Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC April 14-21, 2012

Vervain Hummingbird. Photo: D. Ascanio

Leaders: David Ascanio & Kate Wallace

Compiled by: David Ascanio Victor Emanuel Nature Tours, inc. 2525 Wallington Drive, Suite 1003 Austin, TX 78746 www.ventbird.com

VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

Victor Emanuel Nature Tours

The Dominican Republic April 14-21, 2012 Leaders: David Ascanio & Kate Wallace

Photo composition. Bay-breasted Cuckoo. Photo: D. Ascanio

This was our fifth consecutive Dominican Republic tour and what a way to celebrate it: with astonishing views of a pair of Hispaniolan Crossbill and a Bay-breasted Cuckoo scoped while perched on a open branch!

The Hispaniola comprises two countries and two paleo-islands. Each of these paleo-islands (separated in the past by a sea channel) hosted unique endemic avifauna and, once joined together the gene exchange took place by birds dispersing into each of the other paleo-island. One would expect competition among species with similar niche, but instead many survived and gave to the Hispaniola an unique feature among the Antilles: it host two species of todies, a relictual population of a crossbill, two species of palm tanagers and an endemic family of birds: the Palmchat.

This year we enjoyed mild rain that actually turned in or side as we experience early morning bird activity each moment it stopped raining no matter the time of the day.

But, to bring back some of the memories of the trip a short paragraph follows for each day (extracted from my journal):

14 April 2012. Arrival to The Dominican Republic. Upon our arrival to the hotel we were welcomed with a blast of green feathers and a tropical drink at the

2 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

Hotel El Embajador. At the parking lot we enjoyed about 500 individuals of Hispaniolan Parakeet coming to roost and allowing even eye-level views from the balcony of our room while a diminutive but temperamental male Vervain Hummingbird called from the tip of a fresh leave of a Royal Palm. Such welcome to The Dominican Republic was complemented with great views of Hispaniolan Woodpecker displaying from a bare branch while two Antillean Palm Swift were soaring over our heads.

Although much of the neotropical migrants might have headed to their breeding grounds we were able to find American Redstart while enjoying the bulky nest of the only member of an unique endemic family of the Hispaniona: the Palmchat.

An early dinner accompanied by a downpour was served in a restaurant near the hotel.

15 April 2012. Los Limones. In VENT we like to stimulate local conservation actions and today was the day to help a ranger on his work tracking the most threatened Buteo in the world, the Ridgway's Hawk. For that we met Timoteo at Los Limones whom took us to a nest site where we were rewarded with views of a female feeding a juvenile with a lizard. Later, more individuals were seen soaring over the buffer zone of Los Haitises national park.

But, although we came for the hawk other endemic birds of Hispaniola showed up nicely. These were the Hispaniola Parrot and the White-necked Crow. While the first was scope while foraging on a fruiting tree the latter was enjoyed while giving its diagnostic loud vocalization. After a delicious lunch in Timoteo's house we drove to the dry scrub where we found Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo, one that we will see almost every day during the tour.

As we were leaving Los Limones we observed our first of the two endemic beauties of the island: the Broad-billed Tody. This one was nesting at side of the road while a stop along the highway next to the sea provided excellent views of a White-tailed Tropicbird.

16 April 2012. The Botanical Gardens and drive to Barahona. It is hard to believe that you can see so many endemic bird species in a city crowded with crazy traffic and mad drivers but Santo Domingo is certainly an exception! Here, Hispaniolan Parakeets fly over the street, Hispaniolan Woodpecker calls at the parking lot of the supermarket and many Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo visit the gardens to catch their favorite prey, an endemic lizard species. But, this city is also a good starting point for some of the Caribbean specialties and that includes West Indies Whistling Duck and Antillean Mango. Both species were seen nicely at the botanical gardens while Red-legged Thrush and many Palmchat (an endemic family!) where also common in the gardens.

