Greater Antilles

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

Todies and Tyrants

A Greentours Tour Report

29th November to 20th December 2012

Led by Paul Cardy

Trip report written by Paul Cardy

Introduction

This ambitious tour of all the main Greater Antillean islands gave us the chance to see a wealth of single island and regional endemic birds, butterflies and reptiles. Some 110 endemic birds were recorded, including all five of the world’s todys, endemic to the region. Our trip took us through five remarkably contrasting countries and cultures. Beautiful scenery, from the misty Blue Mountains of Jamaica, to the swamps of Cuba’s Zapata peninsula, Dominican Republic’s forested mountains, and the Caribbean National Forest in Puerto Rico characterised the journey. A remarkably varied tour, illustrated by the Cuban example of watching Blue-headed Quail-Doves on forest trails in Zapata, and also experiencing the vibrancy of fascinating Old Havana. A feature was the incredible views we had of many rare endemic birds, such as Crested Quail-Dove and Jamaican Blackbird on Jamaica; Bee Hummingbird, Fernadina’s Flicker, and Zapata Wren on Cuba; Hispaniolan Trogon and Green-tailed Ground Tanager in Dominican Republic; and Elfin Woods Warbler on Puerto Rico. There were some very special butterflies too such as Prickly Ash Swallowtail, Haitian Mimic, three species of Anetia, Haitian Admiral, Cuban Emperor, Cuban Lucinia, Royal Blue, six species of Calisto, and Cuban Chequered Skipper. Very pleasing was the discovery of an area in Hispaniola not visited on the recce, which proved especially good for butterflies. An added attraction is some superb snorkeling opportunities, and the bioluminescent bays in Puerto Rico, lit by phosphorescent dinoflagellates.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 1

JAMAICA

Day 1 Thursday 29th November Arrival in Jamaica

We met at Heathrow, for the flight to Miami. There immigration and security procedures were really not too bad at all and we had a quick meal as we would be arriving at the hotel long after the restaurant was closed.

The flight to Kingston was after dark and we had good views of the lights of Cuba en route. It was a short flight and arrival procedures were very easy, Kingston airport was a pleasure, and the staff were welcoming and friendly. Our driver was there to meet us as arranged and we drove around the outskirts of Kingston and up along the windy roads of the Blue Mountains. At Strawberry Hill the gate staff let us in and we very gladly settled into the good rooms, the balconies affording fine views down to the sprawling lights of Kingston. The two note calls of Eleutherodactylus johnstonei were a constant soundtrack.

Day 2 Friday 30th November Blue Mountains

Despite our late arrival we were keen to be up and exploring the lovely gardens of Strawberry Hill, the calls of Orangequits, White-chinned Thrushes, and Red-billed Streamertails stirring us from our sleep. The views down to the expanse of Kingston were still stunning. Drinking my tea on the balcony I watched the aforementioned species, as well as Black-throated Blue and Prairie Warblers, and the endemic Jamaican Oriole. The vegetation was much disturbed but the garden flowers and introduced species still supported much wildlife.

We met at the beautiful small restaurant at about 8.30, and as well as a continental breakfast we ordered from the small but interesting selection of other dishes. While we waited and woke up a little Bananaquits kept us amused. White-collared and Antillean Palm Swifts were briefly in the air and Turkey Vulture occasionally soared over. Black-throated Green Warbler was seen. The surrounding trees included quite a mixture such as West Indian Mahogany, Blue Mahoe, Mango, Caribbean Pines, and Teak. The butterflies Zebra Heliconians and Cloudless Sulphurs were already on the wing. There were several of the lizard Anolis garmani, the green adults with orange dewlaps being particularly attractive.

After breakfast we set out on an exploratory walk of a track outside the hotel perimeter. This was a fine level path, and many butterflies were flying in the sunshine. Highlight was the attractive endemic satyrid Calisto zangis; there were several Dryas iulia; the tailed skipper Urbanus proteus; and the lovely green hairstreak Chlorostrymon simaethis. There were many cosmopolitan weeds such as Tridax procumbens, Emilia fosbergii, Desmodium species, the iris Butterball Trimezia martinicensis, and the sedge Dichromena colorata.

A female Jamaican Woodpecker was much admired and the buzz of the wings of the many stunning Red-billed Streamertails was a more or less constant accompaniment. Zenaida Dove was here too. Back at the hotel we prepared our things (me seeing Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo from my

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 2 balcony) and waited for the driver Rico to arrive. Once I’d convinced him we were indeed driving up to Hardwar Gap, along the road above our hotel, and not Hagley’s Gap a very long way off, we had a fine shortish journey up to the fascinating habitat on either side of the pass. The roads were as ever twisty and slow even though the distance on a map seems so short.

Through the garrison settlement of Newcastle and once in good habitat I chose a stop that proved excellent for birds. Almost everything had to be qualified by ‘endemic’ as we saw Jamaican Spindalis, Jamaican Oriole, Orangequit, Jamaican Vireo, Blue Mountain Vireo, Arrow-headed Warbler, Jamaican Woodpecker, Jamaican Euphonia, and Yellow-shouldered Grassquit. The red gesneriacean Achimenes erecta was in flower. Rufous-throated Solitaire was seen briefly.

Lunch was conviently available in a cafe just below the pass, where Red-billed Streamertails were much in evidence at the feeders. Here we also saw Black-faced Grassquit and added Sad Flycatcher to the Jamaican endemic list, and Greater Antillean Bullfinch to the regional endemic list. Anolis reconditus was identified. The clouds had gathered and there was a little rain but we were pleased to find the weather not too bad at all on the northern side of the pass, the fog thickening a little later but we had a great afternoon walkng slowly down the road towards Section, and once past the scattered small houses the forest became much better. At the first stop was White-eyed Thrush and we would see several more. Rufous-tailed Flycatcher was seen and a very close Jamaican Vireo. Tree Ferns were now a feature and there were more lush epiphytes on this side of the pass. The orchid Encyclia cochleata was in flower. The Melastomataceae were a feature of the area, with species of Conostegia, Mecranium, Meriania, and Miconia. Piper aduncum had distinctive recurved flower spikes, and the climbing bamboo Chusquea abietifolia scrambled over the vegetation. The gentian Lisianthus latifolius had attractive tubular yellow flowers. The endemic Schefflera sciadophyllum was here, and the begonias were Begonia glabra and Begonia minor. The roadsides were dominated by the alien ginger Hedychium coronarium.

The road was very quiet today with only the very occasional vehicle. An American Kestrel perched on the wires, with several Loggerhead Kingbirds seen.

A highlight was the two Jamaican Todies that I spotted as we walked. This was the first representative of an endemic Greater Antillean family that we would see all five members of during the tour. Nearly every individual allowed a close approach and fine views. But the real highlight was a pair of Crested Quail Doves, spotted at the forest edge and watched for ages in superb view. This was a remarkable way to see such a wary and often difficult to observe species and quite a highlight for the first day. This and the other Quail-Doves are some of the most sought after and difficult to see endemics as stealth and silence are essential to stand a chance of seeing these very shy birds. The Jamaican species is beautiful, predominantly grey, with purplish wings, and a small crest. Deciding it was best to end on such a high we turned around and drove the windy roads back to the lodge.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 3

Day 3 Saturday 1st December Blue Mountains, Kingston, to Port Antonio

We left at 6 a.m. and drove back up to Hardwar Gap to spend the first part of the morning in the fine habitat there. En route we saw Zenaida Dove well. On the northern side of the pass we made our first stop.

Perhaps our main target this morning was the elusive and unobtrusive icterid, Jamaican Blackbird. This unusual species forages in bromelaids and along mossy trunks. No sooner had we alighted than I spotted this very special species working a mossy tree trunk. This site and one in the north- east, are the two most reliable in which to find this scarce species. We had fine prolonged views.

There was bird activity almost continuously and many of the species seen yesterday were again recorded. Crested Quail Dove was again seen superbly, perched on a branch, and we watched this bird for more than ten minutes!

Endemics seen again were both vireos, Arrowhead Warbler, Jamaican Oriole, Jamaican Spindalis, Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Woodpecker, and Red-billed Streamertail. Ring-tailed Pigeon was seen extremely well, as was Rufous-throated Solitaire. Migrant warblers today included Black-and White, Prairie, and Common Yellowthroat. Jamaican Ringlet was seen, and Dolores Skipper nectared on a ginger flower.

We finished our walk at Section where the sun was out, and a few locals gathered in the street. The butterfly Malachite was on the wing. A surprise in this part of the island was two distant Amazona parrots in flight, too far off to identify, but most likely Yellow-billed Parrots. Back over the pass Eurema messalina was flying. A stop was prompted by another new endemic, Jamaican Elaenia, first perched rather uncharacteristically on a wire, but then more characteristically working mossy branches. The monocot Hypoxis decumbens was in flower.

Back at the hotel we had an hour to pack before heading down to Kingston. There a short supermarket stop enabled me to stock up on lunch supplies before we headed north. Bahaman Swallowtail was on the wing.

Rico drove a confusing route through the affluent areas of the city until we reached a road that took us north, following the Wag Water River valley almost all the way to the north coast. There were few suitable places for stopping along this route, but a short stop produced Buckeye and Snowy Egrets. This good road across the mountains, and the fine north coast road seemed to belong to a different world to those in the Blue Mountains.

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

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

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 4

It was the birds that featured most here, and in this relatively small area many of the endemics were present. This far east the Red-billed is more or less replaced by the Black-billed Streamertail, which we saw almost instantly, and had repeated close views of all afternoon. Jamaican Mango was a feature of the hummingbird feeders and we had fine views of this species too. The lovely song of Jamaican Becard alerted me to another new bird. The arboreal White-Crowned Pigeons were seen very well, and Red-tailed Hawk was in the air.

Mixed flocks contained Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, White-chinned Thrush, Jamaican Vireo, Jamaican Oriole, Yellow-shouldered Grassquit, and Orangequit. Jamaican Woodpecker was again seen well, and Loggerhead Kingbirds were common. The call of Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo alerted me to this special bird, much appreciated by the group, as we watched it very closely.

The common warblers were ever-present, with Worm-eating here too.

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

A quirk of the hotel here is that each room has its own maid and cook. One discusses in advance what one wants at the next meal, and she buys the ingredients at the market.

Day 4 Sunday 2nd December John Crow Mountains

We left the hotel at 6.30 a.m. and drove east along the attractive coast road before taking a road inland which reaches the fine forested habitat of the eastern slopes of the John Crow Mountains. Short stops were made for Greater Antillean Grackles, Caribbean Dove was on the road, and a few Common Ground Doves were flushed. We set out on foot along a beautiful forested road, seeing only three vehicles in the three plus hours we were there. This is one of my favourite sites of the whole tour, and although the habitat is much disturbed, it still supports many endemics. The native forest was beautiful, although somewhat interspersed with aliens such as Spathodea campanulata and Breadfruit. There was much bamboo.

This is a renowned area for both endemic parrots, Yellow-billed and Black-billed Parrots but today they were rather less in evidence than is usual. We did have good views of Black-billed, but the Yellow-billed were only heard today. Similarly Jamaican Crow was often heard but not located. The sky was heavily overcast and a short heavy shower saw us donning waterproofs or sheltering under cover.

Again we saw Crested Quail-Dove well, several being noted as we walked. A surprise highlight came when we encountered a male Ruddy Quail-Dove sitting in the middle of the road and we watched it for many minutes before it finally flew off. Endemics continued with Ring-tailed Pigeon, Black-billed Streamertail, Jamaican Mango, Jamaican Woodpecker, both thrushes, Arrowhead Warbler, Orangequit, Jamaican Spindalis, and Greater Antillean Bullfinch. Chestnut-

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 5 bellied Cuckoo was seen extremely well, but a Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo was much less obliging. Zenaida Dove, Northern Parula, and Worm-eating Warbler were here too.

We saw some fine snails today and I learnt that more than 560 species occur on the island, 90% of which are endemic, quite remarkable.

Back at the villas our maids cooked us a fine fish lunch and we rested, swam, caught up with paperwork, etc. before meeting again at 3.30 for another walk around the excellent environs.

Jamaican Mango was seen superbly and we again saw a good selection of now rather familiar Jamaican endemic birds. Our walk took us through productive habitat, and up to a remarkable totally abandoned large hotel at the top of the hill. This had a very poignant and intriguing atmosphere, for example the effects around the swimming pool appearing as if it was very suddenly deserted. Jamaican Sulphur was seen and a species of Botrychium grew on the humid walls.

A night walk revealed Yellow-crowned Night Heron, and I heard my target, Jamaican Owl deep in shrubbery, unfortunately too deep in dense cover, and not seen this year. I had seen a pair superbly last year. The only Jamaican endemic bird not seen on the tour, but at least it was heard. Large nectaring bats were possibly Artibeus jamiacensis.

Day 5 Monday 3rd December John Crow Mountains, Hellshire Hills, Port Royal

Early morning saw us returning to the John Crow Mountains targeting the only two endemic birds we hadn’t yet seen (other than the owl!), Yellow-billed Parrot and Jamaican Crow. Despite occasional rain both were seen very well, a very satisfying morning.

Also seen well were species such as Jamaican Spindalis and Orangequit and remarkably we again saw Crested Quail-Dove superbly.

Back at the hotel I found a fine praying mantid on my balcony.

Having packed and said our farewells at the excellent hotel, we drove again through Port Antonio, stopping briefly at the supermarket in town. False Androgeus Swallowtail was on the wing.

Back down the Wag Water River valley the journey to Kingston was straightforward enough and from there we headed to the western side of the city and continued to the Hellshire Hills. Five Glossy Ibis feeding on the roadside was a new species for the tour.

The Hellshire Hills are an arid peninsula of dry cactus scrub to the west of Kingston. Here I was hoping to see the scarce regional endemic Bahama Mockingbird which otherwise occurs only on its eponymous islands as well as very locally in Cuba. Much effort failed to locate any, just many pesky Northern Mockingbirds which kept raising our hopes.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 6

A stop by a mangrove fringed lagoon to eat our snack lunch produced Mangrove Cuckoo, Grey Plover, and Ruddy Turnstone. Further along the road we set out on foot to explore this very different habitat. It was pleasing to see several of the vivid butterfly Anaea portia, striking on the upperside, with cryptic undersides blending very well with the branches on which they settled. Blues were numerous and included the endemic Hemiargus dominica, Leptotes perkinsae, and Hemiargus hanno. Great Southern White was remarkably abundant in the area. Dragonflies were much in evidence including the striking bright green Erythemis vesiculosa and a good selection of other libellulids. Several species of cacti were in bloom.

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

The harbour supported Brown Pelican, Laughing Gull, and Royal Tern.

CAYMAN ISLANDS CUBA

Day 6 Tuesday 4th December Kingston, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Havana, to Zapata

We were up at dawn at Morgan’s Harbour for the short drive to Norman Manley airport. All went very smoothly in the spacious, quiet, efficient, and friendly airport. No queues at security, and in the pleasant departure area we were able to choose what to have for breakfast and spend some time in the reasonable small bookshop, one of many shops here. Today I found a useful book on the Trees of Cuba. The only oddity here was that passengers were not allowed to the boarding gate until the flight was actually boarding, a strange system as it was some distance to walk.

