{"id":6381,"date":"2023-11-04T16:02:38","date_gmt":"2023-11-04T20:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/the-herons-of-bonaire\/"},"modified":"2025-11-27T11:09:41","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T15:09:41","slug":"blog-herons-bonaire","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-herons-bonaire\/","title":{"rendered":"The Herons and egrets of Bonaire"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>html[dir=\"rtl\"] .wpml-language-switcher-block .wpml-ls-dropdown ul li.wp-block-navigation-submenu .wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle img{margin-left:12px}html[dir=\"rtl\"] .wpml-language-switcher-block .wpml-ls-dropdown ul li.wp-block-navigation-submenu ul.isHorizontal li{text-align:right}html[dir=\"rtl\"] .wpml-language-switcher-block .wpml-ls-dropdown ul li.wp-block-navigation-submenu ul.isHorizontal li a img{margin-left:12px}.wpml-language-switcher-block{display:flex;box-sizing:border-box;width:100% 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.components-toggle-group-control-option-base[role=\"radio\"]:focus{color:#2F7D92;outline:2px solid #2F7D92}.ant-slider .ant-slider-handle:not(.ant-tooltip-open){background-color:#2F7D92 !important;border-color:#373737}.ant-slider:hover .ant-slider-handle:not(.ant-tooltip-open),.ant-slider .ant-slider-handle:focus{background-color:#373737 !important;border-color:#2F7D92}.wpml-ls-typography-panel .components-panel__body .ant-col{margin-bottom:12px}.wpml-ls-fontSize-control div[aria-label=\"Font size\"]{margin-bottom:12px}.wpml-ls-fontSize-control .wpml-ls-fontLetterSpacing-control{display:grid;place-items:center;align-self:center}\n\n<\/style><div id=\"\" class=\"wpml-language-switcher-block is-layout-flex is-responsive has-child-selected wp-block-navigation\"><div class=\"block-editor-block-list__block wp-block wp-block-navigation-item has-link has-child wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><div class=\"wpml-ls-dropdown open-on-hover-click \"><ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child wp-block-navigation-submenu open-on-hover-click\"><div class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"current-language-item\" style=\"display:flex;cursor:pointer\" data-wpml=\"current-language-item\"><div style=\"display:inline-block\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"><div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"wpml-ls-flag\" class=\"wpml-ls-flag\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/flags\/USflag.png\" style=\"margin-right:4px;width:18px;height:12px;border-radius:0%;object-fit:unset\" size=\"24\" data-wpml=\"flag-url\"><span data-wpml=\"label\" data-wpml-label-type=\"native\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label \">English<\/span><\/div><\/div><span class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/div><ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container isHorizontal\" style=\"flex-wrap:nowrap\" data-is-drop-zone=\"true\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item \" data-wpml=\"language-item\"><div><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" style=\"color:#00576a;--hover-color:#00576a99\" data-wpml=\"link\" href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/\" aria-label=\"Switch to Nederlands\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"wpml-ls-flag\" class=\"wpml-ls-flag\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/sitepress-multilingual-cms\/res\/flags\/nl.svg\" style=\"margin-right:4px;width:18px;height:12px;border-radius:0%;object-fit:unset\" size=\"24\" data-wpml=\"flag-url\"><span style=\"color:#00576a;--hover-color:#00576a99\" data-wpml=\"label\" data-wpml-label-type=\"native\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label  hasHoverColor\">Nederlands<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>With a coastline spanning over a hundred kilometers, extensive mangrove areas, vast salt pans, and numerous sali\u00f1as and lakes, Bonaire is a haven for herons and egrets. Out of the many species found on the island, let&#8217;s explore the eight most commonly seen herons and egrets of Bonaire. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#bde8f0\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#20a5be\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Sharing Island Love<br><\/mark><\/strong><br>Thank you for your interest in our beautiful island in the Caribbean! We love sharing our passion for Bonaire with everyone \u2014 locals, visitors, and of course, with our guests during <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#20a5be\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Our tours<\/mark><\/strong><\/a>. Curious how we do that? You can find all the details in <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/about-us\/about-us-sharing-island-love\/\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#20a5be\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Sharing Island Love<\/mark><\/strong><\/a>.<br><br>With Island Love,<br><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"23\" class=\"wp-image-15481\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Bas-Jessica.png\" alt=\"Bas &amp; Jessica\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Want to spot herons at the best birdwatching locations on Bonaire? We would be happy to create a <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/birdwatching-tour\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Birdwatching Tour<\/mark><\/a> just for you. But even during other tours, we are eager to highlight all the beautiful birds of the island.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/\" style=\"color:#00576a;background-color:#5dc0c9\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">Discover our tours<\/mark><\/strong><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">!<\/mark><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><sub>Text continues below&#8230;<\/sub><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/birdwatching-tour\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"771\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/CTA-birdwatching-hummingbirds.webp\" alt=\"Call to action button, stating &quot;Our Birdwatching Tours&quot; &quot;Join a Birdwatching Tour!&quot; with a picture of two kissing hummingbirds.\" class=\"wp-image-10795\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/CTA-birdwatching-hummingbirds.webp 771w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/CTA-birdwatching-hummingbirds-480x560.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 771px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Green Heron <em>(Butorides virescens)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Green-heron.webp\" alt=\"The green heron (Butorides virescens) is a small red and white striped heron on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-6315\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Green-heron.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Green-heron-980x654.