Endemic Birding III 28th January to 6th February 2017 (10 days) Trip Report

Western Spindalis by Dušan Brinkhuizen

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader, Dušan Brinkhuizen

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding III 2017 2

Top ten as voted for by participants: 1. Bee Hummingbird 6. Cuban Nightjar 2. Cuban Tody 7. Blue-headed Quail-dove 3. Cuban Trogon 8. Bare-legged 4. Zapata Wren 9. Stygian Owl 5. Bahama Mockingbird 10. Cuban Solitaire

Tour Summary

29 Jan - Our Cuba III adventure started off with a lot of water! A cold front had just arrived at the island and it caused torrential rain as we drove to Las Terrazas in the west, our first destination of the trip. It was still raining as we arrived at the site, so we took shelter at the visitors centre. Cuban Oriole and a Yellow-throated Vireo were watched from under the roof while at the same time, we were enjoying a nice welcome cocktail. Fairly soon, the heavy rain calmed down and we immediately took the opportunity to look for the Cuban Grassquit, our principal target for the morning. At a small framer’s house, we successfully found a flock of Yellow-faced Grassquits and a few splendid Cuban Grassquits!

Our next stop was a patch of pine forest to look for the localised Olive-capped Warbler. We found shelter at the ranger station and waited for the weather to improve. A Lousiana Waterthrush showed itself nicely while it was foraging in the rain. With the help of a little playback, we got to see the Olive- capped Warbler in the pine trees near to the station – target Cuban Grassquit by Dušan Brinkhuizen number two in the bag. After lunch, it suddenly got dry and activity picked up significantly. From the parking lot, we got prolonged views of multiple colourful Cuban Trogons feeding on palm fruits. What a fantastic Cuban endemic, the trogon, locally known as “tocororo”, Cuba’s national bird. A Scaly-naped Pigeon feeding on the same fruits was a welcome bonus. On our way out, we targeted another cracking island endemic: a Cuban Tody – with its electrifying plumage! As we drove to San Diego de los Baños further west, it suddenly became sunny. A stop at some fresh water fishponds en route produced Caspian Terns, Snail Kite and Eastern Meadowlarks, among others. During a late afternoon visit to La Güira National Park, we bagged our final target for western Cuba: a neat Cuban Solitaire singing its beautiful song.

30 Jan - The following morning, we started at Hacienda Cortina to look for the rare Fernandina’s Flicker. After some searching, there was no sign of the flicker but West-Indian Woodpeckers did respond to the tape. A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Scaly-naped Pigeon by Henry Mauer

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding III 2017 3 our only one for the trip, was a nice consolation. We 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. A singing solitaire was one of the first birds we scoped as we arrived as it was perched right in the open! Shortly after, we heard a Cuban Pygmy-owl calling and this neat little diurnal owl was soon located up in a tree. La Sagra’s Flycatcher and Cuban Vireo were other welcome additions to our growing list of endemics and near-endemics. At the cave itself, we checked some nests of Cave Swallows but the birds themselves were not around. Our guides, Caesar and Mario, told us some interesting Cuban history inside the cave while we also listened to the beautiful song of the Cuban Solitaire echoing from the limestone walls.

On our way back, 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. A stop at Niña Bonita Lake along the way was very productive. Lesser Scaups, Ring-necked Ducks, Northern Shovelers and Cuban Pygmy-owl by Henry Mauer Ruddy Ducks were present in good numbers, as were Pied- billed Grebes, herons, egrets, cormorants and some Brown Pelicans. A single Least Grebe was a nice find by Deborah. We also watched a few Scaly-breasted Munias (Nutmeg Mannikins - an “escapee” from Asia) foraging in the grass. Late afternoon, around dusk, we arrived at our hotel in Playa Larga.

31 Jan - We had an early start to Santo Tomás, a small remote village in the heart of the Zapata swamp. We arrived a little too late for the nightjar en route, 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 also our first Zapata Sparrow! The sparrow hopped on the side of the bank and showed itself very well. When we arrived at the viewing platform, we heard a Zapata Wren singing in the distance. A promising start! This Endangered endemic was our principal target for the day and it is often very hard to get. Our local guide, “Super Mario” played his tapes on and off but for about half an hour, not a sniff of the wren. Just before we wanted to move to a different site, the brown, chunky wren popped up in a nearby bush and started singing elaborately – the extensive scope views we got of it were just magnificent! Very pleased with this rare endemic in the pocket, we birded our way back along the canal.

