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Great Bird Island, Antigua

As well as being the last refuge of the Antiguan Racer, it is also home to a variety of other endangered creatures including the rare lizard Ameiva griswoldi, Brown Pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), West Indian Whistling Ducks and Red-billed Tropicbirds (Phaethon aethereus).

West Indian Whistling Duck

Nests have been reported in tree cavities, on branches, in clumps of bromeliads, and on the ground under thatch palms and other dense bushes.

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The birds are mostly nocturnal and secretive, inhabiting wooded swamps and mangroves, where this duck roosts and feeds on plant food including the fruit of the Royal Palm.

see also