- This specimen already existed in Venezuela, but it is a new discovery in the state of Mérida that occurred during the October Big Day 2024 that took place in La Azulita
The Venezuela-Colombia 2024 bird tourism team found a species of bird called Aegolius Harrisii or Curucucú Yellow Belly in Mérida. This specimen had already been discovered in Venezuela, but it is new for Mérida. The announcement was made during the day of October Big Day, which took place at La Estancia La Bravera de la Azulita, in the Andrés Bello municipality of Mérida state.
According to Ramón Eduardo Molina, bird specialist and tourist guide of the entity, the species was seen in the northern part of La Azulita.
“This must be celebrated,” Molina said in a video published by the Merideña Tourism Corporation (Cormetur) on its Instagram account.
The organization detailed that the Aegolius Harrisii It is a small owl with a “compact and round” shape; in addition, its plumage features brown and white colors. The specialists specified that the bird measures between 23 and 28 centimeters in length and is distinguished by its large eyes, as well as “prominent facial expression.”
Regarding its habitat, it can be found in open forests, scrubland and prairie areas of North America, between southern Canada and northern Mexico. In that sense, the Aegolius Harrisii It is from areas with enough vegetation to hide while hunting, and feeds on small mammals, small birds and insects.
About him October Big Day
He October Big Day is an international bird watching initiative. The objective of this activity was to be able to record for 24 hours all the bird species that can be observed in a country, region or site.
On October 12, the fourth binational meeting, the registration of 244 bird species was completed with the possibility of increasing the number, since experts continue to evaluate the content created during the ecotourism activity.
Molina highlighted that La Azulita is an “excellent” region of Merida to carry out these tourist activities, with the participation of experts from all over the world.
Another recently discovered species
So far in 2024, experts have observed several species of birds in different areas of Venezuela. According to a publication by the Bird Records Committee of Venezuela (CRAV), until June 1, 2024, at least 1,420 species were found in the country.
On July 7, biologist Alfredo Correa found a species called rufous or Warm and aggressive at the Taiguaiguay lagoon treatment plant in the Sucre municipality (Aragua).
The rufous is a migratory species that lives in Europe, Asia, Africa; however, it can be seen in America and Australia. According to a publication by the National Poultry Federation of Venezuela (Fenavi), the bird had been “hypothetical” since the 1970s, since it was known from a record, but without evidence.
The bird measures between 20 and 30 centimeters high, its beak is small, with a long neck and small head. The color of its plumage changes to dark brown and reddish breast (rufous), a characteristic for which it was given its name, during its mating season.
In May 2024, another species of bird was found in the Orinoco River (Bolívar) called Pico de Lacre Negro or also Monasa nigrifrons and Black fronted. According to local media, the sighting occurred during Global Big Day.
It is characterized by its large size and dark color, the beak is red. Experts stated that this species sometimes remains immobile for long periods. They move in pairs or groups and make “loud” noises similar to those of a parrot.
Those in charge of this discovery were ornithologist Jonathan Miranda and bird watchers Luis Rivero and Perre Perret.
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