LESSER ANTILLES

March 19 - 27, 2011

Leader: David Ascanio Compiled by David Ascanio

VICTOR EMANUEL NATURE TOURS, INC. 2525 WALLINGWOOD DRIVE, SUITE 1003 AUSTIN, TX 78746 WWW.VENTBIRD.COM

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours Lesser Antilles March 19–27, 2011 Leader: David Ascanio.

When of the West Indies was published in 1936 little was known about the ecology of these islands and much less about its author: James Bond. Prior to this publication ornithologists were aware that these small promontories in the Caribbean were rich in endemism but the way the birds colonized it was much ignored since the early exploration focused solely on identification. One good representative of the collecting period was Frederick Albion Ober whom around 1876-1878 made surveys to the Lesser Antilles and collected 22 bird taxa new to science. Therefore, to say that the 1936 book marked an important milestone in the history of ornithology of the West Indies is not an exaggeration but a tribute to James Bond.

To make this story more fascinating, by the time of publication of Birds of the West Indies Bond was virtually unknown out of the scientific circles but by the time of a review of his book he learned about his name being known to the public and related with shaken martinis, company of beautiful women and sadomasochism. What happened? He realized of his name theft from a novel writer Ian Flemming whom might have been looking at Birds of the West Indies when figuring out the name for his yet-to-be-named next spy novel. So, the relation between Agent 007 and the passionate ornithologist was not a mere coincidence but the fact that Flemming was a birdwatcher!

But besides the Bond-Flemming incident the Lesser Antilles are also a group of islands hosting a rich history. What can we say about the ownership of each of it? A lot, but the important feature to highlight in the birdlist is to say that the battles between French and Spanish or Portuguese and British was so intense that several islands passed hands various times and this is reflected in the name of the locations. Look at the bays in a given island one can find a beach with a French name, a town with a British meaning and a landmass with a Spanish spelling!

Do you want to know about some old-timer secrets of the Lesser Antilles? In the past not everyone was aware that 4 of endemic occurs (Dominica hosting two of it) and House Wren is weird in St Lucia and Dominica. Today, not everyone is aware is that orioles abound (might have colonized the islands from ) and that there was was a now considered extinct. Well, in reality no one can really tell if such macaw ever existed or if it was a Scarlet Macaw brought from mainland.

By the 70´s many of these secrets were revealed due to the illegal trade threat and almost driving some to extinction. Almost simultaneously international pressure took place and conservations efforts were taken, and thanks to such actions the Lesser Antilles hosting parrot species claim to have seen the populations increase and protection legally sealed. But, that was not a matter of luck. A continuous effort involving education campaign and expensive fines to the parrots smugglers is part of what continues to be a conservation program to guarantee that such endemic beauties won’t disappear due to human pressure.

Although it is known today that islands are sensitive ecosystems pressure continues in ways of subsistence farming, sugar cane and banana plantations. Also, introduced species have caused a lot of damaged (mongoose, rats, plants) plus human colonization have followed several waves, from the Amerindian to the Europeans, each bringing different threats to the native flora and fauna.

Going back to the secrets of the Lesser Antilles, do you know what is the last remaining mystery of these islands? A small warbler. Somewhere in the impenetrable mountains of tiny St Lucia a remaining population of Semper’s Warbler (Leucopeza semperi) might survive although is now considered to be extinct. Causes of extinction no one can tell but ornithologists believe it might have been a mixed of habitat pressure and predation by the mongoose. This was the only endemic species we missed in our tour. No wonders since the last confirmed record dates from 1934!

I hope the following birdlist brings memories from the great time we spent together. We saw all the endemic birds we wanted to see but also enjoyed the local cuisine, tasted the local beer, tried to understand the variable English of each island and enjoyed beautiful scenery. I am sure everyone will keep particular memoirs of this tour where in 9 days we visited 4 different countries.

THE BIRDLIST TOTAL: 83 SPECIES The checklist order and common and scientific names of the birds that appear in this list are those given by the American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU). The AOU is a scientifically based ornithological society that serves as the official source on the of birds found in North and Middle America, including adjacent islands. This compilation is based on the seventh edition of the Check-list of North American Birds through the 9th supplement.

Grebes (Podicipedidae) Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) – One individual was observed in a wetland in national park.