3 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

In continuing to Barahona we decide to take lunch at the Tortuguero bay, a place where a battle to seal the independence of the Dominican Republic apparently took place. Here he had our first encounter with Greater Antillean Bullfinch while only few of us saw Black-crowned Palm Tanager. After lunch we continued to Barahona and further to El Quemaito. On arriving to the lodge we found a Vervain Hummingbird nesting, Stolid Flycatcher singing and a male Antillean Mango defending flowers. Before dinner few Antillean Nighthawks where already displaying close to the shore.

17 April 2012. El Aguacate and Zapoten. The Sierra de Bahoruco sets the international boundary between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. This mountain has an international conservation importance given its endemic species and also because it harbor the only nesting site of the Black capped Petrel.

The road reaching the highlands is rough and we had to drive throughout a river bed to gain elevation. But, this is the tropics and the unexpected will always take a chance. While passing the guard post of El Aguacate we were informed that we would probably not been able to drive in further given some problems along the road. What kind of problems these were I never knew but as a fact we had to stop at the station, have breakfast there and wait for the authorities to give us the permission to drive in further to the highlands.

While having a picnic breakfast we saw Hispaniolan Parrot in flight and added one more species to our list: the Hispaniolan Pewee. Shortly after breakfast we were announced that the road was cleared to us and for that we loaded the SUV's and rushed to the Zapoten area since it was critical to reach there before it got too warm to look for the LaSelle Thrush.

On reaching Zapoten I was concerned about the timing and the chances for seeing this rare and unique thrush. But, thanks to the team work between Miguel Angel, Kate and myself we managed to have every member of the group to see it and to enjoy it. What happened afterwards was a typical birding session in an island where you nail one endemic after the other before it is too late. While still in Zapoten we managed to see an Hispaniolan Emerald, the Hispaniolan Trogon, the diminutive and comical Narrow-billed Tody, the almost extincted Golden Swallow, the unique and beautiful Rufous- throated Solitaire, Green-tailed Warbler (Green tailed Ground Tanager) and the randomly found White-winged Warbler (Highland Tanager). Continuing our explorations in the Bahoruco mountain we later saw Hispaniolan Oriole, Antillean Siskin and the rare and shy Hispaniolan Crossbill.

Tired, but excited and pleased with the results of our day we drove back to El Quemaito for an early dinner and a celebration for a day packed with endemic birds while more Antillean Nighthawks were circling the skies above El Quemaito again.

4 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

18 April 2012. The Jaragua national park, Aceitillar, Cabo Rojo and Los Patos. This is a day for a relaxed birding but still long drives. After a breakfast in El Quemaito we drove west to cross the beautiful Jaragua national park where we had amazing views of Antillean Piculet. Later, we continue our drive through paved ground and visited what might be considered the best road in the Dominican Republic: the Alcoa road. Here, we found the endemic Flat- billed Vireo, more Golden Swallows and a distant Palm Crow.

After a picnic lunch in Aceitillar we drove down to Cabo Rojo where we add many waterbirds to our list including herons, egrets and the less common White-cheeked Pintail. In the midafternoon it was the time to return home but we decided to stop in Los Patos to give a chance to another endemic, the Ashy-faced Owl. Although in Los Patos we only heard the owl a Least Pauraque flew across the field and allowed only views in flight. A late dinner accompanied another checklist filled with interesting experiences and more endemics to add to this amazing and unique birding adventure.

19 April 2012. Rabo de Gato, Villa Barrancoli and Lago Enriquillo. Another very early morning served the table to two more endemic birds in the lower part of Sierra de Bahoruco. First, some of us nailed a White-fronted Quail- Dove walking across the road and later everyone had the opportunity to see in the scope a Bay-breasted Cuckoo perched in the subcanopy. What a moment! Seeing a species that represents the "ghost" of birding in the Dominican Republic is always a tremendous bonus in life and surely a species everyone appreciate to see.

After such exciting morning we enjoyed a late breakfast in Rabo de Gato where more todies accompanied cereal, boiled eggs, yogurt, milk and fresh Dominican coffee.

We continued our day with a drive to Lago Enriquillo where Palm Crows were seen incredibly well by one of the SUV but failed to get it for the second one. Therefore, we decided to drive back to the lodge, take a siesta and return in the afternoon for a second try.