In the forest at Santo Tomás, we followed Super Bare-legged Owl by Henry Mauer Mario and some serious bushwhacking produced

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding III 2017 4 a Worm-eating Warbler, two Swainson’s Warblers and a glimpse of a Grey-fronted Quail-dove! On our way to lunch, we stopped at Cueva de los Peces, where we waited at the restaurant for a very special treat. In recent years, the restaurant staff had been putting out rice for the rare and Endangered Blue-headed Quail-dove in turn for a tip. Just as we arrived, a small party of these superb grouse-like endemics showed up – perfect timing! As we watched these stunning quail- doves at very close range, a neat Ovenbird walked by as well.

In the afternoon, we started at the open plains of Soplillar. Close-up views of cracking Cuban Amazons were a nice start. A juvenile Roseate Spoonbill at a small pond was nice, too. After some back-and- forth trawling, we finally located a pair of the endemic Fernandina’s Flicker. The birds were somewhat backlit but the scope views were still fine. In the forest, we ran into a beautiful adult Grey-fronted Quail- dove that was faking being injured (we actually found the nest of this bird on a following tour). Two Bare-legged Cuban Nightjar by Henry Mauer seen at their day-roost was just an excellent sighting. Cuban Crows were a welcome addition, too. At dusk, we tried for the Cuban Nightjar. It wasn’t really dark yet but the bird had already flown in and perched at close range on a branch. Scope views were just fantastic. Shortly after, the nightjar started foraging on the forest trail in front of us – what a treat, watching this difficult endemic out in the open! After dinner, we went to look for Stygian Owl. After about half an hour, a superb adult was located atop a tree. Henry rushed back to his cabin to get his camera and was back in time for some great spotlight photography. A great day, packed with Cuban endemics and specialities!

1 Feb - The next morning, we started off with no less than four species of quail-dove! From behind a blind at Bermejas, we watched a forest trail packed with doves. Zenaida Doves were abundant here and a couple of Grey-fronted Quail-doves showed themselves well. A presumed juvenile Ruddy Quail-dove was foraging at close range, too. A splendid adult Key-west Quail- dove was foraging further back, but scope views were good. In the end, two more Blue-headed Quail-doves showed up as well – what a feast! At the bus, we heard a Bee Hummingbird singing. We got brief views of a female Bee Hummer but decided to continue to La Cuchilla first for the endemic Red-shouldered Blackbird! When we arrived at La Cuchilla, it took a while before we got the sought-after blackbird. A male suddenly flew in and sang, but the red in the wing was difficult to detect. Here we also got good scope views of Cuban Parakeet, another scarce endemic. The elusive Spotted Rail remained heard-only. At an open field on our way back, we enjoyed several Fernandina’s Flickers at their nesting site. Our second Bare-legged Owl for the Blue-headed Quail-dove by trip was discovered in a hollow palm tree. Henry Mauer

Back at the Bee Hummingbird spot, we watched a smart adult male feeding on flowers. The

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding III 2017 5 smallest bird in the world – what a treat! The male even perched shortly on an electric wire just as we had wished for - its ruby gorget was simply stunning in that light! After a successful morning, we went to Caleta Buena for lunch. A flock of Cave Swallows was roosting in the cocktail bar, and cocktails like Cuba Libre and Mojito were free: guess where we spent some quality time before lunch?!

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 around in good numbers and we also enjoyed many egrets, including some close- up views of both morphs of Reddish Egret. The endemic Cuban Black Hawk, one of our targets here, was soon located. Red Knot and Forster’s Tern were rare non- breeding visitors that we picked out of the bulk of shorebirds, gulls and terns. A large flock of Black Skimmers in flight was a very nice sighting as well. The icing on the cake for the day was an adult Clapper Rail that crossed the track right in front of our feet! Reddish Egret by Henry Mauer 2 Feb - Today we enjoyed a well-deserved (little) sleep in at Playa Larga. We had seen all our target endemics after all, so breakfast was at 7am. Our morning stop was at 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’s trick with a flower dipped in sugar water worked out and he “hand fed” a male Bee Hummer a couple of times – a simply spectacular sight! He was very proud of his “Zunzuncitos”, as he called them. A short stop at Boca de Guama did not produce anything new, but we enjoyed some of the birds including Cuban Crow and West-Indian Woodpecker. Along the main road through Zapata Swamp, we trawled for rails and crakes but without success. We left the Zapata Peninsula before noon as we had a long drive to Camaguey ahead. At our late lunch stop, we watched a superb Great Lizard Cuckoo and a Cape May Warbler, which was a new addition to the list.

