Caribbean Endemic Birding IX 15th to 24th February 2017 (10 days) Trip Report

Key West Quail-dove by Dušan Brinkhuizen

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader, Dušan Brinkhuizen

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Top ten as voted for by participants: 1. Cuban 6. Oriente Warbler 2. Bee Hummingbird 7. Blue-headed Quail-dove 3. Cuban Trogon 8. Cuban Solitaire 4. Cuban Green Woodpecker 9. Key West Quail-dove 5. Zapata Wren 10. Cuban Amazon

Tour Summary

16 Feb: Niña Bonita Lake, just outside of Havana, was our first birding stop of the tour. Seasonally, this freshwater lake holds numerous of waterfowl. It just stopped raining as we arrived and species that we scoped included Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, Blue-winged Teal, Ruddy Duck and a single drake American Wigeon. Pied- billed Grebes were present in good numbers, as well as American Coots. We saw several herons and egrets, as expected, but two flyover Roseate Spoonbills were a nice surprise! Two Palm Warblers at the parking were the first of many more to come. We soon continued our journey westward to Las Terrazas to search for some of our very first Cuban endemics. The localised Cuban Grassquit was our main target for the day, so we immediately went to a hotspot for this attractive endemic. At the henhouse of a hacienda, we detected a flock of grassquits foraging on the ground. The majority of them were Cuban Grassquits, with a few Yellow-faced Grassquits mixed in as well. The lady at the hacienda saw that we were interested in the grassquits so she put out some food and very soon we watched both species of grassquits at point-blank range! Our first Cuban Trogon flew in and perched right above our heads. Watching this fantastic Cuban endemic – named “tocororo” – Cuba’s national , was a real Cuban Grassquit by Dušan treat! A neat West-Indian Woodpecker showed itself beautifully Brinkhuizen in the same trees as the trogon.

We tried for the Cuban Tody at a special spot but it remained heard-only. Our first Tawny- shouldered Blackbirds were watched at the visitor’s centre where we had a nice welcome cocktail. A walk at the edge of the lagoon produced more stunning looks at Cuban Trogon, our first Cuban Pewees and a stunning Cuban Green Woodpecker at a nest hole! Our next important target for the morning was Olive-capped Warbler and we continued to Otis’ local patch to look for this species. It is a pine forest specialist and soon we heard a bird singing from the pine trees uphill. The warbler was extremely interested in our tape playback as it landed on an electric wire right in front of us! At our lunch spot, we ran into a mixed-flock of birds that showed fantastically after playing a pygmy-owl mob. Species that we watched at close range included Louisiana Waterthrush, Cuban, White-eyed and Yellow-throated Vireo, Black-throated Green, Black-and-White, Black-throated Blue and Olive-capped Warbler by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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Palm Warbler and American Redstart. Cuban Trogon showed itself fantastically for the third time today!

An adult Least Grebe was scoped at a small sewage pond. We continued our journey westward to La Güira National Park and a short stop at a fish pond en route produced Caspian Tern and Snail Kite. Late afternoon birding inside La Güira National Park was very productive. One of the first birds we saw was a Cuban Tody with its electrifying plumage! We enjoyed several minutes of close-range views of this cracking endemic before we started hiking up the trail. The amazing song of the Cuban Solitaire was heard at the end of the trail and very soon we watched a pair of this awesome endemic perched at close range. Some people even managed to digiscope a video of the solitaire while singing! Sheila spotted both White- crowned and Scaly-naped Pigeon perched together in a tree – a real treat – and all four of the west Cuba targets were in the bag!

17 Feb: The following morning, we started at Hacienda Cortina. A stunning Great Cuckoo was spotted by Linda, perched up in a pine tree. It was one of the species we heard the day before that we really wanted to see. After enjoying good views of the cuckoo, our local guide, Caesar, got us on a pair of Red- legged Honeycreepers. Fernandina’s Flicker was found a little further inside the hacienda and the scope views we got of this Cuban Trogon by Dušan rare endemic were excellent. A mixed-flock of warblers Brinkhuizen produced Tennessee, Yellow-throated and Cape Warbler among others. We also tried for the Giant Kingbird that we had found here the week before. At first, no sign of this rare endemic but after playing the tape, we had one adult fly in and call back. After playing a pygmy-owl mob, we had the pair of Giant Kingbirds perch at close range and a Loggerhead Kingbird also flew in for some nice comparison between the two species!

We then continued to the famous cave system of Cueva de los Portales, where Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was hiding during the Cuban missile crisis in 1962. The impressive habitat at the cave is characterised by steep-sided, vine-covered limestone monoliths called “mogotes”, and the sought-after Cuban Solitaire is actually fairly common at this site. As we arrived, a neat Cuban Pygmy-owl was located in the tree next to the bus. Cave Swallows and a few Cuban Martins overhead were a welcome addition to our growing list of endemics and specialities. We thought we heard a Grey Kingbird calling but soon realised it was a Northern Mockingbird mimicking the species. At a flowering tree, we watched our first Cuban Orioles for the trip. Our guides, Caesar and Mario, told us some interesting stories of Cuban history inside the cave while we also listened to the beautiful song of the Cuban Solitaire re-echoing from the limestone walls. A small group of Jamaican Fruit- eating Bats was watched with the spotlight. As we walked out of the cave system, we were surprised by a Western Barn Owl in Fernandina’s Flicker by Dušan Brinkhuizen

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemics IX 2017 4 flight. On the opposite side of the river, some children flushed it and according to Caesar, it was a highly unusual sighting for this site. On our way back to San Diego de los Baños, we did a short hawk watch at a private art gallery where we had some fresh local coffee. After lunch, we started our longish drive to the Zapata peninsula. The second stop at Niña Bonita Lake along the way yielded a Belted Kingfisher as a new bird for the trip.

