FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: DOMINICAN REPUBLICTitle FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC...
Transcript of FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: DOMINICAN REPUBLICTitle FIELD GUIDES BIRDING TOURS: DOMINICAN REPUBLIC...
Field Guides Tour Report
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Mar 26, 2011 to Apr 2, 2011Jesse Fagan & Kate Wallace
Broad-billed Tody, one of two species of todies endemic toHispaniola (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
As I told the group at our first evening's dinner in SantoDomingo, this is one of my favorite tours! It is a rich mix ofintense birding, rare and local species, varied topography andhabitat, great food, and a touch of antiquity (in the historiccontext of Santo Domingo and the beginnings of colonializationin the New World). This year was a good year for us in the DR.Our awesome, fun group worked hard to see all the endemics,laughing and smiling all the way. Thanks, guys, for such a greattime (and literally "guys" as, in a quirk of bookings, there were nofemale participants on this tour!). And kudos to Kate Wallace, ourlocal guide, who is a joy to guide with and who works hard to getus to the right places while planning field picnics and otherlogistical things!
Highlights in 2011 included the rare Ridgway's Hawk, smashinglooks and photos of Eastern Chat-Tanager, La Selle Thrush nearlyat our feet, those todies, and that Bicknell's Thrush! Oh, and alifer Northern Potoo for a few? You see, its not all about theendemics! I personally really enjoyed the Clapper Railexperience. :-)
I hope to see you again on the birding trail. Bird on and enjoy theride!
--Jesse a.k.a. Motmot
We have more information about this itinerary and futuredepartures on our web page for Dominican Republic.
KEYS FOR THIS LISTOne of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced,E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDSAnatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
(Dendrocygna arborea) – Good looks at at least six individuals at the botanicgardens in Santo Domingo.
(Anas discors) – We were limited on waterfowl this year, but we picked up the teal at CaboRojo.
Podicipedidae (Grebes) (Tachybaptus dominicus) – Seen several times on the tour including an adult on a floating nest at the
botanic gardens.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
WEST INDIAN WHISTLING-DUCK
BLUE-WINGED TEAL
LEAST GREBE
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Rufous-throated Solitaire, a Caribbean endemic we enjoyedseeing on the tour (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
(Phoenicopterus ruber) – A single bird at Oviedo Lagoon! In late April there are oftenhundreds around and we may have been a bit early this year.
Phaethontidae (Tropicbirds) (Phaethon lepturus) – Kate put us on a nesting site at Cabo Rojo where we enjoyed
great looks at an adult in flight.
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds) (Fregata magnificens) – Seen almost every day and nearly at eye-level at the hotel in
Barahona.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans) (Pelecanus occidentalis) – A few here and there.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns) (Ardea herodias) – Singles on a couple of days.
(Ardea alba) – Also singles, but a few were seen along the edges at Oviedo Lagoon. (Egretta thula) – Three at Oviedo Lagoon.
(Egretta tricolor) – At least five wereat Oviedo Lagoon. We also had one at Cabo Rojo.
(Bubulcus ibis) – Every day! (Butorides virescens) – A number at the
botanic gardens, but also around Kate's camp. (Nyctanassa
violacea) – Singles on a couple of days.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills) (Eudocimus albus) – One adult was seen at Oviedo
Lagoon.
Cathartidae (New World Vultures) (Cathartes aura) – Found only in the
eastern part of the country. We had good numbers on our driveto Los Limones. We also discussed in detail the evolutionaryhistory of a carrion eater on islands in the Caribbean wherefew native mammals exist (and none very large). Not sure wereached any conclusions!
Pandionidae (Osprey) (Pandion haliaetus) – One distant bird hunting over
Oviedo Lagoon.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites) (Buteo ridgwayi) – One of the birding
highlights of the trip was seeing a perched female near LosLimones. An extremely rare raptor that, thanks to the efforts oflocals like Timo, are doing better than ever. [E]
(Buteo jamaicensis) – Not surprising the subspecies on the island is "jamaicensis" the nominateform. Not sure if migrants make it across to the island, doubtful, so these were probably all resident birds.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) (Falco sparverius) – Subspecies on the island is "dominicensus." We saw several over a few
days. (Falco columbarius) – Wintering Merlins make it to the island in good numbers. We saw at least 4 individuals.
