Greater Antilles

Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico (and Cayman Islands)

Todies and Tyrants

A Greentours Tour Report

th th 27 November to 18 December 2014

Led by Paul Cardy

Trip report written by Paul Cardy

Introduction

This ambitious tour of all the main Greater Antillean islands gives the chance to see a wealth of single island and regional endemic birds, butterflies and reptiles. Some 110 endemic birds were recorded, including all five of the world’s todys, endemic to the region. Our trip took us through five remarkably contrasting countries and cultures. Beautiful scenery, from the misty Blue Mountains of Jamaica, to the swamps of Cuba’s Zapata peninsula, Dominican Republic’s forested mountains, and the Guanica Dry Forest in Puerto Rico characterised the journey. A remarkably varied tour, illustrated by the Cuban example of watching Blue-headed Quail-Doves on forest trails in Zapata, and also experiencing the vibrancy of fascinating Old Havana. A feature was the incredible views we had of many rare endemic birds, such as Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo and both endemic parrots on Jamaica; Bee Hummingbird, Fernadina’s Flicker, and Zapata Wren on Cuba; Hispaniolan Woodpecker and Black-crowned Palm-Tanager in Dominican Republic; and Elfin Woods Warbler on Puerto Rico. There were some very special butterflies too such as Grand Cayman Swallowtail, Jamaican Monarch, two species of Anetia, Haitian Snout, Haitian Admiral, Cuban Emperor, Dusky Emperor, Cuban Lucinia, Cuban Dagger Tail, seven species of Calisto, and Haitian Pygmy Skipper. One area in Hispaniola, discovered on the previous visit, proved especially good for butterflies. An added attraction is some good snorkeling opportunities, and the bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, lit by phosphorescent dinoflagellates.

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JAMAICA

Day 1 Thursday 27th November Arrival in Jamaica

Most of us met at Heathrow, from where we flew to Miami. There immigration and security procedures were really not too bad at all, and we had the ideal amount of time for the connection. The fact this was Thanksgiving Day meant many empty seats on the flight, and a rather quiet Miami airport as many people were not traveling today.

The short flight to Kingston was in the early evening and we had good views of the lights of Cuba en route. Our arrival in Jamaica coincided with Joerg’s Delta flight from Atlanta, so although it was good that all the group were now here, the queues at immigration were rather long with two large aircraft arriving at once. As usual Kingston airport was a pleasure, and the staff were welcoming and friendly. Rico, our driver was there to meet us as arranged and after sorting a few practicalities such as changing money and stocking up on bottled water, we set off, driving around the outskirts of Kingston and up along the windy roads into the Blue Mountains. At Strawberry Hill the gate staff finally let us in (!) and we very gladly settled into the good rooms, the balconies affording fine views down to the sprawling lights of Kingston. The two note calls of the frog Eleutherodactylus johnstonei were a constant soundtrack.

I’d phoned ahead from the airport and asked the restauarant to stay open for us, ordering the Thanksgiving Day menu for all. This we enjoyed on the verandah, pleased to now be in tranquil surroundings, tired but full of enthusiasm for the forthcoming tour.

Day 2 Friday 28th November Blue Mountains

We were keen to be up and exploring the lovely gardens of Strawberry Hill, where the views down to the expanse of Kingston were still stunning. Drinking my tea on the balcony I watched Black- throated Blue Warblers and Vervain Hummingbirds, and White-chinned Thrush was much in evidence.

We met at the beautiful small restaurant for an excellent breakfast. This was a leisurely affair, but there was much to watch while we waited. Bananaquits kept us amused, and Turkey Vulture occasionally soared over. There was also a Red-tailed Hawk in the air. The surrounding trees comprised a mixture such as West Indian Mahogany, Blue Mahoe, Mango, Caribbean Pine, and Teak. The butterflies Zebra Heliconians and Cloudless Sulphurs were already on the wing, and Canna Skipper was seen. There were several of the lizard Anolis garmani, the green adults with orange dewlaps being particularly attractive.

After breakfast we set out on an exploratory walk of a track outside the hotel perimeter, a fine level path. A weedy patch of flowers attracted many butterflies, especially nectaring on the Tridax procumbens. Highlight was probably the attractive endemic satyrid Calisto zangis. There were several

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Dryas iulia, the tailed skipper Urbanus proteus, and the lovely green hairstreak Chlorostrymon simaethis, also seen here on our last visit.

Little Sulphur, Tailed Orange, Dina Yellow, Barred Yellow, and Dainty Sulphur represented the pierids, and Gulf Fritillary, Gold-spotted Aguna, and Common Dusky Wing continued the variety.

Among the flowers there were widespread weedy species such as Emilia fosbergii, and Desmodium species, and regional specialities such as the iris Butterball Trimezia martinicensis, and the sedge Dichromena colorata.

The buzz of the wings of the many stunning Red-billed Streamertails was a more or less constant accompaniment. Zenaida Dove and Yellow-faced Grassquit were here too, and the endemic Arrow- headed Warbler was in the gardens.

Rico and Joan arrived and we drove up to Hardwar Gap, a beautiful short journey to the fascinating habitat on either side of the pass above the hotel. The roads were as ever twisty and slow even though the distance on a map seems so short.

Through the garrison settlement of Newcastle and once in good habitat I chose a first stop. Here Orangequit, Arrow-headed Warbler, Jamaican Woodpecker, and Jamaican Spindalis were among the birds. The red gesneriacean Achimenes erecta was in flower, as was the monocot Hypoxis decumbens. An interesting red flowered terrestrial orchid was probably Sacoila lanceolata. The mistletoe with flattened stems was Dendrophthora opuntioides, and the cactus Rhipsalis baccifera tumbled from branches. The pink flowered sorrel was Oxalis debilis corymbosa, the attractive Browallia americana was in flower, and the allium like Nothoscordum inodorum was naturalised here. Bidens reptans tomentosa had pinnate leaves, and the broom like composite was Baccharis scoparia.

Butterflies were fewer at this higher altitude, but the endemic Eurema adaamsi was seen, within view of Newcastle, where the specimen painted in the Riley field guide was taken. Many Zebras were on the wing.

Lunch was conviently eaten in a cafe just below the pass, although the selection was somewhat limited, most things on the menu being unavailable! Red-billed Streamertails were much in evidence at the feeders here, and we also saw Black-faced Grassquits. A rather wet Merlin perched atop a bare tree was a surprise record.

The clouds had gathered and there was a little rain, and in the afternoon the northern side of the pass was rather wet and foggy. Nevertheless we walked slowly down the road towards the village of Section. There were several of the endemic White-eyed Thrush, and the endemic Rufous-tailed Flycatcher was seen. Tree Ferns were now a feature and there were more lush epiphytes on this side of the pass.

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Perhaps our main target here was the elusive and unobtrusive icterid, Jamaican Blackbird. This unusual species forages in bromelaids and along mossy trunks. This site and one in the north-east, are the two most reliable in which to find this scarce species. Today we had brief views of one of these special birds, in the mist, and that would be all this year. Last visit we had fine prolonged views in fine conditions at almost the same spot.

The Melastomataceae were a feature of the area, with species of Conostegia, Mecranium, Meriania, and Miconia. Piper aduncum had distinctive recurved flower spikes, and the climbing bamboo Chusquea abietifolia scrambled over the vegetation. The endemic Schefflera sciadophyllum was here, and the begonias were Begonia glabra and Begonia minor. The roadsides were dominated by the alien ginger Hedychium coronarium.

A highlight was the two Jamaican Todies that I spotted as we walked. This was the first representative of an endemic Greater Antillean family that we would see all five members of during the tour. Nearly every individual allowed a close approach and fine views.

The weather showed little sign of improving so we decided it was best to head back, along the windy roads to the lodge. We had enjoyed a very productive first day. That evening at dinner we admired a very small snake, a young Arrhyton funereum, small enough to fit in a specimen pot!

Day 3 Saturday 29th November Blue Mountains, Kingston, to Port Antonio

The rain overnight had to be heard to be believed, it was heavy and relentless. At dawn it lightened a little, but unfortunately the day remained very wet indeed, the whole island experiencing a cold front arriving from North America. We left at 6 a.m. and drove back up to Hardwar Gap to spend the first part of the morning in the fine habitat there. There were even a few short periods when the rain abated enough, and the dry spells enabled us to see several things of interest. But it was very frustrating to know how productive the area is and that the weather greatly limited our findings today. The drive up was exciting with water rushing down the road where streams and fords had overflowed onto the tarmac.

On the northern side of the pass we made our first stop and waited inside the vehicles for the rain to ease of. When it did so briefly we got out and managed to see a few things of interest although the constantly moving vegetation due to rain and dripping trees, and the poor visibility, were far from ideal.

Endemic Ring-tailed Pigeons flew across the forested slopes, and Jamaican Euphonia was new for us. Olive-throated Parakeets flew noisily past. Jamaican Pewee perched at the forest edge, where a large green Anolis was torpid in this cool weather. Also seen this morning were Jamaican Woodpecker, Blue Mountain Vireo, Jamaican Spindalis, and I saw a female Jamaican Becard. Black-faced Grassquit was much in evidence, and there were Greater Antillean Bullfinches.

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Back at the hotel we had an hour to pack before heading down to Kingston. There a short supermarket stop enabled me to stock up on lunch supplies before we headed north. It was still raining heavily even down here in the city.

Rico and Joan drove a confusing route through the affluent areas of the city until we reached a road that took us north, following the Wag Water River valley almost all the way to the north coast. The water level of the river was quite something today after all the rain, with amazing quantities of rushing brown water. It really was spectacular.

The Caribbean was very choppy today, but the journey along the coast scenic, through attractive small towns such as Buff Bay, and Hope Bay, and we even passed through Norwich. Port Antonio was also a beautifully situated larger town, with Navy Island impressively offshore. Magnificent Frigatebirds were common. Our hotel was a little east of town, amid fine lush gardens and forest edge, with fine views down to the coast. At one point were many Turkey Vultures in the air.

After checking in we were immediately out in the grounds for the remainder of the afternoon.

It was the birds that featured most here, and in this relatively small area many of the endemics were present. This far east the Red-billed is more or less replaced by the Black-billed Streamertail, which we saw almost instantly. Jamaican Mango was a feature of the hummingbird feeders in the garden and we had fine views of this species too.

American Kestrel fed on prey in a tree, perhaps a bat, and Loggerhead Kingbirds were common. White-crowned Pigeon was a feature of the area.

As I write this a constant background of chirping Eleutherodactylus planirostris frogs is our soundtrack, and I’ll soon set out in search of them. This is the introduced Cuban Flathead Landfrog.

Day 4 Sunday 30th November John Crow Mountains

We left the hotel at 6.30 a.m. and drove east along the attractive coast road before taking a road inland which reaches the fine forested habitat of the eastern slopes of the John Crow Mountains. Rico and I soon recognised the road this time after our previous visits. Nearing our destination a stop was prompted by a small flock of Yellow-billed Parrots, and then several others were seen, as well as Jamaican Crow, with its distinctive outline. Pleased to see these two endemics so quickly we drove a short way further and parked.

We set out on foot along a beautiful forested road, along which we saw nobody and not a single vehicle in the four hours we were there. This is one of my favourite sites of the whole tour, and although the habitat is much disturbed, it still supports many endemics. The native forest was beautiful, although somewhat interspersed with aliens such as Spathodea campanulata, Coconut, and Breadfruit. There was much bamboo. Further along the road the forest became less disturbed. An impressive melastoma with very showy pink flowers was Blakea trinervia.

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This is a renowned area for both endemic parrots, Yellow-billed and Black-billed Parrots, and after our early encounter with the former both were much in evidence today. It is very interesting that Jamaica supports two endemic Amazona parrots, whilst Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico each have one. Interestingly Dominica in the Lesser Antilles also has two species, whilst St.Lucia and St.Vincent have one each. Several more Jamaican Crows were here and one perched bird was seen particularly well.

Endemics continued with perched Ring-tailed Pigeon, Jamaican Tody, Black-billed Streamertail, Jamaican Mango, noisy Jamaican Woodpeckers, both thrushes, Arrowhead Warbler, Orangequit, Blue Mountain Vireo, Jamaican Euphonia, Jamaican Oriole, Jamaican Spindalis, and Greater Antillean Bullfinch. Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo was seen extremely well, and Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo was seen too. Both Rufous-tailed and Sad Flycatchers were here. A female Jamaican Becard was another new endemic for most of the group, and later I pointed out a very large distinctive nest of this species. Zenaida Dove, Northern Parula, and Worm-eating Warbler were here too. Feathers of a Crested Quail Dove were all we saw at the site today, presumably the victim of a raptor.

False Androgeus Swallowtail and Colobura dirce were among the butterflies. A highlight was three of the epiphytic orchid Epidendrum fragrans in fine flower in one tree. One roadside cliff sheltered the hummingbird pollinated Gesneria acaulis, with its red tubular flowers.

We saw some fine snails today. More than 560 species occur on the island, 90% of which are endemic, quite remarkable. The highlight was a beautiful hairy species, but we saw perhaps fifteen different species. A stunning catepillar that Joerg spotted was a another highlight.

As we drove home I realised we had seen 24 of the 28 Jamaican endemic birds this morning, quite impressive.

Back at the villas our maids cooked us a fine fish lunch and we rested, swam, caught up with paperwork, etc. before meeting again late in the afternoon for another walk around the excellent environs. White-crowned Pigeons were again rather common here and several Ring-tailed Pigeons were seen very well, often perched in cecropia trees.

Black-billed Streamertail was again seen superbly and we again saw a good selection of now rather familiar Jamaican endemic birds. Our walk took us through productive habitat, and up to a remarkable totally abandoned large hotel at the top of the hill. This had a very poignant and intriguing atmosphere, for example the effects around the swimming pool appearing as if it was very suddenly deserted. There were two interesting ferns growing on walls, Anemia adiantifolia and Psilotum nudum.

Jamaican Elaenia worked characteristically through a tangle of vegetation, and was the only one we saw. The nymphalid Historis acheronta raced around trees at mid height. Skippers included Dillon’s Dusky Wing, and the endemic Mestra dorcas was a pleasing addition to the list.

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Mic and I stayed out a little longer and saw a pair of American Kestrels, one eating prey on the hotel lawn, and, out from the coast, on the small island a perched Peregrine was a bonus, a rare species in the region.

Large nectaring bats were possibly Artibeus jamiacensis. Another night walk produced many snails, several Eleutherodactylus frogs, and Anolis species.

Day 5 Monday 1st December John Crow Mountains, Goblin Hills

This morning we made a return visit to Ecclesdown Road and walked much further up the road along which the forest became ever more impressive as we neared the pass.

Several more good views were had of Ring-tailed Pigeon. Both parrots were here again, often flying down the valley calling noisily. Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo was seen well. A male RED-billed Streamertail was a great surprise this far east, where it is basically replaced by the black-billed species. Vervain Hummingbird and Jamaican Tody were both seen again, and several Jamaican Woodpeckers. Jamaican Pewee, Sad Flycatcher, Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, more Jamaican Crows, Jamaican Vireo, Arrow-headed Warbler, Jamaican Euphonia, Jamaican Spindalis, Orangequit, and Jamaican Oriole continued a very productive bird walk.

Finally we caught up with Yellow-shouldered Grassquit, an endemic we hadn’t yet seen.

Northern Parula, Black-throated Blue and Black-and-white Warblers, Ovenbird, and a pair of Common Yellowthroats represented the migrant warblers. Crested Quail-Dove was much less in evidence than on previous visits, but one did fly up from the road as we drove out.

The yellow flowered gesneriaceous shrub common along here was Besleria lutea.

There were some interesting butterflies such as Common Dagger Tail, Malachite, Jamaican Ringlet, and Jamaican Astraptes Skipper.

As we drove out I counted the endemics and today we’d seen 22 of the 28 Jamaican endemics.

For lunch Rico took us to a jerk pork stall in Boston Bay, famous for this most Jamaican of foods. This was a very basic place but I think for all of us a very memorable experience, the pork and other jerked meat superb, made even better with a fantastically hot sauce.

Meanwhile Joerg and Pauline had been exploring the coast with Joan, and had found a couple of good snorkeling areas, as well as seeing a few coastal birds, such as Green Heron, Yellow-crowned Night Heron and Ruddy Turnstone.

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In the afternoon we had another walk above the hotel, seeing many of the same birds and reptiles as before, and among the butterflies Jamaican Sulphur, Little Sulphur, Orion, and Broken Dash and Fiery Skippers.

Day 6 Tuesday 2nd December Castleton Botanic Gardens, Hellshire Hills, Port Royal

Having loaded the vehicles and said our farewells at the excellent hotel, we drove again through Port Antonio, stopping there briefly to refuel.

Back down the Wag Water River valley, the water had now receded but there was much evidence of the damage caused by the flooding.

We had time to explore somewhere new and Castleton Botanic Gardens gave an excellent opportunity for a break in the journey. This was a fine place, and although there was not so much of labelled botanical interest, the well laid out gardens gave an ideal place for butterflies, dragonflies, and reptiles as we walked.

Among the dragonflies were the striking Orthemis ferruginea, and the saddlebags Tramea abdominalis. Polydamus Swallowtail was on the wing, and other butterflies included Giant Brimstone, Migrant Sulphur, several Colobura dirce, and Jamaican Dusky Wing. A surprise here was several of the scarce endemic Jamaican Crow, for which the John Crow Mountains are considered a stronghold.

A small cafe here provided a superb lunch in these ideal surroundings.

From here the journey to Kingston was straightforward enough and from there we headed to the western side of the city and continued to the Hellshire Hills.

The Hellshire Hills are an arid peninsula of dry cactus scrub to the west of town. Here we were particularly hoping to see the scarce regional endemic Bahama Mockingbird which otherwise occurs only on its eponymous islands as well as very locally in Cuba. In the past much effort had failed to locate any, just many pesky Northern Mockingbirds, common here, which kept raising our hopes. BUT today we were rewarded with a pair of this special bird, seen very closely and well, very distinct from its commoner relative.

Cassius and Hanno Blues were numerous, and Great Southern White was remarkably abundant in the area. Tropical Chequered Skipper was here too. Dragonflies were much in evidence including the striking bright green Erythemis vesiculosa and a good selection of other libellulids. Several species of cacti were in bloom.

Late afternoon, we drove through the surprisingly (to me anyway) tranquil and pleasant city of Kingston, and east to Port Royal, where was our hotel Morgan’s Harbour (now renamed the Port

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Royal Hotel). In a famous scene in Dr.No, James Bond is attacked by a tarantula in one of the rooms at this hotel. Not being much of a James Bond fan I did however buy Dr.No on my return from the recce and the many scenes of Jamaica in it are fascinating, not least the views of Port Royal, the road between there and the airport, and Morgan’s Harbour, as they were fifty years ago. There is of course the birding connection, that Ian Fleming took the name of the character from the author of ‘Birds of the West Indies’, James Bond.

We said our farewells to Rico, and settled into our rooms. The meal that evening by the harbour, looking across to the lights of Kingston, was interesting, and among other things the restaurant had no red wine!

CAYMAN ISLANDS CUBA

Day 7 Wednesday 3rd December Kingston, Grand Cayman, Havana, to Zapata

We were up at dawn at Morgan’s Harbour for the short drive to Norman Manley airport, where we said sad farewells to Joan who had been excellent company (Rico had another job this morning so we’d said goodbye to him the previous evening). All went very smoothly in the spacious, quiet, effecient, and friendly airport. There were no queues at security, and in the pleasant departure area we were able to choose what to have for breakfast and spend some time in the reasonable small bookshop, one of many shops here. Today we found a useful book on the Flowers of Cuba, and one on the endemic trees of Jamaica. The only oddity here was that passengers were not allowed to the boarding gate until the flight was actually boarding, a strange system as it was some distance to walk.

The Cayman flight took us first along the southern shores of Jamaica and then the beautiful waters of the Caribbean to George Town on Grand Cayman.

