Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: La Selle Thrush
The La Selle Thrush is close cousins with the American Robin. Both belong to the genus Turdus – the true thrushes. The genus has 84 species worldwide, including five in the Caribbean: White-eyed, White-chinned, Red-legged, Forest, and the extinct Grand Cayman Thrush. The handsome La Selle Thrush, found only on the island of Hispaniola, is one of the most secretive. This bird is so elusive that scientists didn’t even know it existed until 1927. An expedition to southeast Haiti first found it atop the 2,000m high La Selle ridge, from which it takes its name.
To see this rare bird, you will need to climb up to the dense wet broadleaf forests high in the mountains above 1,300 m (~4000 ft). With an early start and a bit of luck, at first light you will hear the slow, well-spaced phrases of the La Selle Thrush’s wistful song. As it perches on a mossy branch or hops into view, you will see how its jet black head, back, and wings contrast with its bright orange bill and yellow eye ring. Its black upper parts fade to slaty gray on its upper breast and a rich reddish-rufous on its lower breast and sides. Despite its well-earned reputation as a shy skulker, this bird will sometimes come out in a forest opening. Like other thrushes, it forages on the ground, eating insects, earthworms, and fruit.
The La Selle Thrush lives in wet and cloud forest habitats in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It is listed as Vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN because its population size is small, fragmented and declining. The main threat is loss of habitat from cutting of trees for agriculture and charcoal production. More frequent and severe droughts from climate change is another challenge for the long-term survival of these ancient forests and their wildlife.
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the La Selle Thrush
The La Selle Thrush‘s song is a series of deliberate and spaced out notes tu-re-oo and cho-ho-cho. Also heard singing in the distance is a Rufous-throated Solitaire and a calling Hispaniolan Woodpecker.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
La Selle Thrush (Photo by Alberto Rojas)La Selle Thrush (Photo by Dax Roman)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Here’s a short video of the handsome La Selle Thrush hopping on the ground in Pedernales, Dominican Republic.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Cuban Grassquit
The Cuban Grassquit, called Tomeguin del Pinar in Cuba, is a very small (11.5 cm) seed-eating bird with a conical bill. The male has a black face ringed with a bright yellow collar. He is olive green above and grayish below with a black patch on the breast. The female is similar but duller with a chestnut and gray face and no black breast patch.
The Cuban Grassquit is endemic to Cuba and widespread across the island in coastal scrub, woodlands, pine forests, and thickets near cultivated fields. Because of their bright colors and beautiful song, many people want to keep these birds as pets. Sadly, this has led to a tremendous decline in numbers of this species due to illegal trapping for the caged bird trade, including much international trade. In areas where they were abundant 20 years ago, they have completely disappeared. Conservation partners in Cuba are working on education campaigns to discourage trapping and keeping these birds as pets. Loss of habitat from deforestation is also a problem.
During the non-breeding season, Cuban Grassquits are usually in flocks with Yellow-faced Grassquits, feeding on seeds, small fruits, and plant shoots. In the breeding season, from March to October, flocks divide into pairs. The nest is a large globular mass of woven dried grass built near the ground, with a side entrance. Females lay 2-3 eggs that are white with brown spots. Both parents feed the nestlings.
The Cuban Grassquit is also found on the island of New Providence, in the Bahamas, where it was introduced in 1963. An airplane carrying a cage of Cuban Grassquits from Cuba to Europe landed in Nassau with mechanical problems. Before the plan could continue on its route, the birds were beginning to die so the cage was opened to release the birds. Cuban Grassquits are now common on New Providence. Because they are non-migratory they have not spread to other islands. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Cuban Grassquit!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Cuban Grassquit
The Cuban Grassquit‘s song is a shrill tsit-tsit-tilloi, or chiri wichiwichi, chiri wichiwichi, chibiri wichi wichi. Pairs also sing in duet as courtship and against territorial rivals. The call is a soft chip or high tsit, often repeated.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
The Cuban Grassquit is a small seed-eating bird endemic to Cuba; there is also an introduced population in New Providence, Bahamas. The male is striking with a black face and bright yellow collar. These birds are experiencing a serious decline due to trapping for the caged-bird trade. (Photo by Rick Evets)Cuban Grassquit female – she is similar to the male but duller. Her face is mostly chestnut brown instead of black and she does not have a black patch on the breast. (Photo by Rick Evets)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Enjoy the videos of a Cuban Grassquit below. The first two videos show a male and female perched on a branch in Cuba by Cuban bird guide and author of the Birds of Cuba, Arturo Kirkconnell. The third video shows lovely close-up footage of a male foraging for seeds on the ground.
Antillean Crested Hummingbird, one of 3 species of hummingbirds that are resident in Antigua and other Lesser Antilles islands plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. (photo by Nick Hollands)
We have all had to adapt to a drastically different way of life in a very short time. One of our partners, the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) in Antigua and Barbuda, has risen to the challenge and made the best of a difficult situation. They organized an online “Birding for Beginners” course to encourage more people in Antigua to learn about local birds, take up birdwatching as a hobby, and to help with citizen science initiatives in Antigua. Here they describe the course and initial outcomes.
The Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) in Antigua and Barbuda is constantly seeking out means to connect our people with nature. EAG aims to promote a greater understanding of and appreciation for how our natural environment provides essential services that support our very lives.
Much of the work that EAG is involved in promotes the conservation of birds and their habitats. One of our goals is to encourage our residents to go out and become citizen scientists—observing birds, collecting data, and sharing it on a platform that can be used by scientists and decision-makers.
A Virtual Introduction to the World of Birds
Yellow Warbler or Canary, as it is commonly called in Antigua. This small bright yellow bird is often found among Wild Tamarind plants and has a beautiful song. (photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
But first, how do we get people to bird, if they don’t know much about the birds? And how do you bird during a pandemic lockdown? The EAG team decided to launch an online Bird Training session called Birding for Beginners, in the month of May. This consisted of six webinars that taught the basics of birding, including identification, behavior, habitat, ecology, Important Bird Areas, monitoring techniques, threats to birds, conservation, and ethical birding.
Antigua and Barbuda is home to numerous species of resident birds, and over one hundred species of migratory birds spend part of their year here. Birds are ubiquitous on our islands; they are found from the mountain tops of the Shekerley mountain range right down to the wave-chasers on our sandy beaches. We have big, imposing raptors and tiny little hummingbirds. We have land birds, shorebirds, wetland birds, and in-between birds!
Getting to Know Birds
Ruddy Turnstones are common winter shorebirds in Antigua and the Caribbean. They find invertebrate prey items on the beach by flipping over stones, hence their name “turnstone.” (Photo by Arnaldo Toledo)
During the webinars, the participants were challenged to learn to identify birds by their shape, size, colour, behaviour and location. For example, one should be able to look at a bird’s bill and decide if it’s a meat-eater, a seed-eater, an insect-eater, a fruit-eater, or otherwise. Some birds glide in flight while others flap. When feeding, some probe and peck, while others snap prey out of the air, or flip over everything in sight. How about their behaviour on the ground? Some run around, some pose majestically with a piercing gaze, and some even “twerk” (bobbing their tail incessantly)!
Participants learned about the important part birds play in our environment. The EAG webinars highlighted some of birds’ vital ecosystem roles. These include keeping the insect population under control, dispersing seeds, pollinating flowers, cleaning up carcasses, advising on the weather, enriching the soil – and even influencing fashion! Participants also learnt about birding “hotspots,” Important Bird Areas and Key Biodiversity Areas across our islands. Examples of these are our offshore islands, Christian Valley, Wallings, McKinnons Pond, and the Codrington Lagoon.
An International Study Group is Born
The Barbuda Warbler, found nowhere else in the world except the tiny island of Barbuda (photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Of course, we also examined identifying common birds, as well as rare birds and resident and migratory species. We highlighted birds of conservation concern due to threats they face, both human-caused (e.g., destruction of their habitats) and natural (e.g., hurricanes). Special mention was made of our endemic Barbuda Warbler, found nowhere else in the world but – Barbuda.
To wrap up the course, participants learned how to implement actions to conserve birds, how to monitor them, and how to use the online applications eBird Caribbean and Merlin to identify birds and store their birding observations.
The participants were eager and enthusiastic, joining EAG via Zoom and Facebook. The interest was greater than expected and they all returned regularly to keep up with the course. Most of our participants were local, but others from across the region joined us – including participants from Anguilla, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts, and Trinidad and Tobago. Even persons from the UK and US who are regular visitors to the island followed the course!
Inspiration and Support – Thank You!
Shawn Maile was enthusiastic about the course and his new-found hobby and shared his experience and certificate proudly on his LinkedIn.
One of the participants, Shawn Maile, shared his thoughts in an article he posted on his LinkedIn: “I jokingly posted a status to say that maybe I should take up birdwatching. Next thing you know, I was signed up for an online birding course in the middle of a pandemic and starting a new hobby.”
He further commented, “Fast forward to the end of the course and I have currently logged over 25 different species of birds. I can no longer walk, drive, run, or simply go outside without seeing, hearing or sensing a bird. Now armed with the skills to identify and count the avian species, I can proudly say I am a certified beginner birder. Armed with my binoculars and ebird app, I forge into the unknown tracking and viewingmy winged friends.”
Following the course, we are pleased to announce the formation of our very own bird club, the Wadadli Warblers! Our first team outing occurred last week as we began field training at McKinnons Pond, all while wearing masks. We anticipate building up our team of local contributors who monitor birds and their habitats (e.g., participating in the Caribbean Waterbird Census), traveling the Caribbean islands to see the region’s incredible diversity of birds (there are 171 endemics) – and having fun doing it!
The Wadadli Warblers take on their first birding expedition to birding hotspot, McKinnon’s Pond, in Antigua.
This training opportunity and ongoing mentorship would not have been possible without the support of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Cape Cod Bird Club, BirdsCaribbean, and the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival. Our participants were treated to a special appearance by Dr. Herbert Raffaele, former Director at USFWS Division of International Conservation (funding millions of dollars for conservation projects around the world), and award-winning author of several books including the important field guide, “Birds of the West Indies.” Special thanks to Dr. Lisa Sorenson of BirdsCaribbean for her assistance, and for being present at every webinar, supporting the presenters and answering questions.
We urge you to start appreciating our natural world. We urge you to take this time to reconnect to nature. Join the EAG and join the bird club too! For more information, contact us at 268-462-6236 or eagantigua@gmail.com. To donate and support our programs, click here. And enjoy the photo gallery below (click on each photo to see it large and view as a slide show).
Editors Note: Congratulations to the EAG team for this hugely successful and engaging online training. EAG has been a long-time partner of BirdsCaribbean and the 3 facilitators of this course, Natalya Lawrence, Shanna Challenger, and Andrea Otto, have all been active members of BirdsCaribbean. They have participated in our workshops and conferences and have been awarded many grants to carry out education, monitoring, restoration and conservation projects in Antigua and Barbuda. We applaud their enthusiasm, professionalism and sheer hard work to advance awareness, appreciation, and conservation of Antigua and Barbuda’s incredible biodiversity. We encourage you to support the amazing work of the EAG either through membership or a donation.
To learn more, check out the following articles and Youtube videos:
The ongoing Black Lives Matter movement continues to challenge us and to confront deeply-entrenched attitudes and assumptions about race that affect so many individuals and communities negatively. This includes the vibrant and growing communities of Black scientists, naturalists and birders, in the Caribbean and beyond. At BirdsCaribbean, we have been similarly inspired to reach out directly to the organizers of Black Birders Week, who swiftly took action following the Central Park incident – a blatant display of white privilege. We applaud this strong response, because their goals reflect our own: inclusivity, diversity, solidarity, teamwork – and of course, the common love of birds that brings us together.
Here is an article co-authored by three co-organizers of Black Birders Week, Amber Wendler, Alex Troutman, and Chelsea Connor, who met up with Executive Director Lisa Sorenson and other BirdsCaribbean leaders recently on Zoom. We look forward to continuing the dialogue, to building our relationship, to sharing ideas and to working together on concrete plans and actions that will empower Black birders and shine a light on their amazing work. Rome was not built in a day, as the saying goes, but we at BirdsCaribbean are committed to supporting Black Birders Week, fighting discrimination, and bringing hope. We are stronger together!
#BlackBirdersWeek flyer with list of events created by Sheridan Alford and Danielle Belleny. Full text at tinyurl.com/BlackBirdersText
Black Birders Week was created in response to a racist incident in New York City’s Central Park: Amy Cooper, a white woman, called the police on Christian Cooper, a Black birdwatcher, and lied, saying, “There’s an African American man threatening my life,” when he politely asked her to put her dog on a leash in an area that required her to do so by law. Many people do not realize that racist incidents, such as this one, happen every day – they are just not captured on video. The recording of this incident highlighted some of the challenges Black people face when going birdwatching or participating in other outdoor activities. In addition to not feeling safe, many Black people feel as if they do not belong in outdoor spaces predominantly occupied by white people. Black Birders Week was organized by individuals of BlackAFinSTEM, which is a collective of Black birders, nature enthusiasts and scientists. The goal of Black Birders Week was to increase the visibility of Black birders and nature enthusiasts and promote inclusivity in the outdoors.
After Black Birders Week, co-organizers Amber Wendler, Alex Troutman and Chelsea Connor virtually met with members of BirdsCaribbean, so that we could all share our experiences and discuss how the birding community can take action to become more diverse and inclusive. It felt as if we all already knew each other and were friends, catching up after a few years of being apart. It was inspiring to hear everyone’s stories and the projects that they have worked on and plan to do in the future. We’re excited to meet in person next July at the next BirdsCaribbean International Conference in Trinidad, and we’re looking forward to continuing these conversations virtually in the meantime.
Participants in the Zoom Meeting. From left to right. Top row: Chelsea Connor, Lisa Sorenson, Alex Troutman. Second row: Amber Wendler, Justin Proctor. Third row: Emma Lewis, Howard Nelson, Ancilleno Davis. Fourth row: Adrianne Tossas. BirdsCaribbean Board member, Leno Davis (Bahamas) commented: “Being a scientist can be challenging for some and less challenging for others. Our group spoke of privilege, racism, tokenism, implicit and institutional biases, representation, and shifting cultural perspectives and norms. Being black in the Caribbean is different from the USA or UK experience but they are all valid.”
What does Black Birders Week mean to you?
