Caribbean Endemic Birding IV

Trip Report 5th to 13th February 2016

Bee Hummingbird by Dušan Brinkhuizen Trip report by tour leader: Dušan M. Brinkhuizen

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Top five as voted for by participants:

1. Bee Hummingbird 2. Cuban Tody 3. Blue-headed Quail-dove 4. Gundlach’s Hawk 5. Fernandina’s Flicker

Cuba is special. The old town of Havana brings you back to the 1950’s with its narrow streets, the beautiful old and tall architecture, the colourful old-timer cars everywhere around you, folks smoking cigars in the tranquil parks, people dancing on the streets and Cuban live music almost everywhere you go. Visiting the country is a unique experience itself.

The birding on the island is simply superb. Cuba holds a good number of fancy endemics like Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Tody, Blue-headed Quail-Dove, and many Caribbean specialties. In addition, it’s a great place for North American warblers and other migrants that spend the boreal winter in Cuba. Rockjumper’s Cuba IV tour was a great success and we saw all the possible 27 endemics and 12 near-endemics plus many more island specialties.

5 Feb: Las Terrazas Biosphere Reserve & La Güira NP.

Cuban Tody by Dušan Brinkhuizen We started our birding at a “magic spot” near the reserve’s entrance. Our target here was the incredibly attractive Cuban Tody, however, we first worked through a mixed-flock of species that was active at the spot. A little spishing and pygmy-owl whistles did wonders and within a couple of minutes we bagged no less than seven Cuban endemics, it was quite a thrill! The first endemic we saw was a Cuban Pewee. Perched next to the pewee we watched splendid Cuban Grassquits, one of our main targets for the day. A Yellow- headed Warbler popped up right below the grassquits and a Cuban Emerald got excited too. North American Warblers were everywhere including Black-throated Green Warbler, Black-and- white Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Northern Parula, American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat. At this point nearly too many birds to handle! Two Cuban Orioles showed well amongst the smaller and suddenly a Cuban Trogon flew in and perched right in front of us. When the overall activity slowed down we tried for the Cuban Tody. This superb endemic soon gave away great views. What a start of the trip! Cuban Grassquit by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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Inside the reserve we visited a pine tree site for Olive-capped Warbler. It was very windy so it took us some time before we actually located a pair of this sought-after species. Other birds that we picked up included La Sagra’s Flycatcher, West Indian Woodpecker, Cuban Bullfinch and a pair of the near endemic Western Spindalis. At another site we watched a small flock of Cuban and Yellow-faced Grassquits at close range. The beautiful Cuban Trogon showed well again while the handsome Cuban Green Woodpecker was watched through the scope for a prolonged time. Another stop at hacienda Buenavista produced Rose-breasted Grosbeak and an Indigo Bunting amongst others. After a nice lunch at the Casa de Campesinos we made a road stop outside the reserve were we got great looks at a Cuban Pygmy Owl, yet another endemic added to the list!

On our way to San Diego de los Baños we made a quick birding stop along the highway that produced a few surprises in the form of Caspian Tern, Merlin and a Short-eared Owl. We arrived at the hotel in the late afternoon but decided to continue birding before checking in. New birds that we picked up along a forest trail inside La Güira NP included Northern Flicker (endemic subspecies chrysocaulosus), Great Lizard Cuckoo, Loggerhead Cuban Trogon by Dušan Brinkhuizen Kingbird and Yellow-throated Warbler. Olive-capped Warbler was again seen very nicely. A female Cuban Martin flew overhead and but was only seen briefly. Cuban Solitaire, our primary target for the trail, remained heard only for the day.

6 Feb: Cuevas de las Portales to Playa Giron. We started birding early this morning along the track where we had ended birding yesterday. A Cuban Solitaire was singing beautifully nearby, but it was not an easy task to get it into view. Along a narrow side trail in the forest we all secured brief views of a bird on top of a dead trunk. A Tawny- shouldered Blackbird in the top of a palm was our first for the trip and here we also picked up a Myrtle Warbler. Cuban Pygmy Owls were seen on three occasions. On our way to Cueva de los Portales we stopped for a perched raptor that turned out to be a Broad-winged Hawk (we were hoping for Gundlach’s of course!). At the entrance to the cave we were greeted by the loud music of the tourist cabins with background song provided by Cuban Solitaire. After our request, they fortunately turned down the volume. The solitaire was singing at close range and very soon we got prolonged scope views of this Near-threatened endemic perched right out in the open. A pair of Cuban Tody’s gave us a little show, and our first Grey Catbirds for the trip were seen. Scaly-naped Pigeon, another target, was perched nicely Cuban Solitaire by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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in the sun revealing its subtle colours. At the cave system where Che Guevara was hiding during the Cuban Missile Crisis, we watched a few Cave Swallows that had just started nesting. At Hacienda Cortina we picked up Summer Tanager, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Tennessee Warbler, more new species for the trip. Back at the hotel for an early lunch, we enjoyed watching Antillean Palm Swifts at their nests.