(Falco peregrinus) – A large falcon that flew off the cliff at Cabo Rojo was probably this species.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) (Rallus longirostris caribaeus) – Great surprise and a good bird for the island. We had good looks at this
AMERICAN FLAMINGO
WHITE-TAILED TROPICBIRD
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD
BROWN PELICAN
GREAT BLUE HERONGREAT EGRETSNOWY EGRETTRICOLORED HERON
CATTLE EGRETGREEN HERON
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON
WHITE IBIS
TURKEY VULTURE
OSPREY
RIDGWAY'S HAWK
RED-TAILED HAWK
AMERICAN KESTREL
MERLINPEREGRINE FALCON
CLAPPER RAIL
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One of the highlights of the tour, an endemic Ridgway'sHawk (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)
resident at Cabo Rojo. (Porzana carolina) – Another good spot by the group was as Sora along the marsh edge at Cabo Rojo where we had
the previous species. (Gallinula chloropus) – Fairly "common" at several spots.
Aramidae (Limpkin) (Aramus guarauna) – One was heard way up in the mountains in the early morning while we waited for the
LaSelle's Thrush to appear. Odd. [*]
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) (Pluvialis squatarola) – One along the muddy flat at Oviedo Lagoon.
(Charadrius alexandrinus) – A local breeder, we had two at Oviedo Lagoon. (Charadrius wilsonia) – A single bird at Cabo Rojo, but nicely in the scope.
(Charadrius semipalmatus) – Also at Cabo Rojo, a few were around for nice comparisonswith the single Wilson's.
(Charadrius vociferus) – Good numbers at a couple of sites.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets) (Himantopus mexicanus) – Two were at the small marsh at Cabo Rojo.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) (Actitis macularius) – Singles here and there.
(Tringa solitaria) – Three birds were along the small creek at the botanic gardens in SantoDomingo.
(Tringa melanoleuca) – At leasttwo were seen along the mud flats at Oviedo Lagoon.
(Tringa semipalmata) – Seen at Cabo Rojo, but it wasnever clear from our view if Eastern or Western. I assume thatboth could be here at this time of year. Easterns breed on theisland, but Western's probably winter here?
(Tringa flavipes) – One at Cabo Rojoand two more at Oviedo Lagoon.
(Calidris minutilla) – At least 20 wereseen at Cabo Rojo, then a few more at Oviedo Lagoon.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) (Thalasseus maximus) – The only larid seen on
the trip. Numerous along the coast.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) (Columba livia) – Yep, there on this island, too.
[I] (Patagioenas squamosa) – Fairly
common in the Bahoruco. (Patagioenas leucocephala) –
Just one on the drive back to Santo Domingo. (Patagioenas inornata) – Great looks in the
scope of a single bird at Aceitillar. Not real common and ouronly one.
(Zenaida asiatica) – Seen on severaldays.
(Zenaida macroura) – Common and seeneveryday.
(Columbina passerina) – Also "common" and seen most days. (Geotrygon chrysia) – Heard a few times and seen pretty well in flight while birding our
SORA
COMMON MOORHEN
LIMPKIN
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERSNOWY PLOVERWILSON'S PLOVERSEMIPALMATED PLOVER
KILLDEER
BLACK-NECKED STILT
SPOTTED SANDPIPERSOLITARY SANDPIPER
GREATER YELLOWLEGS
WILLET
LESSER YELLOWLEGS
LEAST SANDPIPER
ROYAL TERN
ROCK PIGEON
SCALY-NAPED PIGEON
WHITE-CROWNED PIGEON
PLAIN PIGEON
WHITE-WINGED DOVE
MOURNING DOVE
COMMON GROUND-DOVEKEY WEST QUAIL-DOVE
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way down from El Aguacate.
Psittacidae (Parrots) (Aratinga chloroptera) – Pretty common, seen over several days, especially well at the
roost in the city! [E] (Aratinga nana astec) – The status of these birds on Hispaniola is unclear.
Most likely introduced many years ago to the island. Regardless, we had 6 birds on our way down from El Aguacate. (Amazona ventralis) – Lots of heard birds and numerous flybys. In the end, seen pretty well.
[E]
Cuculidae (Cuckoos) (Coccyzus rufigularis) – Always a very frustrating bird for guides. Rare, local, and difficult
to see, but we managed good looks at a bird along the dry riverbed while birding down from El Aguacate. Lovelyspecies. [E]
(Coccyzus longirostris) – Lizard-cuckoos are amazing creatures. Thankfully theparticipants get there fill of them on this tour. Seen everyday. [E]
(Crotophaga ani) – Pretty common. Seen most days, at least while in the van between birdingsites.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls) (Tyto glaucops) – A nice encounter with a bird in the early dawn above El Aguacate. [E]
Strigidae (Owls) (Athene cunicularia) – A couple on the road below Puerto Escondido.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies) (Siphonorhis brewsteri) – Frustrating to have it so close at Kate's camp, but this is a small nocturnal
bird that perches in the thorn scrub. And there was plenty of thorn scrub! [E*] (Caprimulgus carolinensis) – Really nice to hear a Chucks on its wintering grounds. It was
probably just about ready to depart for the mainland. [*]
Nyctibiidae (Potoos) (Nyctibius jamaicensis abbotti) – A lifer for most in the group. This is a pretty uncommon bird on
the island. We had good looks while nightbirding near Puerto Escondido.
