Observations on the Birds of Antigua

A new, updated island list c143 species, with notes on when and where to see them

Carroll S. Holland and Janet M. Williams

NTIGUAISA SMALL Caribbean island (108 sq. mi.) located atthe north end of the Lesser Antilles, at latitude 17ø6'N,longitude 61ø45'W. Barbuda, situated about 32 milesaway, is the only island to the north of Antigua. Antiguais a hilly island(the highestpoint beingBoggy Peak, 1319feet), rimmed for the most part by white sandy beachesand outlying coral. The climate is mild year 'round, with the warmest daily mean temperatures(averaging 83 ø to 86øF)in Augustand Septem- ber, and cooler temperatures(averaging 73 ø to 76ø ) in January and February. The rainy season usuallybegins about the middleof Augustand lastsuntil December.The dry season,from January to August,is interruptedby lightrains in June.The meanannual rainfall from 1933to 1966was 41.50 inches, with a high of 55.26 inchesin 1952and a low of 28.29 inchesin 1953.l Rainfallis sufficiently irregularin variousparts of the islandto be of ornithologicalimportance. For instancein May 1941, the Wailings Reservoir area (see Fig. I for locationsof placesmentioned in text) reported4.46 inchesof rain and Langford reported20.45 inches,while the all-islandaverage was 12.77inches.

Between 1934 and 1967, Antigua was a Brit- during a three-week trip to Antigua from July ish Colony. In 1967, it, along with Barbuda, 26 to August 17, 1933 (three days of which became an Associated State in the Common- were spent on Barbuda). The remaining 26 wealth of Great Britain. Since 1967, the species were previously recorded by other government has changed land usage so that ornithologistsvisiting the island. sugarcaneis no longerthe major crop; estate The present report is based on five years of holdings have been broken into smaller par- almost daily observations by CSH from cels As of early 1977, there were approx- August 1972through July 1977, and 12 days in imately 1000 acres in controlled livestock March 1967. During March 5 - 13, 1977, JMW pasturage, 3000 acres in corn, 750 acres in visited the islandalso, and in approximately20 cotton (250 acres in estate holdingsand the hours of observation both authors together rest in small farmer's plots), and several saw 61 of the 91 species regularly seen on thousandacres in smallholdings for vegetable Antigua. No birds were collected for this and food crops. On an estimated 14,000acres, report; all information is based on direct consistingof grasslandsand •'cassie" bush observation, usually with binoculars and (Acacia spp.) there is uncontrolledlivestock telescope,unless otherwise noted. pasturage. Around the southernpeaks, there are a few thousand acres of forested areas. Changes in weather and distribution of birds Sugarcane, which was the main crop, had FTHE TOTAL I43SPECIES listedbelow, 64 totally disappeared by 1975; it is now slowly were not reported by Danforth. This is beingreintroduced. undoubtedly due in part to our much longer In the most recently detailed report of the avlfauna of Antigua, Danforth (1934) listed 87 •Rainfallrecords for 40 or more stationswere kept by the Departmentof Agriculturebetween 1933 and speciesof birds (six consideredhypothetical). 1966. Since 1966only irregularrainfall recordsare Of these, Danforth saw or collected61 species available.

Volume 32, Number 6 1095 • Borbuda32 mi N

Long

Buccaneer

Be=oh o He[I,s Gate Robbit <) slond

,Seaview

o Collins Five

Beach York

•Valley Mck•nnis Reef 1120 Belhesdl Frye's Boggy peak Boy

Fig. 1: Map of Antigua, indicatinglocation of all placesreferred to in paper. period of observation which has covered all ponds. Nineteen inches of rain were recorded seasonsof the year. Another factor may be the in November 1974 and roads were flooded changesin local weather which seemto affect These heavy rains permitted unusual insect the bird populationsfrom year to year. In 1974 reproduction for this time of year. At Frye's there was little or no rain from January until Bay, one Sunday in early February 1975, a the middle of August; the island appeared column of moths and butterflies that was 15 brown when viewed from the air and cattle, feet high extended outward from the edge of which forage uncontrolled over the island, the beach about 25 feet over water and passed starved from lack of food and water. Insects by continuouslyfor at leastfour hours. There were so scarce that Gray Kingbirds2 would must have been millions of insect larvae in the dive for bread thrown in the air. Ferns and hills above Wailings to produce this many small grasses, and shrubs in the forest area Lepidoptera. The abundanceof insectsat this above Wailings Dam were dying and large time or the widespreadrain over the area may trees wilted. Fresh water ponds dried up. well account for the unusual presence of 14 Then heavy showers began about the middle species of warblers seen above Wailingsjust of August and run-off was sufficient so that after the heavy rainsin November of that year large grassy areas were inundatedwith one to URINGTHE AUTUMNS OFt975 and 1976, three inches of water. Large flocks of migrat- rains did not begin until aroundthe first of ing shorebirdswere seenthat year, and ducks September and there was little or no run-off and coots were seen on many fresh-water until October. In fact, in 1976 there was so 2Scmntific names of birds mentioned in the text will little run-off that the main sourceof drinking be found in the annotated list below. water for the island, located at Potsworks

