puerto rico birding tours

Puerto Rico

Birding Trips

HEAD OUT ON YOUR NEXT Birding ADVENTURE

We are puerto rico birding trips.

Welcome to Puerto Rico Birding trips, let us plan your birding or nature adventure in Puerto Rico. We have ten years of experience and guided hundreds of successful birdwatching and nature tours so let us plan you trip. Whether you are a hardcore birder looking to see all 17 endemic birds or a more slow-paced bird enjoyer. We also plan other nature trips for the average nature lover. Nature interpretive walk, and hiking trips on some of the most scenery trails on the Island.

More About Julio

Birding Tours

Other Tours (coming soon)

Be the first to know subscribe to stay up to date with news and blog post. .

Thanks for subscribing!

• DESTINATIONS
• SEARCH FOR TOURS or QUICK LINKS
• TOUR CALENDAR
• REPORTS & PHOTOS
• BIRDS OF A FEATHER SERIES
• PHOTO GALLERY ARCHIVE
• GUIDES & STAFF
• LATEST NEWS
• HEALTH PROTOCOLS
• PRIVATE TOURS
• JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
• ABOUT FIELD GUIDES
• INFO & POLICIES
• TRAVEL RESOURCES
• GUIDING CAREERS

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico, the easternmost island of the Greater Antilles, is an exciting birding destination, harboring 19 endemic species of birds. Additionally, this US territory features fine facilities and a good road system that make birding in Puerto Rico a comfortable and rewarding experience.

We'll explore stretches of intact habitat ranging from montane rainforest to dry coastal forest and scrub. We'll hit the "haystack hills" in search of birds like Puerto Rican Flycatcher, Scaly-naped Pigeon, Puerto Rican Vireo, Adelaide's Warbler, and Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, with a good chance of the very rare Puerto Rican Parrot. The charming southwestern corner of the island holds dry forest, mangroves, and rich wetlands where we'll look for the tiny Puerto Rican Tody, nocturnal West Indian Whistling-Duck, the critically endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, and the uncommon and local Puerto Rican Nightjar. In Maricao State Forest, we hope to find the Elfin-woods Warbler and the unique Puerto Rican Tanager (recently placed in its own family, Nesospingidae), as well as a few other specialties including Puerto Rican Euphonia, Lesser Antillean Pewee, Puerto Rican Oriole, Puerto Rican Spindalis, Green Mango, and the unusual Puerto Rican Owl.

Finally, we'll explore the southeastern corner of the island to search for White-cheeked Pintail and Caribbean Coot, along with Least Bittern, Green-throated Carib, and the fetching Antillean Crested Hummingbird. Puerto Rican birding is a delight, an easy introduction to the Greater Antillean avifauna, and a must for anyone who loves island birding anywhere.

Select the KEY INFO tab or click here for our itinerary plus space requests, status, fees, limits, and guides for any departure.

Client comment "We had a very good time on the tour and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Guide Tom Johnson is the best. He is incredibly knowledgeable, thoughtful, considerate, communicates well, was well-prepared for the field breakfasts and mid-morning snacks, etc. Couldn't ask for more. The tour manager and office staff were very helpful and prompt in responding." B.B., PUERTO RICO 2019

ITINERARIES • TOUR STATUS • DETAILS • SPACE REQUESTS

• 2024 sample (PDF)
• 2025 (PDF expected May 2024)

DEPARTURES • We have 2 departures currently scheduled through 2026, with details including limits, guides, fees, and space available listed below.

Feb 9-15, 2025 Guided by: Cory Gregory Tour Manager: Ruth Kuhl Tour Limit: 7 Status: Provisionally full; waitlist available - The itinerary has not been finalized for this tour. The trip has provisionally filled but, if you are interested, we can waitlist you for the trip. As we do not require deposits until the itinerary and price are finalized, we often have folks drop off a tour when the deposit is required, and so space opens up! Click below to be waitlisted for this tour with no obligation; if you are waitlisted, we will also notify you in case of an added departure of this tour. Tour Fee: Fee TBD / 2024=$3450 REQUEST WAITLIST OR MORE INFO

Feb 8-14, 2026 Guide: TBA Tour Manager: TBA Tour Limit: 7 Status: Open - Space is still available on this tour, and we are accepting provisional bookings. No deposit is required until you receive the itinerary. Click below to book space. Tour Fee: Fee TBD / 2024=$3450 REQUEST SPACE OR MORE INFO

Enjoy looking through the 7 most recent Field Guides triplists for this tour linked below!

• 2024 (Feb departure guided by Cory Gregory)
• 2023 (Feb departure guided by Tom Johnson)
• 2022 (Feb departure guided by Eric Hynes)
• 2022 (Feb departure guided by Tom Johnson)
• 2021 (Dec departure guided by Tom Johnson)
• 2019 (Mar departure guided by Tom Johnson)
• 2017 (Mar departure guided by Tom Johnson & Doug Gochfeld)

Puerto Rico

• Great birding in an interesting Caribbean Island
• Lots of endemics, including Puerto Rican Tody and Elfin Woods Warbler
• A chance to see the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot

Tour Overview

Puerto Rico, a truly delightful island, has a marvelous array of different habitats, from sandy beaches and mangroves to dry arid scrub forest and surprisingly lush and verdant tropical montane forests.

Puerto Rico has its fair share of endemics, ranging from the delightful and exquisite Puerto Rican Tody to the highly endangered and very local Puerto Rican Parrot. Some endemics such as Puerto Rican Bullfinch and Puerto Rican Woodpecker are widespread, while others are decidedly local, such as Elfin Woods Warbler, first discovered in 1971, Puerto Rican Nightjar, thought to be extinct before its rediscovery in 1961, and the endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird.

We also visit the José Luis Vivaldi Lugo Aviary, located in the Rio Abajo Forest Preserve, for a chance to see the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot in the wild.

Dates & Prices

Dates & prices, what's included, tour price includes.

• All accommodations (simple to modern)
• Ground transportation
• Guides - one EET guide with 4 - 8 participants, two EET guides with 9 - 12 participants
• Park, conservation and entry fees

Tour Price Does Not Include

• Flights to and from start/end location
• Items of a personal nature
• Travel Insurance

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Rico

Our Puerto Rico birding tour starts at our hotel in San Juan for a meet-and-greet before supper. Night in San Juan.

Day 2: Sierra de Luquillo

We leave the bustling city of San Juan and head to the town of Luquillo, situated at the northeastern end of the island. We spend most of these two days exploring the Caribbean National Forest in the Luquillo Mountains. The Caribbean National Forest covers about 25,000 acres (10,000 hectares) and receives high amounts of rainfall which result in dense rainforest on the lower slopes of El Yunque, a peak which rises to 3494ft (1065m). Higher altitudes have palm forests with dwarf forest on the highest peaks.

There are plenty of endemic goodies here – the attractive Puerto Rican Woodpecker, the drab Puerto Rican Tanager, Puerto Rican Emerald, the superb Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Spindalis and Puerto Rican Bullfinch. Scaly-naped Pigeon, Loggerhead Kingbird and Red-legged Thrush occur here, and Green Mangos are found near fast running water. In the evening we may try for the virtual endemic Puerto Rican Screech-Owl, an atypical screech-owl as it lacks ear tufts! Night near Luquillo.

Day 3: Humacao

We leave the Luquillo Mountains and head to the Humacao Nature Reserve where we look for Antillean Crested Hummingbird, Green-throated Carib, White-cheeked Pintail, Caribbean Coot, and several herons including Least Bittern, egrets and other wetland birds. We then drive west across the island to the town of Arecibo about 50 miles (90 km) west of San Juan. Night in Arecibo.

Day 4: Rio Abajo State Forest

We leave very early this morning and head to the Rio Abajo State Forest reserve, located south of the town of Arecibo. Our target species is the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot, one of the rarest birds in the West Indes. A breeding and reintroduction program is underway at the José Luis Vivaldi Lugo Aviary, located in the forest preserve; released birds have been breeding successfully in the wild for several years now, and we have a chance for seeing one of the wild individuals around the aviary. Here we will also have further opportunities to see Puerto Rico’s endemic avifauna – species such as Puerto Rican Vireo, Puerto Rican Tody and Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo – as well as opportunities for Ruddy and Key West Quail-Doves.

We will then carry on heading south across the island to the town of Guanica. Night near Ponce.

Day 5: Maricao National Forest

In the morning, we leave early and drive north to Maricao National Forest, at the western end of the Cordilleran Central. At this higher altitude, lush forest covers the montane slopes, and a wide variety of the islands endemics can be found. Our main target bird here is the Elfin-woods Warbler, a secretive and fast-moving warbler discovered as recently as 1971, and we spend quite a bit of time searching for this species. Whilst doing so, we should relocate Green Mango, Puerto Rican Emerald, and Puerto Rican Tody, and find Puerto Rican Pewee and Antillean Euphonia.

In the afternoon, we head back to our hotel for a break so that we are well rested for an evening excursion to search for the endangered Puerto Rican Nightjar. Night near Ponce.

Day 6: Guanica National Forest

Today we visit the Guanica National Forest spending time searching for species not yet found in the montane forests. In the dry scrub forest of Guanica we look for Pearly-eyed Thrasher, Puerto Rican Vireo, Black-whiskered Vireo, Puerto Rican Bullfinch, Adelaide’s Warbler, as well as the amazing Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo. We also visit the coastal mangroves and sand spits along the coast, looking for shorebirds, Mangrove Cuckoo, Caribbean Eleania, and perhaps Troupial.

Later, we drive along the coastal highway to the southwest part of the island where we should see the endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird. Population numbers of the blackbird appear to be on the increase, owing in part to a control program aimed at cowbirds. Night near Ponce.

Day 7: Return to San Juan

We spend the morning looking for species we might have missed up to now, perhaps visiting Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge for an opportunity to see scarce waterfowl such as Masked Duck and West Indian Whistling-Duck, as well as further chances for Adelaide’s Warbler, and introduced species like waxbills and munias. We then drive back to San Juan where we spend the night.

Day 8: Departure

Our Puerto Rico birding tour ends today and you can transfer to the airport anytime today for the flights home.

What to Expect

Puerto Rico provides some surprisingly exciting birding. Most of the endemics are fairly easy to find, and we make determined efforts to find those that can prove elusive, such as Elfin Woods Warbler. We have some early morning starts and pre-breakfast journeys to maximize our time in the field. Roads are generally very good throughout our Puerto Rico birding tour. On some days, we make evening excursions to search for nocturnal species. Usually, hiking will be easy to moderate. On most days we have a picnic lunch at a site or call in at a local restaurant.

The weather should be warm and sunny, and rain is possible. A light, waterproof jacket is, therefore, advised, as are stout walking shoes or boots. Generally, we stay in good hotels. In the evenings, we eat at our hotel or a nearby restaurant, where we spend a relaxing evening to review the day’s bird list and discuss the itinerary for the next day.

Featured Wildlife

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds or mammals listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour.

• Puerto Rican Parrot
• Puerto Rican Tody
• Yellow-shouldered Blackbird
• Elfin Woods Warbler
• Adelaide’s Warbler
• Puerto Rican Screech-Owl
• Puerto Rican Nightjar
• Puerto Rican Spindalis
• Puerto Rican Woodpecker
• Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo
• Puerto Rican Bullfinch
• Puerto Rican Tanager

Past Tour Checklists

View the list of birds and other wildlife we encountered on our past tours.

• Puerto Rico birding tour species list 2024
• Puerto Rico birding tour species list 2020
• Puerto Rico species list 2017

Trip Reports & Inspiration

Tour reviews, you might also like.

Trinidad & Tobago

• Conservation
• In the media
• Birding blog
• How to book
• Booking FAQs
• Plan your trip
• Land Tour FAQs
• Insurance FAQ

WHERE WE GO

• Mexico & Central America
• South America
• Australia & New Zealand

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

888-875-9453

[email protected]

BirdsCaribbean Partnership Tour

Puerto rico: birding the island of enchantment, tour focus birds & wildlife.

• Tour Name * If not already completed, please enter the tour name above.
• Your Name * First Last
• Questions *
• Yes, please add me to your email list!