En route to Playa Giron we made a stop at Niña Bonita Lake. Here we picked up a few species of waterfowl including good numbers of Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Ruddy Duck, some Northern Shovelers and Blue- winged Teal. Both Neotropical and Double-crested Cormorants were present. Ring-billed Gull, Pied-billed Grebe, American Coot and Great Blue Heron were other additions. A late afternoon try for the rare Blue-headed Quail-Dove at a stakeout along the Bay of Pigs was unsuccessful but we were hoping to catch up with the species later on. Zapata Sparrow by Dušan Brinkhuizen

7 Feb: Zapata Peninsula. An early morning drive brought us to the heart of the Cienega de Zapata. We stopped at several sites to look for Cuban Nightjar but without much success. One bird was heard in the distance and one bird was glimpsed flying by. At dawn we stopped the bus for a flock of Cuban Parakeets and got great scope views of them. A nice start for the day! A Cuban Amazon was mixed in with the flock but flew off just after we noticed the bird. Our main targets for the morning were Zapata Wren and Zapata Sparrow. Since the usual site at La Turba had been quite unsuccessful for the wren, our local guide suggested a good alternative site inside the National Park. We took a pleasant canoe ride into the Zapata swamp in the hope of finding the wren and sparrow. The Zapata Sparrow was fairly easy, and soon we got excellent views of this sought-after endemic. A few pairs were seen along the way, with some individuals perched at close range. However, the wren was not being cooperative. We heard two singing birds at two Blue-headed Quail-dove by Dušan Brinkhuizen different territories but they never showed interest in our tape playback. We tried for a couple of hours but had to abort our mission because we were closing in on lunchtime. Several new birds for the trip were added including Northern Harrier, Northern Crested Caracara and White-crowned Pigeon. On the way

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back we made another stop at our stakeout where we got outstanding views of Blue-headed Quail-Dove, a species that was on the top of our wish lists!

After lunch we headed for the forest near Soplillar. At a swampy area we finally got to catch up with the Cuban Crow. We scoped a Bare-legged Owl (Cuban Screech- owl) that was watching us from its roost. A second bird was flushed inside the forest at a later stage, which we saw well too. Another neat endemic was Fernandina’s Flicker. A pair showed themselves fantastically for a prolonged time. At some point we counted four individuals of this rare woodpecker. Icing on the cake for the day was a Cuban Nightjar that sat on the trail at dusk just a couple of meters away from us! We tried for Stygian Owl on the hotel grounds but encountered a Western Barn Owl instead.

8 Feb: Zapata Peninsula. Dawn chorus at the Bermejas reserve was good, although it was a surprisingly chilly morning inside the forest. We tactically stood at an Fernandina's Flicker by Dušan Brinkhuizen intersection of trails where we scanned for doves. For the first hour or so we only got a couple of Zenaida Doves and Ovenbirds foraging on the trails. Suddenly, two Grey-fronted Quail-Doves showed up on the trail. Unfortunately, it all went very quickly and only few of us got to see them well. After some more waiting our local guide suggested another tactic, walking the trails to increase our chances for encountering quail-doves. A couple of minutes later we were all watching a crisp Key-west Quail-Dove perched in the understory! Another Grey-fronted Quail-Dove walked by a little further up the trail but again it disappeared rather swiftly. A Bare-legged Owl was flushed out of its nest hole giving us stunning views. Within a minute, it flew back into its cavity as if nothing had happened. A Worm-eating Warbler in a small mixed-species flock was a new addition to our warbler list.

