Endemic Birding IV 6th to 15th February 2017 (10 days) Trip Report

Cuban Tody by Dušan Brinkhuizen

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader, Dušan Brinkhuizen

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding IV 2017 2

Top ten as voted for by participants: 1. Cuban Tody 6. Gundlach’s Hawk 2. Zapata Wren 7. Blue-headed Quail-dove 3. Fernandina’s Flicker 8. Cuban Green Woodpecker 4. Bee Hummingbird 9. Cuban Trogon 5. Yellow-headed Warbler 10. Western Spindalis

Tour Summary

Feb 7: Niña Bonita Lake, just outside of Havana, was our first birding stop of the tour. Seasonally, this freshwater lake holds numerous species of waterfowl; and species that we scoped included Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, Blue- winged Teal and Ruddy Duck. Pied-billed Grebes were present in good numbers, as well as American Coots. We saw several species of herons and egrets, and also Double-crested Cormorant and some Brown Pelicans. We soon continued our journey westward to Las Terrazas to search for some of our very first Cuban endemics. The localised Cuban Grassquit was our principal target for the day, so we went immediately to a hotspot for this species. Arriving at the spot, we directly detected a large mixed-flock of grassquits as we came out of the bus. A few seconds later, we were watching both Yellow-faced and the even more handsome Cuban Grassquit in the scope – a superb start! A splendid Cuban Green Woodpecker showed up in a nearby tree, shortly followed by the equally attractive West-Indian Woodpecker.

We continued to a spot for the Cuban Tody, locally known as Cuban Grassquit by Dušan “Carta Cuba”. The was a little secretive at first but Brinkhuizen eventually, we all got great looks at this truly electrifying island endemic! After meeting up with our local guide, Otis, we enjoyed a welcome cocktail and a short introductory talk regarding the Las Terrazas community and reserve. After the talk, we scanned the lake and a Snail Kite was scoped nicely. Our next important target for the morning was Olive-capped Warbler and we continued to Otis’ local patch to look for this species. Olive-capped Warbler is a pine forest specialist and fairly soon, we located a singing pair of this attractive warbler in a patch of pines – that was easy!

Our next stop produced a neat Cuban Pygmy- that perched right in the open. We watched the owl for a while when suddenly, a Cuban Green Woodpecker flew in and chased it off! A birdy spot at a greenhouse produced a great mixed-species party, with the stunning Western Spindalis, Cuban Emerald, Magnolia Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, Red-legged Thrush and several Red-legged Honeycreepers. An adult Least Grebe was scoped at a small sewage pond. Olive-capped Warbler by Dušan Brinkhuizen We had a nice lunch on site with live music, and

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding IV 2017 3 some of us even went for a dance! After lunch, we enjoyed watching Cuba’s National bird: the “tocororo”, a fantastic Cuban Trogon. We continued our journey westward to La Güira National Park and a short stop at a fish pond en route produced Caspian Tern, more Snail Kites and an Osprey. Late afternoon birding inside La Güira National Park was very productive. The amazing song of the Cuban Solitaire was heard at the start of the trail and soon we watched the bird perched at close range. Cuban Vireo, Cuban Oriole and another Olive-capped Warbler all showed really well. In a single tree, we scoped both Scaly-naped and White-crowned Pigeon – a real treat. Superb looks at a Yellow-headed Warbler was a nice finishing touch for the day!

Feb 8: The following morning, we started at Hacienda Cortina to look for the rare Fernandina’s Flicker. When we arrived at the site, one of the first loud calls that we heard was the flicker! A minute later, we watched a splendid pair of this Cuban endemic in the scope. The pair was clearly looking for a nest site in a dead palm tree, but according to our local guide, Caesar, the resident pair of American Kestrel typically wins the battle over the nest site. A walk through the lovely hacienda produced several scarce migrants, including Indigo Fernandina’s Flicker by Dušan Bunting, Summer Tanager, Tennessee Warbler, Cape May Brinkhuizen Warbler and Black-throated Green Warbler – the latter being a lifer for Pat! A huge surprise was our encounter with a singing Giant Kingbird – a first timer for myself in Western Cuba! A pair of Giant Kingbird was watched for a prolonged time in the scope and we were able to compare this rare endemic with a nearby Loggerhead Kingbird, a very similar but slightly smaller species.

We then continued to the famous cave system of Cueva de los Portales, where Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was hiding during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. The impressive habitat at the cave is characterised by steep-sided, vine-covered limestone monoliths called “mogotes” and the sought- after Cuban Solitaire is actually fairly common at this site. As we arrived, a neat Cuban Pygmy-owl was located in the tree next to the bus. Cave Swallows and a few Cuban Martins overhead were a welcome addition to our growing list of endemics and specialities. A cracking Cuban Tody was showing off nicely at eye-level. At the entrance of the cave, a singing Cuban Solitaire was perched fully in the open and we scoped it beautifully. At the river, we watched both Northern and Louisiana Waterthrush side-by-side, a rare sighting according to Caesar.

