Travel Guide to Riviera Maya, in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, Maya World, Mangroves

There are 400 bird species within the ten million square kilometers encompassed by the European continent. El explorador no admite los marcos flotantes o no está configurado actualmente para mostrarlos.

MAYAN RIVIERA

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Queen of the Mangroves

There are 400 bird species within the ten million square kilometers encompassed by the European continent; yet the Yucatán Peninsula an area 30 times smaller-harbors 475. Among these are the herons, and we are fortunate to receive several winter breeding colonies of different types of herons on the lagoons of Quintana Roo.

Thanks to its webbed feet, the heron doesn't sink into the soft clay of the marshy flats. Its yellow eyes can move independently, providing the animal with 360º vision. It also has the ability to adjust one eye as though it were a zoom lens and the other like magnifying glass, in addition to being able to see under water. The wingspan of the royal heron (Ardea cinerea) can reach up to two meters.

Dolphin Discovery, Experience the action and feel the emotion of swimming with dolphins in the ocean

Heron owes its survival to its ability to overcome adversity. Turn of the century fashion nearly drove some heron species into extinction: 20 million were sacrificed in Europe on the altar of fashion, their lovely feathers used to adorn women's hats and the crest on dress military helmets. The heron trade in Europe was tremendously lucrative: feathers sold for up to $ 30 dollars an ounce. Fortunately, there were vociferous protests against the trade, and steps were taken to protect the birds. Today, heron hunting is strictly prohibited.

When primitive man went on forays at the edges of glaciers hundreds of thousands of years ago, the heron was already wading on the marshy shores of lakes and rivers. Likes ducks, pelicans and owls, herons date from the Paleocene and Eocene eras. In the great scheme of time, however, we could say that it is a relatively modern bird.

There are six genera and 122 species in the heron family. They all tend to live in large flocks, although they forage in solitude. During mating season, they form huge colonies, nesting in trees and bushes. It is during this season that male herons develop a two feathered crest, used to attract a mate.

Paamul Caribbean Paradise, Riviera Maya Q. Roo México

It's fascinating to watch herons build their nest. The male flies to woody areas in search of twigs, pine needles, and anything else that might be of value, bringing these spoils back to the female. She gratefully accepts.

Cabañas "Los Flamingos" Beach Front Cabins in El Cuyo, Ria Lagartos, Biosphere Reserve.. El Cuyo is the last important nesting site for the pink flamingo of Mexico in the Yucatan, and one of the most important beaches in the world for the nesting of the hawksbill turtle. We offer you a unique experience with nature and a place to relax allowing you to leave the pressures of everyday life behind. El Cuyo is Located two and half hours from Cancun and tree hours from the Colonial City of Mérida, Capital of the Yucatan State. Things to do: Biking, kayaking, birding and fishing. El Cuyo is the perfect place for nature lovers! More!