Amber Wendler is a PhD student at Virginia Tech pursuing research on Puerto Rican Todies.
Amber Wendler: Black Birders Week means a lot to me. It has given me a sense of community. I could not be happier to finally see so many other birders who look like me and have had similar experiences to me. I am blown away by all the support this week has received and it has given me hope for the future.
Alex Troutman: Black Birders Week means freedom, inspiration, and growth. Freedom to immerse yourself in nature. It has been inspiring to see all the people supporting Black Birders Week and saying that they are going to make a stand to make sure birding is inclusive for all people! Black Birders Week means growth, not only because I grew as a birder and individual by telling and hearing other birders’ stories; but also because the birding community is growing stronger in numbers and morally. More people stand to make a change, or call out actions and behavior discouraging others who do not fit the typical birder profile of an older white male.
Chelsea Connor: Black Birders Week meant getting my voice, and the voices of others like me amplified. We had been talking on and off about the struggle we face with the outdoors, but now we were more widely heard, and invited to share. I got to see so many Black people outside, doing what they love and to hear their stories and the inspiration that this event gave them. I’m so proud and that will all stay with me forever.
What did you take away from Black Birders Week and what do you want others to know?
Alex Troutman is a Masters Student at Georgia Southern University studying the dynamics of insect communities and MacGillivray’s Seaside Sparrow nestlings in tidal wetlands of Georgia.
Amber Wendler: People too often value biodiversity of nature more than diversity of people. Ensuring that Black people and other under-represented groups have access to and feel welcomed in the birding community and outdoor spaces leads to a diversity of ideas and perspectives, which greatly benefits the community and advances scientific research. I am truly amazed by the BlackAFinSTEM group. Individuals from this group saw an opportunity to bring awareness to an important issue, quickly came together to plan and were able to change the minds of many people.
Thanks to Black Birders Week, we increased the visibility and amplified the voices of Black birders. Individuals and organizations started to take action to make the birding community more diverse and inclusive, and many Black birders who previously felt alone now have a supportive community. However, it’s important to recognize that systemic racism was built up over hundreds of years and thus will not be fixed in a week. There is still a lot more work that needs to be done until all Black people will feel safe and welcomed in outdoor spaces. We all must continue to listen to people’s experiences, learn and take anti-racist action.
Alex Troutman: Black Birders Week has not only encouraged me, but it has also given me a sense of pride. First, I am proud that 30+ Black people in the STEM field who identify as birders could make this happen without ever being in a room together and not ever officially meeting each other besides Zoom sessions. Next, I had a sense of pride and encouragement from all of the support that we have been given from people who participated in Black Birders Week in some way, whether it was following with each day’s hashtag or viewing the live streams.
It has been encouraging to see all of the Black birders and Black nature lovers who are out there. I thought I knew a good bit of them, but Black Birders Week has allowed me to connect with so many others who I probably never would have met if it wasn’t for Black Birders Week. Some people were even within the same state. It has also been encouraging to see the younger generation get excited about birding! Black Birders Week gave me community, support, and encouragement to keep going! I hope that others got as much out of BBW as I did. I want others to see that everyone can and should be welcome to go birding without FEAR, DISCRIMINATION, and LACK of ACCESS. It truly takes everyone to make sure that nature can be used and enjoyed by all.
Chelsea Connor is a herpetologist and science communicator. Birds were her first love growing up in Dominica. She currently is a student in Texas researching anole diets and tweets anole facts and about her island, @ChelseaHerps
Chelsea Connor: I want people to remember that silence is complacency. A lot of the things that happen that are witnessed by someone can be stopped by the simple intervention of a white ally. Allies should use their platforms as much as possible to amplify the voices and experiences of BIPOC (Black and Indigneous People of Color) and to create paid opportunities and spaces for them where they are fully supported. Too often BIPOC get hired, but then they’re left alone to face discrimination and racism from their coworkers and peers.
I feel like Black Birders Week has definitely made that conversation start happening more. It’s so encouraging and heartening to see everyone who participated and still hearing about the effect it had for them. I expected the event to go over well, but the international recognition it got blew my mind. It makes me feel hopeful, like much needed change can start happening. I’ve also gotten to connect with so many great people and institutions and I cannot wait to see them grow. Depending on your background, you may not know what it’s like to not feel heard and then to finally have that – but I can tell you, it’s been quite an experience and I’m so happy to have had it. I can’t wait to see more representation of us outdoors and in the natural sciences. Thank you for being part of this too.
Sincere thanks to Amber, Alex and Chelsea for talking with us and writing this wonderful article! Big thanks also to our colleague, Andrew Rothman (@The_Rothman), for introducing us. We appreciated tuning into #BlackBirdersWeek events and look forward to further discussions, opportunities to partner, and actions we can take together to make sure Black birders are welcome and supported everywhere. We welcome Amber, Alex, Chelsea, and all others to our BirdsCaribbean community, a diverse network of wildlife professionals, birders, tour guides, educators, community members, and more. Stay informed about Caribbean bird news by signing up for monthly newsletter here. Join us here. And follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@BirdsCaribbean).
We know. It has been a difficult time, and you might be starting to get “itchy feet.”
You’re probably not quite ready to travel yet, but as soon as it is safe, where would you go?
Think green, forested hills filled with bird song; cool rivers with the splash of waterfalls and deep pools to enjoy; or inviting turquoise bays fringed with silvery white sands. This is the Caribbean, and it’s waiting for you!
Our Amazing Island Guides
The Purple-throated Carib is endemic to a handful of islands in the Lesser Antilles (Photo by Barbara and Frank Lilievre).
BirdsCaribbean has the perfect tool to help you with your future plans: a newly updated Caribbean Birding Trail (CBT) Guide page! Expert local guides are essential to getting the most out of your travel experience, so we have gathered information on the best in the region—all within one handy directory on the CBT website.
These guides, from 21 islands—and counting—have completed the CBT Interpretive Guide Training Program or have obtained training or certification through other programs. They are trusted partners of BirdsCaribbean and the partner organizations we collaborate with on the islands. These knowledgeable guides will satisfy bird, nature, and adventure tourists of all kinds. From birding, boating, and botanical gardens to mountain trails, waterfalls, and even rum tours … there is something for everybody.
Adams Toussaint, St. Lucia Birding & Wildlife Ambassadors
If you browse through our directory, you will see what an extraordinary range of expertise these local guides have to offer.
Our most recently trained guides in Grenada can take you out to sea, birding on sailboats (Vaughn Thomas at Archipelagics) and in kayaks (Kendon James at Conservation Kayak). Seasoned guides such as Adams Toussaint in Saint Lucia, and Lystra Culzac in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have been leading birdwatching tours for years. They know exactly where to take you to find all the unique birds of their islands, including the extra special (and incredibly beautiful) St. Lucia and St. Vincent Parrots.
Lystra Culzac, guide in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
You will also see that our guides offer tours in several languages. Binkie van Es on Sint Maarten speaks four languages, and David Belfan in Martinique speaks no less than five! If they have written a bird guide, this is also highlighted. For example, Erika Gates (Bahamas), Anthony Levesque (Guadeloupe), Ann Sutton (Jamaica), Kate Wallace (Dominican Republic), Roger Neckles (Trinidad and Tobago), as well as Birdy Jno Baptiste and Stephen Durand from Dominica are all published authors of field guides for their countries!
So … Where To?
This beautiful bird, of resplendent plumage, is the National bid of Cuba. It’s colors match the colors of the Cuban flag (Photo by Jose Pantaleon).
Maybe you will opt for the largest island in the Caribbean: Cuba! There are 26 bird species on Cuba that are found nowhere else in the world, from the smallest bird in the world (Bee Hummingbird) to their beautiful National Bird (Cuban Trogon). There you can meet up with Ernesto Reyes, who will introduce you to these birds and so much more. Ernesto is a Cuban biologist with more than 15 years of experience with birds in Cuba, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. He offers multi-day birdwatching and bird photography tours (including two tours with BirdsCaribbean) that allow visitors to observe more than 95% of Cuba’s bird species. What riches!
Maybe instead of big, you go small. You might consider putting Anguilla in your plans. This 35-square mile, neatly wrapped package of an island contains a surprising amount of biodiversity. Go with Jackie Cestero of Nature Explorers Anguilla to explore the island’s more than 20 wetlands—once the center of a thriving salt industry dating back to prehistoric Amerindian inhabitants. Today these wetlands provide critical habitat for both resident and migratory species as they travel along the Atlantic Flyway. Be sure to pack your snorkel and fins, because Anguilla’s extensive marine park system is home to a number of species of turtles, colorful reef fish, and corals. Many of the island’s beaches provide nesting habitat for endangered sea turtles and, if you’re lucky, you’ll also spot migrating whales and dolphins.
Make Your Plans Happen
Hopefully by now you’ve got some ideas of where to go, and who to go with. Whatever you decide, just be sure of two things: hire local guides and keep going back to the Caribbean! No two islands are alike.
Beautiful jungle path through the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico beckons you to come visit. (photo by Dennis van de Water)
The Caribbean Birding Trail (CBT) is a project of BirdsCaribbean. The CBT has been developed to connect people to the extraordinary places, diverse cultures, and people of each island. The CBT promotes authentic experiences that benefit local people and encourages the protection of the Caribbean’s natural resources, including birds and their habitats.
Through our CBT Interpretive Guide Training Program, we are partnering with operators and guides in the region to organize one of the most comprehensive guide training and certification programs in the region. The course is facilitated by National Association of Interpretation (NAI) Certified Interpretive Trainers, and participants learn not only to identify the local bird species and their connection to the environment, but also how to effectively communicate information to audiences in a meaningful and enjoyable way. To date, we have held International Training Workshops in Grenada, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Cuba, and St. Vincentand theGrenadines.
We would love to have your feedback. Have you been on a birding tour with a great birding tour guide from on or off our page? We’d love to hear about it. If you would like to recommend a great guide we don’t know about, organize a guide training program in your country, or want to know about the next program we might offer, drop us a line at info@caribbeanbirdingtrail.org and—when you do go on the Caribbean Birding Trail (and we hope you will)—let us know how it went for you.
Special thanks to our Caribbean Birding Trail Project Coordinator, Aly Ollivierre, and our website developer, Kathleen McGee, for working so hard to get the site updated over the past six months!
Check out our short video on the Caribbean Birding Trail:
Colorful and friendly, the Cuban Tody is one of Cuba’s most beloved endemic birds. (photo by Aslam Ibrahim)
Join BirdsCaribbean, the Caribbean Birding Trail and acclaimed Cuban bird guide, Ernesto Reyes Mouriño, on the adventure of a lifetime in January or March of 2021.
Cuba is well-known for its amazing landscapes, vibrant culture and unique biodiversity. According to the new Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba: 2018-2019 Edition, 394 birds have been recorded in Cuba, including 28 which are endemic to the island and 30 which are considered globally threatened. Due to its large land area and geographical position within the Caribbean, Cuba is also extraordinarily important for Neotropical migratory birds—more than 180 species pass through during migration or spend the winter on the island.
Our itinerary takes you to several of the best and most beautiful birding locations in Cuba, providing opportunities to see many of Cuba’s endemic species and subspecies as well as many migrants. Along the way, we will meet people in local communities, stay in Bed & Breakfast establishments (casas particulares) and eat in private restaurants (paladars), allowing you to experience Cuba’s rich culture, delicious food, friendly people, and generous hospitality. We will also have the opportunity to meet and have discussions with local ornithologists and conservationists that have been working with BirdsCaribbean for many years.
BirdsCaribbean is offering two tours in 2021: a 9-day trip in January and a 12-day trip in March.
Find detailed itineraries for both trips below. Traveling with us helps Caribbean birds as a portion of the proceeds from the trip supports our bird conservation programs and partners in Cuba and the Caribbean. See some of the world’s most beautiful and memorable birds, knowing you are helping ensure their welfare by supporting the people who study and protect them.
Read testimonials and see photos from past trips in the gallery below. Purchase the Endemic Birds of Cuba Field Guide here. Check out the report and photos from our January 2016 trip here and from our July 2017 trip to Havana and Zapata Swamp here.
NOTE: The recent policy changes in the Cuban Assets Control Regulations do not affect BirdsCaribbean’s birding trips or the requirements of US citizens traveling with us. Our birding trips consist of group travel under the general license that authorizes travel transactions that provide “Support for the Cuban people.” The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requires that: 1) travel be conducted under the auspices of an individual or organization (BirdsCaribbean) that promotes independent activity intended to strengthen civil society in Cuba, and 2) the tour must consist of “a full-time schedule of activities that: (i) enhance contact with the Cuban people, support civil society in Cuba or promote the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities; and (ii) result in meaningful interaction with individuals in Cuba.” While you are on the trip, BirdsCaribbean will ensure that you have a full-time schedule of activities that engages with and provides support for private citizens (e.g., local guides, Cuban biologists, private business owners), and avoids transactions with the State Department’s List of Restricted Entities and Subentities Associated with Cuba (“the Cuba Restricted List”).
COVID-19 UPDATE: Right now, we are planning to offer these two tours in 2021. We will continue to assess the situation during the fall. If we deem that it is not safe to travel to Cuba, one or both tours will be canceled (or rescheduled) and all deposits and payments refunded (less a $25 processing fee). We will be monitoring the COVID-19 situation.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Sad Flycatcher
Sometimes one can get a bad name through no fault of one’s own. In this respect the Sad Flycatcher must be one of the unluckiest birds in Jamaica and perhaps the world. Rufous-tailed Flycatchers have Rufous-tails. Ring-tailed Pigeons have rings on their tails. But there is nothing sad about a Sad Flycatcher. It doesn’t sound sad or look sad. It is a pretty, perky little bird, one of the most common sights in the wooded pastures of central Jamaica. So where did it get its name?
The Sad Flycatcher was first described by P.H. Gosse in the mid-nineteenth century. He called it the Black-billed Flat-Bill, and gave it the scientific name Mylobius tristis. Tristis means sad in Latin. This appears to be the origin of the name. In his description, Gosse wrote that the song of this bird was, “A single wailing note, somewhat protracted, particularly sad to hear, but sometimes followed by one or two short notes in another tone.” While almost everything in his book, “The Birds of Jamaica” is correct – an astonishing feat, considering the how little time he spent in Jamaica – he was wrong about this sound. The call of the Sad Flycatcher is not sad at all. Instead it is a cheery pip, pip-pip pereeee!
