Rare Species Abound For Bird Enthusiasts
There are a number of bird species found in Puerto Rico, with 17 of them, including the Reina Mora, being endemic to the island. The rest are birds that have migrated to Puerto Rico for the winter or are stopping over on their way to their migration final destination. Puerto Rico is an excellent place to go birding because you may get a chance to see all 17 of these endemic birds on this small island.
One of these species endemic to Puerto Rico is the little Tody, also known as the "San Pedrito" by the local residents. There are five species of todies (Todidae) that are endemic to countries like Puerto Rico, the West Indies, Hispaniola, Jamaica and Cuba. All the species of todies have a bright green coloring and a scarlet-red throat similar to that of a hummingbird. Depending on the species of bird, the tody's belly, flank and breast can vary in combinations of blue, gray, pink and yellow.
Although the little Tody resembles a hummingbird it is actually a relative of the kingfisher family. These busy little birds use up a lot of energy and therefore consume large amounts of insects in order to sustain themselves. It is not always easy to catch a glimpse of the Tody, but you will know it is around when you hear their raspy calls. Your birding guide will be able to point out this fascinating little bird to you.
Another endemic species is the Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vitatta), which is found in certain parts of El Yunque and the Caribbean National Forest. The Puerto Rican Parrot is an endangered species and there are only forty of these beautiful birds left in the wild. The Puerto Rican Screech Owl, which is also endemic, is an apt name for this little owl. You will quickly recognize its loud call.
The Puerto Rico Lizard-Eating Cuckoo (Pajaro bobo) has the amazing ability to imitate sounds that it hears. As its name suggests the Puerto Rico Lizard-Eating Cuckoo, or mocking bird, feeds on a variety of lizard species. Other endemic bird species of Puerto Rico include the Puerto Rican Spindalis, Puerto Rican Vireo, Zenaida Dove, Puerto Rican Tanager, Lesser Antillean Pewee, Elfin-woods Warbler, Puerto Rican Flycatcher, Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, Green Mango, the Puerto Rican Emerald and the Puerto Rican Woodpecker.
There are a number of birding guides you can contact if you are interested in going birding on this fascinating island. The main areas that you will be taken to on your bird watching tours in Puerto Rico will include the Caribbean National Forest, Fajardo Beach, Humacao National Wildlife Refuge, Guanica State Forest, Maricao State Forest, La Parguera and Cabo Rojo.
Algeria
Bangladesh
Ecuador
Morocco
Nepal
Nicaragua
Russia
Scotland
South Africa
Ukraine
Virtual Countries
User Comments & Reviews: 6 Comment(s)
To leave a comment, please sign in using the login box on the right or click here, or sign up here.
Page 1 of 2
Gabriel Lugo - 2011-03-28 19:08:08
Hola I'm a birdwatching guide here in Puerto Rico and want to clarify some information here. The correct name is Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, don't imitate sounds!, because is not a mockingbird. The bird imitate sounds is the Northern Mockingbird (not endemic). Puerto Rican Tody is the correct name of the Tody. Yes we have 17 endemic bird species (our newest the Puerto Rican Oriole), but we can't confuse common birds or endemic sub-species with endemic ones. Zenaida Dove is a very common bird, but is NOT endemic and the Lesser Antillean Pewee is an endemic SUB-SPECIES, probably an endemic, not official one. And there are more PR Parrots in the wild in Rio Abajo State Forest in Arecibo. On the night there's a lot of coquí around, but close to lights you can see or heard Gray Kingbirds and almost at dawn the Red-legged Thrust. For the official list of the birds that have been seen in PR go to the Puerto Rican Ornithological Society list: http://www.avesdepuertorico.org/catalogo.html. Hope this can help all.
Reply to this comment
reina - 2010-12-26 21:16:05
Reply to this comment
Sue Johnson - 2010-12-07 00:26:31
we are inSan Juan PT at the Conrad in Condado, and we hear the sound of a very happy bird at night, does anyone know what type of bird would be in this are
Reply to this comment
>> Back to Top
Click to show more comments...