We’re still buzzing from our fantastic BirdsCaribbean 24th International Conference in Santo Domingo! Our week-long Dominican Republic adventure was packed full of insightful learnings, spectacular birding, and experiencing the rich culture of our gracious hosts — but there’s one feature of the conference that most stands out to us — our incredible community! The opportunity to connect with the passionate trailblazers advancing the work of bird conservation across the region was unforgettable. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we were able to offer scholarships to Caribbean conservation leaders from around the region to join us in sharing knowledge and planning interventions to tackle the Caribbean’s most pressing conservation challenges. One superstar conservationist that we were thrilled to host at the conference was Trinidad and Tobago’s Giselle Ragoonanan.
Giselle Ragoonanan, Co-founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre.
An indigenous naturalist and dedicated educator, Giselle is the co-founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre (TTBO) which works towards advancing avian research, conservation, and education through bird banding, habitat management, and community engagement spanning across both islands. As a sponsored delegate, Giselle Ragoonanan had the privilege of diving deep into workshops and discussions that nurtured her passion for preserving Caribbean birds. From hands-on training in advanced monitoring techniques to dynamic sessions led by conservation leaders, each moment was a step toward impactful change. Join Giselle as she shares insights from inspiring keynotes, innovative collaborations, and the personal connections that transformed this conference into a pivotal experience for her work at the TTBO.
Bird Nerds Unite! Workshops and Learning: Diving into Conservation
July was a whirlwind month, and the highlight was undoubtedly the BirdsCaribbean International Conference in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This event brought together hundreds of bird enthusiasts, conservationists, and researchers from across the world, all with a shared passion for avian life. For me, it was more than just a conference—it was an unforgettable experience filled with learning, laughter, and connections that I’ll carry with me for years to come.
The pre-conference workshops were a true highlight of the event, setting the stage for the deeper discussions that would unfold during the conference itself. These sessions were intense but incredibly rewarding, covering everything from advanced bird monitoring techniques to community-based conservation strategies diving into the nitty-gritty of bird conservation across the region. Each session offered valuable insights that were immediately applicable to our work on the ground. It was a chance to deepen my knowledge, share experiences, and learn from some of the brightest minds in bird conservation.
Giselle completes an activity during the Create Your Own Coloring and Activity Book workshop hosted by Les Fruits de Mer. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
What made these workshops particularly effective was their interactive nature. Instead of passively absorbing information, we were actively engaged in problem-solving exercises, hands-on work, and group discussions that fostered collaboration and idea-sharing. This approach deepened our understanding of the topics and equipped us with new tools and techniques that could be adapted to our unique challenges back home.
Giselle explaining the conservation challenges she faces in Trinidad and Tobago during the BirdsCaribbean’s Capacity Building Assessment session at the conference. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
These workshops laid a solid foundation for the conference’s breakout sessions. The knowledge and skills we gained beforehand allowed us to engage more meaningfully in discussions, ask more targeted questions, and contribute to the collective learning experience. The seamless integration of these pre-conference workshops with the broader conference agenda made the entire event cohesive and impactful, ensuring that we left with actionable takeaways and a clearer sense of direction for our conservation efforts.
The Urban Birder: David Lindo’s Inspiring Keynote
One of the most anticipated sessions of the conference was the keynote address by David Lindo, famously known as “The Urban Birder.” David’s talk was nothing short of inspiring. He’s well known for his mission to connect urban populations with nature, particularly birds. He talked about his fascinating journey to to get the nation involved in changing Britain’s national bird from the robin to a species that truly represented the country. What struck me most was his genuine passion for getting people to simply look up and appreciate the birds around them, regardless of where they are. His energy was contagious, and it left everyone in the room buzzing with ideas on how to engage more people in birding, whether in bustling cities or rural landscapes.
David Lindo, The Urban Birder, inspired delegates with his keynote on connecting with nature in urban spaces. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
Shaping the Future of TTBO: Insights and Innovations from the BirdsCaribbean Conference
The BirdsCaribbean International Conference was a turning point for the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre (TTBO). The insights and connections we gained during the event will undoubtedly shape our organization’s future. One of the most significant takeaways was the potential to integrate cutting-edge technologies and collaborative networks into our conservation efforts with the MOTUS project. This stood out as a particularly promising initiative. I think by joining this network, TTBO can contribute to and benefit from a global effort to better understand bird migration patterns, which is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.
The Near Threatened White-tailed Sabrewing is one of TTBO’s target species for enhanced conservation initiatives on Tobago. (Photo by Adam Bowley ML 205389221)
Additionally, the conference highlighted the importance of rigorous, standardized monitoring techniques, such as Landbird Monitoring through point counts and transect points. Applying these methods will allow us to gather consistent, high-quality data on bird populations in Trinidad and Tobago, providing a solid foundation for our research and conservation initiatives.
The connections made at the conference were just as impactful. Engaging with other conservationists who are implementing similar projects across the region offered valuable insights into best practices, potential challenges, and innovative solutions. These interactions have already begun to shape our approach to future projects, ensuring that TTBO’s efforts are aligned with global conservation standards, and are part of a broader, collaborative network.
Building Connections and Sharing Our Work
One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to share the work we’ve been doing in Trinidad and Tobago with a broader audience. Presenting our initiatives and progress at the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre sparked insightful conversations and constructive feedback from peers across the region. It was incredibly validating to hear seasoned professionals express admiration for our efforts, and even more so to engage in dialogues where we could exchange ideas and strategies.
Giselle discussing her research project with Jamaican ornithologist Dr Ann Sutton. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
Northern Waterthrush. (Photo by Jesse Gordon)
Che Ragoonanan’s presentation on community engagement in Trinidad. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
Children and ARC Conservation members wear their hand crafted masks.
Kelvin Kirk discussing his study on the avifauna of Tobago with Cuban ornithologist and scientific illustrator Arnaldo Toledo. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
Daveka Boodram speaking about efforts to conserve the Near Threatened White-tailed Sabrewing in Tobago.
Shivam Mahadeo and Jennifer Wheeler reviewing the data obtained from his seabird research in Tobago. (Photo by Christel Mohammed)
The connections we made were not just professional; they were deeply personal. It was fascinating to see how scientists and conservationists from different corners of the Caribbean and the world, each working in distinct ecosystems, were tackling similar challenges. The sessions became a melting pot of ideas, where everyone was eager to share their successes, failures, and lessons learned. We were all trying to piece together similar puzzles in our respective environments, and this collective brainstorming inspired me.
The genuine interest people showed in our work was both humbling and motivating. There was a strong sense of camaraderie as we realized that, despite the geographical distances, we were all part of a larger, interconnected community. These interactions reinforced the idea that conservation is not a solitary pursuit but a collaborative effort that thrives on shared knowledge and mutual support. For me, the conference drove us beyond networking; it was about building lasting partnerships and fostering a regional network of allies who are all striving towards the same goal: the preservation of our unique Caribbean biodiversity.
The Grand Silent Auction: Beautiful Chaos
The Grand Silent Auction was, in true Caribbean style, anything but silent. It was a delightful, chaotic spectacle where the usual calm and composed demeanor of scientists gave way to competitive zeal. Picture this: conservationists and researchers, who are usually discussing bird migration patterns and habitat restoration, suddenly turn into stealthy bidders, eyeing each other’s movements with laser focus. The air was thick with a beautiful and disruptive chaos as everyone tried to silently undermine their competitors by upping the bid by just 50 cents (AKA ME LOL). The room was filled with furtive glances, whispered strategies, and the occasional playful smirk as someone outbid their colleague at the last second. It was one of the funniest yet most rewarding human interactions I’ve ever observed—who knew that scientists could be so cutthroat when there’s a field guide or a rare bird print on the line? The auction was a hilarious reminder that, underneath the serious commitment to conservation, we all have a playful, competitive side just waiting for the right moment to emerge. And yes, ah win the map I alone bid on! Success!
Bidders placing their last, and hopefully winning bids during the Silent Auction. (Photo by Holly Garrod)
The Infamous Field Trip: From Punta Cana to “Poola Cana”
Giselle enjoying sightseeing on her ‘Poola Cana’ trip.
Ah, the field trip—what should have been a serene journey to the stunning hotspot of Punta Cana turned into an adventure all its own. In a classic case of “missing the bus,” what actually happened was the bus was scheduled to leave at 3:30am and I snoozed my alarm. Instead of Punta Cana, we jokingly dubbed our unexpected destination “Poola Cana.” We may not have reached our intended location, but the pool, pizza, and spontaneous birding we enjoyed made it one of the trip’s highlights. Sometimes, the best memories are the ones you don’t wake up on time for!
A Journey of Inspiration and Growth
Attending the BirdsCaribbean International Conference was not just an opportunity for professional development—it was a journey of inspiration and growth. My primary purpose for attending was to deepen my understanding of regional conservation efforts, to learn from others, and to find ways to enhance the work we’re doing in Trinidad and Tobago. BirdsCaribbean delivered on all these fronts and went far beyond my expectations.
The collective energy of the conference was palpable. Even those who have been in the field for over 20 years were visibly inspired by the new ideas and fresh perspectives brought by the younger generation of conservationists. There was a sense of renewal, as seasoned professionals shared their wisdom while also eagerly embracing the innovative approaches presented by up-and-coming researchers and activists. It was a powerful reminder that conservation is a dynamic field, one that benefits immensely from intergenerational collaboration.
Members of the TTBO at the poster session.
For me, the conference reaffirmed the importance of our work and provided a renewed sense of purpose. I left Santo Domingo with a deeper commitment to the birds and ecosystems we strive to protect, fueled by the knowledge that we are part of a vibrant and supportive community. The experience was a reminder that no matter how challenging our work may be, we are not alone in this journey. We are all connected by our shared passion for the natural world and our determination to ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at the beauty of Caribbean birdlife.
The BirdsCaribbean International Conference was more than just an event; it was a transformative experience. It strengthened my resolve, expanded my horizons, and connected me with a network of incredible individuals who are all making a difference in their own unique ways. As I return to Trinidad and Tobago, I carry with me not only new knowledge and ideas, but also the inspiration and support of a community that I am proud to be a part of.
Giselle Ragoonanan is an Indigenous naturalist and wildlife conservationist with a deep passion for preserving biodiversity. A certified NABC bird bander and nature soundscape recordist, Giselle is honing expertise in avian research and conservation. As the co-founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre (TTBO), she has been working towards advancing bird conservation in the Caribbean. Giselle is also a committed educator, sharing her knowledge and fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world. Through her work, she continues to inspire and engage communities in the protection of wildlife and their habitats.
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the overwhelming success of this conference! Travel and Attendance scholarships were made possible through the generosity of our conference sponsors, donors, and local partners. These include The Rufford Foundation, Audubon, US Forest Service, Teleuniverso, American Bird Conservancy, Banco Popular, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Fondo Nacional para el Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Fondo MARENA) Dominican Republic, Naturalist Journeys, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, Mass Audubon, Cúa Conservation Agency, Vortex Optics, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, and the FUPAROCA Foundation.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Cliff Swallow
Meet the Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota)! The Cliff Swallow is a master of the skies, performing dazzling acrobatics as it hunts for its favorite food—flying insects. Unique among swallows, the Cliff Swallow frequently changes altitude while flying, has a high-speed flight, and often glides with its wings tilted downward.
The Cliff Swallow is a compact swallow with a short, square tail. Its striking plumage features a metallic, dark-blue back and crown, cinnamon-colored neck, pale buffy-orange rump, whitish belly, and bright buff-white forehead patch. Males and females look similar, while juveniles look like a drab version of the adult.
It can be challenging to identify these fast-flying birds, so it’s important to know how they differ from similar species. The Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) has a paler throat and orange forehead, while the Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) has a long deeply forked tail and lacks the Cliff Swallow’s buffy-orange rump.
The Cliff Swallow has a vast range, breeding throughout North America. It winters in and/or passes through many Caribbean islands on migration, traveling as far south as Brazil and Argentina. Its exact distribution in these wintering areas and the migratory routes it follows are not well understood highlighting the need for more research.
Cliff Swallows are highly social, often nesting in colonies that can host up to 6,000 nests at a single site! Historically, they chose natural sites like cliff faces or canyon walls to place their intricate mud nests. But in the last 100 to 150 years, they’ve expanded their range across North America, finding nesting spots on modern structures like bridges, culverts, and buildings.
The social behavior of the Cliff Swallow during the breeding season has been well-studied, helping us understand the evolution of colonial nesting and rapid adaptation to environmental changes both natural and human-made. Their flexibility has allowed them to thrive across North America, even colonizing areas where they hadn’t previously been recorded.
Cliff Swallows migrate through a wide variety of habitats. You can most likely spot them over grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural areas, zooming around acrobatically to catch insects on the wing. You may also spot them perched in trees preening or roosting for the night, or bathing in shallow water.
Although classified as a species of “Least Concern,” conservation actions are still vital to their long-term survival. Reducing pesticide use helps keep their insect food abundant, and participating in citizen science counts aids researchers in tracking migration and population trends — contributing to the protection of this remarkable species.
Thanks to Alieny González Alfonso for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Cliff Swallow
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2024Carib
Listen to the calls of the Cliff Swallow
The calls of the Cliff Swallow are a short, repeated “chur”.
Enjoy these photos of Cliff Swallows
Cliff Swallows eat flying insects all year round, catching them on the wing and sometimes foraging in large flocks of thousands of birds! (Photo by Daniel Irons Macaulay Library-ML193593551)Cliff Swallow Perched. Migration in both in Fall and Spring spans several months. In Fall birds can arrive on migration from July through to November and may even still be arriving in December. (Photo by Brad Imhoff Macaulay Library-ML338869051)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Use your observation skills and go on a migratory birds and insect Scavenger hunt! Print the cards on sturdy paper and use a clipboard or piece of cardboard as a writing surface outside.
Talk about this with your kids and then go outside to investigate your habitat using the Habitat Scavenger Hunt cards. Instead of collecting the items on the list, this is an observation scavenger hunt. You can check off the items (with a pencil or pen), as they are located. When everyone has had a chance to look for the items listed, come back together to chat about where they were located. Were any difficult or impossible to find? Why do you think that was? For example, was it too dry to find any waterbirds or insects that live in water?
Esta actividad también se puede descargar en español en español. ¡Disfruta buscando todas las cosas de la lista!
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of Cliff Swallows in the wild! You can see a Barn Swallow, which is also a migratory bird in the Caribbean, next to the Cliff Swallow for comparison (it does not have a white ‘forehead’!).
Note that the same proposal cannot be submitted for more than one award in a given year.
BirdsCaribbean’s general Grant Application Guidelines are available here.
Learn more about the eligibility criteria of each program by visiting their respective websites.
Seeking Donors
BirdsCaribbean encourages others to consider endowments or other large awards to ensure that our grants programs continue indefinitely. You may also make a donation to support our work. BirdsCaribbean is a tax-deductible organization in the United States.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Gull-billed Tern
Have you ever spotted a sleek, silver-gray and white tern with a thick black bill soaring gracefully above a saltmarsh, beach, or flooded field? You’ve likely encountered the Gull-billed Tern! This medium-sized bird can also be identified by its long black legs and slightly forked tail. During the breeding season, it sports a striking black cap, while in other months, its head has a more subtle black band stretching from the eyes to the back of the head. Juveniles, on the other hand, have fine dark speckles between the crown and back of the neck and warm brown mottling on the upper wings.
The Gull-billed Tern has an impressive range, with breeding populations scattered across the Americas (including the Caribbean), Europe, Africa, and Asia. Birds from North America and the Caribbean fly south to winter along the Gulf of Mexico and coasts of Central and South America, while some remain in the Caribbean. It breeds in select spots in The Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Sombrero Island (Anguilla).
This adaptable bird thrives in various habitats. During the non-breeding season, it can be found foraging and resting in salt pans, coastal lagoons, marshes, and even plowed or flooded fields. Inland, it favors large rivers, lakes, rice paddies, sewage ponds, and irrigation canals. When it’s time to nest, Gull-billed Terns prefer to nest in colonies on islands with sparse or no vegetation, or on sandbanks, dry mudflats, dunes, and even near wetlands like marshes and lagoons. It uses small stones and plant material to build nests and typically lays one to two eggs. This species appears less tolerant to human disturbance and is not as faithful to nesting sites as other gulls and terns.
Unlike many of its gull and tern relatives, Gull-billed Terns are not die-hard seafood lovers. They have a broad diet, and this where having a thick bill comes in handy. They hawk for insects in the air, pluck crabs, small reptiles and frogs from the ground, and snatch small fishes out of the water — without diving! They also boldly pilfer fish straight from the bills of other birds like the Common Tern. Occasionally, they’ll eat the chicks of other species, such as shorebirds and Least Tern!
What does this audacious tern sound like? Its call has been described as a slightly upslurred “kay-wek.” Its song is “raspy” and consists of 2-3 syllables.
Although their global population is stable, it’s crucial to share the shore with this and other waterbird species. Human disturbance can cause parents to abandon nests and chicks can die if driven away from the nest area too soon. So when you’re near their habitat, remember to give these birds space, keep dogs leashed, and clean up after yourself. You can find more tips on sharing the shore and a free downloadable infographic here.
Keep your eyes to the skies and your senses sharp — spotting this charismatic seabird is always a thrill! Whether it’s soaring gracefully or acrobatically hunting its insect prey, the Gull-billed Tern never disappoints. Happy birding! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Antonio Garcia Quintas for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Gull-billed Tern
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2024Carib
Listen to the calls of the Gull-billed Tern
The call of the Gull-billed Tern is a lightly upslurred “kay-wek”
Enjoy these photos of Gull-billed Tern
In breeding plumage, Gull-billed Terns sport black-caps. Gull-billed Terns are monogamous and pairs stay together for many years! (Photo by Steve Schnoll)
Gull-billed Tern foraging with its distinctive thick bill. This tern is not fussy when it comes to food, and will eat a variety or prey, including insects it catches on the wing. (Photo by Pablo Re, Macaulay Library-ML350199221)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Four our activity today why not imagine that you are a Gull-billed Tern and complete the My Migration Adventure creative writing activity!
We have provided a template for you to write a short story about a migration journey. Pretend that you are a migrating Gull-billed Tern flying from the US to the warm and sunny Caribbean. Imagine getting ready to make this epic journey: how would you be feeling having to fly so far? Think about the places you will see along the way and perhaps about other migratory birds you could ‘meet’ on the way.
This is a long journey so you should also think about challenges you, as a Gull-billed Tern, might face!
As well as writing about the journey you might also want to add some pictures to your story. Perhaps you could add a map of where you would be traveling or you could add some pictures of the other migratory birds on the route, of a particular challenge you might face or of a ‘rest stop’.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a Gull-billed Tern in the wild! First in breeding plumage and then, in winter plumage without its black cap.
Birdwatching is a fun hobby that everyone can enjoy. Being in nature with people who share your interests can be very fulfilling. However, not everyone has equal access to these experiences, especially those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. While people with disabilities may not be able to explore trails without help, we should be wary of assuming that they are not interested in experiencing the joys of nature, and that they do not care deeply about the wellbeing of the environment.
Virginia Rose, disability rights advocate and founder of the non-profit Birdability, who has been a wheelchair user for over forty years knows how challenging it can be to enjoy nature as a disabled person. But her use of a mobility aid did not diminish her curiosity about the world around her. As she inspiringly shared, “the only thing that I felt really changed was that I had to manage getting around in a wheelchair.”
Founder and President of Birdability, Virginia Rose. (Photo credit: birdability.org)
It is this desire to explore and connect with the world that has fueled her dedication to increasing access to nature for people of all abilities and helping them find community. Inspired by movements like #BlackBirdersWeek, Latino Conservation Week, and Let’s Go Birding Together, Virginia founded Birdability in 2020. Birdability’s vision is that birding is for everyone — including those with disabilities and other health concerns. We at BirdsCaribbean wholeheartedly support this vision. Over 1 million people in the Caribbean are living with some form of disability and face daily discrimination and exclusion.
But our partners in Antigua and Barbuda, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba and St. Vincent and the Grenadines are exploring ways to make their birding events more welcoming and inclusive. For this year’s Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival, our partners at the University of Havana Bird Ecology Group (UHBEG) visited the Solidarity with Panama school for disabled children to give a talk on the endemic birds of Cuba. They were then taken to the National Botanical Garden for a short birdwatching tour and ended the day painting, building puzzles, and playing bird-themed dominoes. Alieny González Alfonso, member of UHBEG and event organizer, beautifully captured the curious spirit of the students, noting, “They participated in many activities with such enthusiasm and eagerness to learn about Cuba’s birds.”
We would love to see more of these events taking place throughout the region, whether it’s allowing visually impaired participants to “see” birds by handling carved wooden birds, as done by Sociedad Ornitólogica Puertorriqueña, or learning to ID birds using bird songs, as done bySimón Guerrero.
Simón Guerrero was a founding member of the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. An engaging teacher and speaker with a great sense of humor, he influenced many to become fans and defenders of nature for many decades.
University of Havana Bird Ecology Group brought the wonders of birds and birdwatching to differently abled students. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
A member of the Antigua and Barbuda Association of Persons with Disabilities birdwatching with staff from the Environmental Awareness Group. (Photo by Sherrel Charles)
Birdability Week (21st-27th October 2024) offers the opportunity for birding groups, non-governmental organizations, and groups of family and friends to host an accessible bird outing. With some thoughtful planning this event asserts that birding can be enjoyable for everybody.
Birdability focuses on people with mobility challenges, blindness or low vision, chronic illness, intellectual or developmental disabilities, mental illness, and those who are neurodivergent, deaf or hard of hearing, or have other health concerns. So if you are looking for Information and resources to help your organization be more mindful and inclusive of these birders please check Birdability’s their website!
Watch the Birds or Follow the Birdsong — Birding is for ALL
A Scaly-breasted Thrasher calls in Guadeloupe. (Photo by Judd Patterson)
Help Put Accessible Birding Locations in the Caribbean on the Map!
There is also a Birdability Site Map which allows you to search for potential accessible sites near you. The majority of the locations are in North America and a few have been identified in Central America and South America. If you know of accessible birding locations on your island we encourage you to complete on-site, in-person Birdability Site Reviews and add them to the Birdability Map.
Birdability Site Map showing locations of nature reserves and parks with varying degrees of accessibility. (Photo credit: birdability.org)
Attend a Virtual Event and Connect with Differently Abled Birders
Students at Sandy Bay Primary School with a St Vincent Parrot plushie during CEBF celebrations organized by the local NGO SCIENCE. (Photo by Science SVG)
BirdsCaribbean is thrilled to lead the charge for the annual Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF), collaborating with a vibrant network of environmental and community organizations throughout the region! Join us as we reflect on the fantastic celebrations of our beloved Caribbean birds, being in nature, and the joy of discovering the fascinating world of insects. Together, we’re making bird conservation an exciting and essential part of daily life in the Caribbean!
This year, the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) celebrated the theme “Protect Insects, Protect Birds.” This theme highlighted the vital connection between birds and insects, emphasizing the crucial role insects play in sustaining bird populations and ensuring the overall health of ecosystems. The festival ran from April to May, with some organizations continuing the festivities well into summer. Our partners were instrumental in uniting bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, conservation organizations, and communities across the region to raise awareness and foster a deeper appreciation for endemic birds and the environmental balance that supports them.
