Oriente Warbler, one of the 26 Cuban endemics found during the tour. Photo by Raymond Jeffers
CUBA
7 MARCH - 19 MARCH 2013
LEADER: CHRIS KEHOE
Our March 2013 Birdquest to Cuba was a highly successful tour to this endemic rich Caribbean islands. We
recorded 170 species including all 26 of the practically accessible Cuban endemics including superb views of
such stars as Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Grassquit, Blue-headed and Grey-fronted Quail-dove, Fernandina's
Flicker, Cuban Nightjar, Cuban Black Hawk, Zapata Sparrow (of two subspecies), Oriente and Yellowheaded Warblers, Bare-legged Owl, Cuban Pygmy Owl and Giant Kingbird. The notoriously skulking Zapata
Wren predictably took a little work but we eventually had a series of acceptable views of a singing bird,
including in the scope for a while. Gundlach's Hawk can also be tricky but we were fortunate to encounter a
pair at one of our lunch stops and enjoyed some excellent views during two visits. Spectacular Cuban Todys
and Cuban Trogons both proved to be rather common and were seen repeatedly. A host of regional
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endemics were also found including West Indian Whistling-duck, Plain, White-crowned and Scaly-naped
Pigeons, Key West Quail-dove, Thick-billed Vireo, Bahama Mockingbird and Olive-capped Warbler. Stygian
Owls, easier to find in Cuba than anywhere else, showed well on a couple of occasions and an obliging
Mangrove Cuckoo was an unexpected bonus. Our list was supplemented by numerous winter visitors from
North America including 17 species of migrant Parulid Warblers such as Cape May and Yellow-throated
Warblers, Louisiana and Northern Waterthrushes and Worm-eating and Swainson's Warblers. A stunning
male Painted Bunting and a vagrant American Robin were also noteworthy. Wetland areas also held a good
selection of species with highlights including Long-billed Dowitcher and Green-winged Teal (both rare or,
more likely, overlooked in Cuba), Limpkins, American White Pelicans, Clapper Rails, Soras, Stilt Sandpipers
(amongst a total of 16 shorebird species seen), Roseate Spoonbills and American Flamingos. Cuban is
home to several distinctive endemic forms so we paid close attention to the local American Kestrels,
Northern Flickers and Eastern Meadowlarks as these may be the subjects of taxonomic review in the future
After gathering at Havana airport in the evening we began the two hour journey westwards to San Diego del
los Banos, our base for the first night of the tour and within easy striking distance of the next morning's
birding sites.
Our birding commenced with a very productive visit to Cueva del los Portales in La Guira National Park
where we saw both of our main targets, Cuban Solitaire and Scaly-naped Pigeon, within 15 minutes of
arrival; the Solitaire gave a couple of excellent views during our 90 minute visit and the pigeons performed
several fly-pasts and also perched briefly for the scope. Also seen before we moved on were splendid Cuban
Trogons and a Cuban Tody, Cuban Martins and Cave Swallows, Cuban Emeralds, Western Spindalises,
Cuban Vireo, West Indian and Cuban Green Woodpeckers, Cuban and Tawny-shouldered Blackbirds, Redlegged Thrushes, Cuban Pewees, Loggerhead Kingbird and La Sagra's Flycatchers plus a selection of
wintering warblers such as Louisiana Waterthrush, Black-and-white and Black-throated Green Warblers,
Northern Parulas, Common Yellowthroat and American Redstart. After a short drive we arrived at an area of
scattered pines at the head of the Las Cabinas Trail where within a minute we were watching the first of
several Olive-capped Warblers. A calling 'Cuban' Northern Flicker was coaxed into view and just as we were
returning to the bus we head a calling Fernandina's Flicker that gave some excellent views over a 20 minute
period. Returning towards San Diego del los Banos for lunch we visited some roadside fields where up to
eight Cuban Grassquits performed very well along with a few Yellow-faced Grassquits and a brief Indigo
Bunting. After lunch we visited Hacienda Cortina where a couple of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers completed the
set of Cuban Woodpeckers and we enjoyed further good views of Olive-capped Warblers and many other
species plus our first Northern Waterthrush and Greater Antillean Grackle. Driving back to Havana we
stopped at a couple of roadside reservoirs where Snail Kites, good numbers of Lesser Scaup, Ring-necked
and Ruddy Ducks and Pied-billed Grebes plus a few Caspian and Forster's Terns and several Brown
Pelicans were found.