After a deserved rest we returned to Lago Enriquillo and this time we had closer views of the Palm Crow but failed to see the Ashy-faced Owl in the evening. A Greater Antillean (Hispaniolan) Nightjar was seen along the drive back to the lodge. A late evening arrival gave us the time just for a quick dinner and head to sleep.

20 April 2012. Cachote and the colonial zone of Santo Domingo. Another very early morning found us in the steep road of Cachote where a mild rain welcomed our presence with a concert of Rufous-throated Solitaire singing and other passerine delivering the dawn song. Here, we had to work really hard to see the Eastern Chat Tanager but after a good effort we had everyone to see it nicely. Also, more Hispaniolan Spindalis were forraging in fruiting trees while a Hispaniolan Trogon sang from the midstory. Rain started again

5 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio and we drove back to the lodge where juts had the time to photograph the Vervain Hummingbird nesting, packed, load the SUV´s and start our drive back to Santo Domingo. Once there, we had an afternoon walk around the colonial zone with a local guide whom interpreted to us the buildings and historical aspects of the time of the discovery of the Americas. A delicious dinner in Santo Domingo marked the end of this birding adventure, which surely will remain as one of the most rugged and difficult but rewarding experiences in our life time!

Happy group after seeing the Hispaniolan Crossbill

Hispaniolan Parakeet and Hispaniolan Woodpecker, Photo: D. Ascanio.

6 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

The Birdlist. The birdlist follows the AOU taxonomy. Alternative names given in Clements and other sources are also indicated in the text accompanying the species.

Anatidae West Indian Whistling-Duck. Dendrocygna arborea (monotypic). About 10 individuals were observed preening at the Botanical Gardens. White-cheeked Pintail. Anas bahamensis. We enjoyed great views of a pair in Cabo Rojo.

Podicipedidae Least Grebe. Tachybaptus dominicus dominicus. Adults were seen with juveniles in Los Limones, the botanical gardens and along the Rabo de Gato trail, near Puerto Escondido.

Phaethontidae White-tailed Tropicbird. Phaethon lepturus. We enjoyed an individual flying long the Caribbean sea in the southern side of the island.

Fregatidae Magnificent Frigatebird. Fregata magnificens (monotypic). This species was seen regularly on the drives along the coastal areas.

Pelecanidae Brown Pelican. Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis. About nine individuals were seen throughout the tour.

Ardeidae Great Blue Heron. Ardea herodias. Observed in Los Limones, Cabo Rojo (White morph) and near Santo Domingo. Great Egret. Ardea alba egretta. We observed about even individuals along the tour. Snowy Egret. Egretta thula thula. The number of individuals per year keeps fluctuating: In 2009 we observed more than a dozen individuals. In 2010 only a pair was seen. The following year (2011) we saw more than 25 individuals in Cabo Rojo but this year only a pair was found in Los Limones and none in Cabo Rojo. Tricolored Heron. Egretta tricolor ruficollis. One immature was observed in Los Limones and none in Cabo Rojo (30 were seen last year). Cattle Egret. Bubulcus ibis ibis. We reported daily views in pastures and open areas. The first record of the species in the Americas dates back to 1877 when Haverschmidt reported for Suriname. Green Heron. Butorides virescens virescens. Single individuals were observed in small wetlands across the country. This species is sometimes considered conspecific with Striated Heron (Butorides striatus). Yellow-crowned Night-Heron. Nyctanassa violacea bancrofti. A single individual was observed near the swimming pool of El Quemaito lodge.

7 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

Cathartidae Turkey Vulture. Cathartes aura aura. This species was common around Los Limones at the buffer zone of Los Haitises national park. It is absent elsewhere in the island. This is one of the southernmost breeding populations of the red-nape form of North America.

