Journal – BirdsCaribbean

The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology (JCO) continues to publish peer-reviewed research that advances our understanding of Caribbean birds and ecosystems, providing critical insights for conservation. In this annual roundup, the JCO staff is proud to highlight the outstanding work of researchers across the Caribbean.

Volume 37 features a wide range of studies, including population dynamics, habitat use, bird behavior, and monitoring methods. Of the 13 articles, four focus on nocturnal or elusive species, providing valuable information for conservation planning. This issue also reflects JCO’s deep ties to the Caribbean bird science and conservation community, as reflected in two In Memoriam tributes to Virginia Sanz D’Angelo and Orlando Garrido, two esteemed ornithologists who passed away this year. Additionally, Steven Latta contributes another installment of “Recent Ornithological Literature” and three insightful book reviews.

We are deeply grateful to our dedicated team of editors, reviewers, copyeditors, translators, proofreaders, and production specialists, whose hard work ensures the continued excellence of our publications. We also extend our appreciation to the 77 authors who entrusted JCO to share their open-access research. With the support of our non-profit partner, BirdsCaribbean, JCO remains committed to fostering early-career researchers, publishing content in three languages, and maintaining an open-access archive dating back to our very first volume in 1988. Join us in sustaining this vital resource—become a JCO supporter today!

RESEARCH ARTICLES AND NOTES

Overwinter status of Bicknell’s Thrush (Catharus bicknelli) in eastern Cuba

Christopher C. Rimmer, Nicasio Viña Davila, John D. Lloyd, Yves Aubry, Carmen Placencia León, Yasit Segovia Vega, Freddy Rodríguez Santana, Jose Ramon Fuentes, and Alejandro Llanes Sosa

The elusive Bicknell’s Thrush breeds in a narrow corridor along the eastern U.S. and Canada and overwinters exclusively in the Greater Antilles, primarily in Hispaniola. However, other islands, including Cuba, also play a key role in its wintering habitat mosaic. In this paper, Chris Rimmer and colleagues present findings from their long-term research on Bicknell’s Thrush in Cuba, which began in the late 1990s. Their study maps the species’ distribution and assesses its status in Cuba, providing valuable insights into how to protect this vulnerable migratory bird throughout its annual cycle.

Apparent range expansion or recolonization of Puerto Rican Nightjars (Guabairo; Antrostomus noctitherus) on the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge

Leanne A. Grieves, Quinlan M. Mann, Michael J. Morel, and James S. Quinn

National parks and wildlife refuges play a vital role in conserving native birds, especially endemic and endangered species. The Puerto Rican Nightjar, once believed to be extinct from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, now thrives in a network of state forests in southern and southeastern Puerto Rico. In this research note, Grieves and colleagues describe the first records of the species within the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge. Their findings underscore the importance of protected areas for species recovery and highlight the need for further surveys to assess the nightjar’s population status and habitat use.

Observations of ground nesting, diet, and distribution of Stygian Owl (Asio stygius siguapa) on Isla de la Juventud, Cuba

Seriocha Amaro-Valdés

Some widespread species remain poorly studied, like the elusive Stygian Owl (Asio stygius siguapa). This owl has a fragmented distribution across Central and South America and the western Caribbean. The Cuban subspecies, A. s. siguapa, inhabits Isla de la Juventud, a special municipality south of mainland Cuba, but is rarely observed. In this research note, Amaro-Valdés shares new insights into the species, including descriptions of its nest and eggs, diet, and distribution on the island. These observations contribute valuable knowledge to the life history and ecology of this mysterious Neotropical owl.

Desecheo Island: a new home for Audubon’s Shearwaters (Puffinus lherminieri)

Luis A. Ramos-Vázquez, Nahíra Arocho-Hernández, Cielo Figuerola-Hernández, José L. Herrera-Giraldo, Eduardo A. Ventosa-Febles, Ana M. Román, and Silmarie Padrón

Just off the west coast of Puerto Rico lies Desecheo Island, a small, uninhabited island managed as a National Wildlife Refuge. Home to several seabird species, the island also harbored invasive mammals that preyed on breeding birds. After an extensive eradication effort, Desecheo was declared free of invasive mammals in 2017, allowing seabird populations to recover. In this article, Ramos-Vázquez and his team report the first evidence of Audubon’s Shearwaters nesting on the island, marking a hopeful sign for the species’ future in the region.