An early start delivered us to Hato de Jacarita on the northern edge of Cienaga de Zapata National Park just
before sunrise. An early highlight here was two obliging Cuban Pygmy Owls but after a short search we
heard one of our two target birds, Red-shouldered Blackbird, and a few minutes later had a male in the
scope revealing its diagnostically pointed tail feather tips and, during a wing stretch, the eponymous red
shoulders. White-crowned Pigeons perched prominently in the warming sun and a little while later we were
treated to excellent views of our first Yellow-headed Warblers. Zapata Sparrow, our other top target here,
eluded us for a while before a pair finally appeared and showed very well in roadside bushes. By 08.40 we
were on our way east towards our next base at Camaguey but stopped for lunch at Santa Clara where the
hotel grounds held a nice selection of winter migrants such as Cape May, Black-throated Blue and Yellowthroated Warblers plus a couple of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers and an Indigo Bunting. Red-legged
Honeycreepers showed well too but the undoubted highlight here was two Gundlach's Hawks, one of which
showed very well right overhead. Continuing our long journey to Camaguey we had one brief coffee stop and
arrived at our hotel shortly before darkness fell.
The change to daylight saving time gave us an extra hour in bed but we were still on our way south towards
the Sierra de Najassa before sunrise. A short roadside stop 15 minutes before we reached La Belen
Reserve gave us excellent scope views of a couple of Plain Pigeons, two distant calling Cuban Palm Crows
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and lots of noisy Cuban Crows. Once at La Belen we were soon watching more Cuban Palm Crows and our
first Cuban Parrot before tell-tale calls led us to our first Giant Kingbird that showed very well in the scope.
While watching the Kingbird a couple of Cuban Parakeets appeared in a nearby tree and also posed for the
scope. Further exploration of this attractive area gave us repeat views of all the local specialities plus our first
Great Lizard Cuckoo and Limpkins as well as a good selection of more widespread species such as Cuban
Trogon and Cuban Tody. After a lunch break at La Belen Ranch we birded along the nearby road, finding our
Yellow-throated Warbler, one of 17 species of migrant Parulids seen. Photo by Raymond Jeffers
first Prairie Warbler among a nice selection of other wintering warblers; a Cuban Pygmy Owl glared down at
us and a Gundlach's Hawk flew right overhead carrying prey. The return drive to Camaguey was punctuated
by a short stop to view an Eastern Meadowlark of the Cuban race (a potential split) and while watching it a
Red-tailed Hawk sailed overhead.
An hour long visit to Sierra de Cubitas en route to Cayo Coco gave us our first Oriente Warblers and Cuban
Orioles plus a small selection of, by now, familiar migrants such as Black-throated Green and Cape May
Warblers and a smart male Indigo Bunting. Continuing our journey we stopped for a few minutes at a lake
near Moron where our first Ospreys and Belted Kingfisher were seen plus several Limpkins and Snail Kites
though distantly flying West Indian Whistling Ducks were seen by Yvon only. After lunch at our comfortable
hotel on Cayo Coco we visited Cayo Guillermo where Bahama Mockingbirds eventually showed to perfection
and a Mangrove Cuckoo was a good find here. Roadside lagoons held masses of shorebirds including Stilt,
Least, Semipalmated and Western Sandpipers, Black-necked Stilts, a Willet and a Red Knot, several Shortbilled and, much rarer in Cuba, a single Long-billed Dowitcher. American Flamingos showed very well, as did
Reddish Egret, and a Cuban Black Hawk flew over. Careful scanning of the lagoon edges revealed three
Soras and a Clapper Rail. Back at the hotel we searched the lagoon for West Indian Whistling-ducks but only
had some distant flight views at dusk, though a Yellow-crowned Night Heron and another Clapper Rail were
seen and a Cuban Black Hawk sat on a chalet roof.