3 Feb - The following morning, south of Najasa, just after dawn, we did an amazing target cleanup: Cuban Palmcrow, Plain Pigeon and Giant Kingbird were all scoped within five minutes! The kingbird and the pigeon were perched in a tall ceiba tree and the noisy palm crows were practically all around us. Cuban Crows were also present and we could nicely compare their melodious gobbling call with the harsh nasal call of the palm crow. Cuban Parakeets and Cuban Amazons were around in the palm trees and scoped nicely. A neat Cuban Green Woodpecker was seen well too. At the edge of a forest patch, we did a tody and trogon “photoshoot”. The early morning sunlight was just perfect for photography Bee Hummingbird by Henry Mauer

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding III 2017 6 and both Cuban Tody and Cuban Trogon were highly cooperative. Pygmy-owl tape attracted a Loggerhead Kingbird and shortly after, a Giant Kingbird landed next to it. Comparing both species side-by-side was a real treat! A Limpkin and our third Bare-legged Owl for the trip were seen at Finca Belén.

Late morning, we 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 species. Several distant Red- tailed Hawks were picked up but no sign of any Accipiter. According to our local guide, Camilo, the hawk had not been seen here in recent months. After a roadside stop at a small swamp with Northern Jacanas, we drove back to the lovely historical centre of Camaguey, where we enjoyed an exclusive local lunch at a famous restaurant called “La Campana de Toledo”. In the afternoon, we had a longish drive to Cayo Coco with little birding en route.

4 Feb - At dawn, we started off at the top of Cayo Paredon Grande for some localised targets. Thick-billed Vireo was one of the first birds we heard when we got out of the bus and very soon we got it in our bins, too. The endemic Oriente Warbler was spotted shortly after, of which we got Cuban Tody by Henry Mauer great views as well. A Mangrove Cuckoo popped out and perched for a long time in the open - wow! The coastal scrub was filled with Cuban Bullfinch, cracking Western Spindalis and Oriente Warbler, among others. A Myrtle Warbler, a scarce migrant to the keys, was only seen by a few people. A lovely pair of Cuban Gnatcatchers was located a little further along the track. Around the lighthouse, our local guide, Odey, worked hard for the Bahama Mockingbird, but after a long search, there was still no sign of this notorious skulker.

On our way back, we enjoyed scoping a mudflat with American Flamingos, Roseate Spoonbills and several species of waders. A white morph of the Great Blue Heron was an awesome sighting. A neat Zapata Sparrow (a different subspecies from the one we saw in Zapata swamp) was successfully found at Odey’s stakeout. A White- eyed Vireo was a nice bonus. Just before lunch, we checked Playa Colorado for the rare Piping Plover, but it was hot and we only found a few Sanderlings on the beach. In the afternoon, we went to Cayo Guillermo to target the Bahama Mockingbird. We tried at several spots but it was nowhere to be found. On our way back, we tried once more at the bus stop site and to our great surprise, a loud-singing adult popped out of the bushes – we got superb views for a prolonged time! In the late afternoon, we still had some time to check the beach near our hotel and - yes - this time we got superb Piping Plovers right at the beach!

5 Feb – Today, we had our second sleep in for the tour. It was well-deserved after a pleasant night of Mangrove Cuckoo by Henry Mauer

Trip Report – RBL Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding III 2017 7 partying (for some) at our Meliá all-inclusive resort. Breakfast was at 7am and we started our long drive back to Havana at 8am. A few short stops en route did not produce anything new, except for American Herring Gull along the causeway. At our lunch stop at Los Caneyes (outside Santa Clara), we found a fruiting tree full of Red-legged Honeycreepers, which was a nice catch-up for some. Cape May Warbler and Indigo Bunting were also seen. In the late afternoon, we arrived in the old town of Havana (Havana Vieja) for our city tour led by Mario. However, the birding was not over yet! A fantastic flock of Cuban Martins was spotted by Keelin (they were just arriving from their unknown wintering grounds) at one of the plazas and was one of the endemics that we still needed! Luckily, I had brought my binoculars, so everybody got to see them well. A delicious dinner at a nice restaurant in the old town was a great ending to a fantastic trip!

The intrepid group!

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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.

Birds (161 in total: 158 seen, 3 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 4.2. A family group of this Vulnerable whistling-duck was seen at the lagoon of Hotel Meliá Cayo Coco. American Wigeon Anas americana (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. A few birds were scoped at a distance. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. A single female was scoped. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata (2) Niña Bonita Lake 30.1 and Salinas de Brito 1.2. A small flock was present at Niña Bonita lake. A few birds were also scoped at Salinas de Brito. Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris (1) Niña Bonita Lake 30.1. Small numbers were observed among the bulk of Lesser Scaups. Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis (1) Niña Bonita Lake 30.1.