This was a different world. Cayman, a British overseas territory, is a well known financial centre, and George Town a very popular cruise ship port. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands, fringed by fine reefs and beautiful beaches, with extensive undisturbed mangroves and scrub. The small airport was pleasant, and all had to clear immigration, even if only in transit. Our check in luggage was in transit so we had no need to bother with that.

I arranged a taxi for an hour and a half to take us into good habitat near the capital, meeting up with the dreadlocked driver I’d worked with before who gave me a welcome embrace! One of our targets was the mangrove and pine patches to the south of town on the south west coast, in search of Vitelline Warbler, the only endemic bird here, shared with the Swan Islands (Honduras). A highlight were several Iguana iguana of variable size and colouration, and we also saw the endemic blue iguana, but not particularly blue individuals! Along the south coast a busy flock of warblers

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Palm Warbler and Bananaquit were here too. Butterflies, mostly those typical of open disturbed habitats were numerous. In our short time here we saw White Peacock, Crescent Spot, Gulf Fritillary, Julia, a selection of common pierids, and pleasingly the endemic subspecies of Andraemon Swallowtail, also called Cayman Swallowtail. There is a book on the Cayman butterfly fauna, and 57 species occur on the islands.

Back near the airport open water had American Coots.

In the airport the departure lounge was pretty busy, and we had a very expensive poor snack lunch. The flight to Havana was as always beautiful, and we had fine views of the Isla de la Juventud, to the south of the main island, said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’. Striking in the Cuban landscape were the many large circular agricultural fields.

Again a complete contrast to Jamaica, and to the Caymans, arrival in Cuba was an experience. The immigration girl welcomed me to Cuba. As usual, baggage arrival took absolutely ages and frustratingly delayed our departure from the city.

This year I wasn’t driving here myself, so at least time was saved in not having to complete the hire car paperwork. A representative and our driver were there to meet us, and we were soon on our way, after a few practicalities, such as changing money and buying water.

Now being used to the rather convoluted road system around the city I was initially confused that the driver seemed to be taking a very strange route, and we were in fact heading in completely the wrong direction. It turned out he was in search of fuel, there being a shortage at the moment and stations with fuel were few and far between. That done we set off in the right direction!

The highway was quiet as usual. With so few private cars here, hitching lifts is a national feature, with groups of people at every junction, and offering lifts is almost obligatory. Sometime after dark we left the motorway and headed down to the coast of the Zapata Peninsula. Another challenge was that most vehicles still on the road, mainly the makeshift horse and carts, had no lights. We arrived at about 6.30, exactly twelve hours after we had left Port Royal this morning, which already seemed a long time ago.

Playa Larga consists of four streets with individual bungalows lined along them, behind an attractive beach in the Bay of Pigs. On my previous visit I had found the rooms to be much better than I had expected, nothing grand but perfectly acceptable, and the whole place had a tranquil atmosphere.

I had also expected poor food at Playa Larga, and it was indeed, although quite improved from my last visit. The group even rather enjoyed it! The staff were very friendly, pleased to see me back, and they coped well with what little was on offer. At least reasonable wine was available. Unfortunately,

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The extensive swamps, dry woodlands, pastures, mangroves, lagoons and salt pans of Zapata support the vast majority of Cuban endemic birds. On the ambitious regional tour that this is, this was THE place to visit on the island, being easily reached from Havana, and providing a wealth of excellent and varied sites within easy reach of the hotel. The area produced a wealth of endemic birds, was often alive with butterflies, had many interesting reptiles, boasted a rich flora, and offered good snorkeling opportunities.

Day 8 Thursday 4th December Zapata

We met at 6.30, outside my cabin, for a walk around the tranquil grounds of the hotel. Immediately there was a highlight as a flock of Rose-throated Parrots landed in a nearby tree and were seen increasingly well as the light increased. This is a beautiful species of Amazona, which also occurs in the Bahamas and Caymans. The endemic Cuban Blackbird was also soon seen closely, with several in a flowering Blue Mahoe, and nearby was Cuban Oriole. Migrant warblers were much in evidence including Palm, Prairie, Black-and-White, Black-throated Blue, and Black-throated Green, and most notably Cape May.

The grounds of the resort are extensive, with scattered trees, and a line of Sea Grapes fringing the Bay of Pigs of the shore. The flowering mahoe trees, Hibiscus tiliaceus, were particularly favoured by many of the birds here. Although there were other guests we were alone on our exploration this morning, the attractive beach being deserted too.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker worked palm trunks, American Kestrel perched on the wires, Loggerhead Kingbird was here, and Cuban Emerald was seen well. Across the road the call of Cuban Vireo attracted us to yet another endemic. There were already several dragonflies on the wing.

Breakfast at the resort was a rather poor affair but that’s a small disadvantage among such fine birds. We were soon out in the field again, heading out in the vehicle.

We spent the morning visiting several of the nearer sites in Zapata. At the first we were stunned by Cuban Trogon, Cuba’s national bird and a real beauty, the blue, red and white in its plumage (which is also green and black), being the colours of Cuba’s flag. The stunning emerald dragonfly Erythemis vesiculosa was conspicuous, and the large Coryphaeschna adnexa was perched.

Cuban Vireo skulked in the bushes but was again seen well. Cuban or Crescent-eyed Pewee and La Sagra’s Flycatcher continued the endemics. Again there was a lot of migrant warbler activity and among them the endemic Yellow-headed Warbler. Blue-grey Gnatcatcher was seen, and Red-legged Thrush. There was quite a lot of butterfly activity, with the nymphalids Cuban Emperor, Cuban Admiral, and Chestnut Leaf Butterfly being particularly impressive. A male Androgeus Swallowtail flew over.

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Next we drove to a site I knew for Bee Hummingbird and before too long Chris spotted this very special bird, nectaring close to us on a legume with spikes of purple flowers, then perching for prolonged views. Famously the world’s smallest bird, this was a tour highlight.

Polydamus Swallowtail was on the wing and Malachite were seen.

Back at the hotel we caught up with notes and the trip report in the middle of the day.

In the afternoon we drove further east to the excellent woodland at Bermejas and met the rather talkative caretaker Orlando. At Bermejas we walked some of the many trails and added several species to our already long list. Bare-legged Owl was the highlight, lured to peek out of it’s roost hole by Orlando scratching the tree trunk. Cuban Parakeets flew over. We made a short detour to a nearby garden where we saw captive Hutias, one of a few species endemic to Cuba.

Driving back at sunset, with deep yellow skies over the azure waters of the Bay of Pigs, being almost the only car on the road, was sublime. Cuban Nightjars put in an all too brief appearanace this year.

Day 9 Friday 5th December Zapata

Today we left at 6 am and again headed east along the coast of The Bay of Pigs, to the next resort of Playa Giron and thence to the area of woodland at Bermejas. Two Northern Carcaras were on the road as we neared our destination. Initially we stood for some time at an open hide construction viewing a leafy ride in the quest of seeing quail doves. They typically appear on such tracks early and late in the day and silence and great patience is necessary for the best chance of seeing any. All four Cuban species occur at this site. Today, very soon after we arrived, the stunning endemic Blue- headed Quail-Dove appeared on the track, four of them, and were seen remarkably closely for some time as they walked ever closer to us. This is one of the most difficult endemics to see well. There were a number of Zenaida Doves this morning, and later a Grey-fronted Quail-Dove, and Key West Quail-Dove were also seen on the track. On this tour we saw five species of Quail-Dove, seeing most of them superbly well.

The forest edge yielded the beautiful Cuban Green Woodpecker.

Setting out along the labyrinth of trails in the reserve, again no other visitors were here today. We soon saw the next target endemic, the charming Cuban Tody, with two active in one tree. Great Lizard Cuckoos punctuated the walk. Also seen were Cuban Pewee, Red-legged Thrush, and a selection of wood warblers. Cuban Pygmy Owl was heard, and White-crowned Pigeons were conspicuous in the trees.

Butterflies were few but the local endemic Poey’s Sulphur was on the wing. There were many impressive epiphytic bromeliads. Among the dragonflies was the lime green Erythemis vesiculosa.

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A short drive east took us to some interesting open habitat, open forest, palm trees, and grassland. Fernadina’s Flicker, our target species here, was seen in flight, and Mourning Dove was here. Further east still, extensive grasslands had Red-shouldered and Tawny-shouldered Blackbirds, both endemic (the latter also occuring very locally in Haiti). There was a selection of dragonflies, and a species of Alisma in flower. Among the grass yellows were Eurema lisa, Eurema lucina, Eurema nicippe and Eurema daira.

Next we headed to the tranquil private beach of Caleta Buena. This was a beautiful spot and allowed Pauline the chance to snorkel, and a good selection of beautiful reef fish were seen. This was an ideal site as for those who do not want to snorkel the scrub here is very productive; and there is also plenty of shade for resting. Cave Swallows were seen very closely as they perched on the rafters above our heads in the bar.

Jan, Mic, Chris and I walked a track into the dry scrub where Cuban Racer was the highlight, with a prolonged view of this attractive snake. A mixed bird flock mobbing what was probably an owl included six endemics, among them Yellow-headed Warbler.

Here was a selection of lizards, such as Celestus crusculus, a curly-tailed lizard, which was common. Here we enjoyed a rather good buffet lunch, which was substantial. This was an all inclusive place and lunch and drinks were all included in the entrance fee I’d paid.

Driving back to Playa Larga, after a few minutes back at the hotel, we continued a full and varied day, setting out for the extensive salt pans, lagoons and mangrove swamps of La Salina, the part of Zapata to the south west of Playa Larga. A guide from the park office is required to visit this area and just beyond the village is a checkpoint with a log book that must be signed by all. Mario was good company and very friendly, but didn’t really know the birds! A bonus was two Russian girls who came along in their car, and although I’d been sure they’d soon get fed up with the birdwatching they stayed as long as we did!

The afternoon was ideal for visiting this great area, as the wetland birds are little affected by time of day. Initially dense mangrove swamp, the area gives way to extensive open lagoons on each side of the track. The track was some twenty kilometres long, with low wooden viewing platforms scattered at intervals along it. The weather was perfect this afternoon whereas on my last visit the strong wind had been annoying.

The focus of this Greater Antillean trip is to see as many endemics and specialities of each island. So here in Zapata we concentrate on the woodlands and swamps where these are mostly found. Although many prefer birding in open habitats such as these lagoons, what can be seen here can be seen in many or most similar habitats in the region, but this area is certainly worth half a day. Not least for the spectacle of hundreds of startlingly richly coloured Greater Flamingos, and the great variety of waterfowl, making this excursion an important diversion from endemic hunting.

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The only endemic bird I was expecting to see here was Cuban Black Hawk, recently split from the widespread Common Black Hawk. Indeed the birds here were noticeably browner and smaller than those on the mainland. At least three were seen in the end, perched atop trees and giving close views.

Belted Kingfishers frequented the lagoons. Blue-winged Teal and American Coot were abundant, forming large rafts on the shallow lagoons. Scanning the ducks produced several Northern Shovelers, American Wigeon, and a few Lesser Scaup among all the teal. The water was rather too deep to support many waders, but we did see a compact group of Black-necked Stilt, and Killdeer and Greater Yellowlegs.

Herons were naturally well represented in such habitat, among them Great Blue (both colour phases), Little Blue, Tricoloured, Great Egret, and Reddish Egret too, also in both colour phases. As we continued along the track stops were made, recording species such as White Ibis, Wood Stork, and Royal and Caspian Terns. An important record was of several American White Pelicans, a very rare species on Cuba. Neotropic Cormorant was here too. Osprey hunted over the open water.

There were several dragonflies, and the damselfly Ischnura ramburii. I was hoping to see the tiny blue Brephidium exilis, typical of such saline habitat, but located none today.

We arrived back at the hotel after dark, and soon met for our final meal at Playa Larga.

Day 10 Saturday 6th December Zapata and Havana

At 6a.m. we again left the hotel in the dark. Outside my room was the impressive frog Osteopilus septentrionalis on the lights, so no moths! Heading north towards Australia at the checkpoint we met Esdrey, who arrived just after we did in a yellow 1950’s classic. He either didn’t remember me from three years ago, or didn’t want to (!). But anyway he became much more personable as the morning progressed.

Indeed we enjoyed a superb morning, seeing all the target birds. Initially we headed to the heart of the Zapata marshes, La Turba, taking a track to the left, much less overgrown than on my last visits when the tall grass in the centre of the track constantly brushed the underside of the car.

At the first stop we soon heard the first of our two target birds this morning, the very special Zapata Wren. This was seen well and closely, although not quite as incredibly close as it had been on my previous visit.

After about ten kilometres we reached the end of the ‘drivable’ track and set out on foot on a causeway between two wide channels. Tall stands of sawgrass were the dominant vegetation. Here Zapata Sparrow was the target, in what is one of the reliable sites for the species. Our superb fortune continued with amazing views of a pair of calling and displaying birds very close indeed. Other birds seen here were Cuban Emerald and Yellow-faced Grassquit. There were a few Common

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Ringlets, Calisto herophile, the most widespread of three Calisto that occur on Cuba, a very attractive butterfly.

Another highlight came with fine views of Cuban Pygmy Owl, and Tree Swallows were in the air.

Three birds bear the name of the peninsula, all described in the early twentieth century. Zapata Wren occurs only here and is extremely local. Zapata Sparrow occurs in three races on Cuba, the Zapata race being scarce and local. The third species, Zapata Rail, is one of the most difficult birds to see in the new world, and the chance of seeing one is almost nil.

Other plants in the area were the yellow flowered Tiliaceous shrub, Triumfetta, a white convolvulus, and at least one species of Ipomoea. On the drive out I spotted the beautiful terrestrial orchid Bletia purpurea in flower which prompted a photographic stop.

Another site had us gaining fine views of the rare Fernandina’s Flicker, seen poorly yesterday. As we had little chance of seeing them in the wild I paid the admission to the Cuban Crocodile enclosure. There were very many individuals here, some very robust, and many young ones too in a small enclosure. Not the best was to see wildlife but at least the species seems to be thriving here, as least in its natural range, and protected from hunters who have decimated the numbers in the wild. The fenced small part of the lake was reasonable habitat for them. Also here were a number of Hutias, the endemic terrapin, iguanas, and a Manjuari, an incredible relict species of fish. Moorhens, West Indian Woodpecker, and Yellow-throated Warbler were here.

After a short return to pack and load the vehicle, we said farewell to all at the hotel. Initially we travelled the quiet road back to the national highway, making excellent progress. There was a brief photographic stop for the Australia town sign. Later we stopped at a roadside cafe for a short lunch. There I saw Red-tailed Hawk being mobbed by American Kestrel.

After just two hours of driving the also quiet highway we reached the outskirts of Havana.

Havana is surely one of the world’s most fascinating cities, the mostly renovated old town being a Unesco World Heritage site. Cobbled plazas, colonial buildings, churches, varied shops, cafes, and parks provided continual interest. The imposing walls of the fort, San Carlos de la Cabaňa, dominated the waterside. The architecture of our hotel was marvellous, with art nouveau glass a feature.

I visited a few bookshops and found a book on the succulents of Cuba.

The rest of the day was left free for exploration of this most interesting part of the city, from our ideally situated hotel. The food in the city is excellent and was very welcome after a few days at Playa Larga! We enjoyed a very good dinner in a restaurant close to the hotel, and although the rather loud singer was initially annoying, we rather warmed to him in the end.

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Day 11 Sunday 7th December Havana to Santo Domingo

Saying farewell (or so we thought) to the sleepy dark streets of Havana from the balcony, two classic car taxis were at the end of the street at 6 a.m. to meet us, and we drove to the airport through quiet Sunday streets. Everything had gone wonderfully smoothly so far, and we had even commented on that at dinner last night. So it was quite a shock to arrive at the airport to learn that our early morning flight had been postponed many hours until the afternoon. Straight into organisation mode I dealt with the Cubana office (unhelpful) and then decided all we could do was return to the hotel to pass the hours.

Our taxi drivers were very helpful, and got quite a bit of extra work due to the delay. The hotel back in town was exemplary in their helpfulness, and as soon as we got back immediately issued us again with our room keys, even though we had checked out earlier. They let us keep the rooms until we left again in the afternoon. The group enjoyed breakfast whilst I started on many phone calls.

Our plans for the first day in Dominican Republic were thrown as we would be arriving there in the dark, and no way could we make the five hour or so journey to the lodge, arriving there in the early hours of the next day and making the difficult four wheel drive along the entrance track would have been impossible. So I booked the hotel in Santo Domingo for the night, at great extra expense, but there was no alternative.

The morning was spent relaxing (!), catching up with notes, or exploring further this fascinating city. At the appointed hour the taxis were back and we tried again! There was another hold up as a Caricom heads of state motorcade blacked the traffic and we had to site for some time in a traffic jam.

Terminal 3 at Havana airport was a complete contrast to the small terminal we had arrived at, with a selection of shops, generally good service, and polite staff characterising the greater international nature here. Check in was easy enough and we were now on the flight!

Immigration and security were very straightforward, and I was even allowed to carry a bottle of water through to departures. Last visit, at one of the several small bookstalls, I was delighted to find books on the orchids and terrestrial molluscs of Cuba, but sadly the book stalls had been rather reduced since then. Lunch was eaten at the reasonable airport cafe, with House Sparrows in attendance.

The Cubana flight was pleasant, and the weather was fine as we flew eastwards over this large island. Indeed for most of the flight we traversed Cuba, Jamaica becoming visible across the sea as we reached the Haitian coast. Hispaniola was beautifully mountainous, but the classic view of deforested Haiti contrasting with the densely forested Dominican Republic side of the border was sobering. Arriving in the dark there was little to see this year.

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Arrival in Santo Domingo was as usual pleasant and efficient. The staff at the tourist card desk, immigration, and the money changing desk were all polite, ‘Welcome to the Dominican Republic’ was on everyone’s lips. An amusing system existed for the tourist card, available on arrival. Most people missed the desk selling them in the arrivals hall, and were sent back one after one by the smiling girl at immigration. Then, having paid $10, returning to the smiling girl, we were all bemused as she just took them from us and directed us to the immigration booth! Outside were a large number of people but hassle was minimal. I hurriedly carried out some practicalities such as stocking up on water.

I rushed through and met our driver, and before long we were on the way to our excellent city hotel, the best in town. This still took an hour or so, being on the other side of town from the airport, but ideally situated for our journey tomorrow. Those not too tired met for a very good dinner in the hotel restaurant, and then we got some welcome sleep, pleased to finally be here!

Day 12 Monday 8th December To Rancho Platon

Well rested after the demands of yesterday, and after an excellent buffet breakfast in the Embajador, we loaded up for the journey west. Hispaniolan Parakeets were still noisy in the hotel gardens. I was pleased not to be driving this year, as Ulise negotiated the busy Monday morning streets of the capital. As yesterday in Havana, we again had to wait for a presidential motorcade to pass by!

Once away from the urban sprawl of Santo Domingo, initially the journey was through smaller towns, agriculture, and patchy native vegetation. This gave way to dry acacia scrub with scattered cacti, all quite verdant though. The sea when we periodically skirted it was beautiful and serene. We drove through the bustling towns of Bani and Azua, both with one way systems, more challenging driving. The highway was generally much improved since my last visits, and was excellent for much of the journey. Further west the mountains appeared and settlements became rather fewer, although speed bumps became more numerous.

In Bani we stopped at an impressive supermarket so I could do some serious stocking up on breakfast and lunch supplies, and water, for our expeditions over the next few days. Chris and Pauline even found a few butterflies in the car park. In Azua was another stop to enable me to buy a SIM card, also essential for our stay here. Once west of Azua the xerophytic habitat became much more interesting, with several species of cactus much in evidence. A detour into the hills due to a roadworks diversion yielded a very interesting roadside flora, but there was no chance of stopping.

Barahona was a bustling coastal town. South of it we took the verdant Highway 44, narrow and bordered by dense scrub. It was time for a short stop to stretch our legs. Again not easy, and the spot I chose was a rubbish dump, but it turned out to be a superb spot for butterflies, our first indication that this country would be the most productive for them on the tour.

