One of the best things about travelling is seeing the different wildlife that inhabit each destination you visit. Made up of forty small islands and cays–of which only 8 are inhabited, Turks and Caicos is home to a variety of land and sea animals as well as being a favourite migration destination for humpback whales and several species of birds. 

In part one of this two-part series on Turks and Caicos wildlife, we introduce you to a few of the most notable land animals that you might see during your next visit to Providenciales. 

Iguana Have Some Fun

Turks and Caicos Rock Iguana
This Turks and Caicos rock iguana loves the sunshine as much as we do. 📸 Image courtesy of: https://www.visittci.com/nature-and-history/flora-and-fauna/animals

Native to Turks and Caicos and commonly seen basking in the sun or taking the occasional dip in pools, the mellow Turks and Caicos rock iguana is the largest and most notable reptile that still makes the islands of Turks and Caicos home. You’ll also see plenty of smaller lizards including geckos, skinks, anoles and the Turks and Caicos curly-tailed lizard. Considered the largest of the non-iguana lizards, curly-tailed lizards eat fruits and insects and only grow as large as ten inches. 

Big, Blue and Crabby 

The Great Blue land crab is something of legends and a favourite meal among locals! The Great Blue land crabs are fascinating creatures, not only due to their size and colour, but for the way they live and thrive on land. Following springtime showers, these crusty giants come out of hiding from their deep, muddy burrows to live above ground from May through September before retreating again. You won’t see them running around Provo though. They live, hunt and thrive in less populated areas and brushland. 

Singing in the Rain

Turks and Caicos is home to Cuban tree frogs

Sometimes it rains in paradise, and when it does, this little fella sings with delight. After a sun shower refreshes the flora and fauna of the islands, locals who live close to woodlands are often serenaded by the croaky vocals of Cuban tree frogs–a common inhabitant of Providenciales.

Kicking Back in Paradise

We’ll spare you the donkey puns. While donkeys aren’t native to Turks and Caicos, feral Turks and Caicos donkeys are commonly seen on a few of the islands including Grand Turk and East Caicos. These hard working animals were originally used on the island for transport, mining and hauling salt carts. 

Birds of a Feather

Turks and Caicos is home to Antillean Nighthawks
This Antillean Nighthawk looks like he’s been up a little too late. 📸 Image Courtesy of: https://www.visittci.com/providenciales/things-to-do/birdwatching

Green herons, gulls, egrets, pelicans and oyster catchers are just a few of the birds commonly found amongst the Turks and Caicos islands. While herons and egrets are often spotted in common areas, most of Turks and Caicos’ avian species require a short trek to less inhabited areas to see. This includes the occasional flamingo, the cute and peculiar looking Antillean Nighthawk, the beautiful Mangrove Cuckoo and the tiny Bahamas Woodstar Hummingbird (the most common hummingbird in Provo). Our friends at Visit Turks & Caicos Islands offer an excellent guide to Bird Watching Locations which includes species you’ll see when you visit Providenciales specifically. 

Turks and Caicos is home to these tiny Bahamas Woodstar Hummingbirds
Small but mighty! Say hello to Provo’s most common hummingbird: The Bahamas Woodstar Hummingbird. 📸 Image Courtesy of: https://www.visittci.com/providenciales/things-to-do/birdwatching

Besides our interesting, land-loving wildlife, Turks and Caicos is home to even more sea life! Visit our blog next week for part two of this series where we introduce you to many of the underwater inhabitants you might see on your next visit to Providenciales! 

Save on Your Visit to Turks & Caicos This Summer!

Summer Vacation Accommodations

Situated on the best beach in Providenciales (and voted one of the best beaches in the world), every suite at the Venetian on Grace Bay features a full-sized and equipped, gourmet kitchen, a laundry room equipped with a washer and dryer, spacious sitting areas and a screened-in porch that overlooks the white sands and turquoise waters of Grace Bay Beach. 

Plus, the Venetian places you within a short 3 – 20 minute drive or bicycle ride of the island’s best shopping, dining and activities. 

You can choose between 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites and enjoy all the comforts of home during your stay with us. 

To make things even better, when you book your stay with us between now through August 31st, you’ll receive 35% off any 1 or 2 bedroom suite, or 25% off any 3 bedroom suite

Book now or contact us today to learn more. You’re going to love it here!

THE VENETIAN ON GRACE BAY

If you’re looking for a lovely Caribbean resort Turks and Caicos has many worth visiting. We invite you to experience the Venetian on Grace Bay. Contact us for more information about current rates and promotions.

Toll Free Island Reservations 1-877-277-4793

Direct: 649-941-3512 or 954-495-9815

Email: reservations@thevenetiangracebay.com

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