Important Note: We look forward to birding with you! To see the most recent update of our pre-tour and on-tour protocols and our requirements for travel, please visit our tour protocols page.
Jamaica is one of the hotbeds of avian endemism in the West Indies, with at least 27 species found nowhere else. Add to those a host of regional specialties and numerous wintering wood-warblers and you've got an irresistible birding destination close to the United States. It doesn't hurt that we'll be based entirely from a single hotel on a lush tropical island with fabulous food, vibrant culture, and world-renowned music! In just five days of birding, we stand a good chance of encountering all of Jamaica's endemics, from the fabulous streamertails to the taxonomically curious Orangequit.
Villa Mockingbird Hill is an enchanting eco-boutique retreat with inviting trails winding through lush habitat. The extremely range-restricted "Black-billed"subspecies of Streamertail, Jamaica's National Bird, can be found on the grounds. The regal Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo may be working its way through the canopy of mature trees, while Jamaican Woodpeckers work the trunk, spritely Jamaican Todies and active Sad Flycatchers forage in the understory, and White-chinned Thrushes hop across the ground. Numerous other endemics can be found here as well. This safe and inviting property is managed for sustainability. The Caribbean breeze, a dip in the pool, a good book, and a rum punch or fresh-squeezed juice might be really tempting. The beauty of staying at the same hotel for most of the tour is you are welcome to succumb to temptation and take a pass on any outing you wish (except for when we head to Montego Bay).
In order to round out our list of endemics, we will take field trips to the John Crow Mountains, the Blue Mountains, and Cockpit Country. Our higher-elevation targets will include Ring-tailed Pigeon, Crested Quail-Dove, Yellow-billed and Black-billed parrots, Blue Mountain Vireo, and the odd Jamaican Blackbird. We will make stops along the coast to sample Jamaica's cuisine and to look for tropicbirds, frigatebirds, shorebirds, and herons.
Select the KEY INFO tab or click here for our itinerary plus space requests, status, fees, limits, and guides for any departure.
Client comment
"A fabulous tour! It was a great group to bird with. I really enjoyed the congeniality of the people and food was great, too. We managed to find all the endemics while having fun. I always feel that Field Guides are the most professionally run tours. They are very considerate of the participants' comfort and are the most skilled at finding the birds." N.B., JAMAICA
ITINERARIES • TOUR STATUS • DETAILS • SPACE REQUESTS
ITINERARIES • We issue a separate itinerary for each year, typically at least 9 months before that year's first departure. Most itineraries don't vary much year to year, but there may be small or rarely more substantive changes. A sample previous-year itinerary is usually available even if the one for your chosen departure is not. We do not require any deposit for provisional bookings until the itinerary for the departure is ready.
DEPARTURES • We have 6 departures currently scheduled through 2024, with details including limits, guides, fees, and space available listed below.
2023
Feb 19-25, 2023
Guided by: Cory Gregory & local guide
Tour Manager: Sharon Mackie
Tour Limit: 8
Status: Provisionally full; waitlist available - This tour is full, and all those booked have made deposits. Click below to be waitlisted for this tour with no obligation; if you are waitlisted, we will also notify you in case of an added departure of this tour.
Tour Fee: $3875
Deposit: $375
REQUEST WAITLIST OR MORE INFO
Feb 26 - Mar 4, 2023
Guided by: Eric Hynes & local guide
Tour Manager: Sharon Mackie
Tour Limit: 8
Status: Provisionally full; waitlist available - This tour is full, and all those booked have made deposits. Click below to be waitlisted for this tour with no obligation; if you are waitlisted, we will also notify you in case of an added departure of this tour.
Tour Fee: $3875
Deposit: $375
REQUEST WAITLIST OR MORE INFO
Nov 19-25, 2023
Guided by: Cory Gregory & local guide
Tour Manager: Sharon Mackie
Tour Limit: 8
Status: One space available - Space is still available on this tour, and we are accepting provisional bookings. No deposit is required until you receive the itinerary. Click below to book space.
Tour Fee: $3875
Deposit: $375
REQUEST SPACE OR MORE INFO
2024
Feb 25 - Mar 2, 2024
Guided by: Cory Gregory & local guide
Tour Manager: Sharon Mackie
Tour Limit: 8
Status: Provisionally full; waitlist available - The itinerary has not been finalized for this tour. The trip has provisionally filled but, if you are interested, we can waitlist you for the trip. As we do not require deposits until the itinerary and price are finalized, we often have folks drop off a tour when the deposit is required, and so space opens up! Click below to be waitlisted for this tour with no obligation; if you are waitlisted, we will also notify you in case of an added departure of this tour.
Tour Fee: Fee TBD / 2023=$3875
REQUEST WAITLIST OR MORE INFO
Mar 3-9, 2024
Guided by: Eric Hynes & local guide
Tour Manager: Sharon Mackie
Tour Limit: 8
Status: Open - Space is still available on this tour, and we are accepting provisional bookings. No deposit is required until you receive the itinerary. Click below to book space.
Tour Fee: Fee TBD / 2023=$3875
REQUEST SPACE OR MORE INFO
Nov 17-23, 2024
Guided by: Cory Gregory & local guide
Tour Manager: Sharon Mackie
Tour Limit: 8
Status: Open - Space is still available on this tour, and we are accepting provisional bookings. No deposit is required until you receive the itinerary. Click below to book space.
Tour Fee: Fee TBD / 2023=$3875
REQUEST SPACE OR MORE INFO
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