Tropicbirds (Phaethontidae) Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) – Four individuals were enjoyed from Vieux Fort in St Lucia and later seen in Dominica. White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) – One individual was surprisingly observed from Vieux Fort in St Lucia. Later seen well (3 ind) in Dominica.

Boobies (Sulidae) Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) – A single individual was observed from Vieux Fort. Red-footed Booby (Sula sula) – A single individual with pale head was observed from the ferry from Dominica to .

Pelicans (Pelecanidae) Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) – Several individuals were observed in Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe.

Frigatebirds (Fregatidae) Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) – Daily views. Seen in all islands.

Herons & Egrets (Ardeidae) Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) – A single individual was observed in Dominica. Great Egret (Ardea alba) – One individual in Guadeloupe. Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) – Seen in St Lucia, St Vincent and Guadeloupe. Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor) – Martinique. Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) – Adults were seen in St Lucia, St Vincent and Dominica (also a juvenile). Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) – Common and widespread. Seen in all islands. Green Heron (Butorides virescens) – Seen in St Lucia and later towards the end of the trip in Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) – St Vincent, near the Vermont Forest.

Hawks (Accipitridae) Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) – A pair was observed in Guadeloupe. Common Black-Hawk (Buteogallus anthrocinus) – A pair was observed in St Vincent. This is the only island hosting a population of this species. Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) – Unlike the North America migrant population, the Lesser Antilles host a resident population (not migrant). It probably arrived due to a storm or other natural event and once became trapped in the island it have evolved as a resident species.

Falcons (Falconidae) American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) – Kestrels are resident throughout the Lesser Antilles. We recorded this species in St Lucia, St Vincent and Martinique. It was noticeable paler than the races in continental America. Merlin (Falco columbarius) – This North American migrant was observed in St Lucia.

Rails, Gallinules & Coots (Rallidae) Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) – Several individuals were seen in the pond in Guadeloupe national park. Caribbean Coot (Fulica caribaea) – Only heard in Guadeloupe. This individual never came out of the flooded vegetation.

Sandpipers (Scolopacidae) Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularius) – Seen in St Vincent (sewage pond), Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Gulls & Terns (Laridae) Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) – Seen first in Martinique and later in Dominica. Royal Tern (Thalasseus maximus) – Few were observed in St Vincent, but later 8 were seen in Dominca and 10 in Dominica.

Pigeons & Doves (Columbidae) Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) – Seen around cities and towns throughout. Scaly-naped Pigeon (Patagioenas squamosa) – This is a widespread Caribbean endemic that occurs on all the islands of the Lesser Antilles. We enjoyed single individuals and pairs almost in every island. Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) – This is an introduced species that has essentially colonized the entire Caribbean region. We saw this species in Guadeloupe. Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata) – Eared Dove is a South American species that ranges north to St. Vincent in the southern tier of the Caribbean. We enjoyed views in St Lucia, St Vincent and Dominica. This species is heavily hunted in South America. Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita) – Although a member of the same of the previous species this one can be scarce or less numerous. Although we saw it in every island it turned out to be common in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Common Ground-Dove (Columbina passerina) – Individuals were seen in Dominica and Guadeloupe. Bridled Quail-Dove (Geotrygon mystacea) – Over the last year we had an amazing encounter with one individual in Guadeloupe national park: As we were resting and chattering after a picnic lunch an individual landed at a branch at the edge of the forest being scoped and enjoyed by all the cruise participants. This year, we visited the same location and were astonished to have seen 5 individuals walking in front of us, searching for seeds on the ground (and picnic left-over). Look at the hyperlink document to enjoy the great videos we took of some of these individuals! Ruddy Quail Dove (Geotrygon montana) – heard only in Dominica.