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Green-heron-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The green heron on the limestone cliffs of the east coast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We begin with the smallest of the group, the <strong>Green Heron<\/strong> (<em>galina di awa<\/em> in Papiamentu). This heron is called &#8220;green&#8221; because it has a greenish skin and various shades of green in its plumage. However, it&#8217;s the brown and white feathers that truly stand out. The green heron is frequently seen and heard. In flight, it produces a series of high-pitched &#8220;kuk-kuk&#8221; sounds. It doesn&#8217;t mind attracting attention with these calls, as this little heron is not afraid of people!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The green heron is not a picky eater. Wherever there&#8217;s water on Bonaire, you will find it searching for a meal. It&#8217;s a remarkably intelligent bird. Sometimes, they use insects or other food as bait while fishing. They drop it onto the water&#8217;s surface and easily catch the fish that come to investigate!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Green Heron fishing with bread.\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yS4Y0nXUauM?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An intelligent fisher!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to fish, green herons feed on various frogs, insects, snails, and small crabs. They primarily forage around sunrise and sunset. When they have chicks to raise, they are active during the daytime as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Snowy Egret <em>(Egretta thula)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Amerikaanse-kleine-zilverreiger.webp\" alt=\"The snowy egret (Egretta thula) is a small white heron with black legs and golden feet.\" class=\"wp-image-5683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Amerikaanse-kleine-zilverreiger.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Amerikaanse-kleine-zilverreiger-980x654.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Amerikaanse-kleine-zilverreiger-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lady with the golden slippers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Snowy Egret<\/strong> (<em>garsa blanku chiki<\/em> in Papiamentu) is another small heron, but you&#8217;re less likely to overlook it due to its distinctive white plumage. During the breeding season, snowy egrets have remarkably long feathers on their tails, crests, and breasts, which readily catch the wind on Bonaire. They turn into fluffy balls of feathers, as seen at the top of this page. Their bright yellow feet have earned them the nickname <em>Lady with the golden slippers<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The hunting behavior of the American snowy egret varies considerably. Sometimes, they run around busily to flush out their prey, while at other times, they remain still and strike when their prey comes within reach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Great Egret <em>(Ardea alba)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Great-egret.webp\" alt=\"The great egret (Ardea alba) is a white heron found on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-6313\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Great-egret.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Great-egret-980x654.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Great-egret-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Great egret at Sali\u00f1a Frans.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The other white heron, the <strong>Great Egret<\/strong> (<em>garsa blanku grandi<\/em> in Papiamentu), is impossible to miss, primarily because it&#8217;s nearly twice the size of the snowy egret. When standing, they can be up to a meter tall!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On Bonaire, these herons seek more seclusion. They are mainly found near remote sali\u00f1as, such as Sali\u00f1a Frans. There, they stand completely still on the shore, waiting for prey to come within reach before swiftly striking. Apart from fish, they also eat lizards and large insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Reddish Egret <em>(Egretta rufescens)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Reddish-egret.webp\" alt=\"The reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) is a bluish-gray heron with a red head and neck and a distinct black bill tip.\" class=\"wp-image-6317\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Reddish-egret.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Reddish-egret-980x654.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Reddish-egret-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The reddish egret dipped its bill in ink.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, the <strong>Reddish Egret <\/strong>(<em>garsa kora<\/em> in Papiamentu) lives up to its name. It has a red head and neck, with the rest of the body being dark gray. The bill, dipped in what seems like a pot of ink, is quite distinctive. However, sometimes, you might encounter a tricolored heron that looks completely different, a completely white variation. However, the black bill tip is a giveaway that it isn&#8217;t a great or snowy egret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reddish egret is far less patient than its counterparts. It prefers active hunting, often seen running gracefully through the surf or a shallow pool. It actively chases its prey, preventing them from reaching deeper water to escape. On sunny days, the tricolored heron uses its wings to create shade on the water&#8217;s surface, enabling it to see the bottom more clearly by reducing the sun&#8217;s glare. The shadow can even attract little fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With some luck, you might spot the reddish egret in a rare form. A <strong>White Morph Reddish Egret<\/strong> is completely white, but its characteristic black-tipped bill reveals that it&#8217;s not a snowy (or great) egret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Reddish-Egret-white-morph.webp\" alt=\"A white (or pale) morph reddish egret is a rare white egret on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-14047\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Reddish-Egret-white-morph.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Reddish-Egret-white-morph-980x654.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Reddish-Egret-white-morph-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A white (or pale) morph deddish egret.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Tricolored Heron <em>(Egretta tricolor)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Tricolored-heron.webp\" alt=\"The tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor) is a blue-gray heron with red and white details.\" class=\"wp-image-6321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Tricolored-heron.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Tricolored-heron-980x654.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Tricolored-heron-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The tricolored heron has three colors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The names of birds are rarely more fitting than with the <strong>tricolored heron<\/strong> (<em>garsa tres kolo<\/em> in Papiamentu). This colorful heron indeed exhibits three colors: gray-blue with red and white accents. Its belly is also white, which is why the Dutch have chosen to name this colorful bird the white-bellied heron!