A hive of activity across the Caribbean
This year’s CEBF saw vibrant participation from more than 20islands. CEBF island coordinators organized engaging activities, including birdwatching tours, habitat cleanups, parades, educational talks, art exhibitions, and so much more, all focused on endemic bird species and the critical role insects play in their survival.
Insects provide a rich source of protein essential for birds’ energy needs and overall health. Unfortunately, insect populations worldwide are declining, making this festival theme a timely call to action for insect conservation. “This year’s theme serves as a friendly reminder that every bee, butterfly and bug play a vital role in keeping nature thriving,” said Eduardo Llegus, co-regional coordinator of the CEBF. “Unsung heroes, insects are key players in our ecosystems. Without them, many birds – and the very balance of nature – would face serious problems, including the forests and wetlands that are essential for their survival. Protecting insects is about ensuring that all life, including birds, in the Caribbean can flourish together.”
A Martinique Oriole searches for food. They eat both insects and fruits. (Photo by Bussier Romain-Macaulay Library-ML136544221)
Trinidad and Tobago
The Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre (TTBO) held a fun-filled event hosting more than double the previous year’s participants — from 30 in 2023 to over 70 in 2024! Activities like the “Save the Soil for Cicadas” parade and interactive displays on birdwatching and insect identification captivated participants. The day culminated with habitat model constructions of nests and hives.
Are you Team Insects or Team Birds — or both?! (Photo by TTBO)
Handmade nests with paper birds. (Photo by TTBO)
Green-backed Trogon spotted during the TTBO Bird Harvest festival. (Photo by TTBO)
Youth learning about beekeeping. (Photo by TTBO)
Proud to be on Team Insects! (Photo by TTBO)
Beekeepers demonstrating how to handle bees safely. (Photo by TTBO)
Happy to be on Team Birds! (Photo by TTBO)
Youth birdwatching during the Bird Harvest festival. (Photo by TTBO)
Youth wearing an insect face mask. (Photo by TTBO)
St Vincent and the Grenadines
The team at Science Initiative for Environmental Conservation and Education (SCIENCE SVG) brought the excitement of bird festivities to Sandy Bay Primary School. Students were thrilled to dig deep into the world of their unique endemic birds, such as the majestic St. Vincent Parrot and the charming Whistling Warbler. For many, it was their first-time observing the beautiful birds in their schoolyard through a spotting scope, sparking awe and a deeper appreciation for local wildlife.
The event was not just about birdwatching; it also featured a variety of fun activities, including face painting, coloring, and mask-making. These creative endeavors allowed students to explore self-expression while learning about birds and insects.
Student displays his colored in drawing of the Whistling Warbler. (Photo by SCIENCE SVG)
Students coloring endemic bird coloring pages and decorating their insect and bird masks at Sandy Bay Primary School. (Photo by SCIENCE SVG)
Youth wearing a bird mask that she colored. (Photo by SCIENCE SVG)
Guadeloupe
AMAZONAhosted a birdfair for the community of Petit-Bourg. The event was a delightful celebration of nature, with birdwatching taking center stage. Enthusiastic participants ventured into the lush surroundings, where they were thrilled to spot an impressive 19 species of birds, including the striking Guadeloupe Woodpecker and the adorable Plumbeous Warbler.
The Guadeloupe Woodpecker is endemic to Guadeloupe. (Photo by Frantz Delcroix)
Plumbeous Warbler. (Photo by Frantz Delcroix)
St Eustatius
The St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA) hosted a booth at the monthly Taste of the Cultures event, allowing them to engage with and educate the public and visitors, especially children, on the importance of birds and insects through fun games. A major hit was the “I spy” bird game where children used binoculars to spot small bird photos that were set up around the booth. They shared with us that teenagers especially enjoyed the game, one of whom exclaimed “You should have more of these games! Seriously, I was looking for all the hidden birds around the booth with the binoculars for a while!” They also provided Endemic Birds of the West Indies coloring books, Statia bird ID guides, activity guides, stickers and other materials to fuel their interest in birds and nature.
STENAPA staff setting up their bird booth for the event. (Photo by STENAPA)
Posters about insect types and functions, created by STENAPA staff. (Photo by STENAPA)
STENAPA’s bird booth at the Taste of Cultures event with books, stickers and other materials on display. (Photo by STENAPA)
Antigua and Barbuda
barbudanGO hosted a variety of activities aimed at enhancing understanding and appreciating the Barbuda Warbler, the only endemic bird to Antigua and Barbuda, currently listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Participants engaged in artistic events that provided insights into the warbler’s habitat and conservation needs, fostering awareness and advocacy for its protection. Key highlights included the “Sip and Paint” event, which combined relaxation with artistic expression and education, and the “Puzzle Master” challenge designed for adults.
For children, they offered a “Birdhouse Construction” workshop where 11 to 16 year olds built and decorated birdhouses for a garden that was specifically planted to attract the Barbuda Warbler!
Completed birdhouses. (Photo by BarbudanGO)
Over in Antigua, the Environmental Awareness Group hosted bird fairs at two Important Bird Areas on the island: McKinnon’s Saltpond and Fitches Creek/Parham Harbour (Byams Wharf) and a habitat cleanup. Participants enjoyed seeing regional endemics like the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, Caribbean Elaenia, and Green-throated Carib. Of course, no CEBF bird fair would be complete without games from our BirdSleuth Caribbean curriculum such as “Bird Spy Bingo” and the “Bird Survival Game.” Find out more about BirdSleuth Caribbean here.
Habitat cleanup crew consisting of members of both Environmental Awareness Group and The Rotaract Club. (Photo by EAG)
St. Martin
Les Fruits de Mer integrated birds into their larger Endemic Animal Festival, which included challenging scavenger hunts, free book giveaways, and lots of art and craft activities for over 100 attendees. Their coloring and activity books are free to download here.
A young girl decorating her pouch using bird stencils during the Endemic Animal Festival. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Les Fruits de Mer founders Mark Yokoyama and Jennifer Yerkes with volunteers.
Both children and adults attended the Endemic Animal Festival. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Young girls learning about the endemic animals of St. Martin. (Photo by Mark Yokoyama)
Puerto Rico
Conservation Opportunity headed to Playa Buje, Cabo Rojo for a bird census — which we were told was a hit among participants! They rounded out the day with a beach cleanup, an educational talk that emphasized the integral role insects play in bird conservation, and installed an interpretive sign at the beach reminding beach goers to keep their environment clean.
Participants of the morning bird census led by Carla Montalvo of Roots and Shoots Puerto Rico.
Bird ID cards used by participants of the morning bird census. (Photo by Conservation Opportunity)
Fabiola Torres, Conservation Opportunity Founder, giving a presentation on endemic birds and insects. (Photo by Conservation Opportunity)
And at El Yunque National Forest, over 1,000 enthusiastic participants came together for what could be the biggest CEBF one-day event of the year! The Fundación Amigos de El Yunque joined forces with Para La Naturaleza, Fundación Alma de Bahía, Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña (SOPI), Hacienda El Portal, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to create a spectacular celebration of birds and bugs! From bird tours to inspiring presentations and nature-based activities, this event was a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and a shared commitment to protecting our birds!
Opening remarks from Yaritza Bobonis. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
Iguaco (Puerto Rican Parrot mascot) from USFWS with Amigos de El Yunque. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
Families having fun at the festival. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
Youth learning how birds eat and build their nests through sensory play. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
Presentation by Jessica Ilse from Forest Service. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
USFWS exhibit at the festival. (Photo by Amigos de El Yunque)
Coriecis, Inc. invited adults and children to learn about the endemic birds of Puerto Rico through a webinar, after which they took the learning into nature at the Piñones State Forest — where they documented 34 species! Check out their eBird checklist here.Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico and Pajareo Virtual superbly integrated their CEBF celebrations into Global Big Day bird counts. They formed a small but determined team to spread the message that insects are important to birds and people and conducted a bird count at Playa Table Rock. Here is their checklist from Global Big Day. Along their route they spotted some insect munching birds like the Gray Kingbird and Puerto Rican Flycatcher. This activity was repeated at Caño Madre Vieja Reserve where 33 species were recorded.
Coriecis’ virtual presentation on the endemic birds of Puerto Rico. (Photo by Coriecis)
Birding group at Bosque Estatal de Pinones. (Photo by Coriecis)
Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico’s small but dedicated birding group at Playa Table Rock for CEBF and GBD 2024. (Photo by Surfrider Foundation Puerto Rico)
Gray Kingbird feeding, Puerto Rico. (Photo by Edgardo Cruz)
At the University High School, Miguel Sabatier (OREC) gave a riveting presentation highlighting the importance of insects for both endemic and migratory birds. Miguel shared with us that “the students, teachers, and graduate students’ faces lit up when they heard the bird calls and recognized some they were familiar with.”
Birding is truly for every body and we are proud to share that the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources’ CEBF activities involved leading an interpretive tour through La Plata Reservoir Natural Reserve for a group of blind birders.
The staff of the US Fish and Wildlife Service led a massive 580 participants on exhilarating birdwatching tours through Laguna Cartagena and Cabo Rojo NWR. They also organized an epic movie night under the stars that brought people together in celebration of birds and community.
Movie night at Cabo Rojo. (Photo by USFWS)
The staff at the Estuario de la Bahía de San Juan concentrated on recruiting more citizen scientists from nearby communities for their bird monitoring initiatives. To engage various community groups, they offered informative webinars and exciting birdwatching trips to local natural reserves.
Eliezer Nieves giving a presentation on the birds of Estuario de la Bahia de San Juan.
Despite the rainy weather which impacted attendance, Para La Naturaleza made a meaningful impact by introducing a dedicated participant to the fascinating world of birds. Together, they identified 15 species, including six that are endemic to Puerto Rico.
Eduardo Llegus, CEBF Coordinator based in Puerto Rico, along with his students got their hands dirty for the birdies and completed an early morning habitat cleanup at Punta Cucharas Nature Reserve in Ponce.
Eduardo with is students at Punta Cucharas.
Dominican Republic
Grupo Jaragua created an exciting roster of events for Dominicans to discover and celebrate their iconic birds. Throughout May, they hosted a variety of engaging activities, including an interpretative walk and bird count celebration for Global Big Day on May 11. They also held a recycling workshop and a short talk on the connections between pollution, insects, and birds on May 25. Their vibrant social media campaign featured nine informative posts, while a live webinar on May 16 brought in a wider audience. Additionally, influencer, nature advocate, and entomologist Yohan Nunez (@YohanNature) produced a captivating reel, and bird conservation outreach took place in the preschool program Natura Avventura throughout the month.
The CEBF celebrations in Cuba were a huge success. We owe a huge thank you to our amazing partners at Club de observadores de aves Granma, Club de Observadores de Aves de Guisa, Club de Observadores de Aves en Libertad (Holguín), Grupo Ecologia de Aves (University of Havana) and Jardín Botánico Nacional Cuba, Empresa Flora y Fauna, Museo de Historia Natural Joaquín Fernández de la Vara, Museo Nacional de Historia Natural de Cuba, and independent coordinator Yorniel Martínez Cruz! Their enthusiasm and expertise were truly invaluable in making the events both memorable and impactful for Cuban bird conservation.
People of all ages and abilities enjoyed bird-themed puzzles, cartoons, and games, while also taking part in habitat clean-ups and tree planting. They were especially excited to see the birds in their neighborhoods, school yards, and nature reserves. Local media, and a podcast for kids by kids, Amiguitos de Las Aves, helped spread the word about the important relationship between birds and insects.
Youth enjoying bird games offered by the University of Havana Bird Ecology Group. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
A young Cuban birder’s one-stop bird station set up by Club de Observadores de Aves de Guisa.
How long is your wingspan? A young girl measures her arm length against a banner with various bird wing lengths printed on it. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
University of Havana Bird Ecology Group brought the wonders of birds and birdwatching to differently abled students. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
University of Havana Bird Ecology Group member shows a younger birder where to locate the bird. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
Protect Cuban birds posters designed by Yorniel for the Proyecto Amiguitos de la Naturaleza.
Youth birdwatching in Laguna de Maya Wildlife Refuge in Matanzas, Cuba.
Youth with their bird masks and participation certificates. (Photo by University of Havana Bird Ecology Group)
Jamaica
BirdLife Jamaica joined forces with Hope Gardens once again to host not just one, but two captivating bird walks at the beautiful Hope Botanical Gardens. This engaging event allowed participants to spot some of Jamaica’s unique endemic birds right in the heart of the city of Kingston! To cap off the experience, attendees also had the chance to plant bird-friendly trees, contributing to the preservation of these remarkable species. It was a wonderful blend of education, appreciation, and action for our feathered friends!
Group birdwatching at Hope Botanical Gardens. (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
Common Gallinule at Hope Botanical Gardens. (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
Insect mounts on display at Hope Botanical Gardens. (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
The Yellow-billed Parrot is one of two endemic parrots on Jamaica.(Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
Two young birders using our Landbirds of the Caribbean bird ID card while birdwatching. (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
You’re never too young to start birdwatching! (Photo by BirdLife Jamaica)
Over in Clarendon, our partner Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation hosted a poster competition for primary and secondary schools. They also provided delightful activities at the Portland Bight Discovery Centre such as Pin the Beak on the Bird, a Scavenger Hunt, and a Guess That Bird Sound activity for staff, students, and teachers. After an engaging presentation by guest speaker Michelle Roberts (BirdLife Jamaica) on Caribbean birds, participants were led on a birdwatching trip around the Centre.
Michelle Roberts speaks to attentive students during CCAM’s CEBF event at the Portland Bight Discovery Centre
CCAM staff member and Michelle Roberts teaching students how to use binoculars. (Photo by CCAM)
Students in CCAM’s bird hide using binoculars to watch birds. (Photo by CCAM)
Poster from the Pin the Beak on The Bird game. (Photo by CCAM)
The Bahamas
On Grand Bahama Island, EARTHCARE Bahamas was kept busy with tree planting (over 1500 mangrove seedlings!) and habitat clean-up at Water Cay; a magnificent birdfair and thrilling bird count at Rand Nature Centre; and a presentation at Bishop Michael Eldon School introducing students to the wonderful world of birds.
Gail Woon of EARTHCARE Bahamas explaining how to complete the scavenger hunt. (Photo by EARTHCARE Bahamas)
Gail and Dr Ancilleno Davis speaking to attendees about Bahamian birds during their CEBF 2024 event. (Photo by EARTHCARE Bahamas)
A Legacy of Advocacy for Urban Wildlife and Inclusivity in Conservation
We remember an extraordinary environmental educator, Simón Guerrero, who passed away earlier this year. His research on urban ecology focused on making cities more habitable for wildlife, including birds. Simón had a remarkable ability to bring the wonder of birds into classrooms, captivating both students and teachers. A passionate advocate for inclusivity, he founded a birding group for blind Dominicans and emphasized the importance of ensuring that birds “know” our actions are in their favor.
His bird festivals always included the planting of native trees around schools and the university he worked at. Through the CEBF Small Grants and with the support of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, he was able to install nests for Hispaniolan Woodpeckers and Hispaniolan Parakeets. The Hispaniolan Parakeet is one of two endemic but threatened parrot species on the island. While there is a breeding population on the university campus, there are not enough nest cavities. During World Migratory Bird Day celebrations last year, Simón shared, “I always plant some trees to be sure birds will know we are doing something real for them, not just talking.”
Simón Guerrero was a founding member of the Society for the Conservation and Study of Caribbean Birds. An engaging teacher and speaker with a great sense of humor, he influenced many to become fans and defenders of nature for many decades.
Students plant the firebush plant in their school’s garden. (Photo by Simón Guerrero)
Artificial nest boxes built by Simón and his team. (Photo by Simón Guerrero)
Simon leading a birdtour in the DR. (Photo by Grupo Jaragua)
We believe that his vision for greener urban spaces will continue to inspire future generations of conservationists.
Conservation champions honored at #BCDR24
In July, we were grateful for the opportunity to connect with our amazing community of Caribbean conservationists at the BirdsCaribbean 24th International Conference in the Dominican Republic. We took the opportunity to honor organizations and educators too. They were awarded for their exceptional efforts in celebrating the CEBF over the past two years in consistently organizing creative and enjoyable activities for youth and local communities, and submitting their event reports and photos. Recipients of the 2024 Educator Awards will be shared in an upcoming blog highlighting all of BirdsCaribbean’s 2024 awardees.
We also distributed CEBF materials, featuring the artwork of Arnaldo Toledo, to participating organizations for their bird conservation outreach activities.
Feathery facts and free resources for classrooms and homes
Each day, we featured a new Endemic Bird of the Day on our website and across BirdsCaribbean’s socials, sharing 27 new species in 2024. The species were carefully selected to include truly unique birds, like the Vitelline Warbler; species which keep birders’ ID skills in check, like the Antillean Palm Swift; and endemic crooners, like the Greater Antillean Elaenia. You can find the complete library of 131 endemic birds covered thus far here.
Each endemic bird profile was accompanied by a beautifully drawn image by award-winning Cuban artist Arnaldo Toledo, stunning high quality photos and videos, online puzzles tailored for different levels (between six and 1,024 pieces), and bird calls. Fun, free and engaging activities were also provided for both kids and adults, including downloadable coloring pages, experiments, up-cycle crafts, and more. If you’re looking for more insect activities to do with children, inside and outdoors, to have fun together and be creative, download our ‘Incredible Insects’ activity booklet today.
This year’s CEBF is over — but don’t worry, we still have plenty of bird content for you to enjoy! Make sure you are following us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn; and have joined the BirdsCaribbean mailing list to keep up to date with our latest news via our monthly newsletter.
The Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival will return next April 2025 — but we need your support to help ensure that bird education remains accessible to all in the Caribbean.
Your donation is an invaluable investment in the future of Caribbean bird conservation and will help us provide materials and access to capacity-building programs to early-career Caribbean conservationists. These passionate individuals are committed to advancing bird conservation on their islands through engaging outreach events, like those listed above, that inspire communities to embrace bird-friendly practices. Your support will help amplify their efforts, fostering a deeper connection between people and the incredible wildlife that surrounds them.
Acknowledgements: A massive THANK YOU to the island coordinators for your enthusiasm and dedication to making this another memorable CEBF! Each year we see a growing number of participants committed to increasing their knowledge of Caribbean birds and actively working to protect their habitats. We also extend our gratitude to our donors and members who help us provide the coordinators with the support and resources they need to educate and inspire future generations of bird and nature loving communities. Special thanks to the US Forest Service, International Programs and the United Nations Development Program Ridge to Reef and IWEco Project for funding for our education and conservation programs.
The Dominican Republic, renowned for its pristine beaches and tropical charm, also boasts 33 endemic bird species and a wide range of habitats — from coastal mangroves to misty cloud forests. At our 24th International Conference, attendees had the opportunity to experience this natural diversity firsthand. The submissions we received for our photo contest beautifully captured the essence of the unique birds and landscapes of this Caribbean gem. We’re excited to showcase the winning shots that highlight the avian diversity of the Dominican Republic.
The judges were impressed by the stunning composition, technical skill, humor, and rich emotion reflected in the submissions. Photos were taken between 15th and 25th July, 2024 and uploaded to Flickr (photo sharing site). Click here to view all the photos submitted in the contest (labeled with tag: BCPhotoContest2024). The Grand Prize for the contest was generously donated by Vortex Optics.
Photographers had the opportunity to submit up to six photographs in each of three categories:
Endemics – including endemic birds of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti) and regional endemics;
Fun With Birds and People – showing humans, birds and nature interacting (including conference activities); and
Birds and Nature – featuring Hispaniola’s non-endemic birds, close-up shots of other wildlife, natural habitats, and landscapes.
BELOW ARE THE WINNERS, WITH SOME COMMENTS FROM THE JUDGES:
Grand Prize Winner
Hispaniolan Parakeets by Rondel Smith. The judges were unanimously captivated by this vibrant and energetic photo. Their comments highlight its engaging qualities: “A brilliant shot, full of life and movement. The composition is perfect, drawing the eye to each bird in turn—it feels as if even the birds are having fun!” Another judge noted, “Excellent composition and framing. It’s dynamic—you can almost hear the noise and sense the social interaction. The colors are striking, and the image sparks conversation.”
Hispaniolan Parakeets are known for their noisy, social behavior, often seen in large, chattering groups, just like in this photo. They’re a common sight on the rooftops of Santo Domingo, where their lively interactions are hard to miss!
Hispaniolan Parakeets by Rondel Smith.
Endemics
1st Prize: Broad-billed Tody by Juan Oteyza. “Great capture of this gorgeous bird emerging from its nest hole.” “Eye level with subject, intimate, shows behavior, teaches about the natural history of Broad-billed Tody.”
Broad-billed Toady by Juan Oteyza.
2nd Prize: Palmchat by Rondel Smith. “This photo really works with such an interesting green pattern formed by the palm fronds.” “Picture is in focus, there is a nice angle of the bird on the palm frond, it’s well lit, and there is a nice eyeshine.”
Palmchat by Rondel Smith.
3rd Prize: Hispaniolan Mango by Noelia Nieves. “I love the way this composition between bird and plant is color coordinated! The head is in such sharp focus.”
1st Prize: For the Love of Birds by Giselle Deane. “This picture for me sums up the wonder and delight of birdwatching.” “Shows the joy of birding while bringing people together.”
For the Love of Birds by Giselle Deane.
2nd Prize: Kayakers by Martin Rodriguez. “Great composition of three very happy people!” “Good in-focus shot complemented by a nice blurred background.”
Kayakers by Martin Rodriguez.
3rd Prize: Silent Auction by Daniela Ventura. “No doubt about what is going on here. Captures the energy of the atmosphere very well.” “Nice picture, good subject.”
1st Prize: Cucu (Burrowing Owl) by Martin Rodriguez. “Eye to eye with subject, good depth of field, great definition, habitat, moment of surprise.”
Cucu (Burrowing Owl) by Martin Rodriguez.
2nd Prize: Village Weaver by Rondel Smith. “Very eye-catching, good composition, definition, it’s dramatic.”
Village Weaver by Rondel Smith.
3rd Prize: Village Weaver by Tommie Catanach. “An extraordinary pose has made this a really interesting photo.” “Photo shows movement and bird behavior, has good light and subject balance.”
A heartfelt thank you to our three outstanding judges — Andrew Dobson, Ivan Mota, and Nick Hollands — for their time and careful evaluation of each submission. We are also incredibly grateful to Vortex Optics for generously donating the Grand Prize. We deeply appreciate the artistry and dedication everyone brought to capturing the diverse wildlife and conference events with such respect. Thank you to all participants in the contest!
Enjoy this photo gallery of all the Honorable Mentions!
Broad-billed Tody by Michael Ocasio. Honorable Mention in the Endemics category.
Hispaniolan Spindalis by Tommie Catanach. Honorable Mention in the Endemics Category.
En busca de aves en la belleza de las dunas by Isamar Flores. Honorable Mention in the Fun with Birds and People category.