1096 American Birds, November 1978 Reservoir, had decreased from the normal eighteenmonths supply to seventydays. As a resultof little standingwater during the period from August until October in 1975and 1976, the numbersof migrant shorebirdsand pas- serinesseen on Antiguawere muchdiminished. In 1976,an unusualApril rain produceda large hatch of fiddler crabs (Uca spp.) which was preyed uponby a flock of 400 LaughingGulls, a Slender-billed Gull and a Lesser Black- backed Gull at McKinnon's Salt Pond. In otheryears never more than 25 LaughingGulls were seen at one time and the two other Fig. 2: Warblerhabitat of migrantand wintering species represented new records for the warblersin hills above WailingsReservoir. Photol island. J.M. Williams.

In the hilly area of the south volcaniccoast Observation sites are Christian Valley and the hills above Wai- HEREARE SEVERAL AREAS of ornithological lings.Christian Valley liesnortheast of Boggy interest on Antigua. One of these is the Peak and is between it and McKnish. This is beachwith its brackishponds at McKinnon's an area of heavy forest with high humidity Salt Pond. The beach is narrow and has about ß(most of the ferns occur in this valley), and it is 15 to 25 feet of sand.Tides do not vary more here that Ruddy and Bridled Quail-Dovesand than a foot on the island.During a dry season, both thrashersare found.The slopesof Signal the pondarea dries up completely,but during Hill to the north are paved with drainage the rainy seasonwith good run-off, 100acres ditches so that all north slope run-off feeds may be inundated with one to four inchesof into WallingsReservoir. This slopehas a sec- water. This area, located on the northwest ond growth forest but is more open and less corner of the island, is attractive to shorebirds humid than Christian Valley, with a small arrivingin thefall. Twenty-sixspecies of shore- preserve of mahogany(Swietenia mahagoni) birds have been seen on the island, most of them in this area. Least Terns and Wilson's Ploversnest on the sandin summer,and Yellow- crownedNight Heronsnest in the mangroves around the edge. On the southwestcorner of the island, fresh water at Dark Woods and brackish water at the pond north of Jolly Beach attract north- bound shorebirdsin spring. Dark Woods is a large pasture area that receivesmuch run-off and becomesa foot deepat the southedge near the woods. Gallinulcs, herons and egrets, whistling-ducksand Blue-wingedTeal, and a few migratingcoots and grebescan be found here. It is herethat GlossyIbises are seeneach November along with American Wigcon and Black-headedGulls. The brackishwater pond at Jolly Beachprovided the unusualopportu- nity of seeingtwo Curlew Sandpipersalong with a few Whitc-rumpedand Scmipalmatcd Fig. 3: Christian Valley, dry creek bed in March. Sandpipersin June 1976. In addition, Black- The Purple-throated Carib, Ruddy and Bridled quail-doves, and Scaly-breastedand Pearly-eyed necked Stilt, a few Brown Pelicansand some thrashers are seen regularly here. Photo/ J.M. shorebirdsare found here year 'round. Williams.

Voltmae32, Number 6 1097 several acres in extent. These are the usual haunts of the Blue-hooded Euphonia, wood warblers and both Zenalda Dove and White- crowned Pigeon. Fitches Creek is the drainagearea from the central part of the island around the Sugar Factory into the sea. Less than one half mile long, it is shallowwith a few channelsabout 18