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tricolored heron thrives in slightly deeper water compared to other herons on Bonaire. They wade in still water up to their bellies and primarily hunt for fish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Great Blue Heron <em>(Ardea herodias)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Great-blue-heron.webp\" alt=\"Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) on the coast of Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-8113\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Great-blue-heron.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Great-blue-heron-980x654.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Great-blue-heron-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Great Blue Heron is the largest heron of Bonaire!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Great Blue Heron<\/strong> (<em>garza blou grandi<\/em> in Papiamentu) is also the largest heron species found on Bonaire. They stand over a meter (15 inches) tall! What&#8217;s striking about this heron is that all its colorful details are on the front side. From the back, it looks like an almost entirely gray heron. While this bird can be seen year-round on Bonaire, it does not breed here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This Great Blue Heron is a true piscivore, capable of swallowing fish up to 60 centimeters (25 inches) in size whole. Crabs and mice are also not safe from this heron. It is mainly active around sunrise and sunset, hunting while standing still or taking slow steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Little Blue Heron <em>(Egretta caerulea)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Little-Blue-Heron.webp\" alt=\"Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-17271\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Little-Blue-Heron.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Little-Blue-Heron-980x654.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Little-Blue-Heron-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The little blue heron <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Little Blue Heron<\/strong> (<em>garza blou chikitu<\/em> in Papiamentu) is perfectly named: it really is a small blue heron. On Bonaire, this species is not commonly seen. It\u2019s easily confused with the <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-herons-bonaire\/#Reddish_Egret_Egretta_rufescens\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Reddish Egret<\/mark><\/strong><\/a>, as both birds share a similar size and blue coloration. They share a dark bill tip (but a bluish-gray base), and during the breeding season, they develop a slightly reddish hue on the neck and throat. Not sure? The behavior of these two species is very different. The Reddish Egret is a lively, active hunter, while the Little Blue Heron moves cautiously and prefers to stand perfectly still, waiting for its prey to come close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Juveniles are white and gradually develop more and more blue dots as they mature, until they are almost completely blue. The heron in the photo above is therefore a young adult, as it has not yet developed its full blue plumage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Cattle Egret <em>(Bubulcus ibis)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Koereiger.webp\" alt=\"Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a white egret on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-17693\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Koereiger.webp 900w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Koereiger-480x720.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 900px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Outside the breeding season, the Cattle Egret is white.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Cattle Egret<\/strong> (<em>Garabet di baka<\/em> in Papiamentu) is rarely seen on Bonaire, but it is regularly spotted on Cura\u00e7ao and Aruba. It is a small white heron with black legs and a yellow bill. It shares these features with the <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-herons-bonaire\/#Great_Egret_Ardea_alba\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Great Egret<\/mark><\/strong><\/a>, but that species is almost twice as large and has a much longer neck. During the breeding season, the Cattle Egret becomes far more colorful: its crown, chest, and back turn orange, and its legs and bill take on the same tint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Originally native to Africa, the Cattle Egret has spread across much of the world without any help from humans. This is largely thanks to its remarkable adaptability. Unlike many other herons, it is not dependent on wetlands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Yellow-crowned Night-heron <em>(Nyctanassa violacea)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Yellow-crowned-Night-Heron.webp\" alt=\"Juvenile yellow-crowned night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea) on the beach of Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-6325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Yellow-crowned-Night-Heron.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Yellow-crowned-Night-Heron-980x654.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Yellow-crowned-Night-Heron-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Juvenile yellow-crowned night-heron on the beach of Playa Chikitu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Yellow-crowned Night-heron <\/strong>(<em>krabechi korona hel<\/em> in Papiamentu) is particularly visible as a young bird. With their large orange eyes, they look somewhat uncertain about the world around them. Only after three years, their gray-brown feathers have given way to the beautiful adult plumage. Adult birds lead a more secluded life in the vegetation, especially in the mangroves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"1350\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Yellow-crowned-Night-heron-1.webp\" alt=\"Yellow-crowned night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea) in the mangroves of Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-15908\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Yellow-crowned-Night-heron-1.webp 900w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Yellow-crowned-Night-heron-1-480x720.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 900px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Adult yellow-crowned night-heron in the mangroves.