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Field Guides Tour Report
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Mar 24, 2012 to Mar 31, 2012
Jesse Fagan

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Only two major Caribbean islands, Hispaniola and Cuba, have trogons. While the Cuban Trogon is still quite common, Hispaniolan Trogons are considered threatened and have declined considerably due to habitat destruction. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

Thanks for another fun adventure to the DR. And it is an adventure! Packed full with long drives, up 4X4 roads, in the dark, or cruising along curvy mountain roads with the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean out your window, then hiking in dry forest or humid wet forest; this tour offers it all. This year we had another successful trip looking for the island endemics. Though the Broad-billed Tody stole the show, we had probably my best looks ever at Bay-breasted Cuckoo, a lifer White-fronted Quail-Dove in the scope (after having scoped Key West!), and very cooperative Eastern Chat-Tanagers. I don't think we will ever forget the attack from the Hispaniolan (Greater Antillean) Nightjar, all mouth and growls! And La Selle Thrush nearly at our feet?!

Culturally, as well, we experienced the DR. The first city of the New World, our walking tour brought us to the first everything: cathedral, hospital, street, university, and we even dined our final evening in one of the oldest taverns in the New World. Francis Drake sipped a cold one (though not a Presidente!) where we sipped elegant wines! And what about Haiti? Difficult to see, but worth remembering how different two places can really be, and being thankful for what we have. Finally, what about our dose of "modern" culture in Barahona with the mopeds and motorbikes zipping around us like annoying sandgnats?!

I would like to thank Ivan Mota, our local guide, for such an excellent job. It was a joy working with him. Also, thanks to Kate Wallace for her continued dedicated work with bird conservation in the DR. Last, but certainly not least, thanks to my group. It was a pleasure guiding you in the DR. I hope to have the chance again.

One love. Peace. Bird on.

--Jesse aka Mot

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

BIRDS
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WEST INDIAN WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna arborea) – A few adults, but a lot of young were seen along the small stream at the botanical gardens.
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) – A single female-plumaged bird on Lake Enriquillo. [b]
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – One on a nest at the botanical gardens was cool. [N]
Phaethontidae (Tropicbirds)
WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD (Phaethon lepturus) – One briefly from the road on the way back into Santo Domingo (last day of trip).
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens) – A few around Santo Domingo and Barahona.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)


Though currently treated as a warbler, DNA evidence seems to support the idea that the endemic White-winged Warbler (shown here) and Green-tailed Warbler are actually tanagers, and are most closely related to the palm-tanagers, also endemic to the island. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

LEAST BITTERN (Ixobrychus exilis) – Great scope views of this species along Lake Enriquillo.
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias) – One on Lake Enriquillo.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Just singles here and there.
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – A few at the botanical gardens and again on Lake Enriquillo.
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – One adult was along the lakeshore at Enriquillo.
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) – A pair were feeding along the lakeshore at Enriquillo.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Seen every day of the tour.
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) – We scoped a nice adult along the small stream in the botanical gardens.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – On the island this species is generally seen only in the eastern half. We had a number on our drive to Los Limones.
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus) – One migratory bird was seen perched at Lake Enriquillo. There are no known nesting attempts of this species in the DR. [b]
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (Accipiter striatus) – A trio were at El Cachote.
RIDGWAY'S HAWK (Buteo ridgwayi) – We had to work a little bit more than I wanted, but it was all for the best. We had nice scope studies of a female near her nest. There are roughly 200 individuals of this species in the world, and only in the DR. [E]
RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis) – Several around the Barahuco Mountains.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – The resident subspecies is quite pale overall. We saw this species nearly every day.
MERLIN (Falco columbarius) – Singles on two different days. [b]
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – One over the city while we waited for nighthawks. [b]
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – The largest number were in the botanical gardens along the small stream. Also at Enriquillo.
CARIBBEAN COOT (Fulica caribaea) – One on Lake Enriquillo showing the broad white frontal shield.
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) [*]
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus) – Three were along the edge at Lake Enriquillo.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) – A pair at the botanical gardens. [b]
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus) – A few out over the Caribbean, but also several on Lake Enriquillo.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)