Book My Tour

• PUERTO RICO: Birding the Island of Enchantment Quantity Deposit/Payment per Person:
• 2024 :: December 03 - December 08
• 2025 :: January 02 - January 07
• 2025 :: February 04 - February 09
• Name * First Last
• Address * Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czechia Côte d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guernsey Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard Island and McDonald Islands Holy See Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Isle of Man Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jersey Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macao Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Réunion Saint Barthélemy Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Sweden Switzerland Syria Arab Republic Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania, the United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Türkiye US Minor Outlying Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Åland Islands Country
• Mobile Phone *
• Yes, please send me emails of Wildside news and updates!
• Number of People * 1 2 3 4 5 Please choose the number of people for whom you are registering. For more than 4 people, please contact us at 888-875-9453
• Traveler 2 Name * First Last
• Traveler 2 Email
• Traveler 2 Mobile Phone
• Traveler 3 Name * First Last
• Traveler 3 Email
• Traveler 3 Mobile Phone
• Traveler 4 Name * First Last
• Traveler 4 Email
• Traveler 4 Mobile Phone
• Traveler 5 Name * First Last
• Traveler 5 Email
• Traveler 5 Mobile Phone
• I will be traveling with my roommate who is registering separately
• I prefer a single room, where available, and will pay the single supplement. I understand that on some trips this option is not available.
• Please find a roommate for me... I do understand that if no roommate is available I may be charged the single room fee
• Total $0.00
• Credit Card American Express Discover MasterCard Visa Supported Credit Cards: American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa Card Number Month 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 Year 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 2041 2042 2043 Expiration Date   Security Code Cardholder Name
• My Roommate's Name Is * First Last
• Roommate's Email *
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

SCHEDULED TOURS

Trip leaders, gabriel lugo.

From: $2,750  (See details) Cost is per person, double occupancy from San Juan (SJU)

3 - 7  Participants

AVAILABILITY

December 2024: 7 spaces available

January 2025: 6 spaces available

February 2025: 7 spaces available

PRIVATE TOUR OPTION

This tour is available as a private trip for any size group. The tour cost will vary with the number of people and any custom requests.

• How many people? *
• In what month(s) would you like to travel? *
• Questions or requests *

TESTIMONIALS

If you have been on this tour, please be the first to leave a review!

Highlights of PUERTO RICO: Birding the Island of Enchantment

• Explore the many varied habitats of Puerto Rico
• 19 endemic bird species and many other Caribbean specialties
• Several threatened or endangered species, such as the Puerto Rican Parrot!
• Great food, great scenery, great time in paradise!

Description of PUERTO RICO: Birding the Island of Enchantment

This fun and easy exploration of Puerto Rico’s prime birding locations will target the island’s 19 endemic birds and other Caribbean specialties during 6-days/5-nights with our local guide and Caribbean specialist, Gabriel Lugo! Many of the island’s specialties are threatened or endangered, and many species currently recognized as regional subspecies may one day be split to become an island endemic. In the case of the Puerto Rican Parrot and ‘Caribbean’ Sharp-shinned Hawk, there are very few individuals left in the wild. During our trip we will explore a variety of habitats; from the cliffs and rocky beaches along the northern coast, to the jungle forests on karst ‘haystack hills’ in the northwest, to the salty lagoons and dry thorn scrub along the southwest coast, through the central cloud forests, to the sandy beaches of the eastern coastline. We’ll visit all corners of this small island looking for some great birds and enjoying the friendly and colorful communities of Puerto Rico along the way!

Some tours may be combined with our DOMINICAN REPUBLIC tour! Ask us for more details!

Length of Tour

Brief itinerary.

Day 1 – Arrival in San Juan Day 2 – Northern Karst Region endemics (BLD) Day 3 – Rio Abajo endemics & Puerto Rican Nightjar (BLD) Day 4 – Maricao endemics (BLD) Day 5 – Cartagena Lagoon & Plain Pigeon (BLD) Day 6 – Morning birding & airport drop-offs at noon (B)

(BLD = Breakfast, Lunch Dinner included)

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 – arrival in san juan.

Arrive at anytime today for your night in San Juan at the Airport Hotel. No meals are included today. We will begin as a group the following morning.

DAY 2 – NORTHERN KARST REGION ENDEMICS

Today we’ll bird the Northern Karst region, driving from San Juan and stopping along the way to look for Puerto Rican endemics plus many Caribbean specialties.

Karst, a landscape characterized by eroded limestone, covers more than one third of the island’s territory. The Northern Karst is located primarily in the subtropical moist forest life zone. The karst region originated in a marine environment, as many as 140 million years ago. Geological processes have created spectacular landforms, such as the haystack hills, or mogotes, which are unique formations within the United States. Due to its rugged topography the karst region of Puerto Rico holds the most extensive forest canopy cover on the island.

The karst region also harbors the richest biodiversity in Puerto Rico, with more than 1,300 species of plants and animals found here. It is prime habitat for most of the native and endemic species of wildlife, including 30 Federally listed threatened and endangered species. Many of these species are only known from karst ecosystems. More than 75 species of Neotropical migratory birds use the karst as wintering habitat. The northern karst belt of Puerto Rico has also been identified as a viable release site for the establishment of the second wild population of the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot.

Some of the forests and reserves we may visit:

Tortuguero Lagoon Natural Reserve, Cambalache State Forest, Caño Tiburones.

Endemic birds that are possible in this area:

Adelaide’s Warbler Puerto Rican Vireo Puerto Rican Tody Puerto Rican Woodpecker Puerto Rican Flycatcher Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo Puerto Rican Spindalis Puerto Rican Bullfinch Puerto Rican Oriole Puerto Rican Emerald Puerto Rican Euphonia Puerto Rican Mango Green Mango Puerto Rican Owl

Other interesting birds possible today:

Loggerhead Kingbird (Nearly Endemic) Lesser Antillean Pewee (Nearly Endemic) Black-whiskered Vireo Grasshopper Sparrow Mangrove Cuckoo Bridled Tern White-tailed Tropicbird White-cheeked Pintail West Indian Whistling-Duck White-crowned Pigeon Scaly-naped Pigeon Key West Quail-Dove Ruddy Quail-Dove Northern Red Bishop Least Grebe Pied-billed Grebe Pearly-eyed Thrasher Red-legged Thrush

DAY 3 – RIO ABAJO ENDEMICS & PUERTO RICAN NIGHTJAR

Rio Abajo State Forest is the home of the most successful population of the extremely endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. Because El Yunque National Forest in eastern Puerto Rico’s highlands was the last place the parrots survived in the wild, biologists had long believed the parrots should be reintroduced there. But after years of frustrating attempts to establish a healthy population at El Yunque, they decided to try another site, selecting Rio Abajo, a region of rugged terrain 60 miles to the west. Parrots disappeared from Rio Abajo in the 1920s following the loss of primary forests, but today the area supports dense second-growth woodlands suitable for the birds. In 2006, scientists introduced a new flock to the region, and since then, “the population in Rio Abajo has taken us by surprise,” says Tom White, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist with the Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program. “We had no idea it would work so well.”

Two years ago, after nine releases of 133 birds, the Rio Abajo flock numbers at least 72 and perhaps as many as 134. The lower figure is the number positively identified during the last oficial count, but parrots can disappear into this rugged terrain for months. At least 69 birds have fledged from wild nests. Many continue to settle around the aviary cages, creating a flock of captive and wild birds. The sight of wild parrots wheeling through the forest and the sound of their clown-horn squawks stimulate captive birds to lay. On the walk in Rio Abajo we’ll be looking for quail doves along the road plus as many endemics if still needed after our first day.

After Rio Abajo we’ll visit hummingbird feeders to have looks of our 2 endemic hummers: Puerto Rican Emerald and Green Mango, plus the Antillean Mango. Then we will drive along the northwestern coast on the way to the subtropical dry forest in the southwestern side of the Island. This area might be the driest part but is one of the greatest areas for birding and beautiful landscapes in Puerto Rico. We’ll have a short drive at dusk looking for Puerto Rican Nightjar.

Tonight we’ll stay at Parador Villa Parguera, from where you’ll have the option to visit the Bioluminescent Bay to see one of the most spectacular natural shows. Please, if you want to swim in this spectacular place, let us know to arrange this optional trip for you (around $45). We have two nights for this.

Bioluminescent Bay (ofen called Bio Bay) is one of the Puerto Rico’s key tourist destinations. The water luminescence is triggered by dinoflagellates, oceanic plankton which is able to generate an emerald green and ultramarine illumination when water is physically disturbed. Dinoflagellates are incredibly delicate microorganisms and are very sensible to the environment conditions such as balance of salt in the water, local climate, deepness of lagoon, air and water pollution, etc.

Some of the forests/reserves we may visit

Rio Abajo State Forest, La Parguera, and Guajataca Cliffs.

Puerto Rican Parrot Puerto Rican Emerald Green Mango Adelaide’s Warbler Puerto Rican Vireo Puerto Rican Tody Puerto Rican Woodpecker Puerto Rican Flycatcher Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo Puerto Rican Spindalis Puerto Rican Bullfinch Puerto Rican Oriole Puerto Rican Euphonia Puerto Rican Nightjar (at dusk)

Loggerhead Kingbird (Nearly Endemic) Lesser Antillean Pewee (Nearly Endemic) Black-whiskered Vireo Mangrove Cuckoo Bridled Tern White-tailed Tropicbird Masked Duck White-cheeked Pintail Scaly-naped Pigeon Key West Quail-Dove Ruddy Quail-Dove Pearly-eyed Thrasher Red-legged Thrush

DAY 4 – MARICAO ENDEMICS

Today will feature birding in the Maricao State Forest looking for our targets the Elfin-woods Warbler and Puerto Rican Tanager plus any additional endemics. Then we’ll drive to south coast with birding stops along the way. The Elfin-woods Warbler was first observed in 1968 by Cameron and Angela Kepler while they were conducting observations on two Puerto Rican endemic birds, Puerto Rican Parrot and Puerto Rican Tody. On May 18, 1971, a specimen was captured in El Yunque National Forest. A year later Kepler and Parkes described and named the species making it the most recent warbler of the large and familiar genus Setophaga to be discovered. Also, it is the first species described in the Caribbean since 1927 and the first Puerto Rican species described in the 20th century. The species name, angelae, is a tribute to Angela Kepler. Elfin-woods warbler is an alternative spelling, and Reinita de Bosque Enano is the Spanish name.

The Puerto Rican Tanager—which is not really a tanager—now an endemic family, Nesospingidae, of which it is the sole member, making it a unique endemic bird indeed! We plan to arrive back at our hotel in the afternoon, hopefully after finding the very local and endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird.

Maricao State Forest, La Parguera, Cabo Rojo Salt Flats.

Elfin-woods Warbler Puerto Rican Tanager Yellow-shouldered Blackbird Adelaide’s Warbler Green Mango Puerto Rican Euphonia Puerto Rican Vireo Puerto Rican Tody Puerto Rican Woodpecker Puerto Rican Flycatcher Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo Puerto Rican Spindalis Puerto Rican Bullfinch Puerto Rican Oriole Puerto Rican Owl Puerto Rican Nightjar (at dusk if we don’t get it the first try)

Loggerhead Kingbird (Nearly Endemic) Sharp-shinned Hawk (Endemic ssp.) Antillean Nighthawk (Summer) White-cheeked Pintail Scaly-naped Pigeon Key West Quail- Dove Ruddy Quail-Dove Venezuelan Troupial Pearly-eyed Thrasher Red-legged Thrush

DAY 5 – CARTAGENA LAGOON & PLAIN PIGEON

We’ll explore Cartagena Lagoon National Wildlife Refuge looking for West Indian Whistling-Duck and other species before departing to search for the endangered Plain Pigeon in the central mountains. Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge offers unique scenery that mixes wetland with dry forest and one of the oldest geological formations in the Caribbean.

The bird diversity here is sure to entertain even non-birders. Once you enter the dirt road that signals the way to the refuge you enter a mosaic of habitats, you get a feeling of going someplace special. First there are some hay and cattle farms, where we can find a myriad of open land bird species like doves, swallows, grassquits and some established exotic finches. In the background you will see the ancient Sierra Bermeja, home to the endangered Puerto Rican Nightjar and a very unique flora with high endemism. There’s a stark contrast of open land, forest, and then a big expanse of water. There is a dike where we’ll walk and have a good view of the surrounding wetland.

Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge and East-Central IBA.

White-cheeked Pintail Yellow-breasted Crake Masked Duck Plain Pigeon Mangrove Cuckoo Black-faced Grassquit Yellow-faced Grassquit Grasshopper Sparrow Orange Bishops Bronze Mannikin Scaly-breasted Munia

DAY 6 – MORNING BIRDING & AIRPORT DROPOFFS AT NOON (B)

After some morning birding we will make all airport drop-offs at 12:oopm/noon. Please plan afternoon departure fights accordingly.