18 Feb: We heard several Cuban Nightjars on our way to Santo Tomás, a small remote village in the heart of the Zapata swamp. Some of us glimpsed the nightjar in flight but most of us did not get any visuals. It was becoming light quickly, so we continued straight to the canal where two boatmen were waiting for us. During a pleasant and relaxing boat ride into the swamp, we saw several migrant warblers and when we arrived at the viewing platform, we spotted our first Zapata Sparrow! The Zapata Wren was our principal target at the platform and we crossed our fingers hoping to get a glimpse of this Endangered and difficult to get species. Our local guide “Super Mario” played his tape and within a few minutes, a chunky, brown wren popped up in a nearby bush and started singing elaborately – what a blast! Everybody got their bins on it and we watched it sing for quite a while.

Very pleased having seen the wren this well, we returned to our boats. We searched again for Zapata Sparrow in order to get some better views of this species. It took a while but eventually, we got great views of the sparrow on our way back along the canal. Cuban Pygmy-owl by Dušan Brinkhuizen Back at the forest in Santo Tomás, we enjoyed a pair of Cuban Pygmy-owls perch at close range. A Worm-eating Warbler showed itself well. We followed Mario into the bush where he showed us a leaf-tossing Swainson’s Warbler. A pygmy-owl mob attracted an incredible number of birds; and species that we got to see at point blank range were White-eyed and Cuban Vireo, Gray Catbird, Magnolia, Black-throated Blue and Cape May Warbler and a stunning Cuban Tody! Back at the bus, Sheila and Ann swiftly observed a Nashville Warbler. We searched for quite a while, trying to relocate this rare Cuban vagrant which would have been a new bird for our guide, Mario!

After lunch at Punto Perdis, we went to Cueva de los Peces where we waited at the restaurant for a very special treat. In recent years, the restaurant staff have been putting out rice for the rare and endangered Blue- headed Quail-dove in turn for a tip. Soon after we got there, a small party of these superb grouse-like endemics showed up. It was amazing watching nine of these stunning quail-doves foraging right at our feet! Back at the hotel, Sheila noticed a fruiting tree and a flowering tree next to her cabin that were both attracting many species of birds. It was a great stakeout, a true “Christmas tree”, and we watched several great birds, including the Cuban Trogon, Zapata Wren by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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Cuban Crow, Cuban Green Woodpecker and Baltimore Oriole!

In the afternoon, we went into the forest of Soplillar. We followed Super Mario, and some serious bushwhacking produced beautiful views of an adult Grey-fronted Quail-dove. Mario also pointed out the active nest of the bird and we scoped the small chick. Two Bare-legged Owls seen at their day-roost was just an excellent sighting. At dusk, we tried for the Cuban Nightjar and it took a while but eventually, we saw it really well perched in a tree. A Stygian Owl called nearby and after tracking down its location, we watched it beautifully in the spotlight (and even in the scope). A great day packed with Cuban endemics and specialities!

19 Feb: At dawn the next morning, we watched a forest trail packed with doves from behind a blind at Bermejas. Zenaida Doves were abundant here and a couple of Grey-fronted Quail-doves showed themselves well. There was neither sign of Ruddy Red-shouldered Blackbird by Dušan nor Key West Quail-dove, but two superb Blue- Brinkhuizen headed Quail-doves did show up – what a feast! We had brief views of a female Bee Hummingbird perched but since there were many other tourists arriving, we decided to leave and try first for the endemic Red-shouldered Blackbird. Along the road, we stopped for a large flock of Cuban Parakeets perched in a tree. At La Cuchilla marsh, the first bird that we saw when we got out of the bus was a singing male Red-shouldered Blackbird. This often tricky target had never been so easy before! We watched two pairs on either side of the road and the males were showing the red in the wing while displaying. A distant kingbird was initially identified as Grey Kingbird but in the end, it was a rather pale greyish Loggerhead Kingbird. Two Northern Crested Caracaras mobbing a Black-crowned Night-heron was quite a spectacular sight!

During our drive back towards Bermejas it was Sheila that spotted a perched raptor. According to her, it could well have been an Accipiter, so we immediately turned the bus. Back at the spot, it was still perched in a fairly distant tree and when we got our bins on it, we realised it was an adult Gundlach’s Hawk! We quickly got out of the bus but before we got the hawk in the scope, it had flown off. A very shy raptor indeed but luckily, everybody got to see this rare endemic! Back at the Bee Hummingbird site, we soon found a splendid male feeding on small flowers. It also perched and sang at times. We really enjoyed watching the smallest bird in the world, and its ruby gorget was simply stunning! After a successful morning, we went to Caleta Buena for relaxing and lunch. A flock of Cave Swallows was roosting in the cocktail bar, and drinks like Cuba Libre, Mojito and Piña Colada were free – guess where we spent some quality time before lunch?! We had plenty of time, so many of us went snorkelling – which was fantastic, too! Clapper Rail by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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