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

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

I arranged a taxi for an hour and a half to take us into good habitat near the capital. One of our targets was the mangrove and pine patches to the south of town on the south west coast, in search of Vitelline Warbler, the only endemic here, shared with the Swan Islands (Honduras). The driver

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 7 was bemused by what we were doing but actually rather got into it in the end. Sadly no endemic warbler today, the windswept vegetation making passerine spotting very difficult. I had found the bird quite easily on the recce.

A highlight was a very large Iguana iguana with much blue colouration.

We soon located some attractive promising habitat. Yellow-throated Warbler was seen but not even any of the common Palm Warbler were here today. Bananaquit and White-winged Doves were much in evidence. Butterflies, mostly those typical of open disturbed habitats were numerous. In our short time here we saw both Mangrove and Caribbean Buckeyes, White Peacock, Crescent Spot, Mexican Fritillary, Gulf Fritillary, Julia, a selection of common pierids, and pleasingly the endemic subspecies of Andraemon Swallowtail, also called Cayman Swallowtail. Cuban Red Leaf Butterfly was impressive. There is a book on the Cayman butterfly fauna, and 57 species occur on the islands.

Back near the airport open water had American Coots.

The flight to Havana was beautiful, and remarkably smooth over stunning waters and islets. We were all upgraded, so it was somewhat a shame that the flight was only 45 minutes in length! We had fine views of the Isla de la Juventud, to the south of the main island, said to be the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s ‘Treasure Island’. Striking in the Cuban landscape were the many large circular agricultural fields.

After picking up the vehicle we negotiated the suburban sprawl of Havana to Highway 1, dodging all the horse and carts, buses, pedestrians etc. The highway was almost empty. A bonus as we headed east of Havana was a flock of twenty or so Northern Bobwhites flying across the road. With so few private cars here, hitching lifts is a national feature, with groups of people at every junction, and offering lifts is almost obligatory. Sometime after dark we left the motorway and headed down to the coast of the Zapata Peninsula. Another challenge was that most vehicles still on the road, mainly the makeshift horse and carts, had no lights. I found the way to Playa Larga in the dark, and we arrived at about 7.15, just over twelve hours after we had left Port Royal this morning, which already seemed a long time ago.

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

I had also expected poor food at Playa Larga, and it was indeed, although quite improved from my last visit. At least very good wine was available. Unfortunately, to see the great wildlife that Zapata has to offer means putting up with this inconvenience, and the resort is ideally located for visiting many sites on the peninsula.

The extensive swamps, dry woodlands, pastures, mangroves, lagoons and salt pans of Zapata support the vast majority of Cuban endemic birds. On the ambitious regional tour that this is, this

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 8 was THE place to visit on the island, being easily reached from Havana, and providing a wealth of excellent and varied sites within easy reach of the hotel. The area produced a wealth of endemic birds, was often alive with butterflies, had many interesting reptiles, boasted a rich flora, and offered fine snorkeling opportunities.

Stygian Owl was calling late in the evening.

Day 7 Wednesday 5th December Zapata

I awoke to the rather parrot like calls of Cuban Crows. Outside it wasn’t yet light enough to see anything, but we met at 6.30 for a walk around the tranquil grounds of the hotel. The Crow was soon located and the endemic Cuban Blackbird was also soon seen closely. Greater Antillean Grackles flew over in large numbers, and several of the endemic Tawny-shouldered Blackbird flew with them revealing the colour in their wings. Rose-throated Parrots called but were not seen well, as they had been last year in the grounds, but we would see it later during our stay here. This is a beautiful species of Amazona, which also occurs in the Bahamas and Caymans. Migrant warblers were much in evidence including Palm, Prairie, Yellow-throated, Black-throated Blue, and Black- throated Green, and most notably Cape May. A highlight was when the distinctive call of Greater Lizard Cuckoo alerted me to a pair of this fine bird, which was followed by another around the complex later on.

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

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker worked palm trunks, American Kestrel perched on the wires, Loggerhead Kingbird was much in evidence, and Cuban Emerald was seen well. West Indian Woodpecker was a pleasing find, and we would see several this year.

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

Cuban Vireo skulked in the bushes but was seen well, and with some perseverance we saw Cuban Green Woodpecker very well. Cuban or Crescent-eyed Pewee and La Sagra’s Flycatcher continued the endemics. I drove to a site I knew for Bee Hummingbird and before too long I located this very special bird, nectaring close to us, then perching for prolonged views. Famously the world’s smallest bird, this was a tour highlight.

Red-legged Thrush was seen closely, a very attractive bird. Swainson’s Warbler was a pleasing find, and a pair of Western Spindalis were seen well. A female Cuban Oriole continued the endemics.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 9

Polydamus Swallowtail was on the wing. There were several of the impressive robust Orion, and Cuban Dagger Tail was admired. Adelpha iphicla and Malachite were seen, and several Cuban Emperors were a highlight. Among the skippers were Mercury Skipper, Dorantes Skipper, and the endemic Rayed Skipper.

There was another Great Lizard Cuckoo, and the endemic Yellow-headed Warbler, a subtly beautiful species, gleaning with a mixed flock of migrant warblers. A large perched aeschnid was Coryphaeschna ingens.

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

In the afternoon we drove further east to the excellent woodland at Bermejas and met the rather talkative caretaker Orlando. At Bermejas we walked some of the many trails and added several species to our already long list. Bare-legged Owl was the highlight.

Driving back at sunset, with deep yellow skies over the azure waters of the Bay of Pigs, being almost the only car on the road, was sublime. Cuban Nightjars put in a welcome appearanace and I turned the car around so we could stand and watch them hawking over the road, the only ones we would see on the tour.

Day 8 Thursday 6th December Zapata

Today we left at 6 am and again headed east along the coast of The Bay of Pigs, to the next resort of Playa Giron and thence to the area of woodland at Bermejas. Initially we stood for some time at an open hide construction viewing a leafy ride in the quest of seeing quail doves. They typically appear on such tracks early and late in the day and silence and great patience is necessary for the best chance of seeing any. All four Cuban species occur at this site. Amazingly as soon as we arrived the stunning endemic Blue-headed Quail-Dove was already on the track, and three were seen remarkably closely for a very long time. This is one of the most difficult endemics to see well. There were a number of Zenaida Doves this morning, and then a Grey-fronted Quail-Dove, another endemic, ventured onto the track and was seen well in the ‘scope. On this tour we saw five species of Quail-Dove, seeing most of them superbly well.

There followed some excellent birdwatching out on the road. A flock of some forty Cuban Parakeets moved into palms and bananas and we had fine views of this now scarce species. Perhaps the best of this trio of fine endemics was Fernandina’s Flicker, of which a pair were seen superbly, a rare endemic. Also today we saw Cuban Green Woodpecker and West Indian Woodpecker again.

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

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 10

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

A short drive east took us to some interesting open habitat, open forest, palm trees, and grassland. Many Zenaida Doves, a few Mourning Doves, and many icterids fed on the remaining grains of the rice that had been spread out along one side of the tarmac road to dry in the sun. Northern Caracara was seen and there were several American Kestrels. A Limpkin prompted a stop, and Northern Jacana was in the wet grasslands. On foot we had glimpses of both Sora and Clapper Rail, and then a female of the endemic Red-shouldered Blackbird. There was a selection of dragonflies, part of a terrapin shell belonging to the endemic Trachemys decussata, and a species of Alisma in flower.

Next we headed to the tranquil private beach of Caleta Buena. This was a beautiful spot and allowed Hilary the chance to snorkel accompanied by a guide. A good selection of beautiful reef fish were seen. This was an ideal site as for those who do not want to snorkel the scrub here was very productive; and there is also plenty of shade for resting, or in my case catching up with paperwork.

I was very pleased to see Cuban Bullfinch and there was quite a selection of lizards, such as Celestus crusculus and Anolis alutaceus and Ameiva auberi. There was time to catch up with checklists before a good buffet lunch. This was an all-inclusive place and drinks etc. were all free during our stay.

Back at Playa Larga a walk late afternoon finally gave superb views of the lovely Rose-throated Parrots, and the gecko Sphaerodactylus elegans was seen.

Day 9 Friday 7th December Zapata

At 6 am we left the hotel in the dark. Outside my room was the impressive frog Osteopilus septentrionalis. In town we met the ranger who would accompany us to the two restricted areas we were visiting today. This morning we headed to the heart of the Zapata marshes, La Turba. We headed north before taking a very difficult to spot overgrown track to the left, the grass making it almost invisible from the main road. A stop was prompted by a beautiful Cuban Boa, an endemic species, beside the track.

At the first stop in the mist we heard the first of our two target birds this morning, the very special Zapata Wren. The terrestrial orchid Bletia purpurea was in flower. After some time trying to see the wren we moved on to a second site where we soon had views of this rarely seen and very local endemic. Few people can ever have seen this bird as well as we did today, first in a small tree, then coming closer, then working through the trackside vegetation and across the road. This small group had no camera but if we had surely some of the best photos ever then of this bird would have been the prize.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 11

After about ten kilometres we reached the end of the ‘drivable’ track and set out on foot on a causeway between two wide channels. Tall stands of sawgrass were the dominant vegetation. Here Zapata Sparrow was the target, in what is one of the reliable sites for the species. Our superb fortune continued with amazing views of a pair of calling and displaying birds very close indeed. Other endemics and near endemics seen here were Great Lizard Cuckoo, Cuban Emerald, and Yellow-headed Warbler, and Yellow-faced Grassquit was added to the list. I was delighted to find Common Ringlets, Calisto herophile, the most widespread of three Calisto that occur on Cuba, a very attractive butterfly.

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

Some plants in the area were the yellow flowered Tiliaceous shrub, Triumfetta, a white convolvulus, and at least one species of Ipomoea.

After a break back at the hotel we set out for the extensive salt pans, lagoons and mangrove swamps of La Salina. The afternoon was ideal for visiting this great area, as the wetland birds are little affected by time of day. Initially dense mangrove swamp, the area gives way to extensive open lagoons on each side of the track. The track was some twenty kilometres long, with low wooden viewing platforms scattered at intervals along it.

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

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

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

Herons were naturally well represented in such habitat, among them Great Blue, Little Blue, Tricoloured, Black-crowned Night, and Green, with Great Egret, and notably Reddish Egret too, in both colour phases. As we continued along the track stops were made, recording species such as White Ibis, Wood Stork, beautiful Roseate Spoonbills, and many Royal and Caspian Terns. An

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 12 important record was of no less than thirty American White Pelicans, a very rare species on Cuba. Neotropic Cormorant was here too.

There were several dragonflies, but Buckeyes and Ascia monuste were the only butterflies. I was hoping to see the tiny blue Brephidium exilis, typical of such habitat, but located none today. Yellow Warbler was active in the scrub.

A bonus end to a superb day had fine views of Cuban Pygmy Owl, so in our stay here we had seen all the endemics that could be reasonably expected.

Day 10 Saturday 8th December Havana

We packed and left Playa Larga at a leisurely 8.30. Initially we travelled the quiet road back to the national highway, making excellent progress.

After just two hours of driving the also quiet highway we reached the outskirts of Havana, and soon after, our hotel in the centre. The architecture of the hotel was marvellous, and as I looked after the luggage and waited for the rooms to be ready for us I witnessed a tour group coming into the foyer, their guide explaining the significance of the building.

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

The rest of the day was left free for exploration of this most interesting part of the city, from our ideally situated hotel. The food in the city is excellent and was very welcome after a few days at Playa Larga!

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Day 11 Sunday 9th December Havana to Santo Domingo, to Barahona

Saying farewell to the sleepy dark streets of Havana from the balcony, a taxi was at the end of the street at 6 a.m. to meet us, and we drove to the airport through quiet Sunday streets. Terminal 3 at Havana airport was a complete contrast to the small terminal we had arrived at, with a selection of shops, generally good service, and polite staff characterising the greater international nature here.

Immigration and security were very straightforward, and I was even allowed to carry a bottle of water through to departures. There, at one of the several small bookstalls, I was delighted to find books on the orchids and terrestrial molluscs of Cuba, rather more expensive than the book on the ferns of Cuba I’d found last year for just 1 CUC, they had had quite a stock of that but seemingly none left! Breakfast was eaten at the reasonable airport cafe, with House Sparrows in attendance.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 13

The Cubana flight was far from full, and I again had three seats to myself. The weather was fine as we flew eastwards over this large island. Indeed for most of the flight we traversed Cuba. Jamaica became visible across the sea as we reached the Haitian coast. Hispaniola was beautifully mountainous, but the view of deforested Haiti contrasting with the densely forested Dominican Republic side of the border was sobering. Cubana had been punctual and efficient, with friendly service.

The turf of Santo Domingo Airport was alive with Barred Sulphurs, perhaps with False Barred Sulphurs too, being difficult to separate from an aircraft window!

Arrival in Santo Domingo was pleasant and efficient. The staff at the tourist card desk, immigration, and the money changing desk were all polite, ‘Welcome to the Dominican Republic’ was on everyone’s lips. An amusing system existed for the tourist card, available on arrival. Most people missed the desk selling them in the arrivals hall, and were sent back one after another by the smiling girl at immigration. Then, having paid $10, returning to the smiling girl, we were all bemused as she just took them from us and directed us to the immigration booth! The hire car man could not have been more efficient and helpful, the same man I dealt with last year. Outside were a large number of people but hassle was minimal. I hurriedly carried out some practicalities such as buying a SIM card, and stocked up on water and snacks etc.

We had a very smart 4WD here, and were soon on our way west. Once out of the capital, initially the journey was through smaller towns, agriculture, and patchy native vegetation. This gave way to dry acacia scrub with scattered cacti, all quite verdant though. The sea when we periodically skirted it was beautiful and serene. We drove through the bustling towns of Bani and Azua, both with one way systems, more challenging driving. Further west the mountains appeared and settlements became rather fewer, although speed bumps became more numerous. American Kestrel was seen en route.

Barahona was a bustling coastal town. South of it we took the verdant Highway 44, narrow and bordered by dense scrub. Reaching the turn off to the lodge late afternoon, we started on the rough 7km road that took us up to the lodge. A short stop on the way up produced the fascinating endemic Palmchat, the only representative of its family, and common on the island. Finally, at about 5.30 p.m. we reached the superb lodge, with some impressive water features. The staff were welcoming, and the rooms were lovely in lush epiphyte-laden forest. Above the hotel rose the foothills of the Sierra de Barahona.

A feature of the area was the number of Anolis lizards, representing at least three species I think. I’m still working on the identification of the Antillean anoles! A dusk and then a night walk produced many of these. The eleutherodactylus here was probably Eleutherodactylus inoptatus. A very large noctuid grey with dark transverse lines was impressive.

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

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 14

Day 12 Monday 10th December Rancho Platon

After the long journey yesterday it was ideal to have a sedentary day today exploring the fine environs of the lodge. We met at 7 am for a pre-breakfast walk, initially walking up the track above the lodge. We reached a wide expanse of river gravels where the fast flowing river was pale blue. It was remarkably quiet bird wise but Hispaniolan Lizard Cuckoo was a great find, and seen very well.

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

In the hotel gardens Antillean Mangos nectared on torch gingers and the first of a good number of Hispaniolan Woodpeckers were seen. Vervain Hummingbird was seen all too briefly.

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

Breakfast was typically delicious and generous. We were soon out in the field again exploring the track below the hotel. Anolis lizards were as always a feature and I put some time into studying them here today.