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>With its strong beak, the yellow-crowned night-heron can crack sturdy prey, such as crabs and shellfish. They also consume crayfish and fish. When a crab hides in its underground burrow, the night-heron patiently waits for it. It ensures that its shadow does not fall over the entrance of the burrow. As soon as the crab comes out, it is swiftly captured. Its name is explained by the fact that, thanks to its large eyes, it is also skilled at hunting at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Black-crowned Night-Heron <em>(Nycticorax nycticorax)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/black-crowned-night-heron-kwak.webp\" alt=\"The Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a blue, gray, and white heron with a red eye found on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-9746\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/black-crowned-night-heron-kwak.webp 900w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/black-crowned-night-heron-kwak-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 900px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Black-crowned Night-Heron on one leg.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Black-crowned Night-Heron<\/strong> has a vast range and is found in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. With some luck, you can also spot this beautiful heron on Bonaire. The night heron is truly nocturnal and will not easily be seen during the day. The photo above was taken just after sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Juvenile Black-crowned Night-Herons have a dark brown upper body with irregular light spots. The underside is gray with fine dark streaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"666\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Juvenile-Black-crowned-heron.webp\" alt=\" juvenile  Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) at the water\u2019s edge on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-17666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Juvenile-Black-crowned-heron.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Juvenile-Black-crowned-heron-980x653.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Juvenile-Black-crowned-heron-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A juvenile  Black-crowned Night-Heron at the water\u2019s edge.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Whistling Heron <em>(Syrigma sibilatrix)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"1260\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Whistling-heron.webp\" alt=\"The Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix) has only been seen a few times on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-17326\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Whistling-heron.webp 900w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Whistling-heron-480x672.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 900px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A truly remarkable sighting!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We conclude with a heron you are very unlikely to encounter during your visit to Bonaire: the <strong>Whistling Heron<\/strong> (<em>garsa fl\u00f9itdo<\/em> in Papiamentu). This species has only been recorded a few times on the island, and in 2025 we were fortunate to spot one during a tour in <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-washington-slagbaai-national-park\/\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Washington-Slagbaai<\/mark><\/strong><\/a>. Because this beautiful bird was too special not to share, we decided to include it in this blog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Whistling-heron-portrait.webp\" alt=\"A Whistling Heron (Syrigma sibilatrix) with a cricket in its beak on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-17329\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Whistling-heron-portrait.webp 1000w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Whistling-heron-portrait-980x654.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Whistling-heron-portrait-480x320.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1000px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Crickets were on the menu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>A tour with HopiBonaire<\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At HopiBonaire, we invite you to explore the hidden treasures of Bonaire during our tours. What makes our experiences unique is that you have the chance to enjoy an intimate and personalized exploration at your own pace, exclusively with your own group. With us, there&#8217;s no need to rush!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our tours are flexible and can be tailored to your specific desires. If you&#8217;re looking for a birdwatching tour, we can create one that&#8217;s perfect for you. Are you ready for an adventure? Please browse through <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>our tours<\/strong><\/mark><\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><sub>Text continues below&#8230;<\/sub><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/birdwatching-tour\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"771\" height=\"900\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/CTA-birdwatching-osprey.webp\" alt=\"Call to action button, stating &quot;Our Birdwatching Tours&quot; &quot;Join a Birdwatching Tour!&quot; with a picture of a landing osprey.\" class=\"wp-image-10797\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/CTA-birdwatching-osprey.webp 771w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/CTA-birdwatching-osprey-480x560.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 771px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Read more?<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-water-birds-bonaire\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Fly-on-Birds-of-Bonaire-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the next blog in our Birds of Bonaire series. Fly on...\" class=\"wp-image-15214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Fly-on-Birds-of-Bonaire-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Fly-on-Birds-of-Bonaire-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Fly-on-Birds-of-Bonaire-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/blog\/nature-in-bonaire\/#birds\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Birds-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog series Birds in Bonaire. Get to know Bonaire's rich birdlife in depth.\" class=\"wp-image-15262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Birds-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Birds-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Birds-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/the-mangrove-of-bonaire\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Mangroves-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog about the mangroves of Bonaire: be amazed by this hidden world full of surprises.\" class=\"wp-image-15244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Mangroves-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Mangroves-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Mangroves-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/photoblog-the-transformations-of-the-green-iguana\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Green-iguana-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog about the green iguana, a richly illustrated blog about a shapeshifting island reptile.