FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: Puerto Rico 2016

Field Guides Tour Report

Puerto Rico 2016

Mar 19, 2016 to Mar 25, 2016

Tom Johnson & Pepe Rojas

For our tour description, itinerary, past triplists, dates, fees, and more, please VISIT OUR TOUR PAGE.

See this triplist in printable PDF format with media only on page 1.

In addition to close flight views, we had some nice looks at perched Brown Boobies on the cliffs below us at Cabo Rojo. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

This short introduction to the birdlife of Puerto Rico was a smashing success this year. We found all 17 of the island's endemic bird species, saw several regional specialties, enjoyed the beauty of Puerto Rico, ate some tasty food, and had a darned good time doing it all.

The tour started off in San Juan with an introductory dinner, but we retired to bed early to prepare for a predawn start the following day. We headed west to Rio Abajo, where we found Puerto Rican Screech-Owls, enjoyed a picnic breakfast, and then walked a forest road until we came to a good site to wait for Puerto Rican Parrots to arrive. After an hour or so, we heard some parrots yelping as they flew in, and then all of a sudden, there they were! This is one of the rarest birds in the Caribbean, and here we were staring at them at point-blank range -- incredible! This population at Rio Abajo is thriving due to an active reintroduction project at the site. Farther to the west, we found the long-staying American Flamingo tending to its new nest, and also saw some White-tailed Tropicbirds below the mirador at Guajataca before heading to our beachside hotel in Parguera.

Our second full day together found us exploring an agricultural region dotted with productive wetlands near Lajas (including the famous Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge). Masked Duck, Caribbean Coot, Least Bittern, Puerto Rican Flycatcher, Antillean Mango, and more showed off nicely for us. After an afternoon break and a walk through Parguera, we headed out in the evening to search for the range-restricted Puerto Rican Nightjar in the hills near Guanica. A short walk up into the dry, scrubby forest put us right in the thick of things, and we were surrounded by calling nightjars as darkness fell. Some repositioning and a good guess with the spotlight allowed us to see this rare bird quite nicely before we headed back to Parguera to get some rest.

Another early start took us to the beautiful, cool highlands of Maricao State Forest. This site is a wonderful cradle of the island's endemic landbirds, and we had a special time watching Elfin-woods Warblers, Green Mangos, Puerto Rican Tanagers, Puerto Rican Orioles, Lesser Antillean ("Puerto Rican") Pewee, and much more. In just a few hours, we saw 11 of the island's 17 endemic birds! After lunch at our hotel, we ventured back out into the hills to Susúa State Forest, where we had a quiet afternoon looking for quail-doves. Puerto Rican Orioles showed off nicely, but we only heard one Key West Quail-Dove this time.

Our last morning on the island's western side took us to the wonderfully scenic Cabo Rojo, a hooklike peninsula at the extreme southwestern corner of the island. The sandflats were loaded with shorebirds including hundreds of Semipalmated and Western sandpipers. We took a lovely walk up to the lighthouse and the bluffs beyond, finding Caribbean Elaenia, Venezuelan Troupial, and a spectacular view of the sea, highlighted by swooping Brown Boobies and White-tailed Tropicbirds just overhead. Then we headed east, stopping in Comerío to see Plain Pigeons at a well-known stakeout before continuing on to our accommodation at a lovely ecolodge on the edge of El Yunque National Forest.

We headed to Humacao and Fajardo on our final full day, spending most of our time exploring the Fajardo area. This was good for Antillean Crested Hummingbird and Green-throated Carib -- we even saw a baby carib being attended by an adult. In the afternoon, we walked in to El Yunque near our hotel, enjoying a reprisal of many of the island's endemic birds and even seeing some new things, like a Louisiana Waterthrush and a funky juvenile plumage of Puerto Rican Oriole that was new for both Pepe and me.

We birded a bit around Casa Cubuy and El Yunque in the morning of our sixth day together, enjoying the Loggerhead Kingbirds and Puerto Rican Spindalis off the porch at the lodge, but before long, we had to pack up and head back to San Juan to drop everyone off at the airport.

Pepe and I want to thank you all for joining us on this great circumnavigation of Puerto Rico. We had some fantastic birding and a really smooth trip overall, thanks in large part to your fun and flexible nature! We hope to see you out in the field again down the road.

Cheers, and good birding,

Tom

KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) – Lots of these small migrant ducks were in the freshwater wetlands we visited. 130 were at Camuy, and 110 were at Laguna Cartagena.

