We LOVE birds here at Sawgrass Nature Center which is why one of our Summer Jr. volunteers, Erin Willie, wanted to share this information with you:
Birds of the Everglades
Birds are spotted all over the world and play an important role in maintaining balance in the ecosystems they live in. The same goes for the Everglades and the home it gives to the birds that roam Florida. They help keep species of insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish from overpopulating our waterways.
Snail Kite
Snail kites have a very particular appetite. They feed almost exclusively on apple snails but have managed to start eating other non-native snails introduced to the Everglades. Their strong beaks allow them to break open the tough shells to get to the mollusk inside. They fly low over the water and use their acute eyesight to spot their prey and snatch them out of the shallows. It’s strict diet and the destruction of the Everglades has made the bird become an endangered species and protected under law. Its numbers are currently around 1,000 but have fluctuated greatly in the past from a low of 65 to a high of 3,000. Snail Kites are only native to Florida and the Everglades, making it very important to keep its species thriving.
Green Heron
Green Herons have tell-tale muddy green feathers, russet neck, and bright yellow legs and are short and stocky compared to many other herons. Don’t be fooled by its small demeanor though! Their necks can extend to a larger length to assist in hunting and intimidating predators just like other herons. Special vertebrae located in their necks allow them to attack their prey with surprising force. Green Herons are an important predator in the Everglades, helping to keep invertebrates and fish at bay by preventing overpopulation.
Spoonbill
Just as the name implies, the beaks of these birds are flat and spoon-like in shape and are used to assist the animal in sifting through the mud and water for its next meal. Its goal is to find small fish, crustaceans, insects, and snails to eat. Some of these creatures, mainly the crustaceans, contain pigments called carotenoids that when eaten cause the feathers on spoonbills to turn vibrant pink. This means that chicks will remain brown and white until they eat enough to start changing color.
Interested in seeing some of our native birds up close including a Green Heron named Goblin?
Come visit us during our normal business hours
Tuesday – Friday 9-5
Saturday – Sunday 10-3
We hope to see you soon!