We left the forest interior and drove to swampy grassland to look for the endemic Red-shouldered Blackbird. An Eastern Meadowlark was singing atop a bush and some Greater Antillean Grackles were around too, but there was no sign of the blackbird. A flock of four potential candidates flew by but we could not rule out Tawny-shouldered Blackbird with certainty. Suddenly a pair of Red-shouldered Blackbird dropped down from the sky and landed in the reed bed right in front of us. We knew exactly where they went in, and we waited patiently for better views. After a long wait we were rewarded when the pair popped out and the male showed its bright red-and-yellow shoulder patch in song flight. Our next target was the Bee Hummingbird, the world’s smallest bird. On arrival to the site we immediately got an adult male in view that Bare-legged Owl by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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was singing from a bare twig. It turned out to be his favourite song perch and each time the bird would return to the same twig after foraging on the flowers nearby. A few times it also perched on the electricity wire right above our heads. With the scope we got excellent views as the light was just perfect. What a splendid gorget that tiny gem has!

After lunch we went to Salinas de Brito which is a good site for water birds within Zapata NP. At the entrance we watched a flock of Cuban Amazons that was perched at close range. This time we could really enjoy the beautiful colours on this species. Our first stop at a viewing platform produced a good number of new birds including a distant Cuban Black Hawk. Other birds seen included Reddish Egret (both dark and white morph), American White Pelican, Roseate Spoonbill, Wood Stork, Belted Kingfisher, Mangrove Warbler and a distant Peregrine Falcon. Further along the road we had a Cuban Black Hawk perched at close range, although viewing conditions were a little backlit. Further westward the lagoons got shallower and shorebirds such as Short-billed Dowitcher, Willet, Least Sandpiper and Grey Plover were scoped. Caspian, Royal and Gull-billed Tern were standing next to each other on a nearby sandbar so we could nicely compare the three species with each other. A great sighting was that of three Clapper Rails that came out fully in the open providing us with prolonged views. After dinner our local Cuban Black Hawk by Dušan Brinkhuizen guide had set up an excursion nearby for Stygian Owl, which was our second attempt. In comparison to the previous night it was a very easy and successful twitch because we saw the owl instantly as we arrived to the site. Everybody got close up views in the spotlights of this majestic owl and after two minutes we left it alone and got back in the bus.

9 Feb: Zapata Peninsula to Camagüey. We left Playa Giron early and got to La Turba at dawn. Here we birded the dirt track that goes through the reed beds of the Zapata swamp. Our prime target was Zapata Wren and we went straight to a known territory. Singing birds were heard in the distance but getting the wren closer to us seemed like a long shot. Especially since individuals must have been exposed to tape playback very frequently as we were looking for the wren while three other birding groups were doing the same! We decided to join forces with the other groups Zapata Wren by Dušan Brinkhuizen and we waited patiently together along a channel for the wren to appear out of the reeds. It came closer to us a couple of times and the song was heard very nicely. However, at about 9am it seemed that the bird had lost its interest and our chances of

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seeing the wren got very slim. New birds that we picked up during the hours of waiting included Cape May Warbler and Tree Swallow. Some of the other groups left to look for other species but we decided to wait a little longer. It was now or never. Suddenly, the bird sang loudly and it sounded like it was coming right from the edge. We quickly moved towards the sound and within seconds we got a wren in view. It was skulking in the reeds opposite the channel and we all got brief but good looks of it. It was a typical case where persistence paid off. In terms of time, we were quite behind schedule but nobody complained. A late lunch was certainly worth the effort! Late afternoon we arrived at our hotel in Camagüey. Some of us went for a late afternoon walk and saw a couple of Cave Swallows and Cuban Martins soaring over the main town square.

10 Feb: Najasa to Cayo Guillermo. We arrived at the birding site south of Najasa right at dawn. Within only a few minutes we got the three important targets that we were looking for. Cuban Palm Crows were common at this site and we could nicely compare them with the Cuban Crows that were also present. The Cuban Palm Crown is slightly smaller than Cuban Crow and flies with a more rapid wingbeat. The calls of the two species are very different from one other, so identification was straightforward. The Endangered endemic Giant Kingbird was located quickly as several individuals were actively singing from the tops of the tall trees. We got excellent scope views of it. Plain Pigeon, our third target, was spotted shortly after having watched the kingbird. A nice surprise was a pair of Fernandina’s Flicker that flew in and perched right in front of us. It seemed that they were nesting in a nearby palm. A Cuban Pygmy Owl was seen Giant Kingbird by Dušan Brinkhuizen beautifully. White-winged Dove was a new trip bird.

