Lisas Beach Images, Pictures And Stock Photos

Wildlife in Guatemala: A pair of Olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings is seen moving towards the Ocean. A pair of Olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings is seen moving towards the Ocean after being released by marine biologists working on preserving the species, in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Cheloniidae. The species is the second-smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. The turtle is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This turtle and the related Kemp's ridley sea turtle are best known for their unique synchronised mass nestings called arribadas, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Hatchlings are dark gray with a pale yolk scar, but appear all black when wet. Growing to about 61cm (2ft) in carapace length (measured along the curve), the olive ridley sea turtle gets its common name from its olive-colored carapace, which is heart-shaped and rounded. Males and females grow to the same size, but females have a slightly more rounded carapace as compared to males. Females return to the same beach from where they hatched, to lay their eggs. The olive ridley is predominantly carnivorous. Common prey items include tunicates like salps and sea squirts), starfish, sea urchins, bryozoans, squid, bivalves, snails, barnacles, shrimp, crabs, rock lobsters, and sipunculid worms. Additionally, consumption of jellyfish and both adult fish like phoeroides and fish eggs may be indicative of pelagic or open ocean feeding. The olive ridley is also known to feed on filamentous algae in areas devoid of other food sources. Captive studies have indicated some level of cannibalistic behavior in this species. The olive ridley is classified as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen perched on a tree at dusk. A Roseate spoonbill is seen perched on a tree at dusk, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest. A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: An Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling is seen moving towards the Ocean. An Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling is seen moving towards the Ocean after being released by marine biologists working on preserving the species, in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Cheloniidae. The species is the second-smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. The turtle is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This turtle and the related Kemp's ridley sea turtle are best known for their unique synchronised mass nestings called arribadas, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Hatchlings are dark gray with a pale yolk scar, but appear all black when wet. Growing to about 61cm (2ft) in carapace length (measured along the curve), the olive ridley sea turtle gets its common name from its olive-colored carapace, which is heart-shaped and rounded. Males and females grow to the same size, but females have a slightly more rounded carapace as compared to males. Females return to the same beach from where they hatched, to lay their eggs. The olive ridley is predominantly carnivorous. Common prey items include tunicates like salps and sea squirts), starfish, sea urchins, bryozoans, squid, bivalves, snails, barnacles, shrimp, crabs, rock lobsters, and sipunculid worms. Additionally, consumption of jellyfish and both adult fish like phoeroides and fish eggs may be indicative of pelagic or open ocean feeding. The olive ridley is also known to feed on filamentous algae in areas devoid of other food sources. Captive studies have indicated some level of cannibalistic behavior in this species. The olive ridley is classified as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen perched on a tree over a mangrove while preparing to rest. A Roseate spoonbill is seen perched on a tree over a mangrove while preparing to rest, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen perched on a tree at dusk. A Roseate spoonbill is seen perched on a tree at dusk, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food. A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food. A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food. A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food. A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food. A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food. A Roseate spoonbill is seen walking looking for food, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Little blue heron is seen foraging for food in a mangrove. A Little blue heron is seen foraging for food in a mangrove, in Las Lisas beach in Santa Rosa. The little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) is a small heron of the genus Egretta. It is a small, darkly colored heron with a two-toned bill. Juveniles are entirely white, bearing resemblance to the snowy egret. During the breeding season, adults develop different coloration on the head, legs, and feet. They have a range that encompasses much of the Americas, from the United States to northern South America. Some populations are migratory. Climate change will probably cause their distribution to spread north. They can be found in both saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. Their preference for either one depends on where they live. Nesting behaviors are documented by numerous sources. The adults build nests in trees, in colonies with other bird species. The number of eggs laid varies from place to place. The young mature quickly, requiring little attention from adults after about nineteen days of age. Both young and adults are sometimes preyed on by other species. Adults hunt fish, crabs, and other small animals. As with clutch sizes, diet can vary regionally. The population of this heron is declining. Many possible reasons for this have been proposed, they could include development along coastlines, habitat disturbance, predators, pesticide exposure, and parasites.. Exposure to heavy metals has been found to have detrimental effects on young birds.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Snowy egret is seen standing on an aerator in a shrimp farm in Guatemala. A snowy egret stands in an aerator along two other birds, in a pond located at a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas beach in Guatemala. The snowy egret (Egretta thula) is a small white heron. The snowy egret is the American counterpart to the very similar Old World little egret, which has become established in the Bahamas. At one time, the plumes of the snowy egret were in great demand as decorations for women's hats. They were hunted for these plumes and this reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels. Now protected in the United States by law, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, this bird's population has rebounded. The snowy egret is native to North, Central and South America. It is present all year round in South America, ranging as far south as Chile and Argentina. It is found in wetlands of many types marshes, riverbanks, lakesides, pools, salt marshes and estuaries. It is not found at high altitudes nor generally on the coast. The snowy egret has occurred as a vagrant in Europe, in Iceland, Scotland and the Azores. The birds eat fish, crustaceans such as crabs, shrimp and crayfish, insects, small reptiles such as lizards and snakes, snails, frogs, toads and worms especially earthworms and other annelids. They stalk prey in shallow water, often running or shuffling their feet, flushing prey into view by swaying their heads, flicking their wings or vibrating their bills. They may also hover, or "dip-fish" by flying with their feet just above the water surface. Snowy egrets may also stand still and wait to ambush prey, or hunt for insects stirred up by domestic animals in open fields. They sometimes forage in mixed species groups. Fossils of the snowy egret have been reported from the Talara tar seeps of Peru and in Bradenton in Manatee County and Haile XIB in Alachua County in Florida, United States. The deposits were dated to the Late Pleistocene.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Snowy egret is seen standing on an aerator in a shrimp farm in Guatemala. A snowy egret stands along two other birds atop an aerator in a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas beach in Guatemala. The snowy egret (Egretta thula) is a small white heron. The snowy egret is the American counterpart to the very similar Old World little egret, which has become established in the Bahamas. At one time, the plumes of the snowy egret were in great demand as decorations for women's hats. They were hunted for these plumes and this reduced the population of the species to dangerously low levels. Now protected in the United States by law, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, this bird's population has rebounded. The snowy egret is native to North, Central and South America. It is present all year round in South America, ranging as far south as Chile and Argentina. It is found in wetlands of many types marshes, riverbanks, lakesides, pools, salt marshes and estuaries. It is not found at high altitudes nor generally on the coast. The snowy egret has occurred as a vagrant in Europe, in Iceland, Scotland and the Azores. The birds eat fish, crustaceans such as crabs, shrimp and crayfish, insects, small reptiles such as lizards and snakes, snails, frogs, toads and worms especially earthworms and other annelids. They stalk prey in shallow water, often running or shuffling their feet, flushing prey into view by swaying their heads, flicking their wings or vibrating their bills. They may also hover, or "dip-fish" by flying with their feet just above the water surface. Snowy egrets may also stand still and wait to ambush prey, or hunt for insects stirred up by domestic animals in open fields. They sometimes forage in mixed species groups. Fossils of the snowy egret have been reported from the Talara tar seeps of Peru and in Bradenton in Manatee County and Haile XIB in Alachua County in Florida, United States. The deposits were dated to the Late Pleistocene.