F•g. 4: Fitches Creek where various species of Fig. 5: Sugar Factory Dam Reservoir #3 where shorebirds',herons, and whistling ducks can be whistlingducks, soras, gallinules and cootscan be •een Photo/T.C. Williams. seen. Photo/T.C. Williams. inches deep. Whitewood (Terrainalia spp.), island. The datesof the migrationseasons are mangrove (Avicennia nitida) and manchineel approximately February 15 to April I for (Htppomane mancinella) grow along both spring, and August 15 to October 1 for fall, banks. There are usually one or two Whim- except for the autumn warbler migration brels, a Black-bellied Plover and a few Lesser which lasts from early October through Yellowlegs to be found here at all seasons. December. In the following list, we have Whistling-ducks, herons and egrets, Belted separatedthe birds into four categories:Birds Kingfisher, and an occasionalOsprey can be seen regularly on Antigua, birds seen only seen here. A few warblers passthrough this occasionallyin recent years, birds for which area in spring. identificationwas not positive, and birds not A LARGENUMBER OF SMALL PONDS exist, seen recently on Antigua, but for which there usually man-made for collecting are previous reports. This last category may water for livestock. The larger ponds,usually reflect changesin bird habitatson the island associatedwith a dam, are used for drinking since 1967(see above). Speciesmarked with water and irrigation. These harbor various an asterisk (*) are those mentioned in Dan- waterfowl and attract the SolitarySandpiper forth (1934). in the fall. Some of the larger bodiesof water are Potsworks Reservoir, Bethesda Res- Birds seenregularly on Antigua ervolr, Sugar Factory Reservoirs and Body Ponds. *Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus podiceps). Year 'round breeding resident which is more com- In the list of birds below, all sightingshave mon in winter. Up to seven birds have been been made by the authors unless otherwise seen on BethesdaReservoir. In a large pond noted. The order and nomenclature follow the near the Sugar Factory, two adults with three A O U. Check-List and supplements(1957) immatures about one quarter the size of the and Bond (1971). Peterson et al. (1974) was adult birds were seen March 28, 1976. used for Old World species.In the following *Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus). Up to species accounts, the term resident does not sevenbirds are seenon every visit to Great Bird necessarilymean that the bird breeds on the and York Islands (both winter and summer)

1098 American Birds, November 1978 These birds display and nestalong the seaward seen at any season of the year, although 25 side of Great Bird Island in May. birds together is not unusual during spring migration. *Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). Known locally as "Brown Booby". A few regularly Louisiana Heron (Hydranassa tricolor). Generally a occur alongthe coastlinesduring the year; dur- scarce winter visitor, but has been seen ing springmigration as many as 53 adultshave between Septemberand March annually. This been seenin one large freshwaterpond at Dark bird usually remains in an area for several Woods. They are regularly seen breeding on weeks before disappearing. Hells Gate and Rabbit Islands. *Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa viola- Blue-facedBooby (Sula dactylatra). Seen only off- cea). Fairly common in mangroves near the shore between Five Islands and Redonda coastline. As many as seven breeding birds Island. have been seen in one small freshwater pond duringMay. Immaturebirds are generallyseen Brown Booby(Sula leucogaster).Seen off the north in June or July, althoughone has been seenas and west coasts of Antigua, and in the Five late as October. Islandsarea. Numbers increasegreatly during springmigrations. None known to be breeding *Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nyctt- •n Antigua. corax). One recordedon April 28, 1974at Dark Woods.This heronflew up from mangrovefor- *Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens).A est when disturbedby a gunshot.A group of few seen regularly along the coast duringthe nine was seen at Sugar Factory Reservoir #2, year. There are flocks of 20-30 birds in the July 25, 1977. harbor at St. Johnswhen fishingboats unload at the Fish Market docks. They perch on the tops Fuivous Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) A of the mastsof the fishingboats waiting for fish resident of Antigua, as many as 35 have been accidentallydropped into the waer. A colonyof seen in one flock at Colin's Reservoir. They approximately2500 nestson Barbuda. generally feed in the vicinity of Ayre's Creek duringthe day, and fly to Colin's Reservoiror *Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias). Uncommon one of the offshore islands at sunset. resident, although as many as 12 birds have been seenin one pondduring spring migration. *West Indian Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna arbo- Can most often be seen at Potsworks. rea). Locally known as the "Whistler", these whistling-ducksare year 'roundbreeding res•- *Green Heron (Butorides striatus). Uncommon res- dents. On February 1, 1976, four immature •dent; one, two, or occasionallythree are usu- birds were seen with two adults on a freshwater ally found in the larger freshwaterponds. pond near the SugarFactory and remainedfor about a month. One immature bird was seen *Little Blue Heron (Florida caerulea). An abundant with an adult at Dark Woods on November 27, breeding resident of the island, commonly 1976. Locally reported to nest 5 feet above known as the "Blue Gaulin", found at all fresh- water in low mangroves in the vicinity of water ponds and along the brackishtidewater Ayre's Creek. flats. Occasionallythey have been seenin pas- turelandswith Cattle Egrets. *White-cheeked Pintail (or Bahama Duck) (Anas bahamensis).An uncommonbreeding resident Cattle Egret (Bubulcusibis). Locally known as the that is foundin freshwaterponds and tidal areas "Cattle Gaulin", this bird is a very conspicu- both on Antiguaand the smallislands along the ous breedinginhabitant of the pasturelandsof coasts. Usually seen in small numbers, one the island, since the 1950s.There are several flock of 42 birds was seen April 25, 1976 •n large roostsof 200 - 300 birdsfound near water company with Fulvous Whistling-Ducks and at variousplaces around the island. Blue-wingedTeal. Sabjectto huntingpressure by the local population. *Great (Common)Egret (Casmerodiusalbus). Listed as rare by Bond, 1971 this bird should Blue-wingedTeal (Anas discors).Common winter now be considered a common resident. Three resident. Subject to hunting pressure, these to six birds can be seen on any trip to Dark birds are very wary of humans.Although usu- Woods or Fitches Creek, or other suitablehabi- ally seen in small groupsof 4 - 6 birds, several tats. Thirty or more together are not unusual large flocks of up to 50 have been seen, and duringspring migration. there are reports of flocks of 100+ birds on Barbuda. *SnowyEgret (Egretta thula). One to two birdsare usually seen at Dark Woods or Fitches Creek *Broad-wingedHawk (Buteoplatypterus). The com- and occasionallyat Factory Dams. It can be mon hawk of Antigua, breedingon the island,