Cost Details

Cost is $2,750 per person, based upon double occupancy, from San Juan (Airport code SJU). This trip ends in San Juan (Airport code SJU).

Single Supplement

If a single room is preferred, or we are unable to find a suitable roommate for you, a single supplement fee of $450 will be assessed.

Deposit Requirements

A $500 deposit per person is required to hold each space on this tour. Deposit may be made online by clicking the "Book Your Trip Now" button and using any credit card. If you prefer, you may call us at 888-875-9453 to pay by phone. You may also mail us a check, however, remember that all space is held on a first come-first served basis as deposits are received.

Minimum Number

If fewer than the minimum number of required participants are registered, we may still be able to run the trip by adding a small-group supplement fee, per person, determined by the number of participants registered.

How to Book

In order to hold your space, click the "Book Your Trip Now" button above and complete the deposit process, including payment of the deposit through our Paypal portal using ANY CREDIT CARD. Upon completion of deposit, please visit our secure, online CLIENT INFORMATION FORM to complete your registration.

Final Payment

For all land-based tours: full payment by check is due 120 days prior to the departure date.

For all boat-based adventure cruises of 7-days or longer: full payment by check is required 180 days prior to departure.

NOTE : If you prefer to use credit card for final payment, a 3% fee may be added to cover the credit card merchant fees we incur.

Accommodations

Activity level, activity level rating:  2  (note: 1 is easy and 5 is difficult).

Easy walks with a fair bit of driving between locations.

Additional Information

Purchasing flights.

Do not purchase your flights until the trip has been confirmed to go.

Detailed Trip Information

Upon notification that final payment is due (120 days prior to departure for land based tours / 180 days for boat based tours), you will receive a trip package of detailed information for your tour.

Any additional information about the trip, including lodgings, contacts, participants, meeting locations, etc., will sent about 2 weeks prior to the trip departure, or after final payment is received for late registrants.

Travel Insurance

As with all tours, we recommend purchasing Travel Insurance to help cover your investment, for covered reasons. Please see our section on Travel Insurance .

Passport & Visa

US Citizens may require a visa to enter certain foreign countries. See above for any required visa information.

Participants arriving to the USA from a foreign country may need to get a travel visa to enter the United States. Be sure to check the requirements for your country of origin.

Itinerary Changes

The trip itinerary is developed many months ahead of time. Occasionally, despite our best planning, changes may occur during the trip, or we may be forced to alter our plans. Changes may occur because of weather, road conditions, safety concerns or other circumstances. In these situations, it is the leader(s) responsibility to carefully consider and implement appropriate alternatives. Any additional costs incurred because of changes will be the responsibility of each individual participant. Refunds will not be issued as a result of itinerary changes.

Trip Reports

SPECIES LISTS & TRIP REPORTS

2024 Puerto Rico February eBird TRIP REPORT

2024 Puerto Rico January eBird TRIP REPORT

2023 Puerto Rico December eBird TRIP REPORT

2023 Puerto Rico November eBird TRIP REPORT

2023 Puerto Rico February eBird TRIP REPORT

2023 Puerto Rico January eBird TRIP REPORT

2022 Puerto Rico December Trip 1 eBird TRIP REPORT

2022 Puerto Rico December Trip 2 eBird TRIP REPORT

2022 Puerto Rico January eBird TRIP REPORT

2022 Puerto Rico with Sierra Club eBird TRIP REPORT

2020 Puerto Rico with Orange County Audubon Private Trip eBird TRIP REPORT

2021 Puerto Rico Dec 10-15 eBird TRIP REPORT

2021 Puerto Rico Dec 2-6 eBird TRIP REPORT

2018 (3 – 5-day tours / 2 – 3-day tours all post-hurricane) Puerto Rico Checklists

2017 Puerto Rico eBird TRIP REPORT

2017 (2 – 5-day tours all before hurricane Maria) Puerto Rico Checklists

2016 (5 – 5-day tours / 1 – 1-day trip) Puerto Rico Checklists

2015 (8 – 5-day tours) Puerto Rico Checklists

2014 (6 – 5-day tours / 2 – 1-day tours) Puerto Rico Checklists

2013 (6 – 5-day tours / 3 – 1-day tours) Puerto Rico Checklists

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

iNaturalist Guide to Wildlife, Insects, & Plants seen on this tour!

Image Gallery

Location Map

A Caribbean Travel, Lifestyle and Culture Blog

Birding Tours in Puerto Rico for New Birders

Bird watching in the Caribbean is a beautiful experience that allows birders to get up close to nature, enhance their skills and enjoy a fun and fulfilling hobby. If you are new to birding and looking to perfect and test your skills outside of your backyard, Puerto Rico is one of the best islands for beginner birders.

As a new bird watcher, you may have realised that your senses have been heightened. Your ears are becoming familiar with the different bird calls, you notice both regular and peculiar bird actions, and you may take note of the different types of insects and plants that birds in your area may feed on. These are the little aspects of nature that help us to appreciate life and living.

Because birding is one of the best low-cost hobbies that you can enjoy from anywhere, sometimes it’s a good idea to step outside your zone and explore the birds and habitats in other countries. Puerto Rico, for example promotes environmentally friendly and socially responsible tourism activities. The island is ideal for practicing birdwatching because there are over 300 species of birds on the island and their many natural bird habitats for viewing these feathered creatures.

When researching birding tours in Puerto Rico for new birders, you should look for tours that:

• Are conducted at a slower pace than birding tours for professionals
• Include higher levels of instruction from bird guides
• Introduce birders to the best places to see birds on the island
• Have bird guides that are knowledgeable and articulate

Based on these characteristics there are few tours that deserve to be mentioned. Here are some of Puerto Rico’s top birding tours for beginners.

1. William Suarez Birding Tours

This is a wholesome excursion that provides a thrilling introduction to birding in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The six-day tour visits main localities in Puerto Rico where birds are resident. The principal tour guide is Dr. William Suarez who was born in Cuba. He has studied Caribbean fauna for several years and has increased his knowledge through research and field observations.

Duration : 7 days Price : Starts at USD 2,790 Habitats : Rainforests, woods, mangrove swamps, scrub forests, lakes and coastlines Maximum Group Size : 6 persons Tour Page : William Suarez Birding Tours

2. Adventours Puerto Rico

Adventours has a range of bird watching tours that range from half-day to full-day excursions. The E Yunque Bird Walk takes participants through the El Yunque National Forest. The focus on this walk is on endemic bird species that live in the forest. Another tour is the North Belt Corridor Birding Series which visits the north-western region of Puerto Rico. Other tours are the Luquillo Limited Edition and the North-East Birding Trip.

Duration : Half-day – Full day (El Yunque)/ Half-day (North Belt) Price : Starts at USD 95 Habitats : El Yunque National Forest, countryside, coastline Maximum Group Size : 4 persons Tour Page : Adventours Island-Wide Birding Trips

3. Wildside Nature Tours

The tour, Puerto Rico – Birding the Island of Enchantment is recommended for new birders. It explores the island’s prime birding locations and aims to find all 17 endemic bird species in Puerto Rico in six days. Gabriel Lugo is the lead birding guide in Puerto Rico for Wildside Nature Tours. He is a certified Puerto Rico guide who is well known and respected in the Puerto Rico birding community.

Duration : 6 days Price : Starts at USD 2,550 Habitats : Coastlines, rainforests, dry forests Maximum Group Size : 7 persons Tour Page : Puerto Rico – Birding the Island of Enchantment

Further Reading

To learn more about birdwatching and birding in Puerto Rico, visit the following links:

Discover Puerto Rico: Birds in Paradise Caribbean Birding Trail: Puerto Rico Puerto Rico Day Trips: Spend Some Time Bird Watching in Puerto Rico Destination Wildlife: Warning, You Can Only See These Birds in Puerto Rico Birds of Puerto Rico: Birds of Puerto Rico

Image : Javier Amador via Unsplash

Related Posts

• Endless Birds: Caribbean Birds in Every Shape and Form
• How to Plan An Exciting Bird Watching Tour in Anguilla
• Bird Watching in Jamaica

Amazon Disclaimer

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. EndlessCaribbean.com  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

About Endless Caribbean

Welcome to Endless Caribbean. Take your time and look around and use our free resources to plan your trip to the Caribbean! There are travel guides, itineraries and free guides designed just for you. Read More .

Popular Posts

Are You on Instagram?

endlesscaribbean

🌺 Discover alternative travel experiences ☀️ Review Caribbean travel guides ⛱ Explore unique vacation itineraries 🌴 DM for blog and social marketing

Subscribe and get a free gift!

Email address:

Browse by Region

Culebra • Old San Juan • Porta Antillas (East) • Porta Atlantico (North) • Porta Caribe (South) • Porta Cordillera (Central) • Porta del Sol (West) • San Juan Metro • Vieques

Browse by Activity

Art • Beach • Dance • Featured • General • Hiking • History • Museum • Music • Nature • Popular • Rain Forest • Rainy Day Ideas • Recipes • Shopping • Snorkeling • Tour • Water Sports

Browse by Visitor Type

Adventure • Budget • Cruise Ship Visitor • First Time Visitor • Off Beaten Path • With Kids

🔙 Return to Home Page

✅ Book Activities and Tours

📲 Get Our App

🌓 Calendar for Viewing Biobay

📅 Event Calendar

🌤️ Weather Forecast

📍 GPS & Points of Interest

🧭 Island Map

📰 Local News

More Stuff ...

😷 Travel Alerts/Advisories

⚠️ Safety Considerations

😎 Privacy Policy

ℹ️ Disclosures

🏬 Advertise on PRDayTrips

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

💬 Send Us a Message

Printed on 02 May 2024 from PuertoRicoDayTrips.com

Spend Some Time Bird Watching in Puerto Rico

If you are a birdwatcher, then Puerto Rico needs to be added to your must-visit bucket list. Puerto Rico has so many different geographical regions, all within a small 35×100 mile area — rain forests, dry forests, and forests in-between, seaside, mangroves and mountains. Due to this fact (and our wonderful winter weather), you can see many different types of birds during a short visit to the island, especially if you know where to look. You have a pretty good chance of seeing at least a few of the 17 endemic birds and many of the 300 different types of bird species that call Puerto Rico home at some time throughout the year.

Right Here on Our Property

Here, in the El Yunque rain forest area where we live and have our vacation rental , we have spotted a number of endemic and migratory birds. My favorite ones are the PR Tody, PR Oriole, PR Woodpecker, PR Emerald Hummingbird, the orange-fronted parakeet and the male pin-tail Whydah (during mating season). But there are many others that we see on a daily basis, such as the bananaquit ( Coereba flaveola ), red tail hawks and the PR Lizard Cuckoo.

One bird you should not expect to see is the endangered Puerto Rican parrot. With only a few dozen left in the wild, it would be an extremely lucky sighting!

I am not a true birdwatcher, but even I am always amazed at the amount of birds that call this area home. There is always something flitting about! Especially early in the morning.

I am sure someone with some birdwatching experience, binoculars, a book of local birds and some patience can really add a few birds to their life list . And even when you can’t see them, you can hear them, both day and night. There are a number of nocturnal birds, too!

Though you need to go up to higher elevations of El Yunque forest to see a few specific species, most of the bird species that call this area home can be observed at the lower elevations where the vegetation is less dense.

Out on the Island

If you are really into birdwatching, you will want to make some road trips around the island to see a more diverse variety of species. One area that is great for observing shore and water birds is the Humacao Nature Reserve . It is nice to walk around and look for birds, but it is best to go on a weekend when you can rent a kayak and go into the mangroves and the lagoon. They even have signs around the lagoon to help with bird identification.

Other places further away that are also excellent for birdwatching are the out-islands of Vieques and Culebra, which have wildlife refuges. In the south-west of Puerto Rico, you’ll find the Cabo Rojo wetlands and saltflats, the freshwater Cartagena Lagoon, and the dry forest in Guanica. The Maricao Forest and Boquerón Forest are also home to a number of different variety of birds that you can’t see in the El Yunque forests.