20 Feb: The next morning, we did some pre-breakfast birding on the hotel grounds. A flock of Cuban Amazons was perched in a nearby tree and watching these stunning parrots at close range was a real treat. This was the only species that had eluded us on the previous days, so we were very pleased with this catch-up. Cuban Crow also showed Cuban Amazon by Dušan Brinkhuizen itself well near the restaurant. After breakfast, we enjoyed a little more activity at our magic Christmas tree before we continued to Bernabe’s garden in Palpite for some more Bee Hummingbird action. His garden has flowers and feeders that attract several Bee Hummingbirds and it was a great place to photograph this neat Cuban endemic. Bernabe was not there himself, but we were allowed to do his trick with a flower dipped in sugar water. After patiently waiting, Laurie “hand fed” a male Bee Hummer a couple of times – a simply spectacular sight! We left the Zapata Peninsula before noon as we had a long drive to Camaguey ahead. A productive stop at a reservoir in the afternoon produced several new species, including Peregrine Falcon, Anhinga, Barn and Northern Rough-winged Swallow and a Black-necked Stilt.

21 Feb: The following morning, south of Najasa, we searched for the three major targets: Cuban Palm Crow, Plain Pigeon and Giant Kingbird – which we had already seen in the west! When we arrived at the site just after dawn, the palm crows were calling in the far distance. The Plain Pigeons weren’t around either but a Great Lizard Cuckoo showed itself fantastically. After some searching up and down the road, we went to a second site hoping for more luck. As we stepped out of the bus, three Cuban Palm Crows landed in front of us and started foraging in a field. Cuban Crows were also present and we could nicely compare their melodious gobbling call with the harsh nasal call of the Cuban Palm Crow. After playback, a Plain Pigeon landed in a tall Ceiba tree and two White-winged Doves did the same thing. Soon we also scoped a Giant Kingbird in the very same tree! Cuban Tody by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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Next, we went to the edge of a forest patch for a Cuban Tody “photoshoot”. The week before, we had enjoyed a very cooperative pair and once again, it was a big success. The pair showed up and with the early morning sunlight in the back, the conditions were just perfect for photography of this little gem! We then did a Gundlach’s Hawk watch, a so-called “big sit”, at the foot of the Sierra del Chorrillo in the hope for a flyby of this rare endemic. We nicknamed the species “Good-lucks Hawk”, because it is highly unpredictable and rarely seen on trips (unless you have an active nest site staked out). It was again Sheila that spotted it, this time a bird in flight. All of us were able to pick it up but it soon disappeared behind the trees. A second bird doing a kind of display flight was picked up by me. It landed in a very distant tree and even though the bird was visible in the scope, it was extremely difficult to get any details on it.

A short stop at a small marsh produced several Northern Jacanas, Purple Gallinules and a single Solitary Sandpiper. In the lovely historical centre of Camaguey, we enjoyed an exclusive local lunch at a famous restaurant called “La Campana de Toledo”. In the late afternoon, we tried for the Sandhill Crane, a very rare bird in Cuba. This resident subspecies Limpkin by Dušan Brinkhuizen nesiotes is Critically Endangered and a week before, we had seen a pair near the village of Santa Barbara not that far from the town of Moron. A huge surprise was a flock of Northern Bobwhites that flew in front of the bus. The driver stopped immediately and two bobwhites were picked up with the bins as they walked away from us. Once we got to the remote countryside, we walked along a sandy track for about a kilometre when we suddenly heard the beautiful and distinct call of Sandhill Cranes. The cranes sounded quite close but in reality, the birds were further away than we thought. Further along the track, we took a narrow side trail that got us out in an open field. We got out just in time to pick up two of these majestic birds in flight but that was all we got. It was getting rather late so we soon had to continue our journey to Cayo Coco.

22 Feb: At dawn, we started off at the tip of Cayo Paredon Grande for some localised targets and our final two endemics. The Oriente Warbler was one of the first birds that we saw when we got out of the bus – a very neat, endemic warbler indeed! Thick-billed Vireo was heard singing shortly after and eventually, everybody got this secretive species in their bins. The coastal scrub was packed with Cuban Bullfinch, cracking Western Spindalis and more Oriente Warblers, among others. We heard a Mangrove Cuckoo responding to our tape but it never came in any closer. A lovely pair of Cuban Gnatcatchers was seen a little further along the track and completed our set of Cuban endemics! Around the lighthouse, our local guide, Odey, worked hard for the rare Bahama Mockingbird and very soon we flushed one out of the scrub. It perched out in the open for a prolonged time – which Bahama Mockingbird by Dušan Brinkhuizen

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemics IX 2017 8 was kind of surprising, given that the species is often a notorious skulker.

A mudflat on our way back produced Western Sandpipers and Semipalmated Plovers, among others. We tried for Mangrove Cuckoo at several locations but without success. We did get a pair of the Zapata Sparrows (a different subspecies from the ones we saw in Zapata swamp). Just before lunch, we checked Playa Colorado for the rare Piping Plover that a friend of Odey had reported in the morning. After careful scanning of the beach, we found two winter-plumaged birds standing West-Indian Whistling Duck in the debris at close range. A family group of West-Indian Whistling Ducks was successfully targeted at a nearby lagoon and another Mangrove Cuckoo remained heard-only. After lunch, we visited the underground discotheque, Cuevas de Jabali. The local caretaker had put out some rice on the trails and consequently, we watched up to ten cracking Key West Quail-doves foraging at close range. Zenaida Dove, Common Ground-dove and White-winged Dove came to feed as well. At the site, they also had two dripping water feeders installed for the birds but since it started to rain, no birds were attending them. We continued trying for Mangrove Cuckoo at another two sites but without success. A small freshwater pond produced several water birds, including Long-billed Dowitcher, a rare migrant to Cuba!

