Osprey Population Grows in Cozumel with New Chicks Documented

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Cozumel has recorded the birth of new osprey chicks, a raptor species associated with coastal areas and bodies of water. Through photographic records obtained during monitoring efforts, specialists have identified at least six chicks at various points on the island.

The discovery is part of monitoring that began approximately three years ago, during which observers have spotted two active nests located in natural areas of the island territory. The observations confirm that the species continues to reproduce in the area.

Although the presence of these birds has been documented recently, there is still no precise census to determine how many individuals currently inhabit Cozumel or complete details about their behavior within the local ecosystem.

Studies suggest these birds may have initially arrived during migratory routes, as occurs with other species, and later established their presence on the island.

Observation efforts have concentrated primarily on two sites where nests were detected, one located in the Punta Sur area and another in the eastern zone of Cozumel. Constant records have been made at both locations to document reproductive activity.

During the reproduction process, specialists have identified that females typically lay between one and two eggs per cycle. From these events, at least six chicks have been counted that developed successfully.

The observations have also revealed aspects of their family dynamics. While one adult typically searches for food, the other remains in the nest caring for the chicks.

In some cases, young birds from previous generations also participate in feeding or watching over the new chicks, a behavior that has drawn the attention of specialists closely following the species’ evolution on the island.