Jamaica is one of my favorite places to bird. The pandemic had kept me away for three years so I was so pleased to be leading this tour. Thank you for choosing Field Guides for your Jamaica birding adventure. I hope you had as much fun as I did.
From Manley International Airport, we made our way north and east to Portland Parish where the tour was based out of Mockingbird Hill. We broke up the drive with a birding stop at Westmoreland Bridge, which kick-started our checklist.
The next three days were mostly sunny, pleasantly warm, rain-free and loaded with endemic bird species! We saw Jamaican Owl (and Northern Potoo) roosting, Black-billed and Red-billed streamertails humming all around, beautiful warblers like Cape May and Northern Parula foraging nearby, dramatic Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo and Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo stalking through the canopy, Crested Quail-Doves hiding in the shadows, and Jamaican Blackbirds diving into epiphytes. Afternoons were sometimes capped by a dip in the pool, followed by a delicious meal at sunset.
The tour wrapped up with two nights based out of Montego Bay. Rocklands Bird Sanctuary offered the amazing opportunity to hand-feed hummingbirds. Montego Bay sewage ponds really padded our list with a dozen new species, highlighted by the range-restricted West-Indian Whistling-Duck. We finished with a morning in Cockpit Country where Jamaica Elaenia finally gave us a satisfying look to complete the endemic sweep.
It was a pleasure birding with all of you and I hope we do it again soon. Take care and have a fantastic spring.
Best,
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
WEST INDIAN WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna arborea)
We were delighted to spot a small flock of this regional specialty in the back of the sewage ponds
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)
Many in Montego Bay
NORTHERN SHOVELER (Spatula clypeata)
Even more numerous than the previous species
RING-NECKED DUCK (Aythya collaris)
A flock of about three dozen in Montego Bay
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis)
A few in association with the previous species
RUDDY DUCK (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Dozens in Montego Bay
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
Good looks at this diminutive diver
PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)
Just one in Montego Bay
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
Yep
WHITE-CROWNED PIGEON (Patagioenas leucocephala)
Excellent looks at this striking pigeon
PLAIN PIGEON (Patagioenas inornata exigua)
A regional specialty that we saw by the dozen leaving their roost at sunrise. The moniker "Plain" is an injustice
RING-TAILED PIGEON (Patagioenas caribaea) [E]
Big, ghostly and cooperative; especially at San San
EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto) [I]
We spotted a few of these non-natives on wires
COMMON GROUND DOVE (Columbina passerina jamaicensis)
The dove that was struck by a shrink ray
CRESTED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon versicolor) [E]
The Mountain Witch -- this gorgeous endemic is one of the species that makes guides nervous. Thankfully Raymond spotted two straight away for us and they remained cooperative long enough for all of us to be content
RUDDY QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon montana)
We saw a good number flush off roads but there was a beautiful male coming to the bird baths at Rocklands
CARIBBEAN DOVE (Leptotila jamaicensis jamaicensis)
They have a frosty appearance
WHITE-WINGED DOVE (Zenaida asiatica)
Widespread
ZENAIDA DOVE (Zenaida aurita)
Chunkier and shorter-tailed than the next species
MOURNING DOVE (Zenaida macroura)
Few and far between
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
One of the species we saw before we even left the Port Royal peninsula
CHESTNUT-BELLIED CUCKOO (Coccyzus pluvialis) [E]
This massive cuckoo showed nicely for us at San San Preserve
JAMAICAN LIZARD-CUCKOO (Coccyzus vetula) [E]
I love their long, chattering call
NORTHERN POTOO (CARIBBEAN) (Nyctibius jamaicensis jamaicensis)
Masters of camoflauge
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne zonaris pallidifrons)
The morning we left Portland Parish, we had a stretch along the highway where we saw hundreds slicing over the landscape, east of Annotto Bay
ANTILLEAN PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis phoenicobia phoenicobia)
Strongly associated with Royal Palms
JAMAICAN MANGO (Anthracothorax mango) [E]
The large and dark endemic hummingbird
VERVAIN HUMMINGBIRD (Mellisuga minima minima)
Minuscule but mighty; this regional specialty was once thought to be the smallest bird in the world
STREAMERTAIL (RED-BILLED) (Trochilus polytmus polytmus) [E]