Only in Puerto Rico

Endemic birds, which mean that they are native to the island and live only in Puerto Rico, include

• Yellow-shouldered Blackbird (Agelaius xanthomus)
• Puerto Rican Parrot ( Amazona vittata )
• Green Mango ( Anthracothorax viridis )
• Puerto Rican Nightjar ( Caprimulgus noctitherus )
• Puerto Rican Emerald ( Chlorostilbon maugeaus )
• Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo ( Coccyzus vieilloti )
• Puerto Rican Pewee ( Contopus portoricenis )
• Adelaide’s Warbler ( Dendroica adelaidae )
• Elfin-woods Warbler ( Dendroica angelae )
• Puerto Rican Bullfinch ( Loxigilla portoricensis )
• Puerto Rican Screech Owl ( Megascops nudipes )
• Puerto Rican Woodpecker ( Melanerpes portoricensis )
• Puerto Rican Flycatcher ( Myiarchus antillarum )
• Puerto Rican Tanager ( Nesospingus speculiferus )
• Puerto Rican Spindalis ( Spindalis portoricensis )
• Puerto Rican Tody or San Pedrito ( Todus mexicanus )
• Puerto Rican Vireo ( Vireo latimeri ) source Wikipedia

Guides, Guide Books & Tours

If you’re looking for some field guides to local birds, we have some recommendations for you. We have the first two on this list as part of the library our guests can access.

• A Guide to the Birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands by Herbert A. Raffaele, Cindy J. House, John Wiessinger.
• Puerto Rico’s Birds In Photographs by Mark W. Oberle. This one has a CD with the birds’ songs.
• Aves de Puerto Rico by Virgilio Biaggi (this heavy book is in Spanish, but great illustrations)

Of course you can go bird watching on your own, but if you want to go on a guided tour, there are a few companies/groups that offer them.

• Caribbean Birding Trail recommends local bird watchers to go with on birdwatching outings all around Puerto Rico. Check their website for guides and other bird watching information.
• SOPI recommends local bird watchers to go with on birdwatching outings all around Puerto Rico. Check their website for bird watching information.
• The Puerto Rico Conservation Trust runs birdwatching outings all around Puerto Rico. These are basic birdwatching trips. Check their website to see what trips are being offered, dates/times and to reserve your tour in English. You can call 787-722-5882 for more information.
• The Puerto Rico Ornithological Society also does guided bird watching outings. Check their website for more information. These trips are most likely in Spanish, but I am sure many in the group will be bilingual. Their website is a great source of information on Puerto Rican birds (they even have recordings of the bird calls along with pictures).
• Adventours is a tour company that offers birdwatching trips and multi-day tours. You can check their website for more information.

So bring your binoculars, a good bird book, lots of patience and go birdwatching during your visit to Puerto Rico!

PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding your safety when participating in the activities described in this article. Please use common sense! If your mother or that little voice in your head tells you that you are about to do something stupid … then don't do it! Read more about Safety →

You Might Also Like …

• Grab a Fritura & Experience Delicious Local Food
• Murals of Paseo De Diego in Río Piedras
• Discover El Yunque History in the Río Espíritu Santo
• Get Close to an Island Run by Monkeys
• Explore “Jurassic Park”- The Other Waterfall at La Planta
• Visit the Arecibo Lighthouse – A Great Park for Kids

Other Info …

Contact Us About Us Travel Alerts/Advisories Log in

Find Us On …

Facebook Twitter

Advertising …

Info About Advertising on PRDayTrips.com Make a Payment for Your Ad

Other Puerto Rico Resources …

Coqui's Hideaway Rainforest Villa in Rio Grande Located in the Foothills of El Yunque San Juan Bus Map - learn about public transportation in the San Juan metro area -->

All content on this site is Copyright © 2007-2024 PuertoRicoDayTrips.com - All rights reserved.

PuertoRicoDayTrips.com assumes no responsibility regarding the information contained in this article. Hours of operation, prices, and contact information may have changed since this article was published and/or printed. Please re-confirm this information directly with the attraction or tour operator.

Custom and Set-Departure Bird & Wildlife Tours Around the World

Puerto rico: enchanted island endemics - birding tour, tour overview:.

Puerto Rico is known as the “Island of Enchantment” by virtue of its beautiful landscapes. Although it is a US Territory, it feels a world away from there, being located in the Greater Antilles island group, within the West Indies of the Caribbean. Much of the birdlife is unique to the island or region, which includes three specialty Caribbean bird families, and seventeen island endemic bird species. Puerto Rico is a small territory (equal to the US state of Connecticut) , and so we will be able to cover the north, northeast, and very different, drier southwest of the island during this 6-day tour. We will be seeking some of the most treasured local specialties, such as Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Spindalis, Puerto Rican Tanager, Elfin Woods and Adelaide’s Warblers, and a handful of exquisite local hummingbirds. Three of these occupy key families of the Caribbean, Todies, Spindalises and Puerto Rican Tanager; all of which are typically easily located. This makes for a perfect late winter getaway, with a real chance of finding most of our local targets, along with a host of wintering waterbirds and songbirds to enhance the bird list even further.

Tour Details:

29 March  - 3 April

$3590; single supplement: $650

Length : 6 Days

Starting City : San Juan

Ending City : San Juan

Pace :  Relaxed/Moderate

Physical Difficulty:  Easy

Focus : Birding

Group size :  8 + 1 leader

Note:  This tour links up with  Jamaica

Ready to Book?

Detailed itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival in San Juan; transfer to Manati

Following an early afternoon arrival in the Puerto Rican capital, at 13h00 we will gather and drive west towards Manati, perhaps picking up the first of our Puerto Rican endemics in the afternoon, including Puerto Rican Woodpecker. In the evening we will make our first foray into night birding, checking a local forest for the endemic Puerto Rican Screech-Owl.

Day 2: Manati to Southwest Puerto Rico

The first option of the morning will depend on local regulations at the time. If possible, we will check a local protected area for Puerto Rican Parrot, the toughest and rarest of the endemics, Critically Endangered with a global population numbering in the low hundreds this is one of Earth’s rarest birds. After that, we will check another local reserve for hummingbirds. Puerto Rican Emerald, Puerto Rican Mango and Green Mango all occur there. After this stop, we will head south to the drier southwest corner of the island, visiting some wonderful wetland areas (Laguna Cartagena) in the afternoon, which could yield West Indian Whistling-Duck, Masked Duck, Least Grebe, and a host of ducks, shorebirds, and other waterbirds. The scrubby edges are also home to Caribbean Elaenia, Puerto Rican Flycatcher, Gray and Loggerhead Kingbirds, Pearly-eyed Thrasher, Black-faced Grassquit, and the lemon-yellow Adelaide’s Warbler. We will check into a delightful coastal resort near the town of Guanica for a three-night stay, checking the mangroves on the edge of town for the endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird coming into roost in the afternoon.

Day 3: Maricao State Forest and Cabo Rojo

In complete contrast to our afternoon in the coastal lowlands, the afternoon before, we will welcome the shade and elevation of the forest on this morning (around 2600ft/800m), when we visit Maricao State Forest, north of our base. This beautiful area of montane forest hosts some real top-quality specialties, we will seek out Elfin Woods Warbler among the forest vines, and small, active groups of Puerto Rican Tanagers (an endemic family) roaming the mid-story. Other island specialties we will be seeking, include the shimmering Green Mango, striking Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, Puerto Rican Vireo, the scarce Antillean Euphonia, Puerto Rican Bullfinch, and the tangerine-breasted Puerto Rican Spindalis. Wintering warblers from the boreal north may also be present, like Black-throated Blue and Black-and-white Warblers, and American Redstart. There may be time in the afternoon, to cover some more coastal areas west of La Parguera, for another dose of shorebirds and wetland species. In the evening, we will check a local spot for the local Puerto Rican Nightjar, before returning to our delightful beachside hotel.

Day 4: Wildcard day in Southwest Puerto Rico

Today will have some flexibility to it, and it is deliberately left open so we can roam where need to, depending on how we have done with the other endemics of Puerto Rico. We will pick sites, depending on what gaps we are seeking to fill on our list. There are nearby mountain rainforests, like Maricao, coastal scrub sites all around, and humid forests to the south, all within easy reach. Whatever, we decide, we will return to Guanica on the south coast for a final night.

Day 5: Guanica to Northeast Puerto Rico

We will swap the dry southwest of the island, for the wetter northeast corner, where we will be seeking two particular hummingbirds; Green-throated Carib and Antillean Crested Hummingbird. These will be searched for at a variety of sites near Naguabo, where we will stay for the final night of the tour.

Day 6: Departures from San Juan

After breakfast, we shall pack up and leave for the airport as a group, maybe stopping for any of the hummers, or other targets, if we still need them, completing our circumnavigation of Puerto Rico by getting to the airport in time for departures after midday (12h00).

Trip Considerations

PACE:  Easy. While early starts and long days are required, this is not a physically difficult tour. Sunrise is at around 7am in this season, so breakfasts are likely to be taken at around 6am with a 6:30am departure. Sunset is at around 6pm. There will be several nights of the tour dedicated to finding the two local endemic nightbirds. This will be done before dinner for those who wish to do this; others who do not can take an earlier dinner if required. These are optional though, and can be sat out if desired. The pace is fairly relaxed. 

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY:  Easy. The walking on this trip is generally easy, with no steep or difficult hikes. Most of the walks will be on roads, or on short, forest trails. The highest point of the tour will be on day 3 at Maricao, at only 2600ft /800m. Puerto Rico is small, with the longest drive being from southwest to northeast Puerto Rico on day 5, at around 3 hours. Generally speaking the road conditions are good, with most of these being paved, with only short sections of bad paved road, or dirt road.

ACCOMMODATION:  Good to excellent. All places have en-suite bathrooms, full time electricity, and Internet.

CLIMATE:  At this time of year, some of the coolest temperatures are recorded, and it is typically the driest time of year. In short, this is the most pleasant time to visit, as it is not so hot, and avoids the rainy season. That said, it is still hot and humid in the lowlands. Average temperatures at this time of year through the region are 72F – 84F (22 – 29C), so it is still very hot in the lowlands of the Caribbean, even in this cool, dry season. In February, there are around 13 days of rainfall.

WHEN TO GO:  This part of the Caribbean is generally cooler and drier at this time of year, and therefore has been timed for the most pleasant time to bird it (i.e. December to March). This is also the time of year when the Caribbean residents are supplemented by a substantial number of boreal migrants wintering from North America, making this arguably the optimum birding season.

Other Information

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:  Entry requirements are the same as for the United States. For US citizens, there are no special travel requirements. Tropical Birding cannot be responsible for changes in entrance policy or restriction levied by the US government. Citizens of Canada may enter the US with a valid passport, and do not need to obtain a visa. For citizens of the 38 countries on the visa waiver list (including the UK, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, and Japan), you can enter the US with a valid passport and a completed Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which can be applied for online. For all passports, the passport must be valid for at least six months past your intended stay. Citizens of all other countries will need to apply for a US visa. Travel requirements are subject to change; please double check with the nearest embassy or consulate, or ask our office staff if you are unsure. Those who need to apply for an ESTA or Visa should do so long in advance of the tour, as these can take days weeks to be issued.

WHAT’S INCLUDED?:  Tips to all people, EXCEPT porters and Tropical Birding guide; accommodation from night of day 1 through night of day 5; meals from dinner on day 1 through to breakfast on day 6; one group arrival airport pick-up, and one departure airport drop off by the tour leader (specific times of this will be confirmed by the Tropical Birding Tours office); ground transport to all the sites listed on the itinerary in a suitable modern rental vehicle with the tour leader driving; entrance fees to all sites on the itinerary; a printed and bound checklist to keep track of your sightings (given to you at the start of the tour – only electronic copies can be provided in advance).

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?:  Optional tips to the Tropical Birding tour leader; tips for any luggage porters (if you require their services); any flights; snacks; additional drinks apart from those included (drinking water is the only included drink); alcoholic beverages; travel insurance; excursions not included in the tour itinerary; extras in hotels such as laundry service, minibar, room service, telephone calls, and personal items; medical fees; other items or services not specifically mentioned as being included.

Tour Reviews

*Participated on this Tour? Leave a Review! We would also love to see your favorite photo, upload it!

Puerto Rico

When you take a Puerto Rico birding tour with Naturalist Journeys, you have the opportunity to explore America’s only tropical forest, 17 endemic birds, and 400-year-old Old San Juan — the second-oldest city in the Western Hemisphere. Puerto Rico offers lush mountain forests, dry coastal forests, and white sandy beaches … all without a passport! An added bonus? Puerto Rico’s excellent road system lets you explore with ease. We often combine our Puerto Rico birding tours with our Dominican Republic birding tours. If these or any of our other Caribbean birding tours interest you, please get in touch today.