Butterflies were a feature, with the impressive swallowtail Papilio machaonides of which several flew gracefully along the track. The stunning Lycorea ceres, a beautiful tiger patterned danaid, was seen. A highlight for me was the endemic satyrid Calisto confusa, beautifully patterned. White Peacock was numerous on the hotel lawns. The forceful Orion sped around, the impressive Prepona amphitoe was found in a patch of woodland. Polydamus Swallowtail was here too. Skippers were represented by Common Long-tail Skipper, Guaraguao Skipper, and impressive Great Tawny Skippers. A very large Black Witch Moth was on the wing.

Earlier we had a glimpse of a tody near the lodge, but on the walk I was pleased to find a pair of Broad-billed Todies that we had fine views of. Little Blue Heron and Green Heron were on the river gravels, and Belted Kingfisher was seen.

Lunch was again very generous. In the afternoon we drove a little down the entrance track. Plain Pigeon was noted on the wing, a rather scarce species. The highlight was perhaps a superbly impressive centipede, rufous all over and almost a foot long. We watched this fine animal for some time and I was very pleased it had not turned up in my room!

Monarch and Zebra Heliconians were on the wing.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 15

Day 13 Tuesday 11th December Sierra de Bahoruco

Breakfast was served at 7 am, and we were on our way down the rough track by 7.30. A stop was prompted by calling Hispaniolan Palm Crows, our first new endemic of the day, getting things off to a very good start. We reached the coast road that we would be on for another one and a half hours, taking us through small settlements, past many road works, and many hazards to dodge, people on the road, wandering animals, etc etc. I wanted to refuel as the guage was playing up, just to make sure, and the only filling station en route, a lone petrol pump in a small village, was constantly attended by small motorbikes, but we were soon served. Once past Oviedo we were in uninhabited cactus acacia scrub, fine interesting habitat. A short stop yielded the butterfly Phyciodes crisia. Two Hispaniolan Parrots were in the air, their colours looking fine in the sunlight.

We reached the start of the road that would take us up onto the southern slopes of the Sierra de Bahoruco. The road here was in remarkably good condition, wide and paved, and a remnant of the abandoned bauxite mines at the higher reaches. It was a pleasure to drive this road and stop anywhere very easily. Only two other vehicles were seen along here all day! There are small settlements of mostly Haitian refugees in the area, but it is mostly fine undisturbed habitat.

The first stop on a forested corner yielded Broad-billed Tody; a Hispaniolan Trogon flying across; and Hispaniolan Emerald, giving a taste of what a productive day was ahead of us. Antillean Piculet was seen very briefly, but we could not re-locate it. Before long the broadleaved forest gave way to conifers and we reached the extensive pine zone. Things were rather quiet but we saw a few of the eponymous Pine Warblers.

We reached a closed gate and within minutes a guard arrived on a motorbike to take our entrance fee and open the gate of what is obviously a very little visited area. Another ten kilometres along a pine forested track took us to the end of the road. Along here we found the endemics Green-tailed Ground Tanager and Black-crowned Palm Tanager, both new Hispaniolan endemics for us. At the end of the road a short path took us to a fine viewpoint over the mountains. Amazing here was the abandoned visitor centre, built with so much effort only a few years ago, and opened with some fanfare on the island as an example of commitment to conservation, the metal roof covering now strained noisily in the wind and inside the well constructed interior only remained a very few notice boards. There were even a few rooms, and toilet blocks here, all abandoned.

This was an interesting area botanically, among the species identified being Pilea microphylla, Cynoglossum amabile, Asclepias nivea, and a small flowered Lisianthus with exserted anthers. On the wing was the the endemic butterfly Archimestra teleboas, limited to Hispaniola and also an endemic genus. Although allied to Mestra it has a superficial resemblance to an old world sailor, as the English name False Neptis suggests. This species was typical of the habitat. Ringlets were a feature today, with three Hispaniolan endemics seen, Calisto confusa, Calisto obscura, Calisto hysius. Cuban Lucinia was a pleasing find. There were several Tropical Chequered Skippers, but also the much more unusual Cuban Chequered Skipper, given for Haiti by Riley, but not Dominican Republic. Three were seen here.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 16

Indeed it was the butterflies that shone today. Higher up we had found the very special danaid Anetia pantherata and I’m pretty sure the exceptionally rare Anetia jaegeri too, representing a regional endemic genus, and superficially resembling Argynnis fritillaries.

On the drive down some fine species were found. The rare Prickly Ash Swallowtail was a very special find, a regional endemic. The more widespread Androgeus Swallowtail and Polydamus Swallowtail were on the wing too, and Machaonides Swallowtail was again seen. Another very important find today was Haitian Mimic, Dismorphia spio, one of only two Antillean representatives of a large Neotropical genus, being mimics of heliconiids and ithomiines. Large Tiger and Haitian Cracker were seen too.

Other notable birds today were Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo, Antillean Palm Swift, Hispaniolan Woodpecker, Hispaniolan Pewee, Hispaniolan Spindalis, Hispaniolan Oriole, and Antillean Siskin.

Lower down were many mud puddling pierids including Cloudless Sulphurs, Fiery Sulphur, Tailed Orange, Black-bordered Orange, and Barred Yellow. Monarch, Queen, Gulf Fritillary, Zebra, Cuban Crescent Spot, White Peacock, Malachite, were typical of the more open areas.

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

Day 14 Wednesday 12th December Sierra de Bahoruco

Another fascinating day began with another adventurous drive west towards the Haitian border and the Sierra de Bahoruco. Soon we were in extensive dry thorn scrub. The road became ever more wild as we got closer to the Haiti, being arid, almost desert, scrub.

We reached the town of Duverge where I located the small turn off which took us up a very dusty road for about ten kilometres to the village of Puerto Escondido. Along here were a good number of Gray Kingbirds.

At the park office I bought entrance tickets for the National Park, and even had my photograph taken as an example of a rare foreign visitor! We spent the day in the beautiful riverine forest that leads above the dusty village. The birds were excellent, this being a well known site, but so were the butterflies.

The track was level, peaceful, and through beautiful forest. Unfortunately it was rather disturbed today by a huge religious gathering, complete with altar and chanting women, at the start of the trail. More and more people arrived during the day with many vehicles packing into the small area. A pity that people had to bring this sort of ceremony into one of the protected areas on the island, but at least they kept to the very start of the trail, not venturing far at all into the natural world.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 17

Bird wise the day started superbly with noisy endemic Hispaniolan Parakeets seen beautifully in trees near the start of the track. Olive-throated Parakeet has recently colonised Hispaniola and is perhaps the more regularly seen parakeet in this area now, and several were here too.

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

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

In this area on my last visit I had also seen Hispaniolan Parrots, Stolid Flycatcher, Antillean Euphonia, Greater Antillean Bullfinch, Antillean Siskin and all may be well seen here in future. A great surprise on my previous visit had been the number of Purple Emperors (!), Doxocopa thoe, an endemic that Riley says is very rare. Remarkably I saw some twenty individuals, a quarter of them females, the males shining purple in the sunlight. My last visit obviously coincided with a mass emergence of the species as none were seen this year.

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

Butterflies continued with another Anetia species, Anetia briaria, Lesser False Fritillary. Interesting nymphalids continued with Silver King, and most special was the beautiful endemic Royal Blue, a scarce species, another Antillean endemic. Haitian Burca Skipper and Jung’s Dusky Wing were added to the skipper list.

Back to the birds, a highlight was Ruddy Quail-Dove again seen superbly, but the endemic White- fronted Quail-Dove was seen only briefly today. Last year one had walked out on the forest floor right in front of me, allowing superb prolonged views.

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

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

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 18

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

Due to the complexities of the terrain Dominican Republic will be the one country in which not all endemics are seen, but I was very pleased to find several species this year not seen on the recce. Future visits will surely add others of the few birds not yet seen in the area. Greater Antillean Elaenia, Hispaniolan Highland Tanager, and Hispaniolan Crossbill are all potential. We will have a good chance of seeing the scarce Bay-breasted Cuckoo in the area, although this difficult species is far from guaranteed. It was the only endemic cuckoo of the six that I did not see on the tour. There is also a chance of the beautiful and rare Golden Swallow. There is a chance of the scarce Western Chat Tanager. La Selle Thrush is probably the most difficult endemic to see, although the upper stretches of this road provide the best chances, and even if not seen we may hear its song. Early or late in the day we have a chance of Hispaniolan Nightjar.

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

Notable tonight was a very large weevil about three inches long at the lodge!!

Day 15 Thursday 13th December Return to Santo Domingo

Today we opted for a leisurely morning, spent enjoying the environs of the lodge, having a swim etc. By mid-morning it was time to head back to the capital. Black-crowned Palm-Tanager was seen on the drive out. The journey took about four hours, and was straightforward enough.

Having reached the sprwling capital, finding my way into the centre of town, along wide avenues, after refuelling we went to the Embajador, the city’s best hotel, and after checking in I then returned the hire car to the downtown office. The rest of the afternoon was spent preparing for Puerto Rico, and exploring the attractive grounds. Antillean Palm Swifts were much in evidence here.

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

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 19

PUERTO RICO

Day 16 Friday 14th December Journey to Puerto Rico, and to La Parguera

We left the Embajador after breakfast, in a taxi, and I was pleased not to be driving the already busy streets of the capital this morning. We saw the last Palmchats of the tour in the city’s trees. Once at the airport all went well at check in, which we had to ourselves. Security was straightforward again.

The skies were rather cloudy for the forty minute flight to the easternmost of the Greater Antilles, Puerto Rico. More fine views from the plane, of the several smaller islands en route, mostly well forested. Arriving in San Juan, a U.S. airport, thankfully presented none of the often horrendous queues at immigration when arriving in America. Nothing could be further from the truth. There were just a handful of other arriving passengers, immigration staff were friendly, baggage reclaim was spacious and easy, and the customs officers even welcomed us to Puerto Rico!

A shuttle bus took us to the car hire office where all was straightforward too. The vehicle here was a large impressive new SUV. We set off towards Parguera, a coastal town in the south-west, initially through heavy traffic, the roads typically American and busy around the capital. Our hotel was about three hours away, not counting stops. The highway took us across a mountain range and down to the south coast. By-passing the important southern town of Ponce, we continued west, finally leaving the main highway at Guanica. En route we had a truly American experience as we answered the many multi-choice questions asked when ordering a Subway sandwich, which were actually very good.

In Parguera we reached the characterful coastal hotel and quickly settled into the ‘garden’ rooms. Almost immediately we were out in search of the endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, an endemic more or less limited to this south western coast of the island. Greater Antillean Grackles were numerous in the mangroves, but the blackbirds, smaller, without the wedge shaped tail, with a dark iris, and at any stage at least a hint of a yellow shoulder, were very elusive this visit.

The Caribbean was tranquil, with moored boats, mangrove fringed islets, and Brown Pelicans. Eurasian Collared Doves were more numerous in the area than they had been on my last visit. Bananaquits also frequented the mangroves.

The hotel restaurant provided a good hearty dinner.

Day 17 Saturday 15th December Parguera, Guanica

I awoke at dawn and again walked out into the mangroves in search of the endangered Yellow- shouldered Blackbird. Greater Antillean Grackles were a constant presence, but the blackbird was only seen in flight, its shape characteristic.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 20

After a good breakfast we drove to the tropical dry coastal forest at Guanica, a protected UNESCO site due to the significance of this rare habitat. Having driven through a small settlement, we reached the entrance gate, still locked some time after the supposed opening time of the reserve. There was nothing for it but to set out on foot, and we had a fine productive walk along the forested road, until the sleepy warden passed us in his car, and we walked back to collect ours to drive to the upper car park now the gate was open.

An excellent paved road led up through the beautiful forest, and we arrived at a small hut and car park at the heart of the park. It is unfortunate that the gates of such an important park are only opened so late, as well as being closed as early as 4 pm, but all was not lost as the southern part of the reserve is bordered by the coast road to the south, and allows access at any time of day.

Puerto Rican Todies were soon in evidence and this beautiful bird was perhaps the most frequently encountered this morning. If this was a scarce species people would go to great lengths to track it down. This was the fifth and last member of this endemic family for the tour, a greatly pleasing thing. A male Puerto Rican Bullfinch was seen and there were a few Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoos and Puerto Rican Woodpeckers. Puerto Rican Flycatcher was seen well and Antillean Mango perched in full view. Puerto Rican Emerald was another new endemic seen very well. The endemic Adelaide’s Warbler was one of the most prominent birds, restless but we had several fine views. The regional endemic Pearly-eyed Thrasher was another highlight and some five of this characterful bird were seen.

Butterfly wise the wonderfully named Puerto Rican Troglodyte was the highlight. Back near the car park was the only Byblis hyperia of the trip.

On the recce the butterflies had been rather different, for example the lovely Eunica tatila, looking rather different to the mainland subspecies, had been rather common. The tailed blue Pseudochrysops bornoi had been a good find, with more than one small colony around low bushes. This, the only tailed polyommatine blue in the region, is given as a Hispaniolan endemic by Riley, who cites just one Puerto Rican record. A good find was two crackers, Hamadryas februa, apparently a scarce species here. The skipper Panoquina sylvicola was seen, and again various Eurema species.

Late morning allowed time to explore some of the coast in the area. We found some rather productive wetlands near Parguera that added several waders to the list, namely Least Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs, Greater Yellowlegs, Willet, Black-necked Stilt, Spotted Sandpiper, and a group of Short-billed Dowitchers.

A bonus here was the striking Troupial, probably an introduced species here, but impressive nonetheless.

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

Later in the afternoon we headed back to Guanica, this time along the beautiful coast route, along lushly vegetated narrow lanes through coastal scrub. At a trailhead I parked the car safely, and we

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 21 walked up the trail into the park, eventually reaching the heart of the forest where we’d been in the morning, after an interesting two kilometres or so. We had quite a long wait for dark, but at dusk we started the walk back to the car, the Caribbean glistening below.

This was one of the experiences of the tour and other than a lone walker, we were probably the only people in the park at this time. Before dark we saw many interesting plants, not least the Turk’s Cap cactus, called something else by the locals which is probably best not written here. It does have a remarkably phallic appearance. One was in flower, boasting lovely carmine blooms. There was a larger, branched, cactus here too, and gumbo limbo trees with their distinctive peeling bark. A lovely purple flowered shrub, with spiky spherical fruits, awaits identification.

Before dark Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoos were much in evidence, and a small yellow and black banded millipede was numerous on the track.

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

Various species of Eleutherodactylus frog were calling and underfoot the dry vegetation rustled with Crested Toads. A very large Bufo marinus was seen. Fireflies pulsated with light. There were many large bats on the wing, with probably two or three different species seen.

We drove back to the hotel in the dark and enjoyed a hearty dinner in the friendly restaurant, very busy this Saturday night as was the whole town.

