The Caribbean offers a mosaic of lush forests, mountains, and coastlines across its enchanting islands. Field Guides birding tours to these West Indies immerse you in the region's spectacular avian diversity, covering these islands from north to south on itineraries covering the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, the long arc of the Lesser Antilles, and Trinidad and Tobago. Continue reading our overview of all Caribbean tours or click an image below for a specific destination.
Caribbean Birding Destinations
Caribbean Overview & Highlights
In the northernmost reaches, just a short flight hop from Florida, the Bahamas are covered in pine forests and tall coppice that are home to a number of attractive endemics and Caribbean specialties, birds such as the tiny Bahama Woodstar and the rare Bahama Oriole, but also the lovely Cuban Parrot.
In Jamaica's vibrant hills, nearly 30 endemics await, including dazzling streamertails, Jamaican Tody, the "mountain witch" (Crested Quail-Dove), and oddities such as Jamaican Blackbird and Blue Mountain Vireo.
In Puerto Rico, we explore rainforests and mangroves for specialties such as Puerto Rican Tody, Elfin-woods Warbler, and the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot, all while enjoying the island's rich culture and cuisine.
A trip to the Dominican Republic is a chance to seek out yet another 30 island endemics, from the odd Palmchat (in a bird family all its own) that constructs huge communal stick nests, to Hispaniolan Trogon and the endangered Ridgway's Hawk.
Our Lesser Antilles tour is a true adventure, hopping between ten volcanic islands to seek out rare, localized endemics like tremblers, parrots, and hummingbirds--each island offering its own unique charm and birding rewards.
in the southernmost reaches of the Caribbean, only a short distance off the South American coast, lie Trinidad & Tobago. Due to their proximity to the continent, the birdlife has a very South American flavor, unlike the islands to the north. As a result, Trinidad & Tobago offer a perfect introduction to continent's avifauna for the first-timer as you get to know some wonderful Neotropical bird families, from motmots and manakins to antbirds and woodcreepers, but in manageable variety rather than being overwhelmed.
With comfortable accommodations, relaxed paces, and expert guides, these tours blend the thrill of tracking down island endemics with time to soak in the Caribbean's stunning scenery, warm hospitality, and laid-back rhythm. Whether hand-feeding hummingbirds in Jamaica, searching for Kirtland's Warbler in the Bahamas, or exploring the highland trails of Dominica, birding the Caribbean promises unforgettable encounters and the magic of island discovery.
Photo credit: Our thanks to participant Linda Rudolph for the nice portrait of a Banaquit in Jamaica at the top of this page.
We offer many tours to MEXICO and CENTRAL AMERICA and SOUTH AMERICA, too!