JAMAICA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC & PUERTO RICO TOUR REPORT 2026

27 March - 13 April 2026

Eustace Barnes

The Greater Antilles is a remarkably interesting region and always delivers far more than expected, along with a highly memorable examination of island biogeography. Our itinerary covers the region well and delivers a profusion of endemic species, sub-species and some outstanding birding spectacles. This year we recorded a total of 219 species, of which 111 can be said to be endemic to the Caribbean region along with a significant number of subspecies, also endemic to the region. Of the currently recognised endemic species, we saw 30 of 31 on Jamaica (we heard Blue mountain Eleania but it would not respond), 35 of 37 on Hispaniola, and 20 of 20 on Puerto Rico! An astonishing number, and a good deal more than many other, more celebrated, biological hot spots around the world. There are also a significant number of introduced species, of which we saw 14 species. The stats are impressive, the biological significance of the region clear and the scale of the task to see the endemic avifauna somewhat demanding in the time available. Three bird races, one after the other. This does make for a fun-filled adrenalin-fuelled race against time in an extraordinarily diverse region.

Of the highlights, we started with 3 Masked Ducks loafing about on a roadside pond en route to Marshall’s Pen. This was followed by spectacular views of numerous male Red-billed Streamertails and a pair of Jamaican Owls roosting in the grounds at Marshall’s Pen. Jamaican Todies abounded, along with Jamaican Oriole, Greater Antillean Bullfinch and many other endemic species. Finding 21 West Indian Whistling Ducks was down on last year, but, given the damage hurricane Melissa had done, still a surprise. Working the Ecclesdown road produced a flurry of endemics, the highlights of which included Black-billed Amazon, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo, Black-billed Streamertail and Jamaican Mango. The Blue Mountains were memorable for any number of reasons, including several Jamaican Blackbirds picking about in their mossy abodes and three spectacular Crested Quail Doves.

In the Dominican Republic, we were treated to a fast and furious delivery of endemics in the Sierra de Baharuco, including spectacular views of a family of La Selles Thrushes, Hispaniolan Amazon, Broad-billed and Narrow-billed Todies, numerous Hispaniolan Trogons, noisy pairs of White-necked Ravens, the various montane thicket-creepers (aka Chat-Tanagers), a magnificent Ashy-faced Owl, and a pair of White-fronted Quail-Doves. The miss of the whole tour was Ridgway’s Hawk! The nesting tree, so many birders have visited over the last few years, has been felled and one of the pair not seen for a while. Sadly, this species remains a reviled predator of the national bird: the Red Junglefowl. Pride of place went to the Hispaniolan Crossbills, and Bicknell’s Thrush, although the Golden Swallows put on a splendid display.

In Puerto Rico, after a stunning performance from a male Least Bittern we connected with a very obliging family of Puerto Rican Screech Owls that sat and watched us from high in their bamboo castle. We had good views of several Puerto Rican Amazons, numerous pairs of the enigmatic Puerto Rican Nesospingus (erroneously called a Tanager), the maniacal Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, our final Tody, that often elusive denizen of the bromeliad ladened cloud forests, the Elfin Woods Warblers and all the remaining endemics. The highlight must have been the spectacular male Least Bittern walking along a tree trunk not four meters from us in the open! Stunning.

Arriving in Jamaica, we started with two more recent immigrants: the Great-tailed Grackle and House Sparrow. In Kingston Bay we found numerous transients; Royal Tern, Laughing Gull, Turnstone, and Brown Pelican. Soon we were on our way and heading west, stopping for Masked Duck, Killdeer, the near endemic Olive-throated Parakeet and several pairs of Common Starling.

Arriving at Marshall’s Pen, located at 600m in the Don Figuerero Mountains, we quickly settled into birding in the spacious gardens that surround the grand old manor house, gaining familiarity with a surprising number of species; Olive-throated or Jamaican Parakeets, the ’perky’ little Jamaican Tody, and noisy Jamaican Woodpeckers being particularly conspicuous. Sad and Rufous-tailed Flycatchers sallied for insects, and a pair of Jamaican Becards were nest-building nearby. The taller trees are ladened with bromeliads and epiphytic plants and hosted Jamaican Vireo, Jamaican Euphonia, Jamaican Orioles, the stunning Jamaican Spindalis and the ubiquitous Orangequit. Northern visitors included Black and white Warbler, American Redstart and the dapper Black-throated Blue Warbler.

Numerous Red-billed Streamertails were scrapping at the feeders adorning the house. This is a stunning trochilid, which we were to enjoy watching during our all too short stay at this spectacular location. The males, in their vivid green finery and long black tail streamers did chase off all competitors from their feeder, including the sombrely attired females. Nature is brutal: no honey, no trap. The photographers were in their element as the hummers buzzed about against a backdrop of fading colonial grandeur replete with failing plumbing and intriguing electrical circuitry.

Exploring the wide trails we picked out the maniacal cackling of the rather elegant Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo and gruff tones of the significantly larger Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo which reside in the dense viney tangles festooning the taller trees. Along the broad trails we connected with a pair of Jamaican Becards building their shabby nest. Jamaican Myiopagis (Elaenia) and Jamaican Pewees were less forthcoming, but we  found them quietly sitting along the wider tracks and trails. We found a Northern Potoo on a day roost, giving amazing eye-level views. Jamaican Crows performed their extraordinary unique vocal repertoire. Other Caribbean specialities here included White-crowned Pigeon, Cave Swallow, Antillean Palm Swift, Grey and the endemic Jamaican Loggerhead, abundant Black-whiskered Vireos, Black-faced Grassquits and a few Greater Antillean Grackles. During our stay, Turkey Vulture and American Kestrel, White-winged Dove, Common Ground Dove, Smooth-billed Anis and Northern Mockingbird were also very numerous. A stunning variety of immigrants, old and more recent, exhibiting varying degrees of evolved uniqueness.

While writing up our notes and resting, the gardens offered a magical birding treat, with both White-eyed and White-chinned Thrushes, Jamaican Orioles and Spindalis, along with Caribbean Doves and the endemic Jamaican Euphonia easily seen feeding in a fruiting tree close to the house. Greater Antillean Bullfinch and Bananaquits busily flitted to and fro along with numerous Prairie Warblers and Black-whiskered Vireos. Later on in the morning we stumbled across a roosting pair of Jamaican Owls. They sat motionless, but were heard calling later on in the large bromeliad ladened tree by the parking lot.

