The Cuban photographer Yadiel Veunes managed to capture stunning images of the tocororo, the national bird of Cuba, after extensive observation and study of its habits, allowing him to portray it with a quality that highlights its beauty.
Veunes explained through his profile on Instagram that this had been one of his major challenges of the year, as the species was particularly difficult for him to photograph, especially in flight.
To achieve this, he dedicated many days to studying its behavior from a distance and collecting data that helped him plan the shots.
The photographer noted that lately, what he enjoys the most is precisely the study of species behavior, an approach that has yielded better results in his work.
He also noted that for next year, he is targeting other birds such as the merlin, the cartacuba, and some migratory species, in an effort to continue expanding his collection of images of Cuban wildlife.
In 2022, residents of the town of Miller, near Placetas, Villa Clara, were astonished by the sighting of three tocororos, birds that typically inhabit wooded areas and pine forests, such as the Escambray mountains.
The tocororo is considered the most beautiful endemic bird in the country, and can primarily be seen in Escambray, the Zapata Swamp, the Sierra de los Órganos, the Isle of Youth, and the mountainous region of the Sierra Maestra.
In Cuba, there are two slightly different forms of tocororos: the one that lives on the Island of Cuba and adjacent keys, known scientifically as P. temnurus temnurus, and the one that inhabits the Isle of Youth, recognized as P. temnurus vescus.
It was declared the national bird of Cuba for having the colors of the flag in its plumage, and to prohibit its hunting and capture, the Ministry of Agriculture issued Resolution No. 81 in 1982.
Other ways to refer to this relative of the quetzal are tocoloro - this is how it is named by farmers in many areas - and in Eastern Cuba, it is identified by the Taíno word guatiní.
To discover it among the vegetation where it tends to hide, it is necessary to pay attention to its onomatopoeic sound "tó-coro," along with some hoarse barks, clucks, and murmurs, although these are less common.
A pre-Columbian legend tells that a beautiful Taíno woman took her own life upon being captured, but the goddess Atabey saw her from the heavens and brought her back to life in the form of a bird, which can only survive in freedom.
Frequently asked questions about Tocororo photography and bird protection in Cuba
Who is Yadiel Veunes and what has he accomplished regarding the Tocororo?
Yadiel Veunes is a Cuban photographer specialized in wildlife who has successfully captured stunning images of the Tocororo, the national bird of Cuba. This achievement resulted from extensive observation and study of the habits of this species, which enabled him to portray it with remarkable quality.
Why is it important to protect the Tocororo and other birds in Cuba?
El Tocororo, along with other endemic birds of Cuba, is part of the country's natural heritage. Protecting these species is crucial for preserving biodiversity and local ecosystems. Furthermore, the illegal trafficking of birds, as documented in thwarted smuggling attempts, poses a significant threat to their conservation.
What actions are being taken against bird trafficking in Cuba?
Cuban authorities have implemented measures to combat the illegal trafficking of birds, including surveillance operations at airports and highways. Recently, an attempt to smuggle birds and eggs was thwarted at José Martí International Airport in Havana, and strict measures were taken against the offenders. These actions are in accordance with national and international regulations for the protection of endangered species.
What challenges does the conservation of the Tocororo and other birds in Cuba face?
The conservation of the Tocororo and other birds in Cuba faces several challenges, including the persistence of illegal wildlife trafficking, the loss of natural habitats, and climate change. These factors threaten the survival of many endemic species, making the implementation of effective protection and environmental education policies crucial.
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