\" class=\"wp-image-15220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Green-iguana-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Green-iguana-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Green-iguana-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-sea-turtles-bonaire\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Sea-Turtles-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog about Sea Turtles on Bonaire: All about these magical creatures and where to find them.\" class=\"wp-image-15260\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Sea-Turtles-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Sea-Turtles-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Sea-Turtles-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-wild-mammals-bonaire\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Wild-Animals-Mammals-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog about the wild animals of Bonaire: Wild donkeys, goats, pigs, sheep, cats, and other mammals!\" class=\"wp-image-15288\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Wild-Animals-Mammals-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Wild-Animals-Mammals-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Wild-Animals-Mammals-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/photoblog-flamingo-bonaire\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Flamingos-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the photoblog about the flamingos of Bonaire, a richly illustrated blog about Bonaire's favorite bird.\" class=\"wp-image-15212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Flamingos-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Flamingos-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Flamingos-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/blog\/nature-in-bonaire\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Nature-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog series Nature in Bonaire. Birds, butterflies, turtles... Read about them in our nature blogs.\" class=\"wp-image-15270\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Nature-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Nature-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Nature-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/blog\/hiking-on-bonaire\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Hiking-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog series Hiking on Bonaire. All hikes and tips about hiking on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-15266\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Hiking-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Hiking-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Hiking-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/blog\/discovering-bonaire\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Discovering-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog series Discovering Bonaire. Explore every nook and cranny of versatile Bonaire!\" class=\"wp-image-15264\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Discovering-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Discovering-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Discovering-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/blog\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"179\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Blog-Overview-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the HopiBonaire blog overview: View all blogs on our clear and convenient blog page.\" class=\"wp-image-15202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Blog-Overview-1024x179.webp 1024w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Blog-Overview-980x172.webp 980w, https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Blog-Overview-480x84.webp 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The water-rich Bonaire is a paradise for herons. Admire the six most common herons of Bonaire and learn all about them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6320,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"The Herons of Bonaire | HopiBonaire","_seopress_titles_desc":"The water-rich Bonaire is a paradise for herons. Admire the eight most common herons of Bonaire and learn all about them.","_seopress_robots_index":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:wpml\/language-switcher {\"languageTextColor\":\"#00576a\"} -->\n<div id=\"\" class=\"wpml-language-switcher-block is-layout-flex is-responsive has-child-selected wp-block-navigation\"><div class=\"block-editor-block-list__block wp-block wp-block-navigation-item has-link has-child wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><div class=\"wpml-ls-dropdown open-on-hover-click \"><ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child wp-block-navigation-submenu open-on-hover-click\"><div class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><span class=\"current-language-item\" style=\"display:flex;cursor:pointer\" data-wpml=\"current-language-item\"><div style=\"display:inline-block\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"><div><img alt=\"wpml-ls-flag\" class=\"wpml-ls-flag\" src=\"\" style=\"margin-right:4px;width:18px;height:12px;border-radius:0%;object-fit:unset\" size=\"24\" data-wpml=\"flag-url\"\/><span data-wpml=\"label\" data-wpml-label-type=\"native\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label \"><\/span><\/div><\/div><span class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/div><ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container isHorizontal\" style=\"flex-wrap:nowrap\" data-is-drop-zone=\"true\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item \" data-wpml=\"language-item\"><div><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" style=\"color:#00576a;--hover-color:#00576a99\" data-wpml=\"link\" href=\"#\"><img alt=\"wpml-ls-flag\" class=\"wpml-ls-flag\" src=\"\" style=\"margin-right:4px;width:18px;height:12px;border-radius:0%;object-fit:unset\" size=\"24\" data-wpml=\"flag-url\"\/><span style=\"color:#00576a;--hover-color:#00576a99\" data-wpml=\"label\" data-wpml-label-type=\"native\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label  hasHoverColor\"><\/span><\/a><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:wpml\/language-switcher -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>With a coastline spanning over a hundred kilometers, extensive mangrove areas, vast salt pans, and numerous sali\u00f1as and lakes, Bonaire is a haven for herons and egrets. Out of the many species found on the island, let's explore the eight most commonly seen herons and egrets of Bonaire. <\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"style\":{\"color\":{\"background\":\"#bde8f0\"}}} -->\n<p class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#bde8f0\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#20a5be\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Sharing Island Love<br><\/mark><\/strong><br>Thank you for your interest in our beautiful island in the Caribbean! We love sharing our passion for Bonaire with everyone \u2014 locals, visitors, and of course, with our guests during <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#20a5be\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Our tours<\/mark><\/strong><\/a>. Curious how we do that? You can find all the details in <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/about-us\/about-us-sharing-island-love\/\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#20a5be\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Sharing Island Love<\/mark><\/strong><\/a>.