Our local guides, Caesar and Mario, told us some interesting Cuban history inside the cave while we also listened to the beautiful song of the solitaire echoing from the limestone walls. A small group of Jamaican Fruit-eating Bats was watched with the spotlight. On our way back to the hotel, we did a scan at an open forest patch where Caesar had recently heard a Gundlach’s Hawk. We waited for a while but there was no sign of the hawk being present. A splendid male Blue Grosbeak spotted by Christian was a nice consolation. After lunch, we Giant Kingbird by Henry Mauer started our longish drive to the Zapata peninsula,

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding IV 2017 4 with a short scheduled stop at Niña Bonita Lake. In the late afternoon, we arrived at our beach hotel in Playa Larga.

Feb 9: We had an early, pre-dawn start to Santo Tomás, a small remote village in the heart of the Zapata swamp. We were surprised by a Stygian Owl that we flushed from the road. Unfortunately, the owl flew off quickly and only a few people got to see it in time. We tried playing the tape but it did not come back. The Cuban Nightjar did respond and we watched the bird beautifully, in flight as well as perched. It started to get light and we continued straight to the canal where two boatmen were waiting for us. During a pleasant and relaxing boat ride into the swamp, we saw several migrant warblers and also our first Zapata Sparrow – superb! When we arrived at the viewing platform, we flushed a Wilson’s Snipe, a scarce migrant to Cuba that is not that frequently observed. The Zapata Blue-headed Quail-dove by Henry Mauer Wren was our principal target here and we had our fingers crossed, hoping to get a glimpse of this Endangered and difficult to get species. Our local guide “Super Mario” played his tape and within a few minutes, the chunky brown wren popped up in a nearby bush and started singing elaborately – what a blast! Everybody got their bins on it and we watched it sing for quite a while. Very pleased with this rare endemic in the bag, we birded our way back along the canal.

In the forest at Santo Tomás, we followed Super Mario and some serious bushwhacking produced a Worm-eating Warbler, multiple Swainson’s Warblers and a glimpse of a Grey-fronted Quail-dove! After lunch at Punto Perdis, we went to Cueva de los Peces where we waited at the restaurant for a very special treat. In recent years, the restaurant staff had been putting out rice for the rare and Endangered Blue-headed Quail-dove in turn for a tip. Just as we arrived, a small party of these superb grouse-like endemics showed up – amazing! As we watched these stunning quail-doves at very close range, a neat Ovenbird walked by as well.

In the afternoon, we went to the forest of Soplillar to look for a roosting Stygian Owl. The species had been difficult to track at night because of the full moon, so Mario wanted to give it at least a try in the daytime. We were unsuccessful in locating the stygian, but we did enjoy the endemic Bare-legged Owl sticking its head out of a cavity. In the late afternoon, we enjoyed great views of the local race of Northern Flicker and also both Cuban Parakeet and Cuban Amazon perched at close range. Even though Mario had told us that the Stygian Owl was not around, we went to search for it after dinner on the hotel grounds. This is when Mario tricked us by playing the owl behind our backs. For a split second, we thought we had found it but, of course, we soon found out it was a good prank!

Feb 10: The next morning, we started off with no less than four species of quail-dove! From behind a blind at Bermejas, Zapata Wren by Dušan Brinkhuizen

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding IV 2017 5 we watched a forest trail packed with doves. Zenaida Doves were abundant here and a couple of Grey-fronted Quail-doves showed themselves well. A juvenile Ruddy Quail-dove was foraging at close range, too. A splendid adult Key West Quail-dove was foraging further back but scope views were good. In the end, two more Blue-headed Quail-doves showed up as well – what a feast! We continued to La Cuchilla marsh to look for the endemic Red-shouldered Blackbird. Shortly after arriving at the site, we located a pair in the reed beds that we scoped. At first, it was difficult to detect the red in the wing; but later, when the male started displaying, we could all see it nicely in the scope. Other species that we got here were Eastern Meadowlark, Indigo Bunting and a couple of Purple Gallinules.

At an open field on our way back, we enjoyed several Fernandina’s Flickers at their nesting Cave Swallow by Dušan Brinkhuizen site. We searched for the Bare-legged Owl that we had seen here the week before, but without success. Our next stop was at the Bee Hummingbird stakeout. Very soon, we found a splendid male feeding on small flowers. It also perched and sang at times. We really enjoyed watching the smallest bird in the world and its ruby gorget was simply stunning! After a successful morning, we went to Caleta Buena to relax and have lunch. A flock of Cave Swallows was roosting in the cocktail bar, and drinks like Cuba Libre and Mojito were free: guess where we spent some quality time before lunch?!