We began our full day on the northern cays with pre-dawn return to the lagoon behind our rooms. In the halflight we found two West Indian Whistling-ducks that eventually showed very well as the sun rose. Also found
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here were a couple of Mangrove Warblers and another Clapper Rail. After breakfast we drove to Cayo
Paredon Grande, a couple of brief stops en route gave us excellent perched views of Cuban Black Hawks.
Once near the lighthouse on Cayo Paredon Grande our target species were found easily; several Thickbilled Vireos showed well and we were almost attacked by Cuban Gnatcatchers. Also seen before we left
were Cuban Bullfinches, Western Spindalises and a Prairie Warbler. A quick stop on Cayo Romano gave us
scope views of a 'Great White' Heron and our first Greater Yellowlegs as Cuban Black Hawks displayed and
a Northern Crested Caracara landed on the road. Back on Cayo Coco, a couple of Zapata Sparrows of the
local race showed very well and a few Oriente Warblers were found. Our final stop before lunch was at the
water drips at Cueva del Jabili where we spent almost an hour watching a constant succession of choice
species coming down for a drink or to feed on the rice bait. The highlight here was two Key West Quaildoves that showed beautifully but other notables included our first Zenaida Dove, Summer Tanager and
Painted Bunting plus Cuban Todys, Cuban Vireo, Cape May Warbler and Cuban Bullfinches.
In the evening we first visited Cayo Coco sewerage lagoons where American Wigeon and Spotted Sandpiper
were added to our list along with a vagrant American Robin. Moving on to Cueva del Jabili we saw Key West
Quail-dove again plus a nice selection of migrants and local songbirds including several Oriente Warblers.
Back at the hotel we watched a few Mangrove Warblers at close range as the light began to fade.
Cuban Gnatcatchers showed extremely well in the northern cays. Photo by Raymond Jeffers
A short pre-breakfast stroll in and around the hotel gave us good views of a Merlin and better than previous
views of 'Cuban' Northern Flickers; some also saw three West Indian Whistling-ducks on the hotel lagoon. By
08.30 we were on our way back to the mainland but made a brief stop along the Cayo Coco causeway to
view a large feeding flock of Double-crested Cormorants while several Red-breasted Mergansers and our
first Ruddy Turnstones were seen. Returning to Villa Clara for lunch we again saw the Gundlach's Hawks
there, including one perched very briefly. Continuing our journey towards Zapata, we stopped 20 minutes
short of our hotel at Bermejas where the undoubted highlight was two Bee Hummingbirds, a female and
young male, attending flowers in a small roadside hedge. Nearby several Zenaida Doves and a Key West
Quail-dove were watched on a stretch of rice-baited trail. After dinner and the day's checklist we searched
the grounds of the hotel for Stygian Owl. The first couple of circuits produced nothing other than a Yellow4 BirdQuest Tour Report: Cuba 2013 www.birdquest-tours.com
crowned Night-heron but just as we were about to give up a quiet hoot or two led us to a splendid Stygian
Owl that showed to perfection in the spotlight.
At first light we were in position at the Quail-dove stake-out at Bermejas. A quick play of the tape brought in a
Bare-legged Owl that showed in the spotlight at very close range for 20 seconds or so. Zenaida Doves soon
began to appear on the trail in front of us. After about 20 minutes two Key West Quail Doves appeared,
eventually approaching to within about 15 metres. Twenty minutes later a Grey-fronted Quail-dove walked
out and fed right in front of us for ages then, right on cue, a pair of stunning Blue-headed Quail-doves
appeared and performed at very close range for nearly 10 minutes when a group of feral pigs appeared and
disturbed everything. Continuing our vigil we had further stunning views of Zenaida and Key West Quaildoves and one distant Grey-fronted Quail-dove. Back on the nearby road, large numbers of White-crowned
Pigeons were flying over and we had some excellent views of a Cuban Trogon before setting off to explore
the nearby forest. Bird activity was a little subdued in rather windy conditions but we saw a Swainson's
Warbler and a small selection of commoner migrant warblers plus a smart little Cuban Tody at close range.
