FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: Dominican Republic 2015

Field Guides Tour Report

Dominican Republic 2015

Mar 14, 2015 to Mar 21, 2015

Jesse Fagan & Tom Johnson

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.

The bird of the trip! White-tailed Tropicbirds displayed right beneath our feet in Santo Domingo. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

Our whirlwind week in the Dominican Republic was marked by fun, lots of adventure, good weather, a great group of birders, and encounters with all of the available Hispaniolan endemic birds (we skip Gray-crowned Palm-Tanager on this tour due to its isolation in neighboring Haiti).

After securing our off-road capable 4x4 vehicles and having a lovely first dinner in Santo Domingo, we took a morning to explore the Santo Domingo Botanical Garden before heading west out of town for the Sierra de Bahoruco. The gardens gave us our first encounters with a good chunk of the island's endemic species, as well as some tough-to-find regional endemics like West Indian Whistling-Duck. We ended up at Kate's Camp in Rabo de Gato, at the foot of the Sierra de Bahoruco, in the late afternoon.

A very early start to Day 2 led us up a bumpy trail to Zapoten, one of the forested sites that allows us to sample the montane diversity of Hispaniolan birds. Here we found Greater Antillean Nightjar, La Selle Thrush, Antillean Euphonia, White-winged Warbler, and Hispaniolan Trogon among many others. We also were confronted by the reality of the creeping and heartbreaking deforestation of the Sierra along the border with poverty-stricken Haiti. A return to lower elevation in the heat of the day allowed for a siesta, and an afternoon exploration of the Rabo de Gato trail near Kate's Camp turned up Ruddy, Key West, and White-fronted Quail-Doves.

The next day, while we only heard Bay-breasted Cuckoo near Kate's Camp, we did have more views of secretive quail-doves before packing up and heading to the coast at Barahona. A relaxing afternoon at our seaside hotel led to sightings of pool-drinking Antillean Palm-Swifts and an uncommon Baltimore Oriole.

Another early morning start led us to the highland pine forests of El Aceitillar, where we had amazingly close views of Hispaniolan Crossbills drinking water and Hispaniolan Palm-Crows calling nasally overhead. A return to Barahona through Cabo Rojo and the Oviedo Lagoon helped us find flocks of Stilt Sandpipers and some lovely pink American Flamingos.

From Barahona, the group headed up to El Cachote with local guide Ivan Mota after a surprise vehicle switch. Almost immediately upon reaching the designated spot in the highlands, the group scored the much-coveted Eastern Chat-Tanager, one of the final endemics for the trip. We then headed east to Santo Domingo, checking out the ponds at Las Salinas for shorebirds (stirred by a pesky Peregrine Falcon) en route.

Our final full day in the Dominican Republic was designed to give us the best possible chance to see one of Hispaniola's rarest birds, Ridgway's Hawk. After we stopped for stunning views of displaying White-tailed Tropicbirds on the way east out of Santo Domingo, we headed to the outskirts of Los Haitises National Park. Timoteo, a local man who helps to keep an eye on the critically endangered hawks, helped us find a perched female Ridgway's Hawk, and we also saw and heard a male displaying high overhead. Upon our return to Santo Domingo, we embarked on an entertaining walking tour of the Zona Colonial before our final dinner at a restaurant that houses one of the New World's first bars.

Jesse and I had a great time birding on this tour and especially want to credit our flexible group of fun, savvy, and enthusiastic birders for rolling with unexpected moments and savoring the special sightings and experiences that this special island had to offer. Thank you all!

Special thanks also go to our local operator, Kate Wallace (operator of Tody Tours and Kate's Camp) and local guide Ivan Mota.

-Tom Johnson

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)

WEST INDIAN WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna arborea) – A small group was in residence along the wooded stream at the Santo Domingo Botanical Garden.

AMERICAN WIGEON (Anas americana) – Many were on the water in the distance at Oviedo Lagoon.

BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors) – We saw a flock of these long-distance migrant ducks in the pools at Cabo Rojo.

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus) – We found these diminutive grebes at the SD Botanical Garden as well as the slough at Rabo de Gato.

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

AMERICAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus ruber) – Over 100 of these stunners were at Oviedo Lagoon.

Phaethontidae (Tropicbirds)

WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD (Phaethon lepturus) – Near the aquarium in Santo Domingo, we watched at least 4 of these amazing seabirds displaying close to the rocky seacoast. This was voted the group's favorite species of the trip!

Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens) – These massive seabirds soared over at several spots during the last three days of the tour. Particularly good overhead views were had during our walking tour of the Zona Colonial.

Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis) – We saw these brutes cruising along the coast - best views were from the hotel in Barahona.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – We had roadside views several times; there were also a bunch in the trees at the Las Salinas ponds.

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula) – We saw several on the flats at Las Salinas.

LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea) – These egrets were in ponds at Cabo Rojo and Las Salinas.

TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor) – A few stood and fed in direct comparison to Little Blue Herons, Snowy Egrets, and a Reddish Egret at Cabo Rojo.

REDDISH EGRET (Egretta rufescens) – These active coastal egrets were at Cabo Rojo and Las Salinas.

These American Flamingos were duking it out at Oviedo Lagoon. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Common in roadside fields; seen every day.

GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens) – These small waders were seen several times along the slough at Rabo de Gato.

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea) – Two were stalking along the mangrove-shaded shores of Cabo Rojo.

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus) – These pale waders were along the coastline at Cabo Rojo.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura) – Fairly common in the eastern part of the DR; we saw many on the last two days of the tour.

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

SHARP-SHINNED HAWK (Accipiter striatus) – One flew over high at El Aceitillar.

RIDGWAY'S HAWK (Buteo ridgwayi) – Excellent! We heard and saw a male displaying overhead and watched a perched female at length. These critically endangered raptors were near a nest site near Los Limones on the edge of Los Haitises National Park. [E]

RED-TAILED HAWK (Buteo jamaicensis) – Seen on four days at widely scattered locations.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

CLAPPER RAIL (CARIBBEAN) (Rallus crepitans caribaeus) – One paraded in the open in a marshy pond at Cabo Rojo.

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata) – Common in freshwater; we saw several in Santo Domingo and more at Rabo de Gato.

AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana) – We saw our only coots in Santo Domingo on the tour's first day.

Aramidae (Limpkin)

LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna) – We heard these wailers at the SD Botanical Garden and in montane forest at Zapoten.

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola) – These plovers were at Las Salinas.

SNOWY PLOVER (Charadrius nivosus) – Jesse spotted one on salty flats at Las Salinas.

WILSON'S PLOVER (Charadrius wilsonia) – We had great views out the windows of our vehicles along the beach at Cabo Rojo.

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus) – These banded plovers were at Cabo Rojo and Las Salinas.

KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus) – One was at Cabo Rojo.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius) – These tail-bobbers were at the SD Botanical Garden and Las Salinas.

This female Ridgway's Hawk sat above us at close range, unconcerned with our presence. This critically endangered species was the rarest of our tour. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria) – Great views along the forested stream at the SD Botanical Garden.

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca) – Five were at Cabo Rojo.

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes) – Eight of these waders were compared directly with Greater Yellowlegs and Stilt Sandpipers.

RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres) – We found these calico shorebirds at Cabo Rojo and Las Salinas.

STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus) – Flocks of 35 and 80 were present at Cabo Rojo and Las Salinas, respectively. Some were coming into breeding plumage with barred bellies and chestnut highlights.

SANDERLING (Calidris alba) – Cabo Rojo and Las Salinas; several flew around Las Salinas when the Peregrine Falcon put up all of the shorebirds.

LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla) – Cabo Rojo and Las Salinas; in comparison with larger Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers.

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla) – We found these small peeps at Cabo Rojo and Las Salinas; best views were at Las Salinas.

WESTERN SANDPIPER (Calidris mauri) – A few of these long-billed peeps were mixed in with Semipalmated Sandpipers at Cabo Rojo and Las Salinas.

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus) – New for the tour. Two first cycle birds were loafing with terns at Las Salinas. These long distance migrant gulls are not known to breed any closer than Greenland.

ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus) – These were along the coast at many locations during our drives. The best views came at Las Salinas, where we had nice scope views of a loafing flock.

SANDWICH TERN (CABOT'S) (Thalasseus sandvicensis acuflavidus) – A write-in species for the checklist; we found one in with the loafing Royal Terns at Las Salinas.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Widespread around humans. [I]

SCALY-NAPED PIGEON (Patagioenas squamosa) – Common in the forests in the Sierra de Bahoruco, but tough to get a good view. We heard them frequently at Rabo de Gato.

PLAIN PIGEON (Patagioenas inornata) – One of these rare pigeons flew over the pine forest at El Aceitillar; another was heard singing at the Ridgway's Hawk site on the tour's last day.

This Lesser Black-backed Gull was one of two immatures at Las Salinas. This one is just starting to replace its primaries, marking the advent of its second plumage cycle. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

COMMON GROUND-DOVE (Columbina passerina) – Abundant; we saw many along roadsides.

RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana) – One posed along the road at Rabo de Gato in "Quail-Dove Alley"; another was at Cachote.

WHITE-FRONTED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon leucometopia) – We saw this skulking endemic on a few occasions at Rabo de Gato, but its secretive nature made it tough for everyone in the group to see each bird. Most ended up seeing this handsome dove. [E]

KEY WEST QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon chrysia) – More cooperative than the other quail-doves; we had stunning views of one in the sun (!) at Rabo de Gato, and even got to watch it at length in the scope.

WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica) – Uncommon; we saw these striking doves on just a few occasions.

ZENAIDA DOVE (Zenaida aurita) – We had good views on the road and in the scope on two days at Rabo de Gato.

MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura) – Common and widespread.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

MANGROVE CUCKOO (Coccyzus minor) – Great views over the trail at the SD Botanical Garden.

BAY-BREASTED CUCKOO (Coccyzus rufigularis) – This was the only endemic that we only heard on the tour; despite extended searching near Rabo de Gato, we had to settle for hearing one give its nasal cackle once. [E*]

HISPANIOLAN LIZARD-CUCKOO (Coccyzus longirostris) – Common and widespread in forests. We found these striking cuckoos on every day of the tour, and had especially great views around our cabins at Rabo de Gato. [E]

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani) – Seen along roadsides on several occasions.

Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)

ASHY-FACED OWL (Tyto glaucops) – We had stunning views at night near Barahona. One perched out in the open in a tree after flying around overhead. Very exciting, this encounter made the species a Top 3 highlight for John and Gabriel (and Jesse and Tom). [E]

Strigidae (Owls)

BURROWING OWL (Athene cunicularia) – Several were along the road to Zapoten; we watched them in our headlights in the wee hours of the morning.

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

LEAST PAURAQUE (Siphonorhis brewsteri) – We heard one at Kate's Camp, but the main show was in the hills south of Barahona, where one teased us for a long time from the treetops before fluttering up, up, up, and right into Jesse's spotlight. Amazing flight views of this hard-to-see endemic bird! [E]

CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW (Antrostomus carolinensis) – A female sallied out to feed as we looked for Least Pauraque near Barahona. We had good spotlight views of this large wintering nightjar.

GREATER ANTILLEAN NIGHTJAR (HISPANIOLAN) (Antrostomus cubanensis ekmani) – At least three were calling below Zapoten in the pre-dawn hours. We got a spotlight on one calling male and got to see the white in its tail. [E]

Apodidae (Swifts)

WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris) – We had three of these huge swifts scream over a few times as we birded the pines at El Aceitillar.

ANTILLEAN PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis phoenicobia) – Common in lowlands, especially around Santo Domingo. We saw them flying into palm bustles, presumably nests, at the SD Botanical Garden. Others were splashing in the pool at Barahona, which was entertaining to watch.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

ANTILLEAN MANGO (Anthracothorax dominicus) – Fairly common in lowlands; good views at the SD Botanical Garden

We had excellent scope views of this Key West Quail-Dove at Rabo de Gato. Photo by Tom Johnson.

VERVAIN HUMMINGBIRD (Mellisuga minima) – This is the common small hummingbird of Hispaniola. We frequently heard and saw them singing their high, squeaky songs from exposed treetops.

HISPANIOLAN EMERALD (Chlorostilbon swainsonii) – Our first sighting of this species was a struggle in the highlands of Zapoten, but then they became much easier to find through the week. A favorite individual was the male that fed adjacent to the open-air dining area at Kate's Camp. [E]

Trogonidae (Trogons)

HISPANIOLAN TROGON (Priotelus roseigaster) – We had good views of this handsome trogon at both Zapoten and El Aceitillar. The first was one in the beam of a flashlight in the pre-dawn hours at Zapoten. [E]

Todidae (Todies)

BROAD-BILLED TODY (Todus subulatus) – The more widespread, lowland tody on Hispaniola - this was voted one of the favorite birds of the trip, for obvious reasons. Our first was at the SD Botanical Garden, and we had many more occasions to enjoy them throughout the week. [E]

NARROW-BILLED TODY (Todus angustirostris) – The tody of higher elevations on Hispaniola - we had good views at Zapoten and El Aceitillar, and had the opportunity to compare them to Broad-billed Todies at Rabo de Gato. [E]

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon) – One was at the slough in Rabo de Gato; another flew over near Cabo Rojo.