We had plenty of time, so some of us went snorkelling, which was fantastic! After lunch, we had a short break at our hotel before we continued to Salinas de Brito for some coastal birding. The wetlands, mudflats and mangroves at Salinas de Brito hold large numbers of water birds and it’s a great place for some “list padding”. American Flamingos and American White Pelicans were present in good numbers and we also enjoyed many egrets, including some close-up views of both morphs of Reddish Egret. Target birds like the endemic Cuban Black Hawk and a male Mangrove Warbler were seen well. Red Knot and Stilt Sandpiper were scarce non-breeding visitors that we picked out of the bulk of shorebirds, gulls and terns. A large flock of Black Skimmers was a very nice sighting too. The icing on the cake for the day was an adult Clapper Rail that crossed the track right in front of our feet!

Feb 11: Today we enjoyed a well-deserved sleep-in at Playa Larga. After all, we had seen all our target endemics, so breakfast was at 7am. Our morning stop was at Bernabe’s garden in Palpite for some more Bee Hummingbird action. His garden has flowers and feeders that attract several Bee Hummingbirds, and it was a great place to photograph this neat Cuban endemic. Bernabe’s trick with a flower dipped in sugar water worked out and he “hand fed” a male Bee Hummer a couple of times – a simply spectacular sight! He was very proud of his “Zunzuncitos”, as he called them. We left the Zapata Peninsula before noon as we had a long drive to Camaguey ahead. En route we explored two hidden water reservoirs which were quite productive, with species including Bee Hummingbird by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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Anhinga, Ring-necked Duck, Wilson’s Snipe, Spotted Sandpiper, Caspian Tern and Belted Kingfisher.

Feb 12: The following morning, south of Najasa, we searched for three major targets: Cuban Palm Crow, Plain Pigeon and Giant Kingbird (which we had already seen in the west!). When we arrived at the site just after dawn, the palm crows were easily found. Cuban Crows were also present and we could nicely compare their melodious gobbling call with the harsh nasal call of the Cuban Palm Crow. After some playback, no less than four Plain Pigeons landed in a tall Ceiba tree that we scoped. It took a little while before we got a Giant Kingbird but once we had it, many more showed up. Cuban Parakeets and Cuban Amazons were around in the palm trees and our third Fernandina’s Flicker for the trip was scoped nicely too. After a field breakfast with fresh fruits, we went to the Cuban Black Hawk by Dušan Brinkhuizen edge of a forest patch for a Cuban Tody “photo shoot”. The week before, we had found a very cooperative pair and once again, it was a big success. The pair showed up and with the early morning sunlight in the back, the conditions were just perfect for photography of this little gem!

Next, we did a Gundlach’s Hawk watch, a so-called “big sit”, at the foot of the Sierra del Chorrillo, in the hope for a flyby of this rare endemic. We nicknamed the species as “Good-lucks Hawk” because it is highly unpredictable and rarely seen on trips (unless you have an active nest site staked out). Suddenly, local guide, Camilo, called it. Many of us were able to pick it up as the bird flew fairly close to us. Very soon, it went in front of the ridge which made it more difficult to detect, and the bird eventually disappeared inside the forest. Unfortunately, some of us had missed it, so we waited a little longer at the viewpoint. To our great surprise, Camilo called one out shortly after and this time the hawk was being mobbed by a flock of crows! Everybody got on the hawk in time – fantastic! Back in the city of Camaguey, Nancy had come up with the idea to experience the Cuban street life in a different way, by enjoying a ride on a horse- drawn carriage. It was great fun! In the lovely historical centre, we enjoyed an exclusive local lunch at a famous restaurant called “La Campana de Toledo”. In the afternoon, we had a longish drive to Cayo Coco with little birding en route. However, Christian got lucky and spotted a Gundlach’s Hawk from the bus, a third one for the day!

Feb 13: At dawn, we started off at the tip of Cayo Paredon Grande for some localised targets. The endemic Oriente Warbler was one of the first birds we saw when we got out of the bus – a very neat warbler indeed! Thick-billed Vireo was heard singing shortly after and eventually, everybody got this secretive species in their bins. The coastal scrub was packed with Cuban Bullfinch, cracking Western Spindalis and more Cuban Trogon by Henry Mauer Oriente Warblers, among others. A lovely pair of Cuban

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Gnatcatchers was located a little further along the track. Around the lighthouse, our local guide, Odey, worked hard for the rare Bahama Mockingbird and after a long search, he found this notorious skulker in the scrub. The bird perched in a bush and we watched it close-up in the scope for a prolonged period of time.

The underground discotheque, Cuevas de Jabali, was the next site that we visited. The local caretaker had put out some rice on the trails and consequently, we watched up to ten cracking Key West Quail-doves foraging at close range. Zenaida Dove, Common Ground-dove and White-winged Dove came to feed as well. At the site, they also had two dripping water feeders installed for the birds. Since it was hot and sunny, the fresh water attracted several species of interest, including Indigo Bunting, Cuban Oriole, Cuban Vireo, Ovenbird, White-eyed Vireo, Gray Catbird, Key West Quail-dove by Dušan Brinkhuizen Yellow-faced Grassquit and Yellow-throated Vireo, among others. A pair of tame Zapata Sparrows (a different subspecies from the ones we saw in Zapata swamp) was a neat sighting as well! We tried for Mangrove Cuckoo at several of Odey’s sites, but did not even get a vocal response of this very tricky species. We enjoyed time-off at our Meliá all-inclusive resort for the rest of the afternoon.