Wildlife in Guatemala: An Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling is seen moving towards the Ocean. An Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling is seen moving towards the Ocean after being released by marine biologists working on preserving the species, in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Cheloniidae. The species is the second-smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. The turtle is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This turtle and the related Kemp's ridley sea turtle are best known for their unique synchronised mass nestings called arribadas, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Hatchlings are dark gray with a pale yolk scar, but appear all black when wet. Growing to about 61cm (2ft) in carapace length (measured along the curve), the olive ridley sea turtle gets its common name from its olive-colored carapace, which is heart-shaped and rounded. Males and females grow to the same size, but females have a slightly more rounded carapace as compared to males. Females return to the same beach from where they hatched, to lay their eggs. The olive ridley is predominantly carnivorous. Common prey items include tunicates like salps and sea squirts), starfish, sea urchins, bryozoans, squid, bivalves, snails, barnacles, shrimp, crabs, rock lobsters, and sipunculid worms. Additionally, consumption of jellyfish and both adult fish like phoeroides and fish eggs may be indicative of pelagic or open ocean feeding. The olive ridley is also known to feed on filamentous algae in areas devoid of other food sources. Captive studies have indicated some level of cannibalistic behavior in this species. The olive ridley is classified as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Wildlife in Guatemala: An Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling is seen moving towards the Ocean. An Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling is seen moving towards the Ocean after being released by marine biologists working on preserving the species, in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Cheloniidae. The species is the second-smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. The turtle is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This turtle and the related Kemp's ridley sea turtle are best known for their unique synchronised mass nestings called arribadas, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Hatchlings are dark gray with a pale yolk scar, but appear all black when wet. Growing to about 61cm (2ft) in carapace length (measured along the curve), the olive ridley sea turtle gets its common name from its olive-colored carapace, which is heart-shaped and rounded. Males and females grow to the same size, but females have a slightly more rounded carapace as compared to males. Females return to the same beach from where they hatched, to lay their eggs. The olive ridley is predominantly carnivorous. Common prey items include tunicates like salps and sea squirts), starfish, sea urchins, bryozoans, squid, bivalves, snails, barnacles, shrimp, crabs, rock lobsters, and sipunculid worms. Additionally, consumption of jellyfish and both adult fish like phoeroides and fish eggs may be indicative of pelagic or open ocean feeding. The olive ridley is also known to feed on filamentous algae in areas devoid of other food sources. Captive studies have indicated some level of cannibalistic behavior in this species. The olive ridley is classified as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A pair of Olive ridley sea turtles hatchling is seen moving towards the Ocean. A pair of Olive ridley sea turtles hatchlings is seen moving towards the Ocean after being released by marine biologists working on preserving the species, in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Cheloniidae. The species is the second-smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. The turtle is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This turtle and the related Kemp's ridley sea turtle are best known for their unique synchronised mass nestings called arribadas, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Hatchlings are dark gray with a pale yolk scar, but appear all black when wet. Growing to about 61cm (2ft) in carapace length (measured along the curve), the olive ridley sea turtle gets its common name from its olive-colored carapace, which is heart-shaped and rounded. Males and females grow to the same size, but females have a slightly more rounded carapace as compared to males. Females return to the same beach from where they hatched, to lay their eggs. The olive ridley is predominantly carnivorous. Common prey items include tunicates like salps and sea squirts), starfish, sea urchins, bryozoans, squid, bivalves, snails, barnacles, shrimp, crabs, rock lobsters, and sipunculid worms. Additionally, consumption of jellyfish and both adult fish like phoeroides and fish eggs may be indicative of pelagic or open ocean feeding. The olive ridley is also known to feed on filamentous algae in areas devoid of other food sources. Captive studies have indicated some level of cannibalistic behavior in this species. The olive ridley is classified as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A pair of Olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings is seen moving towards the Ocean. A pair of Olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings is seen moving towards the Ocean after being released by marine biologists working on preserving the species, in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Cheloniidae. The species is the second-smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. The turtle is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This turtle and the related Kemp's ridley sea turtle are best known for their unique synchronised mass nestings called arribadas, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Hatchlings are dark gray with a pale yolk scar, but appear all black when wet. Growing to about 61cm (2ft) in carapace length (measured along the curve), the olive ridley sea turtle gets its common name from its olive-colored carapace, which is heart-shaped and rounded. Males and females grow to the same size, but females have a slightly more rounded carapace as compared to males. Females return to the same beach from where they hatched, to lay their eggs. The olive ridley is predominantly carnivorous. Common prey items include tunicates like salps and sea squirts), starfish, sea urchins, bryozoans, squid, bivalves, snails, barnacles, shrimp, crabs, rock lobsters, and sipunculid worms. Additionally, consumption of jellyfish and both adult fish like phoeroides and fish eggs may be indicative of pelagic or open ocean feeding. The olive ridley is also known to feed on filamentous algae in areas devoid of other food sources. Captive studies have indicated some level of cannibalistic behavior in this species. The olive ridley is classified as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest. A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest. A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest. A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest. A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest. A Roseate spoonbill is seen flying over a mangrove while looking for a place to rest, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Roseate spoonbill is seen perched on a tree over a mangrove while preparing to rest. A Roseate spoonbill is seen perched on a tree over a mangrove while preparing to rest, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Roseate spoonbill (Platalea ajaja) is a gregarious wading bird of the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. It is a resident breeder in both South and North America. The roseate spoonbill's pink color is diet-derived, consisting of the carotenoid pigment canthaxanthin, like the American flamingo. The colors can range from pale pink to bright magenta, depending on age, whether breeding or not, and location. In the United States, the species is locally common in Texas, Florida, and southwest Louisiana. Generally, the species occurs in South America mostly east of the Andes, and in coastal regions of the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, and the Gulf Coast of the United States. Plume hunting in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries almost drove the roseate spoonbill to extinction. However, following decades of conservation efforts, and the effects of climate change, the range of the roseate spoonbill has expanded considerably in the 21st century. This species feeds in shallow fresh or coastal waters by swinging its bill from side to side as it steadily walks through the water, often in groups. Moreover, the spoon-shaped bill allows it to sift easily through mud. The bird feeds on crustaceans, bits of plant material, aquatic insects, mollusks, frogs, newts and very small fish such as minnows ignored by larger waders. The roseate spoonbill nests in shrubs or trees, often mangroves, laying two to five eggs, which are whitish with brown markings. Immature birds have white, feathered heads, and the pink of the plumage is paler. The bill is yellowish or pinkish. Nestlings are sometimes killed by turkey vultures, bald eagles, raccoons and invasive fire ants.

Wildlife in Guatemala: An Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling is seen among others moving towards the Ocean. An Olive ridley sea turtle hatchling is seen among others, moving towards the Ocean after being released by marine biologists working on preserve the species, in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), also known commonly as the Pacific ridley sea turtle, is a species of turtle in the family Cheloniidae. The species is the second-smallest and most abundant of all sea turtles found in the world. The turtle is found in warm and tropical waters, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, but also in the warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. This turtle and the related Kemp's ridley sea turtle are best known for their unique synchronised mass nestings called arribadas, where thousands of females come together on the same beach to lay eggs. Hatchlings are dark gray with a pale yolk scar, but appear all black when wet. Growing to about 61cm (2ft) in carapace length (measured along the curve), the olive ridley sea turtle gets its common name from its olive-colored carapace, which is heart-shaped and rounded. Males and females grow to the same size, but females have a slightly more rounded carapace as compared to males. Females return to the same beach from where they hatched, to lay their eggs. The olive ridley is predominantly carnivorous. Common prey items include tunicates like salps and sea squirts), starfish, sea urchins, bryozoans, squid, bivalves, snails, barnacles, shrimp, crabs, rock lobsters, and sipunculid worms. Additionally, consumption of jellyfish and both adult fish like phoeroides and fish eggs may be indicative of pelagic or open ocean feeding. The olive ridley is also known to feed on filamentous algae in areas devoid of other food sources. Captive studies have indicated some level of cannibalistic behavior in this species. The olive ridley is classified as vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist. A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist, during a wildlife survey in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Ecuadorian hermit crab (Coenobita compressus) also known as the Pacific hermit crab is a species of land hermit crab. It is one of the two land hermit crabs commonly sold in North America as pets, the other being the Caribbean hermit crab (C. clypeatus). When choosing a shell, they tend to give preference to shells with a wide and round aperture. Native to the Americas, these hermit crabs live on the Pacific seashore ranging from Mexico to Chile, and tend to gather around tidal pools and high-tide zone. Their bodies have adapted to this seashore existence, and in captivity, they require access to seawater, as they must metabolize the salt in it and bathe in it to maintain gill moisture. Like most hermit crabs, they are scavengers and consume seaweed, dead fish, and other detritus that washes up on the shore. Coenobita compressus prefers the odors of foods that they have not recently eaten. Hermit crabs exposed to one food for at least 9 hours preferred foods having other odors for the next 6 hours. This short-term avoidance of food (like human beings who get bored with the same meals over and over again) compels the crabs to seek out a wider range of food. This might be advantageous to the crabs, possibly through the consumption of a more nutritionally balanced diet. Ecuadorian hermit crabs can make a chirping sound to communicate with each other. Hermit crabs overall were once seen as a throwaway pet that would live only a few months, but species such as C. clypeatus have a 23-year lifespan if properly treated and some have lived longer than 32 years. Similarly, Ecuadorian hermit crabs have been known to live to over 30 years. In general, and despite their moniker, hermit crabs are social animals that do best in groups.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Black vulture is seen perched in a tree overlooking the wetlands of a shrimp farm. A Black vulture is seen perched in a tree in a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The black vulture (Coragyps atratus), also known as the American Vulture, is a bird in the New World vulture family whose range extends from the southeastern United States to Central Chile and Uruguay in South America. Although a common and widespread species, it has a somewhat more restricted distribution than its compatriot, the turkey vulture, which breeds well into Canada and south to Tierra del Fuego. Despite the similar name and appearance, this species is unrelated to the Eurasian black vulture, an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae. It inhabits relatively open areas which provide scattered forests. The black vulture is a large bird though relatively small for a vulture. It has black plumage, a featherless, grayish-black head and neck, and a short, hooked beak. The black vulture is a scavenger and feeds on carrion, but will also eat eggs or kill newborn animals. In areas populated by humans, it also feeds at garbage dumps. It finds its meals either by using its keen eyesight or by following other vultures, which possess a keen sense of smell. Lacking a syrinx, the vocal organ of birds, its only vocalizations are grunts or low hisses. It lays its eggs in caves or hollow trees or on the bare ground, and generally raises two chicks each year, which it feeds by regurgitation. In the United States, the vulture receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This vulture also appeared in Mayan codices.