The White-breasted Thrasher has been split into two species! (Photo by Hank Tseng and Adams Toussaint)
Exciting news is in from the American Ornithological Society (AOS) — the Caribbean can now boast six newly recognized endemic bird species! The 65th Supplement to the AOS Checklist of North American Birds has recently been released, bringing the total number of Caribbean endemics to an impressive 185 species.
Rather than discovering completely unknown birds, these new species typically emerge from deeper research into the unique geographical and biological features of the Caribbean. Islands are hotspots for endemism because isolated bird populations tend to evolve into distinct forms over time. As these differences accumulate, some populations eventually diverge enough to be classified as separate species!
These taxonomic updates often come in the form of “splits,” where what was once considered a single species is divided into multiple species due to significant differences in traits such as appearance, genetics, or behavior. In contrast, “lumps” occur when distinct populations are found to be similar enough to merge into a single species. Ornithologists use a combination of genetic analysis, morphology (shape and size), plumage, and vocalizations to determine whether a bird population deserves species status.
This year, we’re thrilled to introduce six newly recognized bird species in the Caribbean, thanks to two exciting splits!
Presenting the Caribbean’s Newest Endemic Birds:
The Wrenaissance is Here!
The bird formerly known as the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) has undergone a major revision and is now split into seven different species — four of which are newly recognized as Caribbean endemics! Say hello to the Grenada Wren(Troglodytes grenadensis), St. Lucia Wren (Troglodytes mesoleucus), St. Vincent Wren (Troglodytes musicus), and Kalinago Wren (Troglodytes martinicensis), which is native to Dominica. The Kalinago Wren, named in honor of the island’s Indigenous Kalinago people, was also historically found on Guadeloupe and Martinique, though it has since disappeared from those islands.
Additionally, the Cozumel Wren (Troglodytes beani) has been recognized as a distinct species for Cozumel, Mexico; and Trinidad and Tobago now has the Southern House Wren (Troglodytes musculus), whose range extends into Central and South America. Further research may even reveal that Trinidad and Tobago harbors its own distinct wren species, so stay tuned!
So, what makes these wrens distinct enough to be classified as separate species? One of the biggest factors is habitat. As the name House Wren implies, these birds are typically found around houses and neighborhoods, and often thrive around human settlement. However, this is not the case for Caribbean House Wrens — these birds much prefer forested and more natural habitats. While continental House Wrens have continued to thrive with expanding urbanization, many island populations have been declining, possibly due to loss of habitat.
This taxonomic split also highlights the need for more targeted conservation efforts, which can now be advanced as these birds have been given species-level recognition. Initially, the American Ornithological Society (AOS) proposed grouping all Caribbean House Wrens under a single species called the Antillean Wren. However, further genetic studies revealed that the wrens from the Lesser Antilles were more genetically distinct than previously thought, leading to the decision to split them into multiple species.
Meet the Caribbean’s New Wrens
Here’s a quick overview of our newly recognized Caribbean wrens, compared to the continental House Wren found in North America, which is small, brownish-gray, with a slightly curved bill, barred wings, and a barred, rusty-colored tail.
Grenada Wren: This species is larger and shorter-tailed with dark, richly colored plumage, and a whitish throat. It has one of the longest bills among House Wrens, giving it a distinctive, almost hammer-headed appearance. Interestingly, it behaves more similarly to the mainland House Wrens than the other Caribbean wrens, even adapting its song to urban environments.
The Grenada House Wren has dark, richly colored plumage, and a whitish throat. It also had one of the longest bills of the House Wrens. (Photo by David Hollie ML602671511)
St. Lucia Wren. The St. Lucia Wren is relatively rare and restricted to drier forest habitats in the southwestern and far northern parts of the island. Its plumage is overall paler than the Grenada Wren’s, and its song is quite different from that of its mainland relatives.
The St Lucia Wren’s plumage is paler than the Grenada Wren overall. (Photo by Charlie Bostwick ML 549893181)
St. Vincent Wren: This wren sports a lot of white and buff in its plumage, and it has a notably long wing chord, which suggests a larger overall size. Its song, too, is quite different from that of other House Wrens, making it one of the most distinctive of the new species.
The St Vincent Wren has more white and buff in its plumage. (Photo by David Hollie ML598496181)
The St Vincent Wren has a notably long wing chord. (Photo by David Hollie ML600921241)
Kalinago Wren: Unfortunately, this species has disappeared from Martinique and Guadeloupe. The remaining population on Dominica stands out with its rich rufous coloration and a long, mostly yellow bill. Its song has been described as loud and ebullient, distinctly different from that of mainland House Wrens, adding to its unique charm.
The Kalinago Wren has a distinct rufous coloration and a mostly yellow bill. (Photo by Holger Teichmann ML616854679)
Thrash Talk: The White-breasted Thrasher Split!
In more exciting news from the Lesser Antilles, we now have two new thrasher species! Say hello to the Martinique Thrasher (Ramphocinclus brachyurus) and St. Lucia Thrasher (Ramphocinclus sanctaeluciae), previously classified together as the White-breasted Thrasher (Ramphocinclus brachyurus). Genetic studies have shown that these two populations have been evolving separately for quite some time, with no evidence of gene flow or interbreeding between them. Additionally, there has been no observed movement of thrashers between Martinique and St. Lucia, further confirming that these birds are isolated and distinct species.
The Martinique Thrasher is considered Critically Endangered, while the St. Lucia Thrasher is listed as Endangered. With their elevation to official species status, there is hope this recognition will help drive more conservation efforts to protect these unique birds, such as this study of the St Lucia Thrasher.
Let’s take a closer look at these birds:
The St. Lucia Thrasher is the larger of the two. It has darker brown overall plumage, darker black lores and ear coverts, and brighter white underparts. The markings on its flanks are more neatly organized, and it lacks the scalloping on the wing coverts seen in its Martinique counterpart. Interestingly, the St. Lucia Thrasher also tends to build its nests much lower in the vegetation.
The St Lucia Thrasher has dark brown plumage overall and white underparts. (Photo by Blake Matheson ML214222511)
The Martinique Thrasher, by contrast, is smaller, with grayer plumage and muddier white underparts. Its flank markings are more irregular, and it has scalloping on the wing coverts. Both species also have distinct calls, which further supports their classification as separate species.
The Martinique Thrasher has gray brown plumage overall and muddy white underparts. (Photo by Pam Rasmussen ML 619242216)
Listen to the differences between the calls of the Martinique Thrasher and St. Lucia Thrasher.
Shearing of a Shearwater
And finally, seabird aficionados rejoice — Cory’s Shearwater has been split! This wide-ranging seabird is now recognized as two distinct species: one breeding in the Mediterranean, and the other on islands in the East Atlantic. For those worried about having even more bird names to remember, rest assured — the species observed in the Caribbean will still be known as Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis), while the Mediterranean breeders have been reclassified as Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea). Both species have been recorded in the West Indies, so keep an eye out and try to photograph any Cory’s-type shearwaters you see (especially the underwing — Cory’s has less white in the underwing)!
Cory’s Shearwater feeding on fish in open water off the coast of Bermuda. (Photo by Richard Brewer ML620511968)
Scopoli’s Shearwater soaring at sea. (Photo by Brian Sullivan ML104100491)
Note that while this reclassification is exciting for our region, the shearwater’s range is not limited to the West Indies — so this does not add to our endemic checklist.
New Species Highlight the Need for More Research and Conservation
We’re thrilled to welcome these new endemics to the Caribbean! These new species underscore the ongoing potential for further bird research in the region. With new species being identified every year, it’s clear there is still much to learn about the incredible birdlife right here in our backyards, parks, forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats. It’s also imperative that we take care of these unique birds by reducing the threats they face. It’s up to all of us to protect their habitats to ensure they thrive long into the future, for the benefit and enjoyment of all.
So — did these recent splits add any new species to your life list? Or have they just given you six more reasons to start planning your next Caribbean birding adventure?
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Pectoral Sandpiper
If you’re out birding in marshy, wet, grasslands during migration season, and you see a shorebird’s head pop up — with a slightly down-curved bill — chances are you’ve just spotted a Pectoral Sandpiper! As the medium sized shorebird obligingly steps out of the vegetation you will observe its distinctive, boldly-streaked brown breast. One more stride into the open reveals that this streaky breast pattern ends abruptly — in a stark line marking the start of the white belly and underparts! Pectoral Sandpipers also sport streaked heads and necks, while the feathers on their back and wings are brown with rufous edges. They have shortish yellow-green legs, and are often seen in shallow water or at the water’s edge in grassy vegetation. You might spot them with American Golden Plovers who like similar habitats, and sometimes form flocks with Pectoral Sandpipers.
We all know that many shorebirds are great travelers during migration, but the long-distance journey of the Pectoral Sandpiper is especially amazing! They breed in the high arctic tundra through Siberia and North America, and most of their population winters in South America. Their winter range includes Peru, south Bolivia, south Brazil, Uruguay, south to central Chile, all the way down to southernmost Argentina. This means that some individuals, leaving from the northernmost parts of the breeding range and flying down to the southern tip of Argentina, are making round trip migrations of up to 30,000 km! This is similar to the journeys made by another epic long-distance migrant, the Arctic Tern, and is amongst the longest migrations for a shorebird in the Americas. Pectoral Sandpipers fuel up for these long trips by chowing down on wriggling midge and crane fly larvae.
In fact, Pectoral Sandpipers feast on different types of insects year-round, underscoring our WMBD theme “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. During fall and winter they can be found in their favorite grassy wet areas — freshwater marshes, pond edges, and flooded agricultural areas. Their love for these environments have earned them the nickname “grasspipers” among birders. They use their down-curved bills to peck at insects at the water’s edge and probe the soft mud, feeling for aquatic insects such as diving beetles, insect larvae of midges and flies, as well as mollusks and worms.
Pectoral Sandpipers are listed by the IUCN as ‘least concern’, but like many shorebirds, their population is unfortunately in decline. Although this shorebird was extensively hunted in North America in the past, this is unlikely to be the cause of the current population decline. The reasons for this present decline are not well understood and need further study, however, it is thought that the loss of freshwater wetlands needed during migration and on their wintering grounds could be part of the problem. Wetland areas supporting thriving insect and invertebrate populations provide essential food for so many of our migratory and resident birds. Keeping wet, grassy areas full of the insects that birds like Pectoral Sandpipers need to thrive can help them on their way during their long migrations! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Alex Sansom for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Pectoral Sandpiper
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2024Carib
Listen to the calls of the Pectoral Sandpiper
The calls of the Pectoral Sandpiper is a low, sharp “churt”. This call is quite distinctive and can help identify Pectoral Sandpipers when flushed or in flight.
Enjoy these photos of Pectoral Sandpipers
Pectoral Sandpiper in its typical setting during winter and migration. You can often find this shorebird in small flocks feeding in freshwater grasslands, marshes, and pools. (Photo by Jesse Gordon)Pectoral Sandpiper. Did you know that although this species mainly winters in the southern part of South America? A small proportion of the population however migrates to Australasia to spend the winter!
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Have you ever wondered how migratory birds like the Pectoral Sandpiper know which direction to go when they hit the skies for their long trips south? And why it is they they hardly ever get lost (unless they get blown off course)!
We don’t yet fully understand how it is that birds are so good at finding their way to their winter homes. But they know that birds can use different senses to help them navigate as they migrate. They can help set their direction using the position of the sun and stars. They can also use landmarks, just like we do, to help them know where they are. One other special way birds can navigate is to use Earth’s magnetic field. Just like birds we can navigate using this magnetic field, unlike birds we cannot sense this ourselves but we can use a magnetic compass.
Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) with us in 2024! This year’s theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”. Have fun learning about a new migratory bird every day. We have coloring pages, interesting facts, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy nature with your family at home.
Migratory Bird of the Day: Semipalmated Sandpiper
Meet our first ‘Migratory Bird of the Day’ for 2024, the Semipalmated Sandpiper! Despite being pint-sized and gray-brown in color, this bird is anything but boring! For a start do you know why it has such a curious name? ‘Semipalmated’ refers to the bird’s partially webbed toes—amongst the other small sandpipers this trait is only shared with the Western Sandpiper!
Semipalmated Sandpipers belong to the exclusive ‘peep’ club, a group of small, tricky-to-identify sandpiper species. Semipalmated Sandpipers can be separated from their cousins, the Least and Western Sandpipers, by a few subtle details. Least Sandpipers have yellow legs, a thin slightly down-curved bill, and their upperparts are a warmer brown hue, while Semipalmateds sport dark legs, straighter, slightly thicker bills, and are more gray-brown in color.
Separating Semipalmateds from Westerns can be challenging even for experienced birders since both have gray-brown upperparts and dark legs. Start by looking at bill length and shape. Semipalmated Sandpipers typically have shorter, blunter and straighter bills compared to Western Sandpipers, whose bills are typically longer and curve down slightly at the tip. Western Sandpiper can also look ‘chunkier’ and more ‘front-heavy’. You can find some more great ID tips for separating peeps in our video here (be sure to read the caption too!).
Though tiny, Semipalmated Sandpipers are mighty when it comes to migration! They travel thousands of kilometers from their breeding areas in the Arctic to their wintering grounds in South America with the Caribbean serving as an essential pit stop to refuel. On migration they are often found in flocks (sometimes of thousands of birds), and often with other ‘peeps’. They feast on aquatic invertebrates that live in the surface layer of the muddy habitats they prefer. You can spot them on mudflats, beaches, on the edges of ponds and lagoons, and even in muddy agricultural areas!
Sadly, Semipalmated Sandpiper populations are in decline, and they’re currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN. Habitat loss, hunting, and changes in their food supply pose threats to these birds during the course of their long journey. That’s why it’s crucial to protect wetlands across the Caribbean and ensure that these tiny travelers have safe places to rest and feed on their amazing journeys south each year. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Alex Sansom for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration!
Color in the Semipalmated Sandpiper
Download the Migratory Birds of the Day Coloring Page! Use the picture above and the photos on this page as your guide, or look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your colored-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #WMBD2024Carib
Listen to the calls of the Semipalmated Sandpiper
The calls of the Semipalmated Sandpiper include a strident “jer-jer-jer-jer-jer” as well as softer chirping calls made when in flocks and sometimes in flight.
Enjoy these photos of Semipalmated Sandpipers
Semipalmated Sandpiper. These small sandpipers build up and store fat reserves before migrating. This means they make amazing non-stop trips, with some individuals probably migrating over 4000km directly from New England in the US to South America! (Photo by Anthony Levesque Macaulay Library-ML67930001)Semipalmated Sandpiper (left) and Western Sandpiper (right). You can see the shorter, straighter bill of the Semipalmated Sandpiper. This feature can be great for ID but there is an overlap in bill length between both species, so also take note the ‘heavier’ appearance of the Western Sandpiper and the slight ‘barrel chested’ look. (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS: Test your shorebird ID skills with our “Spot the Semipalmated Sandpiper” challenge! Small sandpipers or ‘peeps’ can look very similar to each other. As well as their small size, they share other similar features—both have plumage that is brown or grey above and white below, pointed black-coloured bills, and a habit of feeding in muddy wetland areas. You can pick out Semipalmated Sandpipers if you look very carefully. You need to pay special attention to their leg color, back color, and bill size and shape. Read the text above, watch our handy ID video, and look closely at the pictures we have shared. Once you’ve done this take a look and see if you can pick out the Semipalmated Sandpiper! (there are some extra tips for you on the second page if you get stuck). You can find the correct answer here.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Enjoy this video of a Semipalmated Sandpiper in the wild! This bird is on the mud feeding on ‘biofilm’. This is made up of microorganisms living on the surface of the mud that are stuck together. They eat this by slurping the biofilm into their bill!
Jennifer Wheeler weaves through the buzzing crowd at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel’s Convention Centre, raises the BC conch shell to her lips, and blows with all her might. The booming sound of the conch fills the air, instantly silencing conversations and commanding everyone’s attention. This spirited signal marks the official start of the BirdsCaribbean 24th International Conference—five exhilarating days of non-stop science, birding, and forging lasting conservation connections! Here we dive into the standout moments that made the conference truly unforgettable.
The BirdsCaribbean conch shell. (Photo by Martin Rodriguez)
Conservation thrives on the strength of community. This belief in the power of community is why every two years, BirdsCaribbean joins forces with our partners to host our International Conference—a transformative event where collaboration and learning drive real, impactful change. Conservationists from all walks of life come together on a beautiful Caribbean island, united by a shared passion: protecting the incredible birds that define our region.
This year’s conference, held at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in partnership with local NGO Grupo Jaragua, invigorated this mission. Centered on the theme “From Mangroves to Mountains: Safeguarding Our Avian Treasures,” the conference brought together a diverse group of conservationists—including representatives from international and regional higher education institutions, research centers, government agencies, NGOs, the ecotourism industry, and the media. The event provided the platform for delegates to share their knowledge, ideas, science, and resources—strengthening the conservation community and re-energizing the fight to save our precious Caribbean birds.
Spanning five exciting days, the conference featured expert-led presentations, roundtable discussions, training sessions, networking opportunities, fundraising initiatives, and birding trips to observe Hispaniola’s diverse bird species, including its unique endemics.
United for Birds: A Community-Driven Mission
The conference began on July 18th with opening remarks by Sixto J. Incháustegui, President of Grupo Jaragua, who emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to protect nature and wildlife. “Participation must come from all sectors of society to conserve biodiversity,” he stated.Frederico Franco, Vice Minister of Protected Areas at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to work together to ensure a sustainable environment for our birds. He highlighted the significance of conferences like the BirdsCaribbean, noting that “they play a crucial role in sharing scientific knowledge and promoting sustainability as a national culture.”
Sixto J. Incháustegui, President of Grupo Jaragua. (Photo by Martin Rodriguez)
Frederico Franco, Vice Minister of Protected Areas at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
BirdsCaribbean President Adrianne Tossas and Executive Director Lisa Sorenson warmly welcomed the record-breaking 338 delegates from 32 countries and islands. “I am elated to see so many young people here,” Sorenson remarked, “Your interest in birds and environmental stewardship bodes well for the long-term conservation of our biodiversity, which is vital to our health and well-being.”
Keynotes that Ignite: Wisdom, Vision, and Passion for Birds
Each morning, delegates gathered to hear phenomenal keynote speakersshowcase the diversity of thought, culture, knowledge, and work within our community. On the first day, Dr. Yolanda León, a Dominican biologist and immediate past president of Grupo Jaragua, emphasized the importance of effective conservation action for birds and habitats. She honored Simón Guerrero, a beloved member of BirdsCaribbean and Dominican conservation stalwart who passed away earlier this year, by posing the question he always asked: “Does the species know?” She underscored the significance of ensuring species know we are working to protect them and their habitats, as reflected in populations thriving in healthy ecosystems.
Dr. Yolanda León, a Dominican biologist and immediate past president of Grupo Jaragua, addresses the delegates during the opening ceremony.
Yolanda answers the question “Does the species know?” during her talk.
David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder, captivated the audience with his keynote address “Conservation at Your Doorstep.” He inspired delegates with his passion for learning about birds in urban spaces and his dedication to encouraging city dwellers to connect with their environment. His speech was a captivating blend of humor, insight, and inspiration, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
David Lindo, also known as The Urban Birder.
Delegates listening to David’s inspirational talk.
Chris Rimmer shared insights from 30 years of research in his talk “Bicknell’s Thrush: Conserving a Vulnerable Songbird in the Caribbean and Across the Hemisphere”. He outlined the necessary conservation actions to safeguard this migratory songbird in the Dominican Republic and Greater Antilles. Dr Steve Latta, in his talk “The Synergies of Advancing Conservation: Using Field Research and Avian Monitoring to Build Capacity and Conservation Awareness” emphasized that conservation research should also facilitate field training and capacity building, raise awareness, and demonstrate the interdependence of healthy communities and healthy ecosystems.
Chris Rimmer, Emeritus Executive Director of Vermont Center for Ecostudies, speaks to delegates about conservation priorities for the Bicknell’s Thrush.
Dr Steve Latta speaks to the crowd of delegates about creating nurturing relationships, and advancing conservation through training opportunities and awareness raising campaigns.
Other keynote presentations reinforced delegates’ belief in their ability to achieve their own bird conservation goals and become successful conservation leaders. Award-winning Antiguan conservationist Shanna Challenger delivered an inspiring, instructive talk “From Passion to Purpose: The Journey of a Caribbean Wildlife Conservationist.” She shared how the knowledge and skills acquired from various projects, trainings, partnerships, and mentorships transformed her approach to conservation and helped her to achieve remarkable successes, including the restoration of Redonda through the Rewilding Redonda project.
Shanna Challenger retelling the hard work it took for her team to restore Redonda Island.
Eric Carey reflected on his 20-year tenure as Executive Director of the Bahamas National Trust, during which he significantly expanded the organization from a 10-person staff to 90, and developed a 32-park system covering 2.2 million acres, a substantial increase from the initial handful of national parks. In his presentation, “20 Years Protecting Habitat and Species through the Stewardship of Conservation Opportunities in The Bahamas—Success Stories and Lessons Learned,” Carey highlighted the challenges and triumphs of conservation in The Bahamas, and how he and his team overcame obstacles to protect habitats and wildlife while gaining the support of local Bahamians.
Keynote speaker Eric Carey. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Finally, Dr. Terry Root addressed the pressing issue of climate change in her presentation, “Climate Change Impacts in the Caribbean.”Shedetailed the sobering realities of the ecological consequences for birds and emphasized the role of science in developing effective mitigation policies. Dr. Root concluded with a hopeful message, urging attendees to come together, take action, and pressure governments to shift the societal approach to combating climate change, much like the successful campaigns to reduce smoking.
Dr Terry Root addresses climate change and discusses the social marketing approach needed to combat it.
A good conference day starts with birdwatching
Each day of the conference, many of our delegates were up before dawn, eager to connect with nature and discover the incredible birdlife at the Jardín Botánico Nacional (Dr. Rafael María Moscoso Botanic Garden). Guided walks through the 400-acre nature preserve were led by members of Grupo Jaragua and Grupo Acción Ecológica. The Garden, known for its extensive variety of native trees, palm species, over 300 types of orchids, and diverse bird species, provided an ideal setting for these early morning explorations.
Group of early morning birding delegates at the National Botanical Garden in Santo Domingo. (Photo by Stefan Gleissberg)
Birders in action! (Photo by Bryan Naqqi Manco)
During the 2-3 hour walks, delegates explored wooded areas, stream-side habitats, and open palm savannas, offering excellent birdwatching opportunities, including the chance to spot endemic species. Participants were thrilled to observe endemic “lifers” like the Vervain Hummingbird, Broad-billed Tody, Hispaniolan Woodpecker, Black-crowned Palm-Tanager, and Yellow-faced Grassquit, all commonly found in the garden. Some were also fortunate enough to spot elusive species like the Limpkin, as well as threatened birds such as the West Indian Whistling-Duck and Hispaniolan Parakeet. Observing these birds in the tranquil garden setting was a refreshing way to start the day before diving into the conference’s stimulating presentations and discussions!
