Birds
A total of 125 species was seen, including all of the island’s
endemic species and subspecies. This included 34 life birds for us.
1. Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus)
[5]
Three were in a small artificial pond at Marshall's Pen and two were at
a pond on the drive from Marshall's Pen to the Port Royal Mountains.
2. Pied-billed Grebe (Podilymbus
podiceps) [12]
All were at the Upper Black River Morass.
3. White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon
lepturus) [4]
All were along the coast at Hector's River.
4. Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata
magnificens) [75]
Two were overhead at Montego Bay, and the rest were along the southeast
coast near Kingston and near Port Royal.
5. Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
[16]
Seen onlyh along the southeast coast near Kingston and near Port Royal.
6. West Indian Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna
arborea) [15]
All were at the Upper Black River Morass.
7. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna
autumnalis) [3]
Along the road near the fields as we were leaving the Upper Black River
Morass. Rare in Jamaica.
8. Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors)
[20]
All were at the Upper Black River Morass.
9. Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)
[36]
Almost all were at the Upper Black River Morass and in the Portland
Point area. One was along the south coast near Kingston.
10. Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)
[3]
All were in the Portland Point area.
11. Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) [22]
Most were at the Upper Black River Morass and the Portland Point area.
One was near Montego Bay and a few were near our hotel by the airport
near Kingston.
12. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
[6]
Most were at the Upper Black River Morass, and one was at the Portland
Point area.
13. Great Egret (Ardea alba) [37]
Most were at the Upper Black River Morass and the Portland Point area.
Others were at Montego Bayand along the road into the cockpit country.
14. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
[525]
Seen nearly everywhere.
15. Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
[3]
All were at the Upper Black River Morass.
16. Yellow-crowned Night-Heron (Nyctanassa
violacea) [1]
Only seen along the road in the Portland Point area.
17. Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax
nycticorax) [100]
All were at the Upper Black River Morass.
18. Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
[3]
Seen in one group at the Upper Black River Morass.
19. Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
[250]
Seen nearly everywhere.
20. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis
jamaicensis) [6]
Most were seen flying overhead on the western half of the island.
21. American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
[30]
Seen nearly everywhere, mostly along roadsides and mostly the resident
white-bellied Jamaican race. Some were seen flying through forested
areas, and some were in Cockpit Country where Robert Sutton feels they
may be responsible for the decline (or extirpation) of Golden Swallow in
Jamaica. A few of the much darker "Cuban" race were seen on
the extreme eastern end of the island, including a pair tending a nest
with three young poking their heads out of the nest hole in a hollow
tree.
22. Clapper Rail (Rallus longirostris) [2]
One was heard at the Upper Black River Morass and one was hear in the
mangroves in the Portland Point area.
23. Purple Gallinule (Porphyrula martinica) [1]
Seen at the Upper Black River Morass.
24. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) [15]
Most were at the Upper Black River Morass and all others were at the
Portland Point area.
25. American Coot (Fulica americana) [62]
A few were along the runways at Montego Bay, with most at the Upper
Black River Morass.
26. Caribbean Coot (Fulica caribaea) [3]
Seen only at the Upper Black River Morass.
27. Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) [3]
All were at the Upper Black River Morass.
28. Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa) [1]
Seen only at the Upper Black River Morass.
29. Greater Yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca) [4]
All were in the Portland Point area.
30. Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes) [2]
Both were in the Portland Point area.
31. Spotted Sandpiper (Actitis macularia) [4]
One was at Marshall's Pen and three were at the Upper Black River
Morass.
32. Willet (Cataptrophorus semipalmatus) [2]
Both were in the Portland Point area.
33. Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) [10]
All were along the causeway out to the airport near Kingston.
34. Least Sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) [25]
All were in the Portland Point area.
35. Black-necked Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus) [25]
Most were in the Upper Black River Morass, with the remainder at the
Portland Point area.
36. Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) [5]
Most were at the Portland Point area, with on along the causeway out to
the Kingston airport.
37. Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) [2]
Both were at the Portland Point area.
38. Wilson's Plover (Charadrius wilsonia) [2]
Both were at the Portland Point area.
39. Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) [2]
Both were at the Portland Point area.
40. Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla) [51]
One was offshore at Montego Bay. All others were along the causeway near
the Kingston airport.
41. Royal Tern (Sterna maxima) [9]
All were in the Port Royal area and along the causeway to the Kingston
airport.
42. Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) [11]
All were near Port Royal and the Kingston airport.
43. Rock Dove (Columba livia) [17]
Seen mainly in the Kingston area and surrounding small cities.
44. White-crowned Pigeon (Columba leucocephala) [17]
Sparsely distributed throughout, primarily over forested areas, and
almost all seen only in flight.
45. RING-TAILED PIGEON (Columba caribaea) [15]
First seen near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country, with equal numbers
also in the Port Royal Mountains and the John Crow Mountains. Most were
seen in flight, distinguished by their long necks, but a couple were
seen perched and viewed in the scope.
46. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura) [10]
Seen in one group as they flushed from the roadside near Portland Point.
47. Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita) [38]
A few seen at most locations throughout.
48. White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) [52]
Fairly common at most locations throughout.
49. Common Ground-Dove (Columbina passerina) [172]
Common at nearly all locations.
50. Caribbean Dove (Leptotila jamaicensis jamaicensis) [8]
Endemic subspecies. Seen very well at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary and
at Marshall's Pen. Others were heard in the Cockpit Country.
51. CRESTED QUAIL-DOVE (Geotrygon versicolor) [8]
One along the road between Silver Hill Gap and Hardwar Gap in the Port
Royal Mountains gave us incredible views as it sat calling in the open
about 15 yards away. Others were heard calling here, in the Cockpit
Country, and in the John Crow Mountains.
52. Ruddy Quail-Dove (Geotrygon montana) [3]
Seen briefly as they flew out of the forest and along the roads in the
John Crow Mountains. More individuals were seen by others.
53. Olive-throated Parakeet (Aratinga nana nana) [109]
Very common at Marshall's Pen and the Cockpit Country. Has a more
staccato call note than Central American birds, and appears to have a
larger bill and more extensive olive on the underparts.
54. Green-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus) [22]
Introduced into the Caribbean. Most common at Marshall's Pen, where one
was seen visiting a nest. Also seen in the Portland Point area and in
the Cockpit Country.
55. YELLOW-BILLED PARROT (Amazona collaria) [6]
Seen fairly well, though mostly in flight, near Burnt Hill in the
Cockpit Country where Robert Sutton told us it was usually more common
than the next species. One was heard calling at the John Crow Mountains.
56. BLACK-BILLED PARROT (Amazona agilis) [20]
Scope views of perched birds, as well as a number of flyovers, near
Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country.
57. Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor) [2]
One was seen well at the Upper Black River Morass and another seen
briefly in the mangroves in the Portland Point area.
58. CHESTNUT-BELLIED CUCKOO (Hyetornis pluvialis) [4]
Two were seen well at Marshall's Pen and two others were seen fairly
well near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country.
59. JAMAICAN LIZARD-CUCKOO (Saurothera vetula) [2]
Both were seen very well, as they were quite responsive to tape. One was
near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country, and the second was in the John
Crow Mountains.
60. Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani) [25]
A few individuals at scattered locations, mainly in open areas.
61. JAMAICAN OWL (Pseudoscops grammicus) [2]
Seen well at Marshall's Pen, where they were called in with tape one
morning after they were heard spontaneously calling. Oddly,
efforts with tape the previous night were completely unsuccessful.
62. Northern Potoo (Nyctibius jamaicensis jamaicensis) [1]
PHOTO
Endemic subspecies. Seen perched in the open on a bare tree at
Marshall's Pen. We couldn't determine whether the bird was on a nest or
not as its belly feathers covered the knot on the branch quite
thoroughly. The next day, when Allen returned to photograph it, it
preened twice, and even opened its eyes slightly.
63. White-collared Swift (Streptoprocne zonaris) [65]
Seen overhead from the Starlight Chalet in the Port Royal Mountains.
Most were flying overhead along the eastern shore where we stopped to
change a flat tire on one of the vans.
64. Antillean Palm-Swift (Tachornis phoenicobia) [29]
Nearly endemic, found only on Hispaniola and Jamaica. First seen over
Montego Bay. Fairly common at Marshall's Pen.
65. JAMAICAN MANGO (Anthracothorax mango) [9] PHOTO
First seen at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Also seen at the Upper Black
River Morass, the Cockpit Country, and the Portland Point area.
