Jamaica
April 7-13, 2001

Allen & Nancy Chartier

Species Accounts
    
Plants
     Butterflies 
     Dragonflies                        Lifers are in boldface, endemics are
     Amphibians                  in ALL CAPS and unusual species are underlined.
     Reptiles
     Birds
     Mammals
Plants
Although Robert pointed out and identified a number of Jamaican plants, it was difficult to keep track of them as there is no field guide to the plants of Jamaica readily available.  The only species photographed was a Jamaican Milkweed (Asclepias jamaicensis) (PHOTO).  This species looks indistinguishable from Asclepias currasiva that we've seen throughout Latin America.
Butterflies
Malachite (Siproeta stelenes) [2]
Seen only at Marshall’s Pen. The Jamaican race has a red spot on the inner hindwing that none of the other races we’ve seen (mainly in South America) has.
Mexican Fritillary (Euptoeta hegesia) [8]
A couple of adults and a number of caterpillars were on their primary host plant (Turnera) in the gardens at Marshall’s Pen.
JAMAICAN RINGLET (Calisto zangis) [5]
First seen at Marshall’s Pen, then also in other locations (i.e., cockpit country and the Port Royal Mountains).
Antillean Hairstreak (Strymon acis discolor) [1]  PHOTO
Seen extremely well, and photographed, at Hector’s River.
Soldier (Danaus eresimus) [1]
Seen along the roadside on the way to the Black River Morass.
Queen (Danaus gilippus) [2]
Seen mainly at the Portland Point area and on the way to Kingston.
Julia (Dryas julia delila) [15]
Endemic subspecies. Seen several places.
Zebra (Heliconius charitonius) [30]
Common in higher elevation forests throughout the trip.
AMAICAN ASTRAPTES SKIPPER (Astraptes jaira) [3]
All were along the Ecclesdown Road near the John Crow Mountains.

 

Dragonflies
Seaside Dragonlet (Erythrodiplax berenice) [100]  PHOTO
All were seen in the mangroves and along the beaches at the Portland Point area.

 

Amphibians
FROG (Eleutherodactylus nubicola) [4]
Heard at the Starlight Chalet in the Port Royal Mountains.
FROG (Eleutherodactylus pantoni) [100]
The most commonly heard frog (tick tick), heard nearly everywhere we went in forested areas.
FROG (Eleutherodactylus gossei) [2]
Heard at the Starlight Chalet in the Port Royal Mountains.
FROG (Eleutherodactylus johnstonei) [1]
Heard at the Starlight Chalet in the Port Royal Mountains.
TREE FROG (Hyla wilderi) [5]
Heard calling near Burnt Hill in the cockpit country.

 

Reptiles
ANOLE (Anolis garmani) [1]
A large green lizard seen at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary.
ANOLE (Anolis grahami) [1]
A medium-sized green Anole with a bluish head seen at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary.
ANOLE (Anolis opalinus) [9]  PHOTO
First seen at the Rocklands Bird Sanctuary, and subsequently seen at many other locations. A brown Anole with an intricate back pattern.
ANOLE (Anolis lineatopus) [1]
A brown Anole with a wavy pale line down the center of the back seen at Marshall’s Pen.
GECKO (Sphaerodactylus sp.) [2]
A six-inch pale gecko seen on the walls at Marshall’s Pen.

 

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) [30PHOTO
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.

 

Mammals
Indian Mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) [6]
Introduced. Unfortunately, we saw several of these ravenous predators of bird’s nests along roadsides throughout the island.