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The endemic Battus zetides was seen as soon as we alighted. Pierids included Florida White, Great Southern White, Cloudless Sulphur, Little Sulphur, and Guayacan Sulphur. And here too were Hanno Blue, Gulf Fritillary, and the Hispaniolan subspecies of Julia.

The weedy flora was no less interesting. The yellow flowered caper here was Cleome viscosa. There were at least two convolvulus species, a small yellow flowered species, and a very attractive small blue flowered one. There were fine coastal views too.

A little further south we reached the village where we met up with the four wheel drive that would take us up the exciting road to Rancho Platon. All luggage was transferred between the vehicles and I made arrangements with Ulise for tomorrow. Then we set out on the first of many drives up and down the entrance track. Having driven it myself on the previous visit I had become quite familiar with the most demanding stretches, the river crossing etc, so was initially confused when I recognised nothing at all. It transpired that a completely different entrance track is now used initially, the other having washed away completely in sections. Initially past a few cafetales and small settlements, the road became wilder as we entered fine broadleaf forest, very different vegetation to the dry scrub we’d seen so much of. After about twenty minutes of bumping along we reached a river bank. The journey now included a drive across this not insignificant fast flowing river. All very exciting as we splashed across it, and once on the other side had to negotiate a pretty steep climb back onto the old track. Now I recognised it!

Only another ten minutes or so saw us arriving through more fine forest to the welcome sight of the beautiful lodge, waterfalls roaring, and three channelled shutes of water bursting skywards. The group settled in at the restaurant and chose what to have for lunch whilst I sorted the practicalities, luggage etc. There was so much to see as I was doing this, a very productive place. Not least was the fascinating endemic Palmchat, the only representative of its family, the national bird, and common on the island. We would see many more. The impressively large nymphalid, Orion, was outside some of the rooms. Flying over the lawns was our first endemic satyrid, Calisto confusa, which would prove common in the area. Great Tawny Skipper was here too, sadly not seen again. A feature of the area was the number of Anolis lizards, they seemed to be everywhere, representing at least three species I think. I’m still working on the identification of the Antillean anoles! There were also several mantids outside the rooms.

Rather incompetent Bananaquits were attempting to build a nest in the dining area, and they as well as the anoles, kept us amused during lunch.

Above the hotel rose the foothills of the Sierra de Barahona. After a short break after lunch we were keen to start exploring. There was much of interest, and a fine selection of plants and invertebrates in particular.

The impressive swallowtail Papilio machaonides even landed allowing photographs, Large Tiger nectared in the canopy, and another endemic satyrid was Calisto obscura. Dragonflies were a feature. Several tiny frogs in a rivulet were Eleutherodactylus abbotti.

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A Merlin was perched on a tall bare tree across the river, Plain Pigeon flew over, and Antillean Palm Swifts were in the air.

Palmchats were again active in the trees and were indeed very common in the area. This fascinating bird is endemic to Hispaniola and represents an endemic family, the Dulidae. A stocky streaky species, its affinities are uncertain although the family is usually classified close to the waxwings. Noisy and conspicuous, this flock forming predominantly fruit feeder is perhaps surprisingly widespread and common for such a special bird. It was the most prominent species today, and even became rather trying as any moving bird often turned out to be this species!

In the hotel gardens Antillean Mangos nectared on torch gingers. Towards the end of the walk were good views of Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoos, and expecially fine views of a number of Hispaniolan Woodpeckers.

There was quite a chorus of frogs as we arrived back at the lodge at dusk.

Dinner was eaten beside the beautiful pool and was very good. I set out along the track again at night in search of (and in the hope of) the endemics Hispaniolan Nightjar or Ashy-faced Owl, both scarce endemics, but with no luck unfortunately. Both are known to occur in the general area, but we had no sight or sound of them whilst here.

Day 13 Tuesday 9th December Sierra de Bahoruco

Having left my balcony lights on overnight there was a good selection of moths outside my room, particularly geometers and pyralids.

We set off in the dark down the rocky entrance road, the river crossing being especially exciting at this hour. It was just becoming light as we met up with Ulise in the village, and transferred to the comfortable mini bus. Breakfast was an excellent selection of fruit supplied by the lodge, much enjoyed as we drove, and supplemented by supplies I’d bought yesterday.

The coast road south and east took us through small settlements, and many hazards to dodge, people on the road, wandering animals, etc. etc. Once past Oviedo we were in uninhabited cactus acacia scrub, fine interesting habitat which spreads all the way west to the Haitian border.

Two hours from the lodge we reached the start of the road that would take us up onto the southern slopes of the Sierra de Bahoruco. The road here was in remarkably good condition, wide and paved, and a remnant of the abandoned bauxite mines at the higher reaches. It was a pleasure to drive this road and stop anywhere very easily. Today we saw only one other vehicle up here! There are small settlements of mostly Haitian refugees in the area, but it is mostly fine undisturbed habitat.

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The first stop on a forested corner yielded the endemic Black-crowned Palm Tanagers. Before long we had seen all three local hummingbirds, Hispaniolan Emerald, Antillean Mango, and a perched Vervain Hummingbird. Several Narrow-billed Todies were seen today, and Palmchats of course.

Before long the broadleaved forest gave way to conifers and we reached the extensive pine zone. Pine Warblers, resident here, and a good selection of wintering warblers were active in the pines. Indeed it was the butterflies that shone today. We soon found the very special danaid Anetia pantherata, and Anetia briaria too, representing a regional endemic genus, and superficially resembling Argynnis fritillaries. Both species were much in evidence today. Large Tiger was here again, and we saw Eunica tatila, Urbanus proteus, and Broken Dash Skipper.

Our first stop in the pines yielded a bird highlight in the shape of the rare and difficult to see Western Chat Tanager. Indeed this one was very skulking but Mic and I had brief but decisive views of it. Cape May Warblers were here, and noisy Hispaniolan Parrots flew over, a species often seen or heard during the day. There were yet more anoles, but less in evidence than around the lodge.

Higher up we reached a closed gate, and within minutes a guard arrived with a rifle. On my last visit gaining admission to the reserve had been straightforward but this year it took some persuasion to be granted access. This is a very little visited area, and the road rather patchy. Ulise did his best to drive us as far aspossible but after a few kilometres we had to park, and continued on foot. We spent a couple of hours here walking along and back on the level track, seeing much of interest along the way. But the viewpoint and abandoned visitor centre at the end was just a bit too far for us today. The guard turned up on his motorbike and I jumped on the back and rode with him to the viewpoint to check how far it was, but it was indeed just too far for us to walk. Along this track we found the endemics Green-tailed Ground Tanager, and Mic saw Bicknell’s Thrush for which the area is an important wintering site. Stolid Flycatcher and Greater Antillean Elaenia were both seen well, the latter not seen on our previous visits here. Antillean Siskins called but were elusive today.

This was an interesting area botanically, among the species identified being Pilea microphylla, Cynoglossum amabile, and Asclepias nivea which was particularly attractive to danaids, most notably the lovely endemic Jamaican Monarch (shared with that eponymous island), and more Anetia.

Ringlets were a feature today, with three Hispaniolan endemics seen, Calisto confusa, Calisto obscura, and Calisto hysius. There were several Tropical Chequered Skippers, but no Cuban Chequered Skipper that we had seen up here last time.

Had we been able to reach the end of the road we would have enjoyed a fine viewpoint over the mountains. Amazing here on our last visit was the abandoned visitor centre, built with so much effort only a few years ago, and opened with some fanfare on the island as an example of commitment to conservation, the metal roof covering now strained noisily in the wind and inside the well constructed interior only remained a very few notice boards. There were even a few rooms, and toilet blocks here, all abandoned.

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Back in the broadleaf forest we walked down the empty road. Scaly-naped Pigeons were now very prominent, mostly fluttering through the foliage as we passed, but now and again seen reasonably well. Antillean Piculet worked a tree trunk, Hispaniolan Woodpecker and Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo were here, and Hispaniolan Trogon flew over all too briefly, only seen by me.

Papilio machaonides was again seen well, as was Androgeus Swallowtail.

A last stop was prompted by an impressive tarantula in the road.

We arrived back at the lodge early evening after a long, adventurous, and very productive day and enjoyed another excellent dinner.

Day 14 Wednesday 10th December Sierra de Bahoruco

Again we set of in the dark at 6am. Another fascinating day began with another adventurous drive west towards the Haitian border and the northern slopes of the Sierra de Bahoruco. Through Barahona we headed west through hectic small towns and villages, dodging all that was going on, through the many police checks and speed bumps. Soon we were again in extensive dry thorn scrub. The road became ever more wild as we got closer to Haiti, being arid, almost desert, scrub.

After about an hour and a half we reached the town of Duverge where we recognised the small turn off which took us up a very dusty road for about ten kilometres to the village of Puerto Escondido. Along here were a good number of Grey Kingbirds.

At the park office I bought entrance tickets for the National Park. We spent the day in the beautiful riverine forest that leads above the dusty village. The birds were excellent, this being a well known site, but so were the butterflies. The track was level, peaceful, and through beautiful riverine forest.

Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo was much in evidence with several seen. There were several Hispaniolan Woodpeckers, whilst Palmchat was typically conspicuous. The endemic Hispaniolan Pewee was seen again but much less in evidence than on my previous visit. There were several Stolid Flycatchers, and Black-crowned Palm Tanager was here again.

Both endemic tody species were seen regularly and superbly. Hispaniola is the only island to support more than one representative of this endemic family. Broad-billed Tody was added to the list, and Narrow-billed Tody was rather common, leaving only Puerto Rican Tody to complete the family. Antillean Mango was also here.

The butterflies were however excellent today as well. A highlight was Doxocopa thoe, the ‘Purple Emperor’, an endemic that Riley says is very rare. We have seen several here on all visits, and both sexes were seen today.

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The endemic Fiery Sulphur was conspicuous and distinctive, there were several of the striking Large Tiger, Lycorea ceres, that we had also seen near the hotel, and Zebra and Julia were as usual common. I was very pleased to find the diminutive Antillea pelops, which as the name suggests represents an endemic Antillean genus. The related West Indian endemic Cuban Crescent Spot was here too.

Various flowering vines and shrubs proved very attractive to nectaring butterflies, such as St.Peter’s Hairsteak. A highlight was three of the scarce Haitian Snout Butterfly, one of the endemic Caribbean relatives of the European Nettle-tree Butterfly. Haitian Admiral was another impressive species. Haitian Burca Skipper and Jung’s Dusky Wing were among the skippers. Dusky Swallowtail, Hall’s Sulphur, False and Lesser False Fritillary, False Neptis, Cuban Lucinia, Silver King, and Hispaniolan Troglodyte continued a very productive butterfly walk. There were also some ten Cuban Dagger Tails, and several Dingy Eunicas.

A beautiful multi-coloured banded snail was very common in the area, particularly associated with cacti. A large land crab much admired.

Back to the birds, Key West Quail-Dove and Ruddy Quail-Dove were seen briefly, but we had at least four encounters with the endemic White-fronted Quail-Dove and at least some reasonable views.

Where the river widened were Least Grebes on the water, and Common Moorhen skulked in the vegetation. Among the warblers were several Northern Parulas, as well as Prairie Warbler and Black- throated Blue Warbler.

Hispaniolan Parrots squawked as they flew overhead. Towards the end of the afternoon was Flat- billed Vireo skulking the bushes. Some ten Antillean Euphonias were active in the canopy and we had good views of this pretty bird, especially by laying on the track and looking skywards!

There were a number of paper wasps in the area, particularly favouring a decaying picnic bench, where there were many small papery nests. A variety of Odonata were seen, including a powder blue dragonfly with a swollen abdomen tip. Anoles were as usual numerous, among them a greenish rather lichenose species. There were a few fine thorn spiders.

Joerg took to turning over stones and logs and this proved very productive. A young snake was possibly Epicrates striatus. Both whip spiders, and whip scorpions were found.

We returned to the vehicle at the camp site in the middle of the day to have a short break, catch up on notes, and have a snack lunch before heading out again along the track again in the afternoon, which produced several things we hadn’t seen in the morning, listed above.

Due to the complexities of the terrain Dominican Republic is the one country in which not all endemic birds are likely to be seen, but I was very pleased to add a few to the list this year. Future visits will surely add others of the few birds not yet seen in the area, such as Hispaniolan Highland

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Tanager, and Hispaniolan Crossbill, and possibly Bay-breasted Cuckoo, although this difficult species is far from guaranteed. It was the only endemic cuckoo of the six that we did not see on the tour. There is also a chance of the beautiful and rare Golden Swallow. La Selle Thrush is probably the most difficult endemic to see, although the upper stretches of this road provide the best chances, and even if not seen we may hear its song. Early or late in the day we have a chance of Hispaniolan Nightjar.

Late afternoon saw us making the longish drive back to Bahoruco, with great views of the extensive Lago Enriquillo, below sea level, as we descended towards Duverge. We arrived back at the hotel some ten hours after we’d set out.

Meanwhile Mic and Jan had found much of interest back at the lodge, and added Hispaniolan Palm Crow to the list.

Day 15 Thursday 11th December Sierra de Bahoruco

We had a more leisurely start today to allow for appreciation of the fine lodge surroundings, and enjoy the excellent breakfast served there.

We then returned to the southern part of the Sierra de Bahoruco. A first stop in the cactus scrub yielded some fine things. Antillean Piculet was seen all too briefly! The lizard with a striking electric blue tail was Ameiva lineolata, and the impressive nymphalid Hispaniolan Troglodyte.

Vervain Hummingbird was again seen well.

The highlight today was a series of roadside puddles, with many attendant mud puddling pierids including Florida White, Great Southern White, Giant Brimstone, Orange-barred Sulphur, Cloudless Sulphurs, Straight-line Sulphur, Migrant Sulphur, Dog Face, Fiery Sulphur, Little Sulphur, Tailed Orange, Black-bordered Orange, Barred Yellow, Dainty Sulphur, and Guayacan Sulphur. This was a very impressive sight.

Also here were the attractive Cuban Lucinia, Yellow-spotted Leaf Butterfly, and an impressive Androgeus Swallowtail. The velvet black skipper was Ephyriades zephodes. Among the other butterflies today were Polydamus Swallowtail, Giant White, Monarch, Queen, Gulf Fritillary, Zebra, Cuban Crescent Spot, Haitian Cracker, White Peacock, Malachite, and Potrillo Skipper. Mexican and Variegated Fritillaries were both seen.

A dead centipede was impressive, possibly the same species we had found a large individual of last time near the lodge.

During our stay at Rancho Platon a few impressive hawk moths were seen

Day 16 Thursday 12th December Return to Santo Domingo

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Today we again enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, before loading up and heading for a last time down the bumpy track and across the river. The journey back to the capital took about four hours, and was straightforward enough.

A bonus came when we stopped to have a closer look at the cacti in the scrub west of Azua. This turned out to be an excellent stop for butterflies, rather a surprise in this very arid habitat.

The danaid Queen was new to us, and there were larvae too. Mexican Fritillary was particularly abundant, and it was good to see Cuban Lucinia at another site. Orange Ringlet was a surprise addition to the satyrid list, an attractive species whose larvae feed on sugar cane. Haitian Pygmy Skipper is a scarce species and here was a mating pair. Gulf Fritillary, Julia, and Zebra were more familiar species.

A ‘burnet wasp’ was very distinctive, a solitary wasp that had coloration similar to burnet species such as Zygaena purpuralis.

Having reached the sprawling capital early afternoon, we returned to the Embajador.

The rest of the afternoon was spent preparing for Puerto Rico, exploring the city, or wandering in the attractive hotel grounds. I took a taxi to the airline office to ensure all was in order for our flight tomorrow.

The gardens of the hotel are renowned for the large Hispaniolan Parakeet roost. This really was a remarkable sight as more and more birds gathered in trees outside the hotel. There were several noisy individuals in the gardens already by late afternoon, but by dusk there was an amazing gathering, which continued noisily way into the night (we couldn’t hear them from our rooms thankfully).

Dinner was eaten in one of the good restaurants outside the hotel gates.

PUERTO RICO

Day 17 Friday 13th December Journey to Puerto Rico, and to La Parguera

The departure time of our flight allowed a leisurely breakfast, and another appreciation of the noisy Hispaniolan Parakeets in the gardens. We left the Embajador mid morning in two taxis, one being not quite big enough for us and our luggage! Once at the airport all went well at check in. For some reason I was singled out at security for a rather thorough baggage search. Antillean Palm Swifts flew over the airport.

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The skies were somewhat cloudy for the forty minute flight to the easternmost of the Greater Antilles, Puerto Rico. Once again we enjoyed more fine views from the plane, of the several smaller islands en route, mostly well forested. Arriving in San Juan, a U.S. airport, thankfully presented none of the often horrendous queues at immigration when arriving in mainland America. Immigration staff were friendly, baggage reclaim was spacious and easy, and the customs officers even welcomed us to Puerto Rico!

We had arrived at an ideal time of day, early afternoon into a warm and sunny Puerto Rico. My next task was to collect the hire vehicle, and ensure it was spacious enough for us. On this island I was driving, and I spent some time making sure we had a large enough vehicle, procuring a very spacious ’15-seater’ minivan, which was actually rather similar to the 9 seaters we use in Europe. The very helpful staff helped us load up and we headed out into the busy traffic of San Juan where I negotiated the complex highway system, eventually reaching the route that would lead us to the south and then soutwest of the island. Red-tailed Hawk and Grey Kingbird were seen en route, and African Tulip Trees were a feature. This island again was completely different in character from those we had already visited.

Our hotel was about about three hours from San Juan, not counting stops. The highway took us across the central mountain range and down to the south coast. By-passing the important southern town of Ponce, we continued west, finally leaving the main highway at Guanica. We made a shopping stop so I could stock up on bottled water.

In Parguera we reached the characterful coastal hotel and quickly settled into the ‘ocean’ rooms. We arrived after dark this year so the search for the endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, an endemic more or less limited to this south western coast of the island, would have to wait until tomorrow.

The hotel restaurant provided a good hearty dinner.

Day 18 Saturday 14th December La Parguera and Guanica State Forest

At 7am we met in the garden and set out on a short walk west along the mangrove lined village streets. Greater Antillean Grackles were a constant presence, and Eurasian Collared Doves had increased in number since my last visit. Antillean Mango nectared on flowering shrubs, and the endemic Puerto Rican Flycatcher was seen. Coastal pools had Wilson’s Plover, Spotted Sandpiper, and Turnstone. Bananaquits were much in evidence, and Puerto Rican Stripe-headed Tanager was a highlight. Indigo Buntings were the only ones of the tour. At the furthest point of the walk was a well stocked store, whose owners regularly feed the local birds. The endemic Yellow-shouldered Blackbird is often seen here, but despite three or four visits this year we failed to see this endangered bird. Nor was it in the mangroves near the hotel. Where were they? There were yet different anoles here, including the crested Anolis cristatellus. Over the tranquil Caribbean, boats moored close to our rooms, flew Magnificent Frigatebirds and Brown Pelicans.

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After a good breakfast we drove to the tropical dry coastal forest at Guanica, a protected UNESCO site due to the significance of this rare habitat. Having driven through a small settlement, we reached the entrance gate, and drove up the paved road to the centre of the reserve. There followed a fine productive walk along forested trails, with us the only visitors this morning. The warden asking me to repark the van in the carpark so it was aligned with the parking lines was rather unnecessary as it was the only vehicle there!

Birds were rather less apparent than is usual here. Indeed Puerto Rican Todies were less in evidence than is usual, but we did see at least four birds this morning. This was the fifth and last member of this endemic family for the tour, a greatly pleasing thing. Antillean Mango was seen, and the endemic Adelaide’s Warbler was one of the most prominent birds, restless but we had several good views. The regional endemic Pearly-eyed Thrasher was another highlight, and there were brief views of Ruddy Quail-dove.

Butterfly wise things were dominated by Eunica tatila, having been excited by the first, we soon learnt that the species was very common currently, at least fifty being seen during the walk. Many were strikingly purple on the upperside. I remember this species being notably common here on the recce too. The wonderfully named Puerto Rican Troglodyte was a highlight, at least three being seen. Near the car park was the only Byblis hyperia of the trip. The hairstreak Strymon acis and Puerto Rican Ringlet continued the butterfly variety. The same mystery black pyrgine skipper that we had seen in Bahoruco was here, and was in fact Ephyriades zephodes.