NORTHERN SHOVELER (Anas clypeata) – Four were at Laguna Cartagena.

Puerto Rican Nightjar is one of the rock star birds of this tour, and we found several singing males in the southwest. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis) – Fairly common; offering good views, with 20 at Camuy and 7 at Laguna Cartagena.

MASKED DUCK (Nomonyx dominicus) – A tiny pond in the Valle de Lajas held two female/ immature type Masked Ducks. These stealthy little birds were tucked into emergent vegetation at the edge of the pond, but with scopes, we all had good views of their curious bills and stripey faces. Pretty exciting!

RUDDY DUCK (Oxyura jamaicensis) – Very common at Laguna Cartagena.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – At least five, including some stripey chicks, were bopping around the Masked Duck pond near Lajas.

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

AMERICAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus ruber) – This big lonely flamingo has been kicking around the north coast of Puerto Rico for a few years now, but just before our trip, it started to build a nest! While we watched, this magnificent bird bent over and helped to shape a mud bowl on the edge of its adopted farm pond near Camuy. Wow!

Phaethontidae (Tropicbirds)

WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD (Phaethon lepturus) – While the views at Guajataca on the tour's first full day were pretty good, they were immediately forgotten after our amazing experience at Cabo Rojo. While we stood atop the breezy bluffs, at least six adult White-tailed Tropicbirds zoomed around just above our heads. This was clearly one of the highlight experiences of the trip for most of us!

Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens) – Fairly common in coastal areas, and even a bit inland too (like at Laguna Cartagena).

This Antillean Mango flared its purple tail and showed off its bright metallic gorget. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)

BROWN BOOBY (Sula leucogaster) – Roughly 25 of these big seabirds were at Cabo Rojo, flying by within a bus-length of us along the cliff tops. We saw another 7 in the harbor at Fajardo.

Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) – Common along the coast.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) – One of these tiny herons was seen a few times flying furtively around the edge of the Masked Duck pond in Lajas.

GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – We saw these huge waders at several wetland locations including Cabo Rojo, Lajas, and the harbor at Fajardo.

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Common in the western part of the island.

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – We found a few at Lajas, Cartagena, and Cabo Rojo.

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Common and widespread.

GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) – We just saw a couple - one at Laguna Cartagena and another near Humacao.

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea) – At least one was hanging out near our hotel in Parguera. We watched it dismantling a crab alongside the road!

This Loggerhead Kingbird defended its palm tree from us on the edge of El Yunque National Forest. Photo by participant Larry Wright.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – Ten were at the flamingo pond near Camuy, and another five were at Laguna Cartagena.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Common and widespread.

Pandionidae (Osprey)

OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – We got to see these raptors at Laguna Cartagena and Cabo Rojo. At Cartagena, one even soared briefly with a Magnificent Frigatebird for a neat comparison.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (CARIBBEAN) (Accipiter striatus venator) – A few folks saw one fly past the mirador at Maricao State Forest while we prepared the breakfast spread, but it didn't hang around for everyone.

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (CARIBBEAN) (Buteo platypterus brunnescens) – We heard one whistling near the "parrot gate" at Rio Abajo. [*]

RED-TAILED HAWK (JAMAICENSIS) (Buteo jamaicensis jamaicensis) – Common and widespread.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

CLAPPER RAIL (CARIBBEAN) (Rallus crepitans caribaeus) – A few taunted us from the mangroves in Parguera, and we finally went out and saw one well near a boat ramp down the street from our hotel. Despite its preference for mangrove forest, the large rails in this region are apparently more closely allied with Clapper Rail than the newly split Mangrove Rail, found far to the south.

SORA (Porzana carolina) – One walked around the edges of the Masked Duck pond in Lajas.

PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus) – Surprisingly, only one popped out for us during our walk at Laguna Cartagena.

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Common in freshwater wetlands.

AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana) – Fairly common, especially at Laguna Cartagena.

CARIBBEAN COOT (Fulica caribaea) – Though we had good comparison views of this bird alongside American Coots at Laguna Cartagena, it is with great remorse that I must share that the AOU North American Checklist Committee voted to lump this "species" with American Coot in July 2016.

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus) – Common in wetlands, with 45 in Camuy, 10 at Laguna Cartagena, and 65 in the salt pans at Cabo Rojo.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) – One was on the flats at Cabo Rojo, seen from the vans as we were leaving the area.

WILSON'S PLOVER (Charadrius wilsonia) – One of these stout-billed plovers was seen by folks in the second van as we left Cabo Rojo.