Returning to the Bee Hummingbird hedge we enjoyed some nice views of the immature male again before
returning to the hotel for lunch and a short siesta. Our afternoon excursion took us to Las Salinas, a huge
area of coastal lagoons on the opposite side of the Bay of Pigs. American White Pelicans were a highlight
here and also new for our list was Gull-billed Terns and we had repeat views of several waterbirds such as
American Flamingos, American Wigeons and Green-winged Teal. Caspian and Royal Terns showed well, as
did several Reddish Egrets and a good selection of other herons, plus Cuban Black Hawks and various
commoner shorebirds including good numbers of Greater Yellowlegs. After dinner there was no sign of the
Stygian Owl in the hotel grounds.
An early start saw us en route to La Turba by 05.30. A couple of Barn Owls at the roadside marked our
progress and we stopped briefly to spotlight one. Arriving at the La Turba track 40 minutes before dawn we
searched for Cuban Nightjar, eventually finding one sitting on the track at first light; it showed quite well and
at one point flew straight towards us and banked away just a few feet from our faces causing some to duck!
Pressing on we began the search for the notoriously tricky Zapata Wren just as the sun rose. A couple of
birds were heard in the far distance before a closer bird sang and seemed to be in a gettable context. After
about 20 minutes it was in bushes just across the ditch from our position and a few minutes later was in
view, albeit a little obscured by foliage, and lingered long enough to get in the scope. During the next couple
of hours it was seen again about six times, often very close but mostly obscured but did pose in the open for
a few seconds at one point. A variety of commoner migrants were on views this morning but new were Bluegrey Gnatcatcher and Grey Kingbird while Indigo Buntings showed particularly well and several Tree
Swallows passed through. Returning towards the hotel a short stop at some roadside pools gave us Purple
Gallinules and Cuban Orioles.
After lunch and a siesta we set of to Soplillar where a couple of hours in the forest there produced three
Worm-eating Warblers, a Swainson's Warbler and a brief Magnolia Warbler plus several commoner migrants
and residents such as Black-and-white Warbler, Yellow-headed Warbler, Cuban Tody and Cuban Trogon.
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Cuban Pygmy Owls were seen well on several occasions. Photo by Raymond Jeffers
Early risers had brief flight views of a Stygian Owl in the hotel grounds before we made our way back to
Soplillar where an early highlight was a showy pair of ground feeding Fernandina's Flickers. Several hours
along the nearby forested trail gave us great views of a Magnolia Warbler and our first Yellow-throated Vireo
plus Black-whiskered Vireo and a good selection of migrant warblers again. All Cuban woodpecker species
were seen this morning. Our afternoon excursion took us back to Bermejas in the hope that an adult male
Bee Hummingbird might show up and, sure enough, after half an hour we were enjoying excellent scope
views of this stunner along with a female and young male. A short walk took us to the roost tree of a Barelegged Owl which, after a little encouragement, popped up and stared at us for ages before retreating into its
tree stump. A few other birds this afternoon included Red-tailed Hawk and Zenaida Dove.
Excellent views of the Stygian Owl in the hotel grounds preceded our return to La Turba where we enjoyed
perched views of Cuban Martins, another two Grey Kingbirds, Merlin, Northern Harrier and others, including
a very distant trio of Glossy Ibises in flight, though Zapata Wrens were very quiet today. Forest nearby gave
us repeat views of several species plus a fly-by Ruddy Quail-dove. Returning to Soplillar in the afternoon we
added Wood Stork, White-eyed Vireo and Blue-winged Warbler to our list and enjoyed great views of good
numbers of commoner species plus Worm-eating Warblers again and a brief Grey-fronted Quail-dove.
A final few hours birding at Bermejas gave us stunning views of Key West, Grey-fronted and Blue-headed
Quail-doves once again, the latter approaching to within three metres! Just across the road a male
hummingbird was watched singing and displaying in perfect morning light. On our return to Havana we
briefly scanned Havana Bay after lunch and quickly found our two targets here, American Herring Gull and
Cabot's Tern. After a short walking tour of Old Havana we stopped for photos at Plaza de Revolucion on our
way to the airport.