23 Feb: Today we had a little sleep in for the day. It was well deserved after a pleasant night of partying (for some) at our Meliá all-inclusive resort. Breakfast was at 7am and we started our long drive back to Havana at 8am. We did try again for Mangrove Cuckoo on the way out, but it was unsuccessful and we only got bitten by mosquitoes! A couple of American Herring Gulls and Cabot’s Terns along the causeway were new additions to the list. In the late afternoon, we arrived in the old town of Havana for our city tour led by Mario. Walking the streets of Habana Vieja at dusk was awesome. A delicious dinner at a fine The intrepid group! restaurant at Plaza de San Francisco was a great ending to a fantastic trip! ______

Annotated List of species recorded

Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded. List powered through the report generator of our partner iGoTerra.

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Birds (174 in total: 172 seen, 2 heard)

Nomenclature and follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2016. IOC World Bird List (v 6.2). Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae West Indian Whistling Duck (VU) Dendrocygna arborea (1) Cayo Coco 22.2. A family group of this Vulnerable whistling-duck was seen at the lagoon of Hotel Meliá Cayo Coco. American Wigeon Anas americana (1) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2. A single drake was scoped at the lake. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (3) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common winter resident in Cuba seen at several freshwater sites. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata (3) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A regular winter resident in Cuba seen at several freshwater sites. Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris (2) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2 and Niña Bonita Lake 17.2. Small numbers were observed among the bulk of Lesser Scaups at Niña Bonita. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis (2) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2 and Niña Bonita Lake 17.2. Large numbers of this diving duck were present at the lake. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator (3) 5 Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 23.2. This species was seen well at several coastal sites. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis jamaicensis (2) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2 and Niña Bonita Lake 17.2. Small numbers were observed among the bulk of Lesser Scaups.

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Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris galeatus (1) Cueva de los Portales 17.2. Introduced and domesticated species. Common and widespread in Cuba.

New World Quail Odontophoridae Northern Bobwhite (NT) Colinus virginianus cubanensis (1) La Ceiba, Moron 21.2. A flock was seen flying across the track at the entrance road to La Ceiba. Two birds were picked up with the bins as they walked away from us.

Grebes Podicipedidae Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus dominicus (2) Las Terrazas 16.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. Observed at two freshwater ponds. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps antillarum (4) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 20.2. A fairly common resident seen at various sites. Good numbers were present at Niña Bonita.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber (3) Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 23.2. A fairly common resident seen in large flocks at various coastal sites.

Storks Ciconiidae Wood Stork Mycteria americana (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2. A few of this large and distinct species were observed at Salinas de Brito. At Cayo Paredón Grande we had close-up views of a bird standing next to the road.

Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae American White Ibis Eudocimus albus albus

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(5) Observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. A fairly common species seen at various sites. A small flock was present at our hotel in Playa Larga. Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja (4) 2 Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. This beautiful spoonbill was observed at various coastal sites. Two birds at Niña Bonita Lake were a surprise.

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli (1) La Cuchilla 19.2. This cosmopolitan species was seen well at La Cuchilla while chased by Northern Crested Caracaras. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea bancrofti (1) Hotel Playa Larga 19.2. A single bird was observed just after dusk. Green Heron Butorides virescens virescens (6) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Punta Perdiz 18.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, Camagüey 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (8) Fishponds en route 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, en route 20.2, Camagüey 21.2, PN Bermejas 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and en route 23.2. A common to abundant species seen on most days of the trip. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias occidentalis (5) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, La Cuchilla 19.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 20.2. Common and widespread seen at various sites. Great Egret Ardea alba egretta

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(8) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Camagüey 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. A common and widespread species seen on most days of the trip. Reddish Egret (NT) Egretta rufescens rufescens (2) 5 Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. Both morphs of this Near-Threatened species were seen well at Salinas de Brito and at the keys. Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor ruficollis (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. Small numbers were recorded at several sites. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea (6) Fishponds en route 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Hotel Playa Larga 17.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, en route 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites. Snowy Egret Egretta thula thula (7) Fishponds en route 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Camagüey 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites.

Pelicans Pelecanidae American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 23.2. A scarce bird in Cuba. Good numbers were seen at Salinas de Brito. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis (5) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 23.2. A common species at large water bodies and coastal sites.

Frigatebirds Fregatidae Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens (3) Hotel Playa Larga 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Paredón Grande

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22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. Commonly observed along the coast.

Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus mexicanus (3) Salinas de Brito 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common species seen at several sites. Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus heuretus (4) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 23.2. Seen at various sites. Great scope views and direct comparisons with Neotropic Cormorant at Cayo Coco bridge.

Anhingas Anhingidae Anhinga Anhinga anhinga leucogaster (1) Reservoir Camaguey 20.2. Seen at a single inland reservoir only.

New World Vultures Cathartidae Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura aura (8) La Güira National Park 16.2, La Güira National Park 17.2, Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and en route 23.2. An abundant species in Cuba seen daily throughout the tour.