The Jamaican Pewee, on the other hand, does indeed have a mournful, single-noted call. This species was also first described by Gosse. The two species are often found in the same habitat. Perhaps Gosse confused the two, and so one of the happiest little birds in Jamaica got a bad name.
The Sad Flycatcher is endemic to Jamaica. It’s local name is Little Tom Fool. It feeds on small insects by sallying from high perches to capture its prey, often returning to the same perch. It also eat small fruits. It has a dark brown crown, brown upperparts, a white throat and upper breast, and a yellow belly. The Sad Flycatcher can be found in forests, woodlands, and pasture edges at all elevations across Jamaica. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Sad Flycatcher!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call and song of the Sad Flycatcher
The Sad Flycatcher‘s call is a frequent pip or pip-pip. It’s song is a rising, cheery pip-pip pereeee.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
The Sad Flycatcher is endemic to Jamaica. It is the smallest of the 3 Jamaican Myiarchus flycatchers. It usually perches in an open area, flying out to catch flying bugs and beetles. (Photo by Eric Hynes)The Sad Flycatcher is endemic to Jamaica. Jamaicans call it Little Tom Fool because it tends not to move even when people get close. (Photo by Paul Jones)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Enjoy these two short video of the Sad Flycatcher. The first one is by Aves Puerto Rico Felpe – the bird is perched, looking around and it gives its cheerful call pip, pip-pip pereee several times. This video was filmed in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica. The second video is lovely clear footage of a perched bird, filmed in Kew Park, Westmorland Parish, Jamaica. The bird flies out and lands back on the branch to give us a nice view of its colors from behind.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Forest Thrush
The Forest Thrush is a shy forest dweller endemic to the Lesser Antilles, where it occurs only on four islands: Montserrat, Guadeloupe, Dominica and Saint Lucia. It is locally called the Yellow-legged Thrush – it’s name in French, Grive à Pattes Jaunes, means just that. The legs, bill, and bare skin around the eye of this bird are bright yellow. Its upperparts are brown while its underparts have white feathers edged in brown, giving it a scaled effect. Males and females have the same plumage.
The preferred habitat of the Forest Thrush is mountain forests, but it also occurs in swamp forests in Guadeloupe. Like other thrushes, it sings a soft musical song, but it mainly sings at night. This forces ornithologists to get up very early to go and count them! In Guadeloupe, the French Biodiversity Office has been monitoring the species for 6 years. The results of the 2020 census are very encouraging with record numbers of birds in some areas. This is good news because the population had suffered a decline from Hurricane Maria in 2017. Moreover, thanks to a successful campaign, including a petition to the French government and letter-writing campaign by BirdsCaribbean, the species will not be hunted in 2020 in Guadeloupe!
The Forest Thrush was previously classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Its population had declined throughout its range from deforestation, introduced predators, hunting, and severe habitat loss from the Soufrière Hills volcanic eruptions on Montserrat in 1995-1997. Surveys show it has been gradually increasing in remaining habitat in Montserrat and numbers are up in Guadeloupe as well. This led to a downgrading from Vulnerable to Near Threatened in 2019. Unfortunately, however, the Forest Thrush has declined drastically in St. Lucia and it is now extremely rare, if not extirpated. Ornithologists do not know why.
Each of the four islands where the Forest Thrush lives host a different subspecies, which all look a little different. The thrush feeds on insects and berries from ground level up into the tree canopy. Breeding takes place from April to July. A bulky cup-shaped nest is built, usually not far from the ground, in a bush or tree. Two to three greenish-blue eggs are laid. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Forest Thrush!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Forest Thrush
The Forest Thrush‘s song is a musical pattern of clear notes, fairly loud and far-reaching. Calls include sharp chuk or chuk-chuk.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Forest Thrush (Photo by Anthony Levesque)Forest Thrush (Photo by Alistair Homer)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Enjoy this short video of a Forest Thrush in Guadeloupe hopping along the ground and tossing aside leaf litter as it forages for insects and berries to eat.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Adelaide’s Warbler
This striking little bird has a sunny yellow belly and sings a sweet trilling song. It can be identified by its gray upperparts, yellow underparts, and two white wingbars. It has a yellow eyebrow stripe that may be edged by black above, and a yellow or white patch under the eye. The tail is gray with white outer feathers. Females differ from males by having less white in the tail, and less pronounced black edging in the eyebrow stripe.
The Adelaide’s Warbler (Setophaga adelaidae), along with the Elfin Woods Warbler (Setophaga angelae), is one of two endemic Parulid warblers on the island of Puerto Rico. The two species have different habitat preferences, however, and only coexist in Maricao Commonwealth Forest, in the western part of the island. The Adelaide’s Warbler is abundant in dry coastal scrubland and thickets, moist forests of middle elevation and haystack hills. It is an active bird, moving constantly as it gleans insects and spiders from leaves and twigs. The local name for this species is Reinita Mariposera which means “butterfly-eating warbler,” due to its fondness for eating caterpillars.
Adelaide’s Warblers typically breed from March to June but the season can be variable with the timing and nest success depending on rainfall. They build cup-shaped nests at heights of 1 to 7 in dense cover. Females lay 2 to 4 white or greenish-white eggs, flecked with small small brown spots. Although currently listed as a species of Least Concern by IUCN, the long-term survival of the Adelade’s Warbler could be threatened by loss of its forest habitat and global climate change. As the planet warms, summer drought is expected to increase in many Caribbean islands, and this could reduce survival of the young.
Previously, the Adelaide’s Warbler population in Puerto Rico was considered a single species with races from Barbuda and Saint Lucia. However, in 2000 the species was split into three distinct species. The other two species were named Barbuda Warbler (Setophaga subita) and St. Lucia Warbler (Setophaga delicata). The Puerto Rican species has the name of the daughter of Robert Swift, who captured the first specimen. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Adelaide’s Warbler!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Adelaide’s Warbler
The Adelaide’s Warbler‘s typical song is described as a variable and loud trill that may increase or decrease in pitch and speed. They have a very large song repertoire and individuals have been recorded as having an average of 23 song types per individual! They also have a pip and a chick call.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Adelaide’s Warbler (Photo by Hemant Kishan)Adelaide’s Warbler Singing (Photo by Hemant Kishan)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Enjoy the two short videos of Adelaide’s Warbler below by AvesPuertoRico FelPe. The first video is lovely footage of a bird singing it’s trilly sweet song. The second video shows how active these birds are—hopping along quickly as they forage for insects on twigs and branches, stopping only to sing.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Cuban Trogon
Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus), Tocororo
This beautiful bird, of resplendent plumage, is the National Bird of Cuba. It’s colors match the colors of the nation’s flag. It is iridescent dark blue-green above, with a violet-blue crown and nape, grayish white throat and breast, and brilliant red belly and eyes. The wings and tail are patterned in blue, black, green and white. The underside of the tail appears mostly white and the tips of the tail feathers are prominently flared. When perched, its size, bright colors, distinctive voice, and posture make this bird unmistakable.
Cuban Trogons are rather inactive birds and are easily approached. They are usually seen alone or in pairs. Their most common call is a repeated toco-toco-tocoro-tocoro,from which it’s local name Tocororo is derived. They are common in wet and dry forests at all altitudes, and are widespread all over Cuba, the Isle of Youth and some cays. These birds do not build a nest. Instead, they use abandoned woodpecker holes or other natural cavities, where they lay 3-4 white eggs from April to July. Their diet is flowers, fruits, insects, and reptiles, including Anolis lizards, which they also feed to their young. It hovers while feeding, much like a flycatcher.
There are 43 species of trogons in 6 genera in the Family Trogonidae (6 quetzals and 37 trogons), that live in tropical and subtropical forests of the Americas, Africa and Asia. The Cuban trogon is one of two species restricted to the islands of the Caribbean; the other species is the Hispaniolan Trogon. Undisputedly Cuba’s national bird is one of the most beautiful representatives of its family. Trogons are colorful and beautiful birds, but the particular shape of the Tocororo’s tail makes it unique. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Cuban Trogon!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Cuban Trogon
The Cuban Trogon‘s call is a repeatedtoco-toco-tocoro-tocoro, from which it’s local name Tocororo is derived. The throat and tail vibrates as the bird calls (see videos below).
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Cuban Trogon (Photo by Jose Pantaleon)Cuban Trogon (Photo by Rafy Rodriguez)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Enjoy these short videos of Cuban Trogons calling. The video is by Cuban ornithologist, Arturo Kirkconnell, the bird perched out in the open and calling (turn up the volume). Note its upright posture and red, white and blue colors. Its throat and tail vibrate as it calls. You can hear another trogon calling in the distance. The second video shows a closer view of a calling trogon.
It is with great excitement that we are finally able to break some very big news — effective today, Dr. Joseph M. Wunderle, Jr. will be serving as the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology’s new Editor-in-Chief!
For most of us, Joe is symbolic of Caribbean ornithology. He has lived and breathed it almost his entire life. You would be hard pressed to find a Caribbean researcher out there that hasn’t cited one of Joe’s papers, had the pleasure of working alongside Joe, or most importantly, befriended Joe.
We’re delighted that Dr. Joseph M. Wunderle, Jr. will be serving as the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology’s new Editor-in-Chief.
But what makes Joe an exceptional choice to lead the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology (JCO) into its fourth decade, goes far beyond his extensive research and academic background. From the beginning, Joe has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the people of the Caribbean. He has taught and mentored numerous students, always sending them off into the world with a greater understanding and appreciation for the natural world around them.
In the world of peer-reviewed journals, we often talk about Impact Factors, which are a measure of how extensively a journal’s publications are cited, and thus a proxy for how important a journal is in its field. If we were to apply that same train of thought to the impact that Joe has had on the people, wildlife, and landscapes around the Caribbean, he would certainly be ranked highly.
And Joe is definitely no stranger to BirdsCaribbean (BC). He has been involved with the organization since its first year, 1988, earning him the Site Fidelity Award presented at last year’s Guadeloupe Conference. He has served as Vice-President of BirdsCaribbean from 1991–1995, and then took the reigns as President from 1995–1997. Joe has also been an active member of the Founders Award Committee (founded by Fred Schaffner) since it first launched at BC’s Grenada Conference in 2013. This committee awards the students who present the best papers in conservation research or management at the biennial conference.
Meanwhile, here at JCO, Joe’s name is a very familiar one. And while it’s true that some of our staff know Joe best in the following format — Wunderle, J.M., Jr., [Year]. [Article Title]. [Journal Name]. — we are all really looking forward to working more closely with the real Joe over the coming months. His leadership for JCO could not be a better fit.
Here are some great links for learning more about Joe:
On behalf of all the JCO staff, welcome aboard, Joe! We’re very glad to have you with us.
And to members of the BirdsCaribbean community far and wide, please don’t hesitate to reach out and send Joe a warm welcome to his new position as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology!
— Justin Proctor, Managing Editor of the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology and Vice-President of BirdsCaribbean
Joe Wunderle receives the one and only Site Fidelity Award for being the longest running BirdsCaribbean member that has not missed a single conference in 30 years! BirdsCaribbean 22nd Conference in Guadeloupe, July, 2019. (photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Hispaniolan Parakeet
Meet the charming face of Hispaniola – the Hispaniolan Parakeet, known as the Perico in the Dominican Republic, or the Perruche in Haiti. These gregarious, green goofballs are most easily seen chattering noisily from the rooftops of Santo Domingo. They are extremely social and often hang out in large groups with as many as several dozen individuals.
This parakeet is bright green overall, with a long and pointed tail, white eye-ring, pale beak and legs, and red patch on the wing’s wrist area that shows up well in flight. The sexes are identical. The Hispaniolan Parakeet is best distinguished from the similar green Hispaniolan Parrot by its much longer tail and higher pitched squawk-like vocalizations. While they are the only native and endemic parakeet on the island, the Olive-throated Parakeet has been introduced to some of the more urbanized parts of Hispaniola. Similar in size, these parrots can be distinguished by their blue wing patches, instead of the red boasted by the Hispaniolan Parakeet. Interestingly, Hispaniolan Parakeets also used to also exist in Puerto Rico, though they were declared extinct on the island in 1882. Yet one other introduced population persists on the island of Guadeloupe.
The Hispaniolan Parakeet’s natural habitats are forested mountains and lowlands, but there are populations that live in urban areas like the ever-increasing one in Santo Domingo. They feed mostly on fruits and seeds, but sometimes also on corn and other crops and therefore regarded as a pest by farmers. They travel and forage in flocks.
Like many other parrots in Latin America and the Caribbean, Hispaniolan Parakeets are threatened with extinction, currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Their biggest current threat is poaching, where young parakeets are taken from nests and sold into the pet trade. Deforestation is also a problem— the parrot has been disappearing in areas where forests have been cut down for agriculture. Their current population is estimated at several thousand individuals, with trends showing continuing declines. It is illegal to keep these and the Hispaniolan Parrots as pets. Let’s continue to educate about keeping these magnificent birds free and wild to decrease their presence in captivity and help them survive for future generations to enjoy. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Hispaniolan Parakeet!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Hispaniolan Parakeet
The Hispaniolan Parakeet has a noisy screeching flight and perch call kree, higher pitched that than the Hispaniolan Parrot.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Hispaniolan Parakeet Eating (Photo by Dax Roman)Hispaniolan Parakeet (Photo by Dax Roman)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Read more about the laws that protect Hispaniolan Parakeets, Parrots and other birds that are captured for the illegal pet trade. What can you do to help?
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Crested Quail-Dove
You have to get up early if you want to see Jamaica’s endemic Crested Quail-Dove. And you will have to be in the mountains—in the dense, dripping wet, thousand shades of green foliage, coolness of the mountains. If you’re lucky, you may first detect its presence by a rustling of leaves on the hillside beside you. Freeze and you may spot one, walking along the forest floor, looking for fruits and seeds. It will be bobbing its plush, grey, helmeted head and tail as it struts along; its beady, red-ringed eyes seeking out small fruits and seeds on the ground.