Day 18 Sunday 16th December Maricao State Forest, Susua, and Journey to Fajardo

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

A tower afforded impressive views of the whole of the west coast of the island and the karst formations of the north-west. Here was a fine suite of endemics, Puerto Rican Tanager, Puerto Rican Oriole, and Puerto Rican Spindalis all in the adjacent trees looking superb in the morning sunlight. Red-legged Thrush was rather common in the area.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 22

At Maricao State Forest we parked amid beautiful epiphyte laden montane forest, near the more or less deserted park buildings. We then explored some of the lovely trails. The elfin woods here are a reliable site for the eponymous endemic warbler, Elfin Woods Warbler, and we had fine views of a pair of this special endemic. This is one of the most local of the Puerto Rican endemic birds. This was prime habitat for it, the dwarfed trees covered in epiphytes. Remarkably this species was not discovered until 1971. A scarce and local species, especially threatened because of its limited habitat.

Green Mango and Puerto Rican Vireo were seen all too briefly, but Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo, and Puerto Rican Bullfinch were all seen well again. Scaly-naped Pigeon was seen rather briefly too. Butterfly Highlights were the Puerto Rican Ringlet, Calisto nubila and several Haitian Admirals, a very distinctive species of Adelpha, were on the wing. Melastomataceae were a feature of the rich flora here, and the native Vanilla claviculata scrambled over a trackside bank.

In the middle of the day there was time for a little exploration, and we visited Susua State Forest, a site that I had not visited on the recce. The journey there was interesting and the entrance road very attractive, but we arrived at the HQ and car park to find the place heaving with people here for a Sunday picnic. This beautiful place obviously has potential and if in the area NOT at a weekend next year we will certainly visit here again. Two Red-tailed Hawks were in the air, and Puerto Rican Flycatcher was seen.

It was time to head purposefully to the north-east of the island and our next hotel in Fajardo.

Having arrived and settled in, late afternoon saw us exploring the grounds of the hotel where there was a selection of reptiles. Our main targets were two species of hummingbird, predominantly Lesser Antillean species that both reach the western limit of their range in the extreme east of Puerto Rico, namely Antillean Crested Hummingbird and Green-throated Carib. Neither was seen this afternoon but we would have more success in the next few days.

Dinner in the Mexican restaurant was another American experience, and the food very good!

Day 19 Monday 17th December El Yunque

A pre-breakfast walk around the hotel gardens was aborted due to rain.

At 8.30 a.m. we set out towards El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical forest in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forestry system. It was not far away at all from the hotel but the journey was made slower by all the traffic. Having turned off the highway, and once driving up into the verdant forested hills, it wasn’t long before we were in good habitat. Near the entrance to the park, a stop at the visitor centre was very worthwhile. The visitor centre here is very well constructed and informative. Tree ferns and palms immediately dominated the tabonuco forest, and there were typically several anoles. On the recce I had been delighted to find in the gift shop the comprehensive ‘Amphibians and Reptiles of Puerto Rico’, ‘The Orchids of Puerto Rico and the

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 23

Virgin Islands’, and ‘Bats of Puerto Rico’. This rather well stocked small bookshop still had copies of all these works and a pleasing new find was a guide to North American butterfly larvae.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 24

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

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

As I write this at Fajardo, a varied chorus of frogs is calling, to the fore the endemic Coqui Frog, one of many Eleutherodactylus on the island.

Day 20 Tuesday 18th December Humacao and Fajardo

A short drive south of Fajardo took us to Humacao Wildlife Refuge where the small coastal lakes amid mixed forest support some interesting water fowl. This was a great place, with much to see. Several Ruddy Ducks frequented the largest lake, and in the shade at its edge were a few White- cheeked Pintails. Moorhen was much in evidence and American Coot was here. Large iguanas sat in the trees, various anolis species were much in evidence, and there were several of the lizard Ameiva exsul.

A smaller body of water yielded the regional endemic Caribbean Coot, three of which were seen very well. We had fine views of the casque above the bill, more extensive than in the commoner American Coot. Pied-billed Grebe was on the water and there were a few Green Herons.

Osprey hunted over the lagoons. A highlight on the recce had been the endemic terrapin Trachemys stejnegeri, the only native non-marine chelonian on the island, spotted on a log at the water’s edge. Not seen today however. The lack of butterflies here was surprising, but we did see several V- mark Skippers. A row of flowering hibiscus trees attracted the hoped for Antillean Crested Hummingbird, and a bonus was a perched Green-throated Carib, a much scarcer species, seen superbly. Mangrove Cuckoo was seen well.

We reached the windy shore. Puerto Rican Woodpecker was seen well. The song of Bananaquit was a regular presence here.

I tried to find a minor route back to Fajardo, but accessing good habitat was rather tricky. One scrubby area of protected coastline was sadly blighted by litter but many grass yellows were on the wing along with White Peacock and Hemiargus hanno too.

Lunch was eaten back at the hotel and the afternoon was left free for relaxation, packing, swimming, writing this trip report, etc. etc.

The Fajardo area offers some excellent snorkeling opportunities, with beautiful reefs not far from shore and accessible by boat from close to the hotel. This is an option on the tour, instead of a

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 25 forest visit or two, and can easily be fitted in to the itinerary here. This is also an excellent place to witness the phenomenon of bioluminescent dinoflagellates on a evening boat trip amid the phosphorescent waters. The seas here are famous for their bioluminescent displays, and there are certainly opportunities to take a boat out from near the hotel whilst we are here to witness the phenomenon. Sadly this visit we were unable to get places on a tour, as there were problems with the boat, and the departure we were booked on was cancelled.

Day 21 Wednesday 19th December Departure

The time of the flight allowed a leisurely start and the drive to the airport was straightforward.

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

Formalities in JFK were very straightforward as we were arriving from Puerto Rico, effectively the U.S., and there were no immigration or customs procedures on arrival.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 26

Greater Antilles Systematic Lists 2012

ITINERARY

JAMAICA Day 1 / November 29 Flights London to Miami. Miami to Kingston. Strawberry Hill. Day 2 / November 30 Strawberry Hill. Hardwar Gap. Day 3 / December 1 Hardwar Gap. Kingston. To Port Antonio. Day 4 / December 2 John Crow Mountains. Day 5 / December 3 John Crow Mountains. Kingston. Hellshire Hills.

CAYMAN ISLANDS Day 6 / December 4 Flights Kingston to Grand Cayman., to Havana. To Playa Larga, Zapata.

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

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

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

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 27

Systematic List Number 1 Birds

The taxonomy and nomenclature followed generally follows ‘Birds of the West Indies’ by Raffaele et al, Helm 1998. Also used were ‘A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Jamaica’ by Ann Haynes- Sutton et al, Helm 2009, and ‘Birds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti’ by S.Latta et al, Helm 2006.

Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus Dominican Republic, Puerto Escondido. Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Zapata, Cuba and Humacao, Puerto Rico. American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos c.30 at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Locally common coastally in all countries. [Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Zapata, Cuba, 2011.] Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Zapata, Cuba. [Anhinga Anhinga anhinga Zapata, Cuba, 2011.] Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Jamiacan coasts. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias A few on Grand Cayman and Cuba, also Puerto Rico. Great Egret Casmerodius albus Scattered throughout. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Mostly Jamaica. Also Cuba and Puerto Rico. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Zapata, Cuba. Also Dominican republic and Puerto Rico. Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Several in Cuba, and Parguera, Puerto Rico. Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens 2 white phase, 2 red phase, at La Salina, Cuba. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and common. Green Heron Butoroides striatus Zapata, Cuba. Rancho Platon, Dominican Republic. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 1 at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa voilacea 1 Port Antonio, Jamaica, 1, Zapata, Cuba. White Ibis Eudocimus albus Zapata, Cuba. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus c.5 near Spanish Town, Jamaica. Roseate Spoonbill Ajaja ajaja 3, La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Wood Stork Mycteria americana 1 at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Many at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura Widespread in all countries, but often only in small numbers. White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis c.10 at Humacao, Puerto Rico. Northern Pintail Anas acuta Several at Zapata, Cuba. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Abundant at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata A few at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. American Wigeon Anas americana A few at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis c.30 at Humacao, Puerto Rico. Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1 Caleta Buena, Zapata, Cuba. 1 at Humacao, Puerto Rico. Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus 1 at Zapata, Cuba. Cuban Black Hawk Buteogallus gundlachii Cuban Endemic. A recent split from Common Black Hawk, B.anthracinus. 3 at La Salina, Zapata. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis A few in Jamaica. A few in Puerto Rico. Northern Caracara Caracara cheriway A few at Zapata, Cuba. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Widespread and rather common in all countries. Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus A flock of c.20 near Havana, 2012. Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris 1, Zapata, Cuba. Sora Porzana carolina Zapata, Cuba, 2012.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 28

[Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinica A few on Cuba 2011.] Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Grand Cayman. Dominican Republic. Humacao, Puerto Rico. American Coot Fulica americana Grand Cayman. Abundant at La Salina, Zapata, Cuba. 1, Humacao, Puerto Rico. Caribbean Coot Fulica caribaea Regional endemic. 3 at Humacao, Puerto Rico. Limpkin Aramus gaurauna Zapata, Cuba. Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola Hellshire, Jamaica. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Zapata, Cuba. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus 3, Zapata, Cuba, and singletons Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. 2012. Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa Zapata, Cuba. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Several, Zapata, Cuba. Also Puerto Rico. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Near Parguera, Puerto Rico, 2012. Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus 1 near Parguera, Puerto Rico, 2012. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Port Royal, Jamaica. A few in Puerto Rico. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 1 west of Port Antonio, Jamaica 2012. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Hellshire, Jamaica. Parguera, Puerto Rico. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla 2 near Parguera, Puerto Rico, 2012. Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus c.10 near Parguera, Puerto Rico. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Abundant costally around Kingston, Jamaica. A few Cuba and Puerto Rico. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Several Zapata, Cuba. Royal Tern Sterna maxima Fairly common on the coast around Kingston, Jamaica. A few Cuba and Puerto Rico. Feral Pigeon Columba livia Widespread in towns. Scaly-naped Pigeon Columba squamosa Caribbean endemic. Maricao, Puerto Rico. White-crowned Pigeon Columba leucocephala Caribbean endemic. Several in Jamaica and Cuba. Also Dominican Republic. Plain Pigeon Columba inornata Greater Antillean endemic. South-west Dominican Republic. 2, Humacao, Puerto Rico. Ring-tailed Pigeon Columba caribaea Jamaican Endemic. Several very good sightings, e.g. Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Near Rancho Platon, Dominican Republic. Common in south-west Puerto Rico. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Several in Jamaica and Puerto Rico. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Regional endemic. Widespread. Seen most often in Cuba. Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Several in Cuba. Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Widespread and reasonably common. Caribbean Dove Leptotila jamaicensis Regional endemic. 1 near Port Antonio (PGC). Several in 2011. [Key West Quail-Dove Geotrygon mystacea Greater Antillean and Bahaman endemic. 2 at Bermejas in Cuba 2011.] Grey-headed Quail-Dove Geotrygon caniceps Cuban Endemic. 1 seen very well at Zapata. Others heard. White-fronted Quail-Dove Geotrygon leucometopia Dominican Republic Endemic. 1 at Puerto Escondido. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana One seen extremely well, John Crow Mountains, Jamaica. 2 Domican Republic. Crested Quail-Dove Geotrygon versicolor Jamaican Endemic. Some remarkable views this year, Blue Mountains and north-east. Seen on 4 days. At least 8 seen superbly!

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 29

Blue-headed Quail-Dove Starnoenas cyanocephala Cuban Endemic. 3 seen superbly at Zapata. Hispaniolan Parakeet Aratinga chloroptera Hispaniolan Endemic. A few at Puerto Escondido. A huge noisy roost in Santo Domingo. Cuban Parakeet Aratinga euops Cuban Endemic. c.40 seen superbly at Zapata 2012. Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana Scattered records in Jamaica. Also Rabo de Gato, Dominican Republic. Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis 2+ at El Yunque, Puerto Rico, where introduced. Native to Mexico and Central America. Rose-throated Parrot Amazona leucocephala Endemic to Cuba, Cayman Islands, and Bahamas. Locally common in Zapata, Cuba. Yellow-billed Parrot Amazona collaria Jamaican Endemic. Seen very well in John Crow Mountains. One of the two endemic parrot species also at Hardwar Gap (N). Hispaniolan Parrot Amazona ventralis Hispaniolan Endemic. SW Dominican Republic. Black-billed Parrot Amazona agilis Jamaican Endemic. Seen well in John Crow Mountains. Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor Hellshite Hills, Jamaica. Parguera and Humacao, Puerto Rico. Great Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera merlini Endemic to Cuba and Bahamas. Several in Zapata, Cuba. Up to 6 seen in one day. Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera vieilloti Puerto Rican Endemic. Not uncommon at Guanica. Also Maricao and El Yunque. Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera longirostris Hispaniolan Endemic. One to several daily. Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera vetula Jamaican Endemic. Strawberry Hill and John Crow Mountains. Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo Hyetornis pluvialis Jamaican Endemic. 3 seen very well in north-east. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Widespread and reasonably common in all countries. [Barn Owl Tyto alba ssp.furcata. 1 in Hellshire Hills, Jamaica. 2011.] Puerto Rican Screech Owl Otus nudipes Puerto Rican Endemic. Heard at Guanica. Bare-legged Owl Gymnoglaux lawrencii Cuban Endemic. Seen very well at Zapata. Cuban Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium siju Cuban Endemic. 1 seen very well at Zapata. Stygian Owl Asio stygius Heard in Zapata, Cuba. Jamaican Owl Pseudoscops grammicus Jamaican Endemic. Also an endemic genus. Rather elusive near Port Antonio. Cuban Nightjar Caprimulgus cubanensis Cuban Endemic. 2 in Zapata, Cuba. Puerto Rican Nightjar Caprimulgus noctitherus Puerto Rican Endemic. Seen well at Guanica, and many heard 2011. In 2012 much more elusive and only glimpsed, but several heard. [Northern Potoo Nyctibius jamaicensis Jamaica, Marshall’s Pen, 2011.] Black Swift Cypseloides niger Dominican Republic. White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris A few in Jamaica 2012. Antillean Palm Swift Tachornis phoenicobia Greater Antillean endemic. A few in Jamaica and Dominican Republic. Jamaican Mango Anthracothorax mango Jamaican Endemic. Singles at Marshall’s Pen, and Hellshire Hills, 2011. 2012 many seen very well in north-east, 2 Hellshire Hills.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 30