Anolis continued in diversity, and the endemic Ameiva wetmorei scuttled on the dry leaves. Joerg’s stone turning yielded another snake, a young Arrhyton exiguum. The flora was fascinating. Gumbo Limbo trees were a feature. There were several cacti such as Opuntia moniliformis, Melocactus intortus, and Cephalocereus royenii. Vanilla orchids in leaf were widespread, as was the spiky and poisonous Chicharron, Comocladia dodonaea. Another attractive blue Convolvulus was in flower. A hermit crab again caused much interest, there were millipedes, yet more endemic snails, and a white-spotted black Tiger moth.

We returned to the hotel for a break in the middle of the day, and a snack lunch.

Later in the afternoon we headed back to Guanica, this time along the beautiful coast route, along lushly vegetated narrow lanes through coastal scrub. At a trailhead I parked the car safely off the road, and we walked up the trail into the park, eventually reaching the heart of the forest where we’d been in the morning, after an interesting two kilometres or so. Then, at dusk, we started the walk back to the car, the Caribbean glistening below.

This was one of the experiences of the tour and other than a lone runner, and a surprising cyclist, we were probably the only people in the park at this time. Before dark we saw many interesting plants, not least the Turk’s Cap cactus, called something else by the locals which is probably best not written here. It does have a remarkably phallic appearance. There was a larger, branched, cactus here too,

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 26 and gumbo limbo trees with their distinctive peeling bark. A lovely purple flowered shrub, also seen this morning, with spiky spherical fruits, awaits identification.

Before dark Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoos were much in evidence by their calls, but again birds were few and far between. The walk had started with a very large impressive caterpillar of the hawkmoth Pseudosphinx tetrio on the frangipani Plumeria alba, which was in flower.

The main reason for this nocturnal walk was Puerto Rican Nightjar. Initially known from a single specimen taken in 1888, it was rediscovered in 1961. Guanica is now one of the most reliable sites for this special bird. At dusk several were already calling, but they were unusually elusive this year, as they had been on the last visit, many calling but not seen. On the recce I had soon located the eyeshine of one and had fine close views of this special bird. The calls of the nightjar accompanied us all the way back to the car but despite continued efforts we could not get a good look at one this year. It was pleasing to hear so many individuals though. Also calling was Puerto Rican Screech Owl.

Various species of Eleutherodactylus frog were calling and a very large Bufo marinus was seen. Fireflies pulsated with light. There were a number of large bats on the wing, with probably two or three different species seen.

I made a quick drive around to the other entrance of the park and from the now locked gate we made a short walk into the forest. Another site for the nightjar, we did not even hear them here tonight. We drove back to the hotel in the dark and enjoyed another dinner in the friendly restaurant.

Meanwhile Joerg had spent the afternoon snorkeling, seeing a fine selection of reef fish, brittle stars, star fish, scorpion fish etc.etc. In the evening he went on the bioluminescent boat trip, which was certainly worthwhile, the luminescence stimulated when one agitates the water with one’s hand.

Day 19 Sunday 15th December Maricao State Forest, Humacao, and Journey to Fajardo

We checked out of the characterful Parguera hotel, and headed more or less north towards the town of Sabana Grande. Almost scuppered by the confusing street system and paucity of signs I managed to find the beautiful forested highway that took us up to Maricao State Forest, only about an hour’s drive from Parguera. The winding mountain road was very attractive, and today the weather was fine. Along here we saw what were remarkably the first White-winged Doves of the tour.

A tower afforded impressive views of the whole of the west coast of the island and the karst formations of the north-west. Red-legged Thrush was rather common in the area. The tower had much Polypodium growing on it.

At Maricao State Forest we parked amid beautiful epiphyte laden montane forest, near the more or less deserted park buildings. We then explored some of the lovely trails. Initially things were again quiet, but that soon changed and we enjoyed a very productive visit. The elfin woods here are a

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 27 reliable site for the eponymous endemic warbler, Elfin Woods Warbler, and we soon had fine views of a pair of this special endemic today. This is one of the most local of the Puerto Rican endemic birds. This was prime habitat for it, the dwarfed trees covered in epiphytes. Remarkably this species was not discovered until 1971. A scarce and local bird, especially threatened because of its limited habitat.

Green Mango and Puerto Rican Emerald visited the same shrub with red tubular flowers, and both were new endemics for us. One spread out mixed flock had the aforementioned Elfin Woods Warbler as well as Puerto Rican Vireo, and Puerto Rican Tanager.

Puerto Rican Bullfinch was seen well, but Scaly-naped Pigeon was rather elusive in the trees. Ruddy Quail-dove was seen in flight, and Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo was here.

The butterfly highlight was the several Puerto Rican Ringlet, Calisto nubila. Also here were the skippers Polygonus leo and Wallengrenia otho.

Melastomataceae were a feature of the rich flora here, among them one with attrative white flowers and spiky edged rigid leaves. The native Vanilla claviculata scrambled over a trackside bank. A fine epiphytic orchid was in bloom and a terrestrial species of Habenaria had green flowers. A species of Lisianthus was the first we’d seen. There was a fine selection of mosses. Here were yet more anoles.

It was time to head purposefully to the north-east of the island and our next hotel in Fajardo. The journey took much of the middle of the day, and on the way we made a stop for sandwiches, refuelling and the like. I decided to take the scenic coastal road around the east of the island, which was slow progress to cover not a particularly long distance. It became a very minor road in parts and the route took us through all sorts of strange detours and confusing one way systems in small towns and villages. Nevertheless it gave a fascinating look at a less visited part of the island.

The town of Humacao was particularly busy, but finally we arrived at our destination, the Humacao Wildlife Refuge, where the small coastal lakes amid mixed forest support some interesting water fowl. The opening times here have become much more limited and I had to direct the group along one of the paths whilst I stayed and looked after the vehicle, packed as it was with all our luggage.

Among species seen were Little Blue Heron, Common Moorhen, large iguanas in the trees, and various anolis species such as Anolis evermanni, a strikingly dark brown, almost black. Caribbean Coot was a highlight, having a larger casque above the bill than the commoner American Coot, which was also here. Plain Pigeon flew over. The endemic terrapin Trachemys stejnegeri, the only native non-marine chelonian on the island, was on a log at the water’s edge.

Now dusk, it was time for the short drive to Fajardo and our comfortable hotel there. Check in was effecient, and whilst I sorted the practicalities Puerto Rican Woodpecker was seen in the gardens (a fact kept quiet and only revealed to me on our drive to the airport on the last day!).

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Dinner in the Mexican restaurant was another American experience, the waitress lovely, and the food very good! As I write this at Fajardo, a varied chorus of frogs is calling, to the fore the endemic Coqui Frog, one of many Eleutherodactylus on the island.

Day 20 Monday 16th December El Yunque

A pre-breakfast walk around the hotel gardens was aborted due to rain. The rain was in fact phenomenal and it had rained persistently for hours overnight.

Regardless we set out towards El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical forest in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forestry system. But the weather was far from promising, the sky leaden grey, and even darker above the mountain ridge we were heading for. Progress on the highway was slow in this weather, but once we had turned off the main road, and once driving up into the verdant forested hills, our plans were scuppered as we reached a small queue of vehicles, stopped by a deeply overflowing ford, the water rushing forcefully over the road, and making further progress at least difficult, if not impossible, and certainly dangerous. Even if we had got past, surely the national park was closed in this severe weather, and we would have faced the risk of not being able to get back, the rain was sure to continue for many more hours yet.

Indeed even getting back to the hotel was a challenge. Nearly there we faced another flood, on a major road, with all vehicles turning back. Driving across flooded fords is simply too risky. It does not take much depth of water to be strong enough to sweep a vehicle sideways into the river. I managed to find an alternative route, crossing the waterway on the as yet unflooded highway. We were safely back at the hotel and the only sensible thing was to stay there the rest of the day. I started worrying about our journey to the airport tomorrow. Would the rain continue all night. Would we be able to get there?

So we had a quiet last day, catching up on notes, reading, resting, with short strolls in the garden during the very short lulls in the rain. It was indeed still raining heavily in the evening. We spent most of the morning, three hours or so, going through the plants seen on the tour, and then the reptiles and amphibians we’d seen, a very useful exercise.

Highlight of the day was a male Antillean Crested Hummingbird perched in the gardens and seen very well. This is primarily a Lesser Antillean species, but just reaches the extreme east of Puerto Rico. Also seen was Green-throated Carib which has a similar distribution.

Below I leave in the account of our previous visit to El Yunque, to give an idea of what can be seen there for future tours.

El Yunque

‘It wasn’t long before we were in good habitat. Near the entrance to the park, a stop at the visitor centre was very worthwhile. The visitor centre here is very well constructed and informative. Tree

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 29 ferns and palms immediately dominated the tabonuco forest, and there were typically several anoles. On the recce I had been delighted to find in the gift shop the comprehensive ‘Amphibians and Reptiles of Puerto Rico’, ‘The Orchids of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands’, and ‘Bats of Puerto Rico’. This rather well stocked small bookshop still had copies of all these works and a pleasing new find was a guide to North American butterfly larvae.’

‘In the leafy car park the endemic birds began with Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo. Noisy parrots got the heart racing but turned out to be the introduced Orange-fronted Parakeet. Bananaquits were much in evidence and turned out to be very common today. The first of several Puerto Rican Bullfinches of the day was seen very well. Puerto Rican Flycatcher and Pearly-eyed Thrasher were here too. The intricately patterned Colobura dirce was on the wing.’

‘Next we drove the road up into the park, through lovely forest. Even on a Monday the road was quite busy, and there were many visitors here today. The road was lined with Impatiens, and the luxuriant vegetation was a wealth of tree ferns, ferns, palms and many epiphytes. Orchids were abundantly in leaf, and we found Pleurothallus domingensis in flower, and there was a Begonia with white flowers on long peduncles. The road through the park is now permanently closed by a gate at about the 12 km point. Parking here we set out to walk a trail which started at the highest point of the road, and led up through incredibly verdant mossy forest. A terrestrial white flowered orchid was probably Cyclopogon cranichoides. There were several more anoles here, much in evidence. Present here were Anolis cristatellus, Anolis evermanni, Anolis pulchellus.’

‘Having reached an almost unused paved road at the top of the trail, in the sunlight were several Calisto nubila, the only species of satyrid on the island, along with a good number of Antillea pelops, a lovely little butterfly. The endemic birds continued with Puerto Rican Emerald, Puerto Rican Spindalis, Puerto Rican Tanager, and more Puerto Rican Bullfinches, all seen very closely and unbothered by our presence. It was pleasing to catch up with Puerto Rican Woodpecker, with fine views. We reached an impressive lookout tower, built in the 1930’s. From the top were remarkable views today of the surrounding hills, and we could see the north, east, and south coasts of the island, as well as the offshore islands to the east. A metallic blue spider hunting wasp with orange antennae was on the wing, one of a good number seen on the tour.’

‘This was another site for Elfin Woods Warbler, one of the most local of the Puerto Rican endemic birds. This was prime habitat for it, the dwarfed trees covered in epiphytes. It had taken some patience and effort on the recce but finally I heard it’s distinctive little song, and found it creeping along branches. This year we only heard it here and locating it was made rather difficult by the strong breeze. Having seen a pair well yesterday we didn’t need to persevere here too much.’

‘The walk down was made memorable by a huge religious group of 140 similarly clad mostly young people each of whom greeted us as we stood aside to let them past, and many of whom insisted on shaking hands with us!’

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‘We returned to the car and drove a short distance to a small cafe that provided a good quick lunch. Here was the impressive endemic snail Caracolus caracolla and the endemic skipper Choranthus borinconus was on the wing.’

‘We climbed another tower that afforded fine views of coast and forest. At the base of the tower I suddenly located an Antillean Euphonia among all the Bananaquits but it soon disappeared.’

‘The other bird for which the area is particularly important is Puerto Rican Parrot, one of the world’s rarest and most endangered birds. In 1975 numbers had dropped to a mere 13. Now increased somewhat due to intensive management and captive breeding programmes a few birds occur in the wild in El Yunque. With very low numbers chances of seeing this very special endemic are very low, but certainly there is a small chance from one of several viewpoints across the wooded valleys here. Unsurprisingly we were unlucky today.’

‘Back in the vistor centre car park we again saw several endemic birds very well. Zenaida Dove wandered among the parked cars. Red-legged Thrush was again seen well.’

Day 21 Tuesday 17th December Departure

I wanted to allow plenty of time for the drive to the airport, following the road problems of yesterday. Partly because we reached the environs of San Juan before rush hour the journey was in fact very easy indeed and we arrived at the airport with plenty of time in hand. Much better that way than finding blocked roads! In San Juan we said goodbye to Joerg who was flying with a different airline to the rest of us.

It only remained for us to make the journey back to Europe, via New York. The flight was almost completely over the ocean, arriving in a wintry New York with fine views of the leafless wooded environs of the city.

Formalities in JFK were very straightforward as we were arriving from Puerto Rico, effectively the U.S., and there were no immigration or customs procedures on arrival. Once back in the UK we said our fond farewells after a very enjoyable and produtive, extensive tour.

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Appendix. LESSER ANTILLES.

After spending Christmas in Europe, in January I travelled back to the Caribbean to start my exploration of the Lesser Antilles. As we had talked about this on the tour, I just include a few notes here which may be of interest.

Antigua provided a leisurely start. Bird highlight there was West Indian Whistling Duck, with several of this now scarce species frequenting a lagoon near our hotel. Antillean Crested Hummingbird and Green-throated Carib were much more in evidence than in eastern Puerto Rico. Lesser Antillean Bullfinches and Carib Grackles shared our breakfasts.

An exciting ferry trip to Montserrat, with a very rough return trip indeed, yielded the hoped for Montserrat Oriole in the fine forests, as well as Forest Thrush, and the bonus a Bridled Quail-Dove. Now one is permitted to drive to Plymouth, the abandoned former capital, the lava flows of the exclusion zone being remarkably poignant. The population of the island is considerably reduced due to emigration by many after the eruption in the nineties.

Dominica was an expected highlight, the forest among the lushest I’d seen anywhere. The endemic Red-necked Parrot was soon located but I had to put in much time and long drives to finally see the marvellous Imperial Parrot. Blue-headed Hummingbird was a delightful endemic, and I first saw Brown Trembler here, as well as Scaly-breasted Thrasher, Lesser Antillean Flycatcher, Lesser Antillean Pewee, and Plumbeous Warbler.

A morning on Barbados allowed us to see the only endemic bird, Barbados Bullfinch, and the endemic Anolis extremus, surely one of the most striking of the genus.

St.Vincent was fascinating. There we had a fine colonial hotel from where I made an early Sunday morning expedition into the interior forests, where despite getting absolutely soaked for about four hours, I saw the stunning St.Vincent Parrot, and the very interesting endemics Whistling Warbler and Lesser Antillean Tanager.

We finished on St.Lucia where I saw the fourth endemic eponymous Amazona parrot, as well as Purple-throated Carib, St.Lucia Pewee, Grey Trembler, St.Lucia Oriole, and Lesser Antillean Saltator. The St.Lucia Warbler was strikingly more yellow than the Adelaide’s Warbler we’d seen on Puerto Rico, the two formally considered the same species. The endangered White-breasted Thrasher was another highlight, and the scarce St.Lucia Black Finch was seen very well.

On all islands I saw most if not all the endemic Anolis species, many of which were very beautifully patterned. Eleutherodactylus johnstonei and Eleutherodactylus martinicensis provided a constant soundtrack.

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Greater Antilles Systematic Lists 2014

ITINERARY

JAMAICA Day 1 / November 27 Flights London to Miami. Miami to Kingston. Strawberry Hill. Day 2 / November 28 Strawberry Hill. Hardwar Gap. Day 3 / November 29 Hardwar Gap. Kingston. To Port Antonio. Day 4 / November 30 John Crow Mountains. San San. Day 5 / December 1 John Crow Mountains. Boston Bay. San San. Day 6 / December 2 Port Antonio. Castleton Botanic Garden. Hellshire Hills. Port Royal.

CAYMAN ISLANDS Day 7 / December 3 Flights Kingston to Grand Cayman, to Havana. To Playa Larga, Zapata.

CUBA Day 8 / December 4 Zapata sites. Day 9 / December 5 Bermejas, Caleta Buena, La Salina. Day 10 / December 6 La Turba, La Boca, Playa Larga to Havana. Day 11 / December 7 Havana. Flight to Santo Domingo.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Day 12 / December 8 Drive to Barahona. Rancho Platon. Day 13 / December 9 Sierra de Bahoruco. Day 14 / December 10 Sierra de Bahoruco. Day 15 / December 11 Sierra de Bahoruco. Day 16 / December 12 Rancho Platon to Santo Domingo.

PUERTO RICO Day 17 / December 13 Flight to San Juan. To La Parguera. Day 18 / December 14 La Parguera. Guanica. Day 19 / December 15 Maricao. Humacao. To Fajardo. Day 20 / December 16 Towards El Yunque. Persistent heavy rain and flooding. Fajardo. Day 21 / December 17 Departure. San Juan to JFK, New York, to LHR (arriving 18th).

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Systematic List Number 1 Birds

The taxonomy and nomenclature followed generally follows ‘Birds of the West Indies’ by Raffaele et al, Helm 1998. Also used were ‘A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Jamaica’ by Ann Haynes- Sutton et al, Helm 2009, ‘The Birds of Cuba’ by Garrido and Kirkconnell, Helm, 2000, ‘Birds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti’ by S.Latta et al, Helm 2006, ‘A Guide to Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands’ by Raffaele, Princeton, 1989, and ‘Birds of the West Indies’ by Norman Arlott, Collins 2010.

Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus Dominican Republic, Puerto Escondido. American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos 10+ at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Locally common coastally. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Zapata, Cuba. Anhinga Anhinga anhinga 1 over La Boca, Zapata, Cuba. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Jamiacan and Puerto Rican coasts. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias A few on Cuba and Puerto Rico. Great Egret Casmerodius albus Scattered throughout. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Scattered records. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Widespread in small numbers. Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Zapata, Cuba. Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens 2 white phase, 2 red phase, at La Salina, Cuba. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and common. Green Heron Butoroides striatus Jamaica and Grand Cayman. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa voilacea Port Antonio, Jamaica, and Grand Cayman. White Ibis Eudocimus albus Zapata, Cuba. Wood Stork Mycteria americana On two days at Zapata, Cuba. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Many at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura Widespread in all countries, but often only in small numbers. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Abundant at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 2+ at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. American Wigeon Anas americana Several at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1 La Salina, 1 La Boca, Zapata, Cuba. Cuban Black Hawk Buteogallus gundlachii Cuban Endemic. A recent split from Common Black Hawk, B.anthracinus. 4 at La Salina, Zapata. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis A few in Jamaica and Cuba. Several in Puerto Rico. Northern Caracara Caracara cheriway 2 at Bermejas, Cuba. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Widespread and rather common in all countries. Merlin Falco columbarius 1 at Hardwar Gap, Jamaica. 1 at Rancho Platon, Dominican Republic. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Offshore from Goblin Hill, Jamaica. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Zapata, Cuba, Puerto Escondido, Dominican Republic, and Humacao, Puerto Rico. American Coot Fulica americana Grand Cayman, many at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba, and Humacao, Puerto Rico. Caribbean Coot Fulica caribaea Regional endemic. 1 at Humacao, Puerto Rico. Wilson’s Plover Charadrius wilsonia 1 at Parguera, Puerto Rico. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Zapata, Cuba, and Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

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Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Zapata, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Zapata, Cuba. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Grand Cayman, Zapata, Cuba, and Parguera, Puerto Rico. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Abundant costally around Kingston, Jamaica. A few Cuba and Puerto Rico. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Zapata, Cuba, and Dominican Republic. Royal Tern Sterna maxima Fairly common on the coast around Kingston, Jamaica. A few Cuba. Feral Pigeon Columba livia Widespread in towns. Scaly-naped Pigeon Columba squamosa Caribbean endemic. Rather common Alcoa Road, Dominican Republic, also Maricao, Puerto Rico. White-crowned Pigeon Columba leucocephala Caribbean endemic. Several in Jamaica and Cuba. Also Dominican Republic. Plain Pigeon Columba inornata Greater Antillean endemic. South-west Dominican Republic. Also Puerto Rico. Ring-tailed Pigeon Columba caribaea Jamaican Endemic. Several very good sightings, e.g. Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Several in Havana. Common in south-west Puerto Rico. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Only in Puerto Rico, where locally common. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Regional endemic. Widespread. Seen most often in Cuba, but also daily in Jamaica. Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura A few in Cuba. Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Widespread and reasonably common. [Caribbean Dove Leptotila jamaicensis Regional endemic. 1 near Port Antonio 2012 (PGC). Several Port Antonio area 2011.] Key West Quail-Dove Geotrygon mystacea Greater Antillean and Bahaman endemic. 1 at Bermejas, Cuba. 1 at Rabo de Gato, Dominican Republic Grey-headed Quail-Dove Geotrygon caniceps Cuban Endemic. 2 seen well at Zapata. White-fronted Quail-Dove Geotrygon leucometopia Dominican Republic Endemic. 4+ at Puerto Escondido. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana 1 Rabo de Gato, Dominican Republic. Guanica and Maricao, Puerto Rico. Crested Quail-Dove Geotrygon versicolor Jamaican Endemic. Several seen or heard, but none of the superb prolonged views we enjoyed several times on the last visit. Blue-headed Quail-Dove Starnoenas cyanocephala Cuban Endemic. 4 seen superbly closely at Zapata. Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus A few on Grand Cayman, where naturalised. Hispaniolan Parakeet Aratinga chloroptera Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in Sierra de Bahoruco. A huge noisy roost in Santo Domingo. Cuban Parakeet Aratinga euops Cuban Endemic. c.40 seen superbly at Zapata. Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana Scattered records in Jamaica. Also Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. Rose-throated Parrot Amazona leucocephala Endemic to Cuba, Cayman Islands, and Bahamas. Seen very well in Zapata, Cuba. Yellow-billed Parrot Amazona collaria Jamaican Endemic. Seen very well in John Crow Mountains, 2 days.

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Hispaniolan Parrot Amazona ventralis Hispaniolan Endemic. SW Dominican Republic. Black-billed Parrot Amazona agilis Jamaican Endemic. Seen well in John Crow Mountains, 2 days. Great Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera merlini Endemic to Cuba and Bahamas. Several in Zapata, Cuba. Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera vieilloti Puerto Rican Endemic. Guanica, Maricao, and Humacao. Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera longirostris Hispaniolan Endemic. One to several daily. Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera vetula Jamaican Endemic. Strawberry Hill and John Crow Mountains. Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo Hyetornis pluvialis Jamaican Endemic. Several seen very well. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Widespread and reasonably common in all countries. Puerto Rican Screech Owl Otus nudipes Puerto Rican Endemic. Heard at Guanica. Bare-legged Owl Gymnoglaux lawrencii Cuban Endemic. Seen very well at Bermejas. Cuban Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium siju Cuban Endemic. 1 seen very well at Zapata. Jamaican Owl Pseudoscops grammicus Jamaican Endemic. Also an endemic genus. Blue Mountains. Cuban Nightjar Caprimulgus cubanensis Cuban Endemic. Seen only briefly this year, in Zapata. Puerto Rican Nightjar Caprimulgus noctitherus Puerto Rican Endemic. Seen well at Guanica, and many heard 2011. In 2012 and 2014 much more elusive and only glimpsed, but several heard. Antillean Palm Swift Tachornis phoenicobia Greater Antillean endemic. A few in Dominican Republic. Jamaican Mango Anthracothorax mango Jamaican Endemic. Seen very well in north- east, 1 Hellshire Hills. Antillean Mango Anthracothorax dominicus Hispaniolan, Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands endemic. Several, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Green Mango Anthracothorax viridis Puerto Rican Endemic. 1 at Maricao. Green-throated Carib Eulampis holosericus Regional endemic, through Lesser Antilles, Virgin Islands, and northeastern Puerto Rico. Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhynchus cristatus Lesser Antillean endemic, that ranges into Eastern Puerto Rico. Seen very well at Fajardo. Cuban Emerald Chlorostilbon ricordii Cuban and Bahaman endemic. Several in Zapata, Cuba. Hispaniolan Emerald Chlorostilbon swainsonii Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in Sierra de Bahoruco. Puerto Rican Emerald Chlorostilbon maugaeus Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao. Black-billed Streamertail Trochilus scitulus Jamaican Endemic, also an endemic genus. Several in the Port Antonio area, and John Crow Mountains, seen very closely. Red-billed Streamertail Trochilus polytmus Jamaican Endemic, also an endemic genus. Rather common and widespread, many seen very closely. Also in north-east. Vervain Hummingbird Mellisuga minima Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic. Several in the former, Sierra de Bahoruco in the latter. Bee Hummingbird Mellisuga helenae Cuban Endemic. One seen very well in Zapata. Famously the world’s smallest bird.

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Cuban Trogon Priotelus temnurus Cuban Endemic. 2 seen well at Zapata. Hispaniolan Trogon Priotelus roseigaster Hispaniolan Endemic. 1 in southern Sierra de Bahoruco (PGC). The Todidae is a family endemic to the Greater Antilles, comprising the following five species. Cuban Tody Todus multicolor Cuban Endemic. 3 in Zapata. Broad-billed Tody Todus subulatus Hispaniolan Endemic. Several seen well in Sierra de Bahoruco. Narrow-billed Tody Todus angustirostris Hispaniolan Endemic. Several seen well in Sierra de Bahoruco. Jamaican Tody Todus todus Jamaican Endemic. In small numbers, seen on 3 days. Puerto Rican Tody Todus mexicanus Puerto Rican Endemic. 4 at Guanica. Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Grand Cayman, Cuba and Dominican Republic. Antillean Piculet Nesoctites micromegas Hispaniolan Endemic. 2 in Sierra de Bahoruco. Puerto Rican Woodpecker Melanerpes portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Seen at most sites visited 2012. 2014 only at Fajardo. Hispaniolan Woodpecker Melanerpes striatus Hispaniolan Endemic. Barahona area, and Sierra de Bahoruco. Much in evidence. Jamaican Woodpecker Melanerpes radiolatus Jamaican Endemic. Widespread in small numbers, seen almost daily. West Indian Woodpecker Melanerpes superciliaris Endemic to Cuba, Bahamas, and Cayman Islands. On 2 days in Zapata, Cuba. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius 2+ in Zapata, Cuba. Cuban Green Woodpecker Xiphidiopicus percussus Cuban Endemic. 3 at Zapata. Fernandina’s Flicker Colaptes fernandinae Cuban Endemic. 2 seen superbly at La Boca, Zapata. Also 1 east of Bermejas. Jamaican Elaenia Myiopagis cotta Jamaican Endemic. 1 at Goblin Hills. [Caribbean Elaenia Elaenia martinica Caribbean endemic. A few at Guanica, Puerto Rico, 2011.] Greater Antillean Elaenia Elaenia fallax Jamaican and Hispaniolan Endemic. 2 Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic, new in 2014. Crescent-eyed Pewee Contopus caribaeus Endemic to Bahamas and Cuba. Several in Zapata, Cuba. Hispaniolan Pewee Contopus hispaniolensis Hispaniolan Endemic. 1, Sierra de Bahoruco. Jamaican Pewee Contopus pallidus Jamaican Endemic. Hardwar Gap, and Port Antonio area. Puerto Rican Pewee Contopus portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Guanica, heard only. Sad Flycatcher Myiarchus barbirostris Jamaican Endemic. Widespread in small numbers. Rufous-tailed Flycatcher Myiarchus validus Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and Port Antonio. La Sagra’s Flycatcher Myiarchus sagrae Endemic to Cuba, Cayman Islands, and Bahamas. 4+ in Zapata, Cuba. Stolid Flycatcher Myiarchus stolidus Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic. Dominican Republic, a few in Sierra de Bahoruco. Puerto Rican Flycatcher Myiarchus antillarum Endemic to Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Several at Guanica, Susua, and El Yunque 2012. 2014 only at La Parguera. Gray Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Several in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

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Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus Endemic to Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Greater Antilles. Conspicuous in Jamaican and Cuba. Jamaican Becard Pachyramphus niger Jamaican Endemic. Females at Hardwar Gap, and John Crow Mountains, where also an impressive old large nest. Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Zapata, Cuba. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Scattered records. Cave Swallow Pterochelidon fulva Several at Caleta Buena, Cuba. Hispaniolan Palm Crow Corvus palmarum Hispaniolan Endemic. Rancho Platon. [Cuban Crow Corvus nasicus Endemic to Cuba and Bahamas. Locally several in Zapata, Cuba 2011, and 2012. Surprisingly not seen 2014.] White-necked Crow Corvus leucognaphalus Hispaniolan Endemic. Seen in the south- west 2012. Herad only in 2014. Jamaican Crow Corvus jamaicensis Jamaican Endemic. Several in John Crow Mountains, seen very well. Also Castleton Botanic Gardens. Zapata Wren Ferminia cerverai Endemic to Zapata, Cuba. 1 seen very well. Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea In small numbers in Zapata, Cuba. [Rufous-throated Solitaire Myadestes genibarbis Caribbean endemic. A few in Blue Mountains, Jamaica 2011 and 2012.] Bicknell’s Thrush Turdus bicknelli Sierra de Bahoruco 2014, (MW). White-eyed Thrush Turdus jamaicensis Jamaican Endemic. Locally common in Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains. White-chinned Thrush Turdus aurantius Jamaican Endemic. Several daily. Common. Red-legged Thrush Turdus plumbeus Caribbean endemic. Several in Zapata, Cuba. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Several in Puerto Rico. Gray Catbird Dumatella carolinensis Several in Zapata, Cuba. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Widespread and reasonably common. Bahama Mockingbird Mimus gundlachii Endemic to Bahamas, N.Cuban cays, and Hellshire Hills, Jamaica. 2 seen superbly in the latter 2014. Pearly-eyed Thrasher Margarops fuscatus Caribbean endemic. Guanica, Puerto Rico. Palmchat Dulus dominicus Hispaniolan Endemic. A monotypic endemic family, the Dulidae. Common and conspicuous. Jamaican Vireo Vireo modestus Jamaican Endemic. Port Antonio area and John Crow Mountains. Cuban Vireo Vireo gundlachii Cuban Endemic. Several seen well in Zapata. Puerto Rican Vireo Vireo latimeri Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao. Flat-billed Vireo Vireo nanus Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco. Blue Mountain Vireo Vireo osburni Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains. Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons 1 at Parguera, Puerto Rico. Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus 1 at Zapata, Cuba. Northern Parula Parula americana In small numbers in all countries. Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Zapata, Cuba, and La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina Zapata, Cuba, and Alcoa Road, Dominican Republic. Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Widespread and common. Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens A few in Jamaica, Cuba, and Dominican Republic. Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica Only 1, La Boca, Zapata, Cuba.

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Adelaide’s Warbler Dendroica adelaidae Puerto Rican Endemic. Several at Guanica. Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus Several in pine forest, Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. Resident. Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Widespread in small numbers. Vitelline Warbler Dendroica vitellina Cayman Islands and Swan Islands endemic. A male and a female seen very well on Grand Cayman. Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Numerous in Cuba, also Grand Cayman and Dominican Republic. Arrow-headed Warbler Dendroica pharetra Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains, seen very well. Elfin Woods Warbler Dendroica angelae Puerto Rican Endemic. A pair seen well at Maricao. Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia Widespread and reasonably common. Not seen on Puerto Rico. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Widespread and reasonably common. Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorus Several in Jamaica, also Cuba. Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus Widespread in small numbers. Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla A few records. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Jamaica and Cuba. Yellow-headed Warbler Teretistris fernandinae Cuban Endemic. Also Endemic genus. 6+ seen well at Zapata. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Widespread and rather common. Jamaican Euphonia Euphonia jamaica Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and the north-east. Antillean Euphonia Euphonia musica Caribbean endemic. A group of c.10 in Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. Green-tailed Ground-Tanager Microligea palustris Hispaniolan Endemic. c. 5 in Sierra de Bahoruco, 2012. Only 1 there in 2014. [Western Spindalis Spindalis zena Endemic to Cuba, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. A pair in Zapata, Cuba 2012.] Jamaican Spindalis Spindalis nigricephalus Jamaican Endemic. Widespread, seen daily. [Hispaniolan Spindalis Spindalis dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. Southern Sierra de Bahoruco 2012.] Puerto Rican Spindalis Spindalis portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Parguera and Maricao. Black-crowned Palm-Tanager Phaenicophilus palmarum Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. Western Chat Tanager Calyptophilus tertius Hispaniolan Endemic. 1 in southern Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic, 2014. Seen briefly but well. Puerto Rican Tanager Nesospingus speculiferus Puerto Rican Endemic. c.6 at Maricao. Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea La Parguera, Puerto Rico. [Cuban Bullfinch Melopyrrha nigra Endemic to Cuba and Grand Cayman. A male at Caleta Buena, Zapata, Cuba, 2012.] Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea Scarce this year, Cuba and Jamaica. Black-faced Grassquit Tiaris bicolor Common in Jamaica, also Puerto Rico. Yellow-shouldered Grassquit Loxipasser anoxanthus Jamaican Endemic. Also an endemic genus. 2 in John Crow Mountains. Puerto Rican Bullfinch Loxigilla portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao, and heard at Guanica.

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Greater Antillean Bullfinch Loxigilla violacea Endemic to Bahamas, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. Jamaica, ssp.ruficollis, endemic, on three days. [ssp.affinis Dominican Republic, 2011.] Orangequit Euneornis campestris Jamaican Endemic. Also endemic genus. Widespread and not uncommon. Zapata Sparrow Torreornis inexpectata Cuban Endemic. 2 seen superbly at Zapata. Red-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius assimilis Cuban Endemic. A few at Zapata. Tawny-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius humeralis Cuban Endemic. A few at Zapata. [Yellow-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius xanthomus Puerto Rican Endemic. Parguera 2011 and 2012.] Jamaican Blackbird Nesopsar nigerrimus Jamaican Endemic, belonging to an endemic genus. One in the Blue Mountains. Cuban Blackbird Dives atroviolacea Cuban Endemic. Common. Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger Greater Antillean endemic. Widespread and locally very common. Jamaican Oriole Icterus leucopteryx Endemic to Jamaica and San Andres. The Grand Cayman race is apparently extinct. ssp.leucopteryx. Several in the north east. Cuban Oriole Icterus melanopsis Cuban Endemic. Only at Playa Larga. [Hispaniolan Oriole Icterus dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic, 2012.] [Puerto Rican Oriole Icterus portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. A few at El Yunque 2011. A male at Maricao 2012.] Antilean Siskin Carduelis dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco. Heard only 2014. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common in Havana, Cuba. Also Puerto Rico.

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Systematic List Number 2 Birds by Country

JAMAICA

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Locally common coastally. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Scattered coastal records. Great Egret Casmerodius albus Scattered records. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea North-east. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and common. Green Heron Butoroides striatus San San. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea San San. Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura Widespread and locally numerous. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Strawberry Hill and John Crow Mountains. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Widespread and rather common. Merlin Falco columbarius 1 at Hardwar Gap. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 1 offshore from Goblin Hill. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia North coast. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Coastally around Kingston. Royal Tern Sterna maxima Fairly common on the coast around Kingston. Feral Pigeon Columba livia Towns. White-crowned Pigeon Columba leucocephala Caribbean endemic. Locally common in north east. Ring-tailed Pigeon Columba caribaea Jamaican Endemic. Several very good sightings, e.g. Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Regional endemic. Widespread. Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina ssp.jamaicensis endemic. Widespread and reasonably common. [Caribbean Dove Leptotila jamaicensis Regional endemic, ssp.jamaicensis endemic. 1, Ecclesdown (PGC) 2012.] Crested Quail-Dove Geotrygon versicolor Jamaican Endemic. Only brief views this year, others heard. Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana ssp.nana endemic. A few records. Yellow-billed Parrot Amazona collaria Jamaican Endemic. Seen well in the John Crow Mountains. Black-billed Parrot Amazona agilis Jamaican Endemic. Seen well in John Crow Mountains. Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera vetula Jamaican Endemic. Strawberry Hill and Ecclesdown road. Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo Hyetornis pluvialis Jamaican Endemic. A few seen well in the north east. Also Hardwar Gap. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Widespread and reasonably common. Jamaican Owl Pseudoscops grammicus Jamaican Endemic. Also an endemic genus. Blue Mountains. Jamaican Mango Anthracothorax mango Jamaican Endemic. Several seen superbly in north-east, and 1 in Hellshire Hills. Black-billed Streamertail Trochilus scitulus Jamaican Endemic, also an endemic genus. Several in the Port Antonio area, and John Crow Mountains, seen very closely. Red-billed Streamertail Trochilus polytmus Jamaican Endemic, also an endemic genus. Rather common and widespread, many seen very closely. Also in north-east. Vervain Hummingbird Mellisuga minima Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic, ssp. minima endemic. Scattered records. Jamaican Tody Todus todus Jamaican Endemic. Seen on three days.

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Jamaican Woodpecker Melanerpes radiolatus Jamaican Endemic. Widespread in small numbers, seen on 4 days. Jamaican Elaenia Myiopagis cotta Jamaican Endemic. 1, Goblin Hills. Jamaican Pewee Contopus pallidus Jamaican Endemic. Hardwar Gap and John Crow Mountains. Sad Flycatcher Myiarchus barbirostris Jamaican Endemic. Widespread in small numbers. Rufous-tailed Flycatcher Myiarchus validus Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and Port Antonio area. Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus Endemic to Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Greater Antilles. ssp.jamaicensis endemic. Conspicuous and widespread. Jamaican Becard Pachyramphus niger Jamaican Endemic. Females at Hardwar Gap, and John Crow Mountains. Jamaican Crow Corvus jamaicensis Jamaican Endemic. Several in John Crow Mountains. Also Castleton Botanic Gardens this year. [Rufous-throated Solitaire Myadestes genibarbis Caribbean endemic. Endemic ssp. solitarius. A few in Blue Mountains. 2011 and 2012.] White-eyed Thrush Turdus jamaicensis Jamaican Endemic. Locally common in Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains. White-chinned Thrush Turdus aurantius Jamaican Endemic. Several daily, common. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Widespread and reasonably common. Bahama Mockingbird Mimus gundlachii Endemic to Bahamas, N.Cuban Cays, and Hellshire Hills, Jamaica. 2 in the latter, 2014. Jamaican Vireo Vireo modestus Jamaican Endemic. Port Antonio area. Blue Mountain Vireo Vireo osburni Jamaican Endemic. Hardwar Gap and John Crow Mountains. Northern Parula Parula americana Widespread in small numbers. Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Numerous and widespread. Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens 1, Blue Mountains. Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor A few records. Arrow-headed Warbler Dendroica pharetra Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains. Several seen well. Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia Scattered records. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Widespread and reasoanbly common. Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorus Several seen. Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus A few in the north-east. Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla North-east. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas John Crow Mountains. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Nominate ssp. endemic. Widespread. Jamaican Euphonia Euphonia jamaica Jamaican Endemic. Hardwar Gap and the north-east. Jamaican Spindalis Spindalis nigricephalus Jamaican Endemic. Widespread in small numbers. Seen daily. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea Strawberry Hill. Black-faced Grassquit Tiaris bicolor Rather common. Yellow-shouldered Grassquit Loxipasser anoxanthus Jamaican Endemic. Also Endemic genus. Only 2, in the north-east. Greater Antillean Bullfinch Loxigilla violacea Endemic to Bahamas, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. ssp.ruficollis endemic. Scattered records. Orangequit Euneornis campestris Jamaican Endemic. Also Endemic genus. Widespread and not uncommon. Jamaican Blackbird Nesopsar nigerrimus Jamaican Endemic, belonging to an

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endemic genus. One in the Blue Mountains. Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger Greater Antillean endemic. ssp.crassirostris endemic. Scattered records. Jamaican Oriole Icterus leucopteryx Endemic to Jamaica and San Andres. The Grand Cayman race is apparently extinct. ssp. leucopteryx. A few in the north-east.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

The following were seen on a two hour visit between flights.