Accipitridae Seeing Accipitridae in island is both interesting and fascinating due to the isolation force working on the populations. Since most birds of prey need land bridges to migrate it is most likely that they become trapped in a small territory when reaching these islands by accident. Here is where takes place the evolution-at-work shaping a new species or subspecies. Ridgway's Hawk. Buteo ridgwayi. Endemic to Hispaniola. In our visit to los Limones we enjoyed views of a female bringing a dead lizard to a juvenile. Notice that plumage and voice resembles that of Roadside Hawk (Buteo magnirostris) of South America. Maybe there is a genetic link to it! We saw 4 individuals in total. Red-tailed Hawk. Buteo jamaicensis jamaicensis. Seen soaring Sierra de Bahoruco national park repeated times.

Falconidae American Kestrel. Falco sparverius dominicensis. We enjoyed this small bird of prey almost every day and noticed the very pale underparts of the race inhabiting Hispaniola.

Rallidae Common Moorhen. Gallinula chloropus cerceris. Various individuals were seen throughout the week.

Aramidae Limpkin. Aramus guarauna elucus. We were surprised again (for third consecutive year) to listen this species giving its melancholic voice near El Aguacate in the Sierra de Bahoruco since there was no running water in the vicinity. It was also seen in Cachote.

Charadriidae Killdeer. Charadrius vociferus ternominatus. Seen by everyone along the road to Zapoten. The North American race vociferus have been also documented to reach the Dominican Republic during the wintering migration. Wilson´s Plover. Charadrius wilsonia. Three individuals were observed in Cabo Rojo.

Recurvirostridae Black-necked Stilt. Himantopus mexicanus. A pair was documented in Los Limones and additional twelve were seen in Lago Enriquillo.

Scolopacidae Willet. Tringa semipalmata. Heard in Cabo Rojo.

8 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

Ruddy Turnstone. Arenaria interpres. Five individuals were observed in Cabo Rojo. Semipalmated Sandpiper. Calidris pusilla. The single individual seen in Cabo Rojo might be this species given the size of the bill and plumage in the back.

Laridae Laughing Gull. Leucophaeus atricilla. Various individuals were seen near Santo Domingo.

Columbidae Usually overlooked, some members of this family can show an incredible set of plumage coloration. In the DR we nailed nine species of this family! Rock Pigeon. Columba livia. Common in urban areas. Seen daily. Scaly-naped Pigeon. Patagioenas squamosa (monotypic). This species was seen in the Sierra de Bahoruco national park at elevations above 1000 meters. We reported about 5 individuals. Plain Pigeon. Patagioenas inornata inornata. This one was seen in the Rabo de Gato trail. Apparently, this is the less numerous wild pigeon in the island. White-winged Dove. Zenaida asiatica asiatica. This species was fairly common throughout the country. Zenaida Dove. Zenaida aurita zenaida. This one is less common than other members of the genus but the one with the most striking plumage. We managed to see about ten individuals in the slopes of Sierra de Bahoruco. As other memebers of the family, this species was found in a quarry where they usually swallow small pebbles to help grind up the seeds in their muscular gizzards. Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura macroura. This species was common in Santo Domingo and in Barahona. Common Ground-Dove. Columbina passerina insularis. This species was also common in Santo Domingo and in the arid areas of the SW region of the country. This is the smallest Columbidae in the Dominican Republic. Key West Quail-Dove. Geotrygon chrysia. Only a single individual was seen by the Haines and your VENT leader. White-fronted Quail-Dove. Geotrygon leucometopia. Endemic to Hispaniola. A single individual was glimpsed walking across the road in the slopes of Sierra de Bahoruco.

Psittacidae Parrots and parakeets are an important part of the wildlife of the Antilles. Many endemic species of this family has suffer dramatic population decline due to the illegal trade. Although nowadays there is more awareness about the importance to protect the parrots and parakeets of the Antilles, pressure from the illegal pet trade business remains. Hispaniolan Parakeet. Aratinga chloroptera chloroptera. Endemic to Hispaniola. We enjoyed scope views of several individuals in Hotel El Embajador where we estimated about 300 to 500 individuals. Additionally, few

9 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio pairs were seen in the colonial zone of Santo Domingo. This species has been suggested to be conspecific with White-eyed Parakeet Aratinga leucophthalmus. Hispaniolan Parrot. Amazona ventralis (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. We were rewarded with a scope view of a pair in Los Limones. Later, we observed flying pairs in Zapotén and in Aceitillar. The species is currently considered as Vulnerable under the IUCN standards.