Everything went according to plan and we got all our targets except for the rare and enigmatic Gundlach’s Hawk. For that reason we decided to do a ‘big sit’ at a tactical viewpoint and just wait for it to fly by. We knew our chances were slim but it was our only shot, and worth a try. A snake that we encountered at the viewpoint was identified as Cuban Slider. We carefully scoped the forested hillsides for raptors but the only large birds present were Turkey Vultures. A Cuban Amazon, Giant Kingbird and Yellow-throated Warbler were seen but not much else. At around 9:30am a flying bird that was smaller than a Turkey Vulture was spotted in the distance and almost instantly we knew it had to be a Gundlach’s! Luckily

Gundlach's Hawk by Dušan Brinkhuizen everybody managed to pick up the hawk quickly and with the telescope we were able to fully confirm its identification. A superb treat was that the bird changed flight direction and flew straight overhead. It

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looked like it was checking us out, and the views we got were just fantastic of this adult bird. The Gundlach’s Hawk is the most difficult endemic to see in Cuba (discounting Cuban Kite, Zapata Rail or the presumably extinct Ivory-billed Woodpecker) and highly unpredictable. Unless an active nest site has been staked out, it is frequently missed during birding tours. So we knew we had been very lucky! After enjoying a great lunch we started our journey to the keys of north-eastern Cuba. In the late afternoon we targeted West Indian Whistling Duck at Cayo Coco. Five of them were found readily and we got excellent views. A pair of Oriente Warbler was seen skulking through the dense scrub, but it was missed by some of us. We knew we had good chances for seeing this neat endemic better the next day and since it was late we left for our all-inclusive resort.

11 Feb: Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Coco & Cayo Paredon Grande. We started off the morning at Cayo Guillermo to look specifically for Bahama Mockingbird. A few Northern Mockingbirds popped up out of the coastal scrub and got us excited but no sign of the target species. Suddenly, we got a response from a bird singing at very close range inside dense scrub. It never came out fully in the open but nevertheless we got excellent views of it. We continued to Cayo Coco where we made another successful stop. Within a minute we were watching a crisp Zapata Sparrow. Here it involved a different subspecies (varonai) from the ones we had seen at Zapata Swamp – and a good catch up for some of us. Here we also got brief, but much better looks at Oriente Warbler. Our next stop produced a wonderful Oriente Warbler by Dušan Brinkhuizen pair of Cuban Gnatcatchers that were not shy at all. We watched them at close range for a prolonged time and got good photos and videos. Oriente Warblers were all over the place and we enjoyed watching this beautiful warbler. Thick-billed Vireo was our last principal target for the day and soon after watching the gnatcatchers we heard the vireo singing. It showed surprisingly well given it was windy and the species is known to behave skulky. We were very pleased with our morning, since we had wrapped up all our targets and there was not much else to search for except Mangrove Cuckoo. Believe it or not, but at the tip of Cayo Paredon Grande we ran into the cuckoo that was sitting on the trail right in front of our feet! Views were just brilliant and we were surprised how tame this individual was. It was unanimously decided to take the afternoon off so we could enjoy a little bit of a holiday at the beach resort.

12 Feb: Cayo Guillermo to Havana. Today we had a long drive to Havana so we left directly after breakfast. Little birding was done along the road but Cuban Gnatcatcher by Dušan Brinkhuizen nevertheless we picked up a few noteworthy species.

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A good number of Red-breasted Mergansers were observed along the man-made dike connecting the keys with the mainland. Here we also saw an adult American Herring Gull. During a short baño stop at Rio Azul we watched a small flock with Cape May and Yellow-throated Warblers. Here we also got a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and a pair of West Indian Woodpecker. At lunch in Santa Clara we watched a Cuban Emerald on its nest. Cuban Blackbirds were coming to the water fountain in the garden and Antillean Palm Swifts were flying around. We arrived at Havana Vieja, the historical centre of Havana, in the late afternoon and had a city tour through this famous part of town. Narrow streets, antique and majestic houses and old timer cars all over sent us back in time. It was a unique experience. At the main plaza we happily watched a large flock of Cuban Martins, a species that had been scarce during the trip. Near to the harbour we had an excellent dinner before we went to our hotel in the newer part of town.