We devoted an afternoon to exploring the Black River Morass, a large wetland that lies to the west of Marshall’s Pen and badly impacted by Melissa; the recent hurricane. This area offers an opportunity to see a variety of wetland species; Northern Jacana, numerous Snowy, Great and Western Cattle Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons, a Great Blue Heron, and a number of Common Gallinules. The wooded lanes were full of American Redstarts, Palm and Prairie Warblers along with Smooth-billed Ani, Greater Antillean Grackles and Yellow-faced Grassquit. We headed to another marshy area near Lacovia, where we found 21 West Indian Whistling Ducks! A great find after the devastation caused by Melissa, which ‘nature’ will fix.

We also visited the arid Portland peninsula to search for Bahama Mockingbird. As it happens, this is a common and somewhat confiding species. In addition to the Mockingbird, the endemic form of Stolid Flycatcher is common at the same location, and we quickly found this prettily adorned tyrannid, appreciating that it will likely become a full species in due course. Lagoons held large numbers of waders, including Black-necked Stilt, Short-billed Dowitchers, Stilt Sandpipers, Semipalmated Plovers as well as a few Willets, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, and Semipalmated and Least Sandpipers. Additionally, while working through several hundred Egrets we realised most were Reddish Egrets. There is normally only one or two dancing about in the shallows. Along the muddy shoreline we searched out a suitable watch point adjacent to the mangroves to see the often-skulking Clapper Rails at a favoured spot. Stalking about in their muddy abode peering out at us and hoping to avoid detection, since the rail base colour matches the colour of mangrove mud. What a life!

Departing Mandeville, we headed to the Blue Mountains at Hardwar Gap above Kingston, where we quickly found Jamaican Blackbird and Blue mountain Vireo. Continuing to Port Antonio we further visited several sites, connecting with Black-billed and Yellow-billed Amazons. At well placed feeders we enjoyed watching the endemic Black-billed Streamertail, with great views of several males and a splendid Jamaican Mango.

This isolated range, situated in the northeast of the island, is covered with extensive areas of primary humid forest remains which remain largely inaccessible. Having seen many of the islands endemics our visit was strategically devoted to seeing the Black-billed and Yellow-billed Amazons and the Black-billed Streamertail. During the course of the morning, we saw a good numbers of Ring-tailed Pigeons, several small groups of Back-billed and Yellow-billed Amazons, another pair of Jamaican Crows and several Jamaican Lizard Cuckoos.

Returning to the Blue Mountains we quickly connected with Blue Mountain Vireo and more Jamaican Blackbirds. A Swainson’s Warbler, was a much wanted addition to our lists. Driving the narrow forested road we connected with an obliging pair of Crested Quail Doves and a Louisiana Waterthrush feeding in one of the numerous puddles filling the potholes decorating the road. Fruiting trees proved a great attraction for numerous Jamaican Spindalis, Ring-tailed Pigeons and other endemics including Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Woodpecker and the abundant Orangequit. Working our way back to Kingston, we were forced to return to the north coast by a huge landslide below the Harwar Gap. We did arrive in good time to celebrate the end of a very successful exploration of this magical island, accompanied more or less continuously with the dulcet tones of lord Bob and the scent of MJ.

No time to lose, onwards to the island of Hispaniola, comprising the nations of Haiti and Dominican Republic. This island is one of the most geologically and topographically complex islands in the Caribbean. Its structure reflects a prolonged and intricate tectonic history associated with the interaction between the Caribbean and North American plates. The island is composed of multiple tectonostratigraphic terranes of the Cretaceous, including volcanic arc sequences, oceanic crustal fragments, and metamorphic complexes that were accreted during successive phases of subduction and collision. Unlike simpler island arcs, Hispaniola has been shaped by varied tectonic processes. Uplift associated with these processes has produced a series of parallel mountain ranges, including the Sierras Baharuco, and Nieba and the  Cordillera Central, which contains the island’s highest peak, Pico Duarte. Extensive Neogene sedimentary basins and carbonate platforms flank these ranges, reflecting episodes of subsidence and marine deposition followed by uplift and erosion.

On arrival, after meeting up with Miguel, we settled in to the Sheraton to sample the national beer and plan our ‘assault’ on the endemic avifauna of this spectacular country. After a short but restful night, we headed north to explore an area good for species not typically sought by visiting bird tour groups. In no time we were watching four of the endemic dominicensis form of Double-striped Thick-knees, lazily sunning themselves in a cattle pasture. While watching these birds, several pairs of Plain Pigeon, Hispaniolan Woodpecker and numerous Palmchats were fussing about in nearby fruiting trees. Then, all too soon it was time to move on and we headed to Barancoli Camp in the western part of the Sierra de Bahoruco, where we were greeted by Kate, an octogenarian conservationist who has played no small-part in promoting conservation in DR. Arriving in time for a late lunch we had plenty of time to enjoy some of that much promised initial exploration. Broad-billed Tody, Hispaniolan Woodpecker, Hispaniolan Amazon and the endemic form of Bananaquit kept us entertained around camp before we walked nearby trails. Walking trails around the camp is always very productive and we enjoyed some great birding. Our first morning walk produced Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo, Antillean Piculet, Black-crowned Palm-Tanager, the endemic Hispaniolan Amazon, and Hispaniolan Oriole. The forest was alive with birds, including good numbers of Broad-billed Tody, several Stolid Flycatchers and Flat-billed Vireos amongst the abundant Palmchats and a few Hispaniolan Orioles. The White-necked Crow is quite numerous in the area, and we had some great views of this odd-looking red-eyed corvid, which, as often commented, looks more like a Raven and does not have a white neck. Apart from that, the naming is fine.

The following morning we headed to the upper elevations of the rugged Sierra de Bahoruco above Zapoten for dawn along a rather difficult ‘road’ (a notably uneven surface, strewn with boulders and loose rocks). The forests here are semi-humid, with many larger trees ladened with mosses and bromeliads overhanging a dense understorey. On arrival we were greeted with the ethereal sibilant notes of the dapper Rufous-throated Solitaire. The bushes and trees near our breakfast stop gave us the attractive White-winged ‘Warbler’ and the unobtrusive Green-tailed ‘Warbler’. The latter two species were formerly placed in the parulid, or American wood-warbler family, subsequently considered tanagers and renamed Hispaniolan Highland Tanager and Green-tailed Ground Tanager respectively, and more recently often treated as two out of four members of the endemic family, Calyptophilidae (lovers of hidden places) and called Warblers!