Parrots () – This family is one of the reasons why birdwatchers aim to the Lesser Antilles. Arranged with an amazing combination of colors, all the parrots of the Caribbean are found exclusively within this region. St. Lucia Parrot (Amazona versicolor) – Once reduced to few hundreds, the national bird of St Lucia has recovered well with an estimate population of about 3000 individuals. During our visit to the Quilesse Forest Reserve we enjoyed great views of this amazing parrot so close to us that needed no binoculars! The specific name versicolor stands for its many color . Red-necked Parrot (Amazona arausiaca) – Unlike any other island in the Caribbean Dominica host two parrot species, this one being the common of the island. The Jaco as it is locally named was observed in several occasions outside the Syndycate forest as we counted dozens of it leaving from the forest to the feeding grounds. The specific name arausiaca is probably a misprint of aurantiaca, meaning orange colored. St. Vincent Parrot (Amazona guildingii) – On a rainy morning in St. Vincent we traveled to the Vermont State Forest with Ftizroy Springer, a ranger who knows more about the habits of the parrot than anyone else. On the walk to the viewpoint area we were privileged to have seen one individual perched very close to us. Following that close view, later in the morning we enjoyed views of about 12 pairs flying (very close!) and more perched individuals throughout the scope. The epithet guildingii was denoted to honor Guilding, a painter, naturalist and collector resident of the West Indies. Imperial Parrot (Amazona imperialis) – In some regards, the Imperial Parrot, or Sisserou, is the ultimate prize of a birding trip to the Caribbean. With a global population of only about 300-350 birds, it is unquestionably one of the world’s most rare parrot species and we were rewarded with views of an adult throughout the scope as it was feeding on the fruits of a Clusiaceae in the protected forest of the Syndicate Estate. Look at the hyperlink document to enjoy some of the videos taken of this species during our tour!

Cuckoos (Cuculidae) ( minor) – Seen almost daily. Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus) – An individual was seen along the trail of the Quilesse forest in St Lucia. Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) – Six individuals were observed in St Vincent.

Swifts (Apodidae) Lesser Antillean Swift (Chaetura martinica) – This tiny endemic swift occurs commonly from St. Vincent to Guadeloupe. We had no trouble locating it in almost every island but density was significantly higher in St Vincent.

Hummingbirds (Trochilidae) – Hummingbirds are the quintessence of birdwatching. Armed with astonishing and a strong temperament, these miniatures can drive away even a raptor when their territory is disturbed. Purple-throated Carib (Eulampis jugularis) –We had superb views of birds perching quietly in trees, often along the roadside in every of the islands visited. Green-throated Carib (Eulampis holosericeus) – Our visit to Martinique allowed great views of this species and a second excellent view was granted in Dominica. Antillean-crested Hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus) –This common species throughout the Lesser Antilles was enjoyed in every island. We found individuals nesting, foraging, perched and even taking a sun bath! Blue-headed Hummingbird (Cyanophaia bicolor) –While looking for the Imperial Parrot below the Syndicate Forest we found a female and later at the flowering bushes of the visitor center we enjoyed great views of a male. Seeing this hummingbird on the afternoon of the 25th marked a clean sweep on the Dominica target bird species!

Kingfishers (Alcedinidae) Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon) – Only one individual was seen during the drive from the ferry terminal in Dominica to our hotel.

Woodpeckers (Picidae) Guadeloupe Woodpecker (Melanerpes herminieri) – Tiny Guadeloupe is beautiful with great scenery and an amazing landscape. But from the birdwatching perspective is more than a gorgeous island: is home for one of the most bizarre natural wonders, The Guadeloupe Woodpecker. Unique in the Caribbean, the population of this woodpecker might be a relict of what seemed a larger distribution in the past. Thanks to our local guide we enjoyed impressive views of three individuals in Guadeloupe National Park.

Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae) Caribbean Elaenia (Elaenia martinica) – One of the most common and widespread flycatcher in the Lesser Antilles. We saw it almost every day. Yellow-bellied Elaenia (Elaenia flavogaster) – This is another of those mainland species that also occurs in a corner of the Caribbean. We enjoyed views of a pair in the botanical gardens of St Vincent. Lesser Antillean (St Lucia Pewee) (Contopus latirostris) – The race latirostris of St Lucia is sometimes treated as a separate species but neither the AOU nor Clemets have accepted it. We saw the St Luica race twice in the Quilesse forest reserve, and later the form occurring in Dominca and Guadeloupe as well. Grenada Flycatcher (Myiarchus nugatory) – The Grenada Flycatcher is like other Myiarchus is best told by voice. Found almost exclusively in Grenada it is also found in a corner of St Vincent. We enjoyed nice studies of it at the botanical gardens of St Vincent. Lesser Antillean Flycatcher (Myiarchus oberi) –We observed a pair picking nesting material at the Quilesse forest in St Lucia. This is apparently an ecological replacement of Grenada Flycatcher in the Northen Caribbean. Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis) – This is a common species in the Caribbean. Notice that bill width is remarkably different from the populations in the Americas. This species was seen everyday.