Volume 32, Number 6 1099 there appearto be about 15pairs. They become mon resident in small numbers, with small uncommonduring Septemberand October, as increasesduring migrationperiods. ff they migrateto anotherisland during that time. *Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres). Common resident in small groups of fewer than eight *Osprey(Pandion haliaetus). Uncommon, although birds. Large groupsof up to 100birds/day seen seenduring all monthsof the year;it is possible during migration. that thesebirds migratebetween local islands. A singleOsprey was seenseveral miles at sea *CommonSnipe (Capella gallinago). Seen generally flyingfrom the direction of Guadeloupetoward in freshwater ponds between December and Antigua in March 1976.It did not appearto be April. The birds seemto remainfor a few days fishing. *Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). A year 'round *PeregrineFalcon (Falco peregrinus).Seen over resident; present are both the American and York Island and Mill Reef during March 1977, European races. About one-fifth of the rest- and reportedin this samearea duringprevious dents have the white romp. There are num- migrationseasons. Also seenabove ridges just erous North American migrantsin springand north of SignalHill March 10, 1977 fall.

*American Kestrel (Falco sparverius).Uncommon *Spotted Sandpiper(Actitis macularia). A common and probably a migrant from nearby islands, resident in small numbers, but there are no this bird is seenin smallnumbers throughout breeding records. the year. *Solitary Sandpiper(Tringa solitaria). A springand *Clapper Rail (Railas 1ongirostris).Plentiful in the fall migrant in small numbers, but there are no mangroves at Five Islands and Fitches Creek, winter resident records for Antigua. althoughnot seenin other suitablelocations. *Greater Yellowlegs(Tringa melanoleuca). A reg- Sora (Porzanacarolina). A migrantseen both spring ular spring and fall migrant, althoughin small and fall on freshwaterponds. Numerous imma- numbers; not more than six birds seenon any tures in juvenile plumageare seenduring Feb- one day. mary and March. *Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa fiavipes). A common *Common Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus). Com resident seen in all months. Large numbersof mon residentfound in manysmall ponds and in up to 300 birds in a flock passthrough dunng tidal flats near mangroves. migration. No breedingrecords.

American Coot (Fulica americana). A regularwin- Willet (Catoptrophorussemipalmatus). An uncom- ter visitor in small numbers. A flock of five was mon resident in small numbers disappeanng seen with other birds at Dark Woods Novem- during August. A nest with four eggswas seen ber 23, 1976. on Long Island May 29, 1977.

*SemipalmatedPlover (Charadrius semipalmatus). Red Knot (Calidris canutus). Fall and spnng Regularspring and fall migrantthrough Antigua migrant, never more than three seen at any in small numbers. season.

Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus). A fall migrant *Pectoral Sandpiper (Calidris melanotos).A com- only. Seen severaltimes in September1975. mon fall migrant; only a few are seenin spnng migration, mostly on the west coast of the SnowyPlover (Charadrius alexandrinus). A spring island. and fall migrant, althoughno more than three birds have been seensimultaneously, and not *White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidrisfuscicollis). A more than ten birdsduring any one season. fall migrant seenfor only a few daysin numbers of up to 60 birds in a flock; an occasionalfew *Wilson's Plover(Charadrius wilsonia). A common seen during spring migration. shorebirdbreeding on Antigua in May and June. Eight pairs were seen on the flats at *Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla). One of the Frye's Bay in June 1975. scarcestmigrants, only one or two seen each migration. *American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica). A regular fall migrant, preferringgrassy fields; *SemipalmatedSandpiper (Calidris pusilia). A rest- also seenin brackishponds and tidal flats. dent throughout the year in small numbers, although up to 400 have been seenin one day *Black-belliedPlover (Pluvialis squatarola). Com- during migration. No breedingrecords.