Feb 14: We left Cayo Coco early to search for the Sandhill Crane, a very rare bird in Cuba. This resident subspecies nesiotes is Critically Endangered and Odey had recently told us about a monitoring project of cranes near Santa Barbara not that far from the town of Moron. We arrived at the site at dawn and the misty conditions made our exploratory trip even more special. This was the very first time ever that Odey had brought birders to this remote countryside! We walked along a sandy track for about a kilometre when we suddenly heard the beautiful and distinct call of a Sandhill Crane! The cranes sounded quite close, but in reality, the birds were further away than we thought. After a long hike, we followed Odey along a narrow side trail that got us out in an open field. We could hear the cranes but they were nowhere to be seen. After a little playback, a pair flew in from far away and landed right in front of us. For several minutes, we watched them dancing in full display – a truly marvellous sight; and that on Valentine’s Day! After this huge success, we started our long drive back to Havana. In the late afternoon, we arrived in the old town (Havana Vieja) for our city tour led by Mario. We finished the tour with wine and street musicians along the seaside Malecon, shortly followed by a delicious dinner at a seafood restaurant! Sandhill Cranes by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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The outstanding group! ______

Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded.

List powered through the report generator of our partner iGoTerra.

Birds (158 in total: 158 seen) Nomenclature and follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2016. IOC World Bird List (v 6.2).

Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced

IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae West Indian Whistling Duck (VU) Dendrocygna arborea (1) Cayo Coco 13.2. A family group of this Vulnerable whistling-duck was seen at the lagoon of Hotel Meliá Cayo Coco. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (1) Niña Bonita Lake 8.2. A few were scoped at Niña Bonita lake.

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Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata (2) Niña Bonita Lake 7.2 and Niña Bonita Lake 8.2. A small flock was present at Niña Bonita lake. Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris (2) Niña Bonita Lake 8.2 and Palmarito Reservoir 11.2. Small numbers were observed among the bulk of Lesser Scaups at Niña Bonita. At Palmarito Reservoir a small mono-specific flock was observed. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis (2) Niña Bonita Lake 7.2 and Niña Bonita Lake 8.2. Large numbers of this diving duck were present at the lake. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator (1) Causeway Cayo Coco 12.2. Several were seen during our drive on the causeway. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis jamaicensis (2) Niña Bonita Lake 7.2 and Niña Bonita Lake 8.2. Small numbers were observed among the bulk of Lesser Scaups.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris galeatus (2) Las Terrazas 7.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. Introduced and domesticated species. Common and widespread in Cuba.

Grebes Podicipedidae Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus dominicus (1) Las Terrazas 7.2. A single adult was observed at a small pond. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps antillarum (3) Niña Bonita Lake 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 8.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 11.2. A fairly common resident seen at various sites. Good numbers were present at Niña Bonita.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber (2) Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2.

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A fairly common resident seen in large flocks at various coastal sites.

Storks Ciconiidae Wood Stork Mycteria americana (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. A few of this large and distinct species were observed at Salinas de Brito.

Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae American White Ibis Eudocimus albus albus (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. A fairly common species at Salinas de Brito. Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. This beautiful spoonbill was observed only at Salinas de Brito.

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli (3) Niña Bonita Lake 7.2, Santo Tomás 9.2 and La Cuchilla 10.2. Several of this cosmopolitan species were seen at various sites. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea bancrofti (1) Hotel Playa Larga 9.2. A single bird was observed just after dusk. Green Heron Butorides virescens virescens (5) Las Terrazas 7.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, Causeway Cayo Coco 12.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (8) Las Terrazas 7.2, en route 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, Palmarito Reservior 11.2, en route 12.2, Cayo Coco 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common to abundant species seen on most days of the trip. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias occidentalis (8) Niña Bonita Lake 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, La

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Cuchilla 10.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Coco 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. Common and widespread seen at various sites. White morphs of this species were recorded in the keys (Cayo Coco). Great Egret Ardea alba egretta (7) Fishponds en route 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 8.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Coco 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common and widespread species seen on most days of the trip. Reddish Egret (NT) Egretta rufescens rufescens (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. Both morphs of this Near-Threatened species were seen well at Salinas de Brito. Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor ruficollis (4) Niña Bonita Lake 8.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. Small numbers were recorded at several sites. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea (6) Fishponds en route 7.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, Palmarito Reservior 11.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites. Snowy Egret Egretta thula thula (6) Fishponds en route 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 8.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites.

Pelicans Pelecanidae American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. A scarce bird in Cuba. Good numbers were seen at Salinas de Brito. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis (7) Niña Bonita Lake 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 8.2, Hotel Playa Larga 9.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, Palmarito Reservior 11.2, Causeway Cayo Coco 12.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2 and Cayo Coco 13.2.

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A common species at large water bodies and coastal sites.

Frigatebirds Fregatidae Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A few were observed along the coast.

Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus mexicanus (6) Fishponds en route 7.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, Palmarito Reservior 11.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A common species seen at several sites. Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus heuretus (1) Niña Bonita Lake 7.2. Only seen with certainty at Niña Bonita Lake.

Anhingas Anhingidae Anhinga Anhinga anhinga leucogaster (1) Palmarito Reservior 11.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 11.2. Birds were observed at two reservoirs en route.

New World Vultures Cathartidae Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura aura (8) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Niña Bonita Lake 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, Palmarito Reservior 11.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2, Cayo Coco 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. An abundant species in Cuba seen daily throughout the tour.

Osprey Pandionidae Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus ridgwayi (3) Fishponds en route 7.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Palmarito Reservior 11.2. A fairly common species seen at several sites.

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Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae Gundlach's Hawk (EN) Accipiter gundlachi gundlachi (1) 3 Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. "Good-lucks Hawk". An Endangered Cuban endemic seen on three occasions! Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis levis (2) Fishponds en route 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2 and en route 8.2. Small numbers were observed at freshwater inland sites. Cuban Black Hawk (NT) Buteogallus gundlachii (2) Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A Near-Threatened endemic seen well at various coastal sites. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis umbrinus (3) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A fairly common and widespread Buteo in Cuba.

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae Clapper Rail Rallus crepitans caribaeus (2) Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. Superb views of an adult crossing the road. Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus (2) La Cuchilla 10.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 11.2. Seen in small numbers at some fresh water ponds. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata cerceris (3) Las Terrazas 7.2, en route 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 8.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 11.2. A fairly common species seen at freshwater ponds and lakes. American Coot Fulica americana americana (3) Fishponds en route 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 8.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 11.2. A fairly common species seen at seen at several sites. Good numbers were present at Niña Bonita Lake.

Cranes Gruidae Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis nesiotes

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(1) Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A pair of this Critically Endangered bird in Cuba was watched in full display, a very rare sighting!

Limpkin Aramidae Limpkin Aramus guarauna pictus (4) Soplillar 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. Singletons were observed at various sites.

Oystercatchers Haematopodidae American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus palliatus (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. Scoped at the very tip of Cayo Paredón Grande.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus (2) Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. Good numbers were seen at two sites.

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola cynosurae (2) Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A common species on the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. A few at the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus ternominatus (5) Niña Bonita Lake 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Hotel Playa Larga 10.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2 and 1 heard Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common resident recorded at various sites.

Jacanas Jacanidae Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa (1) Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2.

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A couple were seen at a fresh water reservoir.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Wilson's Snipe Gallinago delicata (2) Santo Tomás 9.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 11.2. A single bird was flushed at Santo Tomás. Another bird was scoped at a reservoir near Camaguey. Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus hendersoni (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. A fairly common non-breeding resident. Small numbers of this wader were observed at Salinas de Brito. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca (2) Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A common boreal migrant. Small numbers of this wader were observed at various coastal sites. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes (2) Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 11.2. A common boreal migrant. Small numbers of this wader were observed at two sites. Willet Tringa semipalmata inornata (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. This presumed resident species was only seen at Salinas de Brito. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius (1) Reservoir Camaguey 11.2. A couple were seen at an inland reservoir near Camaguey. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres morinella (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. A fairly common non-breeding resident. Small numbers of this wader were observed at Salinas de Brito. Red Knot Calidris canutus roselaari (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. A scarce migrant to Cuba. Quite a few were observed at Salinas de Brito. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. A few were detected at the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Dunlin Calidris alpina hudsonia

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(1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. Small numbers were seen at the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. A nice flock was watched at close range at Salinas de Brito.

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae Black Skimmer Rynchops niger niger (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. A beautiful flock was watched at Salinas de Brito. Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla atricilla (2) Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A common and widespread gull seen at the coastal sites. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica aranea (1) Salinas de Brito 10.2. Small numbers were scoped at Salinas de Brito. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia (3) Fishponds en route 7.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 11.2. A conspicuous and fairly commonly observed tern in Cuba. Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus maximus (3) Salinas de Brito 10.2, Causeway Cayo Coco 12.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A common species of tern along the coast.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia (3) en route 8.2, en route 11.2 and en route 12.2. A common feral species were typically seen in human settlements. White-crowned Pigeon (NT) Patagioenas leucocephala (3) La Güira National Park 7.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Cueva de los Peces 9.2 and La Cuchilla 10.2. A distinct and fairly common pigeon seen at various sites. Near-Threatened. Scaly-naped Pigeon Patagioenas squamosa (2) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2 and Cueva de los Portales 8.2. Seen well at several sites in the Pinar del Rio province.