Mangrove Cuckoo by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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Annotated List of Birds (Total species seen: 154)

Nomenclature and follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2014. IOC World Bird List (v 6.1) Birds of the World: Recommended English Names (2006) Princeton University Press.

Key to abbreviations: E: an endemic species NE: a near-endemic species I: an introduced species

Conservation Status C: critical En: endangered V: vulnerable NT: near-threatened

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae

West Indian Whistling Duck (V) Dendrocygna arborea

Cayo Coco 10.2

Very confiding family group perched at the edge of the lake.

American Wigeon Anas americana

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Small flock flying by.

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, en route 11.2 and en route 12.2

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2

Few individuals only.

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2

Large flock on the centre of the lake.

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Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2

Large flock on the centre of the lake.

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

Cayo Coco 10.2 and Cayo Coco 11.2

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis jamaicensis

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2

Few individuals mixed in with the Aythya.

Guineafowl Numididae

Helmeted Guineafowl (I) Numida meleagris galeatus en route 12.2

Small flock of this introduced species.

Grebes Podicipedidae

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2

Just a few.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae

American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2 and Cayo Coco 11.2

Good numbers present.

Storks Ciconiidae

Wood Stork Mycteria americana

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Seen nicely in flight overhead.

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Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae

American White Ibis Eudocimus albus albus

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Cayo Coco 11.2

Seen by a single participant only.

Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli

PN Santo Tomas 7.2, Bermejas 8.2 and PN La Turba 9.2

Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea bancrofti

PN Playa Giron 7.2

Green Heron Butorides virescens virescens

PN Santo Tomas 7.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, Cayo Coco 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2

Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Species observed 8 days in total.

Common and widespread.

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias occidentalis

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, PN La Turba 9.2 and Cayo Coco 10.2

Great Egret Ardea alba egretta

Species observed 7 days in total.

Common and widespread.

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Reddish Egret (NT) Egretta rufescens rufescens

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Both morphs were present. Some individuals foraging nicely at close range.

Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor ruficollis en route 7.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, Cayo Coco 10.2 and Cayo Coco 11.2

Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea en route 5.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2, en route 7.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2 and Cayo Coco 10.2

Snowy Egret Egretta thula thula

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2, en route 7.2, en route 8.2, Cayo Coco 11.2 and en route 12.2

Pelicans Pelecanidae

American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

A flock of 20-30 individuals.

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis

Species observed 6 days in total.

Common along the coast.

Frigatebirds Fregatidae

Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens

Species observed 3 days in total.

Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae

Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus mexicanus

Species observed 6 days in total.

A fairly common species both coastal and inland.

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Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2

A few foraging on the lake.

New World Vultures Cathartidae

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura aura

Species observed 8 days in total.

Very common and widespread throughout the island.

Osprey Pandionidae

Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus en route 5.2, en route 6.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, PN La Turba 9.2, Cayo Coco 10.2 and en route 12.2

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae

Gundlach's Hawk (E) (En) Accipiter gundlachi

Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Cracking views of an adult flying overhead.

Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius

PN Santo Tomas 7.2 and La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Cuban Black Hawk (E) (NT) Buteogallus gundlachii

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, Cayo Coco 10.2 and PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2

Nice views of this recently split species at several localities.

Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus cubanensis

Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2

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Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae

Clapper Rail Rallus crepitans caribaeus

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Superb scope views of multiple birds at the edge of the mangroves.

Sora Porzana carolina

1 heard Bermejas 8.2

Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata cerceris

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2 and PN La Turba 9.2

American Coot Fulica americana americana

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2

Limpkin Aramidae

Limpkin Aramus guarauna pictus

Cayo Coco 10.2

Standing along the road, seen by few participants.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, Cayo Coco 10.2, Cayo Coco 11.2 and en route 12.2

Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola cynosurae

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus ternominatus

1 heard San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 6.2, PN Playa Giron 7.2, 1 heard PN Playa Giron 8.2, Cayo Coco 10.2 and Cayo Coco 12.2

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Jacanas Jacanidae

Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa

Soplillar 7.2

Seen well at a small inland marsh.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae

Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Willet Tringa semipalmata

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2 and Cayo Coco 11.2

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius

Cayo Coco 11.2

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres morinella

Cayo Coco 11.2

Sanderling Calidris alba rubida

Cayo Coco 11.2

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae

Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla atricilla

Cayo Coco 11.2, PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2 and PN de Cayo Guillermo 12.2

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2 and PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2

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American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus

Cayo Coco 10.2 and Cayo Coco 12.2

Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica aranea

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia en route 5.2, Niña Bonita Lake 6.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2 and Cayo Coco 11.2

Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus maximus

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, Cayo Coco 10.2, PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2 and Cayo Coco 12.2

Cabot's Tern Thalasseus acuflavidus acuflavidus

Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2 and PN de Cayo Guillermo 12.2

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae

Rock Dove (I) Columba livia

Species observed 7 days in total.