Water lilies at the garden. (Photo by Aaliyah Cunningham)
West Indian Whistling-Duck. (Photo by Rondell Smith)
The national bird of the Dominican Republic, the Palmchat. (Photo by Rondel Smith).
Collaborative Learning and Dialogue for Conservation Success
338 delegates from 31 countries gathered for workshops, presentations, discussions and to connect with fellow Caribbean conservationists.
Workshops
This year’s conference featured a wide range of workshops tailored to the diverse bird conservation and research needs of our delegates. In the “Adaptive Project Management using Conservation Standards” workshop, participants enhanced their project management and implementation skills. The “Introduction to Data Analysis using R” workshop provided essential training on cleaning and analyzing data effectively for publications and reports. “Motus in the Caribbean” focused on the regional use of the Motus wildlife tracking system, offering critical guidance on designing, installing, and maintaining functional and robust Motus receiver stations, as well as planning collaborative projects. Additionally, “Navigating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Ornithology” addressed the cultural differences across Caribbean islands and emphasized the importance of ensuring that all stakeholders feel respected, accepted, and recognized for their contributions to bird conservation.
Jody Daniel (Gaea Conservation Network) explains to participants how to code and analyse their data using R.
Participants discuss threats and solutions among themselves during the Adaptive Management breakout sessions.
Todd Alleger speaks about the utility of Motus tracking stations in the Caribbean.
Participants engaged in interactive learning activities led by Marta Curti and Gabriela Diaz, utilizing “Environmental Education Guide: Raptors of the Caribbean” from The Peregrine Fund. These activities aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of the vital role of raptors in their ecosystems while enhancing their ability to educate others about birds of prey using the guide’s materials and strategies. Mark Yokoyama and Jennifer Yerkes of Les Fruits de Mer led a creative workshop titled “Make Your Own Coloring Activity Book,” which received high praise from participants for its innovative approach to teaching children about the natural world.
Dominican delegates with their raptor made with recyclable materials.
Jennifer Yerkes (Les Fruits de Mer) shares how the workbook ‘Booktastic’ will be used as an ideation and planning tool during the workshop.
Damany Calder reads the guidelines given in the ‘Booktastic’ workbook.
Mark Yokoyama (Les Fruits de Mer) shares insightful tips for creating engaging educational materials.
The “Connecting Birds and People: Environmental Interpretation as a Key Tool in Bird Conservation and Appreciation,” workshop highlighted the importance of interpretation in fostering bird conservation awareness among the general public. In “How to Publish Your Research and Conservation Reports with the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology,” participants received valuable insights into effective publication practices.
The workshop “Protect Insects, Protect Birds: Educational Tools to Celebrate WMBD,” presented by Environment for the Americas, addressed the current threats facing migratory birds and insects and the actions needed to slow their decline. Participants also learned how to organize and execute a successful bird festival. Finally, “Conservation Photography for Biologists, Artists, and Stakeholders” presented by Jerry Bauer, USFS International Programs, equipped attendees with skills to enhance their visual communication and inspire conservation action.
During the conference, we took the opportunity to assess BirdsCaribbean’s capacity-building initiatives and identify future priorities. Participants were asked to provide feedback via an online survey on how resources, training, equipment, and grants from BirdsCaribbean have helped them achieve their conservation goals. The conference also featured a collaborative session where participants worked together to create a comprehensive theory of change, or results tree. This involved identifying necessary intermediate results, specific actions, and SMART indicators to measure the impact of those actions. The group then reviewed and validated the problem tree and engaged in a hands-on activity to further develop the results tree by identifying specific actions, indicators, and implementers.
Christel Mohammed, BirdsCaribbean Communications Manager, and workshop facilitator, Jim Goetz.
Participants break into groups for the problem identification exercise.
Jethro van’t Hul shares the problems he faces as a conservationist working in the Caribbean.
Shanna Challenger adds a problem to her group’s results tree.
Problem tree being analysed and turned into a results tree by participants.
Group of participants discussing capacity building opportunities in the Caribbean.
Symposia
As is customary at each BirdsCaribbean conference, local ornithological work was highlighted during the first symposium, ‘Hispaniola Day.’ Rosanna Guzmán-Pérez from the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales shared findings from her study on plant-frugivore mutualism in the Casabito cloud forest at the Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve, identifying the Hispaniolan Spindalis as one of the main seed dispersers in the forest. Pedro Genero Rodríguez from the Asociación Dominicana Fotógrafos de la Naturaleza discussed the critical role of Reserva Privada el Zorzal as a refuge for both rare migratory birds with specific habitat requirements and common bird species.
Pedro Genero Rodriguez, Dominican photographer, speaks to delegates about the use of wildlife photography in conservation.
Male Hispaniolan Spindalis feeding on berries. (Photo by Jose Miguel Pantaleon)
Andrea Thomen answers a question from a delegate on the domestic parrot trade in the Dominican Republic, during the Hispaniola Day symposium.
Hispaniolan Parrot eating. (Photo by Dax Roman)
Anne-Isabelle Bonifassi, Executive Director of Haiti National Trust, speaks about ecosystem restoration in Haiti, during the Hispaniola Day symposium.
Jennifer Wheeler presented “Mountain Top Strongholds: The Story of Haiti’s Black-capped Petrel” on behalf of Haitian researchers who could not attend. Delegates were deeply moved by a short film, The Diablotin Festival, which tells the heartwarming story of how the community of Boukan Chat, alongside a team of conservationists, humanitarians, and storytellers, has united to protect the endangered Black-capped Petrel.
Other pivotal symposia addressed key issues in Caribbean bird conservation. “Conserving Caribbean Threatened and Endemic Birds” focused on the impacts of natural threats like hurricanes and the illegal bird trade on island endemics and discussed strategies for protecting the region’s unique avifauna. “Ecology of Migrants and Importance of Stopover Sites in the Caribbean” highlighted crucial research on migratory patterns of Near Threatened species like the Kirtland’s Warbler, and the role of stopover habitats which are often targeted for development on islands.
The “Waterbirds, Wetlands, and CWC” symposium examined the interconnections between waterbirds and wetland ecosystems, the severe threats they face, and the outreach, advocacy, and actions needed to protect these critical habitats. “On the Ground Bird and Habitat Conservation: New Approaches, Success Stories and Lessons Learned” shared practical conservation methods and outcomes aimed at strengthening the management of green spaces including protected areas and urban parks like botanical gardens in the Caribbean for birds and other wildlife.
Simon Busutill shares the triumphs and challenges of protecting a nature reserve in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Grenada Dove. With fewer than 190 individuals left in the wild, we must act NOW to secure its survival. (Photo by Greg Homel)
Lourdes Mugica, co-author of the field guide “Birds of the National Botanical Garden of Cuba.”
Caribbean conservationists are also leading social transformation through art, social media, and environmental education to gain support for protecting our feathered friends. In the symposium “Outreach and Education: Raising Awareness and Engaging Diverse Audiences,” they shared what strategies have been successful (and what hasn’t) in involving local communities and stakeholders in bird conservation efforts.
Discussions on “Habitat Restoration and Best Management Practices” provided insights into effective restoration techniques, while talks from “Landbird and Endemic Monitoring– Challenges, Solutions, Needs, and Results” addressed various monitoring methods, results from current projects, and the emerging issues and challenges encountered at different stages of a monitoring project.
Miguel Landestoy shares the findings from his study on the distribution of the Bay-breasted Cuckoo in the Dominican Republic.
Bay-breasted Cuckoo. (Photo by Carlos Pedro, Macaulay Library- ML393609811)
Dr Mark Hulme, reports on the behaviour of the range restricted Trinidad Piping-Guan and pressures affecting the population.
The large turkey-like Trinidad Piping-Guan is only found in Trinidad’s mountainous Northern Range. (Photo by Wendell SJ Reyes (ML66246621))
Demonica Brown, of The Bahamas National Trust, explains how bird monitoring is carried out at the Lucayan National Park.
Mangroves at Lucayan National Park. (photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Claudia Mantilla shares the findings from her Oriente Warbler research in Cuba.
Oriente Warbler. (Photo by Ian Burgess, Macaulay Library- ML558957951)
Finally, the symposia “From Mountains to Mangroves…and the Sea: Challenges and Opportunities for Caribbean Seabird Conservation, Research, and Monitoring” and “Invasive Alien Species From Mangroves to Mountains” tackled the multifaceted challenges of seabird conservation across the region, especially those faced by researchers and citizen scientists during the 2023-24 Caribbean Seabird Census, and the impact of invasive species on Caribbean bird populations and ecosystems.
The abstracts for the BirdsCaribbean 24th International Conference can be viewed by session here.
Roundtables
The Caribbean Motus Collaboration’s “Let’s Talk Motus!” roundtable brought together Motus leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond to discuss their experiences using and managing Motus as a whole, from building and maintaining receiver stations, to deploying transmitter tags on birds, all with the goal of advancing partners’ Motus efforts and facilitating potential collaborations.
Maya Wilson, BC’s Landbird Monitoring Program Manager, provides an update on new Motus stations in the Caribbean.
Motus audience listens attentiviely.
“Advancing Bird Conservation and the 30×30 Initiative through new Caribbean subnational Protected Areas” introduced the Conserva Aves initiative to the Caribbean bird conservation and ornithological communities. Delegates discussed the potential, opportunities, challenges, and geographic priorities for the implementation of a Caribbean-wide initiative that would preserve essential habitat for birds and biodiversity over the next 5-6 years by catalyzing local leadership in the creation and sustainable management of new local protected areas. Teams worked together to develop recommendations for the expansion of the Conserva Aves initiative to the unique context of the Caribbean.
Sebastion Herzog leads a discussion on advancing bird conservation and the 30×30 initiative through new subnational protected areas in the Caribbean.
The Caribbean Bird Banding Program’s roundtable discussion explored “Landbird Monitoring in the Caribbean”. Participants discussed ideas to continue developing the Caribbean Bird Banding Network by investigating the needs of bird banders in the Caribbean.
Working Group Meetings
Caribbean Parrots
The BirdsCaribbean Parrots Working Group meeting was attended by 10 members from the Dominican Republic, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad and Tobago. Andrea Thomen chaired the meeting. Members reached a consensus that more effort should be directed towards fostering collaboration and sharing information among parrot biologists in the region. Additionally, members requested the creation of an online library for parrot research papers, technical reports, articles, and books.
Bird Educators Working Group
Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival Coordinators Aliya Hosein and Eduardo Llegus, along with World Migratory Bird Coordinators Laura Baboolal and Miguel Matta, presented our bird educators with a fantastic set of CEBF and WMBD branded materials for their bird conservation outreach activities. The materials included t-shirts, bookmarks, buttons, bird masks, bird bands, and stickers. The stickers feature the artwork of Arnaldo Toledo and Anna Rose, showcasing a variety of Caribbean birds, including endemics, residents, waterbirds, shorebirds, migrants, and the seven selected migratory species for WMBD 2024.
Miguel, Aliya, Laura, and Eduardo with CEBF and WMBD materials for Caribbean coordinators and educators.
Organizations and educators were honored for their exceptional efforts in celebrating CEBF and WMBD over the past two years, consistently organizing creative and enjoyable activities for youth and local communities, and submitting their reports and photos.
We asked our delegates to Sing Like A Bird!
Our delegates have dedicated countless hours to studying our beloved Caribbean birds. They’ve uncovered critical nesting and feeding sites, as well as behaviors that enable these incredible birds to survive and thrive in the wild. But wait, can they sing like a bird? Hit play on the videos below to find out! It’s going to be amazing!
Exquisite artwork, rare first-edition books signed by the authors, heirloom-quality jewelry, premium Caribbean chocolates and rum, apparel that allows you to wear your love for nature and birds, and so much more, the Silent Auction always draws in a lively crowd at our conferences. Mix these irresistible auction items with highly competitive personalities and you’ve got a recipe for fundraising success!
Ancilleno explaining the rules of the auction.
A delegate places her bid during the coffee break.
Auctioneers Ancilleno and Andrew stirred the crowd into a bidding frenzy!
Caribbean ornithological books for auction.
A massive thank you to our generous delegates who donated handmade auction items from their home countries, and to our enthusiastic bidders who helped us raise US$4,700 for Caribbean bird conservation.
“It’s about this big.” Delegates browse the selection of items for auction.
“Hmm, how do I out-bid my competition?”
Stunning bird inspired jewelry were hotly contested at the aution!
Delegates try to decide which items they should place bids for.
A huge round of applause goes to Jennifer Wheeler, Linda Fuller and Natasha Atkins, for organizing the auction and all the volunteers who worked tirelessly to collect, categorize, and display the items, as well as our auctioneers Andrew Dobson and Dr Ancilleno Davis for keeping up the excitement and energy. Their hard work made this event a huge success, and we couldn’t be more grateful!
In search of Hispaniola’s beautiful birds
From mangroves to mountains, birding adventures were not in short supply in the Dominican Republic. Delegates explored vast mountain landscapes, enchanted forests, calm rivers, lagoons, and even rolling sand dunes, all in search of the country’s phenomenal endemic birds. Conference field trips to Sierra de Bahoruco, Reserva Privada Zorzal, Los Haitises and Cotubanamá, Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve, Cayo Arena, Punta Cana and Cordillera Central were led by local tour companies: Explora Ecotours, La Cua Birding Tours, Ova Trails, and independent guide Holly Garrod.
Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve.
Delegates birding at Ebano Verde.
A Hispaniolan Trogon perched quietly at Ebano Verde.
Andrew Dobson takes a photo of the Hispaniolan Trogon.
Some of our delegates are eagerly working on blogs about their incredible conference field trips. Stay tuned for their firsthand experiences!
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the overwhelming success of this conference! Working alongside our co-host and local partner, Grupo Jaragua, was a true pleasure. We must express our deepest appreciation to all the conference sponsors and donors, including The Rufford Foundation, Audubon, US Forest Service, Teleuniverso, American Bird Conservancy, Banco Popular, Caribbean Biodiversity Fund, Fondo Nacional para el Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (Fondo MARENA) Dominican Republic, Naturalist Journeys, Vermont Center for Ecostudies, Mass Audubon, Cúa Conservation Agency, Vortex Optics, Rare Species Conservatory Foundation, and the FUPAROCA Foundation. Your generous support was instrumental in making this conference a resounding success!
We are truly thankful to everyone who provided funding and donated to help us provide travel scholarships to 93 Caribbean wildlife professionals and students, including those who participated in and donated to our 2024 Global Big Day fundraising event in May.
The conference provided an invaluable platform for Caribbean conservationists to connect with and learn from a diverse array of international and regional professionals, thereby enhancing their professional visibility and honing their skills. The exchange of ideas and perspectives has equipped them with fresh insights and innovative strategies to drive bird conservation efforts in the Caribbean.
We also thank American naturalist and painter Alex Warnick for making her stunning artwork available for us to use for the conference. Her gorgeous work adorned our conference t-shirt and buff, and was used across our merch and promotional material.
Special shoutout to our delegates who volunteered with conference related activities like taking photos, assisting with sales at the merch table, and being rapporteurs. A special thank you goes to Egido Sanz, Juan Carlos (JC) Hernández Ordoñez and Mario Merrero. We appreciate your willingness to give your time and talents!
Mario takes a break from conference tasks to have his photo taken in front of the wingspan banner.
JC helps a delegate from St Vincent and the Grenadines with registration at the conference.
Egido helped with many conference tasks, and here she is helping delegates register for the conference.
We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved in collaboration with our sponsors, donors, and delegates and eagerly anticipate the next conference!
Relive the fun moments through the #BirdsCaribDR24 Photo Gallery
This year, we went paperless for the conference program and used the Whova app!
Alieny and Matthew at the cocktail reception.
Howard gave us his best smile, while Ellie an Stefan continue chatting.
Alondra next to her poster on the use of social media to raise bird conservation awareness.
Dominican dancers in traditional dress at the opening reception.
Arnaldo and Lillian at the BC Merch table.
Audience at the Caribbean Birding Trail symposium
The Diablotín Team. (Photo by Yolanda Leon)
Caribbean Birding Trail symposium speakers: Dave, Holly, David, Ivan, and Manny, with Lisa.
Chocolate and honey for sale at the conference.
JC at the BC Merch table.
Laughs over cocktails at the opening reception.
Chit chat during the coffee break.
Damany and Jeanelle with their Spirit Mountain coffee.
Daniela, Maya, Todd, and Saul at the poster session.
Daveka and Giselle selling t-shirts at the BC Merch table.
Ellie and Sue at the opening reception.
Traditional Dominican dancers at the opening reception.
Geronimo and Elvin at the poster session.
Hand-knitted Black-capped Petrel chick by Jennifer Wheeler.
Hispaniolan birds in a row.
More honey for sale at the conference.
Birdlife Jamaica representatives having fun with our selfie board and Hispaniolan Parrot prop.
Laura and Todd enjoying the local Dominican music at the opening reception.
Joshua and Steve at the opening reception.
Kah Kow chocolates on display at the conference.
Lisa Sorenson with some of our Caribbean delegates.
Mark wins the bid! (Photo by Daniela Ventura)
Matthew at the poster session.
Puerto Rico en la casa! (Photo by Christina Rodriguez)
PROALAS Girls at the closing gala. (Photo by Gail Woon)
Shanna and Devon catching up during the coffee break.
First time BC Conference attendee Soraya proudly stands next to her poster.
A coffee lover’s dream come true!
St Martin and Anguilla delegates at the opening reception.
Representatives of the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory at the poster session.
For more memorable moments captured at the conference, by our delegates, check out our photo album on Google Photos!
Every two years, BirdsCaribbean (BC) holds an election for its Board of Directors.
This year—2024—is an election year, and we need the active participation of our community members!
Serving on the BirdsCaribbean Board of Directors is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of an organization dedicated to conserving the region’s incredible birds and nature. We are a vibrant network and work with many partners throughout the region, including governments, NGOs, educators, tourism interests, communities, students, and more. Our Board is a welcoming, inclusive, and enthusiastic group, eager to bring fresh ideas and diverse perspectives into our leadership. Serving on the Board is a a truly enriching and rewarding experience, and we encourage all interested individuals to consider pursuing a position.
THE CALL FOR NOMINATIONS IS NOW OPEN!
The BirdsCaribbean Nominations Committee is ready to receive nominations. Carefully review the information below before making your nomination.
The nomination period will remain open from now until midnight 30 September. During this time, our community’s goal is to develop the best possible slate of nominees to lead and and grow BirdsCaribbean.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE FOR NOMINATION
BirdsCaribbean board members and staff at our recent 24th International Conference in Santo Domingo, July 2024 (L to R: Laura Collado (conference coordinator), Andrea Thomen (Vice President), Andrea Tossas (President), Alexia Morales (Operations Manager), Lisa Sorenson (Executive Director)
The BirdsCaribbean Board of Directors includes Elected Officers (Executive Officers) and Directors-at-Large.
Executive Officer positions with operational duties include: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Directors-at-Large include one Elected Director and additional Directors appointed directly by the Board (Appointed Directors).
All of the above positions are open for nominations, however, our current slate of Officers are willing and eligible to serve another term. Therefore, we are particularly seeking individuals to join the board in the Elected Director Position and as Appointed Directors.
Additionally, we offer “Assistant to” positions on the Board, including Assistant to the Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. These roles were created by the board to mentor potential future Officers. They provide a valuable opportunity for younger members to learn about the organization, develop leadership skills, and gain experience under the guidance of current officers. Please note that these Assistant positions are not automatically succession roles; individuals must stand for election if they wish to become an Officer. Assistants will primarily be selected from the At-Large Directors.
If successful in becoming a Director-at-Large, the Board may invite one or more of these Directors to serve in an “Assistant to” position. Note that any persons that wish to serve as an Officer can also be nominated.
IMPORTANT LINGO
Nominees: Individuals who have been nominated to stand for election
Nominator: The person submitting the nomination
Seconder: An additional person supporting the nominator’s choice
WHO CAN NOMINATE AND BE NOMINATED:
Any individual, sponsored, honorary, or life member in good standing* may be nominated and may also nominate or act as a “seconder” (i.e., provide a second endorsement) for a nominee. Nominators must ensure that their nominee is willing to stand for election, and all nominations require a seconder.
Note — If you are unsure of your membership status, please contact BirdsCaribbean’s Administrative Assistant, Delores Kellman (Delores Kellman@BirdsCaribbean.org). You can easily renew your membership or join BirdsCaribbean. Contact us if you would like to apply for a sponsored membership.
*The Nominations Committee will thoroughly vet each nominee to ensure they are suitable for candidacy.
DESIRED TRAITS FOR NOMINEES:
BirdsCaribbean Board Retreat, Dominican Republic 2023, Group Photo at Reserve Zorzal
A genuine commitment and enthusiasm to BirdsCaribbean’s mission
Strong leadership abilities and the capacity to work effectively within a team
Active membership status (if you haven’t paid your dues for 2024, now is a good time!)
Willingness to commit to a two-year term from January 2025 to December 2026, with the possibility of renewal
Officers may need to dedicate approximately 8 to 12 hours per month to Board-related work, while Directors should expect to commit an average of 4 to 8 hours per month. The time commitment varies throughout the year.
Prior experience on a Board of Directors is a plus.
We are especially looking for persons with expertise in development and fundraising, environmental law, and finance and accounting
Any BirdsCaribbean member in good standing can nominate any other member in good standing. All members are encouraged to actively seek out potential nominees for elected or appointed positions. We encourage you to open up dialogue with individuals you believe would be valuable additions to the BirdsCaribbean Board, encouraging them to consider running for election.
Note: The Nominations Committee will be considering the Board’s need for diversity and representation when developing the list of candidates for election.
Nominee’s name, address, country (ies) of citizenship and residence
Position the nominee is standing for (open positions include President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Directors-at-Large)
Evidence of the nominee’s willingness to stand for election. This should be a brief statement (about 100-200 words) from the nominee about their qualifications for the position and how they plan to contribute if elected.
Name and contact information of a “seconder” (i.e., another person that agrees with this nomination), who must also be a member in good standing.
The Nominations Committee will review all submissions to ensure eligibility and completeness of the nomination forms.
You may nominate more than one individual. Please complete a separate nomination form for each individual and each position they are being nominated for.
Deadline: Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 PM, 30 September 2024.
ELECTIONS TIMELINE
1 Sept – 30 September: Nominations can be submitted to the Nominations Committee.
1 October: Nominations close. The Nominations Committee reviews all submissions and finalizes a slate of candidates to present to the Board for approval.
1 November: The President announces the slate of candidates and provides the link to electronic ballots for BirdsCaribbean members.
1 November – 15 December: All BirdsCaribbean members should vote during this time.
20 December: The President will announce the election results.
31 December: Terms of Office for outgoing Board members conclude.
1 January 2025: Terms of Office for new and returning Board members begin.
With Migratory Shorebirds already arriving in the Caribbean we are getting ready to celebrate World Shorebirds Day on September 6! This year we’re asking you to show some love to our shorebirds and join the Global Shorebird Count, which runs from September 2 to 8. BirdsCaribbean has everything you need to help you take part. Read on to find out how to take part, and why you (and your friends!) should join the count this year!