Hispaniola (like Jamaica) has two endemic cuckoos, the widespread and common Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo shown here... (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Every day. In cities and towns. [I]
SCALY-NAPED PIGEON (Patagioenas squamosa) – A number in the Barahuco (near Zapoten) and along Rabo de Gato trail.
PLAIN PIGEON (Patagioenas inornata) [*]
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica) – On our first day in Santo Domingo.
ZENAIDA DOVE (Zenaida aurita) – Most days seen, but mainly in flight. The white trailing edge to the wing is a distinctive mark.
MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura) – Equally as common as the previous species. Seen most days.
COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina) – Common in the arid scrub around Puerto Escondido and along the major roads around Barahona.
KEY WEST QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon chrysia) – Wonderful scope studies of a bird perched in a tree along Rabo de Gato trail.
WHITE-FRONTED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon leucometopia) – Equally impressive as the Key West was this endemic species. We had it in the scope while it tried to keep dry from the rain. [E]
Psittacidae (Parrots)
HISPANIOLAN PARAKEET (Aratinga chloroptera) – A very common endemic psittacid on the island. Seen every day. [E]
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (AZTEC) (Aratinga nana astec) – Two quick flybys while birding Rabo de Gato.
HISPANIOLAN PARROT (Amazona ventralis) – Nice looks at the parrot while birding Zapoten. [E]
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
MANGROVE CUCKOO (Coccyzus minor) [*]
BAY-BREASTED CUCKOO (Coccyzus rufigularis) – A fantastic bird which we saw very well coming down from Zapoten. Its call is equally crazy and fantastic. A guide favorite! [E]
HISPANIOLAN LIZARD-CUCKOO (Coccyzus longirostris) – This genus in general, especially on the islands, is way cool. Our best studies were at the botanical gardens and another at El Aceitillar taking a siesta. [E]
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Common on the island in open, disturbed country.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
ASHY-FACED OWL (Tyto glaucops) – A flyby encounter, but in the spotlight and close while heading to El Aceitillar. Nice looks. [E]
Strigidae (Owls)
BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – Along the drive near Puerto Escondido.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
GREATER ANTILLEAN NIGHTJAR (HISPANIOLAN) (Caprimulgus cubanensis ekmani) – All I saw was mouth! Ha ha. A very close encounter with a bird near Zapoten. [E]
Apodidae (Swifts)


...and the much rarer, but way cool, Bay-breasted Cuckoo, always a tough bird to find. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – A small flock at El Aceitillar.
ANTILLEAN PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis phoenicobia) – Very common at various places around DR, especially at the hotel in Santo Domingo.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
ANTILLEAN MANGO (Anthracothorax dominicus) – Seen well, especially at the flowering trees in the botanical gardens, at several sites.
VERVAIN HUMMINGBIRD (Mellisuga minima) – This small hummingbird could belt out quite a song! They also liked the song perches in the tops of the palm trees.
HISPANIOLAN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon swainsonii) – Our first ones were at Zapoten, but again later at El Aceitillar. [E]
Trogonidae (Trogons)
HISPANIOLAN TROGON (Priotelus roseigaster) – Wonderful scoped looks at El Aceitillar. [E]
Todidae (Todies)
BROAD-BILLED TODY (Todus subulatus) – A great bird. Well, all todies are great! This is the more common one in the lowlands of DR. [E]
NARROW-BILLED TODY (Todus angustirostris) – Less common and restricted to the middle and higher elevations. Our first was at Zapoten. [E]
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
ANTILLEAN PICULET (Nesoctites micromegas) – A pair seen well near our first stop at Zapoten. Even in the scope for a short bit. [E]
HISPANIOLAN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes striatus) – One of the most common endemics (perhaps the most common?) on the island. The call is heard at just about every stop. [E]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
GREATER ANTILLEAN ELAENIA (Elaenia fallax) – Uncommon, but seen and heard at a few stops around Zapoten and Aceitillar.
HISPANIOLAN PEWEE (Contopus hispaniolensis) – Similarly uncommon, but around. We had a few at Zapoten and again at Aceitillar. [E]
STOLID FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus stolidus) – The call is very similar to Nutting's Flycatcher (a Myiarchus from the mainland). Fairly common at most semi-arid sites.
GRAY KINGBIRD (Tyrannus dominicensis) – Common and seen every day.
LOGGERHEAD KINGBIRD (HISPANIOLAN) (Tyrannus caudifasciatus gabbii) – A potential split in the future. A responsive pair below Zapoten and again at Aceitillar.
Vireonidae (Vireos)
FLAT-BILLED VIREO (Vireo nanus) – Our first attempt was a bust, but the next spot we had a very responsive bird right over our heads. Definitely an odd looking vireo, more upright posture like a flycatcher, understandable in some ways it was originally described as an Empidonax fly. [E]
BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO (Vireo altiloquus) – Common at most humid sites with taller trees. It appears there is a resident population; though some may migrate south as well. Interesting.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
PALM CROW (HISPANIOLAN) (Corvus palmarum palmarum) – Down on the shore of Lake Enriquillo we had this species nearly eating out of our hands. [E]