Cuculidae Mangrove Cuckoo. Coccyzus minor (monotypic). A single individual was seen near Cabo Rojo. Bay-breasted Cuckoo. Coccyzus rufigularis. This was arguably the BIRD OF THE TRIP! We all enjoyed amazing views of an individual moving across the canopy and later perched for several minutes. Scoped! Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo. Coccyzus (Saurothera) longirostris longirostris. Endemic to Hispaniola. We saw this impressive long-billed cuckoo in repeated times. Although it is widespread and tolerate human disturbance it is not numerous. Smooth-billed Ani. Crotophaga ani. Daily views.

Strigidae Burrowing Owl. Athene cunicularia troglodytes. Few individuals were seen near Puerto Escondido and along the road to the Sierra de Bahoruco.

Caprimulgidae Previously refered as the goatsuckers, the nighthawks and nightjars can be difficult to identify in the field. Aspects such as voice, habits and habitat are relevant for field identification. Antillean Nighthawk. Chordeiles gundlachii. Various individuals were observed flying above the shore line contiguous to Barahona. Least Poorwill (Least Pauraque). Siphonorhis brewsteri (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. One individual flew at side of us while we were searching for the Ashy-faced Owl. Later, a second individual was seen near Lago Enriquillo. This species was formerly considered conspecific with the Jamaican Porwill (S. americana).

Apodidae Black Swift. Cypseloides niger. Three individuals were observed flying along with a flock of White-collared Swift near Barahona. These swifts were apparently flying to the roosting site. White-collared Swift. Streptoprocne zonaris. A large flock of more than 20 individuals was seen near Barahona. Antillean Palm-Swift. Tachornis phoenicobia phoenicobia. Fairly common in the lowlands were feeds with a mix of circular flights and glides, or with fast wing beats. This species is particularly large compared with other palm-swift species in South America. Although the size difference is not relevant this case can be taken as an example of gigantism as a consequences of island isolation.

10 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

Trochilidae Hummingbirds are mainly found in the neotropics getting its highest richness in the Andes. In the Antilles we can see fewer individuals but most are either endemic species of a given island or restricted to the Caribbean region. Antillean Mango. Anthracothorax dominicus. This species was seen almost every day from the lowlands up to the highlands and from the forest edge to well inside forested habitats. Hispaniolan Emerald. Chlorostilbon swainsonii (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. We enjoyed very close views of this large-headed emerald in the Sierra de Bahoruco. The conical forehead suggests that is closer to Heliodoxa rather than a member of the Chlorostilbon. Its robustness and deep forked tail is another odd aspect of this species since most of the members of the genus Chlorostilbon are small and delicate. Vervain Hummingbird. Mellisuga minima vieillota. A pair was seen at the Botanical Gardens. It was also seen in El Quemaito (nesting) and near Zapotén. This species is fond to perch atop the vertical spike of the fresh leaves in the Royal Palms while calling frequently. It is the second smallest hummingbird in the world.

Trogonidae Hispaniolan Trogon. Priotelus roseigaster (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. Five individuals were enjoyed singing near Zapotén and a nother pair in Cachote.

Todidae Fossil evidence suggests that todies evolved from Central America but became extinct for unknown reasons. Five species remain in the Great Antilles and two are represented in Hispaniola. Todies are relatives of the motmots and more distantly to the kingfishers. Broad-billed Tody. Todus subulatus (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. This is the commonest of the todies in Hispaniola and is found in almost every lowland habitat. We saw it almost every day but never got tired of its bright colors and cartoon-like shape and behavior! The specific name subulatus refers to the shape of its bill (broad). Narrow-billed Tody. Todus angustirostris (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. This species is less widespread than the previous one and usually is found at higher elevations. We enjoyed 3 pairs in a short transect of Sierra de Bahoruco and saw another pair in Cachote. The specific name angustirostris refers to the narrow bill of it.