We found several pairs of the noisy Western Chat Tanager. Again, this is another distinctive genus that should have its own name; perhaps Elfin Thicket-creepers? Anyway, we had great views of this smart looking species and moved on to find Hispaniolan Trogons that called all around us, sounding somewhat like Quetzals. We saw several prospecting for nest sites. A family of La Selle’s Thrush bounced along the track and gave great views. This is a lovely thrush and well worth the drive up on its own. Only found at higher elevations, the Hispaniolan Spindalis and Hispaniolan Eleania put in a welcome appearance while a few Golden Swallows circled overhead. We descended for a break on the Haitian border and a short excursion into Haiti, where I added Red-tailed Hawk to my Haiti list. This bird had somewhat optimistically circled over that benighted country only to realise its mistake and circle back.

At lower elevations we found a pair of the highly distinctive Hispaniolan Loggerhead Kingbird and a few Hispaniolan Euphonias. A couple of Key West Quail-Dove flew across the road in front of us and another pair of Bay-breasted Cuckoos eventually showed themselves. We need a new site for this species as everyone now tapes these poor creatures, courtesy of e-bird.

Exploring dry pine forests on the south-facing slopes of the Sierra de Bahoruco was next. Perhaps the most surprising species on this Caribbean Island is the endemic Hispaniolan Crossbill found in the extensive pine forests throughout the Sierra de Baharuco and Central Highlands. We quickly found a small flock feeding in tall pines in a favoured area. We also enjoyed watching the boisterous Hispaniolan Palm Crows as they cavorted about in the trees, entertaining us as they called and searched for scraps. Lower down we found numerous pairs of Golden Swallows and Pine Warblers in the extensive pine woods. A medium-sized Black Swift flew over our heads initiating discussion about degrees of ‘tickability’ for Swift species. Positive identification often being impossible. So, I determined that it was a Cypseloides Swift and not a Streptoprocne Swift which meant it must have been an American Black Swift. However, as pointed out, how could it be  told from Spot-fronted or White-chinned? It cant, but these species have not been recorded in the region before.

An evening session produced flight views of the typically awkward Hispaniolan Nightjar at a known site.

Searching lagoons at Cabo Rojo, we enjoyed seeing Reddish, Snowy and Great Egrets, Tricoloured Heron, Black-necked Stilt, Stilt Sandpiper, Short-billed Dowitchers, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, Least and Semi-palmated Sandpipers, Killdeer and Semipalmated Plovers. Heading to a rocky headland on the coast we watched numerous stunning pairs of White-tailed Tropicbirds as they displayed and circled overhead. Cave Swallows hawked for insects around us. We would have spent a good deal of time scrutinising the horizon for seabirds but any of the distant flecks we might have imagined, could just as easily be the product of retinal aberration or the heat haze! If the wind is right we try to find Black-capped Petrel, which nests in the Sierra de Baharuco. Several birds have been radio tagged to track their movements and data indicates that they use the Pedernales river to navigate their way to and from their nesting sites.

Continuing on our way we headed to Barahona where our first mission was to head to our stakeout for the lovely Ashy-faced Owl. We were in luck and a bird put in an appearance and gave a much-appreciated show. In the morning, we headed to Cachote where we were treated to point blank views of a pair of superb White-fronted Quail Doves and a Ruddy Quail Dove at a feeding station. We then turned our attention to the more sombrely attired denizens of the dense thickets that clothe the hillsides. A number of Eastern Chat-Tanagers were singling loudly from said thickets, through which they crept. With a little encouragement, we all had good views of this skulking species. Populations of the Eastern Chat-Tanager have only recently been discovered in the Sierra de Baharuco and the Sierra Martin Garcia which might represent a new taxon, rather than either the nieba or nominate forms found north of the Lago Enriquillo depression. Also present, of course, were Narrow-billed Todies, Hispaniolan Woodpeckers, Spindalis, Bullfinch and Lizard-Cuckoo. We were also treated to great views of a pair of Sharp-shinned Hawk mating and chasing about.

Returning to safe sites we quickly found Antillean Siskin, small groups of Indigo Buntings, Scale-breasted Munias, Yellow-faced and Black-faced Grassquits. The field edges also hosted Greater Antillean Grackles, small numbers of Plain Pigeons, and a few Caribbean Martins. Heading to the dry forest we struggled to get good views of a pair of Bay-breasted Cuckoos but persistence paid off for those who stuck with it.

It was time to get moving and so we headed to Cano Honda, on the edge of the Los Haitises National Park in eastern Hispaniola. It is a long drive and we arrived well after dark and getting lost in a housing development, courtesy of Google maps diverting around non-existent roadworks. We were in search of the critically endangered Ridgway’s Hawk, a species that apparently used to be widespread and common on Hispaniola. Direct persecution led to a disastrous decline, as the species was seen as the main predator of chickens; chickens being the much-loved national symbol of the home and, needless to say, cock fighting. Threatening both home and a national sport rendered this hapless creature the subject of intense persecution over many decades. As a consequence, this raptor is now virtually confined to Los Haitises National Park.

Entering the park with a ranger, employed to monitor the nests of several pairs of this hawk, we were saddened to hear that the nesting tree we usually visit had been cut down and one of the pair not seen since. Consequently we missed this species. Whether out of jealousy for the business the Hawks offered the rangers, or the irrational belief the bird takes chickens this pair is no longer available to see. We do have another site but it requires a good deal more time. Time we did not have. It would seem this species remains in danger of extinction.

Returning to Santo Domingo we took our flight to San Juan and prepared for the next instalment in our Caribbean peregrinations. Puerto Rico, the easternmost island of the Greater Antilles, represents a geologically complex fragment of the Caribbean Plate shaped by a history of volcanic arc activity, tectonic accretion, and subsequent carbonate platform development. The island’s basement consists largely of Cretaceous volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks formed within an oceanic island arc associated with subduction along the North American plate boundary. These units are intruded by plutonic bodies and overlain by sedimentary sequences, particularly limestones that dominate the northern karst region. The island’s topography is defined by the Cordillera Central, which forms a mountainous spine across the interior, flanked by coastal plains and karst plateaus shaped by dissolution processes and differential uplift.

On arrival we loaded up our huge vehicle and headed along the coast to Arecibo, stopping at several marshland sites. On site we quickly located a number of Least Bitterns. One of these walked very slowly and sedately along a bare log in front of us giving tremendous views of this typically elusive denizen of dense swamplands. We also saw the introduced Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Smooth-billed Anis, Northern Mockingbirds, Osprey, numerous White Ibises, Great and Snowy Egrets. Then the bugs got to us and we headed to Arecibo.