<br><br>With Island Love,<br><img class=\"wp-image-15481\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Bas-Jessica.png\" alt=\"Bas &amp; Jessica\"><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Want to spot herons at the best birdwatching locations on Bonaire? We would be happy to create a <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/birdwatching-tour\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Birdwatching Tour<\/mark><\/a> just for you. But even during other tours, we are eager to highlight all the beautiful birds of the island.<\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:buttons -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\"><!-- wp:button {\"width\":100,\"style\":{\"color\":{\"background\":\"#5dc0c9\",\"text\":\"#00576a\"}}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/\" style=\"color:#00576a;background-color:#5dc0c9\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">Discover our tours<\/mark><\/strong><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-white-color\">!<\/mark><\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>[toc]<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><sub>Text continues below...<\/sub><\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":10795,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/birdwatching-tour\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/CTA-birdwatching-hummingbirds.webp\" alt=\"Call to action button, stating &quot;Our Birdwatching Tours&quot; &quot;Join a Birdwatching Tour!&quot; with a picture of two kissing hummingbirds.\" class=\"wp-image-10795\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Green Heron <em>(Butorides virescens)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":6315,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Green-heron.webp\" alt=\"The green heron (Butorides virescens) is a small red and white striped heron on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-6315\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The green heron on the limestone cliffs of the east coast.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>We begin with the smallest of the group, the <strong>Green Heron<\/strong> (<em>galina di awa<\/em> in Papiamentu). This heron is called \"green\" because it has a greenish skin and various shades of green in its plumage. However, it's the brown and white feathers that truly stand out. The green heron is frequently seen and heard. In flight, it produces a series of high-pitched \"kuk-kuk\" sounds. It doesn't mind attracting attention with these calls, as this little heron is not afraid of people!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The green heron is not a picky eater. Wherever there's water on Bonaire, you will find it searching for a meal. It's a remarkably intelligent bird. Sometimes, they use insects or other food as bait while fishing. They drop it onto the water's surface and easily catch the fish that come to investigate!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {\"url\":\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/yS4Y0nXUauM?si=mZPNIdtjox-c3leN\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"responsive\":true,\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/youtu.be\/yS4Y0nXUauM?si=mZPNIdtjox-c3leN\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An intelligent fisher!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:embed -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In addition to fish, green herons feed on various frogs, insects, snails, and small crabs. They primarily forage around sunrise and sunset. When they have chicks to raise, they are active during the daytime as well.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Snowy Egret <em>(Egretta thula)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":5683,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/Amerikaanse-kleine-zilverreiger.webp\" alt=\"The snowy egret (Egretta thula) is a small white heron with black legs and golden feet.\" class=\"wp-image-5683\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lady with the golden slippers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The <strong>Snowy Egret<\/strong> (<em>garsa blanku chiki<\/em> in Papiamentu) is another small heron, but you're less likely to overlook it due to its distinctive white plumage. During the breeding season, snowy egrets have remarkably long feathers on their tails, crests, and breasts, which readily catch the wind on Bonaire. They turn into fluffy balls of feathers, as seen at the top of this page. Their bright yellow feet have earned them the nickname <em>Lady with the golden slippers<\/em>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The hunting behavior of the American snowy egret varies considerably. Sometimes, they run around busily to flush out their prey, while at other times, they remain still and strike when their prey comes within reach.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Great Egret <em>(Ardea alba)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":6313,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Great-egret.webp\" alt=\"The great egret (Ardea alba) is a white heron found on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-6313\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Great egret at Sali\u00f1a Frans.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The other white heron, the <strong>Great Egret<\/strong> (<em>garsa blanku grandi<\/em> in Papiamentu), is impossible to miss, primarily because it's nearly twice the size of the snowy egret. When standing, they can be up to a meter tall!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>On Bonaire, these herons seek more seclusion. They are mainly found near remote sali\u00f1as, such as Sali\u00f1a Frans. There, they stand completely still on the shore, waiting for prey to come within reach before swiftly striking. Apart from fish, they also eat lizards and large insects.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Reddish Egret <em>(Egretta rufescens)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":6317,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Reddish-egret.webp\" alt=\"The reddish egret (Egretta rufescens) is a bluish-gray heron with a red head and neck and a distinct black bill tip.\" class=\"wp-image-6317\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The reddish egret dipped its bill in ink.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In most cases, the <strong>Reddish Egret <\/strong>(<em>garsa kora<\/em> in Papiamentu) lives up to its name. It has a red head and neck, with the rest of the body being dark gray. The bill, dipped in what seems like a pot of ink, is quite distinctive. However, sometimes, you might encounter a tricolored heron that looks completely different, a completely white variation. However, the black bill tip is a giveaway that it isn't a great or snowy egret.