Common and widespread in human settlements.

White-crowned Pigeon (NT) Patagioenas leucocephala

PN Santo Tomas 7.2

Seen by few participants.

Scaly-naped Pigeon Patagioenas squamosa

Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2

Great scope views of multiple perched birds.

Plain Pigeon (NT) Patagioenas inornata

Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Locally common.

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Eurasian Collared Dove (I) Streptopelia decaocto decaocto

Species observed 3 days in total.

Fairly common in human settlements.

Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina insularis en route 7.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2, PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2 and en route 12.2

Blue-headed Quail-Dove (E) (En) Starnoenas cyanocephala

Cueva de los Peces 7.2

Stunning views of a bird feeding at the restaurant.

Grey-fronted Quail-Dove (E) (V) Geotrygon caniceps

1 heard PN Santo Tomas 7.2 and Bermejas 8.2

Good but brief views of a pair crossing the trail.

Key West Quail-Dove Geotrygon chrysia

Bermejas 8.2

Great but brief views of a bird perched in the understory.

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura macroura

Species observed 7 days in total.

Common and widespread throughout the island.

Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita zenaida

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, Bermejas 8.2 and 1 heard PN La Turba 9.2

White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica asiatica

Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2 and en route 11.2

Cuckoos Cuculidae

Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani

Species observed 8 days in total.

Common and widespread throughout the island.

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Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor

Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2

Extended views of a very confiding individual.

Great Lizard Cuckoo (NE) Coccyzus merlini merlini

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2, Bermejas 8.2, PN La Turba 9.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

A fairly common island speciality.

Barn-Owls Tytonidae

Western Barn Owl Tyto alba furcata

PN Playa Giron 7.2

Great views in the spotlight.

Owls Strigidae

Bare-legged Owl (E) Margarobyas lawrencii

Soplillar 7.2 and Bermejas 8.2

Stunning views of multiple birds at their day roosts.

Cuban Pygmy Owl (E) Glaucidium siju siju

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2, 1 heard Bermejas 8.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Multiple encounters with this neat island endemic.

Stygian Owl Asio stygius siguapa

PN Playa Giron 8.2

Superb views in the spotlight.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus cubensis en route 5.2

A bird seen nicely at a roadside stop.

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 20

Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae

Cuban Nightjar (E) Antrostomus cubanensis cubanensis

Soplillar 7.2

Superb views in the spotlight.

Swifts Apodidae

Antillean Palm Swift Tachornis phoenicobia iradii

Las Terrazas 5.2, San Diego de los Banos, Pinar del Rio 6.2, en route 8.2, en route 9.2 and en route 12.2

A fairly common species throughout the island. Nice looks at nesting birds at the hotel in San Diego de los Banos.

Hummingbirds Trochilidae

Cuban Emerald (NE) Chlorostilbon ricordii

Species observed 8 days in total.

A common and widespread.

Bee Hummingbird (E) (NT) Mellisuga helenae

Bermejas 8.2

Fantastic views of singing males at close range.

Trogons Trogonidae

Cuban Trogon (E) Priotelus temnurus temnurus

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2, La Hacienda Cortina, Pinar del Rio 6.2, 1 heard Soplillar 7.2, Bermejas 8.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Superb views of a common endemic.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae

Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon

Niña Bonita Lake 6.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 21

Todies Todidae

Cuban Tody (E) Todus multicolor

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2, Soplillar 7.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2, 1 heard Bermejas 8.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

A stunning island endemic seen on multiple occasions.

Woodpeckers Picidae

West Indian Woodpecker Melanerpes superciliaris superciliaris

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2, La Hacienda Cortina, Pinar del Rio 6.2, Soplillar 7.2, Bermejas 8.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2 and en route 12.2

Common and widespread.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius

La Hacienda Cortina, Pinar del Rio 6.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2, Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2 and en route 12.2

Cuban Green Woodpecker (E) Xiphidiopicus percussus percussus

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2, Soplillar 7.2, 1 heard en route 8.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2 and 1 heard en route 11.2

Common and widespread endemic.

Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus chrysocaulosus

PN La Güira 5.2 and 1 heard Soplillar 7.2

Subspecies endemic to Cuba.

Fernandina's Flicker (E) (V) Colaptes fernandinae

Soplillar 7.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Prolonged views of this cracking endemic at both sites.

Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae

Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriway

PN Santo Tomas 7.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, Cayo Coco 11.2 and en route 12.2

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 22

American Kestrel Falco sparverius sparverioides

Species observed 8 days in total.

Common and widespread.

Merlin Falco columbarius en route 5.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus en route 6.2 and La Salinas, Zapata 8.2

African & New World Parrots Psittacidae

Cuban Amazon (NE) (NT) Amazona leucocephala leucocephala

PN Santo Tomas 7.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Multiple encounters with this spectacular parrot.

Cuban Parakeet (E) (V) Psittacara euops

PN Santo Tomas 7.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Great views at both sites.

Tyrant Flycatchers Tyrannidae

Cuban Pewee (NE) Contopus caribaeus

Species observed 8 days in total.

Common and widespread.

Giant Kingbird (E) (En) Tyrannus cubensis

Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Great looks at a few territorial birds.

Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus

Species observed 7 days in total.

A common resident.

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 23

La Sagra's Flycatcher (NE) Myiarchus sagrae sagrae

Species observed 6 days in total.

A common resident.

Vireos Vireonidae

White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus griseus

Havana 12.2

Seen by few at Hotel Miramar prior to the trip.

Thick-billed Vireo (NE) Vireo crassirostris cubensis

Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2

Good views of several individuals in the coastal scrub.

Cuban Vireo (E) Vireo gundlachii

PN La Güira 5.2, 1 heard Soplillar 7.2, Bermejas 8.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2 and Cayo Coco 11.2

Fairly common and widespread.

Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae

Cuban Palm Crow (E) (NT) Corvus minutus

Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Common but very localized endemic.

Cuban Crow (NE) Corvus nasicus en route 6.2, Soplillar 7.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

A fairly scarce island specialty but common at Finca Belén.

Swallows Hirundinidae

Cuban Martin (E) Progne cryptoleuca

PN La Güira 5.2, Camagüey 9.2 and Havana 12.2

Birds were just arriving. Seen best in the historical town of Havana.

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 24

Cave Swallow Petrochelidon fulva cavicola

Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2 and Camagüey 9.2

Nice views at the cave system.

Wrens Troglodytidae

Zapata Wren (E) (En) Ferminia cerverai

2 heard PN Santo Tomas 7.2 and PN La Turba 9.2

Last minute views, patience and persistance had paid off!

Gnatcatchers Polioptilidae

Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea caerulea

Las Terrazas 5.2 and Soplillar 7.2

Cuban Gnatcatcher (E) Polioptila lembeyei

Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2

Close encounters with a confiding pair.

Mockingbirds and Thrashers Mimidae

Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis

PN La Güira 6.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2, Soplillar 7.2, Bermejas 8.2, PN La Turba 9.2 and PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2

Common migrant.

Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos orpheus

Species observed 7 days in total.

Common throughout.

Bahama Mockingbird (NE) Mimus gundlachii gundlachii

PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2

Great looks at close range of a single adult.

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 25

Thrushes and Allies Turdidae

Cuban Solitaire (E) (NT) Myadestes elisabeth elisabeth

1 heard PN La Güira 5.2 and Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2

Superb scope views. What a song!

Red-legged Thrush Turdus plumbeus rubripes

Species observed 7 days in total.

A common and attractive species.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae

House Sparrow (I) Passer domesticus

Species observed 7 days in total.

Very common.

New World Warblers Parulidae

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla furvior

Soplillar 7.2, Bermejas 8.2 and Cayo Coco 11.2

Fairly common migrant.

Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum

Bermejas 8.2

One bird in a mixed-flock.

Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla

Soplillar 7.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2, Bermejas 8.2, PN La Turba 9.2 and PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2

Fairly common migrant.

Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis

PN Santo Tomas 7.2, PN La Turba 9.2 and PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2

Common migrant.