Osprey Pandionidae Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus ridgwayi (5) Salinas de Brito 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 23.2. A fairly common species seen at several sites.

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus fringilloides

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(1) San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 17.2. A bird in flight was seen well by a single observer. Gundlach's Hawk (EN) Accipiter gundlachi gundlachi (2) La Cuchilla 19.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. We encountered this Endangered Cuban endemic at two sites during the tour! Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius (1) en route 21.2. A male and female-type seen well on our way to Cayo Coco. Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis levis (1) 4 Fishponds en route 16.2. Small numbers were observed at a freshwater inland site. Cuban Black Hawk (NT) Buteogallus gundlachii (2) Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2. A Near-Threatened endemic seen well at various coastal sites. Fairly tame at times! Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus cubanensis (2) La Güira National Park 16.2 and Santo Tomás 18.2. This species was observed at two sites during the tour. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis umbrinus (4) Las Terrazas 16.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 17.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, en route 20.2 and en route 21.2. A fairly common and widespread Buteo in Cuba.

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae Clapper Rail Rallus crepitans caribaeus (1) Salinas de Brito 19.2. Superb views of an adult crossing the road. Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus (3) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, La Cuchilla 19.2 and Camagüey 21.2. Seen in small numbers at some fresh water sites. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata cerceris (5) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Camagüey 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and en route 23.2. A fairly common species seen at freshwater ponds and lakes.

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American Coot Fulica americana americana (3) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 20.2. A fairly common species seen at seen at several sites. Good numbers were present at Niña Bonita Lake. Cranes Gruidae Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis nesiotes (1) Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2. A pair of this Critically Endangered bird in Cuba was seen in flight. Several more were heard. A very rare sighting in Cuba!

Limpkin Aramidae Limpkin Aramus guarauna pictus (3) Santo Tomás 18.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. Singletons were observed at various sites.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus (4) Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Camagüey 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. Small numbers were seen at various sites.

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola cynosurae (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common species on the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A few at the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Close up views at Playa Colorada in Cayo Coco. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus ternominatus (7) Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Camagüey 21.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common resident recorded at various sites. Piping Plover (NT) Charadrius melodus melodus (1) Cayo Coco 22.2.

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A rare winter resident in Cuba. A pair was seen fantastically on the beach of Playa Colorada.

Jacanas Jacanidae Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa (1) Camagüey 21.2. Adult and juveniles were seen at a freshwater marsh.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus hendersoni (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A fairly common non-breeding resident. Small numbers of this wader were observed at various coastal sites. Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus (1) Cayo Coco 22.2. A very rare but probably overlooked migrant in Cuba. We observed a few at a small freshwater marsh in Cayo Coco. Heard vocalisations confirmed our id 100% as Long-billed Dowitcher. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca (4) 1 heard Santo Tomás 18.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common boreal migrant. Small numbers of this wader were observed at various sites. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common boreal migrant. Small numbers of this wader were observed at various coastal sites. Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria solitaria (2) Camagüey 21.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. Seen well at a small marsh just south of Camagüey. Another bird was observed at the Long-billed Dowitcher site. Willet Tringa semipalmata semipalmata (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. This presumed resident species was seen at two sites only. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius (3) Salinas de Brito 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2 and Camagüey 21.2. A few were seen at various localities.

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Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres morinella (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2. A fairly common non-breeding resident. Small numbers of this wader were observed at two sites. Sanderling Calidris alba rubida (1) Cayo Coco 22.2. Nice close-up views at Playa Colorada. Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri (1) Cayo Coco 22.2. Great scope views of birds at a mudflat towards Cayo Paredón Grande. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A few were detected at mudflats in the keys. Dunlin Calidris alpina hudsonia (1) Salinas de Brito 19.2. A single was seen at the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A fairly regular migrant to Cuba seen at two sites.

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae Black Skimmer Rynchops niger niger (1) Salinas de Brito 19.2. A beautiful flock was watched at Salinas de Brito. Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla atricilla (3) Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 23.2. A common and widespread gull seen at the coastal sites. American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus (1) Causeway Cayo Coco 23.2. Several adults were seen along the causeway. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica aranea (1) Salinas de Brito 19.2. Small numbers were scoped at Salinas de Brito.

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Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia (3) Fishponds en route 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 20.2. A conspicuous and fairly commonly observed tern in Cuba. Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus maximus (3) Salinas de Brito 19.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 23.2. A common species of tern along the coast. Cabot's Tern Thalasseus acuflavidus acuflavidus (1) Causeway Cayo Coco 23.2. A few were observed at the southern end of the causeway. Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri (1) 5 Salinas de Brito 19.2. A rare winter resident in Cuba. A small flock was scoped at Salinas de Brito.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia (6) Havana 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, en route 20.2, en route 21.2 and en route 23.2. A common feral species, typically seen in settlements. White-crowned Pigeon (NT) Patagioenas leucocephala (6) La Güira National Park 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, en route 20.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A distinct and fairly common pigeon seen at various sites. Near-Threatened. Scaly-naped Pigeon Patagioenas squamosa (2) La Güira National Park 16.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. Scoped nicely at La Güira National Park. White-crowned Pigeons were perched in the same tree. Plain Pigeon (NT) Patagioenas inornata (1) Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A local species in Cuba. Great scope views of a bird in a tall Ceiba tree. Near-Threatened. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto decaocto (5) Havana 16.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, en route 20.2, en route 21.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A fairly common introduced species.