When you see a Crested Quail-Dove you will know, because it is coloured like no other Jamaican bird. It has an iridescent reddish-purple upper back that contrasts with its grey neck, crest, and underparts; an iridescent purplish-blue lower back, and reddish primaries and secondaries (flight feathers). Keep still and savour the experience while you can. If it sees you, it may fly heavily a short distance and vanish back into the safety of the undergrowth. Sometimes it freezes on the ground or on a low perch, allowing for extended views.
The Crested Quail-Dove lives in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, Mt. Diablo area, and Cockpit Country. Locals call it Mountain Witch, Blue Dove or Blue Partridge. It’s two-part song is a mournful whuuOh..whuu, the first note sharp with the following notes softer and lower in pitch. The dove is much more likely to be heard than seen. Like other forest birds, its long-term survival will depend on preservation of Jamaica’s forests.
There are nine species of quail-dove in the genus Geotrygon and each one is uniquely beautiful. They are all found in the tropical or subtropical forests of the Caribbean and Central and South America. The Crested Quail-Dove was the first to be named by the nineteenth century naturalist, Philip Henry Gosse. “No description can give an adequate notion of the lustrous radiance of this most lovely bird,” he wrote in his book, “The Birds of Jamaica” published in 1847. When you see one you will agree with him. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Crested Quail-Dove!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Crested Quail-Dove
The Crested Quail-Dove‘s song is a mournful two-note whuuOh..whuu, the first note sharp and the second note softer and lower in pitch. The dove is much more likely to be heard than seen.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
The Crested Quail-Dove is a creature of awesome beauty. (Photo by David Havel)The Crested Quail-Dove has a unique crest on the nape of its neck that looks like a helmet. (Photo by Francisco Piedrahita)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Check out the videos of this elusive endemic bird! The first video shows a close-up view of a handsome Crested Quail-Dove perched on a branch. The second video shows the dove walking along the road with it unique habit of bobbing its head and tail. BirdsCaribbean member and guide, Ricardo Miller, helped James Currie of Nikon’s Birding Adventures find this bird on the famed birding hotspot, Ecclesdown Road, in the Blue and John Crow Mountains, Jamaica.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Puerto Rican Emerald
The Puerto Rican Emerald (Chlorostilbon maugeaus), or Zumbadorcito de Puerto Rico in Spanish, is an endemic hummingbird found only in the archipelago of Puerto Rico. Measuring from 3.5 to 4 inches and weighing approximately 3 g, it is the smallest bird species in the island. It is not much larger than the smallest hummingbird species of the world, the Bee Hummingbird from Cuba, which weighs only 1.8 g. For comparison, a penny weighs 2.5 g, similar to these tiny birds!
The Puerto Rican Emerald is sexually dimorphic, meaning that males and females look different. The male has iridescent green feathers on its body and a black tail, while the female has white underparts and white outer tail feathers. This hummingbird can be distinguished from other hummingbirds in the archipelago by its shorter, straighter bill, and black forked tail. Emeralds are distributed throughout forests and woodlands from the coast up to the mountains. They are highly territorial, often defending territories with intense aerial pursuits.
The Puerto Rican Emerald mainly feeds on nectar taken from a variety of brightly colored, scented small flowers of trees, herbs, shrubs and epiphytes. They use their long, extendible, straw-like tongues to retrieve the nectar while hovering with their tails cocked. Sometimes they may be seen hanging on the flower while feeding. Many native and cultivated plants on whose flowers these birds feed heavily rely on them for pollination. With its smaller size, this species feeds on the nectar of flowers with shorter corollas (petals). Sometimes they reach the nectaries from larger flowers by piercing the base of the flower. This is a form of “nectar robbery” because it does not provide the essential service of pollination to the plant. Emeralds also take some small spiders and insects, especially females, which provide an important source of protein during the breeding season.
Puerto Rican Emeralds may visit local hummingbird feeders for some sugar water, or drink out of bird baths or water fountains where they will either hover and sip water, or they will perch on the edge and drink. Do you have Puerto Rican Emeralds visiting your yard? If not, entice these colorful gems by providing native flowering plants that they are fond of, like Malvaviscus penduliflorus (Turks cap, sleeping hibiscus, carriaquillo), Hamelia patens (firecracker bush, firebush), and Odontonema sp (cardinal’s guard). You can also enjoy their presence by providing a feeder. Just be sure to clean it and refill it every couple of days! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Puerto Rican Emerald!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Puerto Rican Emerald
The Puerto Rican Emerald‘s song is a repeated twittering phrase of high-pitched descending notes, tseereetseetseetsee-tslew-tslew-tslew-tslew-tslew. Calls include a constantly repeated high-pitched tsik and irregular series si..si..sik-sik…tsik. (other birds heard in this recording: Black-faced Grassquit, Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Vireo, Elfin Woods Warbler, Puerto Rican Woodpecker).
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Male Puerto Rican Emerald sipping nectar from a Star Vine Flower. (Photo by Rafy Rodriguez)Female Puerto Rican Emerald – note her white underparts. (Photo by Engie Photography)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Enjoy the videos below by Aves Puerto Rico Felpe. First, a male sipping nectar from flowers, including slow motion of the bird hovering while it feeds. The second incredible video shows a female feeding her chick, newly fledged and out of the nest, but still being fed by Mom. The third video shows 2 chicks (male and female) in the nest at 17 days old. Their feathers are growing and they will fledge soon – they are nearly too big for the tiny cup-like nest!
The female alone builds the nest using plant fiber, wild cotton, moss, cobweb and its saliva; and decorates it with lichens. She lays 2 eggs and incubates them for about 14-16 days. Chicks fledge (leave the nest) at about 20-22 days old.
Magnificent Frigatebirds soaring like big black kites overhead are a familiar sight throughout the Caribbean. These birds are also commonly seen harassing and stealing food from other seabirds—a behaviour known as kleptoparasitism—earning them the reputation of being ‘Pirates of the Skies’!
These days, a careful watcher might also see a Magnificent Frigatebird fitted with a small tracking device. These birds are part of an ongoing project, ‘Regional-scale Conservation through Multi-territory Tracking of Frigatebirds,’ for which a workshop was held recently in Anguilla. Following the workshop, one of the attendees, Jennifer Wheeler, caught up with one of the project co-leads, Dr. Rhiannon Austin, in order to talk more about the history of the project and this unique seabird.
Magnificent Frigatebird (male) in flight at the colony on Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. (Photo by Rhiannon Austin)
Jennifer, for BirdsCaribbean (BC): Hi Rhiannon. The workshop wrapped up just before COVID-19 shut down international travel. I’m glad you made it back to the UK—first off, how are you doing with coronavirus? I assume it has affected your work schedule?
Rhiannon: Thanks for asking! As in most places, it has changed things notably for us in the UK both professionally and personally, and we are all trying to adapt to the situation. I am currently employed as a Research Associate at the University of Liverpool, which has been shut since just after our workshop in mid-March, and we don’t know when it will reopen yet. Our fieldwork this season has been put on hold for now. However, we are doing our best to keep moving forwards and keep up communications. It is all about supporting each other.
BC: I believe we first crossed paths in mid-2016, when you were developing the proposal for the multi-island Frigatebird Project, but I think you had already started working in the region prior to that. What first brought you to the Caribbean?
Rhiannon: Yes, we corresponded in 2016, but met in person for the first time at BirdsCaribbean’s International Conference in Cuba, in July 2017, which was my first BC meeting. It was such a great experience and a fantastic opportunity to meet and hear from others working in the region. I first started working in the Caribbean in 2011, on a project with the Department of Environment (DoE) in the Cayman Islands that focused on Marine Protected Areas. Although my work on this project wasn’t related to seabirds, I became very interested in the seabird colonies on the islands, and always wanted to write a grant to go back and study them.
Team working at the Booby Pond Nature Reserve (Photo by Jessica Harvey)
I did this after my PhD in 2015, and our grant was funded! At the time of the BC conference in 2017, I was managing our Darwin Plus project in the Cayman Islands, which started as a two-year collaboration between the DoE, Universities of Liverpool and Exeter, and the National Trust of the Cayman Islands. The project aimed to gain essential information on the at-sea movements, population status, and ecology of breeding seabirds in this UK Overseas Territory (UKOT). I was lucky enough to be able to continue working on the seabird populations here after this funding ended—last year was our fourth field season. The hope is that our collaborative group can continue studying these important populations over the long-term to gain a fuller understanding of inter-annual variability in behaviour and population responses to environmental change.
Aerial View of the Booby Pond Nature Reserve on Little Cayman (Photo by Rhiannon Austin)
BC: So, your work with Cayman Islands frigatebirds led naturally to thinking about working across several islands?
Rhiannon: Exactly! The DoE and I started working together to tag and track frigatebirds in 2017. We collected some great data that really helped to improve our understanding of the at-sea movements and behaviour of this unique species during the breeding season. These data have also now been used to identify marine Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) during our Darwin Plus projects. We have discovered some interesting things about how Magnificent Frigatebirds from the Cayman Islands exploit their environment, including the tendency of birds to forage both coastally around reefs and sargassum drifts and within the open ocean. We have also detected sex-based differences in their foraging tactics, with males making more offshore trips than females when rearing chicks (you can check out our open access article in MEPS here).
Protecting this species is a real challenge as their large wingspans means that they have low energetic fight costs (i.e. they don’t have to use a lot of energy to beat their wings!), and therefore can forage over huge stretches of ocean. They don’t respect international boundaries and don’t need a passport(!), so it takes cooperative management from multiple nations to protect them across their entire range. The current project that I lead, along with Dr Jon Green at the University of Liverpool, really developed in response to these challenges. Our team wanted to do something to bring those working in the UKOTs together, to discuss ways to extend networks that will help to protect biodiversity. Frigatebirds are really a tool for helping to achieve this aim, as their unique traits make them a potential indicator species for marine biodiversity hotspots. They require better protection, as do multiple species and habitats within the Caribbean.
Rhiannon holding a tagged Magnificent Frigatebird on Little Cayman (Photo by Federico de Pascalis)
BC: Are all the Caribbean UKOTs involved in the current project?
Rhiannon: Yes, I am lucky enough to be working with partners in all 6 of the Caribbean UKOTs under the current project (Anguilla, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, Bermuda and Montserrat), as well as BirdsCaribbean who it is great to be partnering with. The recent workshop on Anguilla was attended by partners from all of these territories including the Anguilla National Trust (Anguilla), Department of Environment – Cayman Islands Government (Cayman Islands), Jost van Dykes Preservation Society (BVI), Department of Environment and Coastal Resources – Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands (Turks and Caicos), Department of Environment – Government of Montserrat (Montserrat), Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Government of Bermuda (Bermuda), and BirdsCaribbean (see photo). It was great to bring everyone together to discuss the work that we are doing, and how it might help with the large task of addressing conservation issues within marine and coastal environments in the UKOTs.
I’m currently combining and analysing data from multiple Caribbean frigatebird populations to investigate what habitats this species uses at sea and on land (where they like to roost and feed), and to predict suitable habitat across the region (including within areas that we have no data for). The hope is to use frigatebird tracking data in habitat modeling approaches to identify areas of ecological importance relevant to not only frigatebirds but other mobile marine vertebrates. There is another year and a half left on this project and it will end with a large workshop that our project team plans to host during the next BirdsCaribbean Conference in 2021. We hope to open this up to those working in non-UK states and territories in the Caribbean that are interested in seabirds and related conservation issues.
BC: Have you found partners outside of the UKOTs?
Rhiannon: Yes, I’ve recently started a collaborative project with NGOs and Government departments in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. They have large and important populations of seabirds in this area but desperately lack funds for monitoring and conservation. We were due to start preliminary work on this project during the spring/summer, but this had to be delayed for now because of recent events. However, we are committed to seeing this happen once borders open up again and it is safe to proceed. Through the Frigatebird Project, we have also recently started collaborating with some fantastic conservation and research organisations in the States (the Avian Research and Conservation Institute – ARCI) and Canada (University of New Brunswick / NSERC), who have worked on frigatebird populations in the Florida Keys and Barbuda, respectively. I am also always keen to make new connections with those interested in the spatial ecology and conservation of seabirds and other marine vertebrates in the region.
BC: Where are you finding funds for this work?
Rhiannon: This work is largely funded by the UK Government’s Darwin Plus grant scheme, which aims to fund local projects to help protect biodiversity and the natural environment in the UKOTs. The team and I at the University of Liverpool have been lucky enough to have undertaken a number of projects in the UKOTs supported by Darwin Plus, and I really hope that our collaborative group will continue to have success working under this scheme, as our conservation and research activities continue in the Caribbean. My work in Mexico is currently funded by an ‘Early Career Researcher’ grant provided by the University of Liverpool, but we hope to seek funds for longer-term work in the future.
Seabird Workshop Participants from left to right, back row: Tashim Fleming, Aaron Richardson, Susan Zaluski, Eric Salamanca, Jeremy Madeiros, Louise Soanes, Jane Haakonsson (remotely via video!), and Jonathan Green. Front row: Rhiannon Austin, Farah Mukhida, Ajherme White, Clarissa Lloyd, Giovanni Hughes, Jennifer Wheeler (Photo by Rhiannon Austin)
BC: Where would you like to see the project go in the future?
Rhiannon: We really hope that this project, and the outputs that it provides, will help to build new collaborations and working relationships amongst those in the UKOTs (and more widely) that have shared issues and/or knowledge that can be exchanged. The ultimate long-term goal is that this will lead to the development of transboundary management strategies. This a huge task and not an easy one that can be addressed in this project, as it requires involvement of so many nations and organisations. Here, we are starting by identifying training, data and management needs in the 6 UKOTS, and will then undertake supporting activities in these territories (for example, colony surveys or feasibility studies) that will hopefully lead to future funding and longer-term project work. Our final workshop in 2021 will focus on ‘Connectivity and Networks’, and it will be a great opportunity to make steps towards these objectives.
BC: Frigatebirds connect the Caribbean – and beyond. What else makes frigatebirds special?
Rhiannon: Frigatebirds are unique. If I could spend the rest of my lifetime studying them, I would be happy! They are very different from many other seabirds, both in terms of their at-sea behaviour and breeding strategies. Associated with this, they have evolved some intriguing morphological (body) characteristics. For example, they lack waterproofing on their feathers so are constrained to forage at the ocean’s surface. Because they don’t dive under the water, they also lack webbing on their feet, which are adapted for roosting in mangrove trees where they nest. Frigatebirds also have impressive wingspans which allow them to roam huge distances with ease, even when rearing chicks! They also have a very interesting breeding strategy. Females have much greater roles in parental care than males: while the male deserts the chick after only a few months, females may continue rearing chicks for over a year.