1100 AmericanBirds, November 1978 [Western Sandpiper (Calidris mauri). Probably a the tidal flats at McKinnon's Salt Pond. They common resident and migrant, althoughnot remained in the area for 3 - 4 weeks. known since no collections have been made of this speciesand ofC. pusilla.] Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica). Occasion- ally seen during the summer months near Sanderling (Caldiris alba). An occasionalwinter Hodges Bay. visitor;a few seenduring migrations, although never more than 1-3 at a time. *Common Tern (Sterna hirundo). Generally seen duringthe fall migrationperiod with the largest *Short-billed Dowitcher (Limnodromus griseus). number during September. Seen during all months of the year in small numbers;large flocks of up to 200 birds pass *RoseateTern (Sterna dougallii). A breedingcolony throughduring migration. [Possibly the Long- in May, on York Island at the easternend of billed Dowitchec (L. scolopaceus)is also in mixed groupswith the Short-billed;it is diffi- cult to distinguishthe two in the field.]

*Stilt Sandpiper(Micropalama himantopus). A few seen regularly during fall migration,but none has been seenin the springduring the last five years.

*Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus). Large flocksof 50-100seen during migration; a few birds remainon the tidal flats throughout the year. Baby birds have been seenin July, indicatingisland nesting.

*Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla). A common resi- dent that breeds on the offshore islands of Antigua. Although generally never seen in flockslarger than 25 birds;during April 1976, 400_+ were observedfeeding on fiddlercrabs in

o

Fig. 7: Nesting cliffs of Sooty and Noddy terns on Great Bird Island. Photo/T.C. Williams. Antigua, near Mill Reef, attracts 100_+birds each year. An occasional bird seen at other seasons.

*Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata). Uncommon, but can be seenat all seasons.Breeds in May and June on Great Bird Island and several other smaller islands on the east coast of Antigua. Several hundrednesting birds were seenMay 29, 1977 on Great Bird Island.

*Least Tern (Sterna albifrons). A commonsummer breeder, inhabitingany sandy flat area from April until September.

*Royal Tern (Sterna maxima). The most common tern in winter, althoughno more than seven Fig. 6: York Island. Red-billed Tropicbirdsand birds have been seen at a time. Scarce in Roseate Terns nest on this island. A Peregrine summer. Falconwas seen soaring directly above this spot in March 1977. Photo/J.M. Williams. *Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis). Found

Volume 32, Number 6 1101 occasionallyin largeflocks at seanear the coast *BeltedKingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon). A winter during summer.None seenin winter. visitor seen in small numbers between Septem- berand May, andfound near freshwater ponds Black Tern (Chlidonias niger). A spring and fall usually near the seacoast. migrant in small numbers. *Gray Kingbird(Tyrannus dominicensis). One of *Noddy Tern (Anousstolidus). A summerbreeder in the abundant residents, found on telephone May and June, found on Great Bird Islandand lines and other suitableperches all over the other small nearby islands. Several hundred island. were seennesting May 29, 1977,on Great Bird Island. *CaribbeanElaenia (Elaenia martinica). This com- mon resident inhabits most areas having suffi- *White-crowned Pigeon (Columba leucocephala). cient cover, but is rarely seenbecause of tts The common "Baldpate" has increased in secretivenature; one that hadcream-colored or numbers since hunting was stoppedby the gov- white tail feathersand light-coloredwings, was ernment in 1975. Previously found only in the possiblyan leucino. southern districts, it is now seen in small num- bers over the entire island. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica). A regular winter resident arriving in December and returning *Scaly-naped Pigeon (Columba squamosa). Scarce north in March. resident, generally is seen in flocks with Zen- aida and "Baldpates," but never more thanone Purple Martin (Progne subis). A scarce resident, or two birds at a time. more easily found at Great Bird Island than elsewhere, although a few are seen regularly hawking over the southernhills. Rock Dove (Columba livia). Feral; a resident bird that is common in St. Johns and some of the larger villages. *Scaly-breasted Thrasher (Margarops fuscus) A not-uncommon resident of the forested areas in the hills above Wailings Reservoir that is also *Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita). The common large dove of Antigua that is found in both forest and seen in ChristianValley. scrub "cassie". It seems able to withstand present hunting pressures. *Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus) Another resident of the forested hills above *Ground Dove (Columbina passerina). Although Wallings and Christian Valley seenas often as not generally found in the forest areas, it is an M. fuscus. The two are separablein the field by abundant small dove over the rest of the island. bill size alone, once one is familiar with these species.Both speciesare curiousand will peer from strubbery at people engaged in outdoor *Bridled Quail-Dove (Geotrygon mystacea). A few activities. seen in the more forested areas of Wailings and Christian Valley. Black-whiskeredVireo (Vireo altiloquus).This is a Ruddy Quail-Dove (Geotrygon montana). Scarce; common, but little seen, resident found at all found only in the heavilyforested areas of Wai- elevations. It is very secretivebut also very lings and Christian Valley, and only singly. noisy, especiallyduring April and May.

*Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor). A scarce *Bananaquit (Coereba fiaveola). One of the two resident of Antigua, seen most often during most abundant residents of the island, known May and June, when feedingits young. Once locally as the "Yellowbird". It eats sugarfrom one was seendisplaying in an openroadway for the tables of the hotels and entertainsguests at about 25 minutes; generally it is secretive. breakfast. The race here has the red mark just behind the bill. *Purple-throatedCarib (Eulampisjugularis). The scarcest hummingbird on Antigua, found at all Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia). One of elevations although it is most common in the the four commonwinter residentwarblers; gen- forested areas of Christian Valley. erally seenin the hillsabove Wailings.

*Green-throated Carib (Sericotes holosericeus).A Northern Parula (Parula americana).The secondof common resident most often found in the low- the common winter resident warblers is also lands, and easily seen in the gardens around found in Antigua's hill area. As many as ten of most homes. these birds have been seenduring one climb in winter in the hills above Wailings. *Antillean Crested Hummingbird (Orthorhyncus cristatus). The most common hummingbird; *Yellow Warbler (Dendroicapetechia). A common seen daily in most home gardens. resident of Antigua, found most often in the

1102 American Birds, November 1978 "cassie" scrub of the northern part of the during December 1974.Common in Barbuda island. American Wigeon (Anas americana). One bird seen *Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis). November 28, 1974on the pond at Dark Woods This is the third of the common winter resident which remained there for about a week warblers. It inhabits the wet areas of the island Another was seen in the same location in com- from Septemberuntil April. pany with Common Gallinules, American Coots and a LdsserScaup November 23, 1976 *American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla). The fourth of the most common winter resident Lesser Scaup (Aythya affinis). One female Lesser warblers that also inhabits the hills above Wai- Scaup was seen at Dark Woods in company lings and ChristianValley, from Octoberuntil with other ducks on November 23, 1976 and March. was still there two weeks later.

*Carlb Grackle (Quiscalus lugubris). A common *Ruddy Duck (Oxyurajamaicensis). One was repor- resident of Antigua, and one that is fairly easily ted locally on a smallpond near Seaview Farms tamed. On the U.S.A.F. Air Station, one can in April 1974, but was not there the following approachthese birds to within a few feet. Some day. land on people'sfingers in order to eat piecesof bread. Marsh Hawk (Circus cyaneus).One female Marsh Hawk was seen January 8, 1974 being chased Blue-hoodedEuphonia (Euphonia musica). Found by a Merlin over Fitches Creek tidal flats for only in heavily wooded areas near Ayre's about ten minutes. The Marsh Hawk flew out to Creek, and the hills of the southern areas. Most sea. easily locatedduring the mistletoeseason, eat- Merlin (Falco columbarius).One female Merlin was ing the berries; it also eats mangoesand other seen chasing a female Marsh Hawk over the fruit; seen and heard in home gardensduring Fitches Creek tidal flats on January 8, 1974 the springmonths. Not seenor heard from June After the Marsh Hawk departedout to sea, the until August. Merlin lit in the top of a smalltree and remained about 15 minutesbefore •ying north. *Scarlet Tanager (Piranga olivacea). A regular springmigrant in smallnumbers, generally seen Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis). One seen in April and May. A pair, maleand female, was October 26, 1973 in dense mangroves in the seenfeeding at the top of BoggyPeak near the pondjust below the Antigua BeachHotel. This Cable and Wireless installation where it small black bird had white flecks on its back and remainedfor two days. Only the maleis usually had a black beak. Since no other rails or galh- seen. nulesreside in this pond, there is little chanceit was anything other than the Black Rail. The *LesserAnti!lean Bullfinch (Loxigilla noctis).This is bird was in view for severalseconds at a range the other abundant resident and another tourist of about four feet and then ran into the attraction,as it alsoeats sugar from the guests' mangroves. tables at most of the hotels (see Bananaquit above). Purple Gallinule (Porphyrulamartinica). One seen on a small pond near the SugarFactory Feb- *Black-faced Grassquit (Tiaris bicolor). A common resident that inhabits the central and north side ruary 3, 1976.It remainedthere for severaldays and was seenby severalobservers. of the island; a few found in the southernhills. American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus) Birds seenonly occasionallyin recent years One seenflying north betweenFive Islandsand St. Johnsharbor March 28, 1975by MH. GlossyIbis (Plegadisfalcinellus).One bird seendur- ing the last week in November each year, feed- Long-billedCurlew (Numeniusamericanus). Three ing in the back areasof Dark Woods pond. birds seen in company with numerous Whim- brels and several Black-bellied Plovers in the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). One female seen on tidal flats near the Satellite Tracking Station a small pond near Buckleys April 28, 1974. September4, 1973. However, 500 birds were hatched and released on Antigua the previous year, Little Stint (Calidris minuta). Three seenNovember which subsequentlyvanished, so this could be 16, 1975at Fitches Creek tidal flats by CSH and one of thosebirds and not a migrant. MH; attempts to photographthe bird the fol- lowing morning were unsuccessful.This spe- Green-wingedTeal (Anas crecca carolinensis).One cies is not listed in Bond (1971). pair of adults remainedfor three weeks on the tidal flats near the Satellites?rackingStation Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea). Two seen