Guided Group Tours

Group travel is rewarding and fun! With more eyes you see more species. Travel Planners of Naturalist Journeys and Caligo Ventures have been creating memorable journeys for 40+ years. We offer you small-group birding and nature tours, limited to just 8-10 persons led by expert guides. Learn and explore with like-minded people, enjoy local food and culture, and immerse yourself in birding and nature.

We currently have no tours listed for this destination. Please check back later.

Like what we do?

Sign up for our weekly enews to stay up to date, get to know our favorite destinations each week. we promise no spam..

Caribbean Birding Trail

Know the Caribbean, Bird by Bird

Tour Guides and Operators

Trained local guides are essential to getting the most out of your travel experience, which is why the Caribbean Birding Trail is partnering with operators and guides throughout the region to organize one of the most comprehensive guide training and certification programs in the region.

This page is dedicated to listing the guides that have completed the CBT guide training program or have obtained training and certification through other programs and are trusted partners of the Caribbean Birding Trail. If you are interested in a packaged tour, or a multi-island tour, be sure to also check out our Tours page .

This page is a work in progress and we welcome your comments, concerns and questions at all times about guides in the Caribbean.   Please contact us at any time. We are particularly interested in:

• feedback (negative or positive) about any of the guides or companies listed here
• if you know of a guide or a company that should be shared on this list, and/or
• if you or someone you know is interested in taking the CBT guide training program.

Directory of Tour Guides and Operators

Nature explorers anguilla.

Jackie Cestero founded Nature Explorers Anguilla in 2010 and shares her passion for Anguilla’s rich culture and wildlife on every tour. She is the author of Nature Explorers Anguilla Wild Side Guide and Anguilla: Martin’s Island Paradise, a children’s book about Anguilla’s visiting American Flamingo.  After Hurricane Irma’s devastation in 2017, Jackie spearheaded a campaign to “Bring Back the Buttonwoods” and restore mangrove habitat at the West End Pond IBA. Whether a bird watcher, photographer, or a little bit of both, Nature Explorers Anguilla helps clients explore beyond the island’s glorious beaches and observe the less traveled areas rich with incredible flora and fauna.

Antigua and Barbuda

Environmental awareness group.

Shanna’s interest in birds was borne from her work removing harmful rats and goats threatening the nesting seabird colonies on Redonda. This interest reached its peak in 2017 when she was asked to be a part of the team conducting population surveys of the island’s sole endemic bird, the Barbuda Warbler after the devastation of Hurricane Irma. Shanna leads the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) birding club, the Wadadli Warblers, and has a passion for birds that continually inspires others. Shanna is now heavily involved in birding throughout Antigua with the EAG, who offer birding day trips of Caribbean endemics and hard-to-spot migrants.

Junior Prosper, Independent Guide

Joseph “Junior” Prosper is a schoolteacher and dedicated local conservationist, and one of the best birders on the island of Antigua. His interest in birding started in 2002 after attending a West Indian Whistling-Duck (WIWD) and Wetlands Education Training led in collaboration with BirdsCaribbean. After that he was hooked, and Junior has since spent years documenting the status and distribution of the WIWD on Antigua. He has also worked with BirdsCaribbean and Environmental Awareness Group on various conservation projects and co-authored BirdLife International’s Important Bird Areas of Antigua & Barbuda .

Birdwatching Aruba

Michiel Oversteegen was born and raised in The Netherlands and moved to Aruba in 1995. As a passionate photographer, he was drawn in by the diversity in wildlife both on land and in the water, and by the island’s magnificent fauna and stunning landscapes. Birds, especially, carry a special place in his heart. Michiel’s tours allow participants the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of Aruba’s nature under expert guidance. He offers small, private tours (no more than four people) at whatever your pace may be, from intensive birding trips to relaxed tours that highlight the local culture.

Bahamas Outdoors Ltd

With a passion for birds spanning 17 years, Lillian has dedicated the past 5 years to sharing her knowledge and love of nature as a birding and nature guide in The Bahamas. She currently conducts half-day birding and nature tours on weekends and select weekdays on New Providence, showcasing the island’s diverse avian life, including local and regional endemics, as well as cultural and historical aspects. Having joined Bahamas Outdoors Ltd (an ecotourism company started in 1997 by now-retired naturalist, Carolyn Wardle), Lillian is proud to contribute to responsible travel and inspire appreciation for the unique beauty of The Bahamas.

Birds “R” Us Adventures

Tarra Lindo is a conservationist, environmentalist, and lover of nature. As a certified bird guide, she is a strong advocate for the protection of the American Flamingo, the national bird of the Bahamas. Tarra guides on Great Inagua and enjoys introducing her guests to an array of wildlife ranging from the tiny endemic Inagua Woodstar, the American Flamingo, and 138 other species of birds, to the fierce wild boars, the stubborn wild donkeys and the shy wild cows. She can show you true nature at its finest in Great Inagua, offering half and full-day tours incorporating birding, history, and even snorkeling.

Birding Barbados

Damian has been involved with birding in Barbados since he was small boy. A small island sitting on the Atlantic Flyway, shorebirds are more accessible in Barbados than most anywhere else. Damian is intimately familiar with all the shorebirds and their local habitats, flight patterns, and calls. He is also an accomplished shorebird whistler, an art unique to Barbados. Half-day and full-day tours to secret spots are flexible and can include lunch/beach stops, with spots chosen to take in local culture and food. Some of the island’s most breathtaking “off-grid” scenery is taken in on all tours.

Birding the Islands, Ltd.

Born and raised in Barbados, Ryan is the author of the forthcoming Birds of the Lesser Antilles Field Guide and owner/lead guide for Birding the Islands—a regional birding company specializing in multi-island, endemic-focused tours through the Lesser Antilles and half and full-day trips around Barbados. Prior to starting his company, Ryan conducted avian research in the rainforests of Ecuador and Brazil; was Chief Naturalist and Environmental Consultant at Barbados’ Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary; and managed volunteer development and eco-guide training for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in the United Kingdom.

Birds of Barbados

Birds of Barbados is the most informative and popular online resource for birds in Barbados. Its author, Julian Moore, has shared his passion for birds and nature with readers since 2013. The blog gradually evolved into an educational source where Julian shares his wealth of knowledge on birds and everything that affects them. He hosts educational workshops, consults, and guides tours. Julian’s vast knowledge of the island, including off the beaten path ‘nooks and crannys’, and his uncanny ability to find rare birds are all at your disposal. Book a tour with him today and let him show you the Birds of Barbados .

Bird Watching Bonaire

Elsmarie Beukenboom was born and raised on Bonaire. As the past director of STINAPA, the national parks authority of Bonaire, she has been working with nature conservation specialists for almost 15 years. Elsmarie leads half-day, full day, and multi-day tour experiences. Her typical tours take visitors through villages, highlighting the historical and cultural components of the island. Elsmarie prides herself on her ability to locate almost all the terrestrial birds of the island.

Bonaire Bird Photography Tours

Susan Davis is a certified bird guide and graduate of the CBT Interpretive Guide Training Program. Having lived on Bonaire for over 25 years, she is knowledgeable about the island’s nature, history, and culture. Always involved in conservation efforts of the island’s nature, Susan served on the STINAPA Board of Directors (the foundation which is the caretaker of the island’s park systems) for five years. She offers a variety of birding tours around Bonaire (southern, interior, northern, or custom) to meet the wishes of all tour participants.

British Virgin Islands

Clive petrovic, independent guide.

Clive Petrovic started leading birding tours in the 1970s for the Tropical Audubon Society in Florida and has led tours over the past 30+ years on six continents. He is an ecologist and consultant who provides customized tours (by special arrangement only) featuring the unique birds and natural history of the British Virgin Islands. Special efforts are made to show visitors rare and endangered plants, invertebrates and herps; and birding opportunities include wetlands and seabird colonies on remote uninhabited islands. Tours can be customized to allow participation in ongoing field research and monitoring projects.

Cayman Islands

Bird-cayman.

For many years, Stuart piloted deep-diving submersibles for science and nature tourism. In 2008, he switched to providing guided hikes of Cayman’s forests, and has since become an accomplished birder, locating their native birds by sight and sound. On a dedicated birding tour, Stuart typically visits several hotspots: a natural freshwater pond, a cliff-top site for tropicbirds, an extensive wetland (providing stunning views through a large telescope), a visit to the Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park, or a hike along the Mastic Trail. Island endemics include Vitelline Warbler, Cayman Bullfinch, and Grand Cayman Parrot. Tours are 4–5 hours and custom tours are available.

Silver Thatch Excursions

Geddes Hislop is a wildlife biologist from Trinidad and Tobago who lives in the Cayman Islands. He developed an interest in the rich variety of wildlife from an early age and, as an educator at heart, he frequently works with everyone from kindergarten students to professional photographers and field scientists. Geddes owns and operates Silver Thatch Excursions, an award-winning ecotourism service operating on Grand Cayman since 1996. He loves culture, hiking, and ecology—particularly ethnobotany and zoology—but birdwatching is his favorite! Geddes currently works as a curator of terrestrial exhibits and education programs and conducts birding tours part-time on weekends and select weekdays.

Ernesto Reyes Bird Photography & Tours

Ernesto Reyes is a Cuban biologist with more than 15 years of experience with birds in Cuba, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. He spends most of his time in his house in Hondones Town in Zapata Swamp National Park, one of the most famous destinations in Cuba. Ernesto’s private multi-day birdwatching and bird photography tours allow visitors to observe more than 95% of the endemic bird species, from the smallest bird in the world (Bee Hummingbird) to the beautiful national bird of Cuba (Cuban Trogon).

Kirkconnell Birds Conservancy

Arturo Kirkconnell is a Cuban ornithologist and was a bird curator and researcher at the National Museum of Natural History in Cuba for 37 years. He also led tours through the museum for 32 years. Arturo co/authored the Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba, Birds of Cuba: A Photographic Guide , The Birds of Cuba: An Annotated Checklist (v26) , and  A Birdwatchers’ Guide to Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and the Caymans . He works in environmental education and bird conservation, conducts bird surveys, and has guided more than 200 birding groups.

Nils Navarro, Independent Guide

Nils Navarro is an incredibly talented Cuban author and illustrator ( Field Guide to the Endemic Birds of Cuba , Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba , and the forthcoming Field Guide to the Birds of Cuba ) with vast experience in Cuban ornithology and taxonomy. He is one of the pillars of the birding movement in Cuba, an eBird reviewer, and the co-founder of the Cuban Big Year competitions. Nils organizes private and group tours throughout the Cuban archipelago and brings his extensive knowledge of the island’s birds, fauna, biodiversity, and an all-around holistic knowledge of Cuban culture to all his tours.

Birding in Cuba Tours

Tania is a geographic information system (GIS) specialist who has worked since 1995 in the most important birding site in Cuba, Zapata Swamp, as a conservationist and protected areas planner. Since 1999, she has been on the team working to highlight Cuba as a natural tourism destination for Cuba’s National System of Protected Areas (SNAP). Tania has been organizing and leading birdwatching tours since 2015. She offers both private and group tours ranging from one day to two weeks and has guided tours for BirdsCaribbean, Rainforest Experience, and Wildside Nature Tours.

Wildside Nature Tours

Gabriel has been an independent Puerto Rico Certified Tour Guide and birding guide since 2010, leading birding groups in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, and North America for Wildside Nature Tours. He has been a central part of the birding community in Puerto Rico since 2008 . A life changing moment was when Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña, Inc. (SOPI) approached him to undertake a bird count. He was hooked by this amazing world of birds, with no plans to leave anytime soon! He now serves on SOPI’s Board of Directors and will keep working hard to educate and protect Puerto Rico’s birds and their habitats.

Dr. Birdy Birding & Nature Experience Tours

Bertrand Jno Baptiste—more affectionately known as Dr. Birdy—is an avid-birder and a retired officer of Forestry and Wildlife who participated actively in the division’s parrot research program. He is the island’s leading bird guide and coauthor of Dominica’s Birds , who has made the rainforest his business since the 1980s. If a bird is on Dominica, Dr. Birdy will find it! He is fun and energetic and guarantees a positively memorable nature tour experience for all his guests.

Imperial Birding

Stephen Durand has worked with Dominica’s Forestry and Wildlife Division since 1981, during which he conducted parrot research funded by World Wildlife Fund. He has been involved in the conservation, protection, and management plans and policies for Dominica’s two endemic parrots and other bird species for 39 years. Stephen is also a coauthor of Dominica’s Birds . Imperial Tours can be arranged for half-day, full-day, or multi-day experiences, and are conducted to client specifications, focused on species in specific forest habitats, highlighting endemics, exploring rainforest ecology, visiting ecotourism sites, or hiking specific trails.