Antillean Mango Anthracothorax dominicus Hispaniolan, Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands endemic. Several, Dominican Republic. A few at Guanica, Puerto Rico. Green Mango Anthracothorax viridis Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao. Green-throated Carib Eulampis holosericus Regional endemic, through Lesser Antilles, Virgin Islands, and northeastern Puerto Rico. 1 seen well at Humacao, Puerto Rico. Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhynchus cristatus Lesser Antillean endemic, that ranges into Eastern Puerto Rico. Singles at Fajardo and Maricao. Cuban Emerald Chlorostilbon ricordii Cuban and Bahaman endemic. Several in Zapata, Cuba. Hispaniolan Emerald Chlorostilbon swainsonii Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in Sierra de Bahoruco. Puerto Rican Emerald Chlorostilbon maugaeus Puerto Rican Endemic. El Yunque and Guanica. Black-billed Streamertail Trochilus scitulus Jamaican Endemic, also an endemic genus. Several in the Port Antonio area, and John Crow Mountains, seen very closely. Red-billed Streamertail Trochilus polytmus Jamaican Endemic, also an endemic genus. Rather common and widespread, many seen very closely. Also in north-east. Vervain Hummingbird Mellisuga minima Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic. Rather widespread on the former (2011), Barahona area and Rabo de Gato on the latter. Bee Hummingbird Mellisuga helenae Cuban Endemic. Two seen very well in Zapata. Famously the world’s smallest bird. Cuban Trogon Priotelus temnurus Cuban Endemic. A few seen very well at Zapata. Hispaniolan Trogon Priotelus roseigaster Hispaniolan Endemic. 1 in southern Sierra de Bahoruco. The Todidae is a family endemic to the Greater Antilles, comprising the following five species. Cuban Tody Todus multicolor Cuban Endemic. Seen well in Zapata. Broad-billed Tody Todus subulatus Hispaniolan Endemic. Several seen very well in Sierra de Bahoruco. Narrow-billed Tody Todus angustirostris Hispaniolan Endemic. A few seen very well in Sierra de Bahoruco. Jamaican Tody Todus todus Jamaican Endemic. In small numbers almost daily, seen very closely. Puerto Rican Tody Todus mexicanus Puerto Rican Endemic. El Yunque and common at Guanica. Also Maricao. Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Several Cuban and Dominican Republic records. Antillean Piculet Nesoctites micromegas Hispaniolan Endemic. 1 in Sierra de Bahoruco. Puerto Rican Woodpecker Melanerpes portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Seen at most sites visited. Hispaniolan Woodpecker Melanerpes striatus Hispaniolan Endemic. Barahona area, and Sierra de Bahoruco. Jamaican Woodpecker Melanerpes radiolatus Jamaican Endemic. Widespread in small numbers, seen daily. West Indian Woodpecker Melanerpes superciliaris Endemic to Cuba, Bahamas, and Cayman Islands. On 3 days in Zapata, Cuba. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius 1 in Zapata, Cuba. Cuban Green Woodpecker Xiphidiopicus percussus Cuban Endemic. Seen on 3 days at Zapata. Fernandina’s Flicker Colaptes fernandinae Cuban Endemic. 2 seen superbly at Zapata.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 31

Jamaican Elaenia Myiopagis cotta Jamaican Endemic. 1 at Hardwar Gap. [Caribbean Elaenia Elaenia martinica Caribbean endemic. A few at Guanica, Puerto Rico, 2011.] Crescent-eyed Pewee Contopus caribaeus Endemic to Bahamas and Cuba. Several in Zapata, Cuba. Hispaniolan Pewee Contopus hispaniolensis Hispaniolan Endemic. 2, Sierra de Bahoruco. Jamaican Pewee Contopus pallidus Jamaican Endemic. Port Antonio area. [Puerto Rican Pewee Contopus portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Guanica, 2011.] Sad Flycatcher Myiarchus barbirostris Jamaican Endemic. Widespread in small numbers. Rufous-tailed Flycatcher Myiarchus validus Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and Port Antonio. La Sagra’s Flycatcher Myiarchus sagrae Endemic to Cuba, Cayman Islands, and Bahamas. c.5 in Zapata, Cuba. [Stolid Flycatcher Myiarchus stolidus Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic. Dominican Republic, A few in Sierra de Bahoruco. 2011.] Puerto Rican Flycatcher Myiarchus antillarum Endemic to Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Several at Guanica, Susua, and El Yunque. Gray Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Several in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus Endemic to Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Greater Antilles. Conspicuous in Jamaican and Cuba. Jamaican Becard Pachyramphus niger Jamaican Endemic. Port Antonio area. Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Zapata, Cuba. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Scattered records. [Cave Swallow Pterochelidon fulva Several in Hellshire Hills, Jamaica, 2011.] Hispaniolan Palm Crow Corvus palmarum Hispaniolan Endemic. Seen in the south- west 2012. Cuban Crow Corvus nasicus Endemic to Cuba and Bahamas. Locally several in Zapata, Cuba. White-necked Crow Corvus leucognaphalus Hispaniolan Endemic. Seen in the south- west 2012. Jamaican Crow Corvus jamaicensis Jamaican Endemic. A few in John Crow Mountains. Zapata Wren Ferminia cerverai Endemic to Zapata, Cuba. 1 seen superbly, where several others were singing. Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea In small numbers in Zapata, Cuba. Rufous-throated Solitaire Myadestes genibarbis Caribbean endemic. A few in Blue Mountains, Jamaica. White-eyed Thrush Turdus jamaicensis Jamaican Endemic. Locally common in Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains. White-chinned Thrush Turdus aurantius Jamaican Endemic. Several daily. Red-legged Thrsuh Turdus plumbeus Caribbean endemic. Several in Zapata, Cuba. Several in Puerto Rico. Gray Catbird Dumatella carolinensis Several in Zapata, Cuba. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Widespread and reasonably common. Pearly-eyed Thrasher Margarops fuscatus Caribbean endemic. Fajardo and Guanica etc., Puerto Rico. Palmchat Dulus dominicus Hispaniolan Endemic. A monotypic endemic family, the Dulidae. Common and conspicuous.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 32

Jamaican Vireo Vireo modestus Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and Port Antonio area. Cuban Vireo Vireo gundlachii Cuban Endemic. A few in Zapata. Puerto Rican Vireo Vireo latimeri Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao. Flat-billed Vireo Vireo nanus Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco (PGC). Blue Mountain Vireo Vireo osburni Jamaican Endemic. On 2 days in Blue Mountains. Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus 1 at Zapata, Cuba, 2012. [Black-whiskered Vireo Vireo altiloquus 1 at El Yunque, Puerto Rico was an unseasonal record, 2011.] [Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina 1 at Puerto Escondido, Dominican Republic, 2011.] Northern Parula Parula americana In small numbers in Jamaica and Cuba. Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia Zapata, Cuba. Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica A female in Puerto Rico 2012. [Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia 1 at Zapata, Cuba 2011.] Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina Blue Mountains, Jamaica. Puerto Escondido, Dominican Republic 2011. 2012 1 at Zapata. Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Widespread and common. Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens A few in Jamaica and Cuba. Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica Zapata, Cuba. Adelaide’s Warbler Dendroica adelaidae Puerto Rican Endemic. Rather common at Guanica. Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus Several in Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic, 2012. Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Scattered records. [Vitelline Warbler Dendroica vitellina Cayman Islands and Swan Islands endemic. A few on Grand Cayman 2011.] Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Numerous in Cuba, also Dominican Republic. Arrow-headed Warbler Dendroica pharetra Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains. Elfin Woods Warbler Dendroica angelae Puerto Rican Endemic. Seen very well at Maricao. Heard El Yunque, seen there 2011. Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia Widespread and reasonably common. Not seen on Puerto Rico. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Widespread and reasoanbly common. Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorus Several in Jamaica. Swainson’s Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii 1 at Zapata, 2012. Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus Widespread in small numbers. Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis A few in Cuba. Also Humacao, Puerto Rico. Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla Zapata, Cuba. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic. Yellow-headed Warbler Teretistris fernandinae Cuban Endemic. Also Endemic genus. A few at Zapata. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Widespread in Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. Scattered records elsewhere. Jamaican Euphonia Euphonia jamaica Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains. Antillean Euphonia Euphonia musica Caribbean endemic. A pair in Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic, 2011. 2012 1 at El Yunque, Puerto Rico. Green-tailed Ground-Tanager Microligea palustris Hispaniolan Endemic. c. 5 in Sierra de Bahoruco, 2012. Western Spindalis Spindalis zena Endemic to Cuba, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. A pair in Zapata, Cuba.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 33

Jamaican Spindalis Spindalis nigricephalus Jamaican Endemic. Widespread, seen on 4 days. Hispaniolan Spindalis Spindalis dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. Southern Sierra de Bahoruco 2012. Puerto Rican Spindalis Spindalis portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao and El Yunque. [Summer Tanager Piranga rubra A female at Zapata, Cuba, 2011.] Black-crowned Palm-Tanager Phaenicophilus palmarum Hispaniolan Endemic. Barahona and Puerto Escondido, Dominican Republic. Puerto Rican Tanager Nesospingus speculiferus Puerto Rican Endemic. A few in El Yunque. [Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus 1 in Blue Mountains, Jamaica, 2011.] [Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea A female at Zapata, Cuba, 2011.] Cuban Bullfinch Melopyrrha nigra Endemic to Cuba and Grand Cayman. A male at Caleta Buena, Zapata, Cuba, 2012. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea Scarce this year, Cuba and Dominican Republic. Black-faced Grassquit Tiaris bicolor Widespread in Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

Yellow-shouldered Grassquit Loxipasser anoxanthus Jamaican Endemic. Also an endemic genus. Several in Blue Mountains. Puerto Rican Bullfinch Loxigilla portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. El Yunque, Maricao, and Guanica. Greater Antillean Bullfinch Loxigilla violacea Endemic to Bahamas, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. Jamaica, ssp.ruficollis, endemic, a few records 2012. ssp.affinis Dominican Republic, 2011. Orangequit Euneornis campestris Jamaican Endemic. Also endemic genus. Widespread and not uncommon. Zapata Sparrow Torreornis inexpectata Cuban Endemic. 2 seen superbly at Zapata. Red-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius assimilis Cuban Endemic. A few at Zapata. Tawny-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius humeralis Cuban Endemic. Several at Zapata. Yellow-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius xanthomus Puerto Rican Endemic. Parguera. Jamaican Blackbird Nesopsar nigerrimus Jamaican Endemic, belonging to an endemic genus. One seen superbly in the Blue Mountains. Cuban Blackbird Dives atroviolacea Cuban Endemic. Common. Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger Greater Antillean endemic. Widespread and locally very common. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis Only Puerto Rico. Troupial Icterus icterus 2 near Parguera, Puerto Rico. Jamaican Oriole Icterus leucopteryx Endemic to Jamaica and San Andres. The Grand Cayman race is apparently extinct. ssp.leucopteryx. Blue Mountains and Port Antonio area. Cuban Oriole Icterus melanopsis Cuban Endemic. A female in Zapata. Hispaniolan Oriole Icterus dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic. Puerto Rican Oriole Icterus portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. A few at El Yunque 2011. A male at Maricao 2012. Antilean Siskin Carduelis dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common in Havana, Cuba. Also Puerto Rico. [Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus Puerto Escondido, Dominican Republic. 2011.]

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 34

Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata Fajardo. Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata Fajardo.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 35

Systematic List Number 2 Birds by Country

JAMAICA

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Locally common coastally. Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Scattered coastal records. Great Egret Casmerodius albus Scattered records. Snowy Egret Egretta thula Scattered records. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and common. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea One at Goblin Hill. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus c.5 near Spanish Town. Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura Widespread and locally numerous. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis A few in the north east. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Widespread and rather common. Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola 1 at Hellshire. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Port Royal. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 1 along the north coast. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Hellshire. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Abundant costally around Kingston. Royal Tern Sterna maxima Fairly common on the coast around Kingston. Feral Pigeon Columba livia Widespread in towns. White-crowned Pigeon Columba leucocephala Caribbean endemic. Locally common in north east. Ring-tailed Pigeon Columba caribaea Jamaican Endemic. Several very good sightings, e.g. Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Port Antonio and Hellshire. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Regional endemic. Widespread. Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina ssp.jamaicensis endemic. Widespread and reasonably common. Caribbean Dove Leptotila jamaicensis Regional endemic, ssp.jamaicensis endemic. 1, Ecclesdown (PGC). Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana One seen superbly at Ecclesdown. Crested Quail-Dove Geotrygon versicolor Jamaican Endemic. Remarkable superb views on 4 days! Blue Mountains and north- east. Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana ssp.nana endemic. A few records. Yellow-billed Parrot Amazona collaria Jamaican Endemic. A few in the in John Crow Mountains. Black-billed Parrot Amazona agilis Jamaican Endemic. Seen well in John Crow Mountains. Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor 1 in Hellshire Hills 2012. Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera vetula Jamaican Endemic. Strawberry Hill (PGC) and Ecclesdown road. Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo Hyetornis pluvialis Jamaican Endemic. A few seen well in the north east. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Widespread and reasonably common. [Barn Owl Tyto alba ssp.furcata. 1 in Hellshire Hills 2011.] Jamaican Owl Pseudoscops grammicus Jamaican Endemic. Also an endemic genus. 2011. 2 seen superbly in Blue Mountains. Several heard elsewhere. 2012 Port Antonio area (PGC). [Northern Potoo Nyctibius jamaicensis Nominate subspecies endemic. Marshall’s Pen 2011.] [Black Swift Cypseloides niger Port Antonio area 2011.]

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 36

White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris A few records 2012. Antillean Palm Swift Tachornis phoenicobia Greater Antillean endemic. A few only. Jamaican Mango Anthracothorax mango Jamaican Endemic. Several seen superbly in north-east, and Hellshire Hills. Black-billed Streamertail Trochilus scitulus Jamaican Endemic, also an endemic genus. Several in the Port Antonio area, and John Crow Mountains, seen very closely. Red-billed Streamertail Trochilus polytmus Jamaican Endemic, also an endemic genus. Rather common and widespread, many seen very closely. Also in north-east. [Vervain Hummingbird Mellisuga minima Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic, ssp. minima endemic. Rather widespread 2011. Remarkably not seen 2012.] Jamaican Tody Todus todus Jamaican Endemic. In small numbers on three days, seen very closely. [Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Several seen 2011.] Jamaican Woodpecker Melanerpes radiolatus Jamaican Endemic. Widespread in small numbers, seen daily. Jamaican Elaenia Myiopagis cotta Jamaican Endemic. 1, Hardwar Gap. Jamaican Pewee Contopus pallidus Jamaican Endemic. A few in Blue Mountains 2011. 2012 in the north-east. Sad Flycatcher Myiarchus barbirostris Jamaican Endemic. Widespread in small numbers. Rufous-tailed Flycatcher Myiarchus validus Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and Port Antonio. Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus Endemic to Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Greater Antilles. ssp.jamaicensis endemic. Conspicuous and widespread. Jamaican Becard Pachyramphus niger Jamaican Endemic. Port Antonio area and heard in John Crow Mountains. [Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Hellshire Hills 2011.] [Cave Swallow Pterochelidon fulva ssp.poeciloma endemic. Several in Hellshire Hills 2011.] Jamaican Crow Corvus jamaicensis Jamaican Endemic. A few in John Crow Mountains. Rufous-throated Solitaire Myadestes genibarbis Caribbean endemic. Endemic ssp. solitarius. A few in Blue Mountains. White-eyed Thrush Turdus jamaicensis Jamaican Endemic. Locally common in Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains. White-chinned Thrush Turdus aurantius Jamaican Endemic. Several daily. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Widespread and reasonably common. Jamaican Vireo Vireo modestus Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and Port Antonio area. Blue Mountain Vireo Vireo osburni Jamaican Endemic. A few at Hardwar Gap. Northern Parula Parula americana Widespread in small numbers. [Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina Blue Mountains 2011.] Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Numerous and widespread. Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens 1 at Strawberry Hill. Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Scattered records. Arrow-headed Warbler Dendroica pharetra Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains. Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia Scattered records. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Widespread and reasoanbly common. Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorus Several seen. Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus Seen on Day 1. [Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla Blue Mountains 2011.]