The "Doctor Bird" is the national bird of Jamaica and a full species now. The Red-billed is widespread across Jamaica (except the NE)
STREAMERTAIL (BLACK-BILLED) (Trochilus polytmus scitulus) [E]
This species is restricted to the NE part of the island and was recently split from its red-billed cousin. We enjoyed excellent looks at Mockingbird Hill
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Many in Montego Bay
AMERICAN COOT (Fulica americana)
In smaller numbers than the previous species
BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)
Hundreds in Montego Bay
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
One of the last species we added to our triplist; a few were along the north shore on our way back from Cockpit Country
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)
One finally stepped out from behind some rocks with the previous species
KILLDEER (Charadrius vociferus)
Neat to look down on their striking pattern in flight while we stood high above on the bridge that first day
NORTHERN JACANA (Jacana spinosa violacea)
My, what big feet you have
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
Just a few in Montego Bay
SHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER (Limnodromus griseus)
A solo bird in Montego Bay
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
Seen about every other day
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
Multiple birds from the bridge on day one
LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)
Best looks in Montego Bay
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)
Common wintering species
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
The default tern along the coast
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
Good views in Port Royal as our adventure began
WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD (Phaethon lepturus)
I wish we could have gotten a little closer to those birds
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Daily
BROWN PELICAN (SOUTHERN) (Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis)
Good looks on multiple days
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
One bird had a favorite spot
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
Widespread
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
It was interesting to watch that individual in Errol Flynn Marina exhibit multiple foraging techniques
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
Mostly adults along rivers but some on the coast as well
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
We had good luck with this species during our tour; I usually don't encounter that many
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
By the hundreds
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)
About an every other day bird
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Birds in flight and perched in the evening in Montego Bay
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
A striking adult in Port Antonio
WHITE IBIS (Eudocimus albus)
This species is easily missed on our route but we managed to find individuals on two different days
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)
Excellent, close views
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
"John Crow" -- that leucistic bird was really interesting
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Perched at the bridge on day one
RED-TAILED HAWK (JAMAICENSIS) (Buteo jamaicensis jamaicensis)
More days than not
BARN OWL (WHITE-WINGED) (Tyto alba furcata)
Another great spotting by Raymond; it was on a utility pole predawn as we headed toward the Blue Mountains
JAMAICAN OWL (Asio grammicus) [E]
JAMAICAN TODY (Todus todus) [E]
These charismatic sprites were less conspicuous on our run than I am used to. The looks we had at our first stop in the Blue Mountains were the most memorable for me
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)
A couple individuals
JAMAICAN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes radiolatus) [E]
Daily
AMERICAN KESTREL (HISPANIOLAN) (Falco sparverius dominicensis)
Fairly common in Jamaica
BLACK-BILLED PARROT (Amazona agilis) [E]
Wonderful looks in the foothills of the John Crow Mountains
YELLOW-BILLED PARROT (Amazona collaria) [E]
When we had the right angle for lighting, their light heads appear like a head light as they flew
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus passerinus) [I]
More than I remember seeing in the past; nice scope views in Cockpit Country
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (JAMAICAN) (Eupsittula nana nana)
Might be a split one day
JAMAICAN BECARD (Pachyramphus niger) [E]
Love their bubbly, rapid song
JAMAICAN ELAENIA (Myiopagis cotta) [E]