Dominican Republic

Cúa birding.

A trained artist and well-rounded naturalist with a career as wildlife biologist, Iván has served as the lead guide for Dominican birding tour companies as well as run his own private tours through his birding company, Cúa Birding. Through his years of fieldwork, Iván has developed a clear understanding of the bird species found on the island, their habitat preference, and their seasonality. Cúa Birding offers full-day, customized, and 7-day tours targeting all endemics. Discover the endemic La Cúa (Bay-breasted Cuckoo) and more with them!

Explora Ecotour

Manny Jimenes, lead guide and co-owner of Explora Ecotour, is a passionate Dominican-born, South Florida raised, birding and nature guide with over 15 years of experience leading birding, photography, and general nature tours all over the Dominican Republic. He and his team specialize in finding all of the endemics throughout the country, and frequently lead private tours to the best birding sites in the country for individual clients and birding companies such as Rockjumper, Wings and Field Guides. His favorite sites to take visitors are to the National Park of the East, Ébano Verde Scientific Preserve, Los Haitises National Park, and Sierra de Bahoruco National Park.

Miguel A. Landestoy T., Independent Guide

Miguel A. Landestoy T. has more than 25 years of experience in birding and nature photography, dedicating two consecutive decades of his life to bird guiding and assisting field researchers. He is currently studying biology and is additionally passionate about herpetology (amphibians and reptiles), ecology, and scientific illustration. Miguel has authored and coauthored 20 scientific articles and notes, including the description of a new species of toad in the Dominican Republic. Overall, Miguel is a well-rounded naturalist and experienced tour guide who is excited to show the Dominican Republic and its birds to visitors.

Kate Wallace arrived in the DR as a Peace Corps Volunteer in 1994 and began guiding just a few years later. She built Villa Barrancolí, in the village of Puerto Escondido above the Lago Enriquillo basin, which is the base camp for visits to Zapoten (an important high elevation site for many of the endemic birds). Kate is an active member of BirdsCaribbean and the coauthor (with Steve Latta) of Ruta Barrancolí: A Bird-finding Guide to the Dominican Republic . Tody Tours offers a 5–6-day itinerary which allows visitors to see 27 of the 32 Hispaniolan endemics.

Caribbean Horizons

Anne Campbell established Caribbean Horizons Tours in 1992 and is the manager of the tour and vehicle rental department of her family business, McIntyre Bros Ltd. She is trained in Zoology and is passionate about all things Grenadian, reflected in her keen interest in managing her tour company and her passion for horticulture as owner of Smithy’s Garden. Anne and her team deliver memorable and authentic Grenadian experiences for their clients, offering birding, hiking, garden, and historic tours, seasonal turtle watching, specialist group tours, and airport welcomes and transports. Caribbean Horizons is a 2019 industry awardee of the Minister of Tourism awards.

Christopher McDonald is a native Grenadian and well-rounded tour guide. He is a true tourism ambassador for Grenada, recognized as Tour Guide of the Year for 2019 by the Grenada Ministry of Tourism. His guiding skills include birding, hiking, horticulture, history, and culture, as well as airport welcome services and transfers. Christopher is known to have a great sense of humor and to thoroughly enjoy what he does, and it shows in the knowledge and enthusiasm he invests into his time with his clients, and the positive feedback he receives from everyone who takes his tours!

Conservation Kayak

Kendon James is a young, talented, and dedicated professional who is passionate about environmental issues and believes in proactive engagement. He spends a great deal of his time outdoors being fascinated by nature. Kendon attended St. George’s University where he pursued a BS degree in Marine, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. He is also an active and passionate member of the Grenada Birding Club. Kendon is eager to share his vast knowledge of Grenada’s beautiful mangrove and coastline habitats and the rich avifauna diversity which these ecosystems encompass by leading personalized, guided, kayak tours with Conservation Kayak.

Eco-Guide Expeditions

Anthony Jeremiah is one of the most avid and experienced birders on the island of Grenada. With a professional background in forestry, conservation, and natural environment management, he has contributed significantly to bird protection and conservation efforts, particularly for endangered and flagship species (e.g. Grenada Dove, Hook-billed Kite). Jere has extended his passion in the recreation of birding for the past 25 years and is still working as a professional in the field. As Eco-Guide Expeditions, he offers personalized, private birding and historical tours to most of the key birding sites on island (e.g. Mt. Hartman).

Isle of Reef Tours

Allison Caton is a native of Carriacou, Grenada who, after managing the Grenada Board of Tourism office for almost 5 years, set off on her own to establish a locally based tourism company. She is passionate about showing visitors authentic experiences on Carriacou and offers guided hiking tours, island tours, turtle watching tours, and carbon off-set tours (where visitors help plant mangroves in the bird sanctuary). Allison also offers camping experiences on nearby cays and boat tours to the Tobago Cays Marine Park (in SVG) and the Sandy Island Oyster Bed MPA and White Island (on/off the coast of Carriacou).

Natural Mystic Tours

Captain Vaughn “Selassie” Thomas is a fisherman, sailor and boat builder from Carriacou, Grenada and is active in seabird outreach and conservation efforts throughout the Grenadines archipelago. He has been sailing for more than 25 years throughout the Caribbean, Western Europe, Northwest Africa, and has crossed the Atlantic four times. Follow in the footsteps of early explorers on customized excursions to the remote uninhabited seabird colonies and offshore islands of the Grenadines on Vaughn’s 39’ sailboat or hand-crafted 20’ traditional speedboat. With over 100 islands spanning just 100 km, there is always something new to discover!

Tropical Adventures

Vaughan Francis got hooked on birds when he took the Caribbean Birding Trail Interpretive Guide Training in 2013, which left him determined to learn everything about the birdlife on his home island of Grenada. He is now a well-rounded, expert guide who intersperses his bird tours with fun facts about Grenada’s natural history and interpretations of the island’s most historical sites. Vaughan specializes in tours that take visitors off the beaten path to experience more than just the average island vacation. He offers private birdwatching, hiking, and sightseeing ecotourism tours that focus on Grenada’s incredible natural beauty.

Levesque Birding Enterprise

Anthony Levesque created the local bird NGO, AMAZONA, in 1998 when he first moved to Guadeloupe, worked as a ranger at Petite-Terre Nature Reserve, and then as a wildlife consultant for the National Hunting and Wildlife Agency. He’s since started his bird guiding company, Levesque Birding Enterprise. Anthony’s an active birdwatcher (the most active eBirder in the Caribbean, with over 500 species identified in the region) who recently coauthored Lynx and BirdLife International Field Guides’ Birds of the West Indies . Anthony has banded more than 10,000 birds and identified over 50 species previously unrecorded in Guadeloupe. Anthony leads tours all over Guadeloupe and has never failed to show visitors the endemic Guadeloupe Woodpecker.

Ann Sutton, Independent Guide

Ann Sutton is the principal author of A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Jamaica and the owner-manager of Marshall’s Pen, a private nature reserve/cattle property and one of the premier bird watching locations in Jamaica (where at least 23 of the 30 Jamaican endemics can be seen). She has been leading bird tours, mainly in Jamaica (but also in Cuba and the Bahamas), for more than 25 years; and works in nature interpretation and in conservation, management, and monitoring of protected areas. Ann leads a variety of birding and natural history tours catered to any schedule (day trips through multi-week excursions).

Arrowhead Birding Tours

Ricardo’s interest in birds started in 2002 while conducting a Masters project studying game bird populations in Jamaica. He became a member of BirdLife Jamaica and volunteered at bird banding stations where he quickly learned all the birds and their calls. Fast forward 20 years later and Ricardo is one of the top birders in Jamaica, boasting an eBird list of 225+ species … and counting. He served as President of BirdLife Jamaica (2010–12), established Arrowhead Birding Tours in 2012, and plays an integral part in the conservation of birds and their habitats in Jamaica.

Birdwatching Martinique

David Belfan is president of Association Carouge which works to preserve the fauna and flora of his beloved island of Martinique. He earned a MSc which focused on the geography and environment of the Caribbean and has completed numerous trainings in ornithology and ecology. David has been guiding since 2004 and organizes tours around the avifauna of Martinique, particularly endemic and restricted-range birds like the Martinique Oriole, White-breasted Thrasher, Gray Trembler, and Blue-headed Hummingbird. He has unique knowledge to share about the fauna, flora, and culture of Martinique and personalizes his tours with an authentic meal in a natural setting serenaded by birds.

Puerto Rico

Island birdwatchers.

Alcides Morales-Pérez is native to Puerto Rico and an expert on the island’s diverse flora, fauna, and natural history. With over 15 years of experience, he knows Puerto Rico like the back of his hand and loves to share his passion with visitors. He’s involved in habitat restoration and bird ecology projects, and even operates a family-owned Airbnb, Colibrí Guest House . Alcides leads island-wide half-day, full-time, and multi-day tours in search of endemics and all the other amazing birds found on the island.

Puerto Rico Birding Trips

Julio Salgado is a Puerto Rican tour guide who has been an avid birder since he was fifteen years old. He is an active volunteer with the Puerto Rican Ornithological Society (SOPI) and Para La Naturaleza (PR Conservation Trust), has worked on Bicknell’s Thrush monitoring for the Vermont Center for Ecostudies, and has collaborated with the Peregrine Foundation. Julio is Puerto Rico’s top birder with 312 registered species sightings. With over 10 years of experience guiding bird watchers, especially those with the goal of seeing the island’s 17 endemics, he also offers a variety of activities that can be added to excursions such as kayaking and snorkeling.

Sint Maarten/St. Martin

Sint maarten birding.

Binkie van Es has lived on Sint Maarten since 1985 and is in love with its nature. He’s the chairman of the Dutch Caribbean Bird Conservation Work Group under the umbrella of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and he runs Cornell’s BirdSleuth program on the island. Binkie is an experienced guide who offers private tours (full day, multi day, or even boat trips to surrounding islands) covering both the Dutch and French sides of the island of Sint Maarten / Saint Martin. Due to the island’s layout, a day of birding also allows visitors to experience its unique history and culture.

Wildlife Ambassadors, Ltd.

Adams Toussaint’s passion for birding has its roots in his childhood growing up in the small rural town of Fond Assau, near the Castries Water Works Forest Reserve. His first and only job was with the Saint Lucia Forestry Department where he started as a Forest Ranger in 1980 and retired as The Chief Forestry Officer in July 2018. He currently works with Fauna & Flora International and SLU Birding Wildlife Ambassadors. Adams offers bird guiding and leadership tours, wildlife and nature photographic tours, wildlife tours and general nature tours, focusing on hot spots for endemic and specialist birds for the island.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Science bird tours.

Lystra Culzac’s interest in birds and nature started at a young age which inspired her to pursue a career of nature discovery and teaching. She has co-authored a number of publications on birds, including Important Bird Areas of SVG for BirdLife International. Lystra is an experienced forestry expert and conservation biologist as well as the founder of Science Initiative for Environmental Conservation and Education (SCIENCE), SVG’s premier birding organization. Through SCIENCE, she conducts biodiversity research, education, and interpretation with the goal of getting more people, particularly kids, interested in birding and conservation. She makes every effort to ensure a memorable experience for her clients!

Glenroy Gaymes has been working in the Forestry Department since 1990 and has a profound knowledge of the birds, wildlife, and plants of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He has deep understanding of the natural ecology, local history, and culture. Glenroy guides specialized birding and nature tours with Science Initiative for Environmental Conservation and Education (SCIENCE) that are customized based on the clients’ needs, from rugged hikes, to roadside walks, to drives to the country. He prides himself of being able to guarantee a good view of the endemic St. Vincent Parrot and almost always encountering the endemic Whistling Warbler.

Trinidad and Tobago

Avifauna tours.

Roger Neckles was born in Trinidad, raised in London, and is one of the Caribbean’s most prominent wildlife photographers. He coauthored (with Richard ffrench) Birds of Trinidad & Tobago and is currently writing An Introduction to the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago Vol. 1 . Roger’s true passion is leading bird tours throughout Latin America and in Trinidad and Tobago. His reviews speak volumes for his love for photography, adventure, and teaching a multitude of tips and techniques in an easy to grasp, fun-filled manner, instilling confidence, excitement, and memorable experiences. Avifauna Tours offers full or multi-day customizable and all-inclusive tours.