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Black vulture is seen perched in a tree overlooking the wetlands of a shrimp farm. A Black vulture is seen perched in a tree in a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The black vulture (Coragyps atratus), also known as the American Vulture, is a bird in the New World vulture family whose range extends from the southeastern United States to Central Chile and Uruguay in South America. Although a common and widespread species, it has a somewhat more restricted distribution than its compatriot, the turkey vulture, which breeds well into Canada and south to Tierra del Fuego. Despite the similar name and appearance, this species is unrelated to the Eurasian black vulture, an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae. It inhabits relatively open areas which provide scattered forests. The black vulture is a large bird though relatively small for a vulture. It has black plumage, a featherless, grayish-black head and neck, and a short, hooked beak. The black vulture is a scavenger and feeds on carrion, but will also eat eggs or kill newborn animals. In areas populated by humans, it also feeds at garbage dumps. It finds its meals either by using its keen eyesight or by following other vultures, which possess a keen sense of smell. Lacking a syrinx, the vocal organ of birds, its only vocalizations are grunts or low hisses. It lays its eggs in caves or hollow trees or on the bare ground, and generally raises two chicks each year, which it feeds by regurgitation. In the United States, the vulture receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This vulture also appeared in Mayan codices.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Wilson\'s plover is seen looking for food on a beach in Guatemala. A Wilson's plover is seen looking for food on a beach, in Las Lisas, Guatemala. Wilson's plover (Anarhynchus wilsonia) is a small bird of the family Charadriidae. Wilson's plover is a coastal wader which breeds on both coasts of the Americas from the equator northwards. Its range extends north to include much of the U.S. eastern seaboard, and the Pacific coast of Mexico on the west. It is a partial migrant. Birds leave the United States, except Florida, to winter south in Brazil. Some Mexican birds leave in winter for Peru. Furthermore, a small resident population is known from Brazil. This strictly coastal plover nests on a bare scrape on sandy beaches or sandbars. The call is a high weak whistle. Wilson's plovers forage for food on beaches, usually by sight, moving slowly across the beach. They have a liking for crabs, but will also eat insects and marine worms.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Willet is seen looking for food on a beach in Guatemala. A Willet is seen foraging in the Las Lisas beach, in Guatemala. The willet (Tringa semipalmata) is a large shorebird in the family Scolopacidae. It is a relatively large and robust sandpiper and is the largest of the species called "shanks" in the genus Tringa. It breeds in North America and the West Indies and winters in southern North America, Central America, the West Indies and South America. Two subspecies (which may actually be different species) have very different breeding habitats. The eastern willet breeds in coastal saltmarshes while the western willet breeds in freshwater prairie marshes, sloughs, potholes and other inland wetlands. In winter both subspecies are coastal birds being found on both rocky and sandy coasts as well as on mudflats and in coastal marshes. They are territorial both on the breeding grounds and on the wintering areas but form loose breeding colonies or wintering groups. When displaying the wings are held stiffly and downcurved in flight while on the ground the display gives prominence to the distinctive pattern of the underwings. They are normally vigilant birds, with the birds closer to the landward edge of a saltmarsh being the first to utter their alarm calls. Willets are flexible in their feeding habits and hunt by walking steadily and pecking prey from the substrate, although they also probe into the mud or silt with their sensitive bill and may actively stalk larger prey in shallow water. A favored prey on the coasts is small fiddler crabs as well as mole crabs, worms, clams and other invertebrates. They have also been known to occasionally eat plant material. Willets also actively hunt more mobile prey such as fish and aquatic insects in the water and will wade up to their bellies to pursue such prey.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Willet is seen looking for food on a beach in Guatemala. A Willet is seen foraging in the Las Lisas beach, in Guatemala. The willet (Tringa semipalmata) is a large shorebird in the family Scolopacidae. It is a relatively large and robust sandpiper and is the largest of the species called "shanks" in the genus Tringa. It breeds in North America and the West Indies and winters in southern North America, Central America, the West Indies and South America. Two subspecies (which may actually be different species) have very different breeding habitats. The eastern willet breeds in coastal saltmarshes while the western willet breeds in freshwater prairie marshes, sloughs, potholes and other inland wetlands. In winter both subspecies are coastal birds being found on both rocky and sandy coasts as well as on mudflats and in coastal marshes. They are territorial both on the breeding grounds and on the wintering areas but form loose breeding colonies or wintering groups. When displaying the wings are held stiffly and downcurved in flight while on the ground the display gives prominence to the distinctive pattern of the underwings. They are normally vigilant birds, with the birds closer to the landward edge of a saltmarsh being the first to utter their alarm calls. Willets are flexible in their feeding habits and hunt by walking steadily and pecking prey from the substrate, although they also probe into the mud or silt with their sensitive bill and may actively stalk larger prey in shallow water. A favored prey on the coasts is small fiddler crabs as well as mole crabs, worms, clams and other invertebrates. They have also been known to occasionally eat plant material. Willets also actively hunt more mobile prey such as fish and aquatic insects in the water and will wade up to their bellies to pursue such prey.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Willet is seen looking for food on a beach in Guatemala. A Willet is seen foraging in the Las Lisas beach, in Guatemala. The willet (Tringa semipalmata) is a large shorebird in the family Scolopacidae. It is a relatively large and robust sandpiper and is the largest of the species called "shanks" in the genus Tringa. It breeds in North America and the West Indies and winters in southern North America, Central America, the West Indies and South America. Two subspecies (which may actually be different species) have very different breeding habitats. The eastern willet breeds in coastal saltmarshes while the western willet breeds in freshwater prairie marshes, sloughs, potholes and other inland wetlands. In winter both subspecies are coastal birds being found on both rocky and sandy coasts as well as on mudflats and in coastal marshes. They are territorial both on the breeding grounds and on the wintering areas but form loose breeding colonies or wintering groups. When displaying the wings are held stiffly and downcurved in flight while on the ground the display gives prominence to the distinctive pattern of the underwings. They are normally vigilant birds, with the birds closer to the landward edge of a saltmarsh being the first to utter their alarm calls. Willets are flexible in their feeding habits and hunt by walking steadily and pecking prey from the substrate, although they also probe into the mud or silt with their sensitive bill and may actively stalk larger prey in shallow water. A favored prey on the coasts is small fiddler crabs as well as mole crabs, worms, clams and other invertebrates. They have also been known to occasionally eat plant material. Willets also actively hunt more mobile prey such as fish and aquatic insects in the water and will wade up to their bellies to pursue such prey.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Willet is seen looking for food on a beach in Guatemala. A Willet is seen foraging in the Las Lisas beach, in Guatemala. The willet (Tringa semipalmata) is a large shorebird in the family Scolopacidae. It is a relatively large and robust sandpiper and is the largest of the species called "shanks" in the genus Tringa. It breeds in North America and the West Indies and winters in southern North America, Central America, the West Indies and South America. Two subspecies (which may actually be different species) have very different breeding habitats. The eastern willet breeds in coastal saltmarshes while the western willet breeds in freshwater prairie marshes, sloughs, potholes and other inland wetlands. In winter both subspecies are coastal birds being found on both rocky and sandy coasts as well as on mudflats and in coastal marshes. They are territorial both on the breeding grounds and on the wintering areas but form loose breeding colonies or wintering groups. When displaying the wings are held stiffly and downcurved in flight while on the ground the display gives prominence to the distinctive pattern of the underwings. They are normally vigilant birds, with the birds closer to the landward edge of a saltmarsh being the first to utter their alarm calls. Willets are flexible in their feeding habits and hunt by walking steadily and pecking prey from the substrate, although they also probe into the mud or silt with their sensitive bill and may actively stalk larger prey in shallow water. A favored prey on the coasts is small fiddler crabs as well as mole crabs, worms, clams and other invertebrates. They have also been known to occasionally eat plant material. Willets also actively hunt more mobile prey such as fish and aquatic insects in the water and will wade up to their bellies to pursue such prey.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Semipalmated plover is seen foraging for food on a beach. A Semipalmated plover is seen foraging for food on a beach in Las Lisas, Guatemala. The semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) is a small plover. Their breeding habitat is open ground on beaches or flats across northern Canada and Alaska. They nest on the ground in an open area with little or no plant growth. They are migratory and winter in coastal areas of the southern United States, the Caribbean and much of South America. They are extremely rare vagrants to western Europe. Semipalmated plovers forage for food on beaches, tidal flats and fields, usually by sight. They eat insects such as the larvae of long-legged and beach flies, larvae of soldier flies and shore flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers and Ochtebius beetles, spiders, crustaceans such as isopods, decapods and copepods, and worms such as polychaetes. They also consume small molluscs including bivalves and gastropods, including snails such as coffee bean snails and Odostomia laevigata. These opportunistic feeders also feed on berries or seeds from grasslands or cultivated fields. This bird resembles the killdeer but is much smaller and has only one band. Since the semipalmated plover nests on the ground, it uses a "broken-wing" display to lure intruders away from the nest, in a display similar to the related killdeer.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Least sandpiper is seen foraging for food in a beach. A Least sandpiper is seen foraging for food in a beach in Las Lisas, Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The least sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) is the smallest shorebird. The genus name is from Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-colored waterside birds. The specific minutilla is Medieval Latin for "very small". Their breeding habitat is the northern North American continent on tundra or in bogs. They nest on the ground near water. The female lays four eggs in a shallow scrape lined with grass and moss. Both parents incubate the female leaves before the young birds fledge and sometimes before the eggs hatch. The young birds feed themselves and are able to fly within two weeks of birth. They migrate in flocks to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. They occur as very rare vagrants in western Europe. These birds forage on mudflats, picking up food by sight, sometimes by probing. They mainly eat small crustaceans, insects, and snails.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Least sandpiper is seen foraging for food in a beach. A Least sandpiper is seen foraging for food in a beach in Las Lisas, Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The least sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) is the smallest shorebird. The genus name is from Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-colored waterside birds. The specific minutilla is Medieval Latin for "very small". Their breeding habitat is the northern North American continent on tundra or in bogs. They nest on the ground near water. The female lays four eggs in a shallow scrape lined with grass and moss. Both parents incubate the female leaves before the young birds fledge and sometimes before the eggs hatch. The young birds feed themselves and are able to fly within two weeks of birth. They migrate in flocks to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. They occur as very rare vagrants in western Europe. These birds forage on mudflats, picking up food by sight, sometimes by probing. They mainly eat small crustaceans, insects, and snails.