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The reddish egret is far less patient than its counterparts. It prefers active hunting, often seen running gracefully through the surf or a shallow pool. It actively chases its prey, preventing them from reaching deeper water to escape. On sunny days, the tricolored heron uses its wings to create shade on the water's surface, enabling it to see the bottom more clearly by reducing the sun's glare. The shadow can even attract little fish.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With some luck, you might spot the reddish egret in a rare form. A <strong>White Morph Reddish Egret<\/strong> is completely white, but its characteristic black-tipped bill reveals that it's not a snowy (or great) egret.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":14047,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Reddish-Egret-white-morph.webp\" alt=\"A white (or pale) morph reddish egret is a rare white egret on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-14047\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A white (or pale) morph deddish egret.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Tricolored Heron <em>(Egretta tricolor)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":6321,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Tricolored-heron.webp\" alt=\"The tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor) is a blue-gray heron with red and white details.\" class=\"wp-image-6321\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The tricolored heron has three colors.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The names of birds are rarely more fitting than with the <strong>tricolored heron<\/strong> (<em>garsa tres kolo<\/em> in Papiamentu). This colorful heron indeed exhibits three colors: gray-blue with red and white accents. Its belly is also white, which is why the Dutch have chosen to name this colorful bird the white-bellied heron!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The tricolored heron thrives in slightly deeper water compared to other herons on Bonaire. They wade in still water up to their bellies and primarily hunt for fish.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Great Blue Heron <em>(Ardea herodias)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":8113,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Great-blue-heron.webp\" alt=\"Great blue heron (Ardea herodias) on the coast of Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-8113\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Great Blue Heron is the largest heron of Bonaire!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The <strong>Great Blue Heron<\/strong> (<em>garza blou grandi<\/em> in Papiamentu) is also the largest heron species found on Bonaire. They stand over a meter (15 inches) tall! What's striking about this heron is that all its colorful details are on the front side. From the back, it looks like an almost entirely gray heron. While this bird can be seen year-round on Bonaire, it does not breed here.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This Great Blue Heron is a true piscivore, capable of swallowing fish up to 60 centimeters (25 inches) in size whole. Crabs and mice are also not safe from this heron. It is mainly active around sunrise and sunset, hunting while standing still or taking slow steps.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Little Blue Heron <em>(Egretta caerulea)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":17271,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Little-Blue-Heron.webp\" alt=\"Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea) on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-17271\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The little blue heron <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The <strong>Little Blue Heron<\/strong> (<em>garza blou chikitu<\/em> in Papiamentu) is perfectly named: it really is a small blue heron. On Bonaire, this species is not commonly seen. It\u2019s easily confused with the <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-herons-bonaire\/#Reddish_Egret_Egretta_rufescens\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Reddish Egret<\/mark><\/strong><\/a>, as both birds share a similar size and blue coloration. They share a dark bill tip (but a bluish-gray base), and during the breeding season, they develop a slightly reddish hue on the neck and throat. Not sure? The behavior of these two species is very different. The Reddish Egret is a lively, active hunter, while the Little Blue Heron moves cautiously and prefers to stand perfectly still, waiting for its prey to come close.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Juveniles are white and gradually develop more and more blue dots as they mature, until they are almost completely blue. The heron in the photo above is therefore a young adult, as it has not yet developed its full blue plumage.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Yellow-crowned Night-Heron <em>(Nyctanassa violacea)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":6325,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Yellow-crowned-Night-Heron.webp\" alt=\"Juvenile yellow-crowned night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea) on the beach of Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-6325\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Juvenile yellow-crowned night-heron on the beach of Playa Chikitu.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The <strong>Yellow-crowned Night-heron <\/strong>(<em>krabechi korona hel<\/em> in Papiamentu) is particularly visible as a young bird. With their large orange eyes, they look somewhat uncertain about the world around them. Only after three years, their gray-brown feathers have given way to the beautiful adult plumage. Adult birds lead a more secluded life in the vegetation, especially in the mangroves.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":15908,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Yellow-crowned-Night-heron-1.webp\" alt=\"Yellow-crowned night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea) in the mangroves of Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-15908\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Adult yellow-crowned night-heron in the mangroves.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With its strong beak, the yellow-crowned night-heron can crack sturdy prey, such as crabs and shellfish. They also consume crayfish and fish. When a crab hides in its underground burrow, the night-heron patiently waits for it. It ensures that its shadow does not fall over the entrance of the burrow. As soon as the crab comes out, it is swiftly captured. Its name is explained by the fact that, thanks to its large eyes, it is also skilled at hunting at night.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>Black-crowned Night-Heron <em>(Nycticorax nycticorax)<\/em><\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":9746,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/black-crowned-night-heron-kwak.webp\" alt=\"The Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) is a blue, gray, and white heron with a red eye found on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-9746\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Black-crowned Night-Heron on one leg.