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Plain Pigeon (NT) Patagioenas inornata (1) Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A local species in Cuba. Great scope views of birds in a tall Ceiba tree. Near-Threatened. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto decaocto (3) Havana 7.2, en route 12.2 and Cayo Coco 13.2. A fairly common introduced species. Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina insularis (7) Fishponds en route 7.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2, Soplillar 9.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cueva del Jabalì 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common resident observed on most days of the tour. Blue-headed Quail-Dove (EN) Starnoenas cyanocephala (2) Cueva de los Peces 9.2 and PN Bermejas 10.2. A cracking Endangered Cuban endemic, seen fantastically at two sites. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana montana (1) PN Bermejas 10.2. A single bird, probably a juvenile, was observed foraging in front of the hide. Grey-fronted Quail-Dove (VU) Geotrygon caniceps (2) Soplillar 9.2 and PN Bermejas 10.2. A stunning Vulnerable endemic, seen well at two sites. Key West Quail-Dove Geotrygon chrysia (2) PN Bermejas 10.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. A single adult was observed nicely among the other foraging doves at Bermejas. At Cueva del Jabalì up to ten individuals were watched at close range! Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura macroura (7) Fishponds en route 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2, Soplillar 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, en route 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common and widespread species seen on most days of the tour. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita zenaida (3) Soplillar 9.2, PN Bermejas 10.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. A Caribbean speciality seen well at various sites, especially at Bermejas. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica asiatica (3) 1 heard Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. A fairly common species recorded at various sites.

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Cuckoos Cuculidae Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani (8) Fishponds en route 7.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, Palmarito Reservior 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Coco 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites throughout the tour. Great Lizard Cuckoo Coccyzus merlini merlini (7) La Güira National Park 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Coco 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A Caribbean endemic. A common and attractive species in Cuba seen well at various sites.

Owls Strigidae Bare-legged Owl Margarobyas lawrencii (2) Soplillar 9.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A neat Cuban endemic seen at various day-roosts. Also named Cuban Screech-owl. Cuban Pygmy Owl Glaucidium siju siju (3) Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2 and 1 heard Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A fairly common Cuban endemic seen well at various sites during the day time. Stygian Owl stygius siguapa (1) Santo Tomás 9.2. A single adult was flushed from the road near Santo Tomás.

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae Cuban Nightjar Antrostomus cubanensis cubanensis (1) Santo Tomás 9.2. This Cuban endemic was seen well along the road to Santo Tomás.

Swifts Apodidae Antillean Palm Swift Tachornis phoenicobia iradii (5) Las Terrazas 7.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, Palmarito Reservior 11.2 and Los Caneyes 14.2. A common and widespread Caribbean speciality.

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Hummingbirds Trochilidae Cuban Emerald Chlorostilbon ricordii (8) Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Cueva de los Peces 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, PN Bermejas 10.2, Palpite 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2, Cueva del Jabalì 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common and widespread near-endemic seen on most days of the tour. Bee Hummingbird (NT) Mellisuga helenae (2) PN Bermejas 10.2 and Palpite 11.2. A superb Cuban endemic, seen fantastically at two sites in the Zapata Peninsula. Near-threatened. The smallest bird in the world!

Trogons Trogonidae Cuban Trogon Priotelus temnurus temnurus (4) Las Terrazas 7.2, 1 heard Cueva de los Portales 8.2, 1 heard Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, 1 heard Soplillar 9.2 and 1 heard PN Bermejas 10.2. Cuba's national bird the "Tocororo". A striking Cuban endemic, seen well at various sites.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon (6) Fishponds en route 7.2, Cueva de los Peces 9.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2 and Cayo Coco 13.2. A common non-breeding resident typically seen near water.

Todies Todidae Cuban Tody Todus multicolor (6) Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, 1 heard Santo Tomás 9.2, 1 heard Soplillar 9.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cueva del Jabalì 13.2 and 1 heard Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. One of Cuba's most electrifying endemics, the "Carta Cuba". Seen fantastically at various sites.

Woodpeckers Picidae West Indian Woodpecker Melanerpes superciliaris superciliaris (6) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2,

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Soplillar 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, PN Bermejas 10.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A common and widespread Caribbean speciality. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius (3) Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2 and La Cuchilla 10.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Cuban Green Woodpecker Xiphidiopicus percussus percussus (3) Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Peces 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. A superb Cuban endemic seen well at various sites. Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus chrysocaulosus (3) Soplillar 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2 and 1 heard Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A fairly common resident recorded at three sites. Fernandina's Flicker (VU) Colaptes fernandinae (3) 2 Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, La Cuchilla 10.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A Vulnerable Cuban endemic seen well at several nest sites!

Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway (5) La Cuchilla 10.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Coco 13.2 and en route 14.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites. American Kestrel Falco sparverius sparverioides (8) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Hotel Playa Larga 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, Palmarito Reservior 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Coco 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common and widespread resident seen on most days of the tour. Merlin Falco columbarius columbarius (1) San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2. A scarce migrant to Cuba. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus anatum (2) La Cuchilla 10.2 and en route 12.2. A scarce non-breeding resident in Cuba.

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African & New World Parrots Psittacidae Cuban Amazon (NT) Amazona leucocephala leucocephala (2) Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A stunning near-endemic seen at various sites. Near-Threatened. Cuban Parakeet (VU) Psittacara euops (3) Soplillar 9.2, PN Bermejas 10.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A Vulnerable Cuban endemic seen at various sites.