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Least sandpiper is seen foraging for food in a beach. A Least sandpiper is seen foraging for food in a beach in Las Lisas, Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The least sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) is the smallest shorebird. The genus name is from Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-colored waterside birds. The specific minutilla is Medieval Latin for "very small". Their breeding habitat is the northern North American continent on tundra or in bogs. They nest on the ground near water. The female lays four eggs in a shallow scrape lined with grass and moss. Both parents incubate the female leaves before the young birds fledge and sometimes before the eggs hatch. The young birds feed themselves and are able to fly within two weeks of birth. They migrate in flocks to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. They occur as very rare vagrants in western Europe. These birds forage on mudflats, picking up food by sight, sometimes by probing. They mainly eat small crustaceans, insects, and snails.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Least sandpiper is seen foraging for food in a beach. A Least sandpiper is seen foraging for food in a beach in Las Lisas, Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The least sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) is the smallest shorebird. The genus name is from Ancient Greek kalidris or skalidris, a term used by Aristotle for some grey-colored waterside birds. The specific minutilla is Medieval Latin for "very small". Their breeding habitat is the northern North American continent on tundra or in bogs. They nest on the ground near water. The female lays four eggs in a shallow scrape lined with grass and moss. Both parents incubate the female leaves before the young birds fledge and sometimes before the eggs hatch. The young birds feed themselves and are able to fly within two weeks of birth. They migrate in flocks to the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. They occur as very rare vagrants in western Europe. These birds forage on mudflats, picking up food by sight, sometimes by probing. They mainly eat small crustaceans, insects, and snails.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Eurasian whimbrel is seen foraging in a beach. A Eurasian whimbrel is seen foraging in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Eurasian or common whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), also known as the white-rumped whimbrel in North America, is a wader in the large family Scolopacidae. It is one of the most widespread of the curlews, breeding across much of subarctic Asia and Europe as far south as Scotland. The common whimbrel was traditionally considered a sub-cosmopolitan bird, breeding in Russia and Canada, then migrating to coasts all around the world to spend the winter. The whimbrel is a migratory bird wintering on coasts in Africa, and South Asia into Australasia. It is also a coastal bird during migration. It is fairly gregarious outside the breeding season. It is found in Ireland and the United Kingdom, and it breeds in Scotland, particularly around Shetland, Orkney, the Outer Hebrides as well as the mainland at Sutherland and Caithness. It has also been seen and documented in coasts of America. The nest is a bare scrape on tundra or Arctic moorland. Three to five eggs are laid. Adults are very defensive of nesting area and will even attack humans who come too close. This species feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates and by picking small crabs and similar prey off the surface. Before migration, berries become an important part of their diet. It has also been observed taking insects, specifically blue tiger butterflies.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Semipalmated plover (left) forages for fond on a beach. A Semipalmated plover is seen foraging for food along another small bird, in a beach in Las Lisas, Guatemala. The semipalmated plover, left (Charadrius semipalmatus) is a small plover. Their breeding habitat is open ground on beaches or flats across northern Canada and Alaska. They nest on the ground in an open area with little or no plant growth. They are migratory and winter in coastal areas of the southern United States, the Caribbean and much of South America. They are extremely rare vagrants to western Europe. Semipalmated plovers forage for food on beaches, tidal flats and fields, usually by sight. They eat insects such as the larvae of long-legged and beach flies, larvae of soldier flies and shore flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers and Ochtebius beetles, spiders, crustaceans such as isopods, decapods and copepods, and worms such as polychaetes. They also consume small molluscs including bivalves and gastropods, including snails such as coffee bean snails and Odostomia laevigata. These opportunistic feeders also feed on berries or seeds from grasslands or cultivated fields. This bird resembles the killdeer but is much smaller and has only one band. Since the semipalmated plover nests on the ground, it uses a "broken-wing" display to lure intruders away from the nest, in a display similar to the related killdeer.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Semipalmated plover is seen foraging for food on a beach. A Semipalmated plover is seen foraging for food on a beach in Las Lisas, Guatemala. The semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) is a small plover. Their breeding habitat is open ground on beaches or flats across northern Canada and Alaska. They nest on the ground in an open area with little or no plant growth. They are migratory and winter in coastal areas of the southern United States, the Caribbean and much of South America. They are extremely rare vagrants to western Europe. Semipalmated plovers forage for food on beaches, tidal flats and fields, usually by sight. They eat insects such as the larvae of long-legged and beach flies, larvae of soldier flies and shore flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers and Ochtebius beetles, spiders, crustaceans such as isopods, decapods and copepods, and worms such as polychaetes. They also consume small molluscs including bivalves and gastropods, including snails such as coffee bean snails and Odostomia laevigata. These opportunistic feeders also feed on berries or seeds from grasslands or cultivated fields. This bird resembles the killdeer but is much smaller and has only one band. Since the semipalmated plover nests on the ground, it uses a "broken-wing" display to lure intruders away from the nest, in a display similar to the related killdeer.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Semipalmated plover is seen foraging for food on a beach. A Semipalmated plover is seen foraging for food on a beach in Las Lisas, Guatemala. The semipalmated plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) is a small plover. Their breeding habitat is open ground on beaches or flats across northern Canada and Alaska. They nest on the ground in an open area with little or no plant growth. They are migratory and winter in coastal areas of the southern United States, the Caribbean and much of South America. They are extremely rare vagrants to western Europe. Semipalmated plovers forage for food on beaches, tidal flats and fields, usually by sight. They eat insects such as the larvae of long-legged and beach flies, larvae of soldier flies and shore flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers and Ochtebius beetles, spiders, crustaceans such as isopods, decapods and copepods, and worms such as polychaetes. They also consume small molluscs including bivalves and gastropods, including snails such as coffee bean snails and Odostomia laevigata. These opportunistic feeders also feed on berries or seeds from grasslands or cultivated fields. This bird resembles the killdeer but is much smaller and has only one band. Since the semipalmated plover nests on the ground, it uses a "broken-wing" display to lure intruders away from the nest, in a display similar to the related killdeer.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A pair of Brown pelicans are seen perched in a tree near a beach. A pair of Brown pelican are seen perched in a river-mouth exiting the Pacific Ocean in the beach of Las Lisas, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a North American bird of the pelican family, Pelecanidae. It is one of three pelican species found in the Americas and one of two that feed by diving in water. It is found on the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia to the mouth of the Amazon River, and along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to northern Chile, including the Galapagos Islands. The brown pelican main feeds on fish, but occasional eats amphibians, crustaceans, and the eggs and nestlings of birds. It nests in colonies in secluded areas, often on islands, vegetated land among sand dunes, thickets of shrubs and trees, and mangroves. Females lay two or three oval, chalky white eggs. Incubation takes a month with both sexes sharing duties. The brown pelican is the national bird of Saint Martin, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the official state bird of Louisiana. It has been rated as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It was listed under the United States Endangered Species Act from 1970 to 2009, as pesticides threatened its future in the Southeastern United States and California. In 1972, DDT was banned in Florida, followed by the rest of the United States. Since then, the brown pelican`s population has increased. In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt set aside the first National Wildlife Refuge, Florida`s Pelican Island, to protect the species from hunters.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Brown pelican is seen perched in a tree near a beach. A Brown pelican is seen perched in a river-mouth exiting the Pacific Ocean in the beach of Las Lisas, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) is a North American bird of the pelican family, Pelecanidae. It is one of three pelican species found in the Americas and one of two that feed by diving in water. It is found on the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia to the mouth of the Amazon River, and along the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to northern Chile, including the Galapagos Islands. The brown pelican main feeds on fish, but occasional eats amphibians, crustaceans, and the eggs and nestlings of birds. It nests in colonies in secluded areas, often on islands, vegetated land among sand dunes, thickets of shrubs and trees, and mangroves. Females lay two or three oval, chalky white eggs. Incubation takes a month with both sexes sharing duties. The brown pelican is the national bird of Saint Martin, Barbados, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the official state bird of Louisiana. It has been rated as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It was listed under the United States Endangered Species Act from 1970 to 2009, as pesticides threatened its future in the Southeastern United States and California. In 1972, DDT was banned in Florida, followed by the rest of the United States. Since then, the brown pelican`s population has increased. In 1903, Theodore Roosevelt set aside the first National Wildlife Refuge, Florida`s Pelican Island, to protect the species from hunters.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Spotted sandpiper is seen walking on a pond in Guatemala. A Spotted sandpiper walks on a pond looking for food, near the Las Lisas beach, Guatemala. The spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small shorebird. Spotted sandpipers are a philopatric species. Their breeding habitat is near fresh water across most of Canada and the United States. They migrate to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and South America, and are very rare vagrants to western Europe. These are not gregarious birds and are seldom seen in flocks. Spotted sandpipers are the most widespread species of their kind in North America due to their high breeding rates and their ability to adapt to various environmental pressures. These birds forage on the ground or in water, picking up food by sight. They may also catch insects in flight. They eat insects such as flies, beetles, grasshoppers, mayflies, midges, crickets and caterpillars), crustaceans and other invertebrates (such as spiders, snails, other mollusks, and worms), as well as small fish and carrion. As they forage, they can be recognized by their constant nodding and teetering.

Wildlife in Guatemala: An Osprey is seen perched in a tree. An Osprey is seen perched in a tree on the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The osprey, (Pandion haliaetus) historically known as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. The osprey is the second most widely distributed raptor species, after the peregrine falcon, and is one of only six land-birds with a worldwide distribution. It is a large raptor that tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply. It is found on all continents except Antarctica, although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant. As its other common names suggest, the osprey's diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It possesses specialized physical characteristics and unique behavior in hunting its prey like reversible outer toes, sharp spicules on the underside of the toes, closable nostrils to keep out water during dives, a well-adapted vision to detect objects underwater, angle adaptability in-flight to account for the distortion of the fish's image caused by refraction when hunting, backward-facing scales on the talons which act as barbs to help hold its catch, and dense plumage which is oily and prevents its feathers from getting waterlogged. The osprey is piscivorous, with fish making up 99% of its diet. They catch fish by diving into a body of water, oftentimes completely submerging their entire bodies. Occasionally, the osprey may prey on rodents, rabbits, hares, other mammals, snakes, turtles, frogs, birds, salamanders, conchs, and crustaceans. The osprey breeds near freshwater lakes and rivers, and sometimes on coastal brackish waters. As wide as 2 meters and weighing about 135 kg (298 lb), large nests on utility poles may be fire hazards and have caused power outages. Ospreys usually mate for life. Rarely, polyandry has been recorded.