CONSERVATION REPORTS

An assessment of priority issues and capacity for conservation action of Caribbean endemic and threatened bird species

Howard P. Nelson, David N. Ewert, Mark Hulme, Daniel J. Lebbin, Jennifer Mortensen, Holly Robertson, Bonnie Rusk, Lisa Sorenson, Ann M. Haynes-Sutton, Adrianne Tossas, Amy Upgren, George E. Wallace, Maya Wilson, and Eleanor S. Devenish-Nelson

Identifying priority conservation issues is a critical first step to conservation action, as threats to species and biodiversity are often too numerous and complicated to tackle all at once. This holds especially true for endemic and threatened birds in the Caribbean, where habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, and climate change (to name a few) all interact to drive species declines. In 2022, the Endemic and Threatened Species Working Group (ETSWG) conducted a survey to assess conservation priorities for Caribbean birds and evaluate the region’s capacity to address these challenges. In this conservation report, ETSWG members share key findings from the study and outline recommendations to strengthen avian conservation efforts in the Caribbean.

PERSPECTIVES AND OPINIONS

The Puerto Rican Tody (Todus mexicanus): what’s in a name?

Thomas W. Sherry, José González Díaz, Felisa Collazo Torres, Raúl A. Pérez-Rivera, Justin Proctor, Herbert Raffaele and Adrianne Tossas

Endemic species are often a source of national pride, garnering love and support even from people with otherwise little connection to nature. The Puerto Rican Tody (Todus mexicanus)—an adorable and charismatic bird—belongs to the Todidae family, which is found only in the Caribbean. However, its scientific name is misleading and geographically inaccurate. How did this Puerto Rican endemic end up with a name referencing Mexico? And could this misnomer impact national pride and conservation efforts? In this Perspectives and Opinions piece, Sherry and colleagues unravel the history behind this taxonomic mix-up and discuss its potential implications, as well as possible solutions to set the record straight.

A new hypothesis on the identity of Gosse’s Blue Partridge (Zenaida? plumbea) from Jamaica

Catherine Levy and Susan Koenig

Historical misidentifications and taxonomic mysteries can persist for centuries, shaping our understanding of species past and present. One such enigma is Gosse’s Blue Partridge, a bird reportedly observed in Jamaica in the 1700s and later described by naturalist P.H. Gosse in the 1800s. With no confirmed sightings since, the species remains an open question—was it a now-extinct bird, or a misidentification of an existing species? In this Perspectives and Opinions piece, Levy and Koenig revisit this ornithological puzzle, examining 18th-century illustrations and historical records to shed new light on the identity of Jamaica’s mysterious “Blue Partridge.”

Special Issue 37: Conference Proceedings of BirdsCaribbean’s 24th International Conference

The JCO is proud to present a comprehensive volume of conference proceedings from BirdsCaribbean’s 2024 International Conference. Held in Santo Domingo and co-hosted by BirdsCaribbean and Grupo Jaragua, the conference united researchers, conservationists, and bird enthusiasts under the theme “From Mangroves to Mountains: Safeguarding Our Avian Treasures.”

From Mangroves to Mountains – Explore JCO Special Issue Vol. 37!

Over five days of engaging presentations—plus pre- and post-conference workshops and field trips—more than 300 delegates from 31 countries shared their research, exchanged ideas, and strengthened networks for Caribbean bird conservation. The conference proceedings, available as a Special Issue in Volume 37, serve as a lasting reference, featuring over 170 pages of contributions from keynotes, workshops, roundtables, symposia, and oral and poster presentations. Fully bilingual (English and Spanish), this issue highlights the latest advancements in ornithology and conservation across the region.

BOOK REVIEWS

Aves del Jardín Botánico Nacional de Cuba, Segunda Edición [Birds of the National Botanical Gardens of Cuba, Second Edition]

Book Authors: Martín Acosta, Lourdes Mugica, and Karen Aguilar

Book Review by: Steven C. Latta

Front and back covers of the book. The Cuban Green Woodpecker (Xiphidiopicus percussus), on the front cover, is the only representative of the Cuban endemic genus Xiphidiopicus.

Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba, Second Edition

Book Authors: Arturo Kirkconnell and Orlando H. Garrido

Book Review by: Steven C. Latta

The Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba (Second Edition) is available for purchase directly from Amazon.

Guide to the Alien and Invasive Animals of the Caribbean

Book Authors: Arne Witt, Mike Picker, and Kirsty Swinnerton

Book Review by: Steven C. Latta

Front cover of a Guide to the Alien and Invasive Animals of the Caribbean.

RECENT ORNITHOLOGICAL LITERATURE (ROL) FROM THE CARIBBEAN

This annual compilation, curated and annotated by Steve Latta, highlights the most important ornithological articles published in other journals. The Recent Ornithological Literature (ROL) section serves as a valuable resource for researchers, conservationists, and bird enthusiasts by summarizing key studies on Caribbean birdlife. This collection ensures that the latest scientific findings remain accessible to those working to protect and understand the region’s avian diversity.

Article by

Zoya Buckmire – Lead Copy Editor for the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology;

Stefan Gleissberg – Managing and Production Editor for the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology

The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology relies on donations to keep our publications free and open-access. Your support helps give a voice to Caribbean ornithologists and their critical research while ensuring that conservation knowledge is accessible to all. Join us in sustaining this vital resource—become a JCO supporter today!

Recently Published in the JCO: Overwinter status of Bicknell’s Thrush in eastern Cuba

An Exciting New Field Guide to Help Cubans Know and Enjoy their Local Birds: An Interview with the Authors

JCO Roundup: Volume 36 Features Exciting New Research from Across the Caribbean

JCO Roundup: Volume 35 Features New Research from 11 Caribbean Locations

The link to the field guide on Amazon is an “affiliate” link. If you purchase through this links, a portion of the sale supports BirdsCaribbean at NO additional cost to you. Thank you!

BirdsCaribbean brings you highlights from the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology in our feature “Just Published in JCO”. Here, Zoya Buckmire, the Lead Copy Editor for the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, gives us a behind-the-scenes look at various research on the Critically Endangered and endemic Ridgway’s Hawk.

Photo of a Ridgway's Hawk perched on a branch. — The Ridgway’s Hawk is one of the most critically endangered raptors in the world with fewer than 400 individuals remaining. It is endemic to Hispaniola. (Photo by Dax Román)

Few things are more exciting than the rediscovery of a once-extirpated species, and the case of the Ridgway’s Hawk (Buteo ridgwayi) is no exception! This Critically Endangered raptor is endemic to Hispaniola (Haiti and the Dominican Republic), but despite its historically widespread distribution, it had not been spotted in Haiti since 1962. A chance encounter on one of Haiti’s satellite islands prompted hope and a follow-up study as Anderson Jean and colleagues sought to confirm their suspected sighting of the species. Thus began an epic scavenger hunt to rediscover this unique hawk on the Haitian side of Hispaniola! The authors shared a behind-the-scenes look at their discovery and their ongoing work to conserve the Ridgway’s Hawk.

Map showing current known Ridgway’s Hawk distribution on Hispaniola. (Map by Leah Dunn of The Peregrine Fund)

The first sighting in 2019 was entirely by chance—or rather, by fate. Anderson Jean and Maxon Fildor were conducting a rapid ornithological assessment of Les Cayemites, two islands off the southwestern coast of Haiti, as part of a baseline study for the recently declared Baradères-Cayemites protected area. They were compiling information on the terrestrial vertebrates present to inform the management plan for the region. It was then that they spotted two raptors in flight—rushing to document what they could, they speedily took pictures, videos, and audio recordings to aid in identification. One of those two birds was later identified as a juvenile Ridgway’s Hawk, the first sighting of the species in Haiti in over 50 years, and the first sighting for Les Cayemites in over a century.

A juvenile Ridgway's Hawk perched on a branch.

Juvenile Ridgway’s Hawk spotted by Anderson Jean and colleagues on Petite Cayemite. (Photo by Anderson Jean)

Photo of a Ridgway's Hawk perched on a tree with a snake held in its talons.