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Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina insularis (7) La Güira National Park 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Caleta Buena 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, en route 21.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 22.2. A common resident observed on most days of the tour. Blue-headed Quail-Dove (EN) Starnoenas cyanocephala (2) 9 Cueva de los Peces 18.2 and 2 PN Bermejas 19.2. A cracking Endangered Cuban endemic, seen fantastically at two sites. Grey-fronted Quail-Dove (VU) Geotrygon caniceps (2) 3 Soplillar 18.2 and PN Bermejas 19.2. A stunning Vulnerable endemic, seen well at two sites. At Soplillar, we watched a chick on its nest. Key West Quail-Dove Geotrygon chrysia (2) Cueva del Jabalì 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. Up to ten individuals of this superb species were watched at close range! Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura macroura (7) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, en route 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and en route 23.2. A common and widespread species seen on most days of the tour. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita zenaida (5) 2 Las Terrazas 16.2, Hotel Playa Larga 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, PN Bermejas 19.2, Cueva del Jabalì 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. A Caribbean speciality, seen well at various sites, especially at Bermejas. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica asiatica (4) 1 heard La Güira National Park 16.2, 1 heard Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 22.2. A fairly common species recorded at various sites.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani (8) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and en route 23.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites throughout the tour. Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor

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(1) 1 heard Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and 1 heard Cayo Coco 22.2. Heard at several sites in the keys. Birds were being elusive and did not come in to our tape. Great Lizard Cuckoo Coccyzus merlini merlini (7) La Güira National Park 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, PN Bermejas 19.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and 1 heard Cayo Coco 23.2. A Caribbean endemic. A common and attractive species in Cuba seen well at various sites.

Barn-Owls Tytonidae Western Barn Owl Tyto alba furcata (1) Cueva de los Portales 17.2. Great views of this scarce resident at the cave!

Owls Strigidae Bare-legged Owl Margarobyas lawrencii (1) Soplillar 18.2. A neat Cuban endemic, seen at its day-roost. Also named Cuban Screech-owl. Cuban Pygmy Owl Glaucidium siju siju (5) 2 Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, 1 heard Hotel Playa Larga 20.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A fairly common Cuban endemic seen well at various sites during the day time. Stygian Owl Asio stygius siguapa (1) Soplillar 18.2. Seen beautifully in the spotlight after chasing its call.

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae Cuban Nightjar Antrostomus cubanensis cubanensis (1) Santo Tomás 18.2 and Soplillar 18.2. A Cuban endemic seen at two sites. Everyone was able to connect with the bird at Soplillar.

Swifts Apodidae Antillean Palm Swift Tachornis phoenicobia iradii (7) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 17.2, Punta Perdiz 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, en route 19.2, Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and en route

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23.2. A common and widespread Caribbean speciality.

Hummingbirds Trochilidae Cuban Emerald Chlorostilbon ricordii (8) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, PN Bermejas 19.2, Palpite 20.2, Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. A common and widespread near-endemic seen on most days of the tour. Bee Hummingbird (NT) Mellisuga helenae (2) 2 PN Bermejas 19.2 and Palpite 20.2. A superb Cuban endemic, seen fantastically at two sites in the Zapata Peninsula. Near-threatened. The smallest bird in the world!

Trogons Trogonidae Cuban Trogon Priotelus temnurus temnurus (6) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, 1 heard Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, 1 heard PN Bermejas 19.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. Cuba's national bird the "Tocororo". A striking Cuban endemic, seen well at various sites.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon (4) Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Reservoir Camaguey 20.2. A common non-breeding resident typically seen near water.

Todies Todidae Cuban Tody multicolor (4) La Güira National Park 16.2, 1 heard Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. One of Cuba's most electrifying endemics, the "Carta Cuba". Seen fantastically at various sites.

Woodpeckers Picidae

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West Indian Woodpecker Melanerpes superciliaris superciliaris (6) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, La Cuchilla 19.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A common and widespread Caribbean speciality. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius (1) 2 Las Terrazas 16.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Cuban Green Woodpecker Xiphidiopicus percussus percussus (5) Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, 1 heard Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2. A superb Cuban endemic seen well at various sites. Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus chrysocaulosus (2) 1 heard La Güira National Park 16.2 and 1 heard Cayo Coco 23.2. A fairly common resident but heard-only. Fernandina's Flicker (VU) Colaptes fernandinae (3) 2 Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, 1 heard Soplillar 18.2 and La Cuchilla 19.2. A Vulnerable Cuban endemic seen well at several nest sites!

Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway (5) 2 La Cuchilla 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, en route 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and en route 23.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites. American Kestrel Falco sparverius sparverioides (8) Fishponds en route 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, en route 20.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and en route 23.2. A common and widespread resident seen on most days of the tour. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus anatum (1) Reservoir Camaguey 20.2. A scarce non-breeding resident in Cuba seen hunting at a reservoir near Camaguey.

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African & New World Parrots Psittacidae Cuban Amazon (NT) Amazona leucocephala leucocephala (3) 1 heard Santo Tomás 18.2, 1 heard Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A stunning near-endemic seen at various sites. Near-Threatened. Cuban Parakeet (VU) Psittacara euops (3) Santo Tomás 18.2, PN Bermejas 19.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A Vulnerable Cuban endemic seen at various sites.