Wildlife in Guatemala: An Osprey is seen perched in a tree. An Osprey is seen perched in a tree on the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The osprey, (Pandion haliaetus) historically known as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk, is a diurnal, fish-eating bird of prey with a cosmopolitan range. The osprey is the second most widely distributed raptor species, after the peregrine falcon, and is one of only six land-birds with a worldwide distribution. It is a large raptor that tolerates a wide variety of habitats, nesting in any location near a body of water providing an adequate food supply. It is found on all continents except Antarctica, although in South America it occurs only as a non-breeding migrant. As its other common names suggest, the osprey's diet consists almost exclusively of fish. It possesses specialized physical characteristics and unique behavior in hunting its prey like reversible outer toes, sharp spicules on the underside of the toes, closable nostrils to keep out water during dives, a well-adapted vision to detect objects underwater, angle adaptability in-flight to account for the distortion of the fish's image caused by refraction when hunting, backward-facing scales on the talons which act as barbs to help hold its catch, and dense plumage which is oily and prevents its feathers from getting waterlogged. The osprey is piscivorous, with fish making up 99% of its diet. They catch fish by diving into a body of water, oftentimes completely submerging their entire bodies. Occasionally, the osprey may prey on rodents, rabbits, hares, other mammals, snakes, turtles, frogs, birds, salamanders, conchs, and crustaceans. The osprey breeds near freshwater lakes and rivers, and sometimes on coastal brackish waters. As wide as 2 meters and weighing about 135 kg (298 lb), large nests on utility poles may be fire hazards and have caused power outages. Ospreys usually mate for life. Rarely, polyandry has been recorded.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A flock of American avocets forage in a wetland. A flock of American avocets is seen wading in one of the wetlands near the Pacific Ocean, in the Las Lisas beach, in the department of Santa Rosa, in the southeast of Guatemala. The American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a large wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae, found in North America. It spends much of its time foraging in shallow water or on mud flats, often sweeping its bill from side to side in water as it seeks crustacean and insect prey. While located mostly in North America, this particular flock was spotted in this Central American country. The breeding habitat consists of marshes, beaches, prairie ponds, and shallow lakes in the mid-west, as far north as southern Canada. These breeding grounds are largely in areas just east of the rocky mountains, and even down to parts of the south-west of the United States. Their migration route lands them in almost every state in the western U.S. The avocet's wintering grounds are mainly coastal. Along the Atlantic Ocean, they are found in North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. There are also wintering grounds along the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico. The American avocet tends to prefer habitats with fine sediments for foraging. In the winter, it feeds extensively on brine shrimp. Usually, this entails the avocet pecking while walking or wading on the shore, but it can also swim to expand foraging area. During the breeding season, avocets continue to eat brine shrimp but switch mainly to consuming brine flies.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A flock of American avocets forage in a wetland. A flock of American avocets is seen wading in one of the wetlands near the Pacific Ocean, in the Las Lisas beach, in the department of Santa Rosa, in the southeast of Guatemala. The American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a large wader in the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae, found in North America. It spends much of its time foraging in shallow water or on mud flats, often sweeping its bill from side to side in water as it seeks crustacean and insect prey. While located mostly in North America, this particular flock was spotted in this Central American country. The breeding habitat consists of marshes, beaches, prairie ponds, and shallow lakes in the mid-west, as far north as southern Canada. These breeding grounds are largely in areas just east of the rocky mountains, and even down to parts of the south-west of the United States. Their migration route lands them in almost every state in the western U.S. The avocet's wintering grounds are mainly coastal. Along the Atlantic Ocean, they are found in North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. There are also wintering grounds along the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico. The American avocet tends to prefer habitats with fine sediments for foraging. In the winter, it feeds extensively on brine shrimp. Usually, this entails the avocet pecking while walking or wading on the shore, but it can also swim to expand foraging area. During the breeding season, avocets continue to eat brine shrimp but switch mainly to consuming brine flies.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A pair of Inca doves are seen near a pond of water. A pair of Inca doves are seen near a pond in a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Inca dove or Mexican dove (Columbina inca) is a small New World dove. The species was first described by French surgeon and naturalist René Lesson in 1847. It is a slender species, with a gray-brown body covered in feathers that resemble a scaled pattern. The tail is long and square and edged with white feathers that may flare out in flight. The underwings are reddish, like other ground doves, and upon takeoff, the wings produce a distinctive, quiet rattling noise. The Inca dove ranges from Costa Rica in the south to the American Southwest in the north and is often common to abundant in suitable habitat. Its range has been expanding northward and southward the past few decades. Despite being named after the Inca Empire, this species does not occur in any of the lands that once constituted that empire. Inca doves are expanding their range in the north and south. This terrestrial species forms flocks in deserts, scrublands and cultivated areas and may also be found in urban settings where they feed upon grass seeds and take advantage of the ready availability of water from agricultural and suburban irrigation. Inca doves build their nests primarily in trees and shrubs. The average diameter is about 5 centimeters. The male gathers nesting material and presents it to the female, who also gathers some nesting material. The nest is composed of twigs, grass, weed stalks, and leaves and becomes reinforced with the brood's excrement. The nest is often used over and over.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A pair of Inca doves are seen near a pond of water. A pair of Inca doves are seen near a pond in a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Inca dove or Mexican dove (Columbina inca) is a small New World dove. The species was first described by French surgeon and naturalist René Lesson in 1847. It is a slender species, with a gray-brown body covered in feathers that resemble a scaled pattern. The tail is long and square and edged with white feathers that may flare out in flight. The underwings are reddish, like other ground doves, and upon takeoff, the wings produce a distinctive, quiet rattling noise. The Inca dove ranges from Costa Rica in the south to the American Southwest in the north and is often common to abundant in suitable habitat. Its range has been expanding northward and southward the past few decades. Despite being named after the Inca Empire, this species does not occur in any of the lands that once constituted that empire. Inca doves are expanding their range in the north and south. This terrestrial species forms flocks in deserts, scrublands and cultivated areas and may also be found in urban settings where they feed upon grass seeds and take advantage of the ready availability of water from agricultural and suburban irrigation. Inca doves build their nests primarily in trees and shrubs. The average diameter is about 5 centimeters. The male gathers nesting material and presents it to the female, who also gathers some nesting material. The nest is composed of twigs, grass, weed stalks, and leaves and becomes reinforced with the brood's excrement. The nest is often used over and over.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Golden-fronted woodpecker is seen foraging in a tree. A Golden-fronted woodpecker is seen foraging in a tree, in a mangrove located on a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The golden-fronted woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in the southern United States (mostly Texas), Mexico and parts of Central America. It inhabits both mesic and xeric landscapes. It favors the latter, which include mesquite brushlands and riparian woodlands. It also frequents urban parks and suburban areas. The golden-fronted woodpecker diet is adult and larval arthropods, some aerial insects, much fruit and nuts, and corn. It has been observed predating other birds' eggs. The species forages mainly in trees, especially on major limbs. It also forages on open or grassy ground but seldom underbrush. It takes its food by gleaning, pecking, probing, and least frequently by aerial flycatching.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Golden-fronted woodpecker is seen foraging in a tree. A Golden-fronted woodpecker is seen foraging in a tree, in a mangrove located on a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The golden-fronted woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) is a species of bird in subfamily Picinae of the woodpecker family Picidae. It is found in the southern United States (mostly Texas), Mexico and parts of Central America. It inhabits both mesic and xeric landscapes. It favors the latter, which include mesquite brushlands and riparian woodlands. It also frequents urban parks and suburban areas. The golden-fronted woodpecker diet is adult and larval arthropods, some aerial insects, much fruit and nuts, and corn. It has been observed predating other birds' eggs. The species forages mainly in trees, especially on major limbs. It also forages on open or grassy ground but seldom underbrush. It takes its food by gleaning, pecking, probing, and least frequently by aerial flycatching.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Spotted sandpiper is seen standing on the edge of a boat in Guatemala. A Spotted sandpiper stands on the edge of a boat, in the Las Lisas beach, in Guatemala. The spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small shorebird. Spotted sandpipers are a philopatric species. Their breeding habitat is near fresh water across most of Canada and the United States. They migrate to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and South America, and are very rare vagrants to western Europe. These are not gregarious birds and are seldom seen in flocks. Spotted sandpipers are the most widespread species of their kind in North America due to their high breeding rates and their ability to adapt to various environmental pressures. These birds forage on the ground or in water, picking up food by sight. They may also catch insects in flight. They eat insects such as flies, beetles, grasshoppers, mayflies, midges, crickets and caterpillars), crustaceans and other invertebrates (such as spiders, snails, other mollusks, and worms), as well as small fish and carrion. As they forage, they can be recognized by their constant nodding and teetering.