Exotic hardwood
trees and fruit trees are common here: Rubber Trees, twisting Parotas, Chicle, Mango, Avocado, Mandarin, Lime, and lofty Coconut
Palms intermingle with flowering plants of Cardinal Sage, Spider Lily, Mala Raton, and Yellow Trumpet. Among the more interesting
of trees in Chonchos is the Strangler Fig, known to Mexicans as the Matapalo, the killer tree. Matapalos wrap around other
trees for support, and eventually "choke" their host tree. The jungle supports a wide variety of exotic birds. About 200
species of birds live along the bay. Many of these are indigenous to this region, while others, like some jay species, visit
here. There are several species of Woodpeckers and Flycatchers, the Pale-billed Woodpecker with a flaming red head and white
stripes along the back is easy to spot. Green Jays, Parakeets, Parrots, Chachalacas, Masked Tityras, Cowbirds, Doves, Mac
Warbles, Trogons, Humming Birds, Wrens, Hawks, Frigate birds, Seagulls and Pelicans.
The surrounding ranch lands provide shelter for land animals including Coyotes and Rabbits, as well as more exotic species
such as the Armadillo, Iguana, Boas and a legendary Jaguar.
The waters of Banderas Bay thrives with sea life: from the comfort of your bungalow during the Winter and early Spring you
will witness endangered Humpback Whales as they cruise along, stopping occasionally to put on a display of breaching and fluke
slapping.
Dolphins can be seen all year, and in the Spring and early Summer, the gigantic Manta Rays will amaze you as they leap from
the water and return with a thunderous splash. And if you care to get wet, you might stumble upon a Sea Turtle. Certainly,
you will be able to study countless numbers of colorful fish, large and small while snorkeling.
The waters further out in the Bay offer an abundance of excellent game fish. Of the billfish species, five live here in large
numbers: Swordfish, Sailfish, Striped Marlin, Blue Marlin, and Black Marlin. Additionally, Rooster Fish, several species of
Jack, Surfperch, Dorado, Mackerel, and various species of Tuna also inhabit these waters and become delicious catches of the
day.
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