Our experience with Puerto Rican Parrots at Rio Abajo would be hard to top! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus) – Only 3 were at Cabo Rojo with the big shorebird flocks.

KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus) – These familiar plovers were at several open locations. We even found a pair defending a rooftop territory near the hummingbird hotel in Fajardo.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – A few were in freshwater wetlands and along the coast at Camuy, Cartagena, and Fajardo.

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – Just a few between Lajas, Cartagena, and Cabo Rojo.

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – We saw a few more of these than Greaters - at the same locations.

STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus) – 5 were at the Camuy flamingo ponds, and another 20 were at Cabo Rojo.

LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla) – About 10 were on the flats at Cabo Rojo.

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla) – Roughly 250 of these migrant shorebirds were on the flats at Cabo Rojo, greatly outnumbering Western Sandpiper there.

WESTERN SANDPIPER (Calidris mauri) – At least 5 were in the big peep flock at Cabo Rojo. There could have been quite a few more, but we didn't spend time picking through each and every bird. It was clear that Westerns were greatly outnumbered by Semipalms.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla) – A dozen were in the Fajardo harbor.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Common around towns. [I]

A stop near the baseball field in Comerío produced some good scope views of these Plain Pigeons. This species isn't endemic to Puerto Rico, but it's tough to see throughout its range in the Caribbean. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

SCALY-NAPED PIGEON (Patagioenas squamosa) – Common, especially in the east near El Yunque.

WHITE-CROWNED PIGEON (Patagioenas leucocephala) – Lynn spotted one flying over when we were watching hummingbirds near the seaside park in Fajardo.

PLAIN PIGEON (Patagioenas inornata wetmorei) – The ball fields at Comerío came through for us - multiple birds showed up in the treetops and we had great views of these decidedly un-plain, plum-colored pigeons. These birds are uncommon throughout their range in the Caribbean.

EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) – These introduced doves pose an identification challenge, with African Collared-Dove being the confusion species. The smooth hoo-hoo, hoo-hoo song of this species helps to separate it from the roughly trilled song phrase given by African Collared-Doves.

AFRICAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia roseogrisea) – This is probably the more common of the Streptopelia doves on Puerto Rico, but Eurasian has expanded widely and it's likely that these two species hybridize here. [I]

COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina portoricensis) – Fairly common along trails and roadsides around La Parguera and Laguna Cartagena.

KEY WEST QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon chrysia) – Tom saw one hop up while walking a circuit at Susúa State Forest, but we only heard it calling from dense vegetation after that sighting. [*]

WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica) – Common and widespread.

ZENAIDA DOVE (Zenaida aurita) – Quite common - much easier to see here than on Hispaniola!

Adelaide's Warblers sang for us on both sides of the trail at Laguna Cartagena -- and offered some great views in the sparsely leafed trees. Photo by participant Larry Wright.

MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura) – Common, especially in open areas in the western part of the island.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

MANGROVE CUCKOO (Coccyzus minor) – Nice views at Rio Abajo and especially in the open at Laguna Cartagena.

PUERTO RICAN LIZARD-CUCKOO (Coccyzus vieilloti) – A bit squirrelly, but we pieced together some good views between Rio Abajo, Guanica, and Maricao. This magnificent endemic bird is part of a group of cuckoos endemic to the Greater Antilles. [E]

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Very common in open areas, especially around Laguna Cartagena.

Strigidae (Owls)

PUERTO RICAN SCREECH-OWL (Megascops nudipes) – Woo-hoo! Our first island endemic bird seen on the tour was this amazing owl. A pair called from within a big stand of bamboo at Rio Abajo, and we eventually had some really good scope views of them. Another one was calling when we arrived in the early morning at Maricao State Forest. [E]

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

PUERTO RICAN NIGHTJAR (Antrostomus noctitherus) – This rare nightjar put on shows for us on two different nights - we first heard and saw it close up along a trail at Guanica State Forest, and then again the next evening along a roadside near Parguera (in a scope this time, even!). The over-the-top, great experiences with this species were a real bonus for both leaders. [E]

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

ANTILLEAN MANGO (Anthracothorax dominicus aurulentus) – This large and showy hummer was quite common, with a few really good performances around Parguera.

GREEN MANGO (Anthracothorax viridis) – Excellent views at Maricao and in El Yunque. This large hummingbird likes to perch conspicuously, so once we found a favored spot, it was pretty easy to lock in for some superb scope views. [E]

GREEN-THROATED CARIB (Eulampis holosericeus) – These large, oddly-shaped hummingbirds put in a great show at two spots in Fajardo. In the hotel gardens, we even found a fledgling that was being attended by an adult.