Tyrant Flycatchers Tyrannidae Cuban Pewee Contopus caribaeus (3) Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2 and Cayo Coco 13.2. morenoi: (2) Santo Tomás 9.2, Cueva de los Peces 9.2, Soplillar 9.2 and PN Bermejas 10.2. A common and widespread near-endemic. Often quite tame. Giant Kingbird (EN) Tyrannus cubensis (2) Hacienda La Cortina 8.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A rare and Endangered endemic. Great views of pairs both in the east and the west! Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus caudifasciatus (6) Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common and widespread Caribbean endemic. La Sagra's Flycatcher Myiarchus sagrae sagrae (5) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, PN Bermejas 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A common and widespread near-endemic seen at various sites.

Vireos Vireonidae White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus griseus (1) Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. A scarce migrant to Cuba. Seen at the waterhole. Thick-billed Vireo Vireo crassirostris cubensis (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A near-endemic with a very localised distribution in Cuba seen well in the scrub at Cayo Paredón

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Grande. Cuban Vireo Vireo gundlachii gundlachii (6) La Güira National Park 7.2, 1 heard San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2, 1 heard Cueva de los Peces 9.2, 1 heard PN Bermejas 10.2, Cueva del Jabalì 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common Cuban endemic, seen well at several sites. There is a single recent record of a vagrant to the USA. Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons (4) Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Cueva de los Peces 9.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. A regular migrant to Cuba.

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae Cuban Palm Crow Corvus minutus (1) Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A local and Near-Threatened Cuban endemic seen commonly in the Najasa area. Cuban Crow Corvus nasicus (2) Santo Tomás 9.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A vocally attractive near-endemic seen at various sites.

Swallows Hirundinidae Cuban Martin Progne cryptoleuca (2) Cueva de los Portales 8.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A Cuban endemic seen well at two sites. Birds were just arriving from their unknown breeding grounds. Cave Swallow Petrochelidon fulva cavicola (2) Cueva de los Portales 8.2 and Caleta Buena 10.2. Nesting at Cueva de los Portales. A large flock was present inside the cocktail bar of Caleta Buena.

Wrens Troglodytidae Zapata Wren (EN) Ferminia cerverai (1) Santo Tomás 9.2. An Endangered Cuban endemic. Superb views of a singing adult from the platform at Santo Tomás!

Gnatcatchers Polioptilidae

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Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea caerulea (4) Las Terrazas 7.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Cuban Gnatcatcher Polioptila lembeyei (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. Great views of a pair of this Cuban endemic in the scrub at Cayo Paredón Grande.

Mockingbirds and Thrashers Mimidae Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis (7) 1 heard La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, PN Bermejas 10.2, Palpite 11.2, Cueva del Jabalì 13.2 and 1 heard Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common but typically secretive boreal migrant in Cuba. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos orpheus (8) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, PN Bermejas 10.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, Palpite 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A very common and widespread resident throughout the island. Bahama Mockingbird Mimus gundlachii gundlachii (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. We got great views of this near-endemic. A rare and local species in Cuba.

Thrushes and Allies Turdidae Cuban Solitaire (NT) Myadestes elisabeth elisabeth (2) La Güira National Park 7.2 and Cueva de los Portales 8.2. A Near-Threatened Cuban endemic with a spectacular song! Seen beautifully at two sites. Red-legged Thrush Turdus plumbeus rubripes (7) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Cueva de los Peces 9.2, PN Bermejas 10.2, Palpite 11.2, Cueva del Jabalì 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common and widespread Caribbean speciality. A very attractive thrush.

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Old World Sparrows Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus (3) Niña Bonita Lake 7.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2 and Palpite 11.2. A common introduced species seen at several urban sites.

New World Warblers Parulidae Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla furvior (3) Cueva de los Peces 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, PN Bermejas 10.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. A common ground-dwelling boreal migrant. Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum (2) Santo Tomás 9.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A regular boreal migrant to Cuba. Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla (1) Cueva de los Portales 8.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis (4) Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2 and Palpite 11.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia (3) Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Swainson's Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii (1) 2 Santo Tomás 9.2 and 2 Soplillar 9.2. A rare boreal migrant to Cuba seen well at two sites. Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina (1) 6 Hacienda La Cortina 8.2. A scarce boreal migrant to Cuba. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas trichas (5) 1 heard San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2, en route 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, 1 heard Palmarito Reservior 11.2, Palpite 11.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla (5) Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, Palpite 11.2 and

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Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A very common boreal migrant to Cuba. Cape May Warbler Setophaga tigrina (4) Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Hotel Playa Larga 9.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Northern Parula Setophaga americana (6) Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cueva del Jabalì 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia (1) Las Terrazas 7.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Mangrove Warbler Setophaga petechia gundlachi (2) Salinas de Brito 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A fairly common resident in the mangroves of Cuba. Black-throated Blue Warbler Setophaga caerulescens caerulescens (5) Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, Palpite 11.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Stunning males were commonly observed. Palm Warbler Setophaga palmarum palmarum (8) La Güira National Park 7.2, Niña Bonita Lake 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Hotel Playa Larga 9.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, Cueva de los Peces 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, PN Bermejas 10.2, Palpite 11.2, en route 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A very common boreal migrant to Cuba. Olive-capped Warbler Setophaga pityophila (2) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2 and Hacienda La Cortina 8.2. A superb near-endemic seen well at three sites. Yellow-throated Warbler Setophaga dominica dominica (4) Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Soplillar 9.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Prairie Warbler Setophaga discolor discolor

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(3) Santo Tomás 9.2, Soplillar 9.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens (1) Cueva de los Portales 8.2 and Hacienda La Cortina 8.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba.