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Turkey vulture flies over mangroves in Guatemala. A Turkey Vulture flies over mangroves in the river mouth on the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), also known in some North American regions as the buzzard, and in some areas of the Caribbean as the John crow or carrion crow, is the most widespread of the New World vultures. One of three species in the genus of the family Cathartidae, the turkey vulture ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, pastures, and deserts. Like all New World vultures, it is not closely related to the Old World vultures of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The two groups strongly resemble each other because of convergent evolution natural selection often leads to similar body plans in animals that adapt independently to the same conditions. The turkey vulture is a scavenger and feeds almost exclusively on carrion. It finds its food using its keen eyes and sense of smell, flying low enough to detect the gasses produced by the beginnings of the process of decay in dead animals. In flight, it uses thermals to move through the air, flapping its wings infrequently. It roosts in large community groups. Lacking a syrinx, the vocal organ of birds, its only vocalizations are grunts or low hisses. It nests in caves, hollow trees, or thickets. Each year it generally raises two chicks, which it feeds by regurgitation. It has very few natural predators. In the United States, the vulture receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Turkey vulture is seen perched atop a fence in Guatemala. A Turkey Vulture is seen perched atop a fence overlooking a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), also known in some North American regions as the buzzard, and in some areas of the Caribbean as the John crow or carrion crow, is the most widespread of the New World vultures. One of three species in the genus of the family Cathartidae, the turkey vulture ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, pastures, and deserts. Like all New World vultures, it is not closely related to the Old World vultures of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The two groups strongly resemble each other because of convergent evolution natural selection often leads to similar body plans in animals that adapt independently to the same conditions. The turkey vulture is a scavenger and feeds almost exclusively on carrion. It finds its food using its keen eyes and sense of smell, flying low enough to detect the gasses produced by the beginnings of the process of decay in dead animals. In flight, it uses thermals to move through the air, flapping its wings infrequently. It roosts in large community groups. Lacking a syrinx, the vocal organ of birds, its only vocalizations are grunts or low hisses. It nests in caves, hollow trees, or thickets. Each year it generally raises two chicks, which it feeds by regurgitation. It has very few natural predators. In the United States, the vulture receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Turkey vulture is seen perched atop a fence in Guatemala. A Turkey Vulture is seen perched atop a fence in a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), also known in some North American regions as the buzzard, and in some areas of the Caribbean as the John crow or carrion crow, is the most widespread of the New World vultures. One of three species in the genus of the family Cathartidae, the turkey vulture ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, pastures, and deserts. Like all New World vultures, it is not closely related to the Old World vultures of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The two groups strongly resemble each other because of convergent evolution natural selection often leads to similar body plans in animals that adapt independently to the same conditions. The turkey vulture is a scavenger and feeds almost exclusively on carrion. It finds its food using its keen eyes and sense of smell, flying low enough to detect the gasses produced by the beginnings of the process of decay in dead animals. In flight, it uses thermals to move through the air, flapping its wings infrequently. It roosts in large community groups. Lacking a syrinx, the vocal organ of birds, its only vocalizations are grunts or low hisses. It nests in caves, hollow trees, or thickets. Each year it generally raises two chicks, which it feeds by regurgitation. It has very few natural predators. In the United States, the vulture receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Turkey vulture is seen perched atop a fence in Guatemala. A Turkey Vulture is seen perched atop a fence in a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), also known in some North American regions as the buzzard, and in some areas of the Caribbean as the John crow or carrion crow, is the most widespread of the New World vultures. One of three species in the genus of the family Cathartidae, the turkey vulture ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, pastures, and deserts. Like all New World vultures, it is not closely related to the Old World vultures of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The two groups strongly resemble each other because of convergent evolution natural selection often leads to similar body plans in animals that adapt independently to the same conditions. The turkey vulture is a scavenger and feeds almost exclusively on carrion. It finds its food using its keen eyes and sense of smell, flying low enough to detect the gasses produced by the beginnings of the process of decay in dead animals. In flight, it uses thermals to move through the air, flapping its wings infrequently. It roosts in large community groups. Lacking a syrinx, the vocal organ of birds, its only vocalizations are grunts or low hisses. It nests in caves, hollow trees, or thickets. Each year it generally raises two chicks, which it feeds by regurgitation. It has very few natural predators. In the United States, the vulture receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Spotted sandpiper is seen standing on the edge of a boat in Guatemala. A Spotted sandpiper stands on the edge of a boat, in the Las Lisas beach, Guatemala. The spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small shorebird. Spotted sandpipers are a philopatric species. Their breeding habitat is near fresh water across most of Canada and the United States. They migrate to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and South America, and are very rare vagrants to western Europe. These are not gregarious birds and are seldom seen in flocks. Spotted sandpipers are the most widespread species of their kind in North America due to their high breeding rates and their ability to adapt to various environmental pressures. These birds forage on the ground or in water, picking up food by sight. They may also catch insects in flight. They eat insects such as flies, beetles, grasshoppers, mayflies, midges, crickets and caterpillars), crustaceans and other invertebrates (such as spiders, snails, other mollusks, and worms), as well as small fish and carrion. As they forage, they can be recognized by their constant nodding and teetering.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Reddish egret is seen walking around in a pond looking for food. A Reddish egret is seen walking around in a pond, looking for food, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) is a medium-sized heron that is a resident breeder in Central America, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States (primarily Texas), and Mexico. The egret is known for its unusual foraging behavior compared to other herons as well as its association with mud flats, its habitat of choice. In the past, this bird was a victim of the plume trade and is North America’s rarest and least studied ardeid. The reddish egret is considered one of the most active herons, and is often seen on the move. It stalks its prey (fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects) in shallow water, typically near mud flats, while frequently running energetically and using the shadow of its wings to reduce glare on the water once it is in position to spear its prey. Due to its bold, rapacious yet graceful feeding behavior and its typical proximity to mud flats, author Pete Dunne nicknamed the reddish egret "the Tyrannosaurus rex of the Flats". According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there are only 1,500 to 2,000 nesting pairs of reddish egrets in the United States - and most of these are in Texas. They are classified as "threatened" in Texas and receive special protection.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Reddish egret is seen walking around in a pond looking for food. A Reddish egret is seen walking around in a pond, looking for food, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) is a medium-sized heron that is a resident breeder in Central America, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States (primarily Texas), and Mexico. The egret is known for its unusual foraging behavior compared to other herons as well as its association with mud flats, its habitat of choice. In the past, this bird was a victim of the plume trade and is North America’s rarest and least studied ardeid. The reddish egret is considered one of the most active herons, and is often seen on the move. It stalks its prey (fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects) in shallow water, typically near mud flats, while frequently running energetically and using the shadow of its wings to reduce glare on the water once it is in position to spear its prey. Due to its bold, rapacious yet graceful feeding behavior and its typical proximity to mud flats, author Pete Dunne nicknamed the reddish egret "the Tyrannosaurus rex of the Flats". According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there are only 1,500 to 2,000 nesting pairs of reddish egrets in the United States - and most of these are in Texas. They are classified as "threatened" in Texas and receive special protection.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Reddish egret is seen walking around in a pond looking for food. A Reddish egret is seen walking around in a pond, looking for food, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) is a medium-sized heron that is a resident breeder in Central America, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States (primarily Texas), and Mexico. The egret is known for its unusual foraging behavior compared to other herons as well as its association with mud flats, its habitat of choice. In the past, this bird was a victim of the plume trade and is North America’s rarest and least studied ardeid. The reddish egret is considered one of the most active herons, and is often seen on the move. It stalks its prey (fish, frogs, crustaceans, and insects) in shallow water, typically near mud flats, while frequently running energetically and using the shadow of its wings to reduce glare on the water once it is in position to spear its prey. Due to its bold, rapacious yet graceful feeding behavior and its typical proximity to mud flats, author Pete Dunne nicknamed the reddish egret "the Tyrannosaurus rex of the Flats". According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, there are only 1,500 to 2,000 nesting pairs of reddish egrets in the United States - and most of these are in Texas. They are classified as "threatened" in Texas and receive special protection.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Spotted sandpiper is standing in the edge of a boat in Guatemala. A Spotted sandpiper is seen standing on the edge of a boat, in the Las Lisas beach, in Guatemala. The spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small shorebird. Spotted sandpipers are a philopatric species. Their breeding habitat is near fresh water across most of Canada and the United States. They migrate to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and South America, and are very rare vagrants to western Europe. These are not gregarious birds and are seldom seen in flocks. Spotted sandpipers are the most widespread species of their kind in North America due to their high breeding rates and their ability to adapt to various environmental pressures. These birds forage on the ground or in water, picking up food by sight. They may also catch insects in flight. They eat insects such as flies, beetles, grasshoppers, mayflies, midges, crickets and caterpillars), crustaceans and other invertebrates (such as spiders, snails, other mollusks, and worms), as well as small fish and carrion. As they forage, they can be recognized by their constant nodding and teetering.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A group of shorebirds forage in a river in Guatemala. A group of shorebirds of different species is seen foraging in a river, near the Las. A group of shorebirds of different species is seen foraging in a river, near the Las Lisas beach, in Guatemala.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A spotted sandpiper is seen walking on a grassland in Guatemala. A spotted sandpiper walks on a grassland looking for food, near the Las Lisas beach, in Guatemala. The spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small shorebird. Spotted sandpipers are a philopatric species. Their breeding habitat is near fresh water across most of Canada and the United States. They migrate to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and South America, and are very rare vagrants to western Europe. These are not gregarious birds and are seldom seen in flocks. Spotted sandpipers are the most widespread species of their kind in North America due to their high breeding rates and their ability to adapt to various environmental pressures. These birds forage on the ground or in water, picking up food by sight. They may also catch insects in flight. They eat insects such as flies, beetles, grasshoppers, mayflies, midges, crickets and caterpillars), crustaceans and other invertebrates (such as spiders, snails, other mollusks, and worms), as well as small fish and carrion. As they forage, they can be recognized by their constant nodding and teetering.