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Large numbers of this diving duck were present at the lake. Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator (1) Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. Several were seen during our drive on the causeway. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis jamaicensis (1) Niña Bonita Lake 30.1. Small numbers were observed among the bulk of Lesser Scaups.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris galeatus (6) Las Terrazas 29.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, 1 heard Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, La Cuchilla 1.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. Introduced and domesticated species. Common and widespread in Cuba.

Grebes Podicipedidae Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus dominicus (1) Niña Bonita Lake 30.1. A single bird was picked out from the more numerous Pied-billed Grebe. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps antillarum (3) Fishponds en route 29.1, Fishponds en route 30.1, Niña Bonita Lake 30.1 and Salinas de Brito 1.2. 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 1.2, Cayo Guillermo 4.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A fairly common resident seen in large flocks at various coastal sites.

Storks Ciconiidae Wood Stork Mycteria americana (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. A few of this large and distinct species were observed at Salinas de Brito.

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Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae American White Ibis Eudocimus albus albus (4) Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, Hotel Playa Larga 2.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A fairly common resident seen at various sites. A small flock was present around our cabins of Hotel Playa Larga. Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja (3) Soplillar 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. This beautiful spoonbill was observed at three different sites during the tour.

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli (2) en route 30.1 and Santo Tomás 31.1. Singletons of this species were spotted at two sites. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea bancrofti (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. A single bird was found in the mangroves. Green Heron Butorides virescens virescens (6) en route 29.1, Niña Bonita Lake 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (8) en route 29.1, en route 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, en route 1.2, en route 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and en route 5.2. A common to abundant species seen on most days of the trip. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias occidentalis (4) Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, La Cuchilla 1.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. Common and widespread seen at various sites. White morphs of this species were recorded in the keys (Cayo Coco, Paredón Grande). Great Egret Ardea alba egretta (7) Fishponds en route 29.1, Niña Bonita Lake 30.1, en route 30.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, en route

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2.2, en route 3.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A common and widespread species seen on most days of the trip. Reddish Egret (NT) Egretta rufescens rufescens (2) Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. Both morphs of this Near-Threatened species were seen well at coastal sites visited. Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor ruficollis (2) Salinas de Brito 1.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. Small numbers were recorded at several coastal sites. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea (6) Fishponds en route 29.1, Fishponds en route 30.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites. Snowy Egret Egretta thula thula (7) Fishponds en route 29.1, Fishponds en route 30.1, Soplillar 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites.

Pelicans Pelecanidae American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (2) Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A scarce bird in Cuba. Good numbers were seen at two coastal sites. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis (5) en route 29.1, Niña Bonita Lake 30.1, Caleta Buena 1.2, Salinas de Brito 1.2, Cayo Guillermo 4.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A common species at coastal sites.

Frigatebirds Fregatidae Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens (3) Salinas de Brito 1.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A common species along the coast.

Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus mexicanus

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(5) Niña Bonita Lake 30.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, en route 2.2, Causeway Cayo Coco 3.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A common species seen at several sites. Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus heuretus (3) Niña Bonita Lake 30.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A fairly common species seen at several sites.

New World Vultures Cathartidae Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura aura (8) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, en route 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, La Cuchilla 1.2, PN Bermejas 1.2, en route 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and en route 5.2. An abundant species on Cuba, seen daily throughout the tour.

Osprey Pandionidae Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus ridgwayi (5) Fishponds en route 29.1, Fishponds en route 30.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, en route 3.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A fairly common species seen at several sites.

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis levis (2) Fishponds en route 29.1, Fishponds en route 30.1 and Las Terrazas 29.1. Small numbers were observed at two inland sites. Cuban Black Hawk (NT) Buteogallus gundlachii (3) 2 Salinas de Brito 1.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A Near-Threatened endemic seen well at various coastal sites. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis umbrinus (4) 2 en route 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, La Cuchilla 1.2 and 2 Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A fairly common and widespread Buteo in Cuba.

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae

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Clapper Rail Rallus crepitans caribaeus (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. Superb views of an adult crossing the road. Sora Porzana carolina (2) 1 heard Santo Tomás 31.1 and 1 heard La Cuchilla 1.2. This boreal migrant was heard at two sites. Spotted Rail Pardirallus maculatus maculatus (1) 1 heard La Cuchilla 1.2. A bird responded to tape playback but was not seen. Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus (2) en route 30.1 and 5 Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. Seen in small numbers at some fresh water ponds. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata cerceris (5) 2 Las Terrazas 29.1, en route 30.1, Boca de Guamá 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and en route 5.2. A fairly common species seen at freshwater ponds and lakes. American Coot Fulica americana americana (3) Fishponds en route 29.1, Niña Bonita Lake 30.1 and Cayo Guillermo 4.2. A fairly common species seen at seen at several sites. Good numbers were present at Niña Bonita Lake.