A big day lay ahead of us, and after a brief nights rest we headed to the Rio Abajo State Forest for a very productive introduction to the islands forest avifauna. On arrival several Puerto Rican Screech Owls were calling and we were able to scope them up. While watching these delightful endemics a squadron of officials arrived, informing us we were disturbing birds. The Puerto Rican Amazon has been re-introduced here, after its population was decimated by successive hurricanes. Birding the road produced Puerto Rican Lizard-cuckoo, Puerto Rican Emerald, Green Mango, Puerto Rican Oriole, Puerto Rican Loggerhead, along with Puerto Rican Bullfinch, and the stunning Red-legged Thrush, which must be one of the prettiest Thrushes. The Puerto Rican Tody croaked from nearly every tree. The hitherto silent Puerto Rican Amazons erupted from the canopy and we saw several of this critically endangered species.

The key targets having been secured we continued to the Mariaco State forest. After some searching, we found the Puerto Rican Tanager and Spindalis. Shifting out attention to another site we quickly found Green Mango, the often difficult Puerto Rican Euphonia and subsequently the rare Elfin Woods Warbler, a species that was only discovered in 1971 in Elfin forest in the Luquillo Mountains. Well, that was more or less it with all targets secured and it was time to go.

Birding around La Parguera, in the far southwest of the island, involves exploring a mix of grasslands, arid woodlands and the wetlands at the Cabo Rojo national reserve. An early morning session to nearby woodlands produced at least a dozen calling Puerto Rican Nightjars. They did move and gave reasonable if brief views. We then moved on to an area of open grassland where we found several Puerto Rican Mangos, the endemic form of Grasshopper Sparrow and numerous flocks of Bronze Mannikins, Indian Silverbills, and Orange-cheeked Waxbills. A little further on we found our first Venezuelan Troupials and Monk Parakeets. The immigrants were dominating the show.

After a strong coffee we worked our way to the Cabo Rojo National reserve, an area of dry woodland dominated by the spiny Vachellia macrantha (previously Acacia macrantha) and a variety of endemic cacti species we had great views of Adelaide’s Warbler, Puerto Rican Flycatcher and Caribbean Eleania. Nearby salt pans and sandy shorelines gave us an opportunity to watch large numbers of waders. We worked through the peeps finding Least and Semipalmated Sandpipers and smaller numbers of Western Sandpipers. Waders were in abundance, including Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs, large numbers of Stilt Sandpipers, Short-billed Dowitchers and a few Black-bellied Plovers and Turnstones. Not far away, at a well known site we quickly connected with the endemic Yellow-shouldered Blackbird. So ended a busy morning.

Packing we headed east, stopping at a well known hot spot we found the somewhat predatorial Pearly-eyed Thrasher, several pairs of the lovely Puerto Rican Woodpecker, White-winged Parakeets, and more Monk Parakeets. The south side of the island is good for Antillean Crested Hummingbird and Green-throated Carib, which we found feeding at the numerous flowering trees in the area. These smart hummingbirds are otherwise restricted to the Lesser Antilles, where they are quite numerous.

Working our way east we stopped at a tiny sandy point to find Least Tern, and several pairs of Wilson’s Plovers. We then continued on our way to our accommodations in the El Yunque National Forest, in the Luquillo Mountains. This mountainous area protects a large area of verdant rainforest on the lower slopes of El Yunque, a peak that rises to 1065m. At higher elevations, palm and elfin forest dominates the highest peaks and ridges. Exploring the park over the next couple of days we again saw the smart Puerto Rican Woodpecker and more drably garbed Puerto Rican Tanagers. This species has a superficial resemblance to the Chat-Tanagers but is neither a Chat or a Tanager. It would be better called after its generic name; The Nesospingus. We also found the endemic Green Mango, Puerto Rican Emerald, Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Spindalis and noisy Puerto Rican Bullfinch in another endemic packed session. Only missing the endemic subspecies of Lesser Antillian Pewee we were forced to search for it on our final morning. The Carite state forest is perhaps less well known but is a good place to see many endemics. We worked a few sites, finding our final Puerto Rican Bullfinches, Orioles, Tanagers, Spindalis, Green Mango and just about all the endemics.

That was it and the end of a very enjoyable and highly successful tour with a great group.

Top five for each of the islands.

Jamaica

Crested Quail Dove – bobbing along the road in front of us.

Jamaican Tody – the first of four stunning Todies.

Red-billed Streamertail – one of the most stunning hummers.

Black-billed Amazon – several pairs gave good views.

Jamaican Mango – a spectacular species.

Dominican Republic

White-fronted Quail-Dove – could not have been better.

Ashy-faced Owl – a stunning Owl that came and inspected us.

Hispaniolan Crossbill – found in tall places.

La Selle Thrush – a family of four on the track.

Western Chat-Tanager – creeping about in elfin thickets.

Puerto Rico

Least Bittern – in the open, picking about in leafless branches.

Puerto Rican Amazon – good views.

Elfin Woods Warbler – cracking views.

Puerto Rican Owl – a nice owl with a maniacal call.

Puerto Rican Tody – a cutie.

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR

BIRDS

The species and family sequence, taxonomy and species names follow AviList Core Team (2025) AviList: the global avian checklist, v2025. Available at  https://doi.org/10.2173/avilist.v2025

Where species names followed by the diamond symbol (◊) indicated they are either endemic to the country, are range restricted or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g., only seen on one or two Birdquest tours, are difficult to see across all or most of its range, the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species. NB: This is particularly true of Caribbean taxa, many of which have not been studied in detail.

If recorded in Jamaica, Hispaniola, or Puerto Rico indicated as follows with (J), (H), and (P) respectively. (i)  indicates introduced taxon. (LO) Leader only

West Indian Whistling Duck ◊  Dendrocygna arborea  (J) 21 near Lacovia, roughly half last years total.

Blue-winged Teal  Spatula discors (J) Seen Old Harbour bay.

Masked Duck  Nomonyx dominicus  (J) Great views of 3 at Old Harbour Bay.

Antillian Nighthawk Chordeiles gundlachi (P) Several La Parguera. We only just catch this late arrival.

Least Poorwill ◊  Siphonorhis brewsteri  (H) Seen and heard at Barancoli camp. Seen superbly well elsewhere.

Hispaniolan Nightjar ◊  Antrostomus ekmani  (H) Heard and glimpsed above La Placa and seen near Pedernales. Seen superbly well elsewhere.

Puerto Rican Nightjar ◊  Antrostomus noctitherus  (P) Seen above Parguera, where common. Up to 8 heard at this site and several outside our hotel.