66. RED-BILLED STREAMERTAIL (Trochilus polytmus) [105] PHOTO
First seen at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Common in most areas of the
island, except where the next species occurs.
67. BLACK-BILLED STREAMERTAIL (Polytmus scitulus) [4]
Seen well along the Ecclesdown Road in the foothills of the John Crow
Mountains. Does not seem as confiding, or as aggressive as the previous
species. This species is sometimes lumped with Red-billed Streamertail.
68. Vervain Hummingbird (Mellisuga minima minima) [39]
Nearly endemic, and an endemic subspecies. Found only on Hispaniola and
Jamaica. Seen well at Marshall's Pen as well as in the Port Royal
Mountains. Unexpectedly numerous in the mangroves in the Portland Point
area. Does this species undertake altitudinal migrations? Also seen at
the Upper Black River Morass and the foothills of the John Crow
Mountains.
69. Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon) [3]
Seen at the Upper Black River Morass, along the northeast coast, and
along the eastern coast of the island.
70. JAMAICAN TODY (Todus todus) [30] PHOTO
Singles or pairs in lightly forested areas, or gardens, throughout.
Excellent views at Marshall's Pen. At least one was seen flying out of a
nest hole in the Port Royal Mountains. Has an interesting falling leaf
style of foraging.
71. JAMAICAN WOODPECKER (Melanerpes radiolatus) [28]
First seen at the Rocklands. Found at most locations in a variety
of habitats.
72. JAMAICAN ELAENIA (Myiopagis cotta) [4]
First seen at Marshall's Pen, where we had our best views. Also seen at
Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country, the Port Royal Mountains, and the
foothills of the John Crow Mountains.
73. Greater Antillean Elaenia (Elaenia fallax) [2]
Nearly endemic. Found only on Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Cuba, but
migrates away from Jamaica in winter to unknown wintering grounds. The
first one was behind the Starlight Chalet in the Port Royal Mountains,
and another was near Hardwar Gap in the same general area. Robert was
expecting them to be back from their wintering grounds, but they were
much less common than he anticipated.
74. JAMAICAN PEWEE (Contopus pallidus) [10] PHOTO
Seen at Marshall's Pen and in the Cockpit Country. Most common in the
Port Royal Mountains near Hardwar Gap. A family group was conspicuous
near the Starlight Chalet.
75. Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii) [1]
Apparently a rare migrant, or a rarely detected migrant, in Jamaica.
Seen well near the Starlight Chalet. Alder Flycatcher couldn't really be
eliminated because the bird didn't call, but it appears that Alder
Flycatcher is a circum-Gulf migrant and may not occur in the Caribbean
whereas Willow Flycatcher has been recorded from Jamaica before (though
rarely).
This bird had a clean white throat separated from whitish underparts by
a diffuse chest "band". The back was uniform olive-brown and
the bird had two white wing bars. The secondaries had very narrow pale
edging, but there were no other markings on the wing. The bird had a
very narrow, but distinct, whitish eye ring. The lower mandible was
orange with a very small dusky tip.
76. SAD FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus barbirostris) [21]
PHOTO
A small Myiarchus flycatcher, looking a lot like a Dusky-capped
Flycatcher. The most frequently encountered Myiarchus in Jamaica, with
singles or pairs at most forested areas. Neither the demeanor nor the
calls of this species are particularly sad.
77. RUFOUS-TAILED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus validus) [7]
Slightly larger than a Great Crested Flycatcher, and equally as
flamboyant. First heard at Marshall's Pen, where we also had very good
scope views. Also seen well in the Port Royal Mountains and the
foothills of the John Crow Mountains.
78. Stolid Flycatcher (Myiarchus stolidus) [7]
Nearly endemic, and an endemic subspecies. Found only on Hispaniola and
Jamaica. A very responsive individual in the Cockpit Country was taped
in from across a wide valley. The bird approached silently, then was
suddenly was in a small tree very close to all of us. Also seen in the
Portland Point area where they were also rather confiding.
79. Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis) [44]
Fairly common along roadsides and in openings in forested areas.
Apparently migrates to South America for the winter.
80. Loggerhead Kingbird (Tyrannus caudifasciatus jamaicensis) [84]
An endemic subspecies. These birds did look different from those we've
seen in the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. A common roadside bird, and more
common in forest openings than the previous species.