Volume 32, Number 6 1103 in a pond near Jolly Beach in company with seen April 28, 1974 in low shrubsat Fitches White-rumped Sandpipersand Semipalmated Creek tidal flats, by CSH, MH, and BW in good Sandpiperson June 16, 1976.Attempts to pho- light at distancesof lessthan 15feet. tograph the birds the followingmorning were unsuccessful. Worm-eating Warbler (Helmitheros vermivorus) Several birds seen during October and Novem- Buff-breasted Sandpiper (Tryngites subruficollis). ber 1974in the hills above Wailings Reservoir Three seen at Runaway Beach September9, 1974,where they remainedthree days;one was Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia). Several oiled. birds seenduring the last three daysof October 1974in the hills aboveWailings Reservoir. HudsonJanGodwit (Limosa haemastica). One seen in the pond at Antigua Beach Hotel November Cape May Warbler (Dendroica tigrina). Several 2, 1973in the late evening, but not again. birds migrated through Antigua during October and November 1974 and were seen in the hills LesserBlack-backed Gull (Larusfuscus). On April above Wailings Reservoir. 23, 1976a largegull, identifiedas L. f. graellsii, was seen at McKinnon's Salt Pond in company Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caeru- with very large flocks of Laughing Gulls; it lescens). One female seen during October to remaineduntil April 25. December 1974in the hills aboveWailings Res- ervoir, always at the sameplace. Black-headedGull (Larus ridibundus). An immature first seen on February 9, 1975at Dark Woods Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens) pond remained in the area until at least April 5, One recorded December 14, 1974 in the hills 1975;another immature seen August 24, 1976at above Wailings Reservoir. McKinnon's Salt Pond. Chestnut-sidedWarbler (Dendroica pensylvanica) Slender-billedGull (Larus genei). On April 24, 1976 One immature studied for about 20 minutes on a one was found by CSH, MH and FLH at low branch in the hills above Wallings Reser- McKinnon's Salt Pond along with the Lesser voir November 30, 1974. Black-backed mentionedabove; it remainedin the area for about a week. This speciesis not Bay-breastedWarbler (Dendroica castanea). One listed in Bond (1971). bird in winter plumageseen November 26, 1974 in low scrub near Fitches Creek. CaspianTern (Sternacaspia). One bird seenin flight near the U.S.A.F. Weather Stationbeach Aug- Blackpoll Warbler (Dendroica striata). One bird ust 23, 1973. seen June l, 1974in low shrubsnear the office of Christian Valley Project by MH and BW *Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzusamericanus). One This species was previously reported from seen November 16, 1975near Fitches Creek in Antigua by Nisbet in Hilditch et al. (1973). a small wooded area. *Prairie Warbler (Dendroicadiscolor). One sighted GuadeloupeWoodpecker (Melanerpes herminieri). November 28, 1974, althoughnot positively One bird remained in the forest above Wailings identified, in the hills above Wailings Reser- Reservoir for about a month in September voir. There are no other records since 1972, 1975. although it was previouslyreported by Nisbet in Hilditch et al. (1973)and Danforth (1934). Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). One recorded September 8, 1975 near Buccaneer *Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus). This scarce Cove, flying in from the north over the ocean migrant was seenin November and December and continuing south. It started hawking for 1974 and in November 1975 by various obser- insects after crossingthe shoreline. vers. It appearsto remain in the samearea for several days in the hills above Wailings Trembler (Cinclocerthia ruficauda). One bird Reservoir. remained in the hills above WallingsReservoir for about a month during February and March Kentucky Warbler (Oporornisformosus). Seen In 1976. Seen by CHS, AW and MW and easily December 1974 and February and November recognizedby its habit of"trembling". 1975, this scarcemigrant visits the dense shrub areaimmediately above the WailingsReservmr Yellow-throatedVireo (Vireofiavifrons). Two sight- ings: one in October 1974 in the hills above Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas). A Wallings Reservoir, and the other in February mature male identified by CSH and RB at close 1975in a patchof woodsnear FitchesCreek. range at the Sugar Factory Dam # 1 March 26, PhiladelphiaVireo (Vireo philadelphicus).One bird 1977.