Frigatebirds get a lot of bad press because they regularly steal food from other birds. Did you know that the name ‘frigatebird’ and associated nickname ‘Man O’War bird’ refers to the warships favoured and feared by pirates between the 16th and 19th centuries? Personally, I think that this foraging tactic is fascinating and actually quite smart in an environment where prey distributions may not be predictable in time or space! Despite my obvious biases towards frigatebirds, we have a diversity of seabirds in the Caribbean (>20 species) that use a range of life history strategies to successfully exploit and breed in this environment. There is so much to learn. In addition to frigatebirds, I spend time working on boobies, gannets, and shearwaters, but the former remain my favourites!
Male Magnificent Frigatebirds at the colony on Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. (Photo by Rhiannon Austin)
BC: You have worked in other parts of the world, including the Mediterranean… how would you compare the two regions?
Rhiannon: I have always gravitated towards warmer climates, and I feel a strong affinity with the Caribbean. It is where I hope to be based in the long-term. I worked in the Mediterranean on shearwaters for 4 years, and the two regions do have some similarities. Both have high levels of biological connectivity between the many coastal habitats that they contain, and both experience high levels of human activity and associated pressures on their marine and coastal ecosystems.
As with the Caribbean, the Mediterranean has many conservation issues to overcome. However, there are a number of initiatives in the Mediterranean that we might be able to learn from to help with the particular challenges faced in the Caribbean. For example, recent efforts to undertake observer programmes onboard fishing vessels are helping to address bycatch of seabirds. Similarly, there are initiatives to identify and designate interconnected networks of MPAs. Spain’s efforts at site protection are a good example of this. Nevertheless, these types of conservation action only work if multiple stakeholders and nations work together in their efforts, which we all know is challenging. One of the reasons that I enjoy working in the Caribbean so much is its people, and the diversity of birds in the region, many of which we still know so little about. There is so much here to discover and protect!
BC: Do you have a favourite memory from the project that you would like to share?
Rhiannon: There are so many to choose from! Some funny and some just magical! I’ll give you one of both. I think one of my favourite ‘amusing’ memories was watching one of my research assistants (who hates fish) being regurgitated on by a frigatebird while in a very precarious position during work at the colony, which he could not move out of for about 10 minutes. He had to grin and bear being covered in half-digested fish while the rest of us tried desperately not to laugh as we worked!
Withholding regurgitates, the Booby Pond Nature Reserve on Little Cayman is one of my favourite places on earth! Working there over such extended periods of the year means that I am lucky enough to get to see sights and behaviour that few in this world observe. These include adults feeding their chicks, scuffles between nest neighbours, juveniles playing with nesting material in the sky, and fledglings finding their wings and taking off the first time! It is a privilege and an honour to work with such amazing creatures. The noise of the colony alone is something to behold! Imagining these sights and sounds is definitely a great way to find peace and calm while in lockdown in the UK (check them out in this video clip!).
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Red-legged Thrush
Found in the Bahamas 🇧🇸: Thrush; Cuba 🇨🇺: Zorzal Real; Dominican Republic 🇩🇴: Chua Chua, Haiti 🇭🇹i: Ouèt-ouèt; Puerto Rico🇺🇸: Zorzal Patirrojo; Cayman Islands 🇰🇾: Old Thruss, and Dominica🇩🇲: Pyé-jòn, this Caribbean endemic is similar in behavior to its North American counterpart, the American Robin. The Red-legged Thrush (Turdus plumbeus) is about 25-28 cm long. Its colors vary depending on what island you’re on, but it is always distinguished by its bluish-gray or slate gray upperparts, bright reddish-orange legs, red eye ring and white tail tips. Males are larger than females.
There are six subspecies (three described here). The Bahama race (T. plumbeus plumbeus) has a black throat, black bill and tail, mid-gray under parts and white chin patch. The Western Cuban, Isle of Pines and Cayo Coco sup species (T. p. rubripes) has a white chin, black throat, blackish to reddish bill, black tail, greyish breast and orange buff belly. The Hispaniola and Puerto Rican, subspecies (T. p. ardosiaceus) has a boldly striped throat, black tail with white tips, reddish orange bill, with greyish underparts.
The Red-legged Thrush inhabits forests, pinelands, scrub, shade coffee plantations, gardens, and residential areas. It is a common and year-round resident throughout most of its range. It is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, insects and small vertebrates like anole lizards and greenhouse frogs. It forages mainly on the ground, working through leaf litter to find invertebrates. Like the American Robin, it is a common visitor to gardens and lawns, hopping along with its tail held up.
Breeding behavior of the Red-legged Thrush is poorly understood and varies with subspecies, but pairs have been observed defending breeding territories. They build cup-shaped nests with roots, grasses, mosses and leaves. Three to four eggs are laid and chicks leave their nests about 15 days after hatching. Breeding may take place from January to September, but peaks from April to July. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Red-legged Thrush!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Red-legged Thrush
The Red-legged Thrush has a number of different calls, including a low weecha and high-pitched chu-week. The song is a melodious but monotonous series of two to three phrases similar to the Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus), but a bit more musical: chirri chirri eeyu chirr biyuyu … tewi …shooh tewi
Listen to the song of the Red-legged Thrush
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Red-legged Thrush in Cuba – this subspecies has a reddish-brown abdomen, white chin and black throat. (Photo by Aslam Ibrahim)Red-legged Thrush in Hispaniola – this subspecies has a whitish abdomen and boldly striped throat. (Photo by Dax Roman)Red-legged Thrush in the Bahamas – this subspecies has black throat with white chin patch and gray underparts. (Photo by Erika Gates)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Enjoy this lovely video of a Red-legged Thrush in Puerto Rico where it is a common resident. It is called and gray in Puerto Rico. You can hear a Black-whiskered Vireo calling in the background. Video by AvesPuertoRico Felpe.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Cuban Parrot
The Cuban Parrot, formerly known as the Rose-throated Parrot, is not actually endemic only to Cuba. It also occurs on two islands in the Bahamas (on Abaco and Great Inagua) and the Cayman Islands. It is a pigeon-sized parrot (~30 cm). Coloration varies between the islands but this attractive parrot is mostly green with a pinkish-red chin, throat, and cheeks, and purplish abdomen. The forehead and eye ring are white and flight feathers are soft blue. The bill and legs are yellow. Is a very noisy bird, especially when they are in flocks in the non-breeding season. During the breeding season they are usually in pairs.
In the Cayman Islands, the parrot is called the Cayman Parrot and it is the national bird of the Cayman Islands. In the Bahamas it is called the Bahama Parrot, and in Cuba – Cotorra Cubana.
In Cuba, the Cuban Parrot lives in dense woodland (including the Isle of Pines). It inhabits native broadleaf and pine woodlands in the Bahamas, and dry forest and agricultural areas in the Cayman Islands. The parrot has also been recorded in savannas with palm groves, mangroves, plantations and gardens. They eat a variety of fruits and seeds, including including gum elemi (Bursera simaruba), poisonwood berries, wild guava, mastic, white torch, mahogany seeds, and fruits of many species of palms. For nesting they mainly use old woodpecker nest holes and dead palms that have lost their foliage. The Abaco Island population has the unique behavior of nesting in limestone crevices in the ground, which makes them vulnerable to predation by feral cats and raccoons. Females lay 3-4 white eggs; breeding is from March to September.
The Cuban Parrot was formerly much more numerous and widespread. Christopher Columbus was so struck by the numbers of parrots when he made landfall in The Bahamas in 1492, that he wrote in his log, “flocks of parrots darken the sun.” Sadly, this parrot has been extirpated from much of its former range due to habitat destruction and capture for the pet bird trade. Hurricanes also kill birds and damage habitats. Some conservation actions have helped: such as the creation of the Abaco National Park in 1994 to protect the parrot and campaigns to educate people that capture of wild parrots is illegal and they should not be kept in cages. But more work is needed to ensure the long-term survival of this near-threatened species. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Cuban Parrot!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Cuban Parrot
The Cuban Parrot is very noisy, especially when perched in a flock. It has a wide variety of screeches and calls. In flight, it utters a harsh squawk squawk.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
The Cuban Parrot’s short rounded bill is characteristic of all true parrots. The bill is a powerful multi-purpose tool used for eating, climbing, defending, preening (grooming), and playing. (Photo by Ger Bosma)Four sub-species of Cuban Parrots are recognized: two in the Cayman Islands (Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac), one in Cuba, and one in the Bahamas. (Photo by Richard on Flickr)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Enjoy the videos below which show the Cuban (Bahama) Parrot in the wild. The first video shows a Cuban Parrot feeding on tamarind seed pods in Matanzas, Cuba. The Bahama Parrot video by Scott Johnson and the documentary from 2011 provide details on the threats to Bahama Parrots in Abaco and Great Inagua and research and conservation actions by the Bahamas National Trust to protect the parrot. The fourth video is QUINCY’S SONG – a rap song created for the first Rare campaign in the Bahamas to protect the Bahama Parrot in 1992.
Learn more about the Cuban Parrot in these articles:
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Antillean Siskin
Take a walk in a sun-filled, rolling meadow up in the mountains of the Dominican Republic (DR). If you’re lucky, you will see a small flock of beautiful black and yellow birds take flight. They emerge from their hiding place within the thick grasses to then swirl up and into the sunshine. These are Antillean Siskins. Contrary to what their name implies, they occur nowhere else but the island of Hispaniola.
Antillean Siskins are small chunky birds with a light yellow conical bill. Males have a distinctive black head and bright yellow collar and underparts. Their back is olive-green, the tail is black with two yellow patches. Females are olive-green above and yellowish-white below with grayish streaks. Antillean Siskins are incredible songsters. Check out the amazing ensemble of different sounds they can make below.
Antillean Siskins live in montane pine forest and grass savanna habitats in the border region of the DR and Haiti. They may wander down to other habitats at lower altitudes during the colder, non-breeding months of the year. Siskins feed on seeds from a variety of grasses, shrubs, and trees. They forage in small to large flocks. Breeding takes place in May and June. Pairs build a cup nest made of moss in bushes or the lower branches of pine trees.
Unfortunately, the “islands in the sky” that Antillean Siskins and other montane species call home are shrinking. The habitat is disappearing due to human encroachment. The next mountain top can be a long flight away, and is likely facing the same problems. It is up to us to protect their remaining habitat. We can also help with ongoing efforts to reforest Hispaniolan mountain forests and grassland habitats. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Antillean Siskin!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the songs and call of the Antillean Siskin
The Antillean Siskin sings an amazingly eclectic song (starting at 0:32) without seeming to take a breath, including a jut-jut, a shrill and buzzy zzhhreeeee, and a buzzy insect-like zzzzzzzzzt that is upward inflected.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Male Antillean Siskin (Photo by Dax Roman)Female Antillean Siskin (Photo by Dax Roman)
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this shirt video of a lovely male and female Antillean Siskin eating fruit – the white-fleshed pitahaya or dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), a species of Cactaceae.
Recent, tragic events serve as a stark reminder that racism and racial injustices continue to tear apart and divide communities around the world. Direct and indirect violence, discrimination, and oppression against black people cannot be tolerated.
Our hearts go out to those that have been—and continue to be—hurt and affected by these inhumane and heinous actions. We stand in solidarity with black communities demanding accountability, reform, and respect.
The BirdsCaribbean community, spread out across the Caribbean islands and around the world, strongly supports efforts to advance justice, peace, and unity, and we stand beside those who work so tirelessly to see these goals achieved.
Our organization will prioritize actions to become a bigger part of the collective solution moving forward, using our reach, influence, and mission to create the safest environment possible and most equitable treatment of our friends, colleagues, and partners.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Hispaniolan Woodpecker
Hispaniolan Woodpecker – friend or foe? This charismatic endemic is found all over the island of Hispaniola and has garnered quite the reputation for itself. With darting lemon yellow eyes, and sporting a flashy bee-striped back pattern, these loud birds can often be seen throwing their heads back and proclaiming a loud waaakkkkkaaaaa to the world. Unlike most woodpeckers they are very social, often nesting in loose colonies of up to 20 pairs. Pairs excavate a cavity for nesting and the adults in the colony defend the nesting tree. Pairs greet each other upon arrival to the cavity by swinging their heads from side to side.
Although Hispaniolan Woodpeckers prefer to build their nests in Royal Palm trees, many people misperceive this bird as a pest, believing it prefers Dominican homes. But it does not, and these birds are actually quite useful to keep around. First, they are valuable seed dispersers. They eat a variety of native fruits and through their poop, help to regenerate deforested palm savannah pastures. Second, they are fond of eating those pesky large cockroaches that many people are not too keen to host in their homes. Many people did not realize that the woodpecker provided these valuable ecological services. In the past, it used to have a bounty, with the government paying for each woodpecker tongue collected. Thankfully, even with a price on its head, the woodpecker has persisted, remaining a common and widespread bird.
Hispaniolan Woodpeckers are buffy dark-olive below, their back is covered in yellow and black stripes. Males have a red crown and nape while females have a black crown and red nape. Their tail base is brilliantly red while the tail itself is black. The rump is olive-grey. Males are larger than females and their bill size is ~20% bigger. They eat insects, fruit, and seeds taken through gleaning, probing and pecking on trees, bushes, epiphytes and cacti.Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Hispaniolan Woodpecker
The Hispaniolan Woodpecker is quite vocal, emitting a range of sounds including yapping, squeaking, rolling and nasal calls. They give a long series of up to 23 notes in long-distance communication. Drumming is done only occasionally.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Hispaniolan Woodpecker eating bananas (Photo by Jose Miguel Pantaleon)Female Hispaniolan Woodpecker (Photo by Jose Miguel Pantaleon)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a male Hispaniolan Woodpecker feeding by probing and pecking on a tree trunks to find insects.
This video has some great footage of a female Hispaniolan Woodpecker perched on a tree trunk and calling repeatedly.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Elfin-woods Warbler
The Elfin-woods Warbler is a rare bird found only in mountain forests in Puerto Rico. Describing it as an elusive bird is an understatement—the warbler avoided discovery until 1969 and was not described as a new species until 1973! This could in part be due to its similarity to the Black-and-White Warbler, which migrates through Puerto Rico. The species was named after Angela Kepler, one of its discoverers. It is the last new species to be described for the region.