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 37

Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Hardwar Gap. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Nominate ssp. endemic. Widespread. Jamaican Euphonia Euphonia jamaica Jamaican Endemic. Hardwar Gap. Jamaican Spindalis Spindalis nigricephalus Jamaican Endemic. Widespread in small numbers. [Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus 1 in Blue Mountains 2011.] [Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea Scattered records 2011.] Black-faced Grassquit Tiaris bicolor Hardwar Gap. Yellow-shouldered Grassquit Loxipasser anoxanthus Jamaican Endemic. Also Endemic genus. Blue Mountains and north-east. Greater Antillean Bullfinch Loxigilla violacea Endemic to Bahamas, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. ssp.ruficollis endemic. Scattered records. Orangequit Euneornis campestris Jamaican Endemic. Also Endemic genus. Widespread and not uncommon. Jamaican Blackbird Nesopsar nigerrimus Jamaican Endemic, belonging to an endemic genus. Seen superbly in the Blue Mountains. Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger Greater Antillean endemic. ssp.crassirostris endemic. Several in Port Antonio area. Jamaican Oriole Icterus leucopteryx Endemic to Jamaica and San Andres. The Grand Cayman race is apparently extinct. ssp. leucopteryx. Blue Mountains and Port Antonio area.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

The following were seen on our short visit between flights.

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus American Coot Fulica americana White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica [Vitelline Warbler Near Endemic. Dendroica vitellina. 2011.] Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalis niger

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 38

CUBA

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps 3 at Zapata. American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos c.30 at La Salina, Zapata. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Locally common coastally. Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus Zapata. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias A few. Great Egret Casmerodius albus Scattered. Snowy Egret Egretta thula A few at Zapata. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Zapata. Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor A few at Zapata. Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens 2 red phase and 2 white phase at La Salina. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and common. Green Heron Butoroides striatus A few at Zapata. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 1 at Zapata. Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa voilacea 1 at Zapata. White Ibis Eudocimus albus Zapata. Roseate Spoonbill Ajaja ajaja 3, La Salina, Zapata. Wood Stork Mycteria americana 1 at La Salina, Zapata. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber Many at La Salina, Zapata. Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura Widespread. Northern Pintail Anas acuta Several at La Salina, Zapata. Blue-winged Teal Anas discors Abundant at La Salina, Zapata. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata A few at La Salina, Zapata. American Wigeon Anas americana A few at La Salina, Zapata. Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1 at Caleta Buena. Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus 1 at Zapata. Cuban Black Hawk Buteogallus gundlachii Cuban Endemic. A recent split from Common Black Hawk, B.anthracinus. 3 at la Salina, Zapata. Northern Caracara Caracara cheriway Zapata. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Widespread and rather common. Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus c. 20 in a flock as we left Havana, 2012. Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris 1 at Zapata. Sora Porzana carolina Zapata. American Coot Fulica americana Abundant at La Salina, Zapata. Limpkin Aramus gaurauna Zapata. Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 1 at Zapata. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus 3 at Zapata. Northern Jacana Jacana spinosa Zapata. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca Zapata. Laughing Gull Larus atricilla Havana and Zapata. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Several at Zapata. Royal Tern Sterna maxima Zapata. Feral Pigeon Columba livia Widespread in towns. White-crowned Pigeon Columba leucocephala Caribbean endemic. Several at Zapata. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Regional endemic. Rather common. Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Several at Zapata. Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Widespread and reasonably common. [Key West Quail-Dove Geotrygon mystacea Greater Antillean and Bahaman endemic. 2 at Bermejas, 2011.] Grey-headed Quail-Dove Geotrygon caniceps Cuban Endemic. 2 at Zapata. Blue-headed Quail-Dove Starnoenas cyanocephala Cuban Endemic. 2 seen superbly at Zapata.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 39

Cuban Parakeet Aratinga euops Cuban Endemic. c.40 seen superbly well at Zapata, 2012. Rose-throated Parrot Amazona leucocephala Endemic to Cuba, Cayman Islands, and Bahamas. Locally common in Zapata. Great Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera merlini Endemic to Cuba and Bahamas. On 3 days in Zapata. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Widespread and reasonably common. Bare-legged Owl Gymnoglaux lawrencii Cuban Endemic. Seen well at Zapata. Cuban Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium siju Cuban Endemic. Seen very well, and others heard, at Zapata. Stygian Owl Asio stygius Heard in Zapata. Cuban Nightjar Caprimulgus cubanensis Cuban Endemic. 2 at Zapata. Cuban Emerald Chlorostilbon ricordii Cuban and Bahaman endemic. Several in Zapata. Bee Hummingbird Mellisuga helenae Cuban Endemic. Two seen very well in Zapata. Famously the world’s smallest bird. Cuban Trogon Priotelus temnurus Cuban Endemic. A few at Zapata. Cuban Tody Todus multicolor Cuban Endemic. Seen well at Zapata. Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon Several records. West Indian Woodpecker Melanerpes superciliaris Endemic to Cuba, Bahamas, and Cayman Islands. On 3 days at Zapata. Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius 1 at Playa Larga. Cuban Green Woodpecker Xiphidiopicus percussus Cuban Endemic. Seen on 3 days at Zapata. Fernandina’s Flicker Colaptes fernandinae Cuban Endemic. 2 seen very well at Zapata. Crescent-eyed Pewee Contopus caribaeus Endemic to Bahamas and Cuba. A few in (Cuban Pewee) Zapata. La Sagra’s Flycatcher Myiarchus sagrae Endemic to Cuba, Cayman Islands, and Bahamas. A few in Zapata. Loggerhead Kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus Endemic to Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Greater Antilles. Nominate ssp. Regularly seen. Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Zapata. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Zapata. Cuban Crow Corvus nasicus Endemic to Cuba and Bahamas. Locally several in Zapata. Zapata Wren Ferminia cerverai Endemic to Zapata, Cuba. 1 seen superbly. Others were singing. Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Singletons on 3 days in Zapata. Red-legged Thrsuh Turdus plumbeus Caribbean endemic. ssp.plumbeus. Several in Zapata. Gray Catbird Dumatella carolinensis Several in Zapata. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Widespread and reasonably common. Cuban Vireo Vireo gundlachii Cuban Endemic. A few in Zapata. Philadelphia Vireo Vireo philadelphicus 1 at Zapata. Northern Parula Parula americana On 2 days in Zapata. Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia 1 at La Salina, Zapata. Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina 1 at Zapata. Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens On only one day this year in Zapata. Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens Zapata. Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica Zapata. Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor A few records. Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Numerous in Zapata. Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia A few records. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Widespread and reasoanbly common. Swainson’s Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii 1 at La Mera, Zapata, 2012.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 40

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus A few records. Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis Zapata. Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla Zapata. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Zapata. Yellow-headed Warbler Teretistris fernandinae Cuban Endemic. Also Endemic genus. A few at Zapata. Western Spindalis Spindalis zena Endemic to Cuba, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel. A pair at Zapata. Cuban Bullfinch Melopyrrha nigra Endemic to Cuba and Grand Cayman. A male at Caleta Buena, 2012. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea Zapata. Zapata Sparrow Torreornis inexpectata Cuban Endemic. 2 seen superbly at Zapata. Red-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius assimilis Cuban Endemic. A few in Zapata. Tawny-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius humeralis Cuban Endemic. A few in Zapata. Cuban Blackbird Dives atroviolacea Cuban Endemic. Common. Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger Greater Antillean endemic. Widespread and common. Cuban Oriole Icterus melanopsis Cuban Endemic. A female in Zapata. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Common in Havana.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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

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

Least Grebe Tachybaptus dominicus Puerto Escondido. [Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Puerto Escondido 2011.] Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Barahona area. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and common. Green Heron Butoroides striatus Barahona area. Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura Widespread. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Endemic subspecies dominicensis. Widespread and rather common. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Recorded. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus 1 in the south-west. [Limpkin Aramus gaurauna Puerto Escondido 2011.] Feral Pigeon Columba livia Widespread in towns. Plain Pigeon Columba inornata Greater Antillean endemic. Barahona area. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Barahona area 2012. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Regional endemic. Scattered records. [Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Several 2011.] Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Widespread and reasonably common. White-fronted Quail-Dove Geotrygon leucometopia Dominican Republic Endemic. 1 at Puerto Escondido. Ruddy Quail-Dove Geotrygon montana 2 at Puerto Escondido.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 41

Hispaniolan Parakeet Aratinga chloroptera Hispaniolan Endemic. A few seen very well at Puerto Escondido. A huge noisy roost in Santo Domingo. Olive-throated Parakeet Aratinga nana Sierra de Bahoruco. Hispaniolan Parrot Amazona ventralis Hispaniolan Endemic. Seen in the south- west. [Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor Barahona 2011.] Hispaniolan Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera longirostris Hispaniolan Endemic. Seen on 3 days. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Widespread and reasonably common. Black Swift Cypseloides niger Sierra de Bahoruco 2012. Antillean Palm Swift Tachornis phoenicobia Greater Antillean endemic. Scattered records. Antillean Mango Anthracothorax dominicus Hispaniolan, Puerto Rican, and Virgin Islands endemic. Several in Sierra de Bahoruco. Hispaniolan Emerald Chlorostilbon swainsonii Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in Sierra de Bahoruco. Vervain Hummingbird Mellisuga minima Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic. ssp.vieilloti is Hispaniolan endemic subspecies. Barahona area and Rabo de Gato. Hispaniolan Trogon Priotelus roseigaster Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco. Broad-billed Tody Todus subulatus Hispaniolan Endemic. Rather common. Narrow-billed Tody Todus angustirostris Hispaniolan Endemic. Several seen very well in Sierra de Bahoruco. Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon A few records. Antillean Piculet Nesoctites micromegas Hispaniolan Endemic. 1 in Sierra de Bahoruco. Hispaniolan Woodpecker Melanerpes striatus Hispaniolan Endemic. Barahona area, and Sierra de Bahoruco. Hispaniolan Pewee Contopus hispaniolensis Hispaniolan Endemic. 2 in Sierra de Bahoruco. [Stolid Flycatcher Myiarchus stolidus Jamaican and Hispaniolan endemic. A few in Sierra de Bahoruco 2011.] Gray Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Scattered records. Hispaniolan Palm Crow Corvus palmarum Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in the south west 2012. White-necked Crow Corvus leucognaphalus Hispaniolan Endemic. Several in the south west 2012. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Seen daily. Palmchat Dulus dominicus Hispaniolan Endemic. A monotypic endemic family, the Dulidae. Common and conspicuous. Flat-billed Vireo Vireo nanus Hispaniolan Endemic. Near Puerto Escondido (PGC). [Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina 1 at Puerto Escondido 2011.] Northern Parula Parula americana Sierra de Bahoruco. [Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina Puerto Escondido 2011.] Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Scattered records. Pine Warbler DEndroica pinus Sierra de Bahoruco 2012, several. Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Sierra de Bahoruco. Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum Alcoa Road. Black-and-White Warbler Mniotilta varia Scattered records. American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Scattered records. Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus Puerto Escondido. Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Barahona area. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola ssp.banaivora endemic. Seen daily.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 42

[Antillean Euphonia Euphonia musica Caribbean endemic. Nominate subspecies Hispaniolan endemic. A pair at Puerto Escondido 2011.] Green-tailed Ground Tanager Microligea palustris Hiapaniolan Endemic. c.5 in Sierra de Bahoruca, 2012. Hispaniolan Spindalis Spindalis dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. Alcoa Road 2012. Black-crowned Palm-Tanager Phaenicophilus palmarum Hispaniolan Endemic. Barahona area and Sierra de Bahoruco. Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivacea Sierra de Bahoruco. [Greater Antillean Bullfinch Loxigilla violacea Endemic to Bahamas, Jamaica, and Hispaniola. ssp.affinis Hispaniolan endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco. 2011.] Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger Greater Antillean endemic. Nominate subspecies Hispaniolan endemic. Widespread. Hispaniolan Oriole Icterus dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. A few in Sierra de Bahoruco. Antilean Siskin Carduelis dominicensis Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Santo Domingo. [Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus Puerto Escondido 2011.]

PUERTO RICO

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps 1 at Humacao. Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Locally common coastally. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias 1 south of Fajardo. Great Egret Casmerodius albus Scattered throughout. Snowy Egret Egretta thula A few at Humacao. Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea 1 at Humacao. Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor 1 at Parguera. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread and common. Green Heron Butoroides striatus A few at Humacao. Turkey Vulture Cathertes aura Widespread, but not seen in some areas. White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis A few at Humacao. Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis c.30 at Humacao. Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1 at Humacao. Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis A few records, e.g. El Yunque. American Kestrel Falco sparverius Widespread and rather common. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Several at Humacao. American Coot Fulica americana 1 at Humacao. Caribbean Coot Fulica caribaea Regional endemic. 3 at Humacao. Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus 1 in the south west. Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca A few in the south west. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes 1 in the south west. Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus 1 in the south west. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia South west and Humacao. Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla 2 in the south west. Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus Several in the south west. Royal Tern Sterna maxima Parguera and Humacao. Feral Pigeon Columba livia Widespread in towns. Scaly-naped Pigeon Columba squamosa Caribbean endemic. Maricao. Plain Pigeon Columba inornata Greater Antillean endemic. 2 at Humacao

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 43

2012. Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Parguera, where rather common. White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica Several records. Zenaida Dove Zenaida aurita Regional endemic. Scattered records. Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina Widespread and reasonably common. Orange-fronted Parakeet Aratinga canicularis 2+ at El Yunque 2012. Introduced. Native to Central America. Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor Singletons at Parguera and Humacao. Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera vieilloti Puerto Rican Endemic. Guanica, Maricao, and El Yunque. Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Widespread and reasonably common. Puerto Rican Screech Owl Otus nudipes Puerto Rican Endemic. Heard at Guanica. Puerto Rican Nightjar Caprimulgus noctitherus Puerto Rican Endemic. Seen well at Guanica 2011, 2012 seen briefly, but many heard. Antillean Mango Anthracothorax dominicus Hispaniolan, Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands endemic. Guanica. Green Mango Anthracothorax viridis Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao, seen briefly. Green-throated Carib Eulampis holosericus Lesser Antillean endemic, that ranges into Eastern Puerto Rico. 1 at Humacao 2012. Antillean Crested Hummingbird Orthorhynchus cristatus Lesser Antillean endemic, that ranges into Eastern Puerto Rico. Fajardo and Humacao. Puerto Rican Emerald Chlorostilbon maugaeus Puerto Rican Endemic. El Yunque and Guanica. Puerto Rican Tody Todus mexicanus Puerto Rican Endemic. El Yunque and several at Guanica. Also Maricao. Puerto Rican Woodpecker Melanerpes portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Guanica, Maricao, El Yunque, and Humacao. [Caribbean Elaenia Elaenia martinica Caribbean endemic. A few at Guanica, 2011.] [Puerto Rican Pewee Contopus portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. Guanica 2011.] Puerto Rican Flycatcher Myiarchus antillarum Endemic to Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. Guanica and El Yunque. Gray Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Widespread. Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis Several in the south west. Red-legged Thrush Turdus plumbeus Caribbean endemic. ssp.ardosiaceus. El Yunque and Maricao. Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Scattered records. Pearly-eyed Thrasher Margarops fuscatus Caribbean endemic. El Yunque and Guanica. Puerto Rican Vireo Vireo latimeri Puerto Rican Endemic. Maricao, seen briefly. [Black-whiskered Vireo Vireo altiloquus 1 at El Yunque was an unseasonal record, 2011.] Northern Parula Parula americana 1 at Humacao. Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica A female at Maricao. Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens Maricao. Adelaide’s Warbler Dendroica adelaidae Puerto Rican Endemic. Several at Guanica. Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor Maricao. Elfin Woods Warbler Dendroica angelae Puerto Rican Endemic. A pair seen well at Maricao. Heard at El Yunque. Northern Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla Humacao. Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Widespread and very common.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 44

Antillean Euphonia Euphonia musica Endemic to Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. 1 at El Yunque 2012. Puerto Rican Spindalis Spindalis portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. A few at Maricao, Fajardo, and El Yunque. Puerto Rican Tanager Nesospingus speculiferus Puerto Rican Endemic. A few at Maricao and in El Yunque. Black-faced Grassquit Tiaris bicolor Widespread. Puerto Rican Bullfinch Loxigilla portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. El Yunque, Maricao, and Guanica. Yellow-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius xanthomus Puerto Rican Endemic. A few at Parguera. Greater Antillean Grackle Quiscalus niger Greater Antillean endemic. Widespread and common. Shiny Cowbird Molothrus bonariensis 1 at Guanica. Puerto Rican Oriole Icterus portoricensis Puerto Rican Endemic. A male near Maricao. Troupial Icterus icterus 2 near Parguera. House Sparrow Passer domesticus In towns. Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata Fajardo. Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata Fajardo.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 45

Systematic List Number 3 Butterflies

The taxonomy and nomenclature basically folows ‘A Field Guide to the Butterflies of the West Indies’ by Norman D.Riley, 1975, although this is now somewhat out of date! I have however re- ordered the family sequence to standardise it with that usually considered correct. ‘Jamaica and its Butterflies’, Brown and Heineman, Classey 1972, is the standard work for that country, and the more recently published ‘Butterflies of the Cayman Islands’, Askew and Stafford, Apollo Books, 2008, was used.