Eureka Natural History Tours

Jason Radix is one of the most accomplished naturalist guides in Trinidad & Tobago, having led tours since 1991. Most of his career was spent at the world-famous Asa Wright Nature Centre. Now, as an independent operator since 2015, he offers full-time tours mainly on the island of Tobago. Jason is an experienced birdwatcher, equipped and skilled at leading clients at all levels of birding experience. While he primarily leads birding and nature tours, he also offers cultural and history tours and lectures.

Faraaz Abdool, Independent Guide

Faraaz is a passionate nature lover and conservation advocate from the island of Trinidad. He is the author of Casual Birding in Trinidad & Tobago , and a regular contributor to the blogs 10,000 Birds and Wild Tobago . He has written for and been featured by the National Audubon Society on their website, magazine, social media, and live shows several times. Faraaz adheres to a strict ethical code of conduct while birding and is very careful to avoid causing harm to birds or the environment. He also runs birding trips to northern South America and East Africa.

Nanan’s Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tour Operators and Bird Watching Expeditions

Allister “Lester” Nanan is a conservationist and environmentalist who left engineering to join his successful family business of three generations. He is a strong advocate for the Scarlet Ibis (TNT’s national bird), assisting with its designation as an environmentally sensitive species (ESS), and is passionate about ensuring that the Caroni Swamp be a protected area for all species visiting Trinidad. Allister guides throughout the country, introducing guests to its rich biodiversity and culture. Offering 12-day packages showcasing the country’s evergreen forest, open savannahs, pasture farmlands, mangrove ecosystems, and wetlands, his tours can be tailored to suit the needs of every guest.

Nature Lovers

Darren Henry is a trained forester, birder, and environmentalist with a background in forestry and environmental land management. He is a licensed tour guide and holds a certificate in tropical dendrology (the study of trees!). He specializes in fauna, avifauna, and flora identification and mostly conducts tours in rainforest, wetland, and secondary forest habitats as well as to waterfalls and remote beaches. Darren even organizes tours for visitors who want more intensive birding experiences deeper in the forest interior.

To and Fro Tours

William Trim is an experienced conservator of biodiversity, tour guide, and trainer. His interest in birding began while watching two House Wrens feeding an odd-looking fledgling which he learned was a young Shiny Cowbird (an example of brood parasitism). Since then, William has provided professional training and birding services in the tourism sector of Trinidad and Tobago; birded throughout most CARICOM countries and elsewhere across the globe; obtained a M.Sc. in Forestry from the University Aberdeen; and conducted researched on bird-watching opportunities. To and Fro Tours offers tours for rainforest birding, wetland birding, woodland birding, birds-plants association, and nocturnal birds and creatures.

Zee Birding Tours and Nature Hikes

Zolani Frank is an independent certified tour guide with over 20 years of experience in birding and tour-guiding. He learned young, under the guidance of his father, Wordsworth Quincy Frank, the founder of Frank’s Glass Bottom Boat Tours in Tobago. Zolani is a proud tour guide who has conducted tours for Caligo Ventures / Naturalist Journeys. Over the years, he has attained certificates in reef check and tour-guiding. He offers a variety of tours, such as birdwatching, snorkeling, history, and coastline tours and transportation services. Tours are flexible depending on client’s needs and Zolani is a reliable and trustworthy guide.

The Latest from BirdsCaribbean.org

The Barbados-based dynamic birding & #travel experts✈️, Ryan and Alex Chenery of Birding the Islands are crafting tailor-made, multi-island 🏝️ travel itineraries for individuals & small groups. Learn how you can build your own #birding holiday at: bit.ly/Build-your-ow… pic.twitter.com/yEbO…

Endemic Bird of the Day, Day 126! 🦩🦜🦉 The small but feisty Flat-billed Vireo! 🇩🇴🇭🇹 For feathery facts and materials: bit.ly/FlatbilledVir… #CEBF2023 #FromTheNest #WaterSustainingBirdLife @grupojaragua @accionverde @SOSAmbienteRD @TurismoRD @Trees4Haiti @LoopHaiti pic.twitter.com/XwpI…

Join experienced tour guide Ernesto Reyes🇨🇺 on an extraordinary trip to #Colombia ! For the detailed itinerary head over to: bit.ly/BirdTourColom… ✨For every BirdsCaribbean person that signs up for this trip, Ernesto will make a $100 donation to us! 📸Carlos Roberto Chavarria pic.twitter.com/Blco…

#ExpeditionDiablotin was a challenging search for the Black-capped Petrel in #Dominica . But also a rewarding experience connecting with locals to build support for its conservation. Learn more at: bit.ly/DiablotinOutr… @ABCbirds @EPICislands @SeabirdEcology @USFWS @jlkbrisbane pic.twitter.com/DBqF…

Endemic Bird of the Day, Day 125! 🦉🦜🦩 A spectacularly colorful Cuban endemic: the Gray-fronted Quail-Dove! 🇨🇺 For feathery facts, puzzles, coloring page & more: bit.ly/GrayFrontedQu… #CEBF2023 #FromTheNest #WaterSustainingBirdLife @BirdingEastCuba @AMA_CUBA pic.twitter.com/WgnQ…

• About the CBT
• Get Involved

Sign up for our Mailing List

Email address:

Birding Tour Caribbean: Puerto Rico Escape – Endemics and Island Birding

Go to: Dominican Republic Birding Tours | Jamaica Birding Tour | USA Birding Tours | Birding Tours in North America | Birding Tours in Neotropics | All our birding tours

Dates and Costs

29 March – 04 April 2025

Spaces Available:  6

Price: $3,890  / £3,263 / €3,817 per person sharing – based on 4 – 8 participants

Single Supplement: $860 / £721 / €844

* Please note that these currency conversions are calculated in real-time, therefore are subject to slight change. Please refer back to the base prices when making final payments.

Recommended Field Guide

(Please also read our blogs about recommended field   guides for the seven continents here )

Tour Details

Duration : 7 days Group Size : 4 – 8 Tour Start : San Juan, Puerto Rico Tour End : San Juan, Puerto Rico

Price includes:

Meals Accommodation Guiding fees Entrance fees All transport while on tour Fuel/tolls

Price excludes:

Flights Laundry Items of a personal nature, e.g. gifts Gratuities (please see our tipping guidelines blog )

Featured Guide:

Puerto Rico , the smallest and eastern-most island of the Greater Antilles , is full of beauty and amazing avian species. Surrounded by the gorgeous blues, turquoises, and greens of the warm Caribbean waters, this island features a multitude of habitats from highland forests to coastal wetlands. Puerto Rico is often overlooked when it comes to the larger islands in the Greater Antilles. However, this island has so much to offer! With 17 endemic bird species plus a host of other great Caribbean specials, Puerto Rico is a birder’s paradise. These amazing species include Puerto Rican Tody , Puerto Rican Owl , Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo , and Adelaide’s Warbler . Four of the endemics are currently red listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). These include Puerto Rican Nightjar (Endangered), Yellow-shouldered Blackbird (Endangered), Elfin Woods Warbler (Endangered), and Puerto Rican Amazon (Critically Endangered).

This tour takes us on a great adventure circling the entire island of Puerto Rico. Many species are specialized in certain regions of Puerto Rico, so it is important we visit all corners and spend enough time there to target them. We will begin in San Juan in the northeast section of the island. From here we will transfer across the northern coastline and down the western edge to the more relaxed town of La Parguera , stopping at places such as Rio Abajo State Forest and Maricao Forest Reserve . We will stay here for three nights, birding this area which hosts many key species. Next, we will traverse the southern coastline into El Yunque National Forest where we will stay for the final two nights of the trip. Here we will explore the southeast and eastern reserves of the island including Humacao Nature Preserve and the small town of Fajardo . Finally, we will wrap back to San Juan for the trip’s conclusion and departure home.

We offer other great tours to the Caribbean region including Cuba , Dominican Republic , and Jamaica . All of these destinations may be combined with Puerto Rico to give a more complete exploration of the Caribbean! Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions.

Itinerary (7 days/6 nights)

Day 1. arrival in san juan, puerto rico.

After arrival at San Juan International Airport (SJU), you will be transferred to the hotel where a room will be reserved in your name. Some folks may want to arrive earlier in the day and explore the town of Old San Juan , full of historic buildings and culture. Some common species are likely to be encountered more casually after arriving such as Magnificent Frigatebird , Grey Kingbird , White-winged Dove , and Bananaquit . We will gather in the lobby and head to dinner for more proper introductions and we will discuss the details of our week on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico.

Overnight: San Juan

Day 2. Northeast to southwest – Rio Abajo State Forest and Cambalache State Forest

We will start off early this morning leaving the San Juan area behind and begin heading across the island. Our first morning stop will be at Cambalache State Forest , a beautiful lowland forest loaded with endemic birds. A productive morning can yield up to half of the island endemics and this area is a favorite spot for Puerto Rican Bullfinch , Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo , Puerto Rican Spindalis , Adelaide’s Warbler , and Puerto Rican Tody . In addition to the endemics, these trails are normally full of other great species such as Bananaquit , Black-faced Grassquit , Black-whiskered Vireo , and Smooth-billed Ani , to name a few.

From here we will move onto Rio Abajo State Forest which is absolutely our best site for spotting the Critically Endangered Puerto Rican Amazon (Parrot). Access to known nesting areas is not always possible due to the strict management of these birds and recent weather conditions such as hurricanes. We should hopefully be able to see some of the fine work going on in this park, aiding the conservation of these amazing birds. After exploring these two remarkable locations, we will make it to the small town of La Parguera for the evening where we will set up for the next three nights. This area is one of the last strongholds for Yellow-shouldered Blackbird and perhaps we will come across one as we get into town.

Overnight: La Parguera

Day 3. Maricao Forest Reserve and Laguna Cartagena

After breakfast we head off to Maricao Forest Reserve , a wet mountain-forest area. Our top target here is the Endangered and range-restricted Elfin Woods Warbler . This elusive species was only discovered in 1968 and is restricted to high humidity, high altitude forests with elfin (dwarfed) trees. The trails here are an excellent place to find this fascinating bird as well as Puerto Rican Oriole , Scaly-naped Pigeon , and Puerto Rican Flycatcher . While the warbler may be the top target of the day, we will carefully search for the unique Puerto Rican Tanager , as this is a great area for it. This species is highly desirable to many listers as this unique bird is the only member of its genus and recently has been placed into its own family, Nesospingidae.

After lunch we will move on to explore Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge , located in the southwest corner of the island. This area and the nearby rice fields are fantastic for waders (shorebirds) and waterbirds. Here we will target specials such as Masked Duck and West Indian Whistling Duck . This site can also be great for other wetland species including Smooth-billed Ani , Black-necked Stilt , Sora , Common Gallinule and Glossy Ibis , plus a host of wintering warblers and some exotic species which have become established in Puerto Rico like Orange-cheeked Waxbill and Northern Red Bishop . We will return to La Parguera for dinner, always keeping our eyes peeled for Yellow-shouldered Blackbird . After dinner we will venture out in the evening in search of Puerto Rican Nightjar , located only in this region of the island.

Day 4. Cabo Rojo and other southwest Puerto Rico birding

After breakfast we will head out to Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge , a great location for seabirds and shorebirds. The mudflats here should be teeming with wintering species such as Wilson’s and Semipalmated Plovers , Black-necked Stilt , Least Sandpiper , and Royal Tern . We will head out to the lighthouse and scan the sea in hopes of spotting a White-tailed Tropicbird or Brown Booby flying close to shore. The trees in the area should be full of other great species like Caribbean Elaenia , Puerto Rican Flycatcher , Grey Kingbird , and the established exotic Venezuelan Troupial .

The afternoon will be a free one with our birding dependent on how we have faired with endemics and other Caribbean species thus far. Some folks may want to enjoy an afternoon around the town of La Parguera, certainly a fine and relaxing option. Others may want to venture out to other nearby birding locations for species such as Puerto Rican Woodpecker , Puerto Rican Vireo , Pearly-eyed Thrasher , Green Mango , Puerto Rican Emerald , and Puerto Rican Spindalis or any other species we may still be lacking. After dinner gives us another chance for Puerto Rican Nightjar and Puerto Rican Owl in case of a miss or bad weather the previous night.