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Results of the votes for Bird of the Tour
1: Bee Hummingbird - 18 points
2: Fernandina's Flicker - 11 points
3: Blue-headed Quail-dove - 10 points
3: Stygian Owl - 10 points
5: Cuban Tody - 8 points
A further ten species received votes with Cuban Grassquit, Zapata Wren and Bare-legged Owl just missing
out on a top five position
Blue-headed Quail-doves showed to perfection at Bermejas. Photo by Raymond Jeffers
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SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR
The delightful Cuban Tody is always a firm favourite. Photo by Raymond Jeffers
Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO).
Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL).
Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’
birds for some other reason (e.g. it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its
range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).
Helmeted Guineafowl (introduced) Numida meleagris A handful were at La Belen and near Bermejas
West Indian Whistling Duck ◊ Dendrocygna arborea Great views of a couple at Cayo Coco plus poor flight views
American Wigeon Anas americana Up to eight were on Cayo Coco and four at Las Salinas
Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis One at Cayo Guillermo and two at Las Salinas, all females; a write-in
Blue-winged Teal Anas discors About 50 were in the northern Cays and another 30 at Las Salinas
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata About 30 were in the northern cays and 50 at Las Salinas
Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris About 100 were on the Havana Reservoirs
Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis Up to 400 were on the Havana Reservoirs
Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator Over 50 were off Cayo Coco causeway
Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis About 50 were at one of the Havana Reservoirs
Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Up to 50 were at the Havana Reservoirs and a handful elsewhere
American Flamingo (Caribbean F) Phoenicopterus ruber Common in the northern cays and at Las Salinas
Wood Stork Mycteria americana (NL) Distant flight views of three fat Soplillar
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American White Ibis Eudocimus albus Several were in the northern cays and especially at Las Salinas
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (LO) Three very distant birds were seen in flight at La Turba
Roseate Spoonbill Platalea ajaja One was at Cayo Guillermo and three at Las Salinas
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax About 10 were at La Turba on each visit
Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea One was at Cayo Coco with another at Playa Giron
Green Heron Butorides virescens Small numbers were seen at most wetlands visited
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Fairly common throughout
Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias Widespread in small numbers, 'Great Whites' at Cayo Romano and Las Salinas
Great Egret Ardea alba Scattered records throughout
Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens A few were on the northern cays with about 15 at Las Salinas
Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor Widespread in small numbers
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea Widespread in moderate numbers
Snowy Egret Egretta thula Scattered records throughout
American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos A gathering of 34 at Las Salinas, now regular there in winter
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Small numbers were at four widespread localities
Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens A handful were in the northern cays and at Las Salinas
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus One was near Havana and several at Moron Lake and Zapata sites
Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus Common along the Cayo Coco causeway
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga One was at Moron Lake
Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura Very common and widespread
Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus Five at Moron, one on Cayo Romano and seven at Zapata, all northern migrants
Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis Five were near Havana, 10 at Moron Lake and two at Playa Giron
Northern Harrier Circus hudsonius A male was near Horquitas and a ringtail at La Turba
Gundlach's Hawk ◊ Accipiter gundlachi Two were seen twice at Villa Clara and another was at La Belen
Cuban Black Hawk ◊ Buteogallus gundlachii At least 10 were in the northern Cays with another six at Las Salinas