Picidae Antillean Piculet. Nesoctites micromegas (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. We heard an individual near El Aguacate and saw a pair closely in Jaragua national park. Its enormous size is a relevant aspect specially when hen compared with the species found in South America. The genus Nesoctites refers to the fact that is an island species with nesos meaning island and ktites meaning an inhabitant.

11 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

Hispaniolan Woodpecker. Melanerpes striatus (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. This one was seen every day and many pairs were seen nesting. This species is quite tolerant to human presence and seems to adapt well to farmland, urban areas and other open areas.

Tyrannidae Tyrant Flycatchers are members of a cosmopolitan family found in most continents. Species rank from micro-habitat specialists to great generalists. The highest richness occurs in the tropics of America while in the islands the number of species drops dramatically. Only five species were seen in our trip. Greater Antillean Elaenia. Elaenia fallax cherriei. A pair in Zapotén was the only one seen in the whole tour. Hispaniolan Pewee. Contopus hispaniolensis (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. This was another species found in the Sierra de Bahoruco and El Aguacate guard station. This species was formerly part of Greater Antillean Pewee that turned out to be split into four species. Stolid Flycatcher. Myiarchus stolidus dominicensis. A common species found mainly in scrubby vegetation in the lowlands. The genus Myiarchus is widespread in South America with many look-alike species that are best told by voice. The Stolid Flycatcher was seen regularly in Sierra de Bahoruco, Rabo de Gato and El Quemaito. Gray Kingbird. Tyrannus dominicensis dominicensis. Many pairs or individuals were seen or heard during the trip. Loggerhead Kingbird. Tyrannus caudifasciatus flavescens. A pair was seen below El Aguacate guard post. Later, a single one was found on the road to Cachote.

Vireonidae Flat-billed Vireo. Vireo nanus. Endemic to Hispaniola. We enjoyed great views of a pair along the Alcoa road. Black-whiskered Vireo. Vireo altiloquus altiloquus. Heard every day. Seen at the botanical gardens.

Corvidae Palm Crow (Hispaniolan Palm Crow). Corvus palmarum (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola We had superb views of five individuals in Lago Enriquillo. This species is considered by some taxonomists to be conspecific with the Cuban Palm Crow, C. minutus. White-necked Crow. Corvus leucognaphalus (monotypic).. Endemic to Hispaniola. We enjoyed scope views of a pair in Los Limones. Also heard in Rabo de Gato trail.

Hirundinidae Caribbean Martin. Progne dominicensis. Some tour participants found this species at the international airport going in and coming out from a joint between the gate and the main building. Golden Swallow. Tachycineta euchrysea sclateri. Almost endemic to Hispaniola as the populations of Jamaica have been extirpated. We had

12 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio great views of about 5 individuals in Zapotén. It was also seen in Aceitillar. This species is apparently extincted in Jamaica. If you have birded in South America you might have notice its resemblance with the Blue-and-white Swallow. Cave Swallow. Petrochelidon fulva fulva. We had great views of about 6 individuals at the aquarium parking area. Cliff Swallow. Petrochelidon pyrrhonota. A single individual was observed in Cabo Rojo. Barn Swallow. Hirundo rustica. Approx a dozen individuals were observed in Cabo Rojo.

Turdidae Rufous-throated Solitaire. Myadestes genibarbis montanus. What a beautiful bird! It voice sounds like a musician giving short and pause blows throughout a flute. Its high frequency whistle was enjoyed while we searched for LaSelle Thrush and other endemic species in Zapotén. We enjoyed a pair singing from a exposed branch and it seemed like one individual wasn't sure about what to do with our presence! Bicknell's Thrush. Catharus bicknelli. 3 individuals were seen in the upper part of Cachote road. A very good species and indeed very difficult to find in the DR. La Selle Thrush. Turdus swalesi swalesi. Endemic to Hispaniola Along with the Bay-breasted Cuckoo and the Hispaniolan Crossbill this species ranks among the most difficult-to-find endemic of the island. In fact, only few years ago it was a dream to see this species. Thanks to the efforts of the local birding group and researchers working in the Bahoruco hills we have learned about the habits of the species. This year we enjoyed a pair singing and foraging close to the ground near Zapotén. Red-legged Thrush. Turdus plumbeus ardosiaceus. This long-legged thrush is the commonest and most widespread Turdidae in Hispaniola. We saw it almost every day.