World Shorebirds Day is held every year on September 6. This day celebrates shorebirds, their amazing migration journeys, and most importantly, raises awareness of the threats they face and actively promotes their monitoring and conservation. The key event associated with this day is the Global Shorebird Count (GSC), which this year runs from September 2-8.
Whether you’ve never taken part in the GSC before, or you are a seasoned shorebird counter—make sure that this fall migration you Show Some Love to Shorebirds in the Caribbean!
How do you join in?
First, and most importantly—get out to your local wetland sites and get counting! Remember to record all the species you see and/or hear (including other non-shorebird species), and to note how many individuals of each species you spot. Take your time and scan the habitats carefully for birds, but be extra careful to stand and walk only in places where you won’t disturb the birds you are trying to count!
Counting shorebirds on the Turks and Caicos Islands. (Photo by Simon Busuttil)
Make sure to record what you are seeing, and to start a new bird list for each location. The best way to do this is using the eBird app on your phone. If you’re in the Caribbean, use the eBird Caribbean Portal. To check or change the portal you are using, go into your settings on the app and look for “Portal” then select “eBird Caribbean.” If you are recording your birds in a notebook be sure to note the start and finish time of your count and add your list to the eBird website once you are home.
Any counts you do at Caribbean wetlands, mangroves, mud flats, coastal areas or beaches at any time of year can be Caribbean Waterbird Census (CWC) counts. If you are in the Caribbean, please choose one of the CWC protocols when you add your counts in eBird.
Finally, to contribute to the Global Shorebird Count, share each list on eBird with the eBird user ‘worldshorebirdsday’. This will ensure that your checklists are included in data analyses for the Global Shorebird Count. If you are new to checklist sharing, check out this quick tutorial on how to do it.
The answer is that our migratory shorebirds are more vulnerable than ever—they are threatened by human activities such as destruction of their habitats, pollution, disturbance, and climate change. Recent analyses show that shorebirds in North America are declining more than any other group of birds; in fact, more than half of 28 species studied were estimated to have lost more than 50% of their abundance in the last 30 years.
The Caribbean is an important region for migratory shorebirds. They rely on our mangroves, salt ponds, beaches, sand flats, and mud flats to rest and refuel as they continue on their long migrations. Some shorebirds may even spend the entire winter with us!
Semipalmated Plover (Photo by Gary McHale)
Black-bellied Plover (Photo by Ray Robles)
Greater Yellowlegs (Photo by Jeff Gerbracht)
The striking Black-necked Stilt has long legs for wading into deep water to find food. (Photo by Dan Pancamo)
The Global Shorebird Count helps to both map the distribution of shorebirds during migration, and to record their numbers. Data from citizen science initiatives like this and our Caribbean Water Bird Census are essential to help us identify and protect the key stopover and/or wintering habitats that shorebirds use. Protecting these habitats benefits people too because healthy coastal areas provide vital ecosystem services such as clean water, food, sustainable livelihoods, protection from storm surge, and much more.
Show double (or triple) the love!
The more information we have about shorebirds using Caribbean wetlands the more we can learn about their populations and which places are most important for them. So, if you want to show some extra love to the shorebirds, and increase our ability to conserve Caribbean shorebirds consider carrying out several counts at the same wetland(s) during migration season (August-October).
TCI’s extensive wetlands provide essential refuge for Near Threatened Piping Plovers during migration – this flock was spotted feeding at South Caicos. (Photo by Craig Watson)
If possible you can try to do 2 or 3 counts at your local shorebird hotspots per month during fall migration(August-October). More frequent counts can help us better understand important aspects of shorebird migration in our region—like how many individuals use Caribbean wetlands, the timing of migration, and how long they stopover at different sites.
Need some help with shorebird ID?
We know that Shorebirds can be tricky to identify, with some being especially difficult to tell apart. BirdsCaribbean is here to help with some useful tools! We have a Shorebird Poster and “Quick ID Guide” to get you started as well as handy Shorebird ID cards that you can download and print featuring common shorebirds of the Caribbean. Go to our shorebird resources page to find everything you need. Of course, don’t forget to take your favorite bird ID guide with you when you do your shorebird counts!
You can brush up on your CWC survey skills, waterbird ID, and shorebird ID before you go out on your surveys by watching our fantastic CWC and Shorebird ID webinars on YouTube. We also have series of shorebird ID shorts pointing out key features to help you distinguish between those tough-to-tell-apart species. Check our latest video all about peeps below, and see them all on our social media accounts or our YouTube Shorebirds Short Videos Playlist.
If you can get photos or even sound recording of the birds you see, these can be looked at/ listened to later. If you encountered any birds that were difficult for you to identify in the field, visual (or sound) evidence can be shared with birding colleagues and experts for ID support!
Where to find shorebirds?
The simple answer is: anywhere there is water. This means that, as their name suggests, you can find them at the beach and on other types of shorelines. However, some shorebirds will be further inland, including in salt ponds and salinas, freshwater pools, agricultural fields, and at brackish marshes and ponds. Shorebirds will also gather on mud flats, in mangrove areas, and on tidal flats.
Martha Cartwright and Cesar Montero searching for Wilson’s Plovers at Barbery Beach, Grand Bahama. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Shorebirds on a dike at Cargill Salt Ponds.
Flamingos and shorebirds share the mud and water at Monte Cristi in the northern Dominican Republic. (Photo by GAE)
You may not be quite sure of the best places to look in your area. If so, why not take a look for ‘hotspots’ at your local wetlands on eBird. Just take a look at the eBird hotspots map. Zoom in on your local area and then click on a hotspot to see what types of birds have been seen there recently.
What should you do if you spot a banded bird?
While counting shorebirds you may see birds with colourful bands on their legs. Do your best to record the band colors and any numbers or letters paying special attention to the location of the band or bands on the bird’s legs. Binoculars or zoom photography may allow you to clearly see the band colors and the numbers engraved onto the band—if you get a photo you will be able to send it along with your sighting. You can report your sightings and send any photos you have to BandedBirds.org and the USGS Bird Banding Lab, which oversee all banding in the United States.
Spotted a banded Piping Plover?
There are several projects that have banded Piping Plovers. The Caribbean is one of the wintering areas for these cute plovers (they are mainly found in The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Cuba, but are also recorded on other islands), so it’s always possible you might spot one! This 1-page guide which details what to do when you see a banded Piping Plover is available to download as a pdf here. We also have 2-page version with more information for you to use and share here. You can find out more about reporting banded Piping Plovers from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at this link.
Be social with your shorebird counts
Survey team in Cuba searching for Piping Plovers during CWC2023. (Photo by Daniela Ventura)
We love looking at photos of shorebirds, your local wetlands, and your smiling faces; so please share the highlights of your shorebird counts with us! Use a phone or any other camera that is available, but remember to tag @birdscaribbean and use the hashtags #WorldShorebirdsDay #GlobalShorebirdCount #ShowSomeLoveForShorebirds when sharing on social media. We look forward to seeing and sharing your amazing photos and reading your stories!
Caribbean birders, it’s time to get “buggy” with it for World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2024!
Celebrated this fall on October 12th (or anytime during the ongoing fall migration from August through October) WMBD is a special time of year when birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts across the Caribbean eagerly welcome migratory birds to their winter retreats. Our gardens, forests, wetlands, and coastlines serve as vital “all-inclusive” havens, providing essential food and shelter for these incredible travelers.
Similarly, our neighbors in Central and South America join in the celebration as they too welcome back plump warblers, wading shorebirds, agile raptors, and other migrants. WMBD unites people across the Americas in a shared commitment to securing a bright and sustainable future for these marvelous migrants.
The WMBD 2024 theme “Protect Insects Protect Birds” is particularly timely as insects are declining worldwide due to pesticides, habitat loss, and other threats. Insects are crucial food sources for many migratory birds, providing the energy they need for their long journeys. This theme is especially relevant to the Caribbean, where our warm tropical climate supports thriving insect populations—a hearty buffet for which migratory birds make epic journeys covering thousands of miles, every year! This October, we’re urging Caribbean islanders to trade in pesticides for binoculars and join the global initiative to raise awareness about the threats to both birds and insects. By taking simple actions, like those suggested below, we can help protect these vital species.
For the Americas, the WMBD 2024 theme is presented in English, Spanish and French:
Bugs for Birds… and People
Insects are essential sources of energy for many migratory bird species during their long journeys. The success of these migrations often depends on the timing, as birds rely on peak insect abundance at stopover locations to replenish their energy reserves before continuing their travels.
Worm-eating Warbler with a caterpillar in its beak. (Photo by Bryan Calk ML54410741)
A Common Nighthawk chases its insect prey in flight! (Photo by Brad Imhoff ML367282621)
Insects are an important protein source for growing birds too. A female Common Yellowthroat feeds its offspring. (Photo by Dawn Gunderson ML621947269)
Insects play a crucial role in ecosystems that directly benefit people. They pollinate crops, helping to produce a significant portion of the world’s food supply. Insects also contribute to natural pest control by preying on harmful species, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Additionally, they help decompose organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, which supports healthy plant growth. Without insects, our agriculture, food security, and overall ecosystem health would be severely impacted.
However, insects face significant threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution, among others. The decline in insect populations not only impacts ecosystems but also leads to a scarcity of this vital energy-rich food source for migratory birds, resulting in weakened immune systems, reduced reproductive success, and increased mortality rates for both adult birds and their offspring.
Your backyard is a lifeline for insects
Protect insects and help birds by taking these actions:
Plant native flowers, trees, and shrubs in your gardens
Support organic farming or start your own pesticide-free kitchen garden
Preserve natural habitats
Leave leaf litter! It provides a crucial ecosystem for insects
Educate your friends and family about the importance of insects
You are cordially invited to celebrate birds, explore nature, and reverse insect decline
Our amazing community of Caribbean educators and WMBD coordinators are busy preparing exciting events, including birdwatching trips, habitat clean-ups, all-day festivals, art competitions, presentations in schools, webinars, and so much more, all aimed at raising awareness of the importance of insects to birds and people. Get in touch with your local environmental groups to find out where and when the festivities will be held, and make plans to attend with friends and family.
WMBD pins, stickers, bracelets, and more were distributed at Conservation Opportunity’s event. (Photo by Conservation Opportunity)
A volunteer ensures no trash is left behind. (Photo by Conservation Opportunity)
‘Job well done!’ Conservation Opportunity members and volunteers after the amazing cleanup effort.(Photo by Alexia Morales))
We invite all who are interested to join our educator flock! As you join the WMBD campaign, you may request WMBD educational materials by contacting Laura Baboolal, the WMBD Caribbean coordinator at lbaboolal@environmentamericas.org.
If you are planning a WMBD event or two (and we hope you are!), you will find free digital resources in English, Spanish, and French on the World Migratory Bird Day Trello board.
BirdsCaribbean will also be featuring WMBD bird species that occur in the Caribbean on our Migratory Bird of the Day webpages (Birds Connect Our World). Our drawings this fall are featuring the art of Arnaldo Toledo—Cuban ornithologist, photographer, and scientific illustrator extraordinaire!
As in past years, we will provide free downloadable resources, including coloring pages, natural history information, puzzles, photos, videos and activity sheets—we invite you to check it out!
We also encourage you to add your events to the interactive map, so we can see where WMBD activities are taking place throughout the Caribbean: https://www.worldmigratorybirdday.org/events-map
Add your event to the WMBD Events Map and let the world know how you will be celebrating in the Caribbean!
Meet Your 2024 Migratory Bird and Insect Ambassadors!
Every year, EFTA selects species as WMBD ambassadors. The seven focal species this year highlight the diversity of migratory birds and their dependence on healthy insect populations and thriving habitats:
Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrronota*
Cliff Swallows eat insect all year round, foraging during the day in pairs or flocks of up to 1000 birds. (Photo by Brad Imhoff ML338869051)
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus*
Male Bobolink in breeding plumage. (Photo by Ryan Sanderson, Macaulay Library-ML342377131)
Nacunda Nighthawk Chordeiles nacunda
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla*
Semipalmated Sandpiper in Jamaica. (Photo by Ann Haynes Sutton)
Broad-tailed Hummingbird Selasphorus platycercus
American Kestrel Falco sparverius*
The American Kestrel is a more frequently seen migrant to the region. (Photo by Imran Ashraf)
Wood Duck Aix sponsa*
The male Wood Duck is one of the most colorful waterfowls in North America. (Photo by Brad Imhoff)
At least five of these species, marked with an asterisk, occur in the Caribbean, though they are not all common. The region is critical for these traveling birds as they move to, from, across, and through our islands.
This year, insects are also in the spotlight as focal species:
Vivid Dancer Argia vivida
A male Vivid Dancer (blue morph) on a pitcher plant. (Photo by Judy Gallagher)
Willow Sawfly Nematus corylus
Giant Cicada Quesada gigas
Giant Cicada. (Photo by Juan Cruzado)
Buzzer Midge Chironomus plumosus
Mayfly Cinygmula ramaleyi
Red-legged Grasshopper Melanoplus femurrubrum
Giant Water Scavenger Beetle Hydrophilus triangularis
Giant Black Scavenger Beetle. (Photo by Robert Webster)
First WMBD Photo Contest!
Join us for the first-ever World Migratory Bird Day Photography Contest, presented by Environment for the Americas. This year’s theme, “Protect Insects, Protect Birds,” highlights the important relationship between birds and insects. Our competition focuses on the role insects play in order to sustain migratory birds on their journeys. Win cash prizes and Vortex binoculars! Deadline is September 30th 2024.
Anna Rose, a talented artist from Columbus, Ohio, is the Featured Artist for World Migratory Bird Day 2024! With a deep connection to wildlife, Anna has received the Susan K. Black Foundation Scholarship three times, was named ‘Student Artist of the Year’ by the American Birding Association, and won first place in the Junior Duck Stamp Contest hosted by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service. She pursued graduate studies at Ohio State University, focusing on the nesting ecology of warblers and thrushes, blending her enthusiasm for art and science. Anna’s artwork will be used throughout the Caribbean in this year’s WMBD events.
Bicknell’s Thrush is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. (Photo by Alex Berryman, ML165158591)
BirdsCaribbean brings you highlights from the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology in our feature “Recently Published in JCO.” Here, Zoya Buckmire, the Lead Copy Editor for the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, explores how researchers are using data that spans decades to examine the overwinter status of Bicknell’s Thrush.
Birds connect our world—as the 2020 World Migratory Bird Day theme so succinctly asserts. The Nearctic-Neotropical migrants that breed up north “belong” as much to the Caribbean as they do to North America. This is true even for range-restricted species. The Bicknell’s Thrush (Catharusbicknelli), an unassuming and elusive thrush found only in a narrow corridor along the eastern US and Canada, overwinters exclusively in the Greater Antilles. The Dominican Republic boasts the majority of this species’ suitable overwintering habitat, with Cuba a distant second, followed by Jamaica, Haiti, and Puerto Rico. Unfortunately, Bicknell’s Thrush is considered Vulnerable by the IUCN, and the threats faced by this species are multiple and varied across both its northern breeding ground and Caribbean overwintering ground. Full annual cycle conservation means identifying—and conserving—habitat across its range.
In this paper by Christopher Rimmer and colleagues, we learn a bit more about the Bicknell’s Thrush’s distribution and status in Cuba, from surveys as far back as 1998. This study compared data from two different sampling seasons conducted by different teams, a method we discussed in our recent blog, to make the most of available data. To get a bit more insight into how this collaborative and multi-decadal paper came to be, we reached out to Chris and his co-authors with some questions.
VCE-BIOECO field team with the first Bicknell’s Thrush ever to receive a Cuban bird band, #TA0242, 29 January 2018. From left: Jose Ramon Fuentes, Amauris Rapado Cruzata, Chris Rimmer, Carmen Placencia Leon, Leydis Sanchez Zaldivar, Allan Mendez Hernandez. (Photo courtesy the Vermont Center for Ecostudies)
We first delved, of course, into the conception and motivation for this research; why Cuba?
As part of an international effort to understand the full life cycle ecology and conservation needs of Bicknell’s Thrush (BITH), it became clear that we needed to know the species’ overwinter status on Cuba. Both phases of this study (1998-2005 and 2017-2020) aimed to clarify the distribution and habitat use of BITH on Cuba. Prior to the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) surveys in 1998-2005, we had no direct evidence that BITH overwintered on the island—but eastern Cuba’s extensive and largely intact montane forests begged for focused surveys. The exploratory CWS surveys confirmed the species’ presence at high elevations in Sierra Maestra and established a reference to guide future efforts. The 2017 Conservation Action Plan for BITH articulated an explicit goal to clarify the species’ status in Cuba, and that motivated our 2017-2020 follow-up surveys.
BITH #TA0242, the first Bickell’s Thrush to ever receive a Cuban band. (Photo courtesy the Vermont Center for Ecostudies)
We were not surprised to learn that field surveys in the remote mountains of Cuba were… adventurous to say the least. But with great effort comes great reward:
It is nearly impossible to highlight a single moment or experience that stands out above the rest. For me, one is hiking up the absurdly steep trail from our base camp at 1365 m elevation in pre-dawn darkness and covering 11 km to reach the summit of Pico Turquino at dawn. Being the only humans on Cuba’s highest peak as the sun rose and dawn chorus unfolded was a magical moment.
A second stand-out memory involves our 2019 expedition to Pico Bayamesa, a remote section of Sierra Maestra that required a grueling hike with backpacks into terrain that may never before have been visited by humans! The combination of genuine adventure, camaraderie with my Cuban colleagues in the face of physical challenges, and hard-won encounters with both BITH and endemics was unforgettable.
Right: dense cloud forest at km 10 on the 13-km trail to Pico Turquino; left: Pico Turquino at 1,974 m elevation. (Photos courtesy the Vermont Center for Ecostudies)
The data collection was also not without its challenges.
Co-author Yves Aubry chimed in to say: After discussion with Chris and colleagues from Vermont, the Canadian Wildlife Service took the lead during the 1998-2005 period because it was easier for Canadians to go and work in Cuba in that time. There was at that time no official winter record of BITH, so we found the species at the top of the Sierra Maestra after visiting many other lowland localities looking mostly for pine stands (habitat used in Dominican Republic). The first BITH call heard from a distance in the western steep slopes of Pico Cuba was an exciting moment for the whole team in 1998. The organization of such an expedition was a challenge—just to get the proper authorizations and all paperwork that involved the defense, protected areas, and sciences departments (national, provincial, and regional levels) was a serious task for our Cuban colleagues, at least for the first period. After those bureaucratic steps were done, the collaboration was really an asset for the success of the expedition.
Chris: as Yves mentioned, permitting and logistics were a perpetual challenge, one that we managed to overcome each winter thanks to the persistence and negotiating tact of our Cuban colleagues at BIOECO (Centro Oriental de Ecosistemas y Biodiversidad). The primary other challenge had to be the physical hardships of backpacking to our high-elevation study sites. None of Sierra Maestra’s high peaks are accessible by road, and this project was the most physically taxing of any during my 30+ years studying BITH in the Greater Antilles.
The daily headlamp-illuminated, pre-dawn ascent to Pico Joaquin. (Photo courtesy the Vermont Center for Ecostudies)
The dense, wet pluvisilva forest on the El Toldo plateau of Parque Nacional Humboldt seemed suitable for Bicknell’s Thrush, but the VCE-BIOECO team found none during a week of intensive surveying. (Photo courtesy the Vermont Center for Ecostudies)
A hard-earned Bicknell’s Thrush banded at Pico Botella in Cuba’s Sierra Maestra. (Photo courtesy the Vermont Center for Ecostudies)
The authors have high hopes for what this research will lead to, and the future of conservation planning for this species.
Our work confirms the importance of eastern Cuba’s high-elevation forests as a secure wintering area for BITH. We now know that the species is effectively limited to cloud forests in Sierra Maestra and that it occurs in these at fairly low densities, such that there appears to be a smaller overall population than we’d anticipated, given how much seemingly suitable habitat exists. I believe our most significant result is that these findings confirm the strategic importance of Hispaniola—and specifically the Dominican Republic—as the primary target for conservation efforts directed at BITH (the paper’s final paragraph sums that up well). So, in the sense that the international BITH conservation research agenda is now doubled down on the DR, this work definitely impacted priority setting for the species.
In closing, Chris expressed his awe and gratitude to the team that came together to make this study happen: If anything, the pulling together of this paper required much collaboration and choreography! With 9 coauthors from 3 countries and two disparate sampling periods, it was in many respects the most challenging (and time-consuming!) paper I have led over my career. I’m proud of how everyone contributed and worked together to ensure that the paper was JCO-worthy.
This work was made possible by the dedicated commitment of researchers and scientists across countries and decades, and various organizations from the Vermont Center for Ecostudies and Environment and Climate Change Canada/Canadian Wildlife Service to on-the-ground partners BIOECO, UNEP Corredor Biológico en el Caribe, and Instituto de Ecología y Sistemática de Ciudad de la Habana. It just goes to show what is possible when we come together across borders to study and protect our common species.
An estimated 90% of the Bicknell’s Thrush population individuals overwinters in Hispaniola’s dense, humid broadleaf forests. (Photo by BirdsCaribbean)
You can learn more about (and visit!) the Bicknell’s Thrush’s major overwinter habitat if you join us in the Dominican Republic this summer! Head over to our conference website to learn all about our incredible keynotes (including Chris’s!), skills-building workshops, insightful symposia, thrilling pre, mid, and post-conference field trips, and to get registered! You don’t want to miss this!
The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology is a peer-reviewed journal covering all aspects of ornithology within the Caribbean region, publishing in English, Spanish, and French. We welcome manuscripts covering the biology, ecology, behavior, life history, and conservation of Caribbean birds and their habitats. The JCO also publishes conservation reports and mentors inexperienced authors to help them develop their manuscript for publication. The JCO relies on donations to keep all of our publications free and open-access. Support our non-profit mission and give a voice to Caribbean ornithologists and their work by becoming a supporter of JCO.
Bahama Woodstar, male. The Bahama Woodstar can only be found on the Turks and Caicos Islands and The Bahamas! (Photo by Keith Salveson)
In 2023, Martha Cartwright of Grand Bahama Island Birding (GBIB, a local birding club) accepted the challenge of restarting Grand Bahama’s famous “Introduction to Birding” classes—the brainchild of the legendary Erika Gates. Erika’s Beginner Birding course had been a fixture of Bahamian birding for decades and had ushered many a new birder into the flock. In this blog, Martha shares just how much brain-racking work involved in planning and running a successful birding course—and gives some tips on how others can take up the mantle and grow the community through their own courses!
Birding is awesome! The vibrant colors, entertaining behaviors, and unique songs and calls of birds provide us with the incentive to get outside and reconnect with nature. However, birding isn’t always an easy hobby! It can be challenging and unpredictable. Beginners often struggle with spotting and identifying birds, especially in poor lighting or when obstructed by leaves and branches. Additionally, learning to use equipment like binoculars can be frustrating. These challenges can make the hobby seem daunting at first, but with patience and practice, the rewards are well worth the effort.