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The <strong>Black-crowned Night-Heron<\/strong> has a vast range and is found in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. With some luck, you can also spot this beautiful heron on Bonaire. The night heron is truly nocturnal and will not easily be seen during the day. The photo above was taken just after sunset.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>A tour with HopiBonaire<\/strong><\/mark><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>At HopiBonaire, we invite you to explore the hidden treasures of Bonaire during our tours. What makes our experiences unique is that you have the chance to enjoy an intimate and personalized exploration at your own pace, exclusively with your own group. With us, there's no need to rush!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Our tours are flexible and can be tailored to your specific desires. If you're looking for a birdwatching tour, we can create one that's perfect for you. Are you ready for an adventure? Please browse through <a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/\"><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><strong>our tours<\/strong><\/mark><\/a>!<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><sub>Text continues below...<\/sub><\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":10797,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/our-tours\/birdwatching-tour\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/CTA-birdwatching-osprey.webp\" alt=\"Call to action button, stating &quot;Our Birdwatching Tours&quot; &quot;Join a Birdwatching Tour!&quot; with a picture of a landing osprey.\" class=\"wp-image-10797\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"style\":{\"typography\":{\"textTransform\":\"none\"}},\"fontSize\":\"medium\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\" style=\"text-transform:none\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#5dc0c9\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Read more?<\/mark><\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15214,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-water-birds-bonaire\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Fly-on-Birds-of-Bonaire-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the next blog in our Birds of Bonaire series. Fly on...\" class=\"wp-image-15214\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15262,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/blog\/nature-in-bonaire\/#birds\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Birds-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog series Birds in Bonaire. Get to know Bonaire's rich birdlife in depth.\" class=\"wp-image-15262\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator {\"className\":\"is-style-wide\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15244,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/the-mangrove-of-bonaire\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Mangroves-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog about the mangroves of Bonaire: be amazed by this hidden world full of surprises.\" class=\"wp-image-15244\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15220,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/photoblog-the-transformations-of-the-green-iguana\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Green-iguana-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog about the green iguana, a richly illustrated blog about a shapeshifting island reptile.\" class=\"wp-image-15220\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15260,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-sea-turtles-bonaire\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Sea-Turtles-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog about Sea Turtles on Bonaire: All about these magical creatures and where to find them.\" class=\"wp-image-15260\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15288,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/blog-wild-mammals-bonaire\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Wild-Animals-Mammals-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog about the wild animals of Bonaire: Wild donkeys, goats, pigs, sheep, cats, and other mammals!\" class=\"wp-image-15288\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15212,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/photoblog-flamingo-bonaire\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Flamingos-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the photoblog about the flamingos of Bonaire, a richly illustrated blog about Bonaire's favorite bird.\" class=\"wp-image-15212\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator {\"className\":\"is-style-wide\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15270,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/blog\/nature-in-bonaire\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Nature-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog series Nature in Bonaire. Birds, butterflies, turtles... Read about them in our nature blogs.\" class=\"wp-image-15270\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15266,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/blog\/hiking-on-bonaire\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Hiking-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog series Hiking on Bonaire. All hikes and tips about hiking on Bonaire.\" class=\"wp-image-15266\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15264,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/blog\/discovering-bonaire\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Series-Discovering-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the blog series Discovering Bonaire. Explore every nook and cranny of versatile Bonaire!\" class=\"wp-image-15264\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator {\"className\":\"is-style-wide\"} -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"lightbox\":{\"enabled\":false},\"id\":15202,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"custom\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/offroad-tours\/blog\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Thumb-blog-EN-Blog-Overview-1024x179.webp\" alt=\"CTA button to the HopiBonaire blog overview: View all blogs on our clear and convenient blog page.\" class=\"wp-image-15202\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[130,136],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6381","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-birds-on-bonaire","category-nature-on-bonaire-en"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6381","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6381"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6381\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17705,"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6381\/revisions\/17705"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6320"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6381"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6381"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/hopibonaire.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6381"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}