Mimidae Northern Mockingbird. Mimus polyglottos orpheus. Widespread. Many individuals were observed in open areas and arid scrub. The specific name polyglottos makes reference to the mimic capabilities of it!

Dulidae Monotipic and endemic family of Hispaniola represented by only one species, the Palmchat. Palmchat. Dulus dominicus (monotypic).. Endemic to Hispaniola This is the national bird of the Dominican Republic and there is a good reason for it. First, it is widespread and very vocal. Second, it builds bulky and conspicuous nests in palm trees. And third, the Ridgwayʼs Hawk use the Palmchat nest to bulds its rough platform that serves as a nesting site. The genus Dulus refers to the name given by the local people and apparently makes reference to the subservient behavior of the species to other birds in contrast to that of the Gray Kingbird that is usually aggressive.

13 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

Parulidae Northern Parula. Parula americana. We saw an individual in the botanical gardens. It was also seen in Zapoten and Rabo de Gato trail. Yellow Warbler. Dendroica petechia. 3 individuals ere observed in Cabo Rojo. Cape May Warbler. Dendroica tigrina. A single individual was seen in Hotel El Embajador. Black-throated Blue Warbler. Dendroica caerulescens (caerulescens?). Four individuals were observed in Sierra de Bahoruco. Its resemblance with the Highland Tanager drives to confusing identification in the field. Pine Warbler. Dendroica pinus chrysoleuca (resident race). 3 individuals were seen on the Alcoa road. Black-and-white Warbler. Mniotilta varia. One individual was seen on the gardens of Hotel El Embajador. It was also seen in the Botanical Gardens and Rabo de Gato trail. American Redstart. Setophaga ruticilla. Common. This species was seen in every location. Ovenbird. Seiurus aurocapilla aurocapilla. The first individual was seen in Zapotén and a second individual was fiund in the Rabo de Gato trail. Northern Waterthrush. Parkesia (Seiurus) noveboracensis. One individual was seen in the Botanical Gardens. Common Yellowthroat. Geothlypis trichas trichas. One individual was seen in a small wetland near Los Limones. Note about the following two species. Genetic studies have revealed that Microligea and Xenoligea are close relatives to Phaenicophilus (the palm-tanagers) and thus suggesting that both species are indeed tanagers, not warblers. The controversy to whether are warblers or tanagers remains so they are retained here with the traditional taxonomy. Green-tailed Warbler (Green-tailed Ground-Tanager). Microligea palustris palustris / vasta. Endemic to Hispaniola. A single individual was seen in El Aguacate guard station and a pair was also observed in Zapoten. The genus Microligea means “a small warbler” while the specific name palustris suggests tha inhabit marshy or boggy areas. Apparently it was first collected in areas of dense vegetation with damp ground hence the specific name. White-winged Warbler (Highland Tanager). Xenoligea montana (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. We enjoyed amazing views of this always-active species that joins feeding flocks. We saw 3 individuals in Zapotén.

Genus incerta sedis Bananaquit. Coereba flaveola bananivora. This species was seen every day from disturbed habitat to edge of forest. Its bill shape and voice resembles that of the Central America populations.

14 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

Thraupidae This family is represented in Hispaniola by few species and most are endemic to the island. Of special interest are the two chat-tanagers (Calyptophilus sp.). These were once considered two races of the same species but given genetic work it have been accepted as two separate species, both endemic of Hispaniola. Black-crowned Palm-Tanager. Phaenicophilus palmarum (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola This species is locally named “Cuatro Ojos” (Four-eyes) referring to the plumage of the head having four white spots. It was seen almost every day but never in large numbers. Western Chat-Tanager. Calyptophilus tertius (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. We had to work a bit hard to get this one in Sierra de Barahona but once we found it was enjoyed by everyone. Eastern Chat-Tanager. Calyptophilus frugivorus (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. This species was first seen by a VENT tour back in 2006. Previously it was believed that it was found only in the central mountain range. Recent studies of the population in Cachote demonstrate that it was indeed this species! Opposite to last year, only a pair was observed. Maybe, it was the rain or the mist that forced ut to work harder than normal to see it. Hispaniolan Spindalis. Spindalis dominicensis. Endemic to Hispaniola. Everyone loved the small family groups foraging on berries along the road to Zapotén (Sierra de Barahona). It was also seen in the Cachote road. This is certainly one of the most beautiful endemic species of Hispaniola. The genus Spindalis is endemic to the Greater Antilles.