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus Four showed well at La Guira, apparently local race cubanensis; see note
Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis One was near Camaguey with another over Bermejas
Northern Crested Caracara Caracara cheriwayi A handful were in the northern cays and at Zapata
American Kestrel Falco sparverius Fairly common throughout, seen daily
Merlin Falco columbarius One showed well on Cayo Coco with others near Horquitas and at La Turba
Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris Singles were seen at Cayo Guillermo and twice at Cayo Coco, others heard
Sora Porzana carolina Three were at Cayo Guillermo, one showed very well
Purple Gallinule Porphyrio martinicus Four or more were at the crocodile farm pools at Zapata
Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata Mostly small numbers were at widespread wetlands
American Coot Fulica americana Common on a few larger wetlands
Limpkin Aramus guarauna Three at were La Belen and 10 or more at Moron Lake
Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus About 100 were in the northern cays with a few more at Zapata
Grey Plover (Black-bellied P) Pluvialis squatarola One was on the northern cays and four more at Las Salinas
Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus 20 were at Cayo Guillermo
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus Small numbers were at several sites
Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus About 30 were at both Cayo Guillermo and Las Salinas
Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus A calling bird showed well at Cayo Guillermo
Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca One was at Cayo Romano and 10 at Las Salinas
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes About 10 were in the northern cays and 20 at Las Salinas
Willet Tringa semipalmata One was at Cayo Guillermo
Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularius One was at Cayo Coco and another at Las Salinas, a rather poor showing
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
A handful were along the Cayo Coco causeway and at Las Salinas
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Red Knot Calidris canutus One was at Cayo Guillermo
Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla About 50 were at Cayo Guillermo with several more at Las Salinas
Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri
At least 10 were at Cayo Guillermo with a few more at Las Salinas
Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla About 500 were at Cayo Guillermo and 300 at Las Salinas, a few more elsewhere
Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus At least 50 were at Cayo Guillermo
Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla Quite common in the northern cays and in Havana Bay
Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis (NL) Four were at Cayo Coco
American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus Two or three immatures were at Havana Bay
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica Six were at Las Salinas
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Four were at Nina Bonita Reservoir near Havana and 25 at Las Salinas
Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus Several were in the northern cays and at Las Salinas with a few in Havana Bay
Cabot's Tern Thalasseus acuflavidus A handful were in Havana Bay
Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri About 10 were at Nina Bonita Reservoir near Havana
Rock Dove (Feral Pigeon) Columba livia Present in some urban areas
White-crowned Pigeon ◊ Patagioenas leucocephala One was at La Guira and hundreds at Zapata sites
Scaly-naped Pigeon ◊ Patagioenas squamosa Several good flight views and brief perched views at La Guira NP
Plain Pigeon ◊ Patagioenas inornata Great scope views of a handful near Najassa and at La Belen
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Several were seen at Cayo Coco and in Havana
Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura Common and widespread in open areas, especially when travelling
Zenaida Dove ◊ Zenaida aurita A couple were on Cayo Coco,10 at Bermejas and a few more at Zapata sites
White-winged Dove Zenaida asiatica A handful were noted at Sierra de Cubitas and Cayo Coco
Common Ground Dove Columbina passerina Widespread in mostly small numbers
Grey-fronted Quail-Dove ◊ Geotrygon caniceps Point blank views of two at Bermejas, another at Soplillar
Key West Quail-Dove ◊ Geotrygon chrysia Two were on Cayo Coco and two more at Bermejas, superb views
Ruddy Quail-dove Geotrygon montana Brief flight views of one at La Turba
Blue-headed Quail-Dove ◊ Starnoenas cyanocephala A stunning pair at close range on two dates at Bermejas
Cuban Parakeet ◊ Aratinga euops About 10, including a couple perched, at La Belen, brief flight views at Zapata