Papilionidae Polydamus Swallowtail Battus polydamus ssp.jamaicensis. Jamaican endemic subspecies. Only 1 seen. 2011. ssp.cubensis. Cuban endemic subspecies. 1 in Zapata. ssp.polycrates. Hispaniolan endemic subspecies. Rather common. [Thoas Swallowtail Papilio thoas melonius Jamaican endemic subspecies, Cockpit Country 2011.] Bahaman Swallowtail Papilio andraemon Jamaica, several in Kingston. Introduced. ssp.tailori. Cayman Islands endemic subspecies. Grand Cayman. ‘The Cayman Swallowtail’. Machaonides Papilio machaonides Hispaniolan and Puerto Rico endemic. Several in Swallowtail Barahona area, Dominican Republic. False Androgeus Papilio thersites Jamaican endemic. Port Antonio. Swallowtail Androgeus Swallowtail Papilio androgeus Dominican Republic 2012. Prickly Ash Swallowtail Papilio pelaus imerius Hispaniolan and Puerto Rican subspecies. 1 southern Sierra de Bahoruco 2012.

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

Pieridae - Pierinae Florida White Appias drusilla ?ssp.castalia. Endemic Jamaican subspecies. Widespread and common. ssp.poeyi. Grand Cayman and Cuba. ssp.boydi. Antillean endemic subspecies. Several in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Great Southern White Ascia monuste eubotea Caribbean subspecies. Jamaica, numerous in Hellshire Hills. Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Giant White Ascia josephina Nominate in Dominican Republic. ssp.paramaryllis. Endemic Jamaican subspecies, Cockpit Country 2011.

Pieridae - Coliadinae Yellow Angled-Sulphur Anteos maerula Widespread in small numbers. Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico. Ghost Brimstone Anteos clorinde Recorded? [Red-splashed Sulphur Phoebis avellaneda Cuban and Hispaniolan endemic. Cuba, a male and a female. 2011.] Orange-barred Sulphur Phoebis philea ssp.huebneri. Endemic Cuban subspecies. A few, Zapata. ssp.thalestris. Hispaniolan endemic subspecies. Several in Dominican Republic.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 46

Apricot Sulphur Phoebis argante ?ssp.rorata. Hispaniolan and Jamaican subspecies. Scattered records. Jamaica. ssp.fornax. Endemic Cuban subspecies. A few records. Large Orange Sulphur Phoebis agarithe antillea Caribbean subspecies. Scattered records. Jamaica, Cuba. Cloudless Sulphur Phoebis sennae marcellina Very common and widespread. Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico. Migrant Sulphur Aphrissa statira ssp.cubana. Endemic Cuba and Cayman subspecies. Zapata, Cuba. ssp.hispaniolae. Endemic Hispaniolan subspecies. A few Dominican Republic. Also Puerto Rico, subspecies? False Lisa Sulphur Eurema euterpiformis Hispaniolan Endemic. Southern Sierra de Bahoruco 2012. Fiery Sulphur Eurema pyro Hispaniolan Endemic. Several in Sierra de Bahoruco. Shy Sulphur Eurema messalina Caribbean species. Jamaica, scattered records. Jamaican Sulphur Eurema nise Scattered records. Jamaica. Hall’s Sulphur Eurema leuce ?memulus Dominican Republic. Little Sulphur Eurema lisa euterpe Caribbean subspecies. Jamaica, Blue Mountains. Cuba. Dominican Republic. Tailed Orange Eurema proterpia Jamaica, several locally in Blue Mountains 2011. 2012 Dominican Republic. Black-bordered Orange Eurema nicippe Several in Cuba 2011. 2012 Dominican Republic. Dina Yellow Eurema dina Cuba, nominate subspecies. ssp.parvumbra. Endemic Jamaican subspecies. Blue Mountains. ssp.dina. Cuba. [Adam’s Sulphur Eurema adamsi Jamaican endemic, a few in Blue Mountains. Upperside white, underside yellow. 2011.] Barred Yellow Eurema daira Jamaica. Blue Mountains. Cuba, common. Dominican Republic, locally numerous. Puerto Rico. False Barred Sulphur Eurema elathea Grand Cayman and probably elsewhere. Not always distinguished from the previous species. Poey’s Sulphur Eurema amelia Cuban endemic. A few Zapata, the type locality. [Guayacan Sulphur Kricogonia lyside Jamaica, Cockpit Country 2011.]

Lycaenidae - Theclinae St.Christopher’s Chlorostrymon simaethis ssp.iago. Endemic Jamaican subspecies. 1 at Hairstreak Strawberry Hill 2012. Lucas’s Hairstreak Nesiostrymon celida Endemic Hispaniolan and Puerto Rican subspecies of Greater Antillean endemic. Puerto Rico 2012. [Dotted Hairstreak Strymon istapa Cuba, Zapata. Barahona, Dominican Republic. 2011.] [Drury’s Hairstreak Strymon acis gossei Jamaican and Cayman subspecies. Cockpit Country in the former.] Hewitson’s Hairstreak Strymon columella ssp.cybira. Regional endemic subspecies. Jamaica 2012. [Disguised Hairstreak Strymon limenia Antillean endemic. Barahona, Dominican Republic.]

Lycaenidae - Polyommatinae Cassius Blue Leptotes cassius theonus Greater Antillean subspecies. Scattered in Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic. Miss Perkin’s Blue Leptotes perkinsae Jamaican Endemic. Recorded 2011 and 2012. Hanno Blue Hermiargus hanno Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 47

Lucas’s Blue Hemiargus ammon Common in Cuba. ssp.erembis. Cayman islands endemic subspecies. Grand Cayman 2011. [Thomas’s Blue Hemiargus thomasi ssp.noeli. Hispaniolan endemic subspecies. Dominican Republic 2011.] Jamaican Blue Hemiargus dominica Jamaican Endemic. Hellshire Hills. [Haitian Tailed Blue Pseudochrysops bornoi Riley gives as a Hispaniolan endemic, but also states ‘reported from Puerto Rico once’. I found several in Guanica, Puerto Rico, where maybe a recent colonist. The only tailed Antillean blue. 2011.]

Nymphalidae - Danainae Monarch Danaus plexippus Only 1 in Cuba, nominate subspecies, 2011. ssp.megalippe. Caribbean subspecies. Jamaica, 1 in Cockpit Country 2011. 2012 Grand Cayman and several in Dominican Republic. Queen Danaus gilippus ssp.berenice. Common in disturbed habitats in Zapata, Cuba. 2012 Dominican Republic. Soldier Danaus eresimus Jamaica, 2 in Cockpit Country 2011. Common in Cuba. Lesser False Fritillary Anetia briaria Cuban and Hispaniolan endemic. Nominate subspecies endemic to the latter, Rabo de Gato. False Fritillary Anetia pantherata Cuban and Hispaniolan endemic. Nominate subspecies endemic to the latter. c.4 Sierra de Bahoruco. Jaeger’s Anetia Anetia jaegeri Hispaniolan Endemic. Extremely rare. I think this species seen too in Sierra de Bahoruco. The Large Tiger Lycorea ceres ssp.cleobaea. Hispaniolan and Puerto Rican endemic subspecies. Dominican Republic, Barahona and several in Sierra de Bahoruco.

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

Nymphalidae - Nymphalinae Pygmy Fritillary Antillea pelops Antillean endemic, representing an endemic genus. Dominican Republic, Sierra de Bahoruco. Puerto Rico, El Yunque. Cuban Crescent Spot Phyciodes frisia Caribbean endemic. Several in Dominican Republic. Crescent Spot Phyciodes phaon Grand Cayman and Cuba. Small Beauty or The Colobura dirce ssp.wolcotti. Caribbean subspecies. 2, Zapata, Cuba, Mosaic 2011, 2012 Puerto Rico.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 48

Orion Historis odius A few in Zapata, Cuba. 3, Barahona area, Dominican Republic. Red Rim Biblis hyperia Puerto Rico, 1 at Guanica. Haitian Cracker Hamadryas februa diasia 1 in Dominican Republic. [Jamaican Mestra Mestra dorcas Jamaican Endemic. Marshall’s Pen, 2011.] The Bronzewing Dynamine egaea Greater Antillean Endemic. Zapata, Cuba. False Neptis Archimestra teleboas Hispaniolan Endemic, and an endemic genus. Sierra de Bahoruco. Cuban Dagger Tail Marpesia eleuchia ssp.dospassosi. Hispaniolan endemic subspecies of Antillean endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco, 2011. ssp.eleuchia. Cuban endemic subspecies. 1 in Zapata 2012. The Royal Blue Myscelia antholia Hispaniolan Endemic. 1 at Rabo de Gato 2012. Cuban Lucinia Lucinia sida torrebia Hispaniola endemic subspecies of regional endemic. 2 in Sierra de Bahoruco 2012. [Purple Eunica Eunica tatila Several at Guanica, Puerto Rico. Riley says one record only from Puerto Rico. 2011.] [Jamaican Admiral Adelpha abyla Jamaican Endemic. 1 in Blue Mountains. 2011.] Haitian Admiral Adelpha gelania arecosa Endemic to Hispaniola and Puerto Rico. Endemic Puerto Rican subspecies. 3+ at Maricao 2012. Cuban Admiral Adelpha iphicla 2 in Zapata Cuba, only occurs on Cuba in the Antilles. White Peacock Anartia jatrophae ssp.jamaicensis. Jamaican endemic subspecies. Scattered records. ssp.guantanamo. Cuba and Cayman Islands endemic subspecies. Several on Grand Cayman, abundant on Cuba. ssp.saturata. Endemic Hispaniolan subspecies. Numerous. ssp. semifusca. Endemic Puerto Rican subspecies. A few. Malachite Siproeta stelenes ssp.stelenes. Jamaica, scattered records. Dominican Republic. ssp.insularis. Cuba and Cayman Islands endemic subspecies. Grand Cayman and common on Cuba. Caribbean Buckeye Junonia genoveva Grand Cayman. Possibly in Cuba as well as the following species. Caribbean Buckeye Junonia evarete zonalis Jamaica, scattered records. Grand Cayman. Cuba. [American Painted Lady Vanessa virginiensis Jamaica, 1 in Blue Mountains. 2011.] [Sword-tailed Hypanartia paullus Greater Antillean endemic. Jamaica, 2 in Blue Tortoiseshell Mountains. 2011.] Mexican Fritillary Euptoieta hegesia Zapata, Cuba. Grand Cayman.

Nymphalidae – Apaturinae Cuban Emperor Doxocopa laure druryi Endemic Cuban subspecies. Several in Zapata, 2012. [Purple Emperor Doxocopa thoe Hispaniolan Endemic. Riley says ‘very rare’, but I saw about 20 in Sierra de Bahoruco, about a quarter of them females. 2011.]

Nymphalidae - Charaxinae Silver King Prepona amphitoe Greater Antillean endemic. Nominate Dominican Republic. ssp.crassina. Endemic Cuban subspecies. 1 in Zapata, Cuba. 2011.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 49

Jamaican Troglodyte Anaea portia Jamaican Endemic. Hellshire Hills. Cuban Troglodyte Anaea cubana Cuban and Grand Cayman Endemic. 1 in Zapata 2011. 2 Grand Cayman 2012. Puerto Rican Troglodyte Anaea borinquenalis Puerto Rican Endemic. Guanica. [Johnson’s Leaf Butterfly Anaea johnsoni Jamaican Endemic. John Crow Mountains 2011.]

Nymphalidae - Satyrinae In the Caribbean subregion this subfamily is represented by a single endemic genus, Calisto, with a single species on each of Jamaica and Puerto Rico, three on Cuba, and a remarkable 14 in Hispaniola, where several are very rare or known only from type specimens. Jamaican Ringlet Calisto zangis Jamaican Endemic. Locally common, seen on 2 days. Common Ringlet Calisto herophile Cuban Endemic. Local in Zapata. Puerto Rican Ringlet Calisto nubila Puerto Rican Endemic. Several in El Yunque, Guanica, and Maricao. Confused Ringlet Calisto confusa Hispaniolan Endemic. Several in the south west. Obscure Ringlet Calisto obscura Hispaniolan Endemic. Several in the south west. Rusty Ringlet Calisto hysius Hispaniolan Endemic. Southern Sierra de Bahoruco 2012.

Hesperiidae - Pyrginae Mercury Skipper Proteides mercurius ssp.sanantonio. Endemic Cuban subspecies. 1, Zapata. [Jamaican Long-tail Chioides catillus churchi Jamaica, Blue Mountains and Cockpit Country. 2011.] Common Long-tailed Urbanus proteus domingo Jamaica and Dominican Republic. Skipper Dorantes Skipper Urbanus dorantes ssp.santiago. Endemic Cuban and Bahamas subspecies. Zapata. ssp.cramptoni. Dominican Republic. [Gold-spotted Aguna Aguna asander ssp.haitensis. Endemic Hispaniolan endemic. Barahona area 2011.] Guaraguao Skipper Astraptes talus Antillean endemic. Dominican Republic. [Dismal Skipper Astraptes cassander Cuban Endemic. 2 Zapata, Cuba. 2011.] [Blue-backed Skipper Astraptes xagua Cuban and Hispaniolan endemic. A few Zapata, Cuba. 2011.] [Jamaican Astraptes Astraptes jaira Jamaican Endemic. A total of 6. 2011.] Skipper Burca is an endemic West Indian genus [Cuban Burca Skipper Burca braco 1, Zapata, Cuba. 2011.] Haitian Burca Skipper Burca hispaniolae Hispaniolan Endemic. Sierra de Bahoruco. [Potrillo Skipper Cabares potrillo Sierra de Bahoruco, Dominican Republic.2011.] Jung’s Dusky Wing Achylodes thraso sagra Dominican Republic, Sierra de Bahoruco. Common Dusky Wing Gesta gesta Jamaica, Blue Mountains. Several Baharona area, Dominican Republic. [Haitian Dusky Wing Ephyriades zephodes Barahona area, Dominican Republic. Represents an endemic West Indian genus. 2011.] Tropical Chequered Pyrgus oileus Widespread and locally very common. Jamaica, Cuba, Skipper Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico Cuban Chequered Pyrgus crisia Cuban and Haitian Endemic (sic). 3 Alcoa Road, Skipper Dominican Republic 2012 was a significant record.