Northern Potoo  Nyctibius jamaicensis (J) Endemic nominate. A roosting bird found at Marshall’s Pen. (H) Another roosting bird found at Barrancoli.

Black Swift Cypseloides niger (H) 1 above Pedernales. A distinctive species in the region.

Antillean Palm Swift ◊  Tachornis phoenicobia  (J) Fairly common, (H) Common.

Jamaican Mango ◊  Anthracothorax mango (J) Recorded Port Antonio. A stunner.

Hispaniolan Mango ◊  Anthracothorax dominicus  (H) Commonly found above Pedernales.

Puerto Rican Mango ◊  Anthracothorax aurulentus  (P)  Several males seen in or near Pargera.

Green Mango ◊  Anthracothorax viridis  (P)  1 Abajo state forest, 2 Mariaco state forest.

Green-throated Carib ◊  Eulampis holosericeus  (P)  2 Aguirre.

Vervain Hummingbird ◊  Mellisuga minima  (J) Endemic nominate form. A lekking group seen Marshall’s Pen, (H) Seen Zapoten and elsewhere.

Hispaniolan Emerald ◊  Riccordia swainsonii  (H)  Not found at Kate’s camp this year. Common Zapoten.

Puerto Rican Emerald ◊  Riccordia maugaeus  (P) Abaco State Forest, Mariaco State forest.

Antillean Crested Hummingbird ◊  Orthorhyncus cristatus  (P)  Seen in Aguirre. The form here has an entirely green forehead and crown.

Red-billed Streamertail ◊  Trochilus polytmus  (J) Common Marshall’s pen and Hardwar Gap.

Black-billed Streamertail ◊  Trochilus scitulus  (J) Common around Port Antonio.

Smooth-billed Ani  Crotophaga ani (J),(H),(P) Common.

Mangrove Cuckoo  Coccyzus minor (J) Uncommon, (H) Uncommon, (P) Fairly common.

Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo ◊  Coccyzus Pluvialis (J) Seen Marshall’s Pen, Cockpit country, and Eccelsdown road.

Bay-breasted Cuckoo ◊  Coccyzus rufigularis  (H) Up to 5 heard Barancoli camp. 2 seen La Placa. A difficult species at well watched sites now.

Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo ◊  Coccyzus vetula (J) First seen Marshall’s Pen.

Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo ◊  Coccyzus vieilloti  (P) Seen Abajo with a small lizard.

Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo ◊  Coccyzus longirostris  (H) Numerous.

White-crowned Pigeon  Patagioenas leucocephala (J) Fairly common, (H) Common above Pedernales, (P) common.

Scaly-naped Pigeon ◊  Patagioenas squamosa  (H) A few at Puerto Escondido, (P) Very common throughout the island.

Ring-tailed Pigeon ◊  Patagioenas caribaea (J) Seen Eccelsdown road, and Hardwar Gap. Remarkably common at the Hardwar Gap now.

Plain Pigeon ◊  Patagioenas inornata  (H) Several Monte Plata. A few near Barancoli camp.

Common Ground Dove  Columbina passerine (J) jamaicensis, (H) insularis, (P) portoricensis Common.

Crested Quail-Dove ◊  Geotrygon versicolor (J) Heard and seen Starlight Chalet and Hardwar Gap. A superb pair watched picking about in the open. Several more were heard only.

Ruddy Quail-Dove  Geotrygon montana (J)1 male Marshall’s pen,  (H) Seen Cachote.

White-fronted Quail-Dove ◊  Geotrygon leucometopia  (H) Heard above Zapoten. 2 superb adults at Cachote above Barahona.

Key West Quail-Dove ◊  Geotrygon chrysia  (H) 2 La Placa identified as close flybys. Always tricky to see well..

Caribbean Dove ◊  Leptotila jamaicensis (J) Endemic nominate. Marshall’s pen and elsewhere.

Mourning Dove  Zenaida macroura (H), (P) Common.

Zenaida Dove  Zenaida aurita (J) Common, (H) Only in dry forest, (P) Very common

White-winged Dove  Zenaida asiatica (J) Common, (H) uncommon, (P) Abundant.

Clapper Rail  Rallus crepitans [caribaeus]  (J) Seen Portland.

Common Gallinule  Gallinula galeata (J) Black Morass, (H) and (P) commonly recorded.

American Coot Fulica americana (J) Old Harbour road.

Purple Gallinule  Porphyrio martinica (H) Heard near Santo Domingo, (P) Several Cartagena..

Limpkin  Aramus guarauna (H) Heard at Kate’s Camp and Los Haitises. On Hispaniola, a forest bird that feeds on terrestrial snails.

Least Grebe  Tachybaptus dominicus (J) Seen Marshall’s Pen.

Pied-billed Grebe  Podilymbus podiceps  (J) 1 Lacovia.

Double-striped Thick-knee Burhinus bistriatus (H) A small group found quite easily north of Santo Domingo. Endemic sub-species dominicensis

Black-necked Stilt  Himantopus mexicanus (J) Common Portland, (H)  A few Monte Placa.

Grey Plover (Black-bellied P)  Pluvialis squatarola  (J) One Kingston Harbour, (P) A few seen at Arroyo beach.

Killdeer  Charadrius vociferus (J) Elim pools, (H) A few.

Wilson’s Plover  (P) 6 Arroyo beach. Few elsewhere.

Semipalmated Plover  Charadrius semipalmatus (J) common Portland, (H) Cabo Rojo.

Northern Jacana  Jacana spinosa (J) endemic form violacea, (H)  A few at Cabo Rojo lagoons.

Hudsonian Whimbrel  Numenius hudsonicus (P).

Short-billed Dowitcher  Limnodromus griseus (H) Small numbers Cabo Rojo, (P) Breeding plumage birds.

Spotted Sandpiper  Actitis macularius (J) A few noted, (P) Also.

Lesser Yellowlegs  Tringa flavipes  (J) Abundant Portland bight, (H) Several, (P) Good numbers.

Willet (Eastern W)  Tringa [semipalmata] semipalmata (J) 2 Portland.

Greater Yellowlegs  Tringa melanoleuca  (J) Portland, (H) Cabo Rojo, (P) Cabo Rojo.

Ruddy Turnstone  Arenaria interpres  (J) Seen Kingston airport.

Stilt Sandpiper  Calidris himantopus  (H), (P) particularly numerous this year.

Sanderling Calidris alba  (J), (P) A few noted.

Least Sandpiper  Calidris minutilla (J), (H), (P) Common.

Western Sandpiper  Calidris mauri  (J) Several Portland.

Semipalmated Sandpiper  Calidris pusilla  (J) Common Portland, (H) Cabo Rojo lagoons, (P) Cabo Rojo.