Great Egret Casmerodius albus Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Green Heron Butoroides striatus Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura American Coot Fulica americana Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Royal Tern Sterna maxima Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Northern Parula Parula americana Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Vitelline Warbler Dendroica vitellina Endemic to Cayman and Swan Islands. Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalis niger

CUBA

American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos 10+ at La Salina, Zapata. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Locally common coastally. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Zapata. Anhinga Anhinga anhinga 1, Zapata. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias A few. Great Egret Casmerodius albus Scattered. Snowy Egret Egretta thula A few at Zapata. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Zapata. Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor La Salina, Zapata. Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens 2 red phase and 2 white phase at La Salina. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and common. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea Zapata.

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White Ibis Eudocimus albus Zapata. Wood Stork Mycteria americana Zapata. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Many at La Salina, Zapata. Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura Widespread. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Abundant at La Salina, Zapata. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 2+ at La Salina, Zapata. American Wigeon Anas americana Several at La Salina, Zapata. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis 3+ at La Salina, Zapata. Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1 at La Salina, 1 at La Boca. Cuban Black Hawk Buteogallus gundlachii Cuban Endemic. A recent split from Common Black Hawk, B.anthracinus. 4 at la Salina, Zapata. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 2 at Zapata. Northern Caracara Caracara cheriway 2 at Bermejas. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Widespread and rather common. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Zapata. American Coot Fulica americana Abundant at La Salina, Zapata. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus A few at Zapata. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Several at Zapata. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca La Salina, Zapata. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria imterpres Caleta Buena, Zapata. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Havana and Zapata. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Zapata. Royal Tern Sterna maxima Zapata. Feral Pigeon Columba livia Towns. White-crowned Pigeon Columba leucocephala Caribbean endemic. Several at Zapata. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Rather common in Havana. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Regional endemic. Rather common. Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura A few at Zapata. Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Widespread and reasonably common. Key West Quail-Dove Geotrygon mystacea Greater Antillean and Bahaman endemic. 1 at Bermejas. Grey-headed Quail-Dove Geotrygon caniceps Cuban Endemic. 2 at Bermejas. Blue-headed Quail-Dove Starnoenas cyanocephala Cuban Endemic. 4 seen superbly at Zapata. Cuban Parakeet Aratinga euops Cuban Endemic. c.40 at Zapata. Rose-throated Parrot Amazona leucocephala Endemic to Cuba, Cayman Islands, and Bahamas. Seen well at Playa Larga. Great Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera merlini Endemic to Cuba and Bahamas. Fewer than usual at Zapata, but several seen well. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Widespread and reasonably common. Bare-legged Owl Gymnoglaux lawrencii Cuban Endemic. Seen well at Zapata. Cuban Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium siju Cuban Endemic. 1 seen well, and others heard, at Zapata. Cuban Nightjar Caprimulgus cubanensis Cuban Endemic. Zapata, not seen well this year. Cuban Emerald Chlorostilbon ricordii Cuban and Bahaman endemic. Several in Zapata. Bee Hummingbird Mellisuga helenae Cuban Endemic. One seen very well in Zapata. Famously the world’s smallest bird. Cuban Trogon Priotelus temnurus Cuban Endemic. 2 at Zapata. Cuban Tody Todus multicolor Cuban Endemic. 3 at Zapata. Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon La Salina.

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West Indian Woodpecker Melanerpes superciliaris Endemic to Cuba, Bahamas, and Cayman Islands. On 2 days at Zapata. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Playa Larga and Bermejas. Cuban Green Woodpecker Xiphidiopicus percussus Cuban Endemic. 3 at Zapata. Fernandina’s Flicker Colaptes fernandinae Cuban Endemic. 2 seen very well at La Boca, and one briefly east of Bermejas. Crescent-eyed Pewee Contopus caribaeus Endemic to Bahamas and Cuba. Several in (Cuban Pewee) Zapata. La Sagra’s Flycatcher Myiarchus sagrae Endemic to Cuba, Cayman Islands, and Bahamas. A few in Zapata. Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus Endemic to Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Greater Antilles. Nominate ssp. Regularly seen. Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor La Turba, Zapata. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Zapata. Cave Swallow Pterochelidon fulva Caleta Buena, Zapata. [Cuban Crow Corvus nasicus Endemic to Cuba and Bahamas. Locally several in Zapata 2011 and 2012. Surprisingly not seen 2014.] Zapata Wren Ferminia cerverai Endemic to Zapata, Cuba. 1 seen well. Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea A few in Zapata. Red-legged Thrsuh Turdus plumbeus Caribbean endemic. ssp.plumbeus. Several in Zapata. Gray Catbird Dumatella carolinensis Several in Zapata. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Widespread and reasonably common. Cuban Vireo Vireo gundlachii Cuban Endemic. Several seen well in Zapata. Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus 1 at Zapata. Northern Parula Parula americana Several in Zapata. Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Zapata. Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina Playa Larga and La Boca. Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Several in Zapata. Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens Zapata. Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica Only 1, La Boca, Zapata. Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Zapata. Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Numerous in Zapata. Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia A few records. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Widespread and reasonably common. Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorus Zapata. Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus Scattered records. Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla Zapata. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Zapata. Yellow-headed Warbler Teretistris fernandinae Cuban Endemic. Also Endemic genus. 6+ seen well at Zapata. Bananaquit Coeroba flaveola Zapata. [Western Spindalis Spindalis zena Endemic to Cuba, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. A pair at Zapata, 2012.] [Cuban Bullfinch Melopyrrha nigra Endemic to Cuba and Grand Cayman. A male at Caleta Buena, 2012.] Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea Zapata. Zapata Sparrow Torreornis inexpectata Cuban Endemic. 2 seen superbly at Zapata. Red-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius assimilis Cuban Endemic. A few in Zapata. Tawny-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius humeralis Cuban Endemic. A few in Zapata. Cuban Blackbird Dives atroviolacea Cuban Endemic. Common.

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Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger Greater Antillean endemic. Widespread and common. Cuban Oriole Icterus melanopsis Cuban Endemic. Playa Larga. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common in Havana.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

This was the only country where we missed some of the endemic birds, but a few species not seen on previous visits were added to the list this year. There is a chance of seeing the following species on future tours, in addition to those in the annotated list.

Bay-breasted Cuckoo (rare), Ashy-faced Owl, Least Pauraque (scarce), Hispaniolan Nightjar, Golden Swallow (rare), La Selle Thrush (rare), Hispaniolan Highland-Tanager, Hispaniolan Crossbill.

Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus 2 at Puerto Escondido. [Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Puerto Escondido 2011.] Great Egret Casmerodius albus Recorded. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and common. Green Heron Butoroides striatus Barahona area. Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura American Kestrel Falco sparverius Endemic subspecies dominicensis. Widespread and rather common. Merlin Falco columbarius 1 near Rancho Platon, 2014. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Recorded. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Recorded. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus A few in the south-west. [Limpkin Aramus gaurauna Puerto Escondido 2011.] Feral Pigeon Columba livia Widespread in towns. Scaly-naped Pigeon Columba squamosa Caribbean endemic. Rather common, Alcoa Road. Plain Pigeon Columba inornata Greater Antillean endemic. Barahona area. [Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Barahona area 2012.] Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Regional endemic. Scattered records. [Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Several 2011.] Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Widespread and reasonably common. Key West Quail-Dove Geotrygon mystacea 1 Puerto Escondido, 2014. White-fronted Quail-Dove Geotrygon leucometopia Dominican Republic Endemic. 4+ at Puerto Escondido. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana 1 at Puerto Escondido. Hispaniolan Parakeet Aratinga chloroptera Hispaniolan Endemic. A few seen in south- west. A huge noisy roost in Santo Domingo. Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana Sierra de Bahoruco. Hispaniolan Parrot Amazona ventralis Hispaniolan Endemic. Several in the south- west. [Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor Barahona 2011.] Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera longirostris Hispaniolan Endemic. Seen on 4 days. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Widespread and reasonably common. [Black Swift Cypseloides niger Sierra de Bahoruco 2012.] Antillean Palm Swift Tachornis phoenicobia Greater Antillean endemic. Scattered records. Antillean Mango Anthracothorax dominicus Hispaniolan, Puerto Rican, and Virgin Islands endemic. Several in Sierra de Bahoruco.

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Hispaniolan Emerald Chlorostilbon swainsonii Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in Sierra de Bahoruco. Vervain Hummingbird Mellisuga minima Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic. ssp.vieilloti is Hispaniolan endemic subspecies. Alcoa Road. Hispaniolan Trogon Priotelus roseigaster Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco. Broad-billed Tody Todus subulatus Hispaniolan Endemic. Several seen. Narrow-billed Tody Todus angustirostris Hispaniolan Endemic. Several seen very well in Sierra de Bahoruco. Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon A few records. Antillean Piculet Nesoctites micromegas Hispaniolan Endemic. 2 in Sierra de Bahoruco. Hispaniolan Woodpecker Melanerpes striatus Hispaniolan Endemic. Barahona area, and Sierra de Bahoruco. Rather common. Greater Antillean Elaenia Elaenia fallax Jamaican and Hispaniolan Endemic. 2, Alcoa Road, 2014. Hispaniolan Pewee Contopus hispaniolensis Hispaniolan Endemic. 1 in Sierra de Bahoruco. Stolid Flycatcher Myiarchus stolidus Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic. Several in Sierra de Bahoruco. Gray Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Scattered records. Hispaniolan Palm Crow Corvus palmarum Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in the south west. White-necked Crow Corvus leucognaphalus Hispaniolan Endemic. Heard in the south west. Bicknell’s Thrush Turdus bicknelli Sierra de Bahoruco (MW), 2014. Red-legged Thrush Turdus plumbeus Caribbean endemic. Santo Domingo. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Seen daily. Palmchat Dulus dominicus Hispaniolan Endemic. A monotypic endemic family, the Dulidae. Common and conspicuous. Flat-billed Vireo Vireo nanus Hispaniolan Endemic. Puerto Escondido. Northern Parula Parula americana Sierra de Bahoruco. Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina Alcoa Road. Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Scattered records. Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens Alcoa Road. Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus Sierra de Bahoruco, several. Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Sierra de Bahoruco. Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Alcoa Road. Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia Scattered records. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Scattered records. Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus Alcoa Road and Puerto Escondido. Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla Puerto Escondido. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola ssp.banaivora endemic. Seen daily. Antillean Euphonia Euphonia musica Caribbean endemic. Nominate subspecies Hispaniolan endemic. c.10 at Puerto Escondido. Green-tailed Ground Tanager Microligea palustris Hiapaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruca. [Hispaniolan Spindalis Spindalis dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. Alcoa Road 2012.] Black-crowned Palm-Tanager Phaenicophilus palmarum Hispaniolan Endemic. Barahona area and Sierra de Bahoruco. Western Chat Tanager Calyptophilus tertius 1, Alcoa Road, 2014. [Greater Antillean Bullfinch Loxigilla violacea Endemic to Bahamas, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. ssp.affinis Hispaniolan endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco. 2011.]

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Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger Greater Antillean endemic. Nominate subspecies Hispaniolan endemic. Scattered records. [Hispaniolan Oriole Icterus dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in Sierra de Bahoruco. 2014.] Antilean Siskin Carduelis dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco, heard only this year. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Santo Domingo.

PUERTO RICO

A few species were missed this year as we were unable to visit El Yunque due to heavy rain and floods.

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Locally common coastally. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Coastal. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Recorded. Great Egret Casmerodius albus Scattered throughout. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Humacao. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and common. Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura Widespread, but not seen in some areas. [White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis A few at Humacao. 2012.] [Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis c.30 at Humacao. 2012.] Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis Several seen.. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Widespread and rather common. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Humacao. American Coot Fulica americana 1 at Humacao. Caribbean Coot Fulica caribaea Regional endemic. 1 at Humacao. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus Wilson’s Plover Charadrius wilsonia 1 at Parguera. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Parguera. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia South west and Humacao. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Parguera. Royal Tern Sterna maxima Feral Pigeon Columba livia Widespread in towns. Scaly-naped Pigeon Columba squamosa Caribbean endemic. Maricao. Plain Pigeon Columba inornata Greater Antillean endemic. Humacao. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Parguera, where numerous. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Several on 2 days. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Regional endemic. Scattered records. Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Scattered records. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana Guanica and Maricao. [Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis 2+ at El Yunque 2012. Introduced. Native to Central America.] Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera vieilloti Puerto Rican Endemic. Guanica (H), Maricao, and Humacao. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Scattered records. Puerto Rican Screech Owl Otus nudipes Puerto Rican Endemic. Heard at Guanica. Puerto Rican Nightjar Caprimulgus noctitherus Puerto Rican Endemic. Seen well at Guanica 2011, 2012 seen briefly, but many heard. 2014 many heard at Guanica. Antillean Mango Anthracothorax dominicus Hispaniolan, Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands endemic. Guanica and Parguera. Green Mango Anthracothorax viridis Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao.

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Green-throated Carib Eulampis holosericus Lesser Antillean endemic, that ranges into Eastern Puerto Rico. 1 at Fajardo. Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhynchus cristatus Lesser Antillean endemic, that ranges into Eastern Puerto Rico. Seen very well at Fajardo. Puerto Rican Emerald Chlorostilbon maugaeus Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao. Puerto Rican Tody Todus mexicanus Puerto Rican Endemic. El Yunque and several at Guanica. Also Maricao. 2012. 2014, only at Guanica, 4. Puerto Rican Woodpecker Melanerpes portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Guanica, Maricao, El Yunque, and Humacao. 2012. 2014 only at Fajardo. [Caribbean Elaenia Elaenia martinica Caribbean endemic. A few at Guanica, 2011.] Puerto Rican Pewee Contopus portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Heard at Guanica. Puerto Rican Flycatcher Myiarchus antillarum Endemic to Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Parguera. Gray Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Widespread. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Several in the south west. Red-legged Thrush Turdus plumbeus Caribbean endemic. ssp.ardosiaceus. Guanica and Maricao. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Scattered records. Pearly-eyed Thrasher Margarops fuscatus Caribbean endemic. Guanica. Puerto Rican Vireo Vireo latimeri Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao. Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons 1 at Parguera. Northern Parula Parula americana Parguera. Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Parguera. Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens A female at Maricao. Adelaide’s Warbler Dendroica adelaidae Puerto Rican Endemic. Several at Guanica. Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Fajardo. Elfin Woods Warbler Dendroica angelae Puerto Rican Endemic. A pair seen well at Maricao. Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus Maricao. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Widespread and common. [Antillean Euphonia Euphonia musica Endemic to Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. 1 at El Yunque 2012.] Puerto Rican Spindalis Spindalis portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. A few at Maricao, and Parguera. Puerto Rican Tanager Nesospingus speculiferus Puerto Rican Endemic. c.6 at Maricao. Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea Parguera. Black-faced Grassquit Tiaris bicolor Parguera. Puerto Rican Bullfinch Loxigilla portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao, and heard at Guanica. [Yellow-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius xanthomus Puerto Rican Endemic. A few at Parguera. 2011 and 2012.] Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger Greater Antillean endemic. Widespread and common. [Puerto Rican Oriole Icterus portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. A male near Maricao, 2012.] [Troupial Icterus icterus Parguera, 2011 and 2012.] House Sparrow Passer domesticus In towns.

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Systematic List Number 3 Butterflies

The taxonomy and nomenclature basically folows ‘A Field Guide to the Butterflies of the West Indies’ by Norman D.Riley, 1975, although this is now somewhat out of date! I have however re- ordered the family sequence to standardise it with that generally currently used. ‘Jamaica and its Butterflies’, Brown and Heineman, Classey 1972, is the standard work for that country, and the more recently published ‘Butterflies of the Cayman Islands’, Askew and Stafford, Apollo Books, 2008, was used. ‘Field Guide of Cuban - West Indies Butterflies’ by Hernandez, Maracaibo, 2004 was an addition this year, although the title of this book is misleading. It deals only with Cuban species, and the title refers to the fact that Cuba is in the West Indies!

Papilionidae

Zetides Swallowtail Battus zetides Hispaniolan endemic. This scarce species was seen in Barahona area, 2014. Polydamus Swallowtail Battus polydamus ssp.jamaicensis. Jamaican endemic subspecies. Castleton Botanic Gardens. ssp.cubensis. Cuban and Cayman endemic subspecies. Grand Cayman and Zapata. ssp.polycrates. Hispaniolan endemic subspecies. Rather common. [Thoas Swallowtail Papilio thoas melonius Jamaican endemic subspecies, Cockpit Country 2011.] Dusky Swallowtail Papilio aristodemus Greater Antillean Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco (N), 2014. Bahaman Swallowtail Papilio andraemon [Jamaica, several in Kingston, 2011 and 2012. Introduced.] ssp.tailori. Cayman Islands endemic subspecies. Grand Cayman. ‘The Cayman Swallowtail’, 2+ seen. Machaonides Papilio machaonides Hispaniolan and Puerto Rico endemic. Several in Swallowtail south-west Dominican Republic. False Androgeus Papilio thersites Jamaican endemic. A female in Port Antonio area. Swallowtail Androgeus Swallowtail Papilio androgeus epidaurus Cuban and Hispaniolan endemic subspecies. A male at Zapata. 2 males in Dominican Republic. [Prickly Ash Swallowtail Papilio pelaus imerius Hispaniolan and Puerto Rican subspecies. 1 southern Sierra de Bahoruco 2012.]

Pieridae - Dismorphiinae

[Haitian Mimic Dismorphia spio Hispaniolan and Puerto Rican endemic. 1 in southern Sierra de Bahoruco 2012 was a highlight.]

Pieridae - Pierinae

Florida White Appias drusilla ?ssp.castalia. Endemic Jamaican subspecies. Widespread and common. ssp.poeyi. Grand Cayman and Cuba. ssp.boydi. Antillean endemic subspecies. Several in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Locally common.

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Great Southern White Ascia monuste eubotea Caribbean subspecies. Jamaica, especially numerous in Hellshire Hills. Dominican Republic (locally numerous), and Puerto Rico. Giant White Ascia josephina Nominate in Dominican Republic. [ssp.paramaryllis. Endemic Jamaican subspecies, Cockpit Country 2011.]

Pieridae - Coliadinae

Yellow Angled-Sulphur Anteos maerula Small numbers in Jamaica and Dominican Republic. [Red-splashed Sulphur Phoebis avellaneda Cuban and Hispaniolan endemic. Cuba, a male and a female. 2011.] Orange-barred Sulphur Phoebis philea ssp.huebneri. Endemic Cuban subspecies. A few, Zapata. ssp.thalestris. Hispaniolan endemic subspecies. A few in Dominican Republic. Apricot Sulphur Phoebis argante ?ssp.rorata. Hispaniolan and Jamaican subspecies. Scattered records. Jamaica. ssp.fornax. Endemic Cuban subspecies. A few. Large Orange Sulphur Phoebis agarithe antillea Caribbean subspecies. Scattered records. Cloudless Sulphur Phoebis sennae marcellina Very common and widespread. Jamaica, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico. Straight-line Sulphur Phoebis trite Dominican Republic. Migrant Sulphur Aphrissa statira ssp.cubana. Endemic Cuba and Cayman subspecies. Grand Cayman and Zapata, Cuba. ssp.hispaniolae. Endemic Hispaniolan subspecies. A few Dominican Republic. Also Puerto Rico, subspecies? False Lisa Sulphur Eurema euterpiformis Hispaniolan Endemic. Southern Sierra de Bahoruco 2012. Possibly also 2014. Fiery Sulphur Eurema pyro Hispaniolan Endemic. Several in Sierra de Bahoruco. Shy Sulphur Eurema messalina Caribbean species. Zapata, Cuba. Jamaican Sulphur Eurema nise Scattered records. Jamaica. Hall’s Sulphur Eurema leuce ?memulus Dominican Republic. Little Sulphur Eurema lisa euterpe Caribbean subspecies. Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic. White-barred Sulphur Eurema lucina Cuban endemic. Zapata, 2014. Tailed Orange Eurema proterpia Jamaica, several locally in Blue Mountains, and south-west Dominican Republic. Black-bordered Orange Eurema nicippe Several in Cuba and Dominican Republic. Haitian Black-bordered Eurema nicippiformis Hispaniolan endemic. Probably this species also Orange present, Alcoa Road, Dominican Republic. Dina Yellow Eurema dina ssp.parvumbra. Endemic Jamaican subspecies. Blue Mountains. ssp.dina. Cuba. Adam’s Sulphur Eurema adamsi Jamaican endemic, a few in Blue Mountains. Upperside white, underside yellow. Barred Yellow Eurema daira Jamaica. Blue Mountains. Cuba, common. Dominican Republic, locally numerous. Puerto Rico. False Barred Sulphur Eurema elathea Grand Cayman and probably elsewhere. Not always distinguished from the previous species. Poey’s Sulphur Eurema amelia Cuban endemic. A few Zapata, the type locality. Dainty Sulphur Nathalis iole Jamaica and Dominican Republic, 2014. Guayacan Sulphur Kricogonia lyside Rather common in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Dog Face Zerene cesonia Alcoa Road, Dominican Republic, 2014.