Minutes of Grand Bahama Island Birding (GBIB) Annual Meeting, 31 March 2023:
Birding classes can provide the resources and community to help new birders get started. These courses can be highly rewarding to both instructors and participants. They are also a crucial part of GBIB’s remit and it was decided at the club’s annual meeting in 2023 that they should be revived. Members shared that “They (the classes) are important for recruitment (over half of them joined as a result), as a community service, and as a legacy to Erika.”
I agree to take the lead on this with the aim of running a course in November 2023.I cracked my egg-head skull for seven months because of that one small hold-your-hand-up moment volunteering for this job. In retrospect, despite said cracks-in-head, I’m glad I did. The actual teaching part was great fun—I love teaching. But as any teacher will tell you, hours and hours of planning and preparation are needed before that “fun” begins.
I thought this would be easy. Our beloved mentor, Erika Gates who passed away in December 2021 had taught the class for years. I figured I’d find her notes and teach from them. Unfortunately, Erika’s notes were nowhere to be found. The irony was not lost on me that I was practically the only local resident who, because of teaching yoga on Saturday, had not been able to attend Erika’s classes. However, Erika had generously taught me about birds and birding at her elbow, I had old student binders to review, and I had thousands of bird and habitat photos on file. I could do this.
Erika doing some lock-down birding on Global Big Day, May 2020.
Erika birding with a young participant during the Grand Bahama West Indian Whistling Duck & Wetlands Conservation Workshop, March 2007.
Martha Cartwright, Marilyn Laing & Erika at Garden of the Groves in 2018. (Photo by Linda Huber)
Erika received a Lifetime Achievement Award from BirdsCaribbean (Lisa Sorenson presenting) for her outstanding contributions to bird conservation, BirdsCaribbean Conference in Freeport, Grand Bahama, July 2011. (Photo by Bruce Purdy)
Erika at a Tainos Trail bird sign, a birding trail she created in Grand Bahama. (Photo by Linda Huber)
My hope is that by sharing our process for creating this class, your skull will have fewer cracks when you design your own program. Out of 10 students, nine gave us a 10/10 review. One student gave us a 9/10 review with a comment, “Maybe more classes so that it is not too jam-packed.” Tough criticism, that.
Did you notice? I’ve switched from writing as an “I” to a “we.” I may have put my name on the job, and I have put my name on this blog, but this has been a group effort! Delores Kellman, GBIB President, was with me every step of the way both in preparing for the class and as co-instructor. She too is an educator, and an organized and reliable one at that. She delivered on every commitment she made. She is the best—thank you, Delores.
Martha and Delores at Owl’s Hole. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
Many other GBIB members generously helped with ideas and suggestions when asked—and I asked often. Thanks to Bridget Davis and Charmain Hall for leading the group out in the field. Thanks to Deana Williamson for donating classroom materials. Thanks to GBIB members who came to audit the class and assist if needed. Special thanks to another educator, Mark Milkovich, who critiqued the syllabus time and time again, and was instrumental in getting us to clearly define our objectives and then pack them into four half-day classes—classes which included time outside birding! Jam-packed indeed.
Antillean Nighthawk, Grand Bahama. (Photo by Steven Oxley)
Cape May Warbler male in Erika Gates’ garden, Grand Bahama. (Photo by Erika Gates)
Black-necked Stilt, Grand Bahama. (Photo by Steven Oxley)
Bahama Warbler (Photo by Larry Therrien)
It takes a village to raise a child—and it takes a flock to organize a birding class. It takes good sponsors too. Ed Gates’ Grand Bahama Nature Tours made a generous donation that we used to buy Vortex binoculars from BirdsCaribbean (BC) at a discounted price. We sold those as needed and our expenses were covered. Our second sponsor was, you guessed it, the fabulously supportive and generous BirdsCaribbean. BC shared their professional PowerPoint presentations. Their awesome Bird Sleuth program,available for download in English and Spanish here, also has many great ideas that can be tailored for adults. They provided Raffaele’s “Birds of the West Indies” field guides, which we sold to cover costs. They shipped down posters and gifts of buffs, hats, and tote bags. Little gifts always make for fun classes. Lisa encouraged and reviewed and suggested and encouraged some more. Thank you, Lisa; thank you, BirdsCaribbean! Our final sponsor was Garden of the Groves who donated the beautiful venue for the classes and gave entrance to students free of charge. Thanks to Ed Gates and Marilyn Laing for their support.
For four Saturdays in November, from 8:30am -12.00pm, we charged $20.00 for the course, accepting students from a minimum age of 16 years and older. Students were required to have the Raffaele field guide and a pair of binoculars. We had both available for purchase. We also provided loaner binoculars. Membership in GBIB was encouraged but not required. We distributed homework every week and reviewed it in class, but—no grades ever!
Course participants got hands-on training in Bird ID and using binoculars. (Photo by Triston Gibson)
The survey consensus was “more time out birding.” Our outings were rained out twice, I talked too much once (what, only once?). After that first class Delores and I put time constraints for teaching each concept. To have more time for birding would mean more classes, longer classes, or teaching fewer birding skills. Well? I suppose we could leave off the eBird section of the course, but there is so much information on eBird for continued learning—bar charts, range maps, hot spots, Birds of the World—there’s a lifetime of learning! Besides, I believe strongly in citizen science. Submit an eBird checklist—what a simple way to give back to the birds for the pleasure we receive when observing their intriguing lives! No, eBird stayed in the course.
Martha speaking about the variety of birds at Reef Golf Course, Freeport, The Bahamas. ( Photo by Tristan Gibson)
Martha helps a participant use eBird during the classroom session. (Photo by Tristan Gibson)
GBIB President, Delores Kellman, was also a course facilitator. (Photo by Triston Gibson)
Martha explaining the basics of birdwatching to participants. (Photo by Tristan Gibson)
Course facilitators teaching participants how to use the field guide to ID birds. (Photo by Tristan Gibson)
Below are our “10 Objectives” and our “To-Do List” from start to finish. I hope it helps and encourages you to develop your island’s Basic Birding Class. If you want a copy of the final version of our syllabus, please send me an email at marthainfreeport@icloud.com and I’ll be happy to share with you. This has been a totally rewarding experience, and we plan to make it an annual event. As you can see from the comments below, Erika was very much a part of our class, and we know she’d be proud to see her tradition carried on.
Here are some edited notes from Tristan Gibson’s article on the class. Photographs are by him as well. Our thanks to Tristan for covering the event in the local news.
For novice birder, Gemma Hudson, this class was a way to reconnect with Erika.
“I was working for her [at Kayak Nature Tours] from 2010. Even outside of work, she made an impact on me,” she said. Gemma jokingly added, “When I trained to be a tour guide, Erika would come along. She’d often ask, ‘Okay, what [bird] is that?’ Just to keep you on your toes.”
“I remember going out to Lucayan National Park for a kayaking tour where there were many shorebirds. One time she asked me if I knew what they were. I said, ‘baby birds,’ and she was like, ‘No, Gemma. We need to get it together,” she chuckled. Despite her position, Gemma admitted that this was her first formal birding class. “It was actually fun to finally understand the theory behind birding. And I guess it’s been rubbing off of me because I now have a son, and he wants to go birding too. He gets upset when I go without him.”
Mangroves at Lucayan National Park. (Photo by Lisa Sorenson)
As a long-time friend to Erika, Eugena Granger was happy to see the class being offered once more. “I’ve known Erika for many, many years—probably 40 or more at this point. She was the type of person who mastered what she took on. She did her best and just wanted you to reach your best.”
She continued, “This class is a tremendous tribute to her legacy. She was not only a birder; she was an environmentalist at heart. She used to walk on the beach, pick up distressed bees she noticed near the water, and take them to a dry spot. She was always one to promote protecting the environment and witnessing all it had to offer.”
Gemma and Eugena both noted that birding has become a competitive, yet relaxing activity that bolsters a supportive community they’ve grown to love. “The excitement of getting up in the morning to see what else you’ll find, comparing what you’ve found with others, it’s exhilarating,” Eugena enthused.
Delores Kellman noted that as interest in birding grows on the island, more classes will be offered in the future. “We are very blessed here in Grand Bahama. There are many birds to discover, including five Bahamian endemics that can be found on the island. Considering the 10,000 species of birds worldwide, how can you get bored of birding!” she exclaimed. “Erika was always concerned with making yourself better, becoming more knowledgeable, especially in this field. Birding was her gift we wanted to pass on.”
Goals and Objectives
By completing the course, student should be able to:
Properly use and care for binoculars and birding scopes.
Know birding etiquette (in group & alone.)
Know how to observe and describe a bird in the field: Size & shape, Color Pattern / Topography, Behavior, and Habitat. “Notice 3 things about a bird.”
Understand the organization of a field guide and the information contained in the Guide.
Know how to find a bird in the Guide. Have highlighted in the Guide the birds likely to be seen on Grand Bahama.
Know how to find when you’ll see a bird on the island (using field guide status and eBird bar charts.)
Know basic habitat classifications on GBI. Understand the importance of habitat to the bird, and how habitat affects behavior.
Know how to submit a bird record on eBird and eBird Mobile app. Understand the importance of eBird data for scientists and for maintaining your personal birding data / journal. Know how to navigate eBird for information.
Build a list of additional resources to continue learning after the course is completed.
Identify ways you can contribute to bird conservation in your yard, locally, nationally, and globally.
A Bahama Mockingbird with nesting material, spotted on Abaco, the Bahamas, during Global Big Day 2022. (Photo by Elijah Sands)
“To do” list for our home-grown class:
Determine course objectives and goals for class. Create a four-week syllabus.
Find sponsors to assist with costs, materials, and hand-outs.
Determine course requirements, dates & time, class size, age limits, location.
Update the Grand Bahama Island bird checklist for distribution.
Organize sign-up procedures. Create an e-mail group (or chat group) for class notices and updates. Have students create an eBird account before starting the class.
Advertise to the community.
Create PowerPoint and Keynote presentations for use during class.
Prepare materials for distribution and homework assignments.
Determine locations for weekly field trips and ask GBIB members to lead the outings.
Create a survey for end of class feedback and suggestions.
Have printed Certificates of Completion for distribution to “graduates.”
Group photo of course facilitators and participants. (Photo by Tristan Gibson)
This course came full circle for me. I started off as a student of Erika’s, barely able to identify birds on my own. And now, working with a network of dedicated bird conservationists, I have helped new birders to identify birds by sight and birdsong. They understand the importance of habitat not only as a place to live, but as a place birds need to survive and raise their young. Birding is a lifelong hobby that can provide you with many benefits if properly nurtured. So, if you’ve been telling yourself that you want to start birding—don’t wait. Start now.
Considering starting a beginners birding course on your island? (We hope you are!) We have loads of FREE educational resources that can help. Explore the links below, and feel free to reach out to us at info@birdscaribbean.org.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Cuban Kite
Today we delve into the natural history of a fascinating, elusive, and controversial bird—the Cuban Kite (Chondrohierax wilsonii)! It is a distant and mysterious relative of the widely known Hook-billed Kite (Chondrohierax uncinatus). The Cuban Kite is an endemic species confined to the beautiful island of Cuba where it is called Gavilán Caguarero.
Although once sighted in various regions, from the lush savannas of Cienfuegos to the wetlands of the Zapata Swamp, its presence nowadays is restricted to the far eastern part of Cuba, specifically in the provinces of Holguín and Guantánamo. Unfortunately, its appearance in these territories has become so rare that there are serious concerns about its possible extinction, or at least its imminent functional disappearance.
The taxonomic history of the Cuban Kite has been as intriguing as its existence in the wild. Named by the prominent ornithologist John Cassin in the 19th century, this bird has gone through periods of uncertainty regarding its taxonomic status, oscillating between being considered an independent species and then as a subspecies of the Hook-billed Kite. However, it has recently regained its status as a separate species, a well-deserved recognition for this marvelous raptor.
One of the most distinctive features of the Cuban Kite is its plumage and massive bill, which reveal its unique identity. With its broad wings and barred tail, and a notably large and hooked yellow bill, this elegant raptor stood out in the Cuban landscape. It was once incorrectly believed that the Cuban Kite feasted on birds, especially doves, and the occasional lizard. But this Cuban emblem has a more sophisticated palate and prefers escargot. This bird feeds exclusively on tree snails! In the eastern part of Cuba its primary food source is the Cuban painted snail (Polymicta picta), however this species does not occur in its former range in west-central Cuba, where tree snails of the genus Liguus (presumably L. fasciatus and L. vittatus, based on range) might be its alternative food source. The Cuban Kite uses its strong hooked bill to pierce or crush the mollusk’s shell before slurping up the soft snail. As a famous animated lion cub once said, “Slimy…yet satisfying!”
Currently there are no sound recordings for the Cuban Kite, but in flight calls are believed to be very similar to that of the Hook-billed Kite. Additionally, with just a handful of sightings, most recently in 2010, information on its breeding ecology, and other social or antagonistic behaviours remain unknown.
However, ornithologists are certain that the survival of the Cuban Kite is in jeopardy. Habitat destruction, indiscriminate snail collection, and direct persecution by farmers who mistakenly believe it preys on their poultry represent significant threats to its existence. The shells of the snails that the kite feeds on come in a wide variety of colors: pastel yellow and pink, brick red and black, pearly white and ochre and are sought by collectors who sell them to tourists or trade them to the US and Europe.
The Cuban Kite reminds us of the fragility of wildlife and the importance of our role as stewards of nature. It is crucial to organize expeditions to search for the Cuban Kite and implement urgent conservation measures, ranging from the protection of its vital habitat to public awareness of the importance of preserving this unique and little-known species. Every effort to protect this majestic bird contributes to maintaining Cuba’s rich biodiversity and preserving an invaluable treasure for future generations. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Nils Navarrofor the text!
Colour in the Cuban Kite
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
The Cuban Kite was once seen across Cuba. Today its presence is likely restricted to the far eastern part of Cuba, specifically in the provinces of Holguín and Guantánamo. Unfortunately, sightings of this bird are so rare that there are serious concerns about its possible extinction, or at least its imminent functional disappearance. (Art by Nils Navarro)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : The only food theCuban Kite will eat is tree snails! They use their huge strong hooked bills to pierce or crush the snail’s shell, before slurping up its soft insides.
Can you help this hungry Cuban Kite find its way through our maze to to grab some tasty snails?
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Jamaican Crow
The Jamaican Crow (Corvus jamaicensis), otherwise locally known as the ‘Jabbering Crow,’ is endemic to Jamaica and is the only species of crow on the island! They are infamous for their loud and distinctive call, consisting of a harsh “Craaaa” and various nasal jabbering, bubbling sounds. It’s a call that will surely scare the wits out of any person in the forest who is unfamiliar with this crow’s presence.
The Jamaican Crow has sooty gray-black plumage and a thick and heavy black bill. It is the smallest species of crow in the Caribbean, with a length ranging from 35-38cm. Despite this fact, it is actually the largest of the fully black birds found in Jamaica. They are often seen perched high in the trees in small flocks of up to five individuals. These birds are frequently observed in forested areas at elevations above 500m and are reported to migrate to lower regions in the dry season. They are also observed in farms, gardens, and urban areas, including towns—there just might be one outside your window!
Jamaican Crows are omnivores. They forage for fruits like soursop, banana, and plantain—but also leave no leaf or bark unturned in search of protein-rich insects. They can be found inspecting epiphytes for lizards, frogs, and other small animals. They also have an appetite for bird eggs and nestlings! They are known particularly to raid the nests of wild pigeons.They intimidate their victims with harsh vocalizations and even physical contact to get their beaks on the prized eggs. Instead of nesting in tree cavities like other crows, they usually build their nests on a high platform in tall trees. Research is needed on this species’ breeding season, clutch size, and incubation and nestling periods which remain undescribed.
Whilst the Jamaican Crow is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, little is known about the main threats to this species. Since this crow has been observed spreading into parts of the island outside of their habitat range, notably in Westmoreland and Manchester, it is possible that they are threatened by habitat loss. The Jamaican Crow, and many other birds in Jamaica, will benefit from policies that prevent the unsustainable destruction of forests and intensive reforestation efforts where needed. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Damion Whyte for the text!
Colour in the Jamaican Crow
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the call of the Jamaican Crow
The calls of the Jamaican Crow are an emphatic harsh “raaaa” sometimes given in a series.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Jamaican Crows will feed on fruits—but also leave no leaf or bark unturned in search of protein-rich insects. They can be found inspecting epiphytes for lizards, frogs, and other small animals. (Photo by Sam Zhang, Macaulay Library-ML612254125)Jamaican Crows are frequently observed in forested areas at elevations above 500m and are reported to migrate to lower regions in the dry season. (Photo by Brandon Nidiffer, Macaulay Library-ML587100461)
The Jamaican Crow is the smallest species of crow in the Caribbean, with a length ranging from 35-38cm.
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : Can you work out what the Jamaican Crow saying? Test your skills to decode our Jamaican Crow Cryptogram! Once you’ve decoded the message you can can check the solution to the puzzle here.
When you have completed the cryptogram why not use the key to make your own cryptic crow messages and challenge your friends and family to decode them!
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a Jamaican Crow in the wild!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Greater Antillean Elaenia
The Greater Antillean Elaenia might not be a bird that jumps right out at you, but they do possess a subtle beauty that rewards the thoughtful eye. They have a pale breast and belly, contrasting with a dark olive head and back. Look for their two bold, whitish wing bars, the pale edges to their flight feathers, and their adorably tiny beak. They have a faint spot on their lores and just the barest hint of an eye ring. If you’re lucky, you might even get to catch a flash of their white crest, which often remains tucked away in their head feathers.
There are whispers in the birding community that the Jamaican and Hispaniolan Greater Antillean Elaenias could be different species! Some organizations like BirdLife International currently recognize them as such but for now they are still usually considered the one species. In plumage, the Jamaican subspecies seems to have a light-yellow wash to the belly, whereas the Hispaniolan subspecies is much whiter below.
Although they sport the name “Greater Antillean,” you can consistently find them on just two of the Greater Antilles—Hispaniola and Jamaica. While they prefer montane forest on both islands, they do have slightly different preferences. In Hispaniola, they prefer higher elevation pine-dominated forests, where they can be quite common and fairly easy to see. In contrast, the Greater Antillean Elaenias in Jamaica are much more enigmatic. You can find them in the highlands of Jamaica, though during nesting season you might only be lucky enough to hear them. In Jamaica, listen for their “tseerrr-che-wit-che-wit … tseerr-che-wit … che-wit … che-wit” song; on Hispaniola they have more of a fast descending trill described as “whee-ee-ee-ee-ee”, or “pwee-chi-chi-chiup, see-ere, chewit-chewit.”
After the breeding season in Jamaica, they may also do a bit of an elevational movement, migrating from the highlands of Eastern Jamaica across most of the island in the non-breeding season. In Hispaniola these elaenias aren’t so apt to wandering and are found in the mountains year-round. Vagrants (likely of the Hispaniolan subspecies) have been recorded as far east as Puerto Rico though!
In Jamaica and Hispaniola, the key to identifying the Greater Antillean Elaenia is looking for their wing bars! In Jamaica there is another species, the Jamaican Elaenia, that they can be confused with—the Jamaican Elaenia however lacks wing bars. Likewise, on Hispaniola, the similarly drab Hispaniolan Pewee also does not sport this distinctive feature.
Like many other tropical flycatchers, these birds thrive on a diet of both insects and fruits. They are adept at aerial maneuvers, sallying from a perch to snatch an insect off the underside of a leaf or hover-gleaning to find the ripest fruits. Elaenias agree that foraging is more fun with friends, and they’ve often been observed joining mixed-species flocks. In Jamaica, you can catch them feeding with both Blue Mountain and Jamaican Vireos. And you can often see them foraging in pairs.
Breeding season is similar for both subspecies—it starts as early as late April and continues through July. Greater Antillean Elaenias build a bulky moss cup, delicately lined with the softest feathers, placed either low in a bush or higher in the trees. Once the nest is built, they lay two pale pink eggs. Not much else is known about their breeding habits though, and more study is needed.
Both subspecies are not considered to be globally threatened, with a designation of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, whilst we might think of them as abundant, they still face notable habitat loss in Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. This highlights the continued need for protected areas for these and other endemic birds. If you’re lucky, you might just get to see one (or a few!) at our Ebano Verde field trip during our July conference in the Dominican Republic. We (Greater Antillean Elaenia included) hope to see you there!
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Holly Garrod for the text!
Colour in the Greater Antillean Elaenia
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Greater Antillean Elaenia
The song of the Greater Antillean Elaenia is a descending whistled “Cheeeu” followed by a quick “wibit-wibit.”
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Greater Antillean Elaenia. Like many tropical flycatchers, these birds have a diet of both insects and fruits. They can often be found feeding in mixed species flocks. (Photo by Jim Tietz, Macaulay Library-ML64580761)Both in Jamaica and Hispaniola, the key to identifying the Greater Antillean Elaenia is looking for their wing bars! By this feature, you can separate them from the Jamaican Elaenia in Jamaica, and the Hispaniolan Pewee in Hispaniola. (Photo by Dax Roman)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : Can you find the words in our Greater Antillean Elaenia word search? Read the text above all about this endemic bird to remind yourself of some of the interesting facts and information, as you look for all 15 hidden words!
Remember the words appear forwards and backwards, as are horizontal, vertical and diagonal! Need some help? Or want to check your answers? You can see where all the words were here.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a Greater Antillean Elaenia in the wild!
The annual BirdsCaribbean Seabird Working Group (SWG) newsletter is now available! Catch up on the latest research, conservation, restoration, and education projects happening across the Caribbean—in English, Spanish, and French!
In this issue of the SWG newsletter learn about the spread of herpes virus in Magnificent Frigatebird populations; recent and ongoing regional projects and publications, including habitat modeling of seabird breeding sites in Cuba; census results of an extensive survey of breeding seabirds in the Virgin Islands; a conservation action plan for Red-billed Tropicbirds in the Dutch Caribbean; and more.
We suggest also getting your popcorn ready because seabird conservationists in the Turks and Caicos Islands have produced two fantastic short documentaries about seabird monitoring and research efforts in the archipelago. Links are provided in the newsletter. Admission is FREE.
Field crew off the coast of Guana Island, USVI. (Photo by Paige Byerly)
Red-billed Tropicbird. (Photo by Birding the Islands client, Keith Clarkson)
Researcher Daniel Nellis swimming gear out to Congo Island, USVI. (Photo by Paige Byerly)
The newsletter also provides updates from the International Black-capped Petrel Conservation Group and shares future conservation plans that entail continuing the searching for the petrel’s nesting areas, techniques to attract breeders to suitable nesting sites, and intensified predator surveillance and control among others.
Black-capped Petrel in flight, spotted in May, at sea in North Carolina. (Photo by Kate Sutherland Macaulay Library-ML343236161)
The Caribbean Seabird Census (ongoing) added a cruise ship to its list of enumerators! While Viking Octantis sailed from the Panama Canal to Ft. Lauderdale, onboard Ornithology Specialist, Dr. Jeff Skevington, conducted seabird surveys. You can learn more about this data collection method and the seabirds recorded with the link to the Viking Octantis’ eBird trip report in the newsletter.
