Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park

Birds

While primarily a marine park, the coastal and mangrove areas of Arrecifes de Cozumel provide important habitat for a variety of bird species, including seabirds and wading birds.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
A large seabird with a distinctive forked tail and long wings, the magnificent frigatebird is often seen soaring above the ocean. Males have an inflatable red throat pouch used during mating displays.

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Frequently spotted diving headfirst into the water, brown pelicans are expert fishers. They use their large pouches to scoop up fish and drain excess water before swallowing their catch.

Reddish Egret (Egretta rufescens)
Known for its erratic and energetic hunting style, the reddish egret wades through shallow waters, using quick movements to catch small fish. This species is less common than other egrets but can be found in Cozumel’s coastal lagoons.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A powerful raptor that preys primarily on fish, the osprey is often seen diving into the water to snatch its meal with sharp talons. They build large nests along the coast and on man-made structures.

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)
This striking wading bird has a pink body and a spoon-shaped bill that it uses to sift through shallow waters for small fish and crustaceans. Often mistaken for a flamingo, the roseate spoonbill is a beautiful sight in coastal wetlands.

Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger)
Recognizable by its unique bill, with a longer lower mandible, the black skimmer flies low over the water’s surface, using its bill to catch fish in a remarkable feeding behavior.

Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
A frequent sight along rocky coastlines, this diving bird catches fish underwater using its hooked bill. After fishing, they are often seen perched with wings spread open to dry.

White-crowned Pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala)
This tropical pigeon is found in coastal mangroves and feeds on fruit from native trees. It is an important seed disperser in the ecosystem.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
A nocturnal wader, this heron hunts crabs and small fish in shallow waters. It has striking yellow markings on its head and large, red eyes suited for night vision.

American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
Although not as common as in other parts of the Yucatán, American flamingos can occasionally be seen in Cozumel’s coastal lagoons. Their bright pink plumage is a result of their diet, which is rich in carotenoid pigments from crustaceans.

Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park is a haven for marine life and bird species, making it a top destination for divers, snorkelers, and nature enthusiasts.

Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park, located off the coast of Mexico’s Cozumel Island, is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest coral reef in the world. This marine park is home to a dazzling array of marine life, including colorful coral formations, tropical fish, and large marine species such as sea turtles and sharks.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
This critically endangered sea turtle is commonly found in the park’s coral reefs. Recognizable by its distinctive shell with overlapping scutes, the hawksbill plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the reef by feeding on sponges, which allows corals to thrive.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Another frequent visitor to the park, the green sea turtle, is known for its large, smooth shell and herbivorous diet. These turtles often graze on seagrass beds and can be seen gliding through the crystal-clear waters.

Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
A common sight for divers, nurse sharks are slow-moving bottom dwellers that can grow up to 10 feet long. Despite their size, they are harmless to humans and are often seen resting in caves or under coral ledges.

Spotted Eagle Ray (Aetobatus narinari)
With its unique spotted pattern and wide wingspan, the spotted eagle ray is a graceful swimmer often found gliding over sandy patches and reef edges. They feed primarily on mollusks and crustaceans, using their strong jaws to crush shells.

Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris)
One of the most strikingly beautiful fish in the park, the queen angelfish displays vibrant blue and yellow colors with a distinctive “crown” marking on its head. They are typically found near coral reefs, feeding on sponges and algae.

Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)
A formidable predator, the great barracuda has a sleek, torpedo-shaped body and sharp teeth. Often seen near reefs and shipwrecks, these fish are known for their sudden bursts of speed when hunting smaller fish.

Splendid Toadfish (Sanopus splendidus)
An endemic species to Cozumel, the splendid toadfish is a rare and fascinating fish with bright yellow and blue markings. It prefers to hide in rocky crevices and coral formations, making it a sought-after sight for divers.

Caribbean Reef Shark (Carcharhinus perezii)
This medium-sized shark is an important predator in the reef ecosystem. Typically seen patrolling the outer reef areas, Caribbean reef sharks help maintain balance in the marine food web.

Goliath Grouper (Epinephelus itajara)
This massive fish, which can grow over 8 feet long, is a slow-moving but powerful predator. Found in rocky reefs and caves, goliath groupers are known for their deep, resonant vocalizations used to communicate.

French Grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum)
A schooling fish often seen in large numbers, the French grunt has bright yellow stripes running along its body. These fish are common around coral reefs and seagrass beds, feeding on small invertebrates at night.