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

ANTILLEAN PICULET (Nesoctites micromegas) – These tiny woodpeckers frustrated us with brief glimpses during the first part of the tour, with marginal sightings at Zapoten and El Aceitillar; however, the pair near the Ridgway's Hawk site/ Los Limones put on a real show and gave us the views we'd been seeking. [E]

HISPANIOLAN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes striatus) – Common and widespread; we found these noisy and striking woodpeckers daily. [E]

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

AMERICAN KESTREL (Falco sparverius) – Fairly common; especially neat were the birds that flew around in the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo.

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – One slightly obnoxious individual (just kidding!) made ruin of our plans to study shorebirds at Las Salinas. We did have some amazing views of this adult falcon as it dove after small sandpipers in flight.

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

HISPANIOLAN PARROT (Amazona ventralis) – Fortunately, these endemic Amazona parrots are quite noisy; their raucous calls alerted us to their flyovers several times, but we weren't able to get perched views. The best view came during a walk at Rabo de Gato. [E]

HISPANIOLAN PARAKEET (Psittacara chloropterus) – Common and widespread, but easiest to find in towns. We had spectacular views in the Zona Colonial, where these bright green parakeets nest in the crumbling edifice of the oldest hospital in the New World. [E]

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

GREATER ANTILLEAN ELAENIA (Elaenia fallax) – These anxious flycatchers called and posed well for us at Zapoten.

HISPANIOLAN PEWEE (Contopus hispaniolensis) – These dark, drab flycatchers sallied and called from the forests at Zapoten, Rabo de Gato, and El Aceitillar. [E]

A hugely desired endemic species, this Ashy-faced Owl called from an open perch for several minutes. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

STOLID FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus stolidus) – Widespread and vocal, but not particularly showy. We did eventually have good views at Rabo de Gato and at the hotel in Barahona.

GRAY KINGBIRD (Tyrannus dominicensis) – Seen every day; one of the common birds of Santo Domingo, including the SD Botanical Garden.

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

FLAT-BILLED VIREO (Vireo nanus) – This skulking denizen of dry, scrubby forest showed well along a dusty creekbed downhill from Zapoten. [E]

BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO (Vireo altiloquus) – Abundant in many forests that we visited; best views were at the SD Botanical Garden.

Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)

PALM CROW (HISPANIOLAN) (Corvus palmarum palmarum) – We saw these accommodating and local crows only at El Aceitillar, but they called constantly and hung around for great views above our breakfast spot. [E]

WHITE-NECKED CROW (Corvus leucognaphalus) – Our best views were at Rabo de Gato, where we got to see the red eyes of these neat crows; another pair was roadside on the way to El Aceitillar. [E]

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

CARIBBEAN MARTIN (Progne dominicensis) – We saw these a few times in Santo Domingo, including over town and at the airport on the last day of the tour.

GOLDEN SWALLOW (Tachycineta euchrysea) – We saw and heard these rare swallows at El Aceitillar and Zapoten. [E]

CAVE SWALLOW (CARIBBEAN) (Petrochelidon fulva fulva) – One appeared at our tropicbird spot in Santo Domingo; another flew over when we were searching for Ridgway's Hawks in Los Limones.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

RUFOUS-THROATED SOLITAIRE (RUFOUS-THROATED) (Myadestes genibarbis montanus) – The amazing song of this montane species rang out at Zapoten; we enjoyed views of a few individuals in the scope.

LA SELLE THRUSH (Turdus swalesi) – These highly sought after thrushes hopped out of the dense underbrush for extended views during our early morning trip to Zapoten. One even landed next to us and posed pre-dawn in the beam of Jesse's light (check out Jason's great photo!). [E]

RED-LEGGED THRUSH (EASTERN) (Turdus plumbeus ardosiaceus) – Common in forested habitats - we had especially good views in the SD Botanical Garden and Zapoten.

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos) – Common in open areas.

Dulidae (Palmchat)

PALMCHAT (Dulus dominicus) – An abundant Hispaniolan endemic, and a monotypic family! We found these almost everywhere, but especially in lowland areas. We saw well over 100 at the SD Botanical Garden alone! Many were busy building their large nests. [E]

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla) – We found these ground-walkers at the SD Botanical Gardens and while listening for crunching leaves at our Rabo de Gato quail-dove stakeout.

This La Selle Thrush posed at close range in the pre-dawn darkness at Zapoten. Photo by participant Jason Leifester.

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis) – This is the common waterthrush in winter on Hispaniola; we found them along forested streams and swampy edges, including several times at Rabo de Gato.

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia) – These striped nuthatch-warblers were part of mixed songbird flocks at the SD Botanical Garden and near Rabo de Gato.

COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (EASTERN) (Geothlypis trichas trichas) – One skulked and "chupped" at the roadside in El Aceitillar.

AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla) – These wintering warblers were in forest at the SD Botanical Garden and Rabo de Gato.

CAPE MAY WARBLER (Setophaga tigrina) – We found these stripey boreal migrant "Tiger Warblers" in a few towns. Two posed well during our walking tour of the Zona Colonial in Santo Domingo.

NORTHERN PARULA (Setophaga americana) – One was at Rabo de Gato.

YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia) – Quite a few chipped from mangroves at Cabo Rojo, and we managed great views.

BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Setophaga caerulescens) – Quite common in forest habitat; many at Zapoten in particular.

PALM WARBLER (Setophaga palmarum) – We saw these at lower elevations near Puerto Escondido and Cabo Rojo.

PINE WARBLER (Setophaga pinus chrysoleuca) – We found the resident subspecies at home and singing in the pine forest at Zapoten.

YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (MYRTLE) (Setophaga coronata coronata) – One was hanging out with other warblers near the water drip at El Aceitillar.

PRAIRIE WARBLER (Setophaga discolor) – Fairly common in lowland edge habitats.

This Green-tailed Warbler was one of many that offered close views in the mountains. This and White-winged Warbler are probably better treated taxonomically as tanagers. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

BLACK-THROATED GREEN WARBLER (Setophaga virens) – One was with other wintering warblers at the water drip at El Aceitillar.

WHITE-WINGED WARBLER (Xenoligea montana) – Briefly seen by part of the group at Zapoten, this little guy skulked away before we all got on it. Likely a tanager, not a warbler. A poorly known species whose nest was only described in 2004, it is also sometimes called the "Hispaniolan Highland-Tanager". [E]

GREEN-TAILED WARBLER (Microligea palustris) – Common in the highlands at El Aceitillar and Zapoten. Likely a tanager, not a warbler - the name is also given as "Green-tailed Ground-Tanager" by some authorities. [E]

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

BANANAQUIT (CARIBBEAN) (Coereba flaveola bananivora) – Everywhere! The BQ was an amusing and confounding pseudo-warbler for us on many occasions.

YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus) – Fairly common, but inconspicuous. We saw several from the rooftop of the Hotel Palacio in Santo Domingo, as well as along roadsides during the journey.

GREATER ANTILLEAN BULLFINCH (Loxigilla violacea) – Common in forest and edge habitat; we had good views at Zapoten, El Aceitillar, and our Barahona hotel.

BLACK-CROWNED PALM-TANAGER (Phaenicophilus palmarum) – These handsome endemic birds were surprisingly common in places, including the SD Botanical Garden. The distinctive white-and-black head pattern has earned the species the Spanish name "cuatro ojos" ("four eyes"). [E]

WESTERN CHAT-TANAGER (Calyptophilus tertius) – We heard quite a few at Zapoten, but only a few posed for us. However, these skulkers eventually showed for some nice views. [E]

EASTERN CHAT-TANAGER (Calyptophilus frugivorus) – The group had great views at Cachote after all squeezing into one vehicle with Ivan for the drive up the steep and bumpy road. Getting this bird spoke to both the logistical challenges of birding here and also the admirable flexibility of our group! [E]

HISPANIOLAN SPINDALIS (Spindalis dominicensis) – Great views at Zapoten and Aceitillar. [E]

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

GREATER ANTILLEAN GRACKLE (Quiscalus niger) – Common and widespread.

HISPANIOLAN ORIOLE (Icterus dominicensis) – We found this oriole only in a few places on this tour - our first was teed up in a tree in Puerto Escondido. We were fortunate to have several outside our rooms at our beachside hotel in Barahona. [E]

A super highlight of this tour was the opportunity to study Hispaniolan Crossbills at close range at El Aceitillar. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.

BALTIMORE ORIOLE (Icterus galbula) – A male showed briefly in the palms outside our hotel in Barahona.

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

ANTILLEAN EUPHONIA (Euphonia musica) – We had some great views in the highlands, including our first, perched atop bamboo above our breakfast spot at Zapoten.

HISPANIOLAN CROSSBILL (Loxia megaplaga) – After marginal views in the treetops at Zapoten, we were treated to an amazing show at El Aceitillar. A variety of red and olive birds came in to drink from a water dish, showing down to about 15 feet. Wow! [E]

ANTILLEAN SISKIN (Spinus dominicensis) – Good views at Zapoten and El Aceitillar. [E]

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)

HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Common in areas with lots of humans and structures. [I]

Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)

VILLAGE WEAVER (Ploceus cucullatus) – Our first and best views were at the SD Botanical Garden. [I]

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Totals for the tour: 124 bird taxa and 0 mammal taxa