Limpkin Aramidae Limpkin Aramus guarauna pictus (1) 2 Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. Seen nicely near Finca la Belén.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus (2) en route 3.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. Small numbers were seen at two sites.

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola cynosurae

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(2) Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A common species on the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus (2) Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. Small numbers were seen at two sites. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus ternominatus (3) Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 31.1 and en route 1.2. A common resident recorded at various sites. Piping Plover (NT) Charadrius melodus melodus (1) 3 Cayo Coco 4.2. A rare migrant to Cuba. Near-Threatened. Seen fantastically on the beach of Playa Colorada.

Jacanas Jacanidae Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa (2) Fishponds en route 29.1 and en route 3.2. A few were seen at some fresh water ponds.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus hendersoni (2) Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A fairly common non-breeding resident. Small numbers of this wader were observed at various coastal sites. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca (2) Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A common boreal migrant. Small numbers of this wader were observed at various coastal sites. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes (2) Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A common boreal migrant. Small numbers of this wader were observed at various coastal sites. Willet Tringa semipalmata semipalmata (2) Salinas de Brito 1.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. Small numbers of this resident species were observed at various coastal sites. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres morinella (2) Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2.

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A fairly common non-breeding resident. Small numbers of this wader were observed at various coastal sites. Red Knot Calidris canutus roselaari (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. A scarce migrant to Cuba. A fairly large flock was observed at Salinas de Brito. Sanderling Calidris alba rubida (1) Cayo Coco 4.2. A nice flock was observed at the beach of Playa Colorada. Semipalmated Sandpiper (NT) Calidris pusilla (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. Near-Threatened. A few were seen at the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. A few were seen at the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. A few were seen at the mudflats of Salinas de Brito. Dunlin Calidris alpina hudsonia (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. Small numbers were seen at the mudflats of Salinas de Brito.

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae Black Skimmer Rynchops niger niger (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. A beautiful flock was watched at Salinas de Brito. Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla atricilla (3) Salinas de Brito 1.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A common and widespread gull at the coastal sites. American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus (1) Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A few adults were seen in the water along the causeway. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica aranea (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2.

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Small numbers were scoped at Salinas de Brito. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia (3) 3 Fishponds en route 29.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A conspicuous and fairly commonly observed tern in Cuba. Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus maximus (4) Salinas de Brito 1.2, Causeway Cayo Coco 3.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A common species of tern at the coastal sites visited. Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. A rare non-breeding visitor to Cuba. A small flock was scoped at Salinas de Brito.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia (6) en route 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 1.2, en route 2.2, en route 3.2 and en route 5.2. A common feral species, typically seen in human settlements. White-crowned Pigeon (NT) Patagioenas leucocephala (4) La Güira National Park 29.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1 and PN Bermejas 1.2. A distinct and fairly common pigeon seen at various sites. Near-Threatened. Scaly-naped Pigeon Patagioenas squamosa (2) Las Terrazas 29.1 and Cueva de los Portales 30.1. At Las Terrazas beautifully seen eating palm fruits. Plain Pigeon (NT) Patagioenas inornata (1) Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A local species in Cuba. Great scope views of birds in a tall Ceiba tree. Near-Threatened. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto decaocto (3) Havana 29.1, en route 2.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A fairly common introduced species. Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina insularis (7) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, en route 29.1, en route 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, PN Bermejas 1.2, en route 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2.

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A common resident observed on most days of the tour. Blue-headed Quail-Dove (EN) Starnoenas cyanocephala (2) Cueva de los Peces 31.1 and 2 PN Bermejas 1.2. A cracking Endangered endemic seen fantastically at two sites. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana montana (1) PN Bermejas 1.2. A single bird, probably a juvenile, was observed foraging in front of the hide. Grey-fronted Quail-Dove (VU) Geotrygon caniceps (2) Soplillar 31.1 and 2 PN Bermejas 1.2. A stunning Vulnerable endemic seen well at two sites. Key West Quail-Dove Geotrygon chrysia (1) PN Bermejas 1.2. A single adult was observed nicely among the other foraging doves. Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura macroura (7) Las Terrazas 29.1, en route 29.1, en route 30.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Soplillar 31.1, La Cuchilla 1.2, en route 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and en route 5.2. A common and widespread species seen on most days of the tour. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita zenaida (2) Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, Soplillar 31.1 and PN Bermejas 1.2. A Caribbean speciality seen well at various sites, especially at Bermejas. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica asiatica (4) 1 heard Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Soplillar 31.1, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A fairly common species recorded at various sites.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani (7) La Güira National Park 29.1, en route 29.1, en route 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, en route 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and en route 5.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites throughout the tour. Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. Stunning views of this neat cuckoo in the scrub at Cayo Paredón Grande. Great Lizard Cuckoo Coccyzus merlini merlini

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(6) La Güira National Park 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, en route 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, Ciego de Avila 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A Caribbean endemic. A common and attractive species in Cuba seen well at various sites.