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 26

Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia

Species observed 5 days in total.

Common migrant.

Tennessee Warbler Leiothlypis peregrina

La Hacienda Cortina, Pinar del Rio 6.2

Scarce migrant.

Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas trichas

Species observed 7 days in total.

Common migrant.

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla

Species observed 6 days in total.

Common migrant.

Cape May Warbler Setophaga tigrina

PN Playa Giron 8.2, PN La Turba 9.2, Cayo Coco 11.2, PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2 and en route 12.2

Fairly common migrant.

Northern Parula Setophaga americana

Species observed 6 days in total.

Common migrant.

Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia

PN Santo Tomas 7.2

Uncommon migrant.

Mangrove Warbler Setophaga petechia gundlachi

La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, Cayo Coco 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2

In the mangroves

Black-throated Blue Warbler Setophaga caerulescens

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 27

Species observed 7 days in total.

Common migrant.

Palm Warbler Setophaga palmarum palmarum

Species observed 7 days in total.

Common migrant.

Olive-capped Warbler (NE) Setophaga pityophila

PN La Güira 5.2 and Las Terrazas 5.2

Great views of this near-endemic warbler.

Myrtle Warbler Setophaga coronata

PN La Güira 6.2 and PN Santo Tomas 7.2

Yellow-throated Warbler Setophaga dominica

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2, Bermejas 8.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2, PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2 and en route 12.2

Fairly common migrant.

Prairie Warbler Setophaga discolor

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2, La Salinas, Zapata 8.2, PN La Turba 9.2, Cayo Coco 10.2 and PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2

Fairly common migrant.

Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens

PN La Güira 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, Las Terrazas 5.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2 and PN La Turba 9.2

Common migrant.

Family uncertain Incertae Sedis 2

Yellow-headed Warbler (E) Teretistris fernandinae

PN La Güira 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, Las Terrazas 5.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2 and Bermejas 8.2

Fairly common endemic.

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 28

Oriente Warbler (E) Teretistris fornsi fornsi

Cayo Coco 10.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2

Fairly common endemic but more localized.

Troupials and Allies Icteridae

Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna hippocrepis

Bermejas 8.2

At a roadside marsh.

Cuban Oriole (E) Icterus melanopsis

Las Terrazas 5.2 and Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2

Tawny-shouldered Blackbird (NE) Agelaius humeralis

PN La Güira 6.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2, Cueva de los Peces 7.2, en route 8.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Red-shouldered Blackbird (E) Agelaius assimilis assimilis

Bermejas 8.2 and PN La Turba 9.2

Superb views of a pair at a roadside marsh past Bermejas.

Cuban Blackbird (E) Ptiloxena atroviolacea

Species observed 8 days in total.

Common and widespread endemic.

Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger

Species observed 8 days in total.

Common and widespread.

Buntings, Sparrows and Allies Emberizidae

Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus

PN Playa Giron 8.2

A vagrant photographed on the beach.

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 29

Zapata Sparrow (E) (En) Torreornis inexpectata inexpectata

PN Santo Tomas 7.2

Great views of both subspecies.

varonai:

Cayo Coco 11.2

Tanagers and Allies Thraupidae

Red-legged Honeycreeper (I) Cyanerpes cyaneus

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2 and Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2

A few family groups.

Cuban Bullfinch (NE) Melopyrrha nigra nigra

PN La Güira 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, Las Terrazas 5.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2, PN Santo Tomas 7.2, Bermejas 8.2, Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2, PN de Cayo Guillermo 11.2 and en route 12.2

Fairly common endemic.

Cuban Grassquit (E) Tiaris canorus

Las Terrazas 5.2

Superb views of a small flock.

Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus olivaceus

Las Terrazas 5.2, en route 6.2 and Finca la Belén, Najasa 10.2

Western Spindalis (NE) Spindalis zena pretrei

Las Terrazas 5.2, PN La Güira 6.2, Cueva de los Portales, Pinar del Rio 6.2, PN La Turba 9.2 and Cayo Paredón Grande 11.2

Fairly common island speciality.

Cardinals and Allies Cardinalidae

Summer Tanager Piranga rubra

La Hacienda Cortina 5.2

RBT Trip Report - Cuba, Caribbean Endemic Birding IV - 2016 30

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus

Las Terrazas 5.2

Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea

Las Terrazas 5.2

A single drab individual.

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