalking fish. After diving, it often perches with wings spread to dry.

American Yellow Warbler
This small songbird is bright yellow with reddish streaks on its chest. It is commonly found in the park’s coastal forests and mangroves, where it feeds on insects and nectar.

Bahía Portete – Kaurrele National Natural Park’s blend of dry coastal environments, mangroves, and marine ecosystems make it a unique and essential conservation area in Colombia. Whether for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, or cultural explorers, the park offers a remarkable glimpse into the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Guajira Peninsula.