Least Tern  Sternula antillarum  (P) 1 Arroyo beach.

Royal Tern  Thalasseus maximus (J) Kingston, (H) Barahona, (P) Parguera.

Laughing Gull  Leucophaeus atricilla (J) Abundant near Kingston, (H) Barahona, (P) A few.

White-tailed Tropicbird  Phaethon lepturus  (H)  14 or so at Cabo Rojo.

Magnificent Frigatebird  Fregata magnificens (J) Seen on several days, (H),(P) Common.

Brown Booby  Sula leucogaster  (H) Seen Cabo Rojo.

Double-crested Cormorant Nannopterum auritum (LO) A pair seen in Kingston harbour

American White Ibis  Eudocimus albus (H)  Common Puerto Rico.

Glossy Ibis  Plegadis falcinellus (J) An ever increasing species, abundant, (H) A few, (P) Common near Arecibo and Parguera.

Least Bittern  Ixobrychus exilis  (P) 5 at a favoured locality. One paraded in the open 5 m from us. 2 Laguna Cartagena.

Yellow-crowned Night Heron  Nyctanassa violacea  (J) Several noted, (P) Arecibo marshes, Parguera.

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax (J) Several Old Harbour road, (H) a few, (P) Parguera,

Little Blue Heron  Egretta caerulea  (H) a few, (P) Cabo Rojo, Cartagena lagoon.

Tricolored Heron  Egretta tricolor (J) Common Portland, (H) one or two,

Reddish Egret  Egretta rufescens  (J) Abundant Portland, probably over 150 birds, (H) 1 Cabo Rojo lagoons.

Snowy Egret  Egretta thula  (J) Seen Old Harbour Bay, (H)  A few at Cabo Rojo lagoons, (P) Cabo Rojo.

Green Heron  Butorides virescens (J) A Old Harbour road, (H) A few, (P) Parguera,

Western Cattle Egret  Bubulcus ibis (J), (H), (P) abundant

Great Egret (American G E)  Ardea [alba] Egretta (J) A few Elim pools and Old Harbour Bay, (H)  A few at Cabo Rojo lagoons, (P) Cabo Rojo.

Great Blue Heron  Ardea Herodias (J) 1 Lacovia.

Brown Pelican  Pelecanus occidentalis (J) Common Kingston harbour, (H) a few Cabo Rojo, (P) Cabo Rojo.

Turkey Vulture  Cathartes aura (J) Abundant, (H) a few, (P) Cabo Rojo.

Osprey (American O)  Pandion [haliaetus] carolinensis  (J) 1 Lacovia, 1 Elim ponds, (P) Arecibo marshes.

Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius  (J) 1 seen briefly at Lachovia, (P) 1 seen briefly near Laguna Cartagena.

Sharp-shinned Hawk  Accipiter striatus  (H) Endemic nominate form. A mating pair above Barahona.

Red-tailed Hawk  Buteo jamaicensis (J) 1 Old Harbour road, 1 Lacovia, (H) A few, (P) More numerous.

Ashy-faced Owl ◊  Tyto glaucops  (H) Heard above La Placa.  Sseen La Cienaga above Barahona.

Burrowing Owl  Athene cunicularia  (H) Several.

Jamaican Owl ◊  Asio grammicus (J) A pair found roosting at Marshall’s Pen.

Puerto Rican Owl ◊  Gymnasio nudipes  (P) Seen well in Abajo state forest, heard Casa Cubuy on arrival.

Hispaniolan Trogon ◊  Priotelus roseigaster  (H) Common Zapoten, Cachote, and Ocoa.

Belted Kingfisher  Megaceryle alcyon (J) 1 Kingston Harbour, (H) 1 Cabo Rojo.

Broad-billed Tody ◊  Todus subulatus  (H) Common to abundant at Rabo de Gato,

Narrow-billed Tody ◊  Todus angustirostris  (H) A few at Rabo de Gato and at Zapoten.

Jamaican Tody ◊  Todus todus (J) Common at Marshall’s pen, Eccelsdown road and Hardwar Gap.

Puerto Rican Tody ◊  Todus mexicanus  (P) Abajo State forest on…..

Antillean Piculet ◊  Nesoctites micromegas  (H) Common above Puerto Escondido and at Zapoten.

Puerto Rican Woodpecker ◊  Melanerpes portoricensis  (P) Common

Hispaniolan Woodpecker ◊  Melanerpes striatus  (H) Very common.

Jamaican Woodpecker ◊  Melanerpes radiolatus (J) Common Marshall’s pen and elsewhere.

American Kestrel  Falco sparverius (J) Fairly common, (H), (P) Commonly seen,

Merlin  Falco columbarius  (J) 2 Eccelsdown, (H) 1 Barancoli camp.

Black-billed Amazon ◊  Amazona agilis  (J) Seen above San Antonio and Eccelsdown road.

Yellow-billed Amazon ◊  Amazona collaria  (J) Seen above San Antonio and Eccelsdown road.

Hispaniolan Amazon ◊  Amazona ventralis  (H) Fairly common around Kate’s camp.

Puerto Rican Amazon ◊  Amazona vittata  (P) 4 seen in the Rio Abajo state forest. A critically endangered species that seems to be recovering. Hurricane Hugo nearly wiped this species out.

Olive-throated Parakeet (Jamaican P)  Eupsittula nana (J) Common at Marshall’s pen and elsewhere, (H) Common Rabo de Gao.

Hispaniolan Parakeet ◊  Psittacara chloropterus  (H) Small flocks Barancoli and above Pedernales.

Jamaican Myiopagis (Elaenia) ◊  Myiopagis cotta  (J) Seen at Marshall’s pen, where an unobtrusive species of secondary growth and tall scrub. Another Hardwar Gap. Not an Eleania.

Caribbean Elaenia ◊  Elaenia martinica  (P) Cabo Rojo, where common.

Hispaniolan Elaenia ◊  Elaenia cherriei   (H) Seen above Zapoten.

Blue Mountain (Greater Antillean) Elaenia ◊  Elaenia fallax  (J) Heard only, despite a lengthy wait, at Woodside drive and searches elsewhere.     

Hispaniolan Pewee ◊  Contopus hispaniolensis  (H) Common at Barancoli, where absent last year.

Jamaican Pewee ◊  Contopus pallidus  (J) Seen Marshall’s pen. Fairly common in the Blue Mountains.

Grey Kingbird  Tyrannus dominicensis  (J) Just arrived in good numbers at Marshall’s pen, (H) Fairly common, (P) common.