Owls Strigidae Bare-legged Owl Margarobyas lawrencii (3) 2 Soplillar 31.1, La Cuchilla 1.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A neat Cuban endemic seen at various day-roosts. Also named Cuban Screech-owl. Cuban Pygmy Owl Glaucidium siju siju (3) Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Soplillar 31.1 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A fairly common Cuban endemic seen well at various sites during the day time. Stygian Owl stygius siguapa (1) Hotel Playa Larga 31.1. An adult seen fantastically in the spotlight on the hotel grounds after dinner.

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae Cuban Nightjar Antrostomus cubanensis cubanensis (1) Soplillar 31.1. Superb perch views of this Cuban endemic after dusk.

Swifts Apodidae Antillean Palm Swift Tachornis phoenicobia iradii (6) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, en route 1.2, en route 2.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A common and widespread Caribbean speciality.

Hummingbirds Trochilidae Cuban Emerald Chlorostilbon ricordii (8) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, PN Bermejas 1.2, Ciego de Avila 2.2, Palpite 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A common and widespread near-endemic seen on most days of the tour. Bee Hummingbird (NT) Mellisuga helenae

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(2) PN Bermejas 1.2 and Palpite 2.2. 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 (4) 3 Las Terrazas 29.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. Cuba's national bird the "Tocororo". A striking Cuban endemic, seen well at various sites.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon (6) Fishponds en route 29.1, Niña Bonita Lake 30.1, en route 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A common non-breeding resident typically seen near water.

Todies Todidae Cuban Tody Todus multicolor (5) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, 1 heard Santo Tomás 31.1, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and 1 heard Cayo Coco 4.2. One of Cuba's most electrifying endemics, the "Carta Cuba". Seen fantastically at various sites.

Woodpeckers Picidae West Indian Woodpecker Melanerpes superciliaris superciliaris (6) Las Terrazas 29.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Soplillar 31.1, PN Bermejas 1.2, Boca de Guamá 2.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A common and widespread Caribbean speciality. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius (1) Hacienda La Cortina 30.1. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Cuban Green Woodpecker Xiphidiopicus percussus percussus (3) Santo Tomás 31.1, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A superb Cuban endemic seen well at various sites.

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Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus chrysocaulosus (2) Soplillar 31.1 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A fairly common resident recorded at two sites. Fernandina's Flicker (VU) Colaptes fernandinae (2) 2 Soplillar 31.1 and La Cuchilla 1.2. A Vulnerable Cuban endemic, seen well at two sites.

Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway (6) Soplillar 31.1, PN Bermejas 1.2, en route 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Causeway Cayo Coco 5.2. A common and widespread species seen at various sites. American Kestrel Falco sparverius sparverioides (8) en route 29.1, en route 30.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, La Cuchilla 1.2, en route 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Cayo Coco 5.2. A common and widespread resident seen on most days of the tour. Merlin Falco columbarius columbarius (2) Hotel Playa Larga 31.1 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A scarce migrant to Cuba. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus anatum (1) en route 29.1. A scarce non-breeding resident in Cuba.

African & New World Parrots Psittacidae Cuban Amazon (NT) Amazona leucocephala leucocephala (2) Soplillar 31.1 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A stunning near-endemic seen at various sites. Near-Threatened. Cuban Parakeet (VU) Psittacara euops (3) 6 Soplillar 31.1, La Cuchilla 1.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A Vulnerable Cuban endemic seen at various sites.

Tyrant Flycatchers Tyrannidae

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Cuban Pewee Contopus caribaeus (3) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and 1 heard Los Caneyes 5.2. morenoi: (3) Santo Tomás 31.1, Cueva de los Peces 31.1, La Cuchilla 1.2 and Boca de Guamá 2.2. A common and widespread near-endemic. Often quite tame. Giant Kingbird (EN) Tyrannus cubensis (1) Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A rare and Endangered endemic. Great views of several birds in the Najasa area. Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus caudifasciatus (6) 5 Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, 1 heard Soplillar 31.1, Palpite 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Guillermo 4.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A common and widespread Caribbean endemic. La Sagra's Flycatcher Myiarchus sagrae sagrae (4) Cueva de los Portales 30.1, 1 heard Soplillar 31.1, 1 heard Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Cayo Guillermo 4.2. A common and widespread near-endemic seen at various sites.