Hesperiidae – Hesperiinae Great Tawny Skipper Pyrrocalles antiqua Caribbean endemic, and an endemic genus. Several in Dominican Republic. Dolores Skipper Perichares philetes 2011 Jamaica, 2 in Blue Mountains. Cuba, several. Dominican Republic. 2012 Hardwar Gap, Jamaica. [Baracoa Skipper Polites baracoa Zapata, Cuba. 2011.]

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 50

[Broken Dash Skipper Wallengrenia otho vesuria Endemic Jamaican subspecies. Blue Mountains. 2011.] [Fiery Skipper Hylephila phylaeus Zapata, Cuba. 2011.] [Striped Skipper Atalopedes mesogramma apa Dominican Republic. 2011.] V-mark Skipper Choranthus vitellius Several, Humacao, Puerto Rico. Rayed Skipper Choranthus radians Cuban Endemic. Zapata 2012. Watson’s Choranthus Choranthus borinconus Puerto Rican Endemic. 2+, Maricao 2011. 2012 El Yunque. Three Spot Skipper Cymaenes tripunctus Jamaica, Cuba, scattered records. Dominican Republic. Puerto Rico. [Butler’s Branded Skipper Euphyes singularis 2 at El Yunque, Puerto Rico. 2011.] Sugar Cane Skipper Panoquina sylvicola woodruffi Caribbean subspecies. Jamaica. Cuba, several. Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, scattered records. Obscure Skipper Panoquina panoquinoides 1 on Cuba 2012. [Nyctelius Skipper Nyctelius nyctelius Jamaica, Hellshire Hills. 2011.] [Eufala Skipper Lerodea eufala Jamaica, Cuba, scattered records. 2011.] [Cuban Saliana Skipper Saliana esperi 1, Zapata, Cuba. 2011.]

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 51

Systematic List Number 4 Mammals

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

Small Indian Mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus 1 east of Port Antonio, Jamaica, and 1 on Cuba, introduced. Feral Pigs A few on Cuba 2011. Rabbit sp. La Turba. a neotropical fruit bat Artibeus jamaicensis Possibly this species in Port Antonio area. Bats Several species seen on all islands.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 52

Systematic List Number 5 Amphibians and Reptiles

This list is very provisional. The herpetofauna of the islands was quite a feature. The taxonomy and nomenclature is taken from various sources. ‘The Amphibians and Reptiles of Puerto Rico’ by Juan A.Rivero, 2nd revised edition, University of Puerto Rico 1998, was particularly useful. For this tour I bought a copy of ‘Amphibians and Reptiles of the West Indies’ by Albert Schwartz and Robert W.Henderson, University of Florida Press, 1991, a very useful catalogue.

Giant Toad Bufo marinus Guanica at night. Cuban Flathead Leaffrog Eleutherodactylus planirostris Port Antonio area, Jamaica. Eleutherodactylus antillensis Probably this species heard at Guanica, Puerto Rico. Eleutherodactylus cochranae Probably heard too in Puerto Rico. Eleutherodactylus portoricensis boo-beep call, Puerto Rico. Coqui Frog Eleutherodactylus coqui boo-beep call, Puerto Rico. Lesser Antillean Landfrog Eleutherodactylus johnstonei Strawberry Hill, Jamaica. Constantly heard. Introduced. Eleutherodactylus ?glaucorelus Port Antonio, Jamaica? Eleutherodactylus abbotti Heard at Rancho Platon, Dominican Republic. Eleutherodactylus inoptatus This species Dominican Republic ? Eleutherodactylus pentasyringos Port Antonio, Jamaica ? Leptodactylus albilabris Puerto Rico. Cuban Tree Frog Osteopilus septentrionalis On my room at Playa Larga, Zapata, Cuba. Puerto Rican Crested Toad Peltophryne lemur Guanica, Puerto Rico. Hicotea Trachemys stejnegeri 1 at Humacao, Puerto Rico. The only native non marine chelonian on the island. Trachemys decussata Parts of shell, Zapata. an Ameiva Ameiva auberi Caleta Buena, Zapata. an Ameiva Ameiva exsul Humacao, Puerto Rico. an Ameiva Ameiva wetmorei Guanica, Puerto Rico. an Anole Anolis allisoni Zapata, Cuba. an Anole Anolis alumina Possibly this species in Dominican Republic an Anole Anolis alutaceus Caleta Buena, Zapata an Anole Anolis bahorucoensis Dominican Republic an Anole Anolis barahonae Dominican Republic an Anole Anolis brevirostris Dominican Republic? an Anole Anolis coelestinus Dominican Republic an Anole Anolis conspersus Grand Cayman an Anole Anolis cooki Guanica, Puerto Rico? Puerto Rican Crested Anole Anolis cristatellus Puerto Rico. Crest on body and tail. ‘Giant green anole’ Anolis cuvieri Puerto Rico. Largehead Anole Anolis cybotes Dominican Republic. Never wholly green, erectile dorsal and nuchal crest. Bark Anole Anolis distichus Dominican Republic. lichenose, dark line between eyes, banded tail. an Anole Anolis evermanni Puerto Rico.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 53

Jamaican Giant Anole Anolis garmani Jamaica, Blue Mountains. A beautiful green species. an Anole Anolis ?sp. Another green species, Port Antonio, Jamaica. Giant Turquoise Anole Anolis grahami Port Antonio area, in shade on tree trunk. an Anole Anolis gundlachi Puerto Rico? an Anole Anolis krugi Puerto Rico? Jamaican Grey Anole Anolis lineatopus This species in Blue Mountains. an Anole Anolis olssoni Dominican Republic? Opal-bellied Anole Anolis opalinus Blue Mountains, Jamaica. an Anole Anolis poncensis Puerto Rico? Cuban Green Anole Anolis porcatus Playa Larga, Zapata, Cuba. an Anole Anolis pulchellus Puerto Rico. an Anole Anolis reconditus Hardwar Gap, Jamaica. Brown Anole Anolis sagrei Jamaica and Cuba. should be common! an Anole Anolis stratulus Guanica, Puerto Rico. Jamaican Croaking Gecko Aristitelliger praesignis Marshall’s Pen etc., Jamaica. a lizard Celestus crusculus Hellshire Hills, Jamaica. as above Gonatodes albogularis Yellowhead Gecko, House Gecko Hemidactylus brooki haitianus Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico. Hemidactylus mabouia This species seen at various sites in Jamaica? House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus Scattered records. Green Iguana Iguana iguana This spectacular lizard was noted on several days in Puerto Rico, where introduced. 1 on Grand Cayman Cuban Ground Lizard Leiocephalus cubensis Zapata. a Skink Mabuya mabouya Puerto Rico. a Skink Dominican Republic, orange tail, Casa Bonita. Ashy Gecko Sphaerodactylus elegans Cuba, stripy with reddish tail, 1 at Playa Larga, Zapata, Cuba. a gecko Sphaerodactylus macrolepis Puerto Rico. Cuban Racer Alsophis cantherigerus 1 in Zapata, Cuba, 2011. Cuban Boa Epicrates angulifer 1 in Zapata, Cuba, 2012.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 54

Systematic List Number 6 Dragonflies

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

Coenagrionidae Ischnura ramburii

Aeschnidae Anax species Coryphaeschna adnexa Coryphaeschna ingens

Libellulidae Erythemis vesiculosa Erythrodiplax fervida Erythrodiplax funerea? Eryhtrodiplax umbrata Macrothemis spp. Micrathyria spp. Orthemis ferruginea Pantala flavescens Sympetrum illotum Tramea spp.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 55

Systematic List Number 7 Some notes on the Plants

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

Ferns and allies Acrostichum aureum Leather Fern. Cuba. Grand Cayman. Asplenium spp. Blechnum occidentale Cyathea spp. Several species of tree fern were present. Lycopodiella spp. Platycerium spp. Selaginella spp. Botrychium spp. Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

Gymnosperms Pinaceae Pinus caribaea Caribbean Pine

Podocarpaceae Podocarpusurbanii Mountain Yew. Jamaican Endemic. Hardwar Gap.

Angiosperms Monocotyledons

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

Alismataceae Alisma sp.

Arecaceae Coccothrinax sp. Cocos nucifera Coconut Palm Copernicia spp. Oreodoxa regia Royal Palm Roystonia regia Cuban Royal Palm. Locally numerous on Cuba.

Bromeliaceae Bromelia sp. Tillandsia usneoides Spanish Moss Tillandsia spp. Many epiphytic species seen.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 56

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

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

Cannaceae Canna indica

Commelinaceae Commelina spp. Several species of dayflowers were seen, with two larger and one smaller petal, usually blue although a white species was seen at Blue Hole.

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

Heliconiaceae Heliconia spp.

Hypoxidaceae Hypoxis decumbens Jamaica.

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

Musaceae Musa sapientum Banana widely cultivated and naturalised.

Orchidaceae Bletia purpurea Zapata, Cuba. Campylocentrum micranthum Marshall’s Pen, Jamaica, 2011. Encyclia cochleata Marshall’s Pen, Jamaica, in cultivation, 2011. Encyclia fragrans Marshall’s Pen, Jamaica, 2011. Campylocentrum micranthum Marshall’s Pen, Jamaica, 2011. Erythrodes plantaginea El Yunque, Puerto Rico. saccate nectar spur Cyclopogon cranichoides El Yunque, Puerto Rico. pubescent sepals, lvs dark green above, purple below Vanilla claviculata Not in flower, Maricao, Puerto Rico. Pleurothallis domingensis Puerto Rico. spikes of small white flowers Polystachya foliosa Puerto Rico.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 57

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

Pontederiaceae Eichornia crassipes Water Hyacinth.

Zingiberaceae Hedychium coronarium White Ginger Lily. Jamaica. Naturalised. Hedychium gardnerianum Yellow Ginger Lily. Jamaica. Naturalised.

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

Aizoaceae Sesuvium portulacastrum

Anacardiaceae Mangifera indica Mango.

Apocynaceae Plumeria spp. Frangipani.

Aquifoliaceae Ilex macfadyenii Jamaica.

Araliaceae Schefflera sciadophyllum Jamaican Endemic. Hardwar Gap.

Aristolochiaceae Aristolochia sp. Zapata, Cuba.

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

Asteraceae Ageratina adenophora Jamaica. Ageratum conyzoides Wild Ageratum. Widespread. Ageratum gaumeri Baccharis scoparia Bitter Broom. Jamaica. Bidens pilosa Widespread. Bidens reptans tomentosa Hardwar Gap, Jamaica. Chromolaena odorata Emilia fosbergii Emilia sonchifolia Galinsoga quadriradiata Gnapthalium domingense Jamaica and Dominican Republic. Lapsana communis

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 58

Mikania cordifolia Salmea scandens Sonchus asper Prickly Sow-thistle. Sonchus oleraceus Smooth Sow-thistle. Spilanthes urens White Button. Tithonia diversifolia Mexican Sunflower. Tridax procumbens Widespread. Vernonia spp.

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

Begoniaceae Begonia acutifolia Blue Mountains. Begonia glabra Blue Mountains. Begonia minor Jamaican Endemic. Blue Mountains.

Bignoniaceae Tabebuia spp. Spathodea campanulata African Tulip Tree.

Bombacaceae Ceiba pentandra Kapok.

Boraginaceae Cynoglossum amabile Dominican Republic. Heliotropium spp. Heliotropes.

Brassicaceae Lepidium virginianum

Burseraceae Bursera simaruba Gumbo Limbo. Widespread.

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

Campanulaceae Hippobroma longiflora Horse Poison.

Caryophyllaceae Arenaria lanuginosa Jamaica.

Chenopodiaceae Salicornia bigelowii La Salina, Zapata.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 59

Chrysobalanaceae Chrysobalanus icaco Sea Plum.

Clethraceae Clethra occidentalis Blue Mountains.

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

Convolvulaceae Ipomoea fistulosa Ipomoea pes-caprae Coasts. Ipomoea spp. Quamoclit coccinea

Crassulaceae Kalanchoe pinnata

Cuscutaceae Cuscuta spp. Dodders.

Euphorbiaceae Euphorbia heterophylla Cuba. Euphorbia pulcherrima Poinsettia. Euphorbia punicea Jamaican Endemic. Jamaican Poinsettia. Ricinus communis Castor Oil Plant.

Fabaceae Mimosa pigra Mimosa pudica Sensitive Plant. Common and widespread. Mimosa hemiendyta A small shrub. Bauhinia divaricata Caesalpinia pulcherrima Pride of Barbados. Calliandra calothyrsus Cassia species Several seen. Clitoria mexicana Butterfly-pea widespread. Crotalaria spp. Delonix regia Flamboyant. Desmodium species Tick-trefoils, several present. Haematoxylum campechianum Logwood. Very common in Jamaica. Senna alata Candle Cassia. Trifolium dubium Lesser Trefoil. Trifolium repens White Clover.

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

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 60

Gesneriaceae Achimenes erecta Jamaica. Naturalised in Blue Mountains.

Lamiaceae Brillantasia owariensis Jamaica. Leonotis nepetifolia Salvia coccinea Satureja brownei

Loranthaceae Mistletoes seen were not identified.

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

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

Melastomataceae Arthrostemma ciliatum? Clidemia hirta Soap Bush. Mecranium spp. Meriania leucantha Blue Mountains, Jamaica. Miconia theaezans Miconia spp.

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

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

Myrtaceae Eugenia spp.

Nyctaginaceae Bougainvillea glabra

Onagraceae Jussiaea suffuticosa 4-petalled yellow flowers.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 61

Oxalidaceae Oxalis corniculata Oxalis debilis var.corymbosa Pink Sorrel.

Papaveraceae Bocconia frutescens Shrub with pinnately lobed leaves. Jamaica.

Passifloraceae Passiflora edulis Passiflora spp. A few other species not identified.

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

Polygonaceae Antigonon leptopus Coral Vine. Very common at low altitudes in Jamiaca and Dominican Republic, also in Cuba. Coccoloba uvifera Sea Grape. Locally dominant on coasts. Polygonum chinense Section, Jamaica.

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

Rhizophoraceae Rhizophora mangle Red Mangrove.

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

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

Scrophulariaceae Calceolaria chelidonioides Jamaica. Russelia equisetiformis Jamaica.

Solanaceae Browallia americana Jamaican Forget-me-not. Solanum spp. Several species noted, including an attractive purple flowered species in Dominican Republic.

Tiliaceae Triumfetta semitriloba Bur weed. Triumfetta bogotensis?

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 62

Urticaceae Pilea microphylla Jamaica. Pilea weddellii Jamaica. Pilea spp.

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

Viscaceae Mistletoes seen were not identified.

Greentours Natural History Holidays www.greentours.co.uk 63