Tyrant Flycatchers Tyrannidae Cuban Pewee Contopus caribaeus (5) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. morenoi: (2) Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Caleta Buena 19.2 and PN Bermejas 19.2. A common and widespread near-endemic. Often quite tame. Giant Kingbird (EN) Tyrannus cubensis (2) 2 Hacienda La Cortina 17.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A rare and Endangered endemic. Great views of pairs both in the east and the west! Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus caudifasciatus (8) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. A common and widespread Caribbean endemic. La Sagra's Flycatcher Myiarchus sagrae sagrae (6) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, 1 heard Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common and widespread near-endemic seen at various sites.

Vireos Vireonidae White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus griseus (3) Las Terrazas 16.2, Santo Tomás 18.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A scarce migrant to Cuba.

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Thick-billed Vireo Vireo crassirostris cubensis (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2. A near-endemic with a very localised distribution in Cuba seen well in the scrub at Cayo Paredón Grande. Cuban Vireo Vireo gundlachii gundlachii (6) Las Terrazas 16.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, 1 heard PN Bermejas 19.2, 1 heard Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and 1 heard Cayo Coco 23.2. A common Cuban endemic, seen well at several sites. There is a single recent record of a vagrant to the USA. Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons (3) Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2 and Cueva de los Peces 18.2. A regular migrant to Cuba seen at three sites.

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae Cuban Palm Crow Corvus minutus (1) Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A local and Near-Threatened Cuban endemic seen commonly in the Najasa area. Cuban Crow Corvus nasicus (4) Observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, 1 heard Santo Tomás 18.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A vocally attractive near-endemic seen at various sites.

Swallows Hirundinidae Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor (4) en route 16.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 17.2, Soplillar 18.2 and Salinas de Brito 19.2. A fairly common non-breeding resident seen at various localities. Cuban Martin Progne cryptoleuca (3) Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Palpite 20.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A Cuban endemic, seen well at three sites. Birds had just arrived from their unknown breeding grounds. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis (1) Reservoir Camaguey 20.2.

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A rare migrant to Cuba. A small flock was seen well at the reservoir near Camaguey. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica erythrogaster (1) Reservoir Camaguey 20.2. A scarce migrant to Cuba. A few were seen at the reservoir near Camaguey. Cave Swallow Petrochelidon fulva cavicola (4) Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Caleta Buena 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. Nesting at Cueva de los Portales. A large flock was present inside the cocktail bar of Caleta Buena.

Wrens Troglodytidae Zapata Wren (EN) Ferminia cerverai (1) Santo Tomás 18.2. An Endangered Cuban endemic. Superb views of a singing adult from the platform at Santo Tomás!

Gnatcatchers Polioptilidae Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea caerulea (5) 1 heard Las Terrazas 16.2, 1 heard Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Cueva de los Peces 18.2, Caleta Buena 19.2 and en route 21.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Cuban Gnatcatcher Polioptila lembeyei (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2. Great views of a pair of this Cuban endemic in the scrub at Cayo Paredón Grande.

Mockingbirds and Thrashers Mimidae Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis (6) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, PN Bermejas 19.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common but often secretive boreal migrant in Cuba. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos orpheus (8) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Caleta Buena 19.2, PN Bermejas 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, en route 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2.

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A very common and widespread resident throughout the island. Bahama Mockingbird Mimus gundlachii gundlachii (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2. We got great views of this near-endemic. A rare and local species in Cuba.

Thrushes and Allies Turdidae Cuban Solitaire (NT) Myadestes elisabeth elisabeth (2) La Güira National Park 16.2 and Cueva de los Portales 17.2. A Near-Threatened Cuban endemic with a spectacular song! Seen beautifully at two sites. Red-legged Thrush Turdus plumbeus rubripes (6) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common and widespread Caribbean speciality. A very attractive thrush.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus (6) Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 17.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 17.2, Palpite 20.2, en route 21.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. A common introduced species seen at several urban sites.

New World Warblers Parulidae Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla furvior (4) Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, PN Bermejas 19.2 and Cueva del Jabalì 22.2. A common ground-dwelling boreal migrant. Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum (2) Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2 and Soplillar 18.2. A scarce boreal migrant to Cuba. Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla (3) Las Terrazas 16.2, Santo Tomás 18.2 and Camagüey 21.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis (3) Santo Tomás 18.2, Palpite 20.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2.

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A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia (5) Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Swainson's Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii (1) Santo Tomás 18.2. A rare boreal migrant to Cuba seen well at Santo Tomás. Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina (2) Hacienda La Cortina 17.2 and Santo Tomás 18.2. A scarce boreal migrant to Cuba. Nashville Warbler Leiothlypis ruficapilla (1) 1 Santo Tomás 18.2. A vagrant to Cuba. Seen briefly by only two observers. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas trichas (6) Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, PN Bermejas 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla (7) Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, Palpite 20.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A very common boreal migrant to Cuba. Cape May Warbler Setophaga tigrina (5) Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Northern Parula Setophaga americana (7) Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia (2) Las Terrazas 16.2, Santo Tomás 18.2 and Soplillar 18.2.