Cuban Amazon ◊ (Rose-throated Parrot) Amazona leucocephala Ten were at La Belen and several at Zapata sites
Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani Fairly common and very widespread
Mangrove Cuckoo Coccyzus minor One at Cayo Guillermo was an unexpected bonus, scarce in Cuba
Great Lizard Cuckoo ◊ Coccyzus merlini Small numbers were noted at La Belen, Cayo Coco and Zapata sites
Western Barn Owl Tyto alba Two, one spotlighted, were along the road north of Playa Giron one morning
Bare-legged Owl ◊ (Cuban Screech O) Gymnoglaux lawrencii Great views of two at Bermejas
Bare-legged Owl at Bermejas. Photo by Raymond Jeffers
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Cuban Pygmy Owl ◊ Glaucidium siju Two at Hato de Jacarita, one La Belen, two at Zapata sites, several more heard
Stygian Owl ◊ Asio stygius Spotlighted on two nights at Playa Giron and seen in flight on another night
Cuban Nightjar ◊ Antrostomus cubanensis Good spotlight views of one at La Turba
Antillean Palm Swift ◊ Tachornis phoenicobia Locally common but overall rather scarce
Cuban Emerald ◊ Chlorostilbon ricordii Common and widespread, seen daily
Bee Hummingbird ◊ Mellisuga helenae Three, including a superb adult male, were at Bermejas on four dates
This immature male Bee Hummingbird performed to perfection. Photo by Raymond Jeffers
Cuban Trogon ◊ Priotelus temnurus Seen very well at La Guira, La Belen and Zapata sites, several more were heard
Belted Kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon Ones and twos at Moron Lake, the northern cays and Las Salinas
Cuban Tody ◊ Todus multicolor Numerous good views at La Guira, La Belen, Cayo Coco and Zapata sites
West Indian Woodpecker ◊ Melanerpes superciliaris Common in most wooded contexts
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius Ones and twos at Hacienda Cortina, Villa Clara , La Belen and Soplillar
Cuban Green Woodpecker ◊ Xiphidiopicus percussus Quite regularly seen in wooded areas, noted on five dates
Northern Flicker ◊ Colaptes auratus Scope views at La Guira, Cayo Coco and Soplillar, all endemic race birds
Fernandina's Flicker ◊ Colaptes fernandinae Great views of one at La Guira and a pair at Soplillar
Cuban Pewee ◊ (Crescent-eyed P) Contopus caribaeus Common and widespread in wooded areas
Grey Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis Two were at La Turba, the first returning migrants
Giant Kingbird ◊ Tyrannus cubensis Two showed well and a couple more were heard at La Belen
Loggerhead Kingbird ◊ Tyrannus caudifasciatus Fairly common and widespread, seen daily
La Sagra's Flycatcher ◊ Myiarchus sagrae Regularly seen in wooded areas
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White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus One was at Soplillar on one date
Thick-billed Vireo ◊ Vireo crassirostris Great views of up to six at Cayo Paredon Grande
The regionally endemic Thick-billed Vireo showed very well on Cayo Paredón Grande. Photo by Raymond Jeffers
Cuban Vireo ◊ Vireo gundlachii Seen regularly in widespread wooded areas, several more were heard
Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons One was at Soplillar on one date
Black-whiskered Vireo ◊ Vireo altiloquus
Noted at Hacienda Cortina, Sierra de Cubitas, Soplillar and Beremejas
Cuban Palm Crow ◊ Corvus minutus Up to 20 were seen and heard at and near La Belen
Cuban Crow ◊ Corvus nasicus Common at and around La Belen, heard at Zapata
Tree Swallow Tachycineta bicolor Several migrants were seen at Zapata
Cuban Martin ◊ Progne cryptoleuca Seven were seen in flight at La Guira and two perched males were at La Turba
Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis A handful were seen at Zapata
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Occasionally seen in the northern cays and at Zapata
Cave Swallow Petrochelidon fulva About 100 were nesting at La Guira NP
Zapata Wren ◊ Ferminia cerverai Two reasonable views (once in the scope) and several poorer views at La Turba
Blue-grey Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea Two were at La Turba
Cuban Gnatcatcher ◊ Polioptila lembeyei Excellent views of up to eight at Cayo Paredon Grande
Grey Catbird Dumetella carolinensis Small numbers were found in most wooded areas visited
Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos Very common and widespread
Bahama Mockingbird ◊ Mimus gundlachii Great views of two in the scope at Cayo Guillermo
Cuban Solitaire ◊ Myadestes elisabeth Two showed well and several more were heard at La Guira NP
Red-legged Thrush ◊ Turdus plumbeus Widespread and common in wooded contexts
American Robin Turdus migratorius One at Cayo Coco was a notable vagrant and a write-in
House Sparrow (Introduced) Passer domesticus Present in several urban contexts