The Elfin-woods Warbler is a small bird with black and white plumage. Adults have a black crown and back, incomplete white eye ring, thin white eyebrow and 2 white wing bars. The underparts are white, with black streaks on the throat, breast and flanks. The sexes look alike but males tend to have larger amounts of black streaking on the breast and throat. Juveniles have a similar pattern as the adults, but the black is replaced by grayish-green on the back and yellowish-green on their heads and underparts.
The Elfin-woods Warbler can be differentiated from the Black-and-white Warbler by the absence of white streaks on its back and different black and white pattern on the head. Their behavior also differs: Black-and-white Warblers creep along the trunks of trees whereas Elfin-woods Warblers glean small insects from leaves and small branches of trees and bushes. It moves rapidly among ravines and dense understory of its preferred habitat in moist montane dwarf forest. It often flocks together with other birds – this may also explain how it remained undetected for so many years.
Its current range is limited to just two locations, Maricao Commonwealth Forest and El Yunque National Forest, in the western and eastern parts of Puerto Rico, respectively. The species is listed as Endangered due to its small range and declining population size. The main threat is ongoing loss and modification of its prime forest habitat, even in protected areas. Since the 1980s, the construction of communication infrastructure (e.g., cell phone, microwave and radio towers) and roads, as well as expanded recreation facilities, continues to destroy and fragment its dwarf forest habitat. Conservationists are trying to create a biological corridor that they hope will increase the Elfin-woods Warbler’s range.
The species’ common name in Spanish Reinita de Bosque Enano refers to the place where it was discovered as well as to its size. In Puerto Rico most people call small birds “Reinita” and “del Bosque Enano” refers to the dwarf forest where it was seen for the first time. It is one of the 12 species of New World warblers exclusively found in the Caribbean region. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Elfin-woods Warbler!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Elfin-woods Warbler
The Elfin-woods Warbler”s song is a series of short, rapidly uttered, unmusical notes on one pitch, increasing in volume and ending with a short series of distinct double notes. It also produces a short metallic “chip” call and a contact call which is similar to the song but without the double-note ending.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Elfin Woods Warbler (Photo by Gloria Archilla)Elfin Woods Warbler (Photo by Gloria Archilla)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Check out the great video of the rare Elfin-woods Warbler moving through the forest vegetation and gleaning insects from the leaves and branches. This video was recorded in the Maricao State Forest (Monte del Estado).
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: White-breasted Thrasher
With a chocolate brown back, striking white chest, and piercing red eye, the White-breasted Thrasher is not among the flashiest of Caribbean birds, but it is certainly among the most elegant. This plumage, its pervasive alarm calls, and namesake habit of thrashing through the leaf litter in search of invertebrate prey makes the thrasher unmistakable among birds in the dry forest.
“One of the rarest birds in the West Indies,” is how James Bond described the thrasher in the early 20th century, and the species is still rare today. Found only in Saint Lucia and Martinique, where it is known as Gòj Blan and Moqueur Gorge Blanche, respectively, there are fewer than 2,000 thrashers left. Its dry forest habitat has been fragmented by large-scale development for tourism. It has also been degraded by small-scale timber extraction and livestock grazing. In addition, non-native mammalian predators such as rats, mongoose, and cats have invaded the habitat. These invasive mammals prey on thrashers and other wildlife and are a major cause of the species decline.
Despite being Endangered, however, this bird is not particularly difficult to see if you find yourself in the dry forest. This is partly because they are noisy, but also because they often live in large family groups, a unique behavior called cooperative breeding. Rather than dispersing to breed independently as most birds do after they fledge, some thrasher offspring from one year forgo breeding to help their parents in raising offspring (their siblings) in the next few years. One consequence of this behavior is extremely short dispersal distances, which in turn, has resulted in a lack of gene flow between the two island populations. Should the two subspecies of thrashers in Saint Lucia and Martinique be split into separate species? Probably…stay tuned! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the White-breasted Thrasher!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the White-breasted Thrasher
The White-breasted Thrasher’s call is a short, harsh, rasping (tschhh). It also has a more complex song. Thrashers are particularly noisy when defending a territory, using persistent and variable cries, both metallic and nasally.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
The White-breasted Thrasher forages on the ground, making it vulnerable to predators like invasive rats, mongoose, and cat. It tosses aside leaf litter in search of small invertebrates, particularly insects. It also feeds on berries, fruits, and even small lizards and tree frogs. (Photo by David Belfan)The White-breasted Thrasher often droops its wings and may twitch or flick them when excited or curious. (Photo by Hank Tseng & Adams Toussaint)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: See the White-breasted Thrasher in action! This foraging bird was filmed in Martinique. You can see how it tosses aside leaf litter to find insects and other food items.
BirdsCaribbean is excited to announce a new collaboration with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that gives our members FREE access to Birds of the World – the best website for comprehensive information on all of the world’s species of birds.
Birds of the World is a powerful new online resource that brings together scholarly content from four celebrated works of ornithology into one rich and colorful hub where you can find comprehensive, authoritative information on birds. All of the information from Birds of North America and Neotropical Birds (originally published by the Cornell Lab) has been merged with information from Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive and Bird Families of the World (originally published by Lynx Edicions) into one online platform.
With the integration of millions of bird observations from eBird and images from the Macaulay Library, Birds of the World is the most powerful ornithological resource ever created. It’s a single platform where biologists, birders, and anyone with an interest in birds can explore comprehensive life history information on birds.
Every Bird has a Story
Cuban Tody (photo by Wayne Fidler; Macauley Library ML 98811491)
The platform includes 249 bird family accounts, and species accounts for all 10,721 known species. Content includes topics such as description, taxonomy, distribution, habitat, diet, behavior, breeding, movement, and more. All species accounts have range maps and a growing number have “intelligent maps”—science-based abundance maps and animated migration maps (created from eBird data). Magnificent colour plates from many of the world’s top illustrators are backed up by the massive Macaulay Library resource – a media asset of photographs, video and audio recording. Every species displays its IUCN conservation status and additional ornithological notes as appropriate. The common species names are even available in more than 50 languages!
And here’s a neat feature – because it is linked to eBird, when you are logged into Birds of the World each species account shows a blue badge indicating whether or not you’ve seen, photographed, or taken audio recordings of the bird. If you’re not yet an eBird user, now is a perfect time to sign up and start using this wonderful app to find birds, keep track of the birds, and contribute to science! And if you’re in the Caribbean be sure to use our special eBird Caribbean portal.
The Birds of the World home page has a few species accounts that are available for a free preview, allowing you to check out all the great info available on this site.
One overriding feature of the resource is that it will be constantly revised by ornithologists to include the latest taxonomic revisions and latest information about each species.
ALL OF THIS FOR FREE TO BIRDSCARIBBEAN MEMBERS
Thanks to our partnership with Cornell, full access to Birds of the World (BOW) is available for free to all current (2020) and Life members of BirdsCaribbean. So make sure you are a member to take advantage of this unique offer! Click here to become a NEW member.Click here to RENEW your membership. Once you become a member it may take several days to activate your access to Birds of the World – please be patient!
If you are not sure of your membership status, please contact our Administrative Assistant Delores Kellman, and she will be able to help you.
How to access Birds of the World: Current BirdsCaribbean members with an eBird account should simply use your ebird username login and password to sign in. If you have forgotten your username or password or have trouble logging in, please review this page to gain access. If you don’t have an ebird login but are a member of BirdsCaribbean, you’ll be getting an email from us with instructions on how to log in.
Contribute to Birds of the World
In exchange for free access to all BirdsCaribbean members, we have agreed to adopt and update a set of the Caribbean species each year. So would you like to contribute to Birds of the World? BOW is keen to use species experts to help author the species accounts. If you are interested in helping or would like to learn more, contact: Justin Proctor (justin.proctor@birdscaribbean.org), Managing Editor of the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology and Vice President of BirdsCaribbean.
Why Join BirdsCaribbean?
Not only will you have access to Birds of the World, but you will receive other benefits as well, such as discounts on our meetings, programs, and materials; the opportunity to meet and network with scientists, birders, educators, and conservationists across the region; and the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping in our urgent fight to save habitats from destruction and birds from extinction. Your membership also supports the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, an open access, peer-reviewed journal covering all aspects of ornithology within the Caribbean region.
Note that annual membership in BirdsCaribbean costs less than an annual subscription to Birds of the World.
Your membership helps our efforts to raise awareness, train and mentor conservation professionals, support research and monitoring, and engage people in citizen science and conservation actions. We look forward to welcoming many new members as well as welcoming back lapsed members!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Zapata Sparrow
The Zapata Sparrow (in Cuba: Cabrerito de la Ciénaga) is one of three endemic Cuban birds discovered in 1926 by the Spanish naturalist, Fermín Zanón Cervera. Apparently it had a much wider distribution in the past but now just three small populations persist in three widely separated areas. They are each considered different subspecies belonging to endemic genus Torreornis. The earliest known population was discovered by Cervera in the Zapata Swamp. A second population was found in the Guantanamo province in southeast Cuba in the 1950s. The third population was finally discovered in the Cayo Coco Cays on the north coast in the 1970s.
Zapata Sparrows are plump sparrows with yellow underparts, a white throat, and a dark mustache stripe. The crown is dark reddish-brown and upperparts are olive-gray. The Zapata and Cayo Coco races are quite similar, with bright colors. The race from the coastal area east of Guantánamo is duller with the crown almost gray. The three races live in quite different habitats. In the Zapata Swamp they live in sawgrass prairie that is flooded about half the year. In Cayo Coco, they inhabit coastal scrub and low forest, and in Baitiquirí (Guantánamo) they live in low thorn scrub with cacti and scattered trees (this is the most arid part of Cuba).
Zapata Sparrows are usually seen in pairs, sometimes accompanied by a third individual. They are weak fliers due to having short and rounded wings. Pairs appear to defend a territory year-round. During the dry season they feed primarily on seeds, fruits, and flowers, but in the wet season they expand their diet to include animal matter such as insects, caterpillars, moths, spiders, snail eggs, and even small lizards. They nest from April to June, and lay two eggs in a cup shaped nest, usually less than one meter from the ground.
Because of their small ranges and population sizes, all three races are vulnerable to natural threats like hurricanes, and human-caused impacts such as ongoing habitat loss and degradation. The Zapata Sparrow is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Special care must be taken to ensure that the habitat in the 3 areas where it occurs is not damaged or developed. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Zapata Sparrow!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Zapata Sparrow
The Zapata Sparrow’s typical call is a high-pitched metallic trill tziii-tzziii-tzziii repeated at intervals while the pair forages.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Zapata Sparrow (Photo by Aslam Ibrahim)Zapata Sparrow (Photo by Rafy Rodriguez)
A lovely video of the handsome Zapata Sparrow, perched on a branch during a windy day in the Zapata Swamp. The bird turns once so that we get a great view of its front and back:
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Golden Swallow
If you ever get the chance to go birding in the mountains of the Dominican Republic (DR) or Haiti, you’ll want to add Golden Swallows to your list of birds to see. It’s not uncommon for people to spend hours watching these amazing birds fly around open meadows where they feed. They twist, turn, and dive through the air with incredible grace and precision as they hunt for airborne insects—their primary food source. These little aerial acrobats weigh only 13 grams—the same as a AAA battery—which allows them to maintain flight for a long time with limited effort!
As for their name, the debate of whether this swallow’s colouring better matches its English common name (golden) or its Spanish common name (verde = green) is a fierce one. We’ll settle it right here—they are both! The colours you see on their upperparts are ever-changing as they fly around and catch the sunlight at different angles. In a few seconds you might observe a blue-ish sheen changing to a golden iridescence that then changes to an olive-green!
Because of their erratic flight, it’s challenging to get a good look at a Golden Swallow with binoculars! Instead, you might do better if you can locate one of their nests. They are secondary cavity nesters, which means that they nest in cavities already built. So look for them using old woodpecker holes in dead snags, as well as rocky cliff sides that offer small crevices for nesting. Like many other types of cavity nesting birds (ex. bluebirds and flycatchers), Golden Swallows will sometimes use man-made nest boxes. Scientists in the DR have been successful at attracting Golden Swallows to nest boxes. This has helped them to study the birds and figure out how best to protect them. It turns out that conservation of these swallows is definitely needed!
Although once found in small numbers on the neighboring island of Jamaica, Golden Swallows are now found only on the island of Hispaniola. We don’t know why they have disappeared from Jamaica, but it could be for the same reasons that other swallow species are declining. Swallows feed on insects, and we now know that insects worldwide have been decreasing at alarming rates for a long time. This is from destruction of native habitats as well as the widespread use of insecticides (also called pesticides). Truth be told, we’ve become too good at killing insects, and we’re only now waking up to the realization that our ecosystems depend on them. The good news is that there is an easy way that everyone can help: plant as many native plants as you can on your property. Native plants attract native insects (not pest insects!), and these insects provide lots of food (filled with protein!) for MANY different bird species.
Try to replace lawn space that you don’t use with native trees and bushes. Lead or join community efforts to add more native greenery to your neighborhood. Let’s work together to rebuild the food web from the bottom up to help conserve our birds! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Golden Swallow!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Golden Swallow
The flight call of the Golden Swallow sounds like tchee-weet.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Golden Swallow perched on a nest box in the DR, showing blue, green and golden colours on is back and head! (Photo by Eladio Fernandez)Golden Swallow (Photo by Dax Roman)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Insects are an important food resource for many species of birds. Can you match the pictures of 8 insects with the name of the insect? How many types of insects can you find in your backyard or neighborhood? Do our Insect Matching Activity and then check your answers with the Answer Key.
If you need help identifying them, download Seek, by iNaturalist, a very cool mobile app that can help you identify insects, plants, amphibians, lizards, birds, mammals, and more!
FOR KIDS & ADULTS:
The free ebook, Heritage Plants, is a guide for backyard beautification and habitat restoration using native Caribbean plants and trees.
Learn about key native plants that are beneficial to native and migratory birds with our eBook: Heritage Plants: Native Trees and Plants for Birds and People in the Caribbean. The plants highlighted in this book are perfect for backyard gardens, neighborhood landscaping, and other habitat restoration projects big and small. Browse the book, get inspired, and find new plants to grow in your backyard! Check with your local Forestry Department as they may have some of these plants available at no cost. Available in both English and Spanish!