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A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Mangrove Warbler Setophaga petechia gundlachi (2) Salinas de Brito 19.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2. A fairly common resident in the mangroves of Cuba. Black-throated Blue Warbler Setophaga caerulescens caerulescens (7) Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Palpite 20.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2 and en route 23.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Stunning males were commonly observed. Palm Warbler Setophaga palmarum palmarum (8) La Güira National Park 16.2, Niña Bonita Lake 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Caleta Buena 19.2, PN Bermejas 19.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. A very common boreal migrant to Cuba. Olive-capped Warbler Setophaga pityophila (2) Las Terrazas 16.2 and Hacienda La Cortina 17.2. A superb near-endemic seen well at two sites. Perched on the electric wire at Las Terrazas! Myrtle Warbler Setophaga coronata (1) La Güira National Park 16.2. A scarce boreal migrant to Cuba. Yellow-throated Warbler Setophaga dominica dominica (6) Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Prairie Warbler Setophaga discolor discolor (3) Hotel Playa Larga 18.2, Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens (1) Las Terrazas 16.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba.

Family uncertain Incertae Sedis 2 Yellow-headed Warbler Teretistris fernandinae

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(3) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2 and Soplillar 18.2. A fairly common and widespread Cuban endemic. Oriente Warbler Teretistris fornsi fornsi (2) Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and 1 heard Cayo Coco 23.2. An attractive Cuban endemic, seen well in the keys.

Troupials and Allies Icteridae Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna hippocrepis (3) La Cuchilla 19.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A fairly common and widespread resident seen at several sites. Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula (3) Up to 2 Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2. A scarce boreal migrant to Cuba. Two birds were seen at a fruiting tree at our hotel. Cuban Oriole Icterus melanopsis (4) Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2 and Palpite 20.2. A fairly common and widespread Cuban endemic. Tawny-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius humeralis humeralis (6) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2, Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, Reservoir Camaguey 20.2, Palpite 20.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. A fairly common and widespread near-endemic. The tawny in the shoulder was not always that conspicuous. Red-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius assimilis assimilis (1) 4 Hotel Playa Larga 19.2. A local Cuban endemic, seen in the reed beds of La Cuchilla marsh. At least two pairs were seen at close range. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis minimus (2) Reservoir Camaguey 20.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2. An expanding resident seen at two sites. Cuban Blackbird Ptiloxena atroviolacea (7) La Güira National Park 16.2, Las Terrazas 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Santo Tomás 18.2,

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Soplillar 18.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, Santa Barbara, Moron 21.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common and widespread Cuban endemic. Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger (2) Las Terrazas 16.2 and Hacienda La Cortina 17.2. gundlachii: (6) Santo Tomás 18.2, Punta Perdiz 18.2, Cueva de los Peces 18.2, Caleta Buena 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 19.2, Hotel Playa Larga 20.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. A common and widespread regional endemic. The "restaurant grackle".

Buntings, Sparrows and Allies Emberizidae Zapata Sparrow Torreornis inexpectata (1) Santo Tomás 18.2. varonai: (1) Cayo Coco 22.2. An Endangered Cuban endemic. Both subspecies were seen well during the tour.

Tanagers and Allies Thraupidae Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus (3) Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, Hotel Playa Larga 18.2 and Hotel Playa Larga 19.2. A scarce resident in Cuba seen at two sites. Cuban Bullfinch Melopyrrha nigra nigra (5) La Güira National Park 16.2, Soplillar 18.2, La Cuchilla 19.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. A common and widespread near-endemic seen nicely at various sites. Cuban Grassquit Tiaris canorus (1) 20 Las Terrazas 16.2. A large flock of this superb Cuban endemic was seen well near Las Terrazas. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus olivaceus (5) Las Terrazas 16.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, PN Bermejas 19.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 21.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2 and Cayo Coco 22.2. A common and widespread species recorded at various sites.

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Western Spindalis Spindalis zena pretrei (7) La Güira National Park 16.2, Cueva de los Portales 17.2, Hacienda La Cortina 17.2, observed Hotel Playa Larga 18-20.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 22.2, Cayo Coco 22.2 and Cayo Coco 23.2. A beautiful near-endemic, seen nicely at various sites.

Cardinals and Allies Cardinalidae Summer Tanager Piranga rubra rubra (2) 1 heard La Güira National Park 16.2 and Hacienda La Cortina 17.2. A regular boreal migrant to Cuba. Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus (1) Cayo Coco 22.2. A single adult male was seen on the hotel grounds. Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea (1) Las Terrazas 16.2. A fairly regular boreal migrant to Cuba.

Mammals (2 in total: 2 seen)

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

Mongooses Herpestidae Small Asian Herpestes javanicus (1) Las Terrazas 16.2. One was seen crossing the road.

New World Leaf-nosed Bats Phyllostomidae Jamaican Fruit-eating Bat Artibeus jamaicensis (2) Cueva de los Portales 17.2 and en route 23.2. A small roosting group of this species was observed at two sites.

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Reptiles (3 in total: 3 seen)

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

Iguanas Iguanidae Northern Curly-tailed Lizard Leiocephalus carinatus (2) Cueva de los Peces 18.2 and Caleta Buena 19.2. Most probably this species was involved. Cuban Brown Curly-tailed Lizard Leiocephalus cubensis (1) Caleta Buena 19.2. Most probably this species was involved.

Dwarf Boas Wright's Dwarf Boa wrighti (1) 1 Soplillar 18.2. A single was found on the trail and photographed.

Amphibians (1 in total: 1 seen)

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

Tree frogs Hylidae Cuban Treefrog Osteopilus septentrionalis (1) Cueva de los Portales 17.2. One was observed at the coffee stop near Cueva de los Portales.

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