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Lycaenidae - Theclinae

St.Peter’s Hairstreak Allosmaitia coelebs Greater Antillean endemic. ssp.fidena. Hispaniolan and Puerto Rico endemic subspecies. A male at Rabo de Gato, Dominican Republic, 2014. St.Christopher’s Chlorostrymon simaethis ssp.iago. Endemic Jamaican subspecies. 1 at Hairstreak Strawberry Hill 2012 and 2014. [Lucas’s Hairstreak Nesiostrymon celida Endemic Hispaniolan and Puerto Rican subspecies of Greater Antillean endemic. Puerto Rico 2012.] Dotted Hairstreak Strymon istapa Cuba, Zapata. Barahona, Dominican Republic. 2011. Recorded? Drury’s Hairstreak Strymon acis gossei [Jamaican and Cayman subspecies. Cockpit Country In the former, 2011.] ssp.mars. Virgin Islands, St.Kitts, Puerto Rico endemic. Guanica in the latter, 2014. [Hewitson’s Hairstreak Strymon columella ssp.cybira. Regional endemic subspecies. Jamaica 2012.] [Disguised Hairstreak Strymon limenia Antillean endemic. Barahona, Dominican Republic.] A few other Hairstreaks to identify, e.g. Dominican Republic first stop

Lycaenidae - Polyommatinae

Cassius Blue Leptotes cassius theonus Greater Antillean subspecies. Scattered in Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic. [Miss Perkin’s Blue Leptotes perkinsae Jamaican Endemic. Recorded 2011 and 2012.] Hanno Blue Hermiargus hanno Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico. Lucas’s Blue Hemiargus ammon Common in Cuba. [ssp.erembis. Cayman islands endemic subspecies. Grand Cayman 2011.] Thomas’s Blue Hemiargus thomasi ssp.noeli. Hispaniolan endemic subspecies. Dominican Republic. [Jamaican Blue Hemiargus dominica Jamaican Endemic. Hellshire Hills 2012.] [Haitian Tailed Blue Pseudochrysops bornoi Riley gives as a Hispaniolan endemic, but also states ‘reported from Puerto Rico once’. I found several in Guanica, Puerto Rico, where maybe a recent colonist. The only tailed Antillean blue. 2011.]

Libytheidae

Haitian Snout Butterfly Libytheana terena Hispaniolan and Puerto Rican endemic. 3+, Rabo de Gato trail, Dominican Republic, 2014.

Nymphalidae - Danainae

Monarch Danaus plexippus Only 1 in Cuba, nominate subspecies, 2011. ssp.megalippe. Caribbean subspecies. Jamaica, 1 in Cockpit Country 2011. 2012 Grand Cayman and several in Dominican Republic. 2014, only in Dominican Republic. Queen Danaus gilippus ssp.berenice. Common in disturbed habitats in Zapata, Cuba. 2012 and 2014 Dominican Republic, in 2014 larvae too.

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[Soldier Danaus eresimus Jamaica, 2 in Cockpit Country 2011. Common in Cuba 2012.] Jamaican Monarch Danaus cleophile Jamaican, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico endemic. Several upper Alcoa Road, 1 northern Sierra de Bahoruco, 2014. Lesser False Fritillary Anetia briaria Cuban and Hispaniolan endemic. Nominate subspecies endemic to the latter, Alcoa Road and Rabo de Gato. False Fritillary Anetia pantherata Cuban and Hispaniolan endemic. Nominate subspecies endemic to the latter. Several Sierra de Bahoruco. [Jaeger’s Anetia Anetia jaegeri Hispaniolan Endemic. Extremely rare. I think this species seen too in Sierra de Bahoruco, 2012.] The Large Tiger Lycorea ceres ssp.cleobaea. Hispaniolan and Puerto Rican endemic subspecies. Dominican Republic, Barahona and several in Sierra de Bahoruco.

Nymphalidae – Heliconiinae

Gulf Fritillary Agraulis vanillae insularis Caribbean subspecies. Widespread. Julia or The Flambeau Dryas iulia ssp.delila. Endemic Jamaican subspecies. Widespread. ssp.zoe. Endemic Cayman Islands subspecies. Grand Cayman. ssp.cillene. Endemic Cuban subspecies. Common. ssp.hispaniola. Endemic Hispaniolan subspecies. Common. ssp.iulia. Puerto Rico. Zebra Heliconian Heliconius charitonius Nominate, Puerto Rico. ssp.simulator. Endemic Jamaican subspecies. Widespread. ssp.ramsdeni. Endemic Cuban subspecies. Common. ssp.churchi. Endemic Hispaniolan subspecies. Common.

Nymphalidae - Nymphalinae

Pygmy Fritillary Antillea pelops Antillean endemic, representing an endemic genus. Dominican Republic, Sierra de Bahoruco. [Puerto Rico, El Yunque, 2012.] Cuban Crescent Spot Phyciodes frisia Caribbean endemic. 1 in Dominican Republic. Crescent Spot Phyciodes phaon Grand Cayman and Cuba. Small Beauty or The Colobura dirce ssp.wolcotti. Caribbean subspecies. [2, Zapata, Cuba, Mosaic 2011, 2012 Puerto Rico.] 2014, 2 John Crow Mountains, and c.5 Castleton, Jamaica. Cadmus Historis acheronta cadmus 2 at Goblin Hills, 2014. Orion Historis odius Goblin Hill, Jamaica. A few in Dominican Republic. Red Rim Biblis hyperia Puerto Rico, 2 at Guanica. Haitian Cracker Hamadryas februa diasia 2 in Dominican Republic. Jamaican Mestra Mestra dorcas Jamaican Endemic. 1 at Goblin Hill. [The Bronzewing Dynamine egaea Greater Antillean Endemic. Zapata, Cuba. 2012.] False Neptis Archimestra teleboas Hispaniolan Endemic, and an endemic genus. Sierra de Bahoruco. Cuban Dagger Tail Marpesia eleuchia ssp.dospassosi. Hispaniolan endemic subspecies of Antillean endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco, c.10. [ssp.eleuchia. Cuban endemic subspecies. 1 in Zapata

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2012.] Common Dagger Tail Marpesia chiron 1 in John Crow Mountains, Jamaica, where the species is apparently rare. 2014. [The Royal Blue Myscelia antholia Hispaniolan Endemic. 1 at Rabo de Gato 2012.] Cuban Lucinia Lucinia sida torrebia Hispaniola endemic subspecies of regional endemic. Several in Dominican Republic, in varied habitat. Purple Eunica Eunica tatila Numerous at Guanica, Puerto Rico. Riley says one record only from Puerto Rico! Also Dominican Republic. Dingy Eunica Eunica monima Several Rabo de Gato trail, Dominican Republic. 2014. [Jamaican Admiral Adelpha abyla Jamaican Endemic. 1 in Blue Mountains. 2011.] Haitian Admiral Adelpha gelania arecosa Endemic to Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. Endemic Puerto Rican subspecies. 3+ at Maricao 2012. 1 at Rabo de Gato trail, Dominican Republic, 2014. Cuban Admiral Adelpha iphicla Several in Zapata Cuba, only occurs on Cuba in the Antilles. White Peacock Anartia jatrophae ssp.jamaicensis. Jamaican endemic subspecies. Scattered records. ssp.guantanamo. Cuba and Cayman Islands endemic subspecies. Several on Grand Cayman, abundant on Cuba. ssp.saturata. Endemic Hispaniolan subspecies. Numerous. ssp. semifusca. Endemic Puerto Rican subspecies. A few. Malachite Siproeta stelenes ssp.stelenes. Jamaica, scattered records. Dominican Republic. ssp.insularis. Cuba and Cayman Islands endemic subspecies. Grand Cayman and common on Cuba. Caribbean Buckeye Junonia genoveva Locally common. Mangrove Buckeye Junonia evarete zonalis Scattered records. Associated with Black Mangrove, but occurs in other habitats. [American Painted Lady Vanessa virginiensis Jamaica, 1 in Blue Mountains. 2011.] [Sword-tailed Hypanartia paullus Greater Antillean endemic. Jamaica, 2 in Blue Tortoiseshell Mountains. 2011.] Mexican Fritillary Euptoieta hegesia Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Variegated Fritillary Euptoieta claudia 1, Alcoa Road, Dominican republic, 2014.

Nymphalidae – Apaturinae

Cuban Emperor Doxocopa laure druryi Endemic Cuban subspecies. Several in Zapata. Purple Emperor Doxocopa thoe Hispaniolan Endemic. Riley says ‘very rare’, but I saw about 20 in Sierra de Bahoruco, about a quarter of them females. 2011. In 2014 a pair there. Dusky Emperor Asterocampa idyia Greater Antilles endemic. 1, Alcoa Road, Dominican Republic, 2014.

Nymphalidae - Charaxinae

Silver King Prepona amphitoe Greater Antillean endemic. Nominate Dominican Republic, 1, Rabo de Gato. [ssp.crassina. Endemic Cuban subspecies. 1 in Zapata, Cuba. 2011.] Hispaniolan Troglodyte Anaea troglodyta Hispaniolan Endemic. 3+ Sierra de Bahoruco. 2014.

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[Jamaican Troglodyte Anaea portia Jamaican Endemic. Hellshire Hills 2012.] [Cuban Troglodyte Anaea cubana Cuban and Grand Cayman Endemic. 1 in Zapata 2011. 2 Grand Cayman 2012.] Puerto Rican Troglodyte Anaea borinquenalis Puerto Rican Endemic. Guanica, 3+. [Johnson’s Leaf Butterfly Anaea johnsoni Jamaican Endemic. John Crow Mountains 2011.] Chestnut Leaf Butterfly Anaea echemus W.Antilles endemic. Zapata, Cuba, 2014. Yellow-spotted Leaf Anaea verticordia Hispaniolan Endemic. 1, Rabo de Gato, 2014. Butterfly

Nymphalidae - Satyrinae

In the Caribbean subregion this subfamily is represented by a single endemic genus, Calisto, with a single species on each of Jamaica and Puerto Rico, three on Cuba, and a remarkable 14 in Hispaniola, where several are very rare or known only from type specimens.

Jamaican Ringlet Calisto zangis Jamaican Endemic. Locally common, seen on 4 days. Common Ringlet Calisto herophile Cuban Endemic. Local in Zapata. Puerto Rican Ringlet Calisto nubila Puerto Rican Endemic. Several in El Yunque, Guanica, and Maricao, 2012. Only at Maricao 2014. Confused Ringlet Calisto confusa Hispaniolan Endemic. Several in the south west. Obscure Ringlet Calisto obscura Hispaniolan Endemic. Several in the south west. Rusty Ringlet Calisto hysius Hispaniolan Endemic. Locally common in Sierra de Bahoruco. Orange Ringlet Calisto pulchella Hispaniolan Endemic. This species west of Azua, 2014. Larvae are a pest of sugar cane. Ringlet spp. Calisto spp. Others possibly seen Dominican Republic.

Hesperiidae - Pyrginae

[Mercury Skipper Proteides mercurius ssp.sanantonio. Endemic Cuban subspecies. 1, Zapata. 2012.] Hammock Skipper Polygonus leo Maricao, Puerto Rico, 2014. [Jamaican Long-tail Chioides catillus churchi Jamaica, Blue Mountains and Cockpit Country. 2011.] Common Long-tailed Urbanus proteus domingo Dominican Republic. Skipper [Dorantes Skipper Urbanus dorantes ssp.santiago. Endemic Cuban and Bahamas subspecies. Zapata. 2012. ssp.cramptoni. Dominican Republic. 2012.] Gold-spotted Aguna Aguna asander [ssp.haitensis. Hispaniolan endemic. Barahona area 2011.] ssp.jasper. Jamaican endemic. Strawberry Hill 2014. [Guaraguao Skipper Astraptes talus Antillean endemic. Dominican Republic 2012.] [Dismal Skipper Astraptes cassander Cuban Endemic. 2 Zapata, Cuba. 2011.] [Blue-backed Skipper Astraptes xagua Cuban and Hispaniolan endemic. A few Zapata, Cuba. 2011.] Jamaican Astraptes Astraptes jaira Jamaican Endemic. John Crow Mountains on 2 days. Skipper Burca is an endemic West Indian genus [Cuban Burca Skipper Burca braco 1, Zapata, Cuba. 2011.] [Haitian Burca Skipper Burca hispaniolae Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco. 2012.] Potrillo Skipper Cabares potrillo Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. Jung’s Dusky Wing Achylodes thraso sagra Dominican Republic, Sierra de Bahoruco 2012. 2014, 1 at Guanica.

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Dillon’s Dusky Wing Anastrus sempiternus dilloni Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic subspecies. North-east Jamaica 2014. Common Dusky Wing Gesta gesta Jamaica, Blue Mountains 2012 and 2014. Several Baharona area, Dominican Republic, 2012. Haitian Dusky Wing Ephyriades zephodes Barahona area, Dominican Republic. Also Guanica, Puerto Rico. This was the uniform black species. Represents an endemic West Indian genus. Jamaican Dusky Wing Ephyriades brunnea jamaicensis Jamaican endemic subspecies. Castleton Botanic Garden 2014. Tropical Chequered Pyrgus oileus Widespread and locally common. Jamaica, Cuba, Skipper Dominican Republic. [Cuban Chequered Pyrgus crisia Cuban and Haitian Endemic (sic). 3 Alcoa Road, Skipper Dominican Republic 2012 was a significant record. 2012.]

Hesperiidae – Hesperiinae

Great Tawny Skipper Pyrrocalles antiqua Caribbean endemic, and an endemic genus. Rancho Platon, Dominican Republic. Dolores Skipper Perichares philetes 2011 Jamaica, 2 in Blue Mountains. Cuba, several. Dominican Republic. 2012 Hardwar Gap, Jamaica. 2014 Strawberry Hill, Jamaica. Haitian Pygmy Skipper Oarisma stillmani Hispaniolan Endemic. A pair west of Azua, 2014. Presumably a rare species. [Baracoa Skipper Polites baracoa Zapata, Cuba. 2011.] Broken Dash Skipper Wallengrenia otho ssp.vesuria. Endemic Jamaican subspecies. Blue Mountains and Goblin Hill. Ssp.druryi. Hispaniolan and Puerto Rican endemic. Seen on both islands. Fiery Skipper Hylephila phylaeus Zapata, Cuba. 2011. Goblin Hill, Jamaica, 2014. [Striped Skipper Atalopedes mesogramma apa Dominican Republic. 2011.] Cuban Dwarf Skipper Parachoranthus magdalia Cuban Endemic. Zapata, 2014. [V-mark Skipper Choranthus vitellius Several, Humacao, Puerto Rico. 2012.] [Rayed Skipper Choranthus radians Cuban Endemic. Zapata 2012.] [Watson’s Choranthus Choranthus borinconus Puerto Rican Endemic. 2+, Maricao 2011. 2012 El Yunque.] Three Spot Skipper Cymaenes tripunctus Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico. [Butler’s Branded Skipper Euphyes singularis 2 at El Yunque, Puerto Rico. 2011.] Canna Skipper Calpodes ethlius Strawberry Hill, Jamaica, 2014. Sugar Cane Skipper Panoquina sylvicola woodruffi Caribbean subspecies. Jamaica. Cuba, several 2014. Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, scattered records (2012). [Obscure Skipper Panoquina panoquinoides 1 on Cuba 2012.] [Nyctelius Skipper Nyctelius nyctelius Jamaica, Hellshire Hills. 2011.] [Eufala Skipper Lerodea eufala Jamaica, Cuba, scattered records. 2011.] [Cuban Saliana Skipper Saliana esperi 1, Zapata, Cuba. 2011.]

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Systematic List Number 4 Mammals

‘Bats of Puerto Rico’, by Michael R.Gannon et. al., 2005, is an excellent work on the 13 species on that island.

Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus A few records, mainly Jamaica. Feral Pigs A few on Cuba 2011. Rabbit sp. La Turba. a neotropical fruit bat Artibeus jamaicensis Possibly this species in Port Antonio area. Bats Several species seen on all islands.

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Systematic List Number 5 Amphibians and Reptiles

This list is very provisional. The herpetofauna of the islands is quite a feature. The taxonomy and nomenclature is taken from various sources. ‘The Amphibians and Reptiles of Puerto Rico’ by Juan A.Rivero, 2nd revised edition, University of Puerto Rico 1998, was particularly useful. ‘Amphibians and Reptiles of the West Indies’ by Albert Schwartz and Robert W.Henderson, University of Florida Press, 1991, is a very useful catalogue, although the absence of any illustrations makes it rather difficult to use for identification. There is a forthcoming ‘Guide to the Reptiles and the Amphibians of the Caribbean Islands’ by S.Blair Hedges, which will be invaluable in clarifying many of these records.

Giant Toad Bufo marinus Jamaica. Guanica at night. Cuban Flathead Leaffrog Eleutherodactylus planirostris Port Antonio area, Jamaica. Eleutherodactylus antillensis Probably this species heard at Guanica, Puerto Rico. Eleutherodactylus cochranae Probably heard too in Puerto Rico. Eleutherodactylus portoricensis boo-beep call, Puerto Rico. Coqui Frog Eleutherodactylus coqui boo-beep call, Puerto Rico. Lesser Antillean Landfrog Eleutherodactylus johnstonei Strawberry Hill, Jamaica. Constantly heard. Introduced. Eleutherodactylus ?glaucorelus Port Antonio, Jamaica? Eleutherodactylus abbotti Heard at Rancho Platon, Dominican Republic. Eleutherodactylus armstrongi Heard at Rancho Platon. Eleutherodactylus inoptatus Barking call. Rancho Platon. Eleutherodactylus pentasyringos Port Antonio, Jamaica ? Leptodactylus albilabris Puerto Rico 2012. a tree frog Osteopilus brunneus Grating call. Heard at Goblin Hill. a tree frog Osteopilus dominicensis Heard at Rancho Platon, Dominican Republic. Cuban Tree Frog Osteopilus septentrionalis On and in some rooms at Playa Larga, Zapata, Cuba, and on street lights there. Puerto Rican Crested Toad Peltophryne lemur Guanica, Puerto Rico. 2012.

Hicotea Trachemys stejnegeri 1 at Humacao, Puerto Rico. The only native non marine chelonian on the island. Trachemys decussata In captivity, Zapata. an Ameiva Ameiva auberi Caleta Buena, Zapata. 2012. an Ameiva Ameiva exsul Humacao, Puerto Rico. 2012. an Ameiva Ameiva lineolata Striped, electric blue tail. Xerophilic. Alcoa Road, and west of Azua, Dominican Republic. an Ameiva Ameiva wetmorei Guanica, Puerto Rico. an Anole Anolis allisoni Zapata, Cuba. an Anole Anolis alumina Possibly this species in Dominican Republic. an Anole Anolis alutaceus Caleta Buena, Zapata. an Anole Anolis bahorucoensis Dominican Republic. an Anole Anolis barahonae Dominican Republic. an Anole Anolis brevirostris Dominican Republic. an Anole Anolis coelestinus Dominican Republic. an Anole Anolis conspersus Grand Cayman. Green, speckled with small light spots. an Anole Anolis cooki Guanica, Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican Crested Anole Anolis cristatellus Puerto Rico. Crest on body and tail. ‘Giant green anole’ Anolis cuvieri Puerto Rico.