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist. A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist, during a wildlife survey in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Ecuadorian hermit crab (Coenobita compressus) also known as the Pacific hermit crab is a species of land hermit crab. It is one of the two land hermit crabs commonly sold in North America as pets, the other being the Caribbean hermit crab (C. clypeatus). When choosing a shell, they tend to give preference to shells with a wide and round aperture. Native to the Americas, these hermit crabs live on the Pacific seashore ranging from Mexico to Chile, and tend to gather around tidal pools and high-tide zone. Their bodies have adapted to this seashore existence, and in captivity, they require access to seawater, as they must metabolize the salt in it and bathe in it to maintain gill moisture. Like most hermit crabs, they are scavengers and consume seaweed, dead fish, and other detritus that washes up on the shore. Coenobita compressus prefers the odors of foods that they have not recently eaten. Hermit crabs exposed to one food for at least 9 hours preferred foods having other odors for the next 6 hours. This short-term avoidance of food (like human beings who get bored with the same meals over and over again) compels the crabs to seek out a wider range of food. This might be advantageous to the crabs, possibly through the consumption of a more nutritionally balanced diet. Ecuadorian hermit crabs can make a chirping sound to communicate with each other. Hermit crabs overall were once seen as a "throwaway pet" that would live only a few months, but species such as C. clypeatus have a 23-year lifespan if properly treated and some have lived longer than 32 years. Similarly, Ecuadorian hermit crabs have been known to live to over 30 years. In general, and despite their moniker, hermit crabs are social animals that do best in groups.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist. A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist, during a wildlife survey in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Ecuadorian hermit crab (Coenobita compressus) also known as the Pacific hermit crab is a species of land hermit crab. It is one of the two land hermit crabs commonly sold in North America as pets, the other being the Caribbean hermit crab (C. clypeatus). When choosing a shell, they tend to give preference to shells with a wide and round aperture. Native to the Americas, these hermit crabs live on the Pacific seashore ranging from Mexico to Chile, and tend to gather around tidal pools and high-tide zone. Their bodies have adapted to this seashore existence, and in captivity, they require access to seawater, as they must metabolize the salt in it and bathe in it to maintain gill moisture. Like most hermit crabs, they are scavengers and consume seaweed, dead fish, and other detritus that washes up on the shore. Coenobita compressus prefers the odors of foods that they have not recently eaten. Hermit crabs exposed to one food for at least 9 hours preferred foods having other odors for the next 6 hours. This short-term avoidance of food (like human beings who get bored with the same meals over and over again) compels the crabs to seek out a wider range of food. This might be advantageous to the crabs, possibly through the consumption of a more nutritionally balanced diet. Ecuadorian hermit crabs can make a chirping sound to communicate with each other. Hermit crabs overall were once seen as a "throwaway pet" that would live only a few months, but species such as C. clypeatus have a 23-year lifespan if properly treated and some have lived longer than 32 years. Similarly, Ecuadorian hermit crabs have been known to live to over 30 years. In general, and despite their moniker, hermit crabs are social animals that do best in groups.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist. A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist, during a wildlife survey in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Ecuadorian hermit crab (Coenobita compressus) also known as the Pacific hermit crab is a species of land hermit crab. It is one of the two land hermit crabs commonly sold in North America as pets, the other being the Caribbean hermit crab (C. clypeatus). When choosing a shell, they tend to give preference to shells with a wide and round aperture. Native to the Americas, these hermit crabs live on the Pacific seashore ranging from Mexico to Chile, and tend to gather around tidal pools and high-tide zone. Their bodies have adapted to this seashore existence, and in captivity, they require access to seawater, as they must metabolize the salt in it and bathe in it to maintain gill moisture. Like most hermit crabs, they are scavengers and consume seaweed, dead fish, and other detritus that washes up on the shore. Coenobita compressus prefers the odors of foods that they have not recently eaten. Hermit crabs exposed to one food for at least 9 hours preferred foods having other odors for the next 6 hours. This short-term avoidance of food (like human beings who get bored with the same meals over and over again) compels the crabs to seek out a wider range of food. This might be advantageous to the crabs, possibly through the consumption of a more nutritionally balanced diet. Ecuadorian hermit crabs can make a chirping sound to communicate with each other. Hermit crabs overall were once seen as a "throwaway pet" that would live only a few months, but species such as C. clypeatus have a 23-year lifespan if properly treated and some have lived longer than 32 years. Similarly, Ecuadorian hermit crabs have been known to live to over 30 years. In general, and despite their moniker, hermit crabs are social animals that do best in groups.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist. A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist, during a wildlife survey in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Ecuadorian hermit crab (Coenobita compressus) also known as the Pacific hermit crab is a species of land hermit crab. It is one of the two land hermit crabs commonly sold in North America as pets, the other being the Caribbean hermit crab (C. clypeatus). When choosing a shell, they tend to give preference to shells with a wide and round aperture. Native to the Americas, these hermit crabs live on the Pacific seashore ranging from Mexico to Chile, and tend to gather around tidal pools and high-tide zone. Their bodies have adapted to this seashore existence, and in captivity, they require access to seawater, as they must metabolize the salt in it and bathe in it to maintain gill moisture. Like most hermit crabs, they are scavengers and consume seaweed, dead fish, and other detritus that washes up on the shore. Coenobita compressus prefers the odors of foods that they have not recently eaten. Hermit crabs exposed to one food for at least 9 hours preferred foods having other odors for the next 6 hours. This short-term avoidance of food (like human beings who get bored with the same meals over and over again) compels the crabs to seek out a wider range of food. This might be advantageous to the crabs, possibly through the consumption of a more nutritionally balanced diet. Ecuadorian hermit crabs can make a chirping sound to communicate with each other. Hermit crabs overall were once seen as a "throwaway pet" that would live only a few months, but species such as C. clypeatus have a 23-year lifespan if properly treated and some have lived longer than 32 years. Similarly, Ecuadorian hermit crabs have been known to live to over 30 years. In general, and despite their moniker, hermit crabs are social animals that do best in groups.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist. A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist, during a wildlife survey in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Ecuadorian hermit crab (Coenobita compressus) also known as the Pacific hermit crab is a species of land hermit crab. It is one of the two land hermit crabs commonly sold in North America as pets, the other being the Caribbean hermit crab (C. clypeatus). When choosing a shell, they tend to give preference to shells with a wide and round aperture. Native to the Americas, these hermit crabs live on the Pacific seashore ranging from Mexico to Chile, and tend to gather around tidal pools and high-tide zone. Their bodies have adapted to this seashore existence, and in captivity, they require access to seawater, as they must metabolize the salt in it and bathe in it to maintain gill moisture. Like most hermit crabs, they are scavengers and consume seaweed, dead fish, and other detritus that washes up on the shore. Coenobita compressus prefers the odors of foods that they have not recently eaten. Hermit crabs exposed to one food for at least 9 hours preferred foods having other odors for the next 6 hours. This short-term avoidance of food (like human beings who get bored with the same meals over and over again) compels the crabs to seek out a wider range of food. This might be advantageous to the crabs, possibly through the consumption of a more nutritionally balanced diet. Ecuadorian hermit crabs can make a chirping sound to communicate with each other. Hermit crabs overall were once seen as a throwaway pet that would live only a few months, but species such as C. clypeatus have a 23-year lifespan if properly treated and some have lived longer than 32 years. Similarly, Ecuadorian hermit crabs have been known to live to over 30 years. In general, and despite their moniker, hermit crabs are social animals that do best in groups.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist. A Ecuadorian hermit crab is handled by a marine biologist, during a wildlife survey in the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The Ecuadorian hermit crab (Coenobita compressus) also known as the Pacific hermit crab is a species of land hermit crab. It is one of the two land hermit crabs commonly sold in North America as pets, the other being the Caribbean hermit crab (C. clypeatus). When choosing a shell, they tend to give preference to shells with a wide and round aperture. Native to the Americas, these hermit crabs live on the Pacific seashore ranging from Mexico to Chile, and tend to gather around tidal pools and high-tide zone. Their bodies have adapted to this seashore existence, and in captivity, they require access to seawater, as they must metabolize the salt in it and bathe in it to maintain gill moisture. Like most hermit crabs, they are scavengers and consume seaweed, dead fish, and other detritus that washes up on the shore. Coenobita compressus prefers the odors of foods that they have not recently eaten. Hermit crabs exposed to one food for at least 9 hours preferred foods having other odors for the next 6 hours. This short-term avoidance of food (like human beings who get bored with the same meals over and over again) compels the crabs to seek out a wider range of food. This might be advantageous to the crabs, possibly through the consumption of a more nutritionally balanced diet. Ecuadorian hermit crabs can make a chirping sound to communicate with each other. Hermit crabs overall were once seen as a throwaway pet that would live only a few months, but species such as C. clypeatus have a 23-year lifespan if properly treated and some have lived longer than 32 years. Similarly, Ecuadorian hermit crabs have been known to live to over 30 years. In general, and despite their moniker, hermit crabs are social animals that do best in groups.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A flock of Dowitchers is seen foraging in a wetland. A flock of Dowitchers is seen foraging in a wetland at a shrimp factory, near the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The three dowitchers are medium-sized long-billed wading birds in the genus Limnodromus. The English name "dowitcher" is from Iroquois, recorded in English by the 1830s. They resemble godwits in body and bill shape, and the reddish underparts in summer, but are much shorter legged, more like snipes, to which they are more closely related. All three are strongly migratory. The two North American species are difficult to separate in most plumages, and were considered a single species for many years. The Asian bird is rare and not well known.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Tricolored heron is seen flying while migrating in Guatemala. A Tricolored heron is seen flying while migrating, in the Las Lisas beach in Guatemala. The tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor), formerly known as the Louisiana heron, is a small species of heron native to coastal parts of the Americas. The species is more solitary than other species of heron in the Americas and eats a diet consisting mostly of small fish. Tricolored herons breed in swamps and other coastal habitats and nests in colonies, often with other herons, usually on platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. In each clutch, three to seven eggs are typically laid. The tricolored heron is the second most coastal heron in the United States. The species' range follows the northeastern United States, south along the coast, through the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, to northern South America as far south as Brazil. In the Pacific region, it ranges from Peru to California, but it is only a non-breeding visitor to the far north. It was likely the most numerous heron in North America until the cattle egret arrived to the continent in the 1950s. While the species' population appears to be on the decline, it remains quite common. The bird is listed as "Threatened" by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The tricolored heron is more solitary when foraging than other North American herons. When it forages for its prey, it is typically belly-deep in water, alone or at the edge of a mixed flock. Kent (1986) found that the diets of tricolored herons in Florida consisted of 99.7% fish and prawns. While other members of Egretta may also eat crabs and opportunistically forage for terrestrial arthropods, the tricolored heron has been consistently observed to be almost exclusively piscivorous, primarily feeding on members of Cyprinodontidae, Fundulidae and Poeciliidae, as well as Centropomidae and Cichlidae.