Vireos (Vireonidae) Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus) – This ever-calling vireo can be difficult to observe. We enjoyed nice views in various islands.

Swallows (Hirundinidae) Caribbean Martin (Progne dominicensis) –We saw this bird in at least two places, in St Luica and in St Vincent where we enjoyed it throughout the scope. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) – More than 12 individuals were observed in Guadeloupe. Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) – Along with the group of Barn Swallows we enjoyed a single Cliff Swallow.

Wrens (Troglodytidae) House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) – Like the bananaquits, birdwatchers tend to underestimate the presence of a House Wren when birding the Caribbean. So, what is different there? Well, first, these are islands and birds are trapped so the gene flow is restricted to the populations and second these are populations showing so interesting marks that differ for most of the other populations in South America. The birds of the Caribbean fall into the group, martinicensis, a group that has, in particular, been the subject of considerable debate. The individuals we saw were the mesoleucus on St. Lucia and the subspecies rufescens on Dominica, being sometimes named St Lucia House Wren And Dominica House Wren respectively.

Thrushes & Allies (Turdidae) Rufous-throated Solitaire (myadestes genibarbis) – This is a wonderful member of the thrush family occurring in both the Greater Antilles and the Lesser Antilles. We managed to see three subspecies, sibilans of St Vincent, sanctaeluciae of St Lucia and dominicanus of Dominica.

Cocoa Thrush (Turdus fumigates) – We managed to see only one individual in St Vincent. Unfortunately it was only a flash view and we could not get it again. This is mainly a South American species, touching a tip of the southern Lesser Antilles in Grenada and St Vincent. Bare-eyed (Spectacled) Thrush (Turdus nudigenis) - This is yet another widespread South American bird that ranges well north into the Lesser Antilles. Still in all, it is an easy bird to find only on St. Vincent. The National Botanic Garden was an excellent place to view this species. Red-legged Thrush (Turdus plumbeus) – This long legged thrush is also found in the Greater Antilles. We managed to enjoy views of a pair in Dominica. Forest Thrush (Turdus iherminieri) – This bird can be very frustrating to see it. In Guadeloupe one individual perk up allowing even scope views! Look at the hyperlink document to enjoy the video taken on this beautiful thrush.

Mockingbirds & Thrashers (Mimidae) Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus) – We enjoy views of this widespread species in every of the Lesser Antilles except in Dominica. White-breasted Thrasher (Ramphocinclus brachyurus) – This was our other target in Martinique (the first being the Martinique Oriole) and for that we had to be early at the park. So, our full day in Martinique started with a breakfast in the dark to move into the trails prior to dawn. Yet we were on time but no bird was heard. Maybe is because of the unexpected rains, I said to myself. Eventually, as we looked around we noticed a very silent pair of trashers approaching to us, moving curiously and giving soft call notes. That was the way to see this elusive and severely threatened species! Gray Trembler (Cinclotheria gutturalis) – The Gray Trembler is one of two species of tremblers, and both are found only in the Lesser Antilles. They have been traditionally placed within the thrasher group, but genetic analysis may yet prove that they belong someplace else. We saw only one individual in St Lucia. Brown Trembler (Cinclotheria ruficauda) – North of Martinique, the Brown Trembler is the only trembler species that occurs. We saw this species several times in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus) – No birdwatcher visiting the Caribbean will ever forget this species. It is big, loud and conspicuous. We saw it in St Lucia and in Guadeloupe. Scaly-breasted Thrasher (Allenia fusca) –We had excellent views repeatedly on St. Lucia, Martinique, Dominica, and Guadeloupe. Unlike the inverted arrows that appear on the breast of Pearly-eyed, the rounded and layered look of the breast on this species suggest fish-like scaling.

New World Warblers (Parulidae) Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) – In Martinique we enjoyed views of the red hooded morph of this widespread species while in Guadeloupe we saw an unstreaked individual with nesting material. St. Lucia Warbler (Dendroica delicata) – This is a beautiful little warbler that occurs widely on St.Lucia but nowhere else. Similar to Adelaide´s Warbler and Barbuda Warbler, we saw about 7 pairs in St Lucia. Plumbeous Warbler (Dendroica plumbea) – Plumbeous Warblers occur on Dominica and Guadeloupe and we saw it in both islands. Whistling Warbler (Catharopeza bishop) – This is the other of St. Vincent’s endemic birds (the parrot being the other). It is a true member of the New World Warblers and one of its most striking species given its chest band and distinctive eyering

Tanagers (Thraupidae) Lesser Antillean Tanager (Tangara cucullata) – Those of you who have been birding northern South America might remember the close resemblance of this species with Burnished- buff Tanager. The Lesser Antillean Tanager is endemic to Grenada and St. Vincent. We had close views of a pair as they came to feed on berries of a tree contiguous to the view point platform in the Vermont Forest.