Our last endemic to complete the sweep in Cockpit Country; it took some work but it was so worth it
GREATER ANTILLEAN ELAENIA (JAMAICAN) (Elaenia fallax fallax) [*]
Just a few quick call notes from this elusive species
JAMAICAN PEWEE (Contopus pallidus) [E]
The pair at our first stop in the Blue Mountains was remarkably cooperative
SAD FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus barbirostris) [E]
On the railing at Mockingbird Hill
RUFOUS-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus validus) [E]
A hefty Myiarchus
LOGGERHEAD KINGBIRD (LOGGERHEAD) (Tyrannus caudifasciatus jamaicensis)
Common and widespread endemic subspecies
BLUE MOUNTAIN VIREO (Vireo osburni) [E]
We enjoyed some killer views of this endemic; in the Blue Mountains wouldn't you know
JAMAICAN VIREO (Vireo modestus) [E]
A lot to say but not a lot to look at
BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO (Vireo altiloquus altiloquus)
Heard one -- saw one. It is usually not that easy
JAMAICAN CROW (Corvus jamaicensis) [E]
I just love their bubbly, gargling calls
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Just a few
CAVE SWALLOW (CARIBBEAN) (Petrochelidon fulva poeciloma)
Overhead at lunch at the Jerk center
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) [I]
A couple flybys at Mynt Retreat
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus polyglottos)
Daily
RUFOUS-THROATED SOLITAIRE (RUFOUS-THROATED) (Myadestes genibarbis solitarius) [*]
Amazing vocalizations; never did get one in view
WHITE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus jamaicensis) [E]
You wouldn't typically think that muted tones of gray, brown and white would add up to something beautiful but this endemic thrush is a real beauty, albeit subtle
WHITE-CHINNED THRUSH (Turdus aurantius) [E]
"Hopping Dick" was all over the place
SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA (Lonchura punctulata) [I]
A few in that fenceline the last afternoon
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [I]
A few at the airport
JAMAICAN EUPHONIA (Euphonia jamaica) [E]
The "car trying to start" vocalization
JAMAICAN SPINDALIS (Spindalis nigricephala) [E]
Eye candy
JAMAICAN ORIOLE (Icterus leucopteryx leucopteryx)
The oriole in an Evening Grosbeak costume
JAMAICAN BLACKBIRD (Nesopsar nigerrimus) [E]
This endangered endemic is anxiety provoking for guides as they are few and far between. Dwayne and I gave a collective sigh as that pair performed so cooperatively. The lunchtime bird was even better!
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
A few here and there
GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE (Quiscalus mexicanus) [I]
A little colony has established at Manley airport
GREATER ANTILLEAN GRACKLE (Quiscalus niger crassirostris)
Comical vocalizations
OVENBIRD (Seiurus aurocapilla)
What a treat to see that bird strutting around on the lawn
WORM-EATING WARBLER (Helmitheros vermivorum)
Several really good looks
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
Our best look was at San San Preserve
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)
Almost daily
COMMON YELLOWTHROAT (Geothlypis trichas)
More days than not
ARROWHEAD WARBLER (Setophaga pharetra) [E]
The endemic warbler I like to call Salt & Pepper
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
Conspicuous across the island in winter
CAPE MAY WARBLER (Setophaga tigrina)
Their populations seem to be on the rise
NORTHERN PARULA (Setophaga americana)
A common wintering bird
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
Several in the mangroves along the coast
BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER (Setophaga caerulescens)
Nearly an everyday bird
PALM WARBLER (WESTERN) (Setophaga palmarum palmarum)
Good looks on the lawn at Mynt Retreat
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (MYRTLE) (Setophaga coronata coronata)
Not sure why but these migrants were common on Jamaica this winter
PRAIRIE WARBLER (Setophaga discolor)
One individual really loved the tree adjacent to the dining area at Mockingbird Hill
BANANAQUIT (GREATER ANTILLEAN) (Coereba flaveola flaveola)
Common and widespread
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris olivaceus olivaceus)
So tiny
ORANGEQUIT (Euneornis campestris) [E]
One of the coolest shades of blue in the bird world
GREATER ANTILLEAN BULLFINCH (Melopyrrha violacea ruficollis)
One of the first birds we identified up in the Blue Mountains
YELLOW-SHOULDERED GRASSQUIT (Loxipasser anoxanthus) [E]
This little endemic is unlike most grassquits. Thank goodness everyone got to see it well in the end - haha
BLACK-FACED GRASSQUIT (Melanospiza bicolor marchii)
I am used to seeing many at Rocklands, not sure what was going on there... perhaps the drought
Totals for the tour: 119 bird taxa and 0 mammal taxa