PUERTO RICAN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon maugaeus) – We had a few nice (if brief) experiences with these endemic hummers, including a male that showed up and fed at flowers near our breakfast spot at Maricao for a minute or two. [E]

Some richly colored Caribbean Cave Swallows eyed us as they flew by. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

ANTILLEAN CRESTED HUMMINGBIRD (LESSER ANTILLES) (Orthorhyncus cristatus exilis) – Our exploration of Fajardo led to finding three of these tiny, stub-billed, regional endemic hummers.

Todidae (Todies)

PUERTO RICAN TODY (Todus mexicanus) – For many in the group, this was your first species of tody! And what a bird it is - tiny and bright green and red, with a shape that reminds one of a combination of a kingfisher and a hummingbird. We saw them again and again in the forests of Puerto Rico - they are really quite common little guys. [E]

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon) – One flew over us during a walk in Parguera.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

PUERTO RICAN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes portoricensis) – Common, especially in forest and edge habitat. We had some memorable sightings of this striking, dark Melanerpes at Maricao and Rio Abajo. [E]

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

AMERICAN KESTREL (EASTERN CARIBBEAN) (Falco sparverius caribaearum) – Common - seen most days. They appeared to be nesting in a house next to our hotel in Parguera.

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus) – A few showed up near a park in Fajardo on our final full day. [I]

PUERTO RICAN PARROT (Amazona vittata) – At Rio Abajo, we walked in toward the center of reintroduction efforts for this rare species - and we were rewarded with some extremely good views of up to ten parrots, with several low down in the canopy in the open. This used to be a species that was a pipe dream for a visiting birder coming to Puerto Rico, but we now have a good shot of finding it on this tour. [E]

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

CARIBBEAN ELAENIA (Elaenia martinica) – These excitable flycatchers posed nicely for us in the scrub around the lighthouse at Cabo Rojo.

LESSER ANTILLEAN PEWEE (PUERTO RICO) (Contopus latirostris blancoi) – One called frequently and sallied from the mid-canopy at Maricao State Forest, really showing off for us. Another appeared briefly at Susúa.

This male Antillean Euphonia showed us its blue cap from below eye level in the Maricao highlands. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

PUERTO RICAN FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus antillarum) – This endemic Myiarchus is fairly common, with excellent views at Laguna Cartagena and Rio Abajo. They are much drabber than similar flycatchers found on the US mainland. [E]

GRAY KINGBIRD (Tyrannus dominicensis) – Everywhere!

LOGGERHEAD KINGBIRD (PUERTO RICAN) (Tyrannus caudifasciatus taylori) – Nice views at Maricao and especially from the porch at Casa Cubuy, where a pair was nesting in a palm tree.

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

PUERTO RICAN VIREO (Vireo latimeri) – The cheery song of this endemic vireo rang out frequently at Rio Abajo and Maricao, and we saw several quite nicely. [E]

BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO (Vireo altiloquus) – Very common. Heard in most forested habitats.

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

CARIBBEAN MARTIN (Progne dominicensis) – Small numbers circled overhead at several coastal locations. In particular, we had some really good views at Laguna Cartagena.

BANK SWALLOW (Riparia riparia) – At least one was circling with the Barn Swallows over the flamingo pond near Camuy. This species winters in South America and is rare in the Caribbean in winter.

BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Common at a few sites, including the flamingo pond near Camuy.

CAVE SWALLOW (CARIBBEAN) (Petrochelidon fulva puertoricensis) – Several of these pumpkin-rumped swallows passed by close when we were on the stone tower in the Maricao highlands.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

RED-LEGGED THRUSH (ARDOSIACEUS/ALBIVENTRIS) (Turdus plumbeus ardosiaceus) – Common in forested habitats. Many were hopping on the road as we drove up to Maricao in the pre-dawn gloaming.

We heard Puerto Rican Bullfinches at many of our forest stops, but it was a challenge to find one sitting out on an open song perch. That didn't stop participant Larry Wright from nailing a great photo of one.

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

PEARLY-EYED THRASHER (Margarops fuscatus) – This striking mimic is fairly common and LOUD!

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos) – Common - seen every day.

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

LOUISIANA WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia motacilla) – One was foraging along the walking road at El Yunque. These are uncommon wintering birds on the island, outnumbered by Northerns.