Hispaniola is also home to two species of tody, the only island to host two. This is the more common Broad-billed Tody. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

WHITE-NECKED CROW (Corvus leucognaphalus) – At two different spots. We waited and waited at Kate's Camp, finally scoping a distant bird in a palm. However, it was seen again at closer range and better looks in the town of Los Limones. The caged individual was rather sad. [E]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
CARIBBEAN MARTIN (Progne dominicensis) – Back in good numbers. A few over Lake Enriquillo and again over the city. Presumably they spend the winter in northern SA.
GOLDEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta euchrysea) – A near endemic, we had it nicely at Zapoten (even low enough to see the golden tones) and singing at Aceitillar.
CAVE SWALLOW (CARIBBEAN) (Petrochelidon fulva fulva) – A quick stop on the way to Los Limones was all we needed to tick this resident subspecies. This subspecies is the one that they find way up the East Coast in the fall.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
RUFOUS-THROATED SOLITAIRE (RUFOUS-THROATED) (Myadestes genibarbis montanus) – We will not soon forget the somber, but dreamy-like song of this species.
BICKNELL'S THRUSH (Catharus bicknelli) – We were close to seeing this species a few times. [b*]
LA SELLE THRUSH (Turdus swalesi) – A big target bird for us. Rare and local. We had excellent close studies of several birds at Zapoten. [E]
RED-LEGGED THRUSH (EASTERN) (Turdus plumbeus ardosiaceus) – Fairly common. Our first looks at the botanical gardens.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos) – Common. Seen every day.
Dulidae (Palmchat)
PALMCHAT (Dulus dominicus) – This monotypic family is one reason why many people visit the DR. If you are trying to see all the families of the world, then you have to come to the DR! Thankfully it is a common species on the island. [E]
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla) – Botanical gardens in SD. [b]
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) [b*]
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) [b]
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas trichas) [b*]
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) – At several sites and mainly sharp-looking males. [b]
NORTHERN PARULA (Setophaga americana) – SD Botanical Gardens. Several were already beginning to sing. [b]
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Setophaga caerulescens) – Seen at Zapoten and again at Aceitillar. Generally winters at higher elevations. [b]
PINE WARBLER (Setophaga pinus chrysoleuca) – The resident subspecies was seen well at Aceitillar in, not surprisingly, the pines.
PRAIRIE WARBLER (Setophaga discolor) – A couple at Aceitillar. [b]
WHITE-WINGED WARBLER (Xenoligea montana) – Once called "tanagers," the next two warblers are very strange indeed. They are in monotypic genera, both endemic to the island of Hispaniola. White-winged was the more difficult one for us to find, but it showed very well! [E]
GREEN-TAILED WARBLER (Microligea palustris) – Seen well at Zapoten. [E]
Coerebidae (Bananaquit)
BANANAQUIT (CARIBBEAN) (Coereba flaveola bananivora) – I like the subspecies name for this one, "bananivora."
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
BLACK-CROWNED PALM-TANAGER (Phaenicophilus palmarum) – Our first nice looks were at the botanical gardens where a pair was feeding on palm fruit. Seen again at several other places. [E]
WESTERN CHAT-TANAGER (Calyptophilus tertius) – A little bit of a struggle, but eventually seen pretty well. Zapoten. [E]
EASTERN CHAT-TANAGER (Calyptophilus frugivorus) – We saw several individuals well and heard a bunch more in the wet forest near El Cachote. Very local in the DR. [E]
HISPANIOLAN SPINDALIS (Spindalis dominicensis) – A really nice looking bird that thankfully we saw well at a couple of different sites. This genus is endemic to the Greater Antilles. They can look really different depending on which island you are on. [E]
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies)
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus)
BLACK-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris bicolor)


The handsome Hispaniolan Woodpecker is easily one of the most numerous and often-seen of the island endemics. (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

GREATER ANTILLEAN BULLFINCH (Loxigilla violacea) – The bullfinch was seen at Aceitillar and heard again near El Cachote.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
GREATER ANTILLEAN GRACKLE (Quiscalus niger) – Pretty common. Our first ones were in the botanical gardens, but also at a large nesting colony near Kate's Camp.
HISPANIOLAN ORIOLE (Icterus dominicensis) – Always unpredictable. Our bathroom stop coming down from El Cachote was the right move. This is usually how we find this bird!
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
ANTILLEAN EUPHONIA (Euphonia musica) – A fine looking bird that we had very close just over our vehicles at Zapoten. Heard at several other sites.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 97 bird taxa and 0 mammal taxa