Vireos Vireonidae White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus griseus (1) Cayo Coco 4.2. A scarce migrant to Cuba. Thick-billed Vireo Vireo crassirostris cubensis (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A near-endemic with a very localised distribution in Cuba seen well in the scrub at Cayo Paredón Grande. Cuban Vireo Vireo gundlachii gundlachii (4) Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, 1 heard PN Bermejas 1.2 and 1 heard Cayo Coco 4.2. 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 (1) Las Terrazas 29.1.

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A regular migrant to Cuba.

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae Cuban Palm Crow Corvus minutus (1) Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A local and Near-Threatened Cuban endemic seen commonly in the Najasa area. Cuban Crow Corvus nasicus (4) Observed Hotel Playa Larga 31-2.2, Soplillar 31.1, Boca de Guamá 2.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A vocally attractive near-endemic seen at various sites.

Swallows Hirundinidae Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor (2) Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, Soplillar 31.1 and Caleta Buena 1.2. A fairly common migrant to Cuba. Cuban Martin Progne cryptoleuca (1) Havana 5.2. A Cuban endemic seen at the eleventh hour in the old town of Havana! Birds were just arriving from their unknown breeding grounds. Cave Swallow Petrochelidon fulva cavicola (1) Caleta Buena 1.2. A large flock was present inside the cocktail bar of Caleta Buena.

Wrens Troglodytidae Zapata Wren (EN) Ferminia cerverai (1) Santo Tomás 31.1. An Endangered Cuban endemic. Superb views of a singing adult from the platform at Santo Tomás!

Gnatcatchers Polioptilidae Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea caerulea (3) La Güira National Park 29.1, Santo Tomás 31.1 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Cuban Gnatcatcher Polioptila lembeyei

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(1) Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. 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 29.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, PN Bermejas 1.2, Palpite 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Cayo Guillermo 4.2. A common but typically secretive boreal migrant. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos orpheus (8) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, Caleta Buena 1.2, La Cuchilla 1.2, PN Bermejas 1.2, Palpite 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Guillermo 4.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Cayo Coco 5.2. A very common and widespread resident throughout the island. Bahama Mockingbird Mimus gundlachii gundlachii (1) Cayo Guillermo 4.2. 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 29.1 and Cueva de los Portales 30.1. 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 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, PN Bermejas 1.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and 1 heard Cayo Coco 4.2. A common and widespread Caribbean speciality. A very attractive thrush.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus (6) en route 29.1, en route 30.1, Ciego de Avila 2.2, Palpite 2.2, en route 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A common introduced species seen at several urban sites.

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Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata (1) Niña Bonita Lake 30.1. A scarce introduced species seen foraging at the lakeside.

New World Warblers Parulidae Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla furvior (4) Las Terrazas 29.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Cueva de los Peces 31.1, PN Bermejas 1.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A common ground-dwelling boreal migrant. Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum (1) Santo Tomás 31.1. A regular boreal migrant to Cuba. Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla (2) Las Terrazas 29.1 and 2 Cueva de los Portales 30.1. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis (6) en route 29.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, Palpite 2.2, Boca de Guamá 2.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and 1 heard Cayo Coco 5.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia (4) Las Terrazas 29.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, PN Bermejas 1.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Swainson's Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii (2) 2 Santo Tomás 31.1 and Cayo Guillermo 4.2. A rare boreal migrant to Cuba seen well at two sites. Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina (2) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1 and Hacienda La Cortina 30.1. A scarce boreal migrant to Cuba. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas trichas (6) La Güira National Park 29.1, en route 29.1, Niña Bonita Lake 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Salinas de Brito 1.2, PN Bermejas 1.2, Boca de Guamá 2.2 and en route 3.2.