Jamaican Loggerhead Kingbird ◊   Tyrannus [caudifasciatus] jamaicensis (J) Common.

Puerto Rican Loggerhead Kingbird ◊  Tyrannus [caudifasciatus] taylori  (P) Quite numerous in Abajo State forest. Also Parguera and Mariaco.

Hispaniolan Loggerhead Kingbird ◊ Tyrannus [caudifasciatus] gabbii  (H) Localised. A pair above Puerto Escondido at another at La Placa (Charco Azul)

Sad Flycatcher ◊  Myiarchus barbirostris (J) Common Marshall’s pen and elsewhere.

Rufous-tailed Flycatcher ◊  Myiarchus Validus (J) Fairly common at Marshall’s pen.

Stolid Flycatcher ◊  (Hispaniolan S F)  Myiarchus [stolidus] dominicensis  (H) Common at Kate’s camp.

Stolid Flycatcher ◊  (Jamaican S F)  Myiarchus [stolidus] stolidus  (J) Seen Portland, where quite numerous.

Puerto Rican Flycatcher ◊  Myiarchus antillarum  ◊  (P) Common

Jamaican Becard ◊  Pachyramphus niger (J) Common at several sites. Especially common Marshall’s pen.

Black-whiskered Vireo  Vireo altiloquus (J) Abundant, (H) & (P) Very common,

Blue Mountain Vireo ◊  Vireo osburni  (J) A pair seen Hardwar Gap. Also recorded Eccelsdown road.

Flat-billed Vireo ◊  Vireo nanus  (H) Common at Rabo de Gato.

Jamaican Vireo ◊  Vireo modestus (J) Common at Marshall’s pen and elsewhere.

Puerto Rican Vireo ◊  Vireo latimeri  (P) Mariaco and Abajo state forests.

Hispaniolan Palm Crow ◊  Corvus palmarum  (H)  A few seen in the Sierra de Baharuco. Highly localised.

Jamaican Crow ◊  Corvus jamaicensis (J) Increasingly numerous at Marshall’s pen.

White-necked (Raven) Crow ◊  Corvus leucognaphalus  (H) Common around Rabo de Gato. This is a species that looks like a Raven rather than a crow.

Palmchat ◊  Dulus dominicus  (H) Abundant.

Sand Martin (Bank Swallow)  Riparia riparia (J) Several Old Harbour road.

Golden Swallow ◊  Tachycineta euchrysea  (H) Seen above Zapoten and at Pelempito.

Caribbean Martin ◊  Progne dominicensis  (H) Seen Santo Domingo airport. (P) common.

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica  (J) Seen at Old Harbour road and elsewhere, (H)  A few at Cabo Rojo lagoons.

Cave Swallow  Petrochelidon fulva (J) Endemic form poeciloma. Common Marshall’s pen, (H) Endemic nominate form. Fairly common at Cabo Rojo.

Northern Mockingbird  Mimus polyglottos (J) Common throughout, (H), (P) Fairly common.

Bahama Mockingbird ◊  Mimus gundlachii  (J) Endemic form hillii. Seen Portland ridge area, where common.

Pearly-eyed Thrasher ◊  Margarops fuscatus  (P) First seen Mariaco. Then better views in Aguirre.

Rufous-throated Solitaire ◊  Myadestes genibarbis  (J) Endemic form solitarius. Common at Hardwar Gap, (H) Common Zapoten and elsewhere high in the Sierras.

Bicknell’s Thrush ◊  Catharus bicknelli  (J) Heard and glimpsed Hardwar Gap, (H) A pair seen well above Barahona. A goodie, and, as usual, one of the most wanted species of the tour.

Red-legged Thrush ◊  (Eastern R-l T)  Turdus [plumbeus] ardosiaceus  (H) Widespread and fairly common, (P) Very common.

White-chinned Thrush ◊  Turdus aurantius (J) Common at Marshall’s pen and abundant at Hardwar Gap.

White-eyed Thrush ◊  Turdus jamaicensis  (J) Quite numerous at Marshall’s pen.

La Selle Thrush ◊  Turdus swalesi  (H) Up to five seen at Zapoten.

Hispaniolan Crossbill ◊  Loxia megaplaga  (H)  Small numbers in the Sierra de Baharuco.

Antillean Siskin ◊  Spinus dominicensis  (H) Seen at Rabo de Gato, a flock of 30+ near Puerto Escondido.

Hispaniolan Euphonia ◊  Chlorophonia musica (H) A pair near Puerto Escondido. Another pair at Zapoten, and fairly numerous generally this year.

Puerto Rican Euphonia ◊  Chlorophonia sclateri (P) 1 Mariaco state forest. Always rare to uncommon.

Jamaican Euphonia ◊  Euphonia Jamaica  (J) Common Marshall’s pen and Eccelsdown road.

Grasshopper Sparrow  (Hispaniolan G Sparow) Ammodramus [haitiensis]  Seen near Santo Domingo.

Grasshopper Sparrow (Puerto Rican G Sparrow) Ammodramus [borinquensis] Seen near Parguera

Western Chat-Tanager ◊  Calyptophilus tertius  (H) Several birds heard and seen at Zapoten. A lover (philus) of hidden places (calypto). Maybe Noisy or Cryptic Thicket-creeper?

‘Eastern’ Chat-Tanager ◊  Calyptophilus frugivorous sub sp nov  (H) This recently discovered and, as yet  un-described subspecies was recorded above Cabral in the eastern Cordillera Baharuco. This form is less cleanly plumaged, with olive green upper parts with a dull whitish throat and more brownish belly and flanks. Maybe Eye-ringed Thicket-creeper? There are several sub-species; the nominate from the central highlands and nieba from Sierra Nieba. There is another from Isla Gonave of the west coast of Haiti. The latter is clearly a distinct species, while those from the Domincan Republic require further study.

Black-crowned Palm-tanager ◊  Phaenicophilus palmarum  (H) Common.

Microligea (Green-tailed Warbler) ◊  Microligea palustris  (H) Common Zapoten. An intriguing species resembling nothing else in the region. NB: This is not a warbler or a tanager. Likewise, the following species is not a Tanager, highland or otherwise.

Xenoligea (White-winged Warbler) ◊  Xenoligea montana  (H) Common Zapoten. NB: If this species resembles any other it is a Warbling-Finch of the Andean genus Poospiza.

Nesospingus (Puerto Rican Tanager) ◊  Nesospingus speculiferus  (P) Mariaco state forest. NB: Not a Tanager.