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla Seen very well at several more wooded sites
Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivorum Four or five at Soplillar was a good total
Louisiana Waterthrush Parkesia motacilla One was at Cueva del los Portales, La Guira NP
12 BirdQuest Tour Report: Cuba 2013 www.birdquest-tours.com
Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis Fairly common and widespread
Blue-winged Warbler ◊ Vermivora cyanoptera One was at Soplillar on one date
Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia Seen well at La Guira, La Belen, Cayo Coco, and Zapata sites
Swainson's Warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii A rather brief view of one at Bermejas but better views at Soplillar
Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas Common at La Turba with several more at widespread sites
American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla Frequently encountered throughout, the commonest woodland Parulid seen
Cape May Warbler Setophaga tigrina Ones and twos were noted at six wooded sites, some very smart males
Northern Parula Setophaga americana Fairly common and widespread
Magnolia Warbler Setophaga magnolia Good views of one at Soplillar and a couple more brief views there
Mangrove Warbler Setophaga petechia Several showed well on Cayo Coco
Black-throated Blue Warbler Setophaga caerulescens Regularly seen throughout
Palm Warbler Setophaga palmarum Common and widespread in more open areas
Olive-capped Warbler ◊ Setophaga pityophila Several showed well at La Guira NP and Hacienda Cortina
Yellow-throated Warbler Setophaga dominica Regularly seen in some wooded areas, less so at Zapata
Prairie Warbler Setophaga discolor Small numbers were noted at La Belen, the northern cays and Zapata sites
Black-throated Green Warbler Setophaga virens Noted at La Guira, La Belen, Sierra de Cubitas and Soplillar
Yellow-headed Warbler ◊ Teretistris fernandinae Seen well on four dates at Zapata sites
Oriente Warbler ◊ Teretistris fornsi Some great views at Sierra de Cubitas and Cayo Coco
Cuban Oriole ◊ Icterus melanopsis Ones and twos were at Sierra de Cubitas, Cayo Coco and Zapata sites
Cuban Blackbird ◊ Dives atroviolaceus Locally common
Red-shouldered Blackbird ◊ Agelaius assimilis Great views of a male at Zapata where a few others were heard
Tawny-shouldered Blackbird ◊ Agelaius humeralis Fairly common and widespread
Greater Antillean Grackle ◊ Quiscalus niger Locally very common
Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna One showed well near Camaguey, a couple more in passing; see note
Zapata Sparrow ◊ (Cuban S) Torreornis inexpectata Great views at Zapata and Cayo Coco
13 BirdQuest Tour Report: Cuba 2013 www.birdquest-tours.com
Zapata Sparrows showed well at two sites. Photo by Raymond Jeffers
Red-legged Honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus Nice views at La Guira, La Belen and Soplillar
Cuban Bullfinch ◊ Melopyrrha nigra Several were in the northern cays and one at Berrmejas
Cuban Grassquit ◊ Tiaris canorus Great views of seven near San Diego del los Banos, now rather rare and local
Yellow-faced Grassquit Tiaris olivaceus Fairly common and widespread
Western Spindalis ◊ Spindalis zena Small numbers were at various wooded sites
Summer Tanager Piranga rubra A female was seen on Cayo Coco, a scarce species in Cuba
Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea Noted at La Guira, Villa Clara, Sierra de Cubitas and La Turba
Painted Bunting Passerina ciris A very fine male was seen well at Cayo Coco
NOTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC LIST
The most up to date referenced taxonomic list referred to in the Tour Report is that of the IOC World Bird Names. Gill, F
and Donsker, D (Eds). 2012. IOC World Bird Names (v2.11). Available at http://www.worldbirdnames.org
These notes are additional to those found in the tour checklist
Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus
Breeding birds in Cuba are of the endemic race cubanensis which, in common with several resident other
races in the Caribbean, is considerably smaller than migratory birds breeding in North America; furthermore,
cubanensis retains a streaked body plumage into adult plumage unlike North American breeders that are
barred below.
Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna
Birds in Cuba (endemic race hippocrepis) are at least 10% smaller than those in North America and differ
somewhat in plumage, being more heavily streaked below, and have a much wheezier, less melodic voice,
especially compared to the closest populations in the southeast USA. MtDNA differences are reportedly also
significant so a split as Cuban Meadowlark seems quite possible once these birds receive proper scrutiny.
14 BirdQuest Tour Report: Cuba 2013 www.birdquest-tours.com