Birds of Cuba, Vagrant Visitors, Introduced Birds and Possibilities
Dowitchers
Bécassins
Scolopacidae
Lives, Habitats & Pictures of the Dowitchers
The Long-billed Dowitcher and the Short-billed Dowitcher are two types of dowitchers seen in Cuba. Both species are similar in appearance although, the Short-billed Dowitcher seems to be in larger numbers on the eastern side of the North American continent and the Long-billed Dowitcher in larger numbers on the western side.
Dowitchers travel with other shorebirds in their spring and fall migrations. They are sometimes seen in large numbers with their own species and also with mixed flocks of other shorebirds. These birds are more likely to be observed traveling in their migrations than at any other time of the year. They show up on different coastlines, at the edge of the water, and on shorelines and mudflats, and in the interior of the island. They use their long bills to probe deep into the soft mud and sand searching for worms and other life forms hidden there. Most times, dowitchers are easy to approach and allow close observation as they go about their business.