While Viking Octantis sailed from the Panama Canal to Ft. Lauderdale, onboard Ornithology Specialist, Dr. Jeff Skevington, conducted seabird surveys for the Caribbean Seabird Census (CSC).
If you would like to contribute to the Caribbean Seabird Census (and we hope you do!), SWG members have created a suite of resources (webinars, bird ID cards, and books) to ensure you are well equipped for your seabird census. Visit the Seabird Working Group webpages and our Seabirds Resources page to access these resources.
Interested in connecting with the SWG and its members? Please take advantage of the many avenues for communication described in the newsletter, including their Facebook group, and if you have seabird news to share, let us know! We would love to feature your work in the next issue!
Enjoy!
-Yvan, Rhiannon and Ann
P.S. If you’ll be attending the BirdsCaribbean 24th International Conferencein the Dominican Republic, do plan to attend our Seabird symposium where we will be discussing Caribbean seabird conservation, research, and monitoring in a changing world. We would love to connect with you in person!
Click on the Flipbooks below to read and/or download this newsletter along with past issues.
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2024 saw our most extraordinary Big Day yet! It was a phenomenal day of birding, Caribbean commitment to avian conservation, soaring competitive spirit, and boundless potential to make valuable contributions to science and conservation.
On Saturday, May 11, birders in the Caribbean and around the world woke up extra early and excitedly joined forces for Global Big Day (GBD)! Twice a year, during peak migration times (once in spring (May), and once in fall (October)), birders worldwide leap into action and attempt to spot as many different bird species as possible within 24 hours. Besides the pure, adrenaline-pumping thrill of the day, the lists of birds recorded and submitted to eBird from across the globe are immensely valuable for science and conservation!
To say that Big Day numbers were impressive would be conservative—Global Big Day 2024 was a resounding success!7,725 bird species were recorded by over 63,000 people around the world. A mind-boggling 156,000 checklists were logged by eBirders in 24 hours!
In the West Indies, we proudly broke our previous records for participation and sightings! Big Day birders saw 551 West Indian species, thanks to the amazing efforts of 710 eBird observers—a fantastic increase of 199 observers from 2023! There were more species sighted (1354 total, 208 more than last year) and a huge leap in the number of checklists submitted—2755 total, nearly 1,000 more than last year—phenomenal!!!.
Figure 1: Global Big Day 2020-2024 comparisons showing changes in total number of eBird Observers in the West Indies, total species seen, and total number of eBird checklists submitted.
Welcome to our New eBirders and GBD Teams!
This year, many Caribbean islands saw an increase in the number of people taking part in Global Big Day. In fact, the number of eBirders in 2024 grew by more than 100% from 2023 in some countries! Special mention goes to Puerto Rico, who added 37 more eBirders in 2024, increasing participation by over 119%. What a great achievement! New recruits to the growing “army” of eBirders are always welcome, helping to boost birding records for the region.
Grenada experienced a 56% increase in the number of recorded bird species for Global Big Day, while Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Dominican Republic experienced increases of 28%, 27%, and 24%, respectively.
LGBT team members en route to count birds on La Désirade, Guadeloupe. (Photo by Anthony Levesque)
Subgroup of the Whistling Warblers taking a break from birding at the Botanical Gardens in Kingstown St Vincent. (Photo by Glenroy Gaymes)
This year we were also thrilled to welcome more national (island) teams to the competition! We thank the phenomenal team leaders and members of the following teams for joining us and giving the “OG teams” a run for their money (or checklists?): Bahamians, Birds and Botany, Bird Nerds Exuma, BVI Birders, USVI Flock, LGBT (La Gwada Birder Team), Saba Conservation Foundation, Statia’s Golden Warblers, Imperial Seekers, Whistling Warblers, and Econetics.
Dominica’s Imperial Seekers seeking out the magnificent Imperial Parrot for GBD 2024. (Photo by Garry Auguiste)
Members of Imperial Seekers in Dominica stop to take a selfie before beginning their GBD count. (Photo by Jeanelle Brisbane)
Our ultimate goal is to have a team representing each island in the Caribbean. We know we have the best birds and birders who always bring BIG energy, passion, and pride to conserving birds. If you would like to lead a team on your island for GBD 2025 please get in touch with us by emailing: lisa.sorenson@birdscaribbean.org and christel.mohammed@birdscaribbean.org. It’s not too soon to start plotting for Big Day 2025 domination!
Members of Wadadli Warblers in Antigua got in on the early birding action for GBD 2024. (Photo by Shanna Challenger)
Our Caribbean teams showed up and showed out this year! And in an incredible record-breaking year like this—there’s bound to be some surprising results! So, which longstanding Big Day champions were finally unseated? And which team scored those bragging rights? Who were our birding MVPs (MVBs?) in the Caribbean and beyond?
Members of The Palmchatters taking a break from birding in the Dominican Republic.
One Love Jamaica Birders team leader Justin with his team at Hope Botanical Gardens, Jamaica. (Photo by Justin Saunders)
Colossal country checklists and a new GBD Team champion
We know that the suspense is unbearable! Without further ado, we present the stats from this year’s team competition!
Once again, the multinational “Flying Pintails” led by Executive Director Lisa Sorenson topped the list seeing the most species—703! We might need to change their team name to the “Dominant Ducks!” With team members from a total of 12 countries, their impressive performance is perhaps not surprising. To put it in perspective, this works out to just 58 species per country which is still far less than for some of our national teams’ totals. Perhaps Lisa needs to get her team working harder next year…Or, on second thought, maybe that’s not such a good idea! Coming in second place for total species was another multi-national team, “President’s Perch” with a sizable 512 species, while the Globe-Trotting Todies trotted into third place with a respectable 418.
Figure 2: Global Big Day results for our 27 BirdsCaribbean Teams. The numbers in red show which team had the highest number for each category.
A subgroup of the Gundlach Team in Cuba ready to dominate the competition on the morning of GBD 2024.
The “Gundlach Team” from Cuba deserves a special mention for their champion work in community mobilization! Congrats to the incredible team leaders of Cuba’s national team for once again getting the most people involved, with a fabulous 86 team members entering their species lists on eBird. Yaroddys (Yaro) Rodriguez and Nils Navarro have set an exceptional example as team leaders, and have landed us once more in the happy position of having to figure out how to get around the limit of how many persons could be added to an eBird Trip Report! The “Gundlach Team” also saw an impressive 182 species. But this was a year unlike any other—and even that magnificent performance was not enough to hold on to their species count winning streak! In a shocking turn of events, for the first time in four years—and since the very inception of our GBD Teams Competition—the seemingly untouchable Cuban dream team has been dethroned as the West Indies species lead! Our 2024 West Indian Species count champions are the venerable “Piping Pawis” from Trinidad, who saw an extraordinary 214 species in the West Indies!
The large turkey-like Trinidad Piping-Guan is only found in Trinidad’s mountainous Northern Range. (Photo by Wendell SJ Reyes (ML66246621))
The victorious Piping Pawis counted birds from the mountains to the plains in Trinidad. (Photo by Mark Hulme)
A young member of the Piping Pawis team birdwatching in Brasso Seco, Trinidad for Global Big Day. (Photo by Giselle Ragoonanan)
Small teams, Big records
In the ‘species seen’ statistics, large multinational teams like “Flying Pintails” and “President’s Perch” dominated. However, when it came to species seen by each team member, our smaller teams performed exceptionally well. For instance, the two members of “Bird Nerds Exuma” each recorded an impressive average of 24 species. Similarly, the two members of “BVI Birders” and three members of “Imperial Seekers” recorded an average of 19 species each. It’s remarkable what the GBD Teams accomplished in just 24 hours of birding!
Figure 3: The average number of species seen per person for each of the 27 Global Big Day teams. Team Bird Nerds Exuma saw the most birds per team member with an average of 24 species/person.
Hot on the trail of Caribbean icons
The Global Big Day in the Caribbean offers birding teams the chance to discover and document the unique bird species found on the islands. While this can be quite challenging, Caribbean birders enjoy the opportunity to spot the feathered pride and joy of their countries.
Grenada Dove. With fewer than 190 individuals left in the wild, we must act NOW to secure its survival. (Photo by Greg Homel)
Puerto Rican Parrot eating fruit. (Photo by Tanya Martinez)
Barbados Bullfinch, endemic to Barbados. (Photo by Julian Moore)
The “Bajan Birders & Friends,” “Cayman Birding,” “Grenada Hook-billed Kites,” “Piping Pawis,” “Warbling Warriors,” and “LGBT (La Gwada Birder Team)” successfully found all their endemic birds on Big Day! The “Peeping Cuckoos,” “The Palmchatters,” and “Gundlach Team” all came really close, spotting about 82% of their endemics! Congratulations to all our teams for their outstanding efforts!
Figure 4: Percent of endemics seen (by proportion) on Global Big Day, 2024.
Biggest Big Day team birders
There are teams…and then there are the amazing individual birders.
This year we had some seriously monumental individual efforts. Topping the top team birders list was Marshall IIiff, who was birding in the US and recorded 166 species for the Flying Pintails. Marshall out bird-ed last year’s top birder from Panama—Beny Wilson who recorded 164 species in 2023. Beny didn’t go far in our rankings though, and is now holding on to second place for GBD 2024. Our top birders from the Caribbean and across the globe, respectively, on Big Day were:
Our top ten birders (or birding duos) with the most species in the West Indies were:
125 Jerome Foster – Piping Pawis
112 Mark Hulme and Alex Sansom – Piping Pawis
103 Xavier Ragbir – Piping Pawis
102 Ricel Polán Hernández – Gundlach Team
93 Eric Torres-Rivera – Warbling Warriors
85 Andrea Thomen – The Palmchatters
83 Noelia Nieves – Warbling Warriors
80 Nicolás Díaz Pérez – Gundlach Team
80 Josh Bajnath – Piping Pawis
Our top five birders located anywhere (not necessarily in the Caribbean) on Big Day were:
166 Marshall Iliff – Flying Pintails
144 Beny Wilson – Flying Pintails
134 Karina Anahi Esparza – Globe-Trotting Todies
132 John Garrett – Flying Pintails
125 Jerome Foster – Piping Pawis
Working hard for the endemics
Within the Caribbean, some birders went the extra mile to find the region’s endemic birds. So we want to give a special mention to the following birders who had 20 or more West Indies Endemics on their GBD checklist on May 11th:
Efrain Feliz – 27
Manuel López Salcedo – 26
Yusneyda Alarcón Jorge – 26
Ricel Polán Hernández – 25
Dayron Breto – 24
Nicolás Díaz Pérez – 22
Eric Torres-Rivera (Puerto Rico) – 22
Adriana Hernández Rodríguez – 21
Pedro Genaro Rodríguez – 21
Carlos Arévalo (Cuba) – 21
Andrea Thomen (Dominican Republic) – 21
Wilberto Rodríguez – 20
The biggest winner of all? Caribbean conservation!
In a year of incredible firsts, we are really proud of the epic increase in eBird checklists submitted this Big Day. With nearly 1000 more checklists submitted this year, we can’t help but feel deeply moved by how the dedication to science and conservation of our awesome teams! Thank you, thank you, thank you to our passionate team leaders and members. With you by our side, we will continue to make great strides in protecting birds and their homes, supporting communities, and sustaining future generations of bird advocates to come.
The Sky’s the Limit!
Our Big Day birding teams rallied together to raise funds for travel scholarships, enabling Caribbean nationals to attend our 24th International Conference in the Dominican Republic this July. With the support of 305 wonderful donors (Wow!!), we have exceeded our US$25,000 goal. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved!
Group photo of Caribbean delegates at AOS-BC Conference 2022 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
These donations, along with sponsorships and support from other generous funders, have already benefited 44 deserving scholarship recipients. However, there are still many hardworking Caribbean conservationists, especially local applicants in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, in need of support to attend the conference. They are eager to improve their conservation aptitude while expanding their professional networks. Therefore, we have raised our goal to $30,000 to ensure these dedicated individuals can join us. Your donation can make a significant difference in the lives of these conservationists. Please consider supporting us here: https://givebutter.com/BCGBD2024
Black-necked Stilts in flight. (Photo by Ray Robles)
Every single bird recorded during our Global Big Day birding fundraiser counted towards our effort and every birder taking part helped make this year an amazing success! We want to thank everyone who helped us raise funds and donated to help Caribbean nationals attend the BirdsCaribbean 24th International Conference. It’s not too late to contribute to our 2024 fundraiser! Your donation will help us enhance our local partners’ capacity to carry out impactful bird conservation work:https://givebutter.com/BCGBD2024
Please note that the data used here is based on validated eBird records as of May 16th 2024. Sightings under review may not have been included in these totals in some instances. Please see the links below to explore the most up-to-date team trip reports.
2024 BirdsCaribbean Global Big Day Teams
List of teams and links to trip reports pages on eBird:
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Cuban Emerald
Picture this—you’re enrapt in a spectacular pine forest in Cuba, quietly marveling at the many bird species that call it home—and you’re suddenly distracted by the buzzing sound of a giant bumble bee practically grazing your ear! Or so you thought! After the initial surprise, you spin around and spot the culprit and are dazzled to discover that it’s not a bee at all! Just a few feet away, much to your shock and awe, is a stunning green hummingbird—the fantastic Cuban Emerald.
As the name implies, the Cuban Emerald (Riccordia ricordii) is a vibrant green, medium-sized hummingbird. When the light hits them at just the right angle, they’re nearly impossible to miss! Males have an iridescent green throat and breast with a long forked tail, white undertail coverts, and a long thin bill that is black on top and reddish-pink on the underside. Females look similar to males except with green upperparts along with a grayish throat and breast, and a slightly shorter and less forked tail. Both sport a very distinctive white spot behind their eyes, though that of the female extends slightly further back than the male.
The vocalizations of the Cuban Emerald are not as exciting as their looks. When singing, males make repetitive, and slightly high-pitched, “cheep” notes that can often go unnoticed. When close enough though, you can easily hear the distinct buzzy (insect-like) sound produced by their wings as they flit around.
Cuban Emeralds are native to Cuba where they can be found both on the mainland and also on various surrounding cays. Locally, they are called ‘zunzún.’ These beauties are also found on three of four pine islands in The Bahamas, namely Abaco, Grand Bahama, and Andros. These agile flyers are known to use all types of habitats, including pine forests, coppice forests, gardens, parks, and plantations. It is common to see them zipping around as they forage on nectar from native plants, and snack on insects on the fly (known as hawking). They’ve even been known to eat the occasional spider!
This species breeds at any time throughout the year. Like other hummers, they build the cutest little nests! These are tiny but deep, cup-shaped nests using twigs, pieces of bark, and even spiderwebs. The nests are carefully constructed in the fork of small branches up to four meters above the ground. Females lay two tiny white eggs that they will incubate alone for about two weeks. She then takes care of the chicks until they fledge about 19 to 22 days later.
Currently, Cuban Emeralds are considered to be of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, though the current population and population trend is unknown. Likely threats to the species include habitat loss due to natural disasters or habitat destruction by humans. and predation by invasive species such as feral cats. But we can work together to protect these glittering gems by planting native plants that can offer their favourite sweet drink—nectar. Native plants also attract tasty insects which are especially important to nesting females for egg production and to feed their young. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Demonica Brown for the text!
Colour in the Cuban Emerald
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Cuban Emerald
The song of the Cuban Emerald includes a high-pitched, descending “tsee, tsee, tsee, tse, tse.”
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Male Cuban Emerald. Males have an iridescent green throat and breast with a long, forked tail, white undertail coverts, and a long thin bill that is black on top and reddish-pink on the underside (Photo by Neil Hilton)Cuban Emerald. This shining green hummingbird can be found both in Cuba (and its offshore islands and cays) and in The Bahamas where they are found on three islands: Abaco, Grand Bahama, and Andros. (Photo by Greg Lavaty)Cuban Emerald in flight. These agile flyers are known to use all types of habitats, including pine forests, coppice forests, gardens, parks, and plantations. (Photo by Maikel Canizares)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : Like lots of birds, the Cuban Emerald and other hummingbirds like to bathe. But they won’t use a traditional birdbath. They prefer to take a shower in moving water: like from a mister, sprinkler, or dripper. They will also bathe in very shallow water, and will even sometimes bathe in the water droplets that collect on leaves!
Why not make a hummingbird water dripper so that these lovely little birds can take a shower in your garden? If you have an empty juice bottle you can make this dripper. Other wildlife in your yard will also appreciate having some water!
To make the dripper you will need:
1 plastic jug or bottle, clean, empty and with labels removed
craft wire, twine, ribbon, strips of cloth
1 straight pin or fine-gauge needle
Scissors
Paint or markers (optional)
Be sure to have an adult on hand when using the needle and scissors!
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a Cuban Emerald in the wild!
The Cuban Emerald featured in our Global Big Day Photo Awards in 2023- read our blog post to find out more!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Rufous-tailed Flycatcher
Known locally as “Big Tom Fool,” the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher (Myiarchus validus) reigns supreme as the largest Myiarchus flycatcher endemic to the lush landscapes of Jamaica! Standing at an impressive 24 cm (10 in), this charismatic bird captivates observers with its distinctive rufous wings and tail, creating an unforgettable sight when seen in the first morning light on the mountains.
The adult Rufous-tailed Flycatcher boasts a brown head, which may be either rounded or peaked when its crest erects for display. Its bill is large, wide, and flattened, and presents a striking contrast between the dark brown upper mandible and orange base on the lower mandible. The back is a subtle brown, while the wings and tail showcase an olive-brown hue, broadly edged with a mesmerizing orange-rufous. The throat and upper breast adopt a pale gray tone, transitioning to a yellowish hue on the belly. Undertail-coverts maintain a light brown shade, and the legs appear in a subdued grayish-brown.
Distinctive in its habitat and behavior, the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher frequents wooded hills and mountains, thriving in various forest types, dry scrub, and secondary forests. Foraging on a diet of insects and berries, including Red Birch, Sweetwood, and Bitterwood, this flycatcher demonstrates its versatility in adapting to different environments. During the breeding season, spanning from April to July, these birds nest in vertical cavities in trees and rotten fence posts, evincing their resourcefulness in creating secure habitats for their offspring.
What makes the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher truly stand out is its vocal prowess. Its fast, rolling “pree-ee-ee-ee-ee,” reminiscent of a horse neighing, echoes through the wooded hills, and is often heard more easily than the bird itself is seen! However, when in view, the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher exhibits a fascinating obliviousness to observers, allowing for extended close encounters, and earning it its endearing local moniker, “Big Tom Fool.”
Despite its distinctive features and engaging behavior, the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher faces conservation challenges. While currently listed as “Least Concern” by IUCN, the species contends with habitat loss and degradation due to hunting, timber removal, deliberate fires, and agricultural expansion. The resilience of this charismatic bird serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and the preservation of Jamaica’s rich avian biodiversity. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the continued existence of the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher in the vibrant landscapes it calls home.
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Qwahn Kent for the text!
Colour in the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the calls of the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher
The calls of the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher include a squeaky, emphatic repeated “or-will,” as well at twittering sounds, a whistled “pi-pi-pi-pi-pee-pee-pee-pee,” and a harsh squeaky “pew.”
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Rufous-tailed Flycatchers can be found in various forest types, dry scrub, and secondary forests. They forage on a diet of insects and berries, including Red Birch, Sweetwood, and Bitterwood. (Photo by Matt Grube)Rufous-tailed Flycatcher. Listen out for the rolling “rolling “pree-ee-ee-ee-ee,” calls this bird makes! They are often more easily heard than seen. (Photo by Zak Pohlen, Macaulay Library-ML551249461)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : Our theme for the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival this year is “Protect insects, protect birds“. Celebrate this theme in our “DIY Butterfly Costume” activity! You will have fun learning all about butterflies. From wings to antennae, you will explore the different parts of the butterfly while making your own butterfly costume!
For this activity you will need:
An empty cereal box or poster board
Scissors
Craft supplies (anything than you can decorate your wings with, such as tissue paper, cotton balls, crayons, fabric strips, markers, paints, pom poms, tinfoil)
Pipe cleaners
Glue or tape
Hole punch
Elastic string or yarn (about two feet long)
You will need a parent or trusted adult to help you with this activity! You can find all the instructions and information you will needhere.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a Rufous-tailed Flycatcher in the wild.
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Antillean Piculet
Imagine walking through the dry forests of Sierra de Bahoruco in the southwestern part of the Dominican Republic when, from up above, you hear a whistling, “kuk-ki-ki-ki-ke-ku-kuk”. You stop to look up and you spy a small bird with a large bill and olive-green wings and back! Struck by this curious sight, you quickly begin to search through your field guide and discover that it’s an Antillean Piculet (Nesoctites micromegas), a small relative of the Hispaniolan Woodpecker (Melanerpes striatus).
You focus your binoculars on the diminutive woodpecker and notice the black dots and streaks against the white to whitish-yellow cheek, throat, chest, and belly. As the piculet flutters through the overhead vegetation, you get a great glimpse of the brilliant lemon-yellow crown. After a few minutes of enjoying this wonderful sight, the bird gives a series of “wiiii” calls and is joined by another piculet! This new piculet looks just the same as the one you have been watching—except for a particularly intense orange spot on the top of the bird’s head! This new bird, with its vibrant orange dot, is a male. You’re invested now, and watch as the pair of piculets work their way to the crown of the tree, and take off for the next feeding site—giving a noisy “yeh-yeh-yeh-yeh” as they go.
The Antillean Piculet can be found throughout the island of Hispaniola, which includes the Dominican Republic and Haiti, living in many types of habitats including humid to dry primary and secondary forests, pines forests, mangroves, and occasionally fruit orchards. In these habitats, you can find the piculet clinging to vines, tree trunks, and branches, or zipping through vegetation in the understory, searching for tasty insects and fruit.
These small woodpeckers that range in size from 14 to 16 centimeters and can weigh as much as 33 grams (about as heavy as a light bulb!). However, the Antillean Piculet is unlike most woodpeckers because the female is larger than the male! Despite this size difference, both males and females will carve out the cavity and take care of the young during the breeding season which starts in February and ends in July. Cavities may be excavated in trees, palms, and fence posts, or they will use another woodpecker’s abandoned cavity—piculets are not too picky when it comes to finding a nest. In the cavities, the female will lay 2 to 4 glossy white eggs. Scientists do not yet know how long chicks take to hatch or how long they stay in the nests.
The Antillean Piculet has been given the “Least Concern” status by the Global IUCN, but habitat destruction, for development and agriculture, may pose a threat to the species in the future, especially in Haiti. For the survival of this chubby woodpecker, and other insectivores, we remind you to use organic pesticides, and to plant more native than ornamental plants which will attract native insects and provide shelter for birds and other wildlife!
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Qwahn Kent for the text!
Colour in the Antillean Piculet
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the calls of the Antillean Piculet
The call of the Antillean Piculet is a loud staccato “kuk-ki-ki-ki-ke-ku-kuk.”