Emberizidae Yellow-faced Grassquit. Tiaris olivaceus olivaceus. This species is widespread throughout the Dominican Republic. It was seen in most of the lowland locations. Greater Antillean Bullfinch. Loxigilla violacea affinis. The first encounter to a bullfinch was at noon in Tortuguero. Later, in the Sierra de Bahoruco we found family groups. The genus Loxigilla makes reference to the heavy bill of the bullfinches.

Icteridae Greater Antillean Grackle. Quiscalus niger niger. This species is fairly common and widespread but usually shy and difficult to see (Inversely proportional in Puerto Rico). A group was seen at the entrance of Rabo de Gato. Greater Antillean Oriole (Hispaniolan Oriole). Icterus dominicensis (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola, by some. We saw one individual in Los Limones and another individual in Haiti (from the international border). This species is sometimes treated as Hispaniolan Oriole, endemic species of the island. Originally, the Greater Antillean Oriole was considered part of the Black-cowled Oriole (Icterus prosthemelas).

15 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

Fringillidae Hispaniolan Crossbill. Loxia megaplaga (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. We enjoyed amazing views of two pairs in Sierra de Bahoruco. Antillean Siskin. Carduelis dominicensis (monotypic). Endemic to Hispaniola. We managed to see a male thoughout the scope in Zapoten. This species is apparently declining due to habitat loss.

Introduced Species. Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl. Numida meleagris. A loose group was found along the Rabo de Gato trail.

Columbidae Rock Pigeon. Columba livia. It is common and widespread in Santo Domingo and in Barahona.

Psittacidae Olive-throated Parakeet. Aratinga nana. Presumably introduced. There are no early records for the Dominican Republic. In our tour we saw a a flock of 10 individuals in Rabo de Gato trail. This species was first documented in 1995 but is expanding its range rapidly. Ornithologists have expressed concern about the possible competition with the endemic Hispaniola Parakeet Aratinga chloroptera.

Passeridae House Sparrow. Passer domesticus. Common in urban areas. Seen daily.

Ploceidae A bird family of Sub-Saharan Africa, consisting on heavy bill species specialized for eating seeds. The only member of the family in our continent was brought by pet traders and is currently found in wild populations in some Caribbean islands and in other countries of South America. Village Weaver. Ploceus cucullatus. A small family group was seen at the entrance of Rabo de Gato. Earliest records in Hispaniola date for the late 18th century.

Amphibians, Reptiles and Fishes. Bufonidae Marine Toad. Bufo marinus. Barahona.

Ranidae American Bullfrog. Rana catesbeiana. Rabo de Gato.

Teiidae Whip-tailed Lizard. Cnemidophorus sp. Common around Hotel El Embajador.

16 VENT 2012 The Dominican Republic. D. Ascanio

Polychrotidae Bark Anole. Anolis distichus. Los Limones. Hispaniolan Green Anolis. Anolis chlorocyanus. Los Limones. Large-headed Anole. Anolis cybotes. Los Limones.

References. Jobling, James. 1991. A Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names. Oxford University Press. Latta, S., C. Rimmer, A Keith, J. Wiley, H. Raffaelle, K. McFarland & E. Fernandez. 2006. Birds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Pirinceton Field Guides. Raffaelle, H., J. Wiley, O. Garrido, A. Keith & J. Rafaelle. A Guide to the Birds of the West Indies. Princeton University Press.

Ridgwayʼs Hawk. Photo: D. Ascanio.

17