Family uncertain Incertae Sedis 2 Yellow-headed Warbler Teretistris fernandinae (3) La Güira National Park 7.2, 1 heard Hacienda La Cortina 8.2 and Soplillar 9.2. A fairly common and widespread Cuban endemic. Oriente Warbler Teretistris fornsi fornsi (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. An attractive Cuban endemic seen well in the keys.

Troupials and Allies Icteridae Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna hippocrepis (4) La Cuchilla 10.2, Reservoir Camaguey 11.2, en route 12.2 and 1 heard Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A fairly common and widespread resident seen at several sites. Cuban Oriole Icterus melanopsis (6) La Güira National Park 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, PN Bermejas 10.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. A fairly common and widespread Cuban endemic. Tawny-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius humeralis humeralis (7) Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Soplillar 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, Palpite 11.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A fairly common and widespread near-endemic. The tawny in the shoulder was not always that conspicuous. Red-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius assimilis assimilis (1) La Cuchilla 10.2. A local Cuban endemic seen in the reed beds of La Cuchilla marsh. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis minimus (2) Las Terrazas 7.2 and Santo Tomás 9.2.

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An expanding resident seen at two sites. Cuban Blackbird Ptiloxena atroviolacea (3) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2. A common and widespread Cuban endemic. Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger (2) Las Terrazas 7.2 and Hacienda La Cortina 8.2. gundlachii: (5) Santo Tomás 9.2, Cueva de los Peces 9.2, Caleta Buena 10.2, Salinas de Brito 10.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, Palpite 11.2, Cayo Coco 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2. A common and widespread regional endemic. The "restaurant grackle".

Buntings, Sparrows and Allies Emberizidae Zapata Sparrow Torreornis inexpectata (1) Santo Tomás 9.2. varonai: (1) Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. An Endangered Cuban endemic. Both subspecies were seen well during the tour.

Tanagers and Allies Thraupidae Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus (2) Las Terrazas 7.2 and Hacienda La Cortina 8.2. A scarce resident in Cuba seen well in the west. Cuban Bullfinch Melopyrrha nigra nigra (5) Las Terrazas 7.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Santo Tomás 9.2, La Cuchilla 10.2, PN Bermejas 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A common and widespread near-endemic seen nicely at various sites. Cuban Grassquit Tiaris canorus (1) Las Terrazas 7.2. A large flock of this superb Cuban endemic was seen well near Las Terrazas. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus olivaceus (6) Las Terrazas 7.2, Cueva de los Portales 8.2, Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, Soplillar 9.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 12.2, Cueva del Jabalì 13.2 and Santa Barbara, Moron 14.2.

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A common and widespread species recorded at various sites. Western Spindalis Spindalis zena pretrei (2) La Güira National Park 7.2, Las Terrazas 7.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 13.2. A beautiful near-endemic, seen nicely at various sites.

Cardinals and Allies Cardinalidae Summer Tanager Piranga rubra rubra (1) 2 Hacienda La Cortina 8.2. A regular boreal migrant to Cuba. Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea caerulea (1) San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 8.2. A stunning adult male was scoped near town. Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea (3) Hacienda La Cortina 8.2, La Cuchilla 10.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. A fairly regular boreal migrant to Cuba.

Mammals (4 in total: 4 seen)

Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Hutia Capromyidae

Hutia sp. Mysateles sp. (1) Soplillar 9.2. An unidentified Hutia roosting up in a tree.

New World Leaf-nosed Bats Phyllostomidae Jamaican Fruit-eating Bat Artibeus jamaicensis (2) Cueva de los Portales 8.2 and Los Caneyes 14.2. A small roosting group of this species was observed at two sites. Big Brown Bat Eptesicus fuscus (1) Cueva del Jabalì 13.2.

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Inside the discotheque cave. Identified by local guide. Long-eared Bat Myotis sp. (1) Cueva del Jabalì 13.2. Inside the discotheque cave. Identified by local guide. Exact taxon unclear.

Reptiles (2 in total: 2 seen)

Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Iguanas Iguanidae Cuban Brown Curly-tailed Lizard Leiocephalus cubensis (1) Cueva de los Peces 9.2. Most probably this species was involved.

Dwarf Boas Tropidophiidae Wood Snake Tropidophis melanurus (1) Soplillar 9.2. Our local guide picked up a rock and showed it to us.

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