1104 American Birds, November 1978 Hooded Warbler (Wilsonia citrina). Seen during Yellow-rumped(Myrtle) Warbler (Dendroica coro- October and November 1974and January 1975 nata). Previouslyreported by Gus Yaki (pets •n the hills above WailingsReservoir. comm.) from Antigua; no records for the last Yellow GrassFinch (Sicalis luteola). One male seen five years. on the JabberwockHotel groundsOctober 17, 1973. *Louisiana Waterthrush (Seiurus motacilla). Pre viouslyreported by Danforth, but neitherseen nor heard in the last five years. Birds for which identificationwas not positive

Northern Fulmar (Fulmarusglacialis). A largetube- nosed bird seen on Great Bird Island March 3, Acknowledgements 1974was tentatively identifiedas this species. E WANTTO T}tAN•C Elizabeth Metcalf, Regional Horticulture Advisor, basedin *Upland Sandpiper (Bartramia 1ongicauda). A Antigua, for her help with the horticultural singlebird seenflying over the PoliceAcademy March 21, 1974was tentativelyidentified as this information; Michael Harvey and Bryon species. Woods, both experiencedBritish birders, and Ron Barker and AI and Mona Wright for Swift (Lesser Antillean?) (Chaetura martin&a?). observations; John Beaseley for bird identi- Three swifts seenhawking over the barracksof the U.S.A.F. Air Station September 1, 1973, fication; Carl Kennedy and Les Hill for boat too late in the eveningfor goodidentification. trips out to the bird islands; Frances L Holland for observations and patience Birds not seenrecently on Antigua through the years; Timothy C. Williams and Chandler S. Robbins for their help with the *American Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber). No manuscript.Photographs were taken by J. M birds reported in this century by anyone, Williams, T. C. Williams, and Eric Pugh as although it was mentioned in Danforth from the 1800s. noted. To request reprints, please address Janet M. Williams. *Northern Pintail (Anas acuta). There are no defi- nite records for. Antigua, although Bent (1923) includes Antigua in its possiblewinter range. Local residents call White-cheeked Pintail the LITERATURE CITED "Pintail", and this could causeconfusion. American OrnithologistsUnion, 1957.Check-list of Canvasback(Aythya valisineria)Reported shot dur- North American Birds, Fifth Ed., Third print- ing hunting seasonprior to 1972,but not seenin ing. Port City Press,Inc., Baltimore(including last five years. Supplementsthrough 33rd). Bent, A. C., 1923.Life Historiesof North American *Carihbean Coot (Fulica caribaea). Not seenduring Wild Fowl. U.S. Nat. Mus. Bull. 126,p. 155. the last five years, although there are local Bond, J., 1971. Birds of the West Indies. Houghton recordsat Colin's Dam and Ayre's Creek. Mifflin Co., Boston. Danforth, S. T., 1934. The Birds of Antigua. Auk, *Bridled Tern (Sterna anaethetus). Previously Vol. LI. reported from Antigua by Danforth, but none Hilditch, C. D. M., T. C. Williams, and I. T. C seen in the last five years. Looked for at Great Nisbet, 1973. Autumnal bird migration over B•rd Island duringthe breedingseason in May, Antigua, W.I. Bird-Banding44, 171-179. but not seen. Peterson, R. T., G. Mountfort, and P. A. D Hollom, 1974. A field guide to the birds of Smooth-billedAni (Crotophagaani). One previous Britain and Europe. Collins Press, London. record by a local resident in 1963,near Holber- ton Hospital. This speciesis not uncommonon Montserrat.

*Bnrrowing Owl (Athene cunicularia).There are no -- Carroll S. Holland, 350 Glen Drive, Merritt records since Danforth. Some local residents Island, Florida 32952. Janet M. Williams, state they have seenowls [possiblyBarn Owls (Tyro alba)] up throughthe late 1950s,but there Department of Biology, Swarthmore Cob are no recent sightings. lege, Swarthmore,Pennsylvania 19081.

Volume32, Number6 1105