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Largehead Anole Anolis cybotes Dominican Republic. Never wholly green, erectile dorsal and nuchal crest. Bark Anole Anolis distichus Dominican Republic. lichenose, dark line between eyes, banded tail. an Anole Anolis evermanni Humacao, Puerto Rico. Very dark brown. Jamaican Giant Anole Anolis garmani Jamaica, Blue Mountains. A beautiful green species. an Anole Anolis ?sp. Another green species, Port Antonio, Jamaica. Giant Turquoise Anole Anolis grahami Port Antonio area, in shade on tree trunk. an Anole Anolis gundlachi Puerto Rico? an Anole Anolis krugi Puerto Rico? Jamaican Grey Anole Anolis lineatopus This species in Blue Mountains. an Anole Anolis olssoni Dominican Republic? Opal-bellied Anole Anolis opalinus Blue Mountains, Jamaica. an Anole Anolis poncensis Guanica, Puerto Rico. Cuban Green Anole Anolis porcatus Playa Larga, Zapata, Cuba. an Anole Anolis pulchellus Puerto Rico. an Anole Anolis reconditus Hardwar Gap, Jamaica. Brown Anole Anolis sagrei Jamaica and Cuba. should be common! an Anole Anolis stratulus Guanica, Puerto Rico. an Anole Anolis valencienni Jamaica? Jamaican Croaking Gecko Aristitelliger praesignis Marshall’s Pen etc., Jamaica. a lizard Celestus crusculus Hellshire Hills, Jamaica. an iguana Cyclura lewisi Grand Cayman. Endemic. Gonatodes albogularis Yellowhead Gecko. Cuba. 2012. House Gecko Hemidactylus brooki haitianus Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico. Hemidactylus mabouia This species seen at various sites in Jamaica? House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus Scattered records. Green Iguana Iguana iguana This spectacular lizard was noted on several days in Puerto Rico, where introduced. Many on Grand Cayman. Cuban Curly Tail Leiocephalus carinatus Cuba. Grand Cayman. Leiocephalus cubensis Zapata. a Skink Mabuya mabouya Puerto Rico. a Skink Dominican Republic, orange tail, Casa Bonita. Ashy Gecko Sphaerodactylus elegans Cuba, stripy with reddish tail, 1 at Playa Larga, Zapata, Cuba. a gecko Sphaerodactylus macrolepis Puerto Rico.

Cuban Racer Alsophis cantherigerus 1 in Zapata, Cuba, 2011. One at Caleta Buena 2014. Arrhyton exiguum Probably this species at Guanica, Puerto Rico. = Magliophis exiguum Arrhyton funereum Very small individual. Strawberry Hill. Cuban Boa Epicrates angulifer 1 in Zapata, Cuba, 2012. Epicrates striatus Dominican Republic.

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Systematic List Number 6 Dragonflies

Another very provisional list. The following were identified using ‘Dragonflies and Damselflies of Middle America and the Caribbean’ by Carlos Esquivel, 2006. This list will certainly be expanded on future tours.

Coenagrionidae Ischnura ramburii

Aeschnidae Anax species Coryphaeschna adnexa Coryphaeschna ingens

Libellulidae Brachymesia furcata Crocothemis servilia Dythemis spp. Erythemis attala Erythemis collocata Erythemis plebeja Erythemis simplicicollis Erythemis vesiculosa Erythrodiplax fervida Erythrodiplax funerea? Eryhtrodiplax umbrata Libellula needhami Macrothemis spp. Micrathyria spp. Orthemis ferruginea Pantala flavescens Sympetrum illotum Tramea abdominalis Tramea spp.

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List Number 7 Some notes on the Plants

This is purely a few notes on a very few of the many plants present. Sadly the flora recieved less attention than the fauna, somewhat due to the lack of accessible literature. Among works used were ‘A Guide to the Plants of the Blue Mountains of Jamaica’, S.Iremonger, 2002, The University of the West Indies Press; and Gloudon and Tobisch, and ‘Orchids of Jamaica’, 1995.

Ferns and allies Acrostichum aureum Leather Fern. Cuba. Grand Cayman. Widespread in marshes. Asplenium spp. Adiantum melanoleucum Adiantum tenerum Adiantum spp. Blechnum occidentale Scattered records. Blechnum serrulatum Cyathea spp. Several species of tree fern were present. Lycopodiella spp. Platycerium spp. Jamaica etc. Selaginella spp. Botrychium spp. Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Psilotum nudum Above Goblin Hill. A very primitive plant, pantropical. Anemia adiantifolia Above Goblin Hill etc., locally common. Dimorphic fronds. Polypodium spp. e.g. Maricao tower, Puerto Rico. Dicranopteris sp. Branched fern, most islands.

Gymnosperms Pinaceae Pinus caribaea Caribbean Pine. Pinus occidentalis Dominant in Sierra de Bahoruco. Hispaniolan Endemic.

Podocarpaceae Podocarpus urbanii Mountain Yew. Jamaican Endemic. Hardwar Gap.

Angiosperms Monocotyledons

Agavaceae Agave longipes Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains. Agave sobolifera Agave spp. Furcraea hexapetala Jamaica.

Alismataceae Alisma sp.

Amaryllidaceae Nothoscordum inodorum Hardwar Gap. Naturalised.

Arecaceae Coccothrinax sp. Cocos nucifera Coconut Palm. Copernicia spp.

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Roystonia regia Cuban Royal Palm. Locally numerous on Cuba.

Bromeliaceae Bromelia sp. Tillandsia recurvata On telegraph wires. Tillandsia usneoides Spanish Moss. Tillandsia spp. Many epiphytic species seen.

The following is a list of bromeliads occuring in the Blue Mountains, Jamaica, listed in ‘Plants of the Blue Mountains’.

Catopsis bertoroniana Catopsis nitida Hohenbergia eriostachya Hohenbergia fawcettii Guzmannia fawcettii Tillandsia tenuifolia Tillandsia complanata Tillandsia fendleri Tillandsia compressa Vriesia incurva Vriesia sintenisii Vriesia capituligera

Cannaceae Canna indica

Commelinaceae Commelina spp. Several species of dayflowers were seen, with two larger and one smaller petal, usually blue. Commelina erecta Tradescantia spp.

Cyperaceae Cyperus spp. Many were seen, of a great variety. Most had triangular stems with an umbel of stalked clusters of spikelets. Dicromena colorata Low sedge with white-based leafy bracts surrounding dense terminal cluster of small spikelets. Rhynchospora nervosa Many other sedges were present.

Heliconiaceae Heliconia spp.

Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis decumbens Jamaica. Hypoxis sp. Maricao.

Iridaceae Trimezia martinicensis Butterball. Locally common in Blue Mountains, Jamaica.

Musaceae Musa sapientum Banana widely cultivated and naturalised.

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Strelitziaceae Ravenala madagascariensis Tarveler’s Palm

Orchidaceae Bletia purpurea Zapata, Cuba. Campylocentrum micranthum Marshall’s Pen, Jamaica, 2011.

Cyclopogon cranichoides El Yunque, Puerto Rico. pubescent sepals, leaves dark green above, purple below. 2012. Encyclia cochleata Marshall’s Pen, Jamaica, in cultivation, 2011. Encyclia fragrans Marshall’s Pen, Jamaica, 2011. Epidendrum fragrans Epiphytic. Ecclesdown Road, Jamaica, in fine flower. Epidendrum sp. Epiphytic. In showy flower at Maricao. Erythrodes plantaginea El Yunque, Puerto Rico. saccate nectar spur. 2012. Habernaria sp. Green flowers, Maricao, Puerto Rico. Unfortunately this species is not in ‘The Orchids of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,. Oeceoclades maculata Various forest edge records. Naturalised. Pleurothallis domingensis Puerto Rico. spikes of small white flowers. 2012. Polystachya foliosa Puerto Rico. 2012. Sacoila lanceolata Red flowers, terrestrial. Hardwar Gap. Tolumnia sp. Impressive yellow flowered epiphyte, Alcoa Road, Dominican republic. Vanilla claviculata Not in flower, Maricao, Puerto Rico. Also, at Rancho Platon, 2 species to be identified, a pink flowered, and a yellow flowered epiphyte.

Poaceae Chusquea abietifolia Climbing Bamboo. Jamaica. Puerto Rico. Melinis minutiflora Hardwar Gap.

Pontederiaceae Eichornia crassipes Water Hyacinth.

Zingiberaceae Alpinia purpurata Red Cone Ginger. Widely planted. Hedychium coronarium White Ginger Lily. Jamaica. Naturalised. Hedychium gardnerianum Yellow Ginger Lily. Jamaica. Naturalised.

Dracaenaceae Sansevieria hyacinthoides Often naturalised

Dicotyledons

Acanthaceae Blechum pyramidatum Goldfussia colorata Leaves purple below, commonly naturalised at Hardwar Gap, Jamaica. Goldfussia glomerata Locally very common, naturalised, Jamaica. Thunbergia grandiflora Goblin Hill, Jamaica.

Aizoaceae Sesuvium portulacastrum

Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica Mango.

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Apocynaceae Plumeria alba Frangipani. e.g. Guanica. with Pseudosphinx tetrio larvae.

Aquifoliaceae Ilex macfadyenii Jamaica.

Araliaceae Schefflera actinophylla Often planted, e.g. Strawberry Hill. Schefflera sciadophyllum Jamaican Endemic. Hardwar Gap.

Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia sp. Zapata, Cuba.

Asclepiadaceae Asclepias curassavica Milkweed. Asclepias nivea Alcoa Road, Dominican Republic. Calotropis procera Giant Milkweed. E.g. Hellshire Hills. Metastelma atrorubens A beautiful species. Blue Mountains, Jamaica. 2012.

Asteraceae Ageratina adenophora Jamaica. Ageratum conyzoides Wild Ageratum. Widespread. Ageratum gaumeri Baccharis scoparia Bitter Broom. Jamaica. Bidens pilosa Widespread. Bidens reptans tomentosa Hardwar Gap, Jamaica. Pinnate leaves. This species also at Maricao? Chromolaena odorata Conyza canadensis Emilia fosbergii Jamaica etc. Emilia sonchifolia Erigeron karvinskianus Galinsoga quadriradiata Gnapthalium domingense Jamaica and Dominican Republic. Mikania cordifolia Salmea scandens Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle. Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle. Spilanthes urens White Button. Synedrella nodiflora Scattered records. Tithonia diversifolia Mexican Sunflower. Jamaica, Dominican Republic. Tridax procumbens Widespread. Vernonia spp. Youngia japonica

Balanophoraceae Scybalium jamaicense Jamaican Endemic. Root parasite. Many fine examples in Blue Mountains, 2011.

Balsaminaceae Impatiens walleriana

Begoniaceae Begonia acutifolia Blue Mountains. Begonia glabra Blue Mountains.

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Begonia minor Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains.

Bignoniaceae Catalpa longissima Yoke Wood, Jamaica. Crescentia cujete Calabash Tree. Kigelia africana Tabebuia spp. Spathodea campanulata African Tulip Tree. Often naturalised, e.g. Ecclesdown Road, and Puerto Rico.

Bombacaceae Ceiba pentandra Kapok. Rabo de Gato, Dominican Republic.

Boraginaceae Cordia spp. Cynoglossum amabile Dominican Republic. Alcoa road. Heliotropium curassavicum Scattered records. Heliotropium spp. Heliotropes. Other species probably present.

Brassicaceae Lepidium virginianum

Burseraceae Bursera simaruba Gumbo Limbo. Widespread. E.g. Guanica.

Cactaceae Cephalocereus royenii Cephalocereus swartzii Cereus hexagonus Hellshire Hills. Cereus sp. Harrisia gracilis Hellshire Hills. Hylocereus triangularis Jamaican Endemic. Melocactus intortus Turk’s Cap. Guanica, Puerto Rico. This also Hellshire Hills. Opuntia dillenii Opuntia moniliformis Guanica. Opuntia spinosissima Rhipsalis baccifera Jamaica, Dominican Republic. Selenicereus grandiflorus Night-blooming Cereus. Jamaica and Cuba.

Campanulaceae Hippobroma longiflora Horse Poison.

Caricaceae Carica papaya Papaya.

Caryophyllaceae Arenaria lanuginosa Jamaica.

Casuarinaceae Casuarina equisetifolia Widely naturalised, locally numerous.

Chenopodiaceae Salicornia bigelowii La Salina, Zapata.

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Chrysobalanaceae Chrysobalanus icaco Sea Plum.

Clethraceae Clethra occidentalis Blue Mountains.

Combretaceae Avicennia germinans Black Mangrove. Conocarpus erectus Buttonwood Mangrove. Laguncularia racemosa White Mangrove. Terminalia catappa Indian Almond.

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea fistulosa Ipomoea pes-caprae Coasts. Ipomoea spp. Quamoclit coccinea 2012. Turbina corymbosa White flowers, common east Zapata. Several other species were unidentified, including small flowered yellow, blue, and white species.

Crassulaceae Kalanchoe pinnata Rabo de Gato trail.

Cuscutaceae Cuscuta spp. Dodders.

Euphorbiaceae Chamaesyce hirta Chamaesyce prostrata Euphorbia heterophylla Cuba. Euphorbia pulcherrima Poinsettia. Euphorbia punicea Jamaican Endemic. Jamaican Poinsettia. Euphorbia sp. Cactus like Hellshire Jatropha integerrima Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant.

Fabaceae Acacia farnesiana (vacheliana) Mimosa pigra Mimosa pudica Sensitive Plant. Common and widespread. Mimosa hemiendyta A small shrub. Adenanthera pavonina Bauhinia divaricata Caesalpinia pulcherrima Pride of Barbados. Calliandra calothyrsus Cassia species Several seen. Chamaecrista glandulosa Jamaican Broom. Clitoria mexicana Butterfly-pea widespread. Clitoria ternatea Crotalaria pallida Crotalaria spp. Delonix regia Flamboyant.

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Desmodium adscendens Desmosium axillare Desmodium species Tick-trefoils, several others present. Haematoxylum campechianum Logwood. Very common in Jamaica. Indigofera suffruticosa Leucaena leucocephala Macroptilum atropurpureum Senna alata Candle Cassia. Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil. Trifolium repens White Clover. Trifolium sp. A native species? By pond, upper Alcoa road. Vigna luteola Cuba.

Flacourtiaceae Xylosma nitida Ecclesdown Road.

Gentianaceae Lisianthus exsertus Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains. Tubular yellow flowers with exserted style and stamens. 2012. Lisianthus latifolius Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains. Tubular yellow flowers. 2012. Lisianthus longifolius Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains. Tubular sticky yellow flowers. 2012. Lisianthus sp. Very small flowers, exserted anthers. Dominican Republic, Hoya de Pelembito. Lisianthus sp. Yellow flowers, exserted anthers. Maricao, Puerto Rico.

Gesneriaceae Achimenes erecta Jamaica. Naturalised in Blue Mountains. Besleria lutea Yellow flowered shrub, common John Crow Mountains. Gesneria acaulis Red tubular flowers. Ecclesdown Road.

Lamiaceae Brillantasia owariensis Jamaica. Leonotis nepetifolia Salvia coccinea Satureja brownei

Loranthaceae Mistletoes seen were not identified.

Lythraceae Cuphea ignea Red tubular flowers. Introduced. Hardwar Gap.

Malvaceae Hibiscus elatus Blue Mahoe. Jamaica and Cuba. All islands. Hibiscus tiliaceus Malvaviscus arboreus Jamaica. Sida acuta Sida rhombifolia Sida urens Thespesia populnea Urena lobata Scattered records.

Melastomataceae Arthrostemma ciliatum?

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Blakea trinervia Jamaica. Clidemia hirta Soap Bush. Conostegia montana Mecranium spp. Meriania leucantha Blue Mountains, Jamaica. Meriania purpurea Miconia theaezans Miconia spp. Tibouchina urvillaeana

Meliaceae Cedrela odorata West Indian Cedar. Guarea guidonia Bahoruco, Dominican Republic.

Moraceae Artocarpus altilis Breadfruit. Widespread, e.g. Ecclesdown Road. Cecropia peltata Common at forest edge and disturbed forest. Cecropia schreberiana Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. Ficus cotinifolia Strangler Figs. Ficus pumila Cultivated on walls in Jamaica. Ficus trigonata Hardwar Gap, Jamaica.

Myrtaceae Eugenia spp.

Nyctaginaceae Bougainvillea glabra

Oleaceae Jasmines

Onagraceae Jussiaea suffuticosa 4-petalled yellow flowers.

Oxalidaceae Averhoa carambola Star Fruit. Oxalis corniculata Oxalis debilis var.corymbosa Pink Sorrel. Hardwar Gap.

Papaveraceae Argemone mexicana Mexican Poppy. Scattered records. Bocconia frutescens Shrub with pinnately lobed leaves. Jamaica.

Passifloraceae Passiflora edulis Passiflora penduliflora Ecclesdown Road. Passiflora spp. A few other species not identified.

Phytolaccaceae Phytolacca americana

Piperaceae

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Peperomia spp. Several seen but not identified. Piper aduncum Jamaica. Piper spp.

Plumbaginaceae Plumbago capensis Naturalised in Dominican Republic.

Polygalaceae Polygala paniculata

Polygonaceae Antigonon leptopus Coral Vine. Very common at low altitudes in Jamiaca and Dominican Republic, also in Cuba. Coccoloba uvifera Sea Grape. Locally dominant on coasts. Polygonum chinense Section, Jamaica. Triplaris americana Fruits with impressive red sepals, arise from top of tree. Castleton, Jamaica.

Proteaceae Grevilllea robusta Naturalised, e.g. Hardwar Gap, Jamaica.

Punicaceae Punica granatum Pomegranate.

Rhizophoraceae Rhizophora mangle Red Mangrove.

Rosaceae Rubus alpinus Jamaican Endemic. Rubus ellipticus Naturalised. Rubus jamaicensis Jamaica. Rubus rosifolius Naturalised at Hardwar Gap, Jamaica.

Rubiaceae Cephaelis elata Jamaican Endemic. Hotlips. Jamaica. Ixora coccinea Psychotria poeppigiana Hot-lips, this species? Psychotria spp. A very large genus. Others not identified. Spermacoce assurgens Jamaica etc., widespread.

Sapindaceae Blighia sapida Ackee.

Scrophulariaceae Calceolaria chelidonioides Jamaica. Russelia equisetiformis Jamaica.

Simaroubaceae Picramnia pentandra Aguedita. Drooping racemes of red fruits becoming black. Zapata.

Solanaceae Browallia americana Jamaican Forget-me-not. Datura suaveolens

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Solanum spp. Several species noted, including an attractive purple flowered species in Dominican Republic. Solandra grandiflora.

Theaceae Cleyera theaeoides Wild Damson. Hardwar Gap.

Tiliaceae Triumfetta semitriloba Bur weed. Triumfetta bogotensis?

Ulmaceae Trema lamarckiana

Urticaceae Pilea grandiflora Crinkled, toothed leaves. Ecclesdown Road. Pilea microphylla Jamaica. Pilea weddellii Jamaica. Pilea spp.

Verbenaceae Avicennia nitida/germinans Black Mangrove. Avicenniaceae Lantana angustifolia Jamaican Endemic. Lantana camara Widespread. Lantana canescens Lantana insularis Lantana trifolia Lippia nodiflora Grand Cayman. Stachytarpheta cayennensis Scattered. Stachytarpheta jamaicensis Widespread. Blue flowers.

Viscaceae Dendrophthora opuntioides Epiphytic, flattened branches. Hardwar Gap.

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