WIldlife in Guatemala: An American white ibis is seen in a shrimp farm. An American white ibis is seen standing in a water-wheel or aerator, in a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas beach in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The American white ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a species of bird in the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. It is found from the southern half of the US East Coast (from southern New Jersey, Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia), along the Gulf Coast states Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas and south through most of the Caribbean coastal regions of Central America. This particular ibis species is a medium-sized wading bird, possessing an overall white plumage with black wing-tips usually only visible in flight, and having the typical downward-curving bill of the ibises, though of a bright red-orange color, the same hue as its long legs. Males are larger and have longer bills than females. The breeding range runs along the Gulf and Atlantic Coast, and the coasts of Mexico and Central America. Outside the breeding period, the range extends further inland in North America and also includes the Caribbean. It is also found along the northwestern South American coastline in Colombia and Venezuela. Populations in central Venezuela overlap and interbreed with the scarlet ibis. The two have been classified by some authorities as a single species. Their diet consists primarily of small aquatic prey, such as insects and small fishes. Crayfish are its preferred food in most regions, but it can adjust its diet according to the habitat and prey abundance. Its main foraging behavior is probing with its beak at the bottom of shallow water to feel for and capture its prey. It does not see the prey.During the breeding season, the American white ibis gathers in huge colonies near water. Pairs are predominantly monogamous and both parents care for the young, although males tend to engage in extra-pair copulation with other females to increase their reproductive success. Males have also been found to pirate food from unmated females and juveniles during the breeding season. Human pollution has affected the behavior of the American white ibis via an increase in the concentrations of methylmercury, which is released into the environment from untreated waste. Exposure alters the hormone levels of American white ibis, affecting their mating and nesting behavior and leading to lower reproduction rates. Remains similar to the American white ibis have been found in Middle Pliocene deposits of the Bone Valley formation in the U.S. Two species, one living and one extinct, have been recovered from the Talara Tar Seeps in northern coastal Peru. The tar seeps have been dated at 13,900 years old. The American white ibis is still found in Peru.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Tropical kingbird is seen perched in a clothesline in Guatemala. A Tropical kingbird is seen perched on a clothesline in a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas beach, in Guatemala. The tropical kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) is a large tyrant flycatcher. This bird breeds from southern Arizona and the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the United States through Central America, South America as far as south as central Argentina and eastern Peru, and on Trinidad and Tobago. Birds from the northernmost and southern breeding areas migrate to warmer parts of the range after breeding. Tropical kingbirds appear to be monogamous. In most parts of the species' range, they are permanent residents and remain together in pairs year-round. Their breeding habitat is semi-open areas with trees and shrubs, including gardens and roadsides. Tropical kingbirds like to observe their surroundings from a prominent open perch, usually high in a tree, undertaking long flights to acrobatically catch insects in mid-air (hawking), sometimes hovering to pick food off vegetation (gleaning). The insects preyed upon include beetles, bees, wasps, termites, butterflies, moths, dragonflies and grasshoppers. They also eat some berries and fruit from such diverse species as tamanqueiro (Alchornea glandulosa), common guava (Psidium guajava), the Annonaceae, Cymbopetalum mayanum and gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba) foraging for these even in disturbed habitat. Aplomado falcons have been known to prey on adult tropical kingbirds, while eggs and young have been attacked by swallow-tailed kites and chestnut-mandibled toucans. These birds aggressively defend their territory against intruders, even much larger birds such as magnificent frigatebirds, toucans, caracaras or hawks. The male and female inspect potential sites together before selecting a site, typically a fork or crotch high in a tree up to 20 m (66 ft) high, but sometimes just a few meters above water.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Tropical kingbird is seen perched in a clothesline in Guatemala. A Tropical kingbird is seen perched on a clothesline in a shrimp farm, near the Las Lisas beach, in Guatemala. The tropical kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) is a large tyrant flycatcher. This bird breeds from southern Arizona and the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the United States through Central America, South America as far as south as central Argentina and eastern Peru, and on Trinidad and Tobago. Birds from the northernmost and southern breeding areas migrate to warmer parts of the range after breeding. Tropical kingbirds appear to be monogamous. In most parts of the species' range, they are permanent residents and remain together in pairs year-round. Their breeding habitat is semi-open areas with trees and shrubs, including gardens and roadsides. Tropical kingbirds like to observe their surroundings from a prominent open perch, usually high in a tree, undertaking long flights to acrobatically catch insects in mid-air (hawking), sometimes hovering to pick food off vegetation (gleaning). The insects preyed upon include beetles, bees, wasps, termites, butterflies, moths, dragonflies and grasshoppers. They also eat some berries and fruit from such diverse species as tamanqueiro (Alchornea glandulosa), common guava (Psidium guajava), the Annonaceae, Cymbopetalum mayanum and gumbo-limbo (Bursera simaruba) foraging for these even in disturbed habitat. Aplomado falcons have been known to prey on adult tropical kingbirds, while eggs and young have been attacked by swallow-tailed kites and chestnut-mandibled toucans. These birds aggressively defend their territory against intruders, even much larger birds such as magnificent frigatebirds, toucans, caracaras or hawks. The male and female inspect potential sites together before selecting a site, typically a fork or crotch high in a tree up to 20 m (66 ft) high, but sometimes just a few meters above water.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Turkey vulture is seen perched atop a fence in Guatemala. A Turkey vulture is seen perched atop a fence on a shrimp farm near the Las Lisas beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The turkey vulture (Cathartes aura), also known in some North American regions as the buzzard, and in some areas of the Caribbean as the John crow or carrion crow, is the most widespread of the New World vultures. One of three species in the genus of the family Cathartidae, the turkey vulture ranges from southern Canada to the southernmost tip of South America. It inhabits a variety of open and semi-open areas, including subtropical forests, pastures, and deserts. Like all New World vultures, it is not closely related to the Old World vultures of Europe, Africa, and Asia. The two groups strongly resemble each other because of convergent evolution natural selection often leads to similar body plans in animals that adapt independently to the same conditions. The turkey vulture is a scavenger and feeds almost exclusively on carrion. It finds its food using its keen eyes and sense of smell, flying low enough to detect the gasses produced by the beginnings of the process of decay in dead animals. In flight, it uses thermals to move through the air, flapping its wings infrequently. It roosts in large community groups. Lacking a syrinx, the vocal organ of birds, its only vocalizations are grunts or low hisses. It nests in caves, hollow trees, or thickets. Each year it generally raises two chicks, which it feeds by regurgitation. It has very few natural predators. In the United States, the vulture receives legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Wildlife in Guatemala: A Spotted sandpiper is seen standing on the edge of a boat in Guatemala. A spotted sandpiper is seen standing on the edge of a boat in a canal, in Las Lisas beach, Guatemala. The spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularius) is a small shorebird. Spotted sandpipers are a philopatric species. Their breeding habitat is near fresh water across most of Canada and the United States. They migrate to the southern United States, the Caribbean, and South America, and are very rare vagrants to western Europe. These are not gregarious birds and are seldom seen in flocks. Spotted sandpipers are the most widespread species of their kind in North America due to their high breeding rates and their ability to adapt to various environmental pressures. These birds forage on the ground or in water, picking up food by sight. They may also catch insects in flight. They eat insects such as flies, beetles, grasshoppers, mayflies, midges, crickets and caterpillars), crustaceans and other invertebrates (such as spiders, snails, other mollusks, and worms), as well as small fish and carrion. As they forage, they can be recognized by their constant nodding and teetering.

Wildlife in Guatemala: An juvenile American white ibis is seen standing in an aerator in a shrimp farm. A juvenile American white ibis is seen standing atop an aerator, or water wheel, in a shrimp located near the Las Lisas Beach, in Santa Rosa, Guatemala. The American white ibis (Eudocimus albus) is a species of bird in the ibis family, Threskiornithidae. It is found from the southern half of the US East Coast (from southern New Jersey, Virginia, the Carolinas and Georgia), along the Gulf Coast states Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas and south through most of the Caribbean coastal regions of Central America. This particular ibis species is a medium-sized wading bird, possessing an overall white plumage with black wing-tips usually only visible in flight, and having the typical downward-curving bill of the ibises, though of a bright red-orange color, the same hue as its long legs. Males are larger and have longer bills than females. The breeding range runs along the Gulf and Atlantic Coast, and the coasts of Mexico and Central America. Outside the breeding period, the range extends further inland in North America and also includes the Caribbean. It is also found along the northwestern South American coastline in Colombia and Venezuela. Populations in central Venezuela overlap and interbreed with the scarlet ibis. The two have been classified by some authorities as a single species. Their diet consists primarily of small aquatic prey, such as insects and small fishes. Crayfish are its preferred food in most regions, but it can adjust its diet according to the habitat and prey abundance. Its main foraging behavior is probing with its beak at the bottom of shallow water to feel for and capture its prey. It does not see the prey.During the breeding season, the American white ibis gathers in huge colonies near water. Pairs are predominantly monogamous and both parents care for the young, although males tend to engage in extra-pair copulation with other females to increase their reproductive success. Males have also been found to pirate food from unmated females and juveniles during the breeding season. Human pollution has affected the behavior of the American white ibis via an increase in the concentrations of methylmercury, which is released into the environment from untreated waste. Exposure alters the hormone levels of American white ibis, affecting their mating and nesting behavior and leading to lower reproduction rates. Remains similar to the American white ibis have been found in Middle Pliocene deposits of the Bone Valley formation in the U.S. Two species, one living and one extinct, have been recovered from the Talara Tar Seeps in northern coastal Peru. The tar seeps have been dated at 13,900 years old. The American white ibis is still found in Peru.