Day 5. Southern edge of Puerto Rico to El Yunque National Forest

This morning we will enjoy our final breakfast in the southwest portion of Puerto Rico before loading up and heading east across the island with a few birding stops planned. First up will be  Aguirre State Forest , a coastal mangrove forest. Here is our first chance at spotting Antillean Crested Hummingbird plus other nice species including Mangrove Cuckoo , Prairie and Adelaide’s Warblers , and Pearly-eyed Thrasher . From here we will cut north through the center of Puerto Rico and into the mountains in search of the Near Threatened and range-restricted Plain Pigeon . We will also keep our eyes peeled for any endemics we might be missing at this point, if any, such as Green Mango and Puerto Rican Spindalis . In the afternoon, we will enjoy a relaxing walk around our lodging in El Yunque National Forest , full of scenic trails and waterfalls.

Overnight: Casa Cubuy

Day 6. Humacao Nature Preserve to Fajardo

After breakfast we will head off to Humacao Nature Preserve , a great area of wetlands and flowering trees, typically loaded with birds. Here we will search for both Green-throated Carib and Antillean Crested Hummingbird which are mostly restricted to the eastern areas of the island. Unfortunately, they have become scarcer due to recent hurricanes that have swept through Puerto Rico. In addition to the hummers, we will be on the lookout for other great species including White-cheeked Pintail , Puerto Rican Flycatcher , and Mangrove Cuckoo . From here we will head to the town of Fajardo for lunch next to the ocean. Here we will continue searching for those two hummingbirds and will scan the sea for Magnificent Frigatebird and Brown Booby .

In the afternoon we will head back to El Yunque to continue birding the trails around our lodge hopefully digging up nice species including Loggerhead Kingbird (Puerto Rican subspecies), Red-legged Thrush , and Puerto Rican Tanager . The evening will provide an optional outing for Puerto Rican Owl on our final night of the tour.

Day 7. Departure from San Juan

After breakfast, and potentially some morning birding, we will load up and head back to the San Juan Airport to catch flights home. We strongly recommend flights departing after noon to allow enough time to transfer to the airport (approx. 1hr 15min drive).  This will be the final trek on what was surely an amazing week spent in the paradise of Puerto Rico!

Be sure to check out our other tours in the Caribbean region, easily combinable with this one: Cuba – Endemics and Cultural Paradise , Dominican Republic – Complete DR Experience and Jamaica – Island Endemics in the Heart of the Caribbean .

Please note that the itinerary cannot be guaranteed as it is only a rough guide and can be changed (usually slightly) due to factors such as availability of accommodation, updated information on the state of accommodation, roads, or birding sites, the discretion of the guides, and other factors. In addition, we occasionally need to use a different international guide from the one advertised due to tour scheduling.

Puerto Rican Tody

Puerto Rican Owl

Puerto Rican Parrot

Puerto Rican Tanager

Adelaide's Warbler

Puerto Rican Woodpecker

Puerto Rican Flycatcher

Green Mango

Puerto Rican Nightjar

Scaly-naped Pigeon

Pearly-eyed Thrasher

Caribbean Elaenia

All Rights Reserved, Birding Ecotours

Join our newsletter for exclusive discounts and great birding information!

Puerto Rico - Forgotten Greater Antilles 2022 - ()

Puerto rico - forgotten greater antilles.

• Dates, Leaders and Pricing
• Trip Reports
• Tour Enquiry

Surrounded by the turquoise Caribbean Sea, Puerto Rico is a rugged and mountainous island containing a wide variety of bird-rich habitats. Host to 17 endemics and numerous Greater Antillean and Caribbean restricted species, Puerto Rico has surprisingly been forgotten amongst its more illustrious neighbours - Cuba, Jamaica and Hispaniola. While the many endemics and near-endemics are the priority, the island also plays host to a number of wintering North American passerines. From the humid Luquillo Mountains, we will work our way through the cool slopes of Maricao and the dry forests of Guanica. Our tour takes in the major habitats, offering us an excellent chance of seeing almost all the island’s endemics.

Plain Pigeon, Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo, Puerto Rican Screech Owl, Puerto Rican Nightjar, Antillean Mango, Green Mango, Green-throated Carib, Antillean Crested Hummingbird, Puerto Rican Emerald, Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Lesser Antillean Pewee, Puerto Rican Flycatcher, Puerto Rican Vireo, Antillean Euphonia, Elfin Woods Warbler, Adelaide’s Warbler, Puerto Rican Oriole, Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, Greater Antillean Grackle, Puerto Rican Bullfinch, Puerto Rican Tanager, Puerto Rican Spindalis, Loggerhead Kingbird, Scaly-naped Pigeon, Shiny Cowbird, Northern Mockingbird.

Habitats Covered

wetlands, mudflats, dry xerophytic forest, humid montane forest, mangroves, grasslands, humid lowland forest

Expected Climate

tropical to tropical arid. Average temperatures at this time of year vary between 19ºC (66ºF) in the evenings to 30ºC (86ºF) during the heat of the day. We visit during the middle of the dry season, although rain could fall in the humid forests

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader

Tour Pace & Walking

relaxed with little trail hiking. Most birding is done from the road or on wide paths

Accommodation

comfortable

Ease of Birding

mostly easy with some tougher species

Number of Species Expected

Photographic opportunities, what our clients say about us.

KH, Puerto Rico 2023

Julio, our local guide, was great. Drove, bucked luggage, knew great restaurants, and, most importantly, knew the birds, their calls, and their locations. Bobby Wilcox was also great, knew the birds and their calls and was able to get everyone on each bird. Great tour. Id do it again if there werent so many other places to go. Sarah Dell was great on the office end. Thanks. Ill be back. KEN

EM, Puerto Rico

Forrest is an excellent guide all around. He is exceptionally knowledgeable and also fun to be with.

GS & KS, Puerto Rico 2022

Bobby Wilcox was an excellent leader. And the local guide, was excellent as well.

MO, Puerto Rico

Forrest was great as usual and our local guide was fantastic. The food and accommodations were excellent

MW, Puerto Rico

The trip and the Guides were excellent.

Puerto Rico - Forgotten Greater Antilles 2025

12 Jan 2025 - 17 Jan 2025 (6 days)

USD3,195 - Spaces Available

Tour Leader: Alexander Alvarado

Tour price (Per person): USD3,195 * GBP2,549 * EUR2,979 * AUD4,867

Single Supplement: USD380 * GBP303 * EUR354 * AUD579

Can be linked with: Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola I 2025

Puerto Rico - Forgotten Greater Antilles 2024 - February 2024

Puerto Rico - Forgotten Greater Antilles 2023 - February 2023

Puerto Rico - Forgotten Greater Antilles 2022 - January 2022

Puerto Rico - Forgotten Greater Antilles 2020 - February 2020

Your details

• Title Mr. Mrs. Ms. Dr. Prof. Sir.
• Name * First Last
• Your country Your country Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Costa Rica Côte d'Ivoire Croatia Cuba Curaçao Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Greenland Grenada Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati North Korea South Korea Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macedonia Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russia Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Sint Maarten Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Sudan, South Suriname Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Vatican City Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, U.S. Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe
• Hidden Tour of Interest
• Tour of Interest Select Tour of Interest Puerto Rico - Forgotten Greater Antilles 2025
• Your Enquiry *

Contact permission

We would love to send you Newsletters (twice yearly).via Type a message, Promotions/Discounts (weekly), Blog Articles/Image of the Month (monthly) and other content that we think you would find interesting. If you are happy with this then please select your preferences below. If you would like to unsubscribe from previous subscriptions, or leave our mailing list entirely, then please do so by visiting the Preference Centre link at the bottom of these emails.

• Yes, I would like to receive this content of interest and to better filter the content sent to me, I am a :
• Hardcore (target focussed with a strong desire to see as many species as possible on each trip)
• Middle of the road (target focussed but more relaxed by nature and do not expect to see everything)
• Relaxed (enjoy birds but am happy seeing whatever we see)
• Photographer
• No thanks, I don't want to hear about any of these offers or content
• Comments This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tour Route Map

Get Special Offers From Rockjumper Birding

Sign up now and get the best deals straight in your inbox!

• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Modal title

Enquire about booking a tour.

• Tell us about your dream tour
• How many people do you expect to be on the tour? (optional)
• What are the date ranges you are looking at for this tour? (optional)
• How many days would you like the tour for? (optional)
• What is your price range for the tour? (optional)
• Phone This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Enquire about booking a tour 5

Your passport.

Add Attachment

Arrival Tour Information

Departure tour information.

May 2024, Bird of the Month – Yellow-Shouldered Blackbird

In an ode to 1980s fashion, this bird is rocking a bold look. With black plumage and striking yellow patches on their shoulders, the yellow-shouldered blackbird literally lives up to its name. 

Identifying Features

Depending on where you live, you may be more familiar with the yellow-shouldered blackbird’s relative: the red-winged blackbird. While similar in form, the two species can be physically differentiated by their epaulets. 

Yellow-shouldered blackbirds have entirely yellow epaulets, while red-winged blackbirds have red epaulets lined with yellow. Epaulets refer to the brightly colored feathers on the bird’s shoulders.

In addition to physical differences, these species have a major geographic difference. Yellow-shouldered blackbirds are endemic to, or only found in, the island of Puerto Rico. In contrast, the range of red-winged blackbirds spans North America and Central America, and they do not occur in Puerto Rico. 

Conservation Status

Yellow-shouldered blackbirds were listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) in 1976 and their current distribution includes southwestern (municipalities of Cabo Rojo and Lajas) southern (municipality of Salinas) and eastern (municipality of Ceiba) Puerto Rico, and the adjacent Mona and Monito islands. As of 2023, the island-wide yellow-shouldered blackbird population was estimated to be approximately 600-700 individuals.  

Their primary stressors include habitat loss and degradation due to human activities, opportunistic predators (e.g., dogs, cats, rats), a restricted (localized) distribution, low population numbers, climate change climate change Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale. Learn more about climate change , hurricane impacts, invasive species invasive species An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars. Learn more about invasive species , and nest parasitism by shiny cowbirds.

Shiny cowbirds were first recorded in Puerto Rico in 1955. Originally native to South America, this species expanded their range by island hopping. Upon their arrival in Puerto Rico, they hit yellow-shouldered blackbird nests with force. Cowbirds are obligate brood parasites, meaning they lay their eggs in the nest of other birds and provide no parental care. This situation often results in the death of the host bird’s eggs and hatchlings. 

To combat the shiny cowbirds, artificial nesting structures have been installed in yellow-shouldered blackbird nesting areas.

Biologists monitor artificial nest structures on a weekly basis, check on the status of yellow-shouldered blackbird chicks, remove any cowbird eggs found, and treat nests for parasites. Eventually, new nest structures will be installed that are equipped with sensors to monitor moisture and temperature, and with motion cameras to help determine causes of nests failure.

Apart from the nest parasitism, biologists are working hard to implement additional conservation actions that will benefit this imperiled species. They are developing habitat restoration plans for the mangroves that the blackbirds live in, assessing the genetic diversity of the existing blackbird populations, and working towards creating a head start program. 

Where can I find yellow-shouldered blackbirds?

If you’re hoping to add the yellow-shouldered blackbird to your birdwatching life list, a trip to Puerto Rico is in order! These birds have been observed at the following National Wildlife Refuges: 

• Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge: Located along the southwest coast of Puerto Rico, one of this refuge’s primary objectives is to restore and enhance the population of the yellow-shouldered blackbird.
• Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge : This refuge is one of the most important freshwater habitats for migrating and resident aquatic birds in Puerto Rico.

Yellow-Shouldered Blackbird Photo Contest

As part of our Bird of the Month series, we invite you to submit your photos of yellow-shouldered blackbirds in a photo contest. 

**In the file name of your photo, please include your first and last name, contact email address, and the location where the photo was taken. If these components are missing, we will have no way of contacting you if you win.**

Submissions will be judged by a panel of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees. Once a winner is selected, they will be contacted via email and asked to sign a photo release form. This form protects the photographer's rights, ensures proper credits are given, and grants the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service permission to share the photo on our social media channels. Please monitor your junk/spam folders towards the end of the month in the event that we reach out and our email lands there.

The winner will be announced publicly near the end of each month on our Southeast Regional Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) platforms. 

A photo contest will occur each month for each featured bird species. At the end of 2024, all twelve winning photographs will be shared on our regional social media accounts.

Submit your original photos of yellow-shouldered blackbirds here!

Recreational Activities

Related stories.

Latest Stories

You are exiting the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website

You are being directed to

We do not guarantee that the websites we link to comply with Section 508 (Accessibility Requirements) of the Rehabilitation Act. Links also do not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.