The Golden Swallow website – lots of great information here on the work that researchers have done with these swallows over the last ten years.
Video of Golden Swallows at their nest box, in flight, feeding chicks, and more! This video highlights the best footage that scientists were able to capture across three summers of research in the Dominican Republic. Most of the video is on the breeding population in the Parque Valle Nuevo, with a glimpse of the population at Aceitillar.
Enjoy the video below from Cockpit Country, Jamaica.This is the last place that Golden Swallows were seen on in Jamaica before they disappeared. Watch the morning fog slowly drift away and listen to all of the birds waking up in the lush jungle below.
Read about Justin Proctor’s marvelous adventures and findings from field work on the Golden Swallow in the DR and Jamaica!
Music producer Robin Perkins of Shika Shika fuses birdsong with art to benefit the conservation of Caribbean birds! Shika Shika is a record label without owners for music without borders.
My name is Robin. I’m a music producer, an environmentalist, and a long-time bird lover. From the name on my passport, to the name I use on stage, El Búho (the owl in Spanish), birds have always been part of my life. There is something magical and fascinating in their freedom, their diversity and, of course, their song…
Robin Perkins (El Búho) co-founded Shika Shika in 2015 with Agustín Rivaldo (Barrio Lindo) to showcase the new wave of music appearing in cities around the world, inspired by the meeting between folk tradition and modern electronic production. “We love music that brings together worlds, that knows no borders or genre boundaries and that is pushing the fusion between rhythms, cultures, sounds, languages and ideas. We believe in people, we believe in collaboration and we believe in the power of music to impact our lives and our planet.”
I first started making music some five years ago, mixing traditional Latin American sounds with electronic music. I soon became fascinated with the idea of incorporating the incredible soundscapes of the natural world into my music and released my first EP: four tracks inspired by the song of four Latin American birds. This was the start of a beautiful journey that gave birth to “A Guide to the Birdsong”…
The project, which began in my small flat in Amsterdam in 2014, had a simple aim: to persuade a group of musicians or electronic music producers from a particular region of the world to create a piece of music inspired by the song of an endangered bird. Ten exciting artists paired with ten endangered birds. We would crowdfund the production of the album, the artwork and the vinyls. All of the profits would be donated to organizations working to protect these species.
The reaction for this first compilation, “A Guide to the Birdsong of South America” was incredible: we smashed our Kickstarter target, sold out of everything and raised almost US$15,000 for the non-profit environmental organizations Aves Argentinas and Ecuador’s Fundación de Conservación Jocotoco.
The story and the concept captured people’s imagination, drawing their attention to the plight of these beautiful species and their disappearing songs. The amazing music and eye-catching artwork supported concrete actions to preserve these endangered birds and their habitats.
Fast-forward five years and we are on the verge of releasing Volume II: “A Guide to the Birdsong of Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean.” The concept is the same but we have migrated north and shifted our focus to a new flock of species and artists. The movement has also grown with us as we met our crowdfunding goal by over 400%!
The resulting album, which will be released on June 26th, features ten tracks from artists from across the region. For example, Caribbean musicians such as Jamaica’s Equiknoxx and Cuba’s DJ Jigüe worked with the songs of the Jamaican Blackbird and the Zapata Wren. And Maracuya in the Dominican Republic composed the song for the Bay-breasted Cuckoo.
Zapata Wren and Jamaican Blackbird Artwork
We are very happy to partner with BirdsCaribbean as one of our three beneficiaries. This organisation is committed to protecting not only birds and their habitats, but also all that is unique and authentic about the islands. The profits from the album will go to support their Caribbean Birding Trail project, which aims to promote authentic travel experiences that highlight birds and culture, benefit local people, and encourage the protection of the Caribbean’s unique birds and natural resources.
I have always firmly believed in the power of art and music as a tool for change, to deliver a message and raise awareness. My hope is that this project can go some way towards supporting those doing an incredible job in preserving birds, their habitats, and their songs for the generations to come.
Here’s a taste of the album – it’s the song for the Black Catbird (found in Mexico) – one song that has been released from the album thus far:
Editor’s Note:Robin Perkins is the creator of Shika Shika, a record label without owners for music without borders. Their mission is to bring together producers from around the world exploring the line between organic and electronic music. The platform aims to foster global collaboration between artists, designers, videographers, product designers and creative minds across continents.
We are so excited and honored to be partnering with Robin and Shika Shika on this amazing project! Thank you, Robin, and thanks to all for supporting this project! Below are images of the 3 endangered Caribbean endemic birds whose bird song is incorporated into the music on the album. Proceeds from the sale of the album, t-shirts, and artwork will benefit conservation of these birds through our Caribbean Birding Trail project.
The Bay-breasted Cuckoo is endemic to Hispaniola. This large active cuckoo is distinguished by its dark reddish-brown throat and breast and thick curved bill. (photo by Jorge Brocca)
The Zapata Wren is endemic to Cuba and is found only in the Zapata Swamp. (photo by Alvaro Jaramillo)The Jamaican Blackbird lives in the forests of Cockpit Country and the Blue and John Crow Mountains of Jamaica. It is threatened by loss of habitat from bauxite mining, clearing of forest for agriculture, etc. (photo by Judd Patterson)
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Palmchat
The Palmchat is endemic to and widespread on the island of Hispaniola (Cigua Palmera in the Dominican Republic and Oiseau Palmiste in Haiti). It is a noisy and conspicuous bird, easily seen in flocks in treetops throughout the island. The Palmchat is a very special bird because it is the only member of its family (Dulidae) and genus. Owing to its unique taxonomic status, the Palmchat is the National Bird of the Dominican Republic.
Palmchats are chunky birds, approximately 8 inches in size, dark brown above with an olive green wash on the wings. The belly is cream-colored with heavy brown streaking.You wouldn’t guess from their rather drab appearance that they are the social butterflies of the bird world. They live in societies with up to 50 or more members, all sharing communal roosting and nesting space atop palm trees in large stick-mounds. The communal nest is divided up into multiple nesting chambers, each pair has its own chamber. Nesting mainly occurs in the spring and summer months, but Palmchats industriously maintain the nest and supply new sticks throughout the year as they continue to use it for roosting and socializing.
While the Palmchat is considered a songbird, it does not so much sing as it does chatter and chirp with members of its community or flock. They have a broad vocabulary of sounds including different types of alarm calls that tell their neighbors whether to focus on a threat on the ground or in the air. They even imitate the calls of hawks and kestrels. Palmchats are also some of the most important seed dispersers in habitats where they live—they move often through open landscapes and help forests regenerate. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Palmchat!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Palmchat
The Palmchat’s call is a noisy array of strange call notes, especially when around the nest.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Palmchat, National Bird of the Dominican Republic, feeding on berries. (Photo by Dax Roman)The Palmchat is a very special bird because it is the only member of its family (Dulidae) and genus.(Photo by Dax Roman)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Play Bird Bingo in your backyard! Look out for hazards and predators and keep your eyes peeled for food and nest materials. Parents – help your kids enjoy and learn about nature in your own backyard and neighborhood. Print the Bird Bingo game cards and play with the whole family!
Learn more about the important role that birds like the Palmchat play in reforesting the forest in these fascinating articles by ornithologist Spencer Shubert:
Emma Lewis, writer and member of our Media Working Group, shares with us the unexpected joy and camaraderie we all felt birding “together” on May 9th, Global Big Day. Here is her report on the day’s adventures with photos and quotes from around the world.
Lisa and Mike Sorenson morning selfie on GBD, coldest May 9th on record! (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
On a humid, overcast day in Panama City, Beny Wilson settled down on his balcony with a mug of coffee—“on lockdown.” At the same time, birding colleagues in the Bahamas, also on stay-at-home orders, ventured no further than sunny verandahs and verdant gardens. Meanwhile up in Massachusetts, BirdsCaribbean Executive Director, Lisa Sorenson, put on a brave face as chilly gale force winds blew around her in the Westborough Wildlife Management Area.
All of these birdwatchers were connected by one goal, one event—Global Big Day 2020—a worldwide event in which birders set out to observe the most species of birds they possibly can see in a 24-hr period. However, this year the day came during unusual times, presenting new challenges, but also offering new rewards. There may never be another like it!
Birding “On Lockdown”
“Who thought we’d see the day that we were restricted to birding from our backyard?” said Kelsey from Cayman Birding—adding: “Although current COVID restrictions in the Cayman Islands made counting birds and numbers of species a lot harder, the challenge itself was worth it and definitely an experience to remember.”
Anneke Mace and her young birder in New Zealand (Photo by Anneke Mace)
With the Caribbean and much of the world still in “lockdown”, Global Big Day did not seem very promising at first. But the non-profit, BirdsCaribbean, decided to create a campaign to promote safe birding and raise funds for conservation—connecting people through virtual teams so as to promote friendly competition and comradery among birders who would need to be birdwatching alone this year. The days leading up to the event proved that people were excited to be involved, and come May 9th, competing teams spread their nets far and wide.
As May 9 dawned, Anneke Mace in New Zealand (a member of the phenomenal Flying Pintails team) had already completed her morning session with her baby—a “birding buddy who offered a lot of smiles, but not a single bird sighting.” Well, it’s early days yet.
Team Rivalry Heated Up
The rivalry was intense, but after all of the bird checklists were tallied several days later, the Flying Pintails were declared the winners, with a total of 865 species, 78 of which were species endemic to the West Indies. The other BirdsCaribbean teams put up valiant efforts, contributing hundreds of checklists and many additional species seen from around the world. They are eager for a rematch next time around! These included the Florida-based Spoonbills Dream Team; the President’s Perch, headed by BirdsCaribbean President Andrew Dobson; Cayman Backyard Birders; the Dark-eyed Junkies of Arkansas; the Far-Flung Flock of Friends, with members from Britain to Brazil; and the Catbirds and Dogbirds.
Scarborough, on the Cape Peninsula south of Cape Town (Photo by Claire Spottiswoode)
The Flying Pintails Team—88 members strong (including myself)—had a lot of fun and a lot of great adventures. The team’s WhatsApp group was buzzing with activity from the get-go, with Claire Spottiswoode sending in early reports from the Cape Peninsula in South Africa (total of 44 species observed). Virtual hugs were exchanged from the tip of Africa to team members far and wide. A photograph of warm African highlands (“The Orange-breasted Sunbirds flitting among the Erica flowers and the wing-flicking familiar Chats”) contrasted strongly with team member Jeff Gerbracht’s photo of a snow-covered field in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.
From my personal vantage point—our hot, dusty yard in Kingston, Jamaica—it was astonishing to see birding colleagues to the north battling the ever-deteriorating weather. “We’re freezing!” they cried, as the sun burned down on our city (now entering drought mode, with bush fires threatening). From either end of the two extremes, these were not perhaps ideal conditions for bird-watching, but perseverance was the name of the game. At home, our two dogs, Freddie and Lulu, lent moral support and searched the yard for cats.
“Today will be my first totally urban GBD,” commented team mate Beny Wilson; he had a nesting Ruddy Ground-Dove for company, obeying stay-at-home rules as well. We all enjoyed some lively Latin music in a video sent from Beny, as his binoculars stood ready for more great sightings. By contrast, in Maine, sleet splashed the windshield as intrepid birders, already inspired by colleagues’ contributions, headed to Mousam River estuary in Kennebunkport. Red-breasted Mergansers, Willet, and Red-throated Loons showed up to warm their hearts, but not so much their bodies.
Mathias Deming, braving the ridiculous weather in Maine on May 9th. Mathias is young birder friend of Charles and Laura – they called him their “secret weapon.” (photo by Laura Blutstein)
“Bahama Strong” Made a Strong Showing
Global Big Day in the Bahamas was curtailed by their 24-hour COVID-19 lockdown on several islands. But you can’t keep a good birder down, and Pericles Maillis (and family) did their best—reminiscing on a baby Osprey spotted on Goulding Cay the Day-Before-Global-Big-Day (no, sorry, that doesn’t count, Pericles!) and posting a nesting bird on his verandah, as well as an adorable photo of his granddaughter in ballet dress against a backdrop of Bahama Pintails. Meanwhile, Erika Gates did a series of outings in her garden in a beautifully branded outfit. “I’ll be out until the Antillean Nighthawks are ‘singing!’” she posted, reporting at the end of the day: “Four checklists between 6:23 am and 8 pm, total of 6 hours from our garden at home (600 x 250 sq feet) on beautiful “Grand” Bahama—total of 32 species! Birds conforming to Lockdown!”
Erika Gates ready for her third outing under “lockdown” in her garden on Grand Bahama
Martha Cartwright reported: “Locked into our yards for the weekend, Bahamas strong. From East fence to West fence, three times today, 2.5 hours, maybe 208 steps. Heart rate stayed at sluggish. Only garden homies to report, but nice to be part of such a brilliant team. Don’t deserve a drink but will have one anyway.”
Bahama Woodstar spotted in New Providence, Bahamas. (Photo by David Maillis)
Despite their limitations, Bahamians came in second for most birds seen in the Caribbean after Cuba, and ahead of Puerto Rico—from where Adrianne Tossas received virtual “abrazos,” from a forested hillside, from Esteban Marquez in Venezuela.
Babies, Birds…and Baby Birds
A stunning Purple Gallinule on Michiel Oversteegen’s checklist in Aruba. (photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
Another couple with baby in tow, Joanne and Glenroy Gaymes, set out on a hot day in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and observed:“Considering the state of the world right now, it gave us an opportunity to appreciate the beauty in front of us and make the best of what we have.”
And how were the birds looking? Photographic contributions came from far and wide. A Catbirds and Dogbirds team member reporteda Black-chinned Hummingbird trying to convince a female he was worthy of her love. In Venezuela, a Bat Falcon was observed from a window eating a Grey-breasted Martin (see video below) and a Pearl Kite was also tucking into some breakfast. In Trinidad, a Ferruginous Pygmy Owl looked sleepy and inscrutable and an early morning Tropical Kingbird was accused of being noisy (so, what is new for a Kingbird?).