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) – A few showed nicely in the mangroves at Parguera.

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) – One appeared above us near the "parrot gate" at Rio Abajo.

ELFIN-WOODS WARBLER (Setophaga angelae) – Shortly after we arrived at Maricao, we heard our first one of these rare highland warblers. It took a little while, but eventually we all walked away with some memorable views of this incredibly range-restricted bird. [E]

AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) – Fairly common in forest and edge habitat - they were scattered in flocks that we found throughout the tour.

NORTHERN PARULA (Setophaga americana) – Just two of these small, colorful warblers - one was in Parguera and the other was at Laguna Cartagena.

YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) – Common, especially in coastal mangrove forest.

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Setophaga caerulescens) – One appeared briefly during our walk in El Yunque.

ADELAIDE'S WARBLER (Setophaga adelaidae) – This endemic is quite common in several forest types. The trail to the tower at Laguna Cartagena took us right through several territories, and we saw these Grace's Warbler look-alikes extremely well. [E]

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

BANANAQUIT (CARIBBEAN) (Coereba flaveola portoricensis) – Everywhere!

YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus bryanti) – These seed-eaters were common in the Lajas Valley. We saw them, including some splendid males, near the Masked Duck pond and along the walking trail at Laguna Cartagena.

BLACK-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris bicolor omissus) – Drab and tiny, they showed well around Laguna Cartagena and other scrub-edge habitats in the West.

PUERTO RICAN BULLFINCH (Loxigilla portoricensis) – This loud songbird made us work for views, but everyone eventually saw a singing male really well. We had quite a few between Rio Abajo, Maricao, and El Yunque. [E]

PUERTO RICAN TANAGER (Nesospingus speculiferus) – Common at Maricao and El Yunque. [E]

PUERTO RICAN SPINDALIS (Spindalis portoricensis) – Though these fine "Stripe-headed Tanagers" were at Maricao and Susúa, our best experience was surely the bubbly male that was singing at close range at eye level off the porch at Casa Cubuy. [E]

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

YELLOW-SHOULDERED BLACKBIRD (Agelaius xanthomus) – At least 25 of these endangered blackbirds were waiting for us in trees near a store with bird feeders in Parguera. A few more were near the parking area at Cabo Rojo. This area of the island is the stronghold for these rare birds that have been targeted by the unfortunate nest parasitism of Shiny Cowbirds. [E]

GREATER ANTILLEAN GRACKLE (Quiscalus niger brachypterus) – Common - seen every day.

A male Puerto Rican Spindalis sang from a close perch just off the porch at Casa Cubuy, the ecolodge where we stay near El Yunque. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis) – We saw them several times in the southwest and also around Fajardo. Distressingly, they were following around Yellow-shouldered Blackbirds at Parguera and Cabo Rojo - the species lays its eggs in the nests of Yellow-shouldered Blackbirds here. The species invaded the Caribbean from South America, and its presence is of constant concern to biologists studying the rare blackbirds here.

PUERTO RICAN ORIOLE (Icterus portoricensis) – Wonderful looks at these black-and-yellow beauties in Maricao and Casa Cubuy. The funky olive-yellow oriole that we saw and photographed on the trail in El Yunque on one of our final outings was actually a juvenile Puerto Rican Oriole. The plumage is not well-illustrated in any field guides, so it took some sleuthing to straighten out the ID! [E]

VENEZUELAN TROUPIAL (Icterus icterus) – This handsome introduced bird is fairly common in the Southwest - our best views were of the birds at Cabo Rojo. [I]

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

ANTILLEAN EUPHONIA (Euphonia musica sclateri) – Happily a few of these mistletoe specialists showed up in front of us (actually, below eye level!) at the stone tower at Maricao. The males surely rank as one of the handsomest birds in the Greater Antilles.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Common around towns and agricultural areas. [I]

Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)

NORTHERN RED BISHOP (Euplectes franciscanus) – Formerly "Orange Bishop". One showed briefly near Laguna Cartagena. [I]

Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)

ORANGE-CHEEKED WAXBILL (Estrilda melpoda) – Two posed nicely at Laguna Cartagena. [I]

BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullata) – Ours were in the ornamental shrubs outside of the Fajardo Inn. [I]

Viduidae (Indigobirds)

PIN-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua macroura) – At our second hummingbird stop in Fajardo, we found these tiny Viduids. Unfortunately, at this season, the males lack the spectacular tails of the breeding season. [I]

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 110 bird taxa and 0 mammal taxa