Adult female Ridgway’s Hawk with a green vine snake on Petite Cayemite. (Photo by Thomas Hayes)

With this confirmation, the authors returned the following year with a purpose, partnering with The Peregrine Fund to conduct systematic surveys on the Baradères Peninsula and both Petite and Grande Cayemite. Between 2020 and 2021, the group detected as many as 19 Ridgway’s Hawks in the region—a veritable population! And not only is a population present, it also has the potential to persist as the birds are breeding.

The authors describe their most memorable moment as the instance, in 2021, when they found two nests on Grande Cayemite for the first time. Whilst the nest was located high in a tree on a weak branch too high and risky to climb, the evidence of breeding was enough. On the smaller cay, Petite Cayemite, they have only observed one breeding pair to date, but that pair has nested every single year since they were spotted in 2019. Another exciting development is that the authors banded their first Ridgway’s Hawk chick in 2023, which will surely provide more insights to this ongoing research.

Ridgway’s Hawk nest in a gumbo limbo tree with a juvenile hawk perched above. (Photo by Anderson Jean)

Ultimately, Jean and colleagues hope that their research will contribute to the body of knowledge on this charismatic species, and help conservationists understand the causes of population decline and to increase the population size in Les Cayemites. They are continuing their search in nearby areas like Pestel, Grand Boukan, and Gonâve Island. Although White et al. did not find any sign of the species in their 2012 raptor survey of Gonave Island, it is possible that Ridgway’s Hawk have recolonized the island in the decade that has since passed. Anderson Jean and his colleagues hope to eventually witness the reintroduction of the species throughout its historical range.

Photo of a deforested hilltop on an island. — La Gonâve Island, Haiti. (Photo by Justin White)

Amidst this exciting rediscovery in Haiti, on the other side of the island of Hispaniola, another fascinating investigation was underway! Samantha Hagler and colleagues studied the breeding behavior of the species—looking particularly at pre-breeding behavior—observing and recording the birds to gain insights into how they form and strengthen pair bonds. This research supports ongoing conservation efforts to restore the Ridgway’s Hawk population, including a past project by The Peregrine Fund that translocated hawks to create a new population in Punta Cana. Translocating the hawks was a challenge within itself, with initial successes limited by high mortality rates due to power poles near the sites. Dwyer et al. document the creative solutions that had to be used to minimize hawk mortality, leading to eventual success of the program.

Ridgway’s Hawks hatched in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic thanks to The Peregrine Fund’s Assisted Dispersal Program. (Photo by The Peregrine Fund)

Photo of a Ridgway's Hawk feeding its chick in its nest. The prey is dangling from the parent's beak with its back turned towards the photographer but head turned sideways.

Ridgway’s Hawk parent feeding its chick in the nest. (Photo by Dax Román)

At the newly established population in Punta Cana, Hagler et al. tracked three established breeding pairs to compare them (and their behaviors) to the source population in the Los Haitises National Park. Interestingly, pre-breeding behaviors actually differed between the two groups. This could be a function of the populations’ size, density, or different levels of development—and raises even more questions that will be critical to better understanding and conserving the species.

Between these two populations in the Dominican Republic and the newly found population in southwestern Haiti, the future of the Ridgway’s Hawk looks brighter than in previous years. Thanks to the award of a BirdsCaribbean Betty Petersen Conservation Fund grant, Anderson Jean is continuing his urgent work to map and protect Ridgway’s Hawk populations in Haiti. His surveys will be further extended to the larger island of Grand Cayemite. To additionally address anthropogenic threats, the team will initiate an educational campaign directed at local communities, especially schoolchildren and farmers. Outreach materials will be distributed in the communities and a special curriculum will be presented in local schools.

We look forward to further research and reports on this important endangered and endemic raptor, as it provides hope for the conservation of other raptors throughout the Caribbean.

The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology publishes the peer-reviewed science on Caribbean birds and their environment that is so important to inform conservation work. All of the publications are free and open-access.

Tag: Journal

JCO Roundup: Volume 37 Features New Insights into Caribbean Bird Conservation

Just Published in JCO: Important Findings on the Critically Endangered Ridgway’s Hawk

RESEARCH ARTICLES AND NOTES

CONSERVATION REPORTS

PERSPECTIVES AND OPINIONS

BOOK REVIEWS

RECENT ORNITHOLOGICAL LITERATURE (ROL) FROM THE CARIBBEAN

MORE FEATURED ARTICLES FROM “JUST PUBLISHED IN THE JCO”