Bat Falcon eating a Grey-breasted Martin in Venezuela (Video by Josmar Marquez)
A distant Ostrich (“the Flying Pintails’ only ratite”) was spotted on the Cape Peninsula of South Africa. Then up popped a Bee Hummingbird in Cuba—the smallest bird in the world; what a contrast! In Barbuda, John Mussington reported “lots” of Barbuda Warblers “right outside my window”—welcome news, while in neighboring Antigua a very young Bananaquit surveyed his new world from a low branch. A splendid Spotted Rail was among several rails seen by the Cuban team, who recorded more than 70 species, both at home and a little further afield. A “Dark-eyed Junkie,” Kate Chapman, fell in love with “the fledglings in my yard: Eastern Bluebirds, Carolina Chickadees, Carolina Wrens, and Downy Woodpeckers. Total of 13 bitty fledglings! Oh and my best mammalian bird was a playful muskrat!” Not to be outdone, a British birder from the Far-Flung Flock, Lee Ridley, spotted a Tawny Owl—at 4:00 a.m.!
Spotted Rail spotted in Cuba by Ernesto Reyes and Tania Pineiro. (Photo by Ernesto Reyes)
Some Birds Were Special
As a golden sunrise brightened the sky in Sacramento, California, a slowly awakening Lois Goldfrank realized she had 103 messages on the WhatsApp group. By that time, over on the east coast, Lisa and Mike Sorenson looked distinctly colder than earlier in the day, with noses turning pink—but sharing a lovely photo of a sweetly singing Rose-breasted Grosbeak. “Absolutely frozen!” Lisa posted, “41 degrees and 45 mph winds!” While down in Trinidad, Mark Hulme celebrated his fiftieth species of the day with a glass of rum.
A sweetly singing Rose-breasted Grosbeak in MA. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Some of us had our very special “Birds of the Day.” Mine was definitely the White-crowned Pigeon, a gorgeous bird that we see in our yard more and more often these days. This species (once very much a “country bird”) seems to be adapting very well to urban life, and can be seen flying over busy roads in the middle of the Kingston rush hour. For Wendy Lee, my colleague on Jamaica’s north coast, the lovely Caribbean Dove was her Bird of the Day. Both species are very valuable as seed dispersers. Erika Gates’ “Couple of the Day” were two courting Common Ground Doves—“a sign of hope as all had perished in our garden in Hurricane Dorian, except for one who finally found a mate.” Down south in Bonaire, Susan Davis’ prayer for a Crested Caracara was granted some 30 seconds later: “A Crested Caracara soared out of nowhere and crossed in front of my car. I put my eyes heavenward one more time, and silently said, ‘Thank you, God.’”
The beautiful White-crowned Pigeon was on the backyard bird list for a few birders in the Caribbean. (photo by Erika Gates)
President’s Caribbean Team Members—Signs of Indiscipline!
So, the Flying Pintails flew away with top honours. A close rival and the team leader of President’s Perch, BirdsCaribbean President Andrew Dobson, commented dryly on seeing the results of the competition: “If I’d known it was that close, I would have tried harder.” His team underwent Zoom training events ahead of the Big Day and participants were advised to not party too late the night before the Big Day. Andrew commented, “Tania Pineiro in Cuba obviously misunderstood my English as she recorded two species of owl just after midnight.”
Other Caribbean team members broke one of the President’s many rules: “Folks in the Caribbean enjoyed the best of the weather but there were serious challenges of staying awake and refraining from alcohol (team rule #48). Martyn Kenefick didn’t read that far as he sat on the balcony of Asa Wright Nature Reserve [in Trinidad] with rum punch in hand—tough posting.” It is rumored that the President may defect to the Pintails, next time around; but somehow I feel his 21-country team may come back with extra determination. There are more “big birding days” on the horizon to contemplate!
Urban Life: Not Only About Humans
Beny Wilson reflected from his balcony: “This year quarantine forced us to look inward: towards the Urbe. The urban that has not respected the natural, assuming that natural is not human and human is not natural. Today, with this exercise, the world realizes the big mistake we have made. We understand by rediscovering that the urban is home to much life beyond human. Watching so much wildlife live well in the urban means we can live well too!”
Beny on his balcony in eBird gear (Photo by Beny Wilson)
eBird’s Jeff Gerbracht commented, “It’s so exciting to live vicariously through everyone’s bird adventures!” Perhaps this was what was so special about Global Big Day 2020. We were all communicating, sharing, laughing together, and most of all—seeing birds! For those who are going through anxious times at the moment, it was a day that lightened the heart and soul. The general consensus was that we should do it again. It brought us all together in surprising ways. As Andrew Dobson put it, “A great day’s birding—an impressive list of birds, new birding friends made, and funds raised for BirdsCaribbean.”
Thank you, take care and stay safe, all the birders out there.
Thanks to Emma Lewis, blogger, social and environmental activist, and avid birder based in Jamaica for this wonderful recap of Global Big Day! And thanks again to all who contributed to the fun and success of our first Global Big Day Fundraiser – both team members and generous donors!! If you have not yet had a chance to donate, it is not too late! We are still hoping to reach our goal of $20,000 raised for science and conservation of Caribbean birds. Click here to donate, and thanks!
Huge Santa Cruz, was part of the team birding at Macaw Lodge in Santa Cruz. He observed, “Many people, including experienced birders, added “lifers” to their lists, as well as noticed birds for the first time in new places—a result of needing to choose new locations to safely bird during this pandemic.”
Big thanks to Josmar Esteban Marquez for creating this wonderful recap of our Global Big Day – thanks to all who sent photos and videos!
Best Bird Staying at Home Photo: Ruddy Ground Dove in Panama City, Panama, by Beny Wilson
Spotted Rail spotted in Cuba by Ernesto Reyes and Tania Pineiro. (Photo by Ernesto Reyes)
Justin and Marisol started their GBD with some of Colombia’s finest Bird-Friendly coffee, as well as a shout-out to NPR (note the mug).
Cape May Warbler male in Erika Gates’ garden, Grand Bahama. (Photo by Erika Gates)
GBDer (Charles Duncan) bundled up in the most layers while surviving the most miserable weather: photo by Laura Blutstein — Massachusetts, USACharles Duncan braves horrific GBD weather in Maine to find birds!
“I had to escape from lockdown just to include some seabirds 😅” Adrianne Tossas (Puerto Rico)
Birder on Far Flung Flock braves the elements and enters her sightings in eBird.
Jennifer Mortensen and birding partner celebrating at the end of the day. (Photo by Jennifer Mortensen)
Common Ground Doves in Aruba (Photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
Joanna Gaymes and baby Maeson birding in Saint Vincent (Photo by Glenroy Gaymes)
John and Sonia Webster spent the day birding together in Barbuda, and their smiles are certainly prize-worthy!
Catriona (on President’s Perch team) had a snowy start in Ontario but is all smiles despite the cold!!!
Bee Hummingbird in Cuba on Adrian’s list at Casa Ana in Caleton.
A mixed brood of White-cheeked Pintails (the Flying Pintails team namesake) in Aruba showed up right on cue. (photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
Third Best Bird Photo goes to Susan Davis, for this shot of a Yellow-shouldered Parrot in Bonaire
Searching for Killdeer in Fayetteville, Arkansas (Photo by Jennifer Mortensen)
Get excited about seeing West Indian Whistling-Ducks in Puerto Rico in the summer of 2022! (Photo by Adrianne Tossas)
“I had to escape from lockdown just to include some seabirds 😅” Adrianne Tossas (Puerto Rico)
Andrew Dobson (Team Leader of President’s Perch) and family birding in the UK. (Photo by Andrew Dobson)
Black-crowned Night-Heron in Aruba (Photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
All citizens were taking precautions against the pandemic in Santa Cruz, CA. (photo by Lois Goldfrank)
Blackburnian Warbler looking smart in breeding plumage. (Photo by Seth Inman)
Cuban Trogon in Ernesto Reyes’ Garden in Los Hondones, Cuba (Photo by Ernesto Reyes)
American Oystercatcher eating breakfast in Aruba. (photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
Snowy Egret in Aruba (Photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
This is an adorable selfie of Jessica and Maydiel Cañizares birding in Massachusetts.
Yellow-shouldered Parrot having lunch in Bonaire. (photo by Susan Davis)
Jeff Gerbracht birding in the snow in upstate New York. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Osprey with Parrotfish catch in Bonaire. (Photo by Susan Davis)
Carib Grackle in Aruba (Photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
Mark Hulme starting the afternoon shift birding in Trinidad.
White-cheeked Pintail ducklings in Aruba (Photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
Four Cubans racked up large species lists for GBD!
Best From the Garden Bird photo – a Green Heron by Erika Gates from her backyard in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
A mixed brood of White-cheeked Pintails shows up on cue in Aruba. This species is the namesake of The Flying Pintails team. (photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
Brown Pelican in Aruba (Photo by Michiel Oversteegen)
Hairy Woodpecker spotted in Maine. (Photo by Laura Blutstein)
Reddish Egret enjoying the quiet beach in Sanibel! (photo by Carefree Birding)
Great Blue Heron, spotted by Richard Garrigus in New Hampshire. (photo by Richard Garrigus)
Ferruginous Pygmy Owl in Trinidad. (Photo by Mark Hulme)
Claire Spottiswoode and young birding buddy (Adam) in Cape Town, South Africa.
Adam Spottiswoode on his Dad’s back birding at sundown in Cape Town, South Africa
Mark Hulme (Trinidad) takes home the prize for Most Delicious Looking Adult Beverage. Mark confirmed that it was darn good.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Yellow-billed Parrot
Imagine yourself in a cool early morning in Jamaica’s remote Cockpit Country. As the sun rises and the mist gradually clears from the forested hills and valleys, the flights of parrots begin. You can hear them coming from hundreds of metres away. Flocks of these bright green marvels leave the safety of their remote roosts and their nests in cavities of large trees in search of food. In the forests and agricultural lands, they feast on fruit and seeds, sometimes to the despair of farmers.
There are two species of parrots in Jamaica: Yellow-billed and Black-billed Parrots. The Yellow-bills have light-coloured bills, bluish foreheads, pink cheeks and throats. The Black-bills have dark bills and green faces with a dark spot behind their eyes. Yellow-bills are slightly larger and possibly more abundant than Black-bills. In flight, their wing beats are deeper. Both can be seen in Cockpit Country and the Blue and John Crow Mountains, and there is a population of Yellow-billed Parrots in the Hope Botanical Gardens in Kingston. Both species are threatened by habitat loss and illegal trapping and trade.
Their voices provide further clues to identification. Yellow-bills have mid-range voices, while Black-bills’ voices range both higher and lower. Parrots can be very noisy but sometimes they can be perched above your head, totally silent and undetectable in the green leaves – until they explode into flight with loud squawks.
What are they saying to each other as they fly? Are those squawks and squeaks just random babblings or do they have meaning? Scientists who have studied parrots elsewhere have found that some species of parrots can recognize each other by call and communicate when they have found a good place to feed. Can Jamaican parrots share the location of a fig tree in fruit or juicy flower buds? No one has studied their calls, so we cannot say for sure that this is the case, but it seems likely.
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Yellow-billed Parrot
Yellow-billed Parrots emit a variety of screeches and squawks, mostly low-pitched squawks when perched.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Yellow-billed Parrot (Photo by Stewart Lacy)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Create your own bird colouring page for your favourite bird! Or draw an imaginary bird! And don’t forget add your “Feathery Facts.” Share with us by tagging us @BirdsCaribbean. Have fun!
Check out the wonderful video of two Yellow-billed Parrots calling and interacting in Jamaica!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us in our virtual “From the Nest” edition! Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Endemic Bird of the Day: Purple-throated Carib
When you think purple throat, you wouldn’t expect that the most obvious field mark for this large hummingbird is it’s accentuated, emerald green wings! Coming in at a whopping 5 inches, this hummingbird tends to appear completely black except for its wings. Try golden hour, with the perfect lighting and the right angles and it transforms before the eyes, living up to its name. The regal purplish-red of its throat and breast are revealed, much to the delight of its observers.
Male Purple-throated Caribs are slightly larger than females and more aggressive. Both sexes have the same coloration, but the female’s bill is about 30% longer and more sharply down-curved than the male. Both bills are adapted for feeding on nectar but they feed from different flowers that fit the shape of their bills. Males prefer Heliconias with short corollas (petals) while females visit Heliconias with longer corollas. They also eat insects.
Purple-throated Caribs are endemic to only a handful of islands in the Lesser Antilles but may be vagrant on other islands. They are often simply called hummingbirds, but may also be called Doctor Bird, Ruby-Throat, Madè, Fou-fou, and Fal-wouj, depending on what island you’re on. Calls include a strident tsip, and a sharp chewp, which is repeated rapidly when they are agitated.
Nesting takes place between January and July. A cup-shaped nest normally containing 2 white eggs is hung from a fork of a small branch between 3 and 18 meters (9 and 60 feet) above ground. Though their conservation status is classified as Least Concern, they are primarily found in low-level moist forests, and may not be the easiest hummingbird to find. Ask any villager though, and they will tell you to look for Heliconia or a flowering Moringa and there you will find what you seek! Due to the continual encroachment of development, both the habitat and the birds are at risk. Conservation should focus on protecting forest habitats in all the islands. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here.
Colour in the Purple-throated Carib!
Download the page from Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book. Use the drawing above or photo below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Purple-throated Carib
Calls include a strident tsip, and a sharp chewp, which is repeated rapidly when they are agitated.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Female Purple-throated Carib – note the longer, more down-curved bill compared to the male. (Photo by Tadas Jucys)Male Purple-throated Carib (Photo by Anthony Levesque)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS & ADULTS: Check out the video of a Purple-throated Carib in St. Lucia, perching, flying and feeding on nectar. Towards the end of the video, there is good footage of the male courting a female – he holds his body low and horizontal with wings extended and shakes them while moving his head from side to side. The male and female fly together in a circle round and round in a courtship dance which ends with a quick mating and the female flies off.
The La Selle Thrush is close cousins with the American Robin. Both belong to the genus Turdus – the true thrushes. The genus has 84 species worldwide, including five in the Caribbean: White-eyed, White-chinned, Red-legged, Forest, and the extinct Grand Cayman Thrush. The handsome La Selle Thrush, found only on the island of Hispaniola, is one of the most secretive. This bird is so elusive that scientists didn’t even know it existed until 1927. An expedition to southeast Haiti first found it atop the 2,000m high La Selle ridge, from which it takes its name.