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A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla (7) en route 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, PN Bermejas 1.2, Palpite 2.2, Boca de Guamá 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A very common boreal migrant to Cuba. Cape May Warbler Setophaga tigrina (3) Ciego de Avila 2.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba. Northern Parula Setophaga americana (6) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Niña Bonita Lake 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, PN Bermejas 1.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Mangrove Warbler Setophaga petechia gundlachi (1) Salinas de Brito 1.2. A fairly common resident in the mangroves of Cuba. Black-throated Blue Warbler Setophaga caerulescens caerulescens (7) Las Terrazas 29.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, PN Bermejas 1.2, Palpite 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Stunning males were commonly observed. Palm Warbler Setophaga palmarum palmarum (8) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Niña Bonita Lake 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Cueva de los Peces 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, Caleta Buena 1.2, La Cuchilla 1.2, PN Bermejas 1.2, Ciego de Avila 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A very common boreal migrant to Cuba. Olive-capped Warbler Setophaga pityophila (2) Las Terrazas 29.1 and Hacienda La Cortina 30.1. A superb near-endemic seen well at two sites. Myrtle Warbler Setophaga coronata (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A scarce boreal migrant to Cuba.

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Yellow-throated Warbler Setophaga dominica dominica (7) Las Terrazas 29.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Hotel Playa Larga 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, La Cuchilla 1.2, Hotel Playa Larga 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Prairie Warbler Setophaga discolor discolor (4) en route 29.1, PN Bermejas 1.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A common boreal migrant to Cuba. Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens (2) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1 and PN Bermejas 1.2. A fairly common boreal migrant to Cuba.

Family uncertain Incertae Sedis 2 Yellow-headed Warbler Teretistris fernandinae (3) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1 and Santo Tomás 31.1. A fairly common and widespread Cuban endemic. Oriente Warbler Teretistris fornsi fornsi (1) Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. An attractive Cuban endemic, seen well in the keys.

Troupials and Allies Icteridae Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna hippocrepis (3) 2 Fishponds en route 29.1, La Cuchilla 1.2 and en route 3.2. A fairly common and widespread resident seen at several sites. Cuban Oriole Icterus melanopsis (5) Las Terrazas 29.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Palpite 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2. A fairly common and widespread Cuban endemic. Tawny-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius humeralis humeralis (6) Las Terrazas 29.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Soplillar 31.1, La Cuchilla 1.2, Palpite 2.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A fairly common and widespread near-endemic. The tawny in the shoulder was not always that conspicuous.

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Red-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius assimilis assimilis (1) La Cuchilla 1.2. A local Cuban endemic, seen in the reed beds of La Cuchilla marsh. Cuban Blackbird Ptiloxena atroviolacea (8) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Cueva de los Portales 30.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, Caleta Buena 1.2, La Cuchilla 1.2, PN Bermejas 1.2, Palpite 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2, Cayo Coco 4.2 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A common and widespread Cuban endemic. Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger (2) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1 and Cueva de los Portales 30.1. gundlachii: (5) Santo Tomás 31.1, Cueva de los Peces 31.1, Soplillar 31.1, Caleta Buena 1.2, Palpite 2.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A common and widespread regional endemic. The "restaurant grackle".

Buntings, Sparrows and Allies Emberizidae Zapata Sparrow Torreornis inexpectata (1) Santo Tomás 31.1. varonai: (1) Cayo Coco 4.2. An Endangered Cuban endemic. Both subspecies were seen well during the tour.

Tanagers and Allies Thraupidae Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus (2) Las Terrazas 29.1 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A scarce resident in Cuba. Many were seen at a fruiting tree at Los Caneyes. Cuban Bullfinch Melopyrrha nigra nigra (4) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Santo Tomás 31.1, La Cuchilla 1.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A common and widespread near-endemic seen nicely at various sites. Cuban Grassquit Tiaris canorus (2) 2 Las Terrazas 29.1 and Hacienda La Cortina 30.1.

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A superb Cuban endemic, seen well at two sites in the Pinar del Rio province. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus olivaceus (3) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, PN Bermejas 1.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 3.2. A common and widespread species recorded at various sites. Western Spindalis Spindalis zena pretrei (3) La Güira National Park 29.1, Las Terrazas 29.1, Hacienda La Cortina 30.1, Cayo Paredón Grande 4.2 and Cayo Coco 4.2. A beautiful near-endemic, seen nicely at various sites.

Cardinals and Allies Cardinalidae Summer Tanager Piranga rubra rubra (1) 1 heard La Güira National Park 29.1. A regular boreal migrant to Cuba. Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea (1) Los Caneyes 5.2. A fairly regular boreal migrant to Cuba.

Mammals (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

New World Leaf-nosed Bats Phyllostomidae Jamaican Fruit-eating Bat Artibeus jamaicensis (2) Cueva de los Portales 30.1 and Los Caneyes 5.2. A small roosting group of this species was observed at two sites.

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Rockjumper Birding Ltd Labourdonnais Village Mapou Mauritius Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: 1-888-990-5552 Email: [email protected] Alternative email: [email protected] Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com