Birders are flocking to Texas to see a bird that lives thousands of leagues to the south make its first ever recorded appearance on U.S. shores.
The bat falcon, though small, is as beautiful a bird of prey as one could hope to see.
This particular individual, suspected of being only a juvenile, has actually been here since last year, but only began making headlines after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service posted some images of the bird, snapped by one Peter Witt, resting on a branch with a big juicy dragonfly in its beak.
Living in Mexico, Trinidad, and South America, the bat falcon is characterized by a white and rust neck, rust rump, white chest bars, and yellow spectacles.
“The Bat Falcon at the refuge is thought to be a juvenile for its buff-cinnamon throat and chest bars, judging by the thickness of the tarsus and beak it seem like a male,” says Julio Gallardo, a staff member at the Santa Ana Wildlife Refuge.
Border Report tells the story of Ray Sharpton, a 77-year old retiree, who hopped in his car at 3 a.m. and drove 34 hours from upstate New York to see the bird, adding that there are even birders coming from Europe to see it.
RELATED: How Peru’s Andean Condors Saved the California Condor from Extinction
In their native habitat in Latin America, they feed on small mammals, bats, insects, and other birds, and are considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.
MORE: Bird Scientists Need Some Help Finding Species – They’re Turning to Birdwatchers
It’s not the first “vagrant” that has appeared in the U.S. of late. Late last year, a Steller’s sea eagle, the heaviest bird of its kind, has been hanging about in Maine, drawing birders from around the country to see this winged Russian/Japanese giant on U.S. shores.
Throughout 2020 it was spotted at various points during a wild and unscripted flight across Canada and the northern U.S. before dipping down into Massachusetts, and choosing an area near Boothbay Harbor, Maine to rest for awhile.
LET Good News Soar by Sharing This Story…
Totally awesome bird! Also went & checked out the Sea Eagle!