81. JAMAICAN BECARD (Pachyramphus niger) [5]
A pair at a large nest was seen at Marshall's Pen, along with an
immature male and female in another area there. One was seen in the
foothills of the John Crow Mountains.
82. JAMAICAN CROW (Corvus jamaicensis) [15]
One was heard giving its "caw" call at the Rocklands Bird
Sanctuary. Most were near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country, where a few
of their "jabbering" calls were heard. These calls are similar
to the Flores Crow that we heard in Indonesia, and the Hawaiian Crow.
Apparenly, "jabbering" is a common development in island
crows. A few were in the foothills of the John Crow Mountains.
83. JAMAICAN VIREO (Vireo modestus) [34]
First seen at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Fairly common at Marshall's
Pen, and most common in the Port Royal Mountains. Extremely variable in
vocal patterns.
84. BLUE MOUNTAIN VIREO (Vireo osburni) [8]
The first one was seen near the van at Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country
along with another farther along the road, but not seen as well. Most
were seen in the Port Royal Mountains, where they provided good views.
Doesn't look much like a typical vireo, but rather looks more like a
greenlet.
85. Black-whiskered Vireo (Vireo altiloquus) [104]
Common throughout the island in most habitat types from forest to
gardens.
86. Rufous-throated Solitaire (Myadestes genibarbis solitarius) [21]
PHOTO
An endemic subspecies. Many were heard, and a few seen quite well, in
the Port Royal Mountains. Not seen at other locations, as this species
inhabits higher elevations.
87. WHITE-CHINNED THRUSH (Turdus aurantius) [48] PHOTO
First seen at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Very common and conspicuous
at Marshall's Pen, the Cockpit Country, the Port Royal Mountains, and
the foothills of the John Crow Mountains.
88. WHITE-EYED THRUSH (Turdus jamaicensis) [29]
First seen at Marshall's Pen where it was most numerous and most
conspicuous. Also found in the Cockpit Country, the Port Royal
Mountains, and the foothills of the John Crow Mountains where they were
less conspicuous than the previous species.
89. Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) [44]
A few individuals at most open areas we visited throughout the island.
90. Bahama Mockingbird (Mimus gundlachii hillii) [3]
An endemic subspecies. Restricted only to arid areas in Jamaica, which
are confined to the Portland Point area and nearby areas. We had good
scope views here, and these birds looked distinctly browner than those
we've seen in the Bahamas.
91. European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) [13]
A few seen at Marshall's Pen, the Upper Black River Morass, and the
Portland Point area. Unfortunately, birds were seen nesting.
92. Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) [5]
Seen only at the Upper Black River Morass.
93. Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) [30]
Seen only at the Upper Black River Morass.
94. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) [18]
A few were near Montego Bay and at Marshall's Pen. Most were at the
Portland Point area.
95. Cave Swallow (Petrochelidon fulva) [60]
Several pairs were nesting under the buildings at Marshall's Pen, where
all were seen. Apparently there were others nesting in other places on
the property.
96. Northern Parula (Parula americana) [4]
One was at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, one was at Marshall's Pen, and
two were in the Port Royal Mountains.
97. Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia eoa) [13]
An endemic subspecies, also found in the Cayman islands. While they
appeared the same as eastern North American birds, their song was quite
different. Seen at the Upper Black River Morass and the Portland Point
area.
98. Magnolia Warbler (Dendroica magnolia) [1]
Seen only in the mangroves at the Portland Point area.
99. Cape May Warbler (Dendroica tigrina) [1]
A breeding plumaged male seen in a garden in the Port Royal Mountains.
100. Black-throated Blue Warbler (Dendroica caerulescens) [40]
PHOTO
The commonest wintering North American warbler in Jamaica. Seen in most
areas of forest and scrub. Mostly males were seen, with a handful of
females.
101. Black-throated Green Warbler (Dendroica virens) [3]
One was at Marshall's Pen, one was at the Starlight Chalet, and one was
near Hardwar Gap in the Port Royal Mountains.
102. Prairie Warbler (Dendroica discolor) [9]
First seen at the Upper Black River Morass. Others were in the Port
Royal Mountains, the Cockpit Country, and the Portland Point area.
103. Palm Warbler (Dendroica palmarum) [7]
Most were in the Portland Point area, with one in the Port Royal
Mountains.