Genus Incertae Sedis Species with an uncertain taxonomic position and sharing a historic controversy to where they should be placed. Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) – For the common observer, a Bananaquit is a common bird in the Caribbean and South America. But, the populations in the Caribbean show some differences from the counterparts in South America. First, the gape is pronounced and the toe nail are longer. Second, the voice vary within islands and third, there are four different plumage morphs, each dominating different islands. We enjoyed views of all morphs to occur in the Lesser Antilles. Lesser Antillean Saltator (Saltator albicollis) – The dry woodland habitat on Martinique’s Caravelle Peninsula is a perfect place for Lesser Antillean Saltators. We saw more than 20 individuals.

Buntings, Sparrows & Allies (Emberizidae) Black-faced Grassquit (Tiaris bicolor) – This Caribbean specialty was enjoyed almost every day and it was seen in all of the Lesser Antilles we visited. St. Lucia Black Finch (Melanospiza richardsoni) – This is a common bird of the edge of the on St. Lucia and an endemic of it. Despite much effort to locate an individual we managed to get only flash views of it in the bamboo along the road accessing the Quilesse Forest. Lesser Antillean Bullfinch (Loxigilla noctics) – This is a very common bird that we saw well in every of the Lesser Antilles we visited.

Blackbirds & Orioles (Icteridae) Carib Grackle (Quiscalus lugubris) – Common and widespread throughout. Every island has its own subspecies. Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) – Views of scattered individuals in St Lucia, St Vincent and Martinique. St. Lucia Oriole (Icterus laudabilis) – A spectacular black and orange-yellow bird, the St. Lucia Oriole was observed closely twice along the road to the Quilesse forest. Martinique Oriole (Icterus bonana) –The last year we were rewarded with a view of a male Martiniue Oriole (found by Barry Lyon) beyond the ruins of Chateau Dubuc. However, this year none was found. Carrying a feeling of frustration after an extensive search of this species in the ruins we walked back to the van. But, the weather was nice, and birds were singing and a Lesser Antillean Saltator caught our attention. So we decided to stay around the gate of the park hoping for the best to occur and the best was about to happen. While enjoying the saltator a soft whisper called my attention and although I searched throughout the vegetation nothing was observed. Yet the saltator was still perched and the bananaquits were singing but what was giving this soft whistle remained hidden. I could not find it. It sounded like a bird moving by his own mind. Few minutes before dusk I raised my eyes to the area beyond the gate and finally found the bird giving such soft call note, A male Martinique Oriole foraging! What a moment! We enjoyed views of this male for several minutes as it continued to search for on the top of dense vegetation surrounding the park entrance. The specific name bonana refers to the fact that French people claimed to have seen this oriole visiting the banana plantations frequently. Look at the hyperlink file to see the video of it!

OTHER SPECIES LIST Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) – We enjoyed extended views of a calf and an adult breaching as they moved along the coast of northern Martinique. An unique experience! Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) – some along the ferry ride between Martinique to Dominica. Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestes javanicus) – St Vincent.

Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) – Dominica. Whiptail (Mabuya sp.) – Dominica. St Lucia Anole (Anolis luciae) – St Lucia. Dominican Anole () – Dominica. Martinique Anole (Anolis roquet) – Martinique. Dominican Ameiva (Ameiva fuscata) – Dominica.

Chiggers. Trombiculidae St Lucia and St Vincent. Arboreal Termite – Dominica.

BUTTERFLY LIST Field identification by Keith and Jackie Parker. Black Witch Hanno Blue Butterfly Cassius Blue Butterfly Florida White Cluodless Sulphur Orange Sulphur Flambeau Butterfy Silver-spotted Flambeau Butterfly Brazilian Skipper Fiery Skipper Violet-banded Skipper Purple-washed Skipper Ruddy Daggerwing Orion Cecropia Mangrove Buckeye White Peacock Great Southern White