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Is It Tropical, or Neotropical?

© Glenda Gibbons

When we think of tropical birds, species such as parrots, canaries, cockatoos, toucans, and flamingos are usually the first pictures that pop into our minds. It is not unusual to have a parrot, parakeet, canary, or mynah bird as a pet. They add color to the home, and make good companions. There is another group of birds that are referred to as neotropical, because they have a migratory pattern that includes areas not found in the tropics. What Defines a Tropical Climate? The planet earth is divided by latitude and longitude gridlines. These gridlines are measured by degrees; numerical symbols of measure that help us navigate around the earth geographically. The center, or middle line that runs widthwise is called the equator. The equator divides the earth into hemispheres; north and south. It is also the longest latitude line on the earth. The location of the equator is 0 degrees north, or 0 degrees south. Within the first northern and southern latitude lines is the Tropic of Cancer, which is located at 23.5 degrees north of the equator, and the Tropic of Capricorn, which is located 23.5 degrees south of the equator. These areas of the earth maintain the same climate year round because of their close position to the sun. The frequency of sunlight exposure causes this area between the two tropic degree lines to be humid and warm, allowing animal and plant life to exist there that would not thrive anywhere else. It is in this region that those brightly plumed, tropical birds make their homes. They live year round in this environment. The geographical regions that are between 23.5 degrees and 25 degrees north of the Tropic of Cancer, and 23.5 degrees and 25 degrees south of the Tropic of Capricorn are known as neotropical regions. These area have warm and humid climates during the late spring, summer, and fall months. Their winters are mild but much cooler than the tropical rain forests and swamp areas that are closer to the equator. It is in this region that neotropical, or migratory birds fly north to spend their summers raising their young and seeking out prime areas for food. For those of us who do not live or vacation in the tropic climates, but do live within the migratory flight pattern of these neotropical birds; we are lucky indeed to catch glimpses of these beautiful birds as they fly north for the summer. They can be seen in ponds, marshes, creeks, and sometimes even suburban waterways. For avid birdwatchers, it is a thrill to view these brightly feathered birds as they hunt for food.

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