Hispaniolan Spindalis ◊  Spindalis dominicensis  (H) Common Zapoten. Previously, all in this genus were lumped and known as the Stripe-headed Tanager. Spindalis a great name for this distinctive group.

Puerto Rican Spindalis ◊  Spindalis portoricensis  (P) Mariaco state forest. Small numbers elsewhere.

Jamaican Spindalis ◊  Spindalis nigricephala  (J) Fairly common.

Jamaican Oriole ◊  Icterus leucopteryx (J) Endemic nominate form. Seen Marshall’s pen and Eccelsdown road.

Puerto Rican Oriole ◊  Icterus portoricensis  (P) Several Abajo state forest. Several pairs seen elsewhere.

Hispaniolan Oriole ◊  Icterus dominicensis  (H) Small numbers at Kate’s camp,

Venezuelan Troupial (introduced)  Icterus icterus  (P) Aguirre, Parguera.

Jamaican Blackbird ◊  Nesopsar nigerrimus  (J) Very straightforward this year below Hardwar gap. Once mossy bromeliad ladened trees were located, several seen picking about. A unique Icterid and often a tour favorite.

Yellow-shouldered Blackbird ◊  Agelaius xanthomus  (P) Seen Cabo Rojo. A threatened species.

Shiny Cowbird  Molothrus bonariensis (J) Increasing, (H) Present, (P) Abundant.

Greater Antillean Grackle ◊  Quiscalus niger (J) Endemic form crassirostris. (H) Endemic nominate form. Small numbers throughout, (P) Abundant,

Great-tailed Grackle  Quiscalus mexicanus (J) Seen Kingston airport.

Ovenbird  Seiurus aurocapilla (J) Marshall’s pen and Blue Mountains, (H) Seen Puerto Escondido.

Worm-eating Warbler  Helmitheros vermivorum (J) 1 seen Blue Mountains.

Swainson’s Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii (J) A single bird seen in the Blue Mountains. A goodie.

Northern Waterthrush  Parkesia noveboracensis  (J) 1 Portland, (H) Several, (P) Arroyo beach.

Louisiana Waterthrush (J) Parkesia noveboracensis  (J) Blue Mountains. One feeding in the open at a puddle.

Black-and-white Warbler  Mniotilta varia (J) Marshall’s pen, (H), (P) & (C) Widespread,

Common Yellowthroat  Geothlypis trichas  (H) Seen north of Santo Domingo.

Elfin Woods Warbler ◊  Setophaga angelae  (P) A pair building a nest in a vine tangle. Great views.

Arrowhead Warbler ◊  Setophaga pharetra (J) Fairly common at Marshalls pen and Hardwar Gap.

American Redstart  Setophaga ruticilla (J) Common, (H), (P) Individuals seen most days.

Cape May Warbler  Setophaga tigrine  (H) The principal wintering grounds. Small numbers seen throughout the island.

Northern Parula  Setophaga americana (J) A few Marshalls’ pen, (P) Mariaco state forest and elsewhere.

Mangrove Warbler (Golden W)  Setophaga petechia  (J) Several Portland, (H) Endemic form albicollis.  Several pairs at Cabo Rojo lagoons. These birds have no chestnut on the crown, but they are bright golden yellow.

Black-throated Blue Warbler  Setophaga caerulescens  (J) Seen Marshall’s pen, (H) Common.

Palm Warbler  Setophaga palmarum (J) Several noted, (H) A few seen.

Pine Warbler  Setophaga pinus  (H) Endemic form chrysoleuca.  Seen in the Sierra de Baharuco and central highlands.

Prairie Warbler  Setophaga discolor  (J) Quite common this year.

Adelaide’s Warbler ◊  Setophaga adelaidae  (P)  Common.

Jamaican Bananaquit  Coereba flaveola flaveola (J) Local race quite numerous.

Hispaniolan Bananaquit  Coereba flaveola bananivora  (H) Common to abundant.

Puerto Rican Bananaquit  Coereba flaveola portoricensis (P) Abundant.

Yellow-faced Grassquit  Tiaris olivaceus (J) Seen on several occasions, (H) Common at Kate’s camp,

Orangequit ◊  Euneornis campestris  (J) Common.

Puerto Rican Bullfinch ◊  Melopyrrha portoricensis  (P)  Common throughout.

Greater Antillean Bullfinch ◊  Melopyrrha violacea (J) Common, (H) Endemic form affinis. A few seen.

Yellow-shouldered Grassquit ◊  Loxipasser anoxanthus (J) Seen Marshall’s Pen. Common Blue Mountains.

Black-faced Grassquit  Melanospiza bicolor  (J) Seen at Marshall’s Pen, (H) and (P) common.

INTRODUCED AND NATURALISED SPECIES.

The following are species now found widely throughout the Greater Antilles, comprising a variety of introduced species, established populations of escaped cage birds and feral populations of domesticated species

Helmeted Guineafowl  Numida meleagris (H) A couple.

Rock Dove  Columba livia  A common  semi-feral domesticate. Although free-flying these birds are widely kept.

Eurasian Collared Dove  Streptopelia decaocto (J) Kingston, Barahona, (H) & (P) common.

African Collared Dove  Streptopelia roseogrisea (P) Common Parguera, Aguirre.

Monk Parakeet  Myiopsitta monachus  (P) Common to abundant.

White-winged Parakeet  (P) Seen Barcelonetta and Aguirre.

House Sparrow  Passer domesticus (J), (H), & (P).

Village Weaver  Ploceus cucullatus (H) Fairly common.

Bronze Mannikin  Spermestes cucullate   (P) Quite common.

Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica  (P) Seen Parguera and Aguirre.

Scaly-breasted Munia  Lonchura punctulate (H) Common Puerto Escondido and SD airport.

Chestnut Munia Lonchura tricapilla (J) (LO). A single bird seen briefly along Eccelsdown road.

Orange-cheeked Waxbill  Estrilda melpoda (P) Common north cost and around Parguera.

Common Starling  Sterna vulgaris (J) Common. A bird, suspected to be this species, on Hispaniola?

MAMMALS.

Small Indian Mongoose (i)  Urva auropunctata  (J), (P) An invasive introduced by the following species. Found to be decimating native fauna. Very common Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

Naked Ape Homo accumulans (J),(H),(P). Plague abundance throughout. Uniquely defined by the continuous accumulation of objects, rapacious consumption of resources and environmental devastation. Individually, typically found to express either total dissatisfaction with everything, dogged determination or unbounded enthusiasm. The taxonomy of these groups is the subject of ongoing study. (CF Desmond Morris).