104. ARROW-HEADED WARBLER (Dendroica pharetra) [10]
First seen near Burnt Hill in the Cockpit Country where we had very good
views. Also seen in the Port Royal Mountains and the foothills of the
John Crow Mountains.
105. Black-and-white Warbler (Mniotilta varia) [15]
One or two in most of the forested areas we visited.
106. American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) [24]
At least a couple in every forested patch, or scrubby area, throughout
the island. Mostly adult males. A few yellow-plumaged birds were seen,
but not well enough to confirm their sex.
107. Swainson's Warbler (Limnothlypis swainsonii) [1]
Seen very briefly by Allen near Hardwar Gap. The bird disappeared as
quickly as it appeared, scared off by a large, noisy truck that came up the
road at the same instant. Unfortunately, this would have been a
lifer for more than one participant, but calling out the bird's name
would have been downright dangerous even if my voice could have been
heard above the noise! Known to winter in Jamaica, but difficult to observe.
108. Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapillus) [6]
The first one was at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary. Others were in more
heavily forested areas.
109. Northern Waterthrush (Seiurus noveboracensis) [2]
Both were in mangroves in the Portland Point area.
110. Common Yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) [10]
Seen at various locations, mostly adult males, and mostly in cleared
areas.
111. Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum savannarum) [3]
An endemic subspecies. One was heard singing briefly at the Upper Black
River Morass. Seen along the road between the Cockpit Country and
Marshall's Pen. More richly colored than our birds in Michigan.
112. Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola flaveola) [215]
An endemic subspecies. Common virtually everywhere on the island.
113. JAMAICAN SPINDALIS (Spindalis nigricephala) [75]
Seen well at Marshall's Pen, but more numerous in the Cockpit Country
and in the Port Royal Mountains. A few were also in the foothills of the
John Crow Mountains.
114. JAMAICAN EUPHONIA (Euphonia jamaica) [28]
Similar to the Plumbeous Euphonia of South America, to which it is
apparently most closely related. First seen briefly at the Rocklands
Bird Sanctuary, with better views at Marshall's Pen. Most numerous in
the Cockpit Country and in the Port Royal Mountains.
115. Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola) [3]
Introduced. All were seen along the road in the Portland Point area.
116. Yellow-faced Grassquit (Tiaris olivacea) [80]
Fairly common in most areas we visited, most often in association with
the next species.
117. Black-faced Grassquit (Tiaris bicolor) [200]
Common in most areas of the island. Their singing, along with
Bananaquits, was nearly constant throughout the trip.
118. YELLOW-SHOULDERED GRASSQUIT
(Loxipasser anoxanthus) [12]
First seen well at Marshall's Pen. The best view was in the Cockpit
Country, and others were heard in the Portland Point area and the Port
Royal Mountains.
119. Greater Antillean Bullfinch (Loxigilla violacea ruficollis) [13]
An endemic subspecies. Seen well at Marshall's Pen. Others were in the
Portland Point area, in the Port Royal Mountains, and the foothills of
the John Crow Mountains.
120. ORANGEQUIT (Euneornis campestris) [42]
An odd bird of uncertain relationships. First seen at the Rocklands Bird
Sanctuary. Seen well at Marshall's Pen, the Cockpit Country, the Port
Royal Mountains, and in the foothills of the John Crow Mountains.
121. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) [5]
One was in the Portland Point area and the others were near Hardwar Gap
in the Port Royal Mountains.
122. JAMAICAN ORIOLE (Icterus leucopteryx) [30]
Initially not a very attractive oriole, as it isn't really orange but
more of an olive yellow. First seen at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary.
Most common at Marshall's Pen. Also seen well in the Cockpit Country and
in the Port Royal Mountains.
123. JAMAICAN BLACKBIRD (Nesopsar nigerrimus) [2]
First spotted by Nancy as it came in to a spot that it favored, where we
had been waiting and playing tape for about a half hour. This species'
bill is shaped most like a meadowlark's, and it feeds almost exclusively
in bromeliads (though we saw it feeding in moss on tree trunks). Seen at
a traditional spot at Hardwar Gap in the Port Royal Mountains. Another
was seen, and watched for much longer, in the foothills of the John Crow
Mountains.
124. Greater Antillean Grackle (Quiscalus niger crassirostris) [105]
An endemic subspecies. Seen mostly around human habitations
125. Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) [3]
Two were at Marshall's Pen, and one was in the Portland Point area.
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