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Male Antillean Piculet. This bird can be found throughout the island of Hispaniola in many types of habitats, including humid to dry primary and secondary forests, pines forests, mangroves, and occasionally fruit orchards (Photo by Miguel Landestoy)Female Antillean Piculet. The Antillean Piculet is different most other woodpeckers because the female is larger than the male. (Photo by Carlos A. Objio)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : Today’s bird the Antillean Piculet searches vines, small branches and twigs, stalks, and leaf clusters for insects to eat! It feeds mainly by gleaning (‘picking’ insects of the surface of leaves, branches etc.) but will sometimes also make weak pecks in search of food items. You can find food by probing in fruits and flowers, and in leaf or pine-needle clusters. Of course having a sharp bill helps!
But birds that eat rodents, flower nectar or shrimps all need very different shaped bills feed themselves! In the following activity, you will learn about beak adaptations and how they help birds to survive.
You can find out more in our activity introduction here. You can find all the information, instructions, a guide to learning objective in our “Fit the Bill” activity guide and materials. This activity is perfect to play with school groups or outdoor education clubs etc.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of an Antillean Piculet in the wild!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Cuban Nightjar
If you are fortunate enough to visit the first national park established in Cuba—Pico Cristal National Park, you will no doubt be thrilled by the beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife. But while your eyes drink in the bountiful beauty around you, we urge you to also turn your gaze down, and scan the forest floor as you walk along the trails for an especially mysterious bird! You see, spotting this elusive species will require vigilance—it blends in superbly with the leaf litter, rocks, and twigs of the forest floor!
If you’re lucky and attentive though, you might just get a glimpse of the cryptically patterned Cuban Nightjar! You may know it as the Greater Antillean Nightjar (Antrostomus cubanensis) but this species was split in 2023 into the Hispaniolan Nightjar (Antrostomus ekmani) and Cuban Nightjar (Antrostomus cubanensis) based on vocal differences between the two populations. The Cuban Nightjar’s song is described as a low, burry “weeyo” given in rapid succession, whereas the Hispaniolan Nightjar’s song, “pit, whoo-vore?” has an overall rise in pitch.
The Cuban Nightjar has two subspecies, the nominate A. c. cubanensis and A. c. insulaepinorum. The subspecies of the Cuban Nightjar A. c. cubanensis is 25 to 29.5 cm (9.8 to 12 in) long. Males weigh approximately 76 g (2.7 oz) and females 70 g (2.5 oz). Their upperparts are dark brown mottled with grayish buff, pale buff, and grayish brown. The tail is brown and the three outer pairs of feathers are tipped white in males and beige in females. The innermost pair has grayish-brown chevrons. The wings are brown with spots, bars, and mottles of lighter shades. The face is tawny with dark brown flecks, the chin and throat dark brown with flecks of cinnamon, the breast dark brown with large spots and smaller buff-white flecks, and the belly and flanks are dark brown with gray flecks. A.c. insulaepinorum is smaller, much darker, and has a shorter tail.
The nominate subspecies of the Cuban Nightjar is found on the main island of Cuba and most of the adjacent small islands of the archipelago. A.c. insulaepinorum is found only on the Isla de la Juventud (“Island of Youth”, formerly Isla de Pinos). They inhabit forests, swamps, and adjacent semi-open habitats. The Cuban Nightjar is crepuscular. It feeds at dawn and dusk on insects, most likely sallying from a low perch or from the ground. Although it is a small and stocky bird, it has been seen maneuvering swiftly among the vegetation, wood patches, or along the edges of roads in the dark.
This bird breeds between March and July. The usual clutch of two grayish-green eggs, spotted with brown, is laid directly on the ground among dry leaves. Both male and female are believed to incubate the eggs. If a predator approaches their nesting area, the incubating birds will give an injury-feigning display, similar to the Killdeer’s broken wing display, to distract and lure the predator away from the eggs or chicks.
The Cuban Nightjar has been listed as a Least Concern species by the IUCN. In Cuba it is protected by law from direct (killing or capturing) and indirect (habitat destruction) threats. However its population is believed to be declining. Cuban conservationists emphasize this excellent insect hunter’s importance in controlling pests, and they encourage communities to not destroy its habitats. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Yanelis Sánchez Serrano for the text!
Colour in the Cuban Nightjar
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Cuban Nightjar
The song of the Cuban Nightjar is a low, rapidly repeated, burry “weeyo.”
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
The Cuban Nightjar has two subspecies: A. c. cubanensis and A. c. insulaepinorum. The ‘cubanensis’ subspecies is larger and less darkly coloured than the ‘insulaepinorum’ subspecies. (Photo by Arturo Kirkconnell)Scan the ground carefully for this bird! The Cuban Nightjar blends in superbly with the leaf litter, rocks, and twigs of the forest floor. (Photo by Ernesto Reyes Mourino)Cuban Nightjars feed on insects. They head out to forage at dawn and dusk, likely sallying to catch insects on the wing, from a low perch or from the ground. (Photo by Greg Griffith, Macaulay Library-ML204321841)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : Birds like the Cuban Nightjar are very good at hiding in plain sight. Their colours help them to blend in with their environment. Insects also use camouflage to blend in with their environment and keep them safe from other animals that love munching on them. But note that it also helps some insects catch prey that doesn’t see them! Their colours, patterns and even physical shape make them indistinguishable from their surroundings.
In this activity you’re going to go outside (with an adult) and help insects and birds find the best spot for them to blend in such as in the grass, amongst fallen leaves, branches, leaves, flowers, dirt, tree trunks, and other plants.
You will need:
pencil
scissors
clipboard (optional)
copy of Masters of Camouflage page
Can you find the ‘Masters of Camouflage’ page to print (in colour or black and white) and full instructions of this activity in here !
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of Cuban Nightjars in the wild!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: St. Lucia Black Finch
Known locally as the ‘Moisson Pied-blanc,’the spectacular St. Lucia Black Finch is endemic to the eastern Caribbean island of Saint Lucia! Though it resembles the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, which can also be spotted on Saint Lucia, this finch cannot be mistaken for its cousin as it boasts distinct field marks and calls.
Male St. Lucia Black Finches have jet-black plumage with pale pink legs, while the females sport brown upperparts and brownish-gray underparts paired with a gray crown and pale pink legs which explains the “Pied-blanc” part of its local name. Females and immature birds look alike. The similarly sized Lesser Antillean Bullfinch also sports a sleek all-black coat. But its red throat and patches above the eyes will help you to distinguish it from the St. Lucia Black Finch. It also twitches its tail from left to right while perched unlike the St. Lucia Black Finch which bobs its tail up and down.
Be sure to observe as well the St. Lucia Black Finch’s thick, large bill! This heavy bill is perfect for its diet of insects, fruits (mostly berries) and seeds which it finds in the understory. Its habitat includes both the dry forest and the rainforest. Though they can be seen alone, they are more often in pairs. The female lays two white eggs with brownish-red spots in a spherically shaped nest of twigs, located in a palm or shrub about three meters above ground, between November and June.
The call is a high “tseea-ts-ts-tsew” and a slightly squeaky “tsip!” Emphasis is placed on the second and last notes in a similar fashion to the Bananaquit.
Unfortunately, this endemic finch is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Its estimated population range is between 250 and 999 individuals. One of its major threats is habitat conversion for agriculture and tourist amenities. Other threats it faces include the clearing of the understory in commercial woodlands like timber plantations and predation by invasive species like rats and mongooses. This species will benefit from the protection of dry forests on the island which are usually targeted for development associated with tourism. There is also a need to continue public awareness and engagement to increase local support for the conservation of this bird and other wildlife found within the same habitats in Saint Lucia.
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Jeanette Victor for the text!
Colour in the St. Lucia Black Finch
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the St. Lucia Black Finch
The song of the St. Lucia Black Finch is a blurry “tick-zwee-swisiwis-you” .
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Male St. Lucia Black Finch. The similarly sized Lesser Antillean Bullfinch also has black plumage, but its red throat and patches above the eyes will help you to distinguish it from the St. Lucia Black Finch (Photo by Cliff Buckton)Female St. Lucia Black Finch. Both females and immatures look alike, being brown and gray rather than black. (Photo by Peter Hawrylyshyn, Macaulay Library-ML614484439)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : Can you find the words in our St. Lucia Black Finch word search? Read the text above all about this endemic bird to remind yourself of some of the interesting facts and information, as you look for all 15 hidden words!
Remember the words appear forwards and backwards, as are horizontal, vertical and diagonal! Need some help? Or want to check your answers? You can see where all the words were here.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a St. Lucia Black Finch in the wild!
Take a virtual tour across St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Vincent, and Trinidad in search of Amazon parrots!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: White-eyed Thrush
Let’s dive into the world of a Jamaican beauty—the striking White-eyed Thrush!
The White-eyed Thrush is a charming bird with a glossy, dark plumage and, as its name suggests, stunning white eyes that pop spectacularly against its dark feathers. The head is rich chocolate brown and the body has darker gray upperparts paired with light gray underparts. Its throat features white streaks on a brown background, bordered by a white patch below. These thrushes are endemic to Jamaica, where you will often spot them hopping around in the understory of lush forests. However, they are quite adaptable and resourceful birds, and can also be found in gardens, parks, and even urban areas. White-eyed Thrushes are known for their playful behavior, often seen hopping around fallen branches or splashing in puddles. These birds are quite the acrobats, so be sure to take some time to observe their entertaining antics when you spot them!
White-eyed Thrushes are omnivores, gobbling up all the tasty things that they can get their beaks on—insects, fruits, and berries. You can consider them the foodies of the bird world—they enjoy a quite diverse menu, sampling meals from the forest floor to the top of the canopy!
Their song is a melodic medley of “hee-haw” whistles and trills, a beautiful serenade which echoes through the forest. They are quite vocal, chirping away to establish territories or communicate with their mates. From April to June they focus on building their nests in the cozy nooks of trees, crafting them with twigs, moss, and other bits of nature’s treasures. Clutch size is 2-3 speckled bluish-green eggs. They are dedicated parents and take turns to incubate the eggs and feed the chicks until they fledge.
While not currently considered globally threatened, habitat loss remains a concern due to deforestation and urbanization. Invasive species and climate change also pose potential threats to their survival. We can all support White-eyed Thrush conservation efforts by advocating for the protection of their habitats, participating in reforestation projects, and spreading awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity. So, the next time you are strolling through a Jamaican national park, keep an eye out for these delightful little thrushes—they are sure to brighten your day!
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Michelle Roberts for the text!
Colour in the White-eyed Thrush
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the White-eyed Thrush
The song of the White-eyed Thrush is a long series of very variable phrases commonly repeated two to five times.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
White-eyed Thrushes are omnivores. Their diet includes insects and other invertebrates, as well as fruits and berries. (Photo by Sam Zhang, Macaulay Library-ML612222289)White-eyed Thrushes can be found in the forests of Jamaica, but can also be seen in gardens, parks, and even urban areas. (Photo by Simon Best, Macaulay Library-ML300783961)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : Today’s bird, the White-eyed Thrush searches for food through the forest layers. Here it will be looking for fruits and creepy crawlies including earthworms on forest floor and insects in the leaves and branches of the trees.
In today’s activity you will learn about the different places in the forest birds feed, from low down on the ground to high up in the tree tops. You will need to put the White-eyed Thrush in the places in the forest where it can be found. You can download all the instructions for this activity here, including all the pages you need to print out to complete this activity! You can use the information in the text above, all about the White-eyed Thrush, to help you correctly place the bird where it likes to feed.
For this activity you’ll need:
printed copies of pages 2 and 3
pencil
colouring pencils
scissors
glue stick
You will need a parent or trusted adult to help you with this activity!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Lesser Antillean Pewee
Despite its demure colour and dainty size, the Lesser Antillean Pewee unmistakably asserts its presence with its forceful “pree-e-e” whistle. This Caribbean endemic is found only on the islands of Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique, and St. Lucia.In Puerto Rico, locals presumably think it is a cute but silly bird, referring to it as “Bobito”, “Jüi Pequeño”, or “Bobito antillano menor.” In Guadeloupe and Martinique it is known as “Gobe-Mouches” which simply translates to flycatcher.
The Lesser Antillean Pewee is just 15cm long (picture the length of a ballpoint pen!) and has brownish-olive upper parts, with a flat broad beak. The upper mandible is a darkish brown to black, while the lower mandible is pale in colour. There are three subspecies which differ in the colour of their underparts. The St. Lucia Pewee has reddish brown underparts whereas the Puerto Rican Pewee has cinnamon coloured underparts. The subspecies found on Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique have pale yellow-buff underparts.
If you’d like to see this tiny delight, your best bet is to strap on your hiking boots and make your way up to moist mid-elevation forests and woodlands where they will likely be seen sallying out after flies, bugs, bees, wasps, and beetles! At higher elevation montane forests they may even lead you to other endemic birds! In Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antillean Pewee has been recorded joining mixed-species foraging flocks with other endemics like the Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Vireo, and the Elfin-woods Warbler. Although they love spending time in the mountain forests, you may also see them in smaller numbers in low elevation and more open habitats like dry forests, mangroves and scrub.
During the breeding season from March to June, Lesser Antillean Pewees build nests that are superbly camouflaged! Their lichen-covered cup-shaped nests are so inconspicuous they may simply be overlooked as knots or burls on a branch. Their clutch consists of two cream eggs, with dark reddish-brown spots either at the midsection (Guadeloupe, Martinique and Dominica), broad end (Puerto Rican), or all over (St. Lucia).
Although the Lesser Antillean Pewee is not threatened, their populations are decreasing in Puerto Rico, and possibly also in other islands where they face habitat loss. There was a long-term decline in pewee capture rates in tandem with decreased forest cover reported from a project monitoring bird populations at Guánica Forest in southwestern Puerto Rico. While open areas are used for feeding on insects, wooded areas are important for nesting, so maintaining a diverse range of habitat is important for the survival of this species. You can protect pewee habitats by volunteering for habitat restoration projects, buying sustainably sourced wood products, and if you’re old enough, voting for better land management laws.
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Aliya Hosein for the text!
Colour in the Lesser Antillean Pewee
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the Lesser Antillean Pewee
The song of the Lesser Antillean Pewee includes a whistled “peee-oo” often followed by a trilling whistle. They also often make a single sharp “pee” call.
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Lesser Antillean Pewee on Dominica. This small endemic can be found in mid to higher-elevation forests and woodlands. (Photo by David Hollie, Macaulay Library-ML593526331)Lesser Antillean Pewee on Guadeloupe. When hoping to spot this bird, listen for its forceful “pree-e-e” whistle. (Photo by Claire Affagard, Macaulay Library-ML611100310)The Lesser Antillean Pewees on Puerto Rico have cinnamon coloured underparts, unlike those on Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique that have pale yellow-buff underparts, and those on St. Lucia where they have reddish underparts. (Photo by Michael Stubblefield, Macaulay Library- ML545552701)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : Today’s bird, the Lesser Antillean Pewee, loves to eat insects and is often in search of them for a tasty meal! Why not explore outside and “meet the insects” in today’s activity? You will get up close to some of those mini-beasts that are crawling, flying and even munching on leaves in your own backyard.
You can download all the instructions for this activity here, including instructions for how to make your own ‘mirror box’ for looking at the insects!
For this activity you’ll need:
an old light-colored bed sheet or towel
a magnifying glass or mirror box (see page 3)
garden gloves (optional)
camera
sheet of paper and pencil
Note: You will need a parent or trusted adult to help you with this activity!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: White-fronted Quail-Dove
If you listen extra carefully while walking along remote, dense, humid forests on the central and southwest mountains of the Dominican Republic, you will hear a very hushed, low frequency “coo-o-o” call coming from the thick vegetation of the forest floor. So soft is this call that it can be quite hard to pinpoint where it’s coming from. But we can tell you who’s making that gentle sound—it’s the White-fronted Quail-Dove! This beautiful, plump, but also terribly shy bird, spends most of its time out of sight. Spotting this bird always presents a challenge to birdwatchers and nature photographers in the Dominican Republic where it is locally known as ‘azulona’! The White-fronted Quail-Dove belongs to the Columbidae family, which comprises doves and pigeons—including the bold ones you see around your homes and schools.
White-fronted Quail doves are medium-sized birds that measure 27-28 cm. The crown, nape, and sides of the head are slate gray; sides of the neck suffused with beautiful reddish purple or violet, sometimes extending onto the breast. Underparts are mostly gray, becoming rufous on the lower belly and under the tail. Its contrasting white forehead gives this dove its name and is a great field mark for identification. Its eyes are red and it has a reddish bill that is paler towards the tip. The legs are pink. Males and females look alike. Young birds are browner and lack the metallic sheen on the back and neck. This is the only quail-dove that lacks facial stripes.
The White-fronted Quail-Dove is endemic to Hispaniola, restricted to the isolated, dense, moist montane forests on Sierra de Bahoruco and the Central Mountains of the Dominican Republic. It likely can no longer be found in Haiti due to high levels of deforestation. It’s found at elevations from 745 to 1,685 m. This quail-dove has also been reported in shade grown coffee plantations. Little is known about its breeding ecology however, except that it lays 1-2 beige eggs on a nest of twigs and leaves placed low in the undergrowth.
This bird spends most of the time on the ground where it looks for seeds and small invertebrates to eat. The easiest way to try to observe this stunning quail-dove is when it ventures out of the dense forest to forage in a semi-open clearing or along a forest trail. While it is usually very shy and hard to spot, if you are in the right habitat, and are very patient, it can show itself very well.
The White-fronted Quail-Dove is classified as Endangered by the IUCN because it has a single, very small population of fewer than 2,500 individuals, which has suffered a continuing decline due to on-going fragmentation, loss of habitat, hunting pressure, and the effects of introduced predators like the mongoose and feral cats. Cats are prolific predators—even if you don’t see your cuddly, well-fed cat catching wildlife, they may still be hunting. Keeping your cats indoors can protect birds and other wildlife from being killed. Keeping cats indoors isn’t just great for wildlife, it’s good for the cats—it keeps them safe from being attacked, getting lost, or being poisoned.
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Ivan Mota for the text!
Colour in the White-fronted Quail-Dove
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the song of the White-fronted Quail-Dove
The song of White-fronted Quail-Dove is a repeated “oop-oop…”
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
The White-fronted Quail-Dove is a shy bird that spends most of its time out of sight. This beautiful dove is one of the hardest species of birds to see in the Dominican Republic! It presents quite a challenge to bird watchers and photographers. (Photo by Doug Whitman, Macaulay Library-ML613246991)White-fronted Quail-Doves are endemic to the island of Hispaniola, restricted to remote dense humid montane forests on Sierra de Bahoruco and the Central Mountains of the Dominican Republic. It’s likely that this bird is no longer found in Haiti. (Photo by Bobby Wilcox. Macaulay Library-ML615097922)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : UPDATE Test your knowledge of where Caribbean endemic birds live with our ‘Fly away home’ Map Matching Activity!
Draw lines from the picture of each Caribbean endemic bird to match each one with its home. You can find out more about Caribbean endemic birds by reading our posts each day or you can go back and find all the endemic birds that we have featured in previous years here. You can also find out all about our Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book with even more birds to colour in!
Here is the Answer Key – don’t look until you have completed the activity!!!
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a White-fronted Quail-Dove in the wild!
Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2024 is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds”—highlighting the importance of protecting insects for birds and our environment. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!
Endemic Bird of the Day: Great Lizard-Cuckoo
Meet one of the Caribbeans avian rock stars – the Great-lizard Cuckoo! This eye-catching bird calls Cuba and The Bahamas its home.
Now, picture this: a big ol’ lizard cuckoo doing its thing on the islands of Andros and Eleuthera in The Bahamas, and chillaxin in Cuba, rocking the same vibe on different islands. They even have their own fancy scientific sub-species names, “Coccyzus merlini bahamensis” in the Bahamas and “C. m. merlini“, “C. m. santamariae” and “C. m. decolor” in Cuba ! Sounds like a bird version of Hogwarts houses, doesn’t it?
It was once also found on New Providence in The Bahamas, but was extirpated with the last one being seen in the Retreat Gardens National Park in the early 2000’s. Historically, the Great-lizard Cuckoo was found on Long Island, indicating a broader distribution across the islands of the Great Bahama Bank. Remains of the species have also been found on Middle Caicos, in TCI.
These birds are hyper- carnivores, munching on lizards, insects, nestling birds and eggs, snails, centipedes, and even wasp larvae. In Cuba, their palate is similar but also includes small fruits.
But here’s the scoop: the Great-lizard Cuckoo in The Bahamas is living the island life on only two islands. Talk about exclusive! Sadly, their population is playing hard to get – nobody’s really counted or studied their population, but the rumour is it’s going down.
Now, let’s talk fashion. These cuckoos have the whole olive-brown upperparts, white or greyish throat, and a rufous belly thing going on. It’s like they stepped out of a bird fashion magazine. And their vocals? A throaty “Ka ka, kaaaa, ka ka ka ka ka” and a “ta-coooo” that’s the bird equivalent of beatboxing.
Love is in the air during breeding season, but details are sketchy in The Bahamas – it’s like they’re keeping it a secret. In Cuba, it’s a different story; they’re throwing bird parties between April and October, laying a couple of white eggs in twiggy nests.
But, oh no, the Great-lizard Cuckoo’s got some drama. Habitat loss, sneaky predators like house cats and raccoons, and playing real-life Frogger with cars are their arch-nemeses in The Bahamas. These birds aren’t jet-setters; they prefer the quiet life in forests and scrub habitats. But wait, development on Eleuthera is cramping their style. We need some serious bird bodyguards and habitat protection to keep the party alive!
So, here’s the deal – let’s make sure the Great-lizard Cuckoos keep strutting their stuff in the region. Conservation and habitat protection can greatly assist the survival of this amazing species. Let’s give them the support they need, ’cause nobody wants to live in a world without these Caribbean icons.
Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Scott Johnson for the text!
Colour in the Great Lizard-Cuckoo
Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest
Listen to the calls of the Great Lizard-Cuckoo
The calls of Great Lizard-Cuckoo are a loud, long, ratcheting “eh-eh-eh…”
Puzzle of the Day
Click on the image below to do the puzzle. You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8, or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!
Great Lizard-Cuckoos are found in The Bahamas and Cuba. In the Bahamas they are only on the islands of Andros and Eleuthera. (Photo by Neil Hilton)Great Lizard-Cuckoo. These voracious carnivores will feed on lizards, insects, nestling birds and eggs, snails, centipedes, and even wasp larvae (Photo by Mario Olteanu)Great Lizard-Cuckoo Perched. These birds can be found in forests and scrub habitats. (Photo by Frantz Delcroix, Macaulay Library-ML62014491)
Activity of the Day
FOR KIDS : Get active with your family and friends with our fun chick feeding game! We want you to imagine you are a busy Great Lizard-Cuckoo with a hungry brood of chicks to feed! It will take some speed and dexterity to help provide food for your baby birds. Download the instructions here.
We would love to see photos and/or videos of you and your family playing the game. You may email them to Aliya.Hosein@birdscaribbean.org
Please note that by submitting your photos and/or video you give BirdsCaribbean consent to use your photos and/or videos on our website and social media accounts.
FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a Great Lizard-Cuckoo in the wild!