Apodidae (Swifts) (Streptoprocne zonaris) – A couple of birds flew by at Aceitillar. Our only ones. (Tachornis phoenicobia) – Common and seen everyday. This species does indeed nest in
palm fronds, especially in palm thatched roofs.
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) (Anthracothorax dominicus) – Great looks at the botanic gardens and also around our hotel in
Barahona. (Mellisuga minima) – It was fun watching this tiny hummingbird defend territories from
the very tops of the large palm trees. It looks like a tiny insect in flight, but has a pretty powerful voice! (Chlorostilbon swainsonii) – Great looks of perched birds (in the scope) above El Aguacate.
[E]
Trogonidae (Trogons) (Priotelus roseigaster) – A fairly common bird (at least 10 above El Aguacate) in the
Bahoruco. [E]
Todidae (Todies) (Todus subulatus) – We had our first at the botanic gardens where they had not been seen in a
number of years, but this more lowland tody was seen nearly every day. So cute! [E] (Todus angustirostris) – Restricted more to the highlands, we had our first above El
Aguacate. They mingle with Broad-bills around Kate's Camp. [E]
HISPANIOLAN PARAKEET
OLIVE-THROATED PARAKEET (AZTEC)
HISPANIOLAN PARROT
BAY-BREASTED CUCKOO
HISPANIOLAN LIZARD-CUCKOO
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI
ASHY-FACED OWL
BURROWING OWL
LEAST PAURAQUE
CHUCK-WILL'S-WIDOW
NORTHERN POTOO
WHITE-COLLARED SWIFTANTILLEAN PALM-SWIFT
ANTILLEAN MANGO
VERVAIN HUMMINGBIRD
HISPANIOLAN EMERALD
HISPANIOLAN TROGON
BROAD-BILLED TODY
NARROW-BILLED TODY
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Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) (Megaceryle alcyon) – Singles on two days. A wintering bird to the island.
Picidae (Woodpeckers) (Nesoctites micromegas) – Heard on a few days, but seen fairly well in the fog above El
Aguacate. [E] (Melanerpes striatus) – A striking woodpecker in appearance. Thankfully it is
abundant on the island! [E]
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) (Elaenia fallax) – Can be a tough bird at times. We had a couple above El
Aguacate and another the next day at Aceitillar. (Contopus hispaniolensis) – Good looks of at least five individuals while birding the El Aguate
area. [E] (Myiarchus stolidus) – Our first were at Aceitillar, but we continued to find them at other areas
including Kate's Camp. (Tyrannus dominicensis) – Very common on the island.
(Tyrannus caudifasciatus gabbii) – A really good bird for the island,and a potential split. We had a pair defending a territory above the guard shack at El Aguacate.
Vireonidae (Vireos) (Vireo nanus) – Odd that this was first described as an Empidonax. I don't get that, but it is a
fairly odd vireo. We had one that came in close (almost too close) just below El Aguacate in the dry scrub. [E] (Vireo altiloquus) – Seen most days. Kate says that these birds are probably resident, at
least for some individuals.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies) (Corvus palmarum) – Just one, but it was enough! Whew! Seen very well at the top of Aceitillar on our
"scouting" drive. [E] (Corvus leucognaphalus) – Pretty good looks at a trio around Kate's Camp. There call is so
different from other corvids. [E]
Hirundinidae (Swallows) (Progne dominicensis) – Several were flying over the hotel in Santo Domingo on our final
evening. They winter (presumably) in South America so these birds were just arriving back to Hispaniola. (Tachycineta euchrysea) – Very nice studies below eye-level above El Aguacate and again at
Aceitillar.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) (Myadestes genibarbis montanus) – A wonderful,
peaceful song. Seen very well at El Cachote among other sites. (Catharus bicknelli) – A highlight for Jesse. We found a responsive bird at El Cachote which
perched for what seemed many minutes. Decent photographs. (Turdus swalesi) – A big target for probably everyone. We did very well with this bird hopping
along the road in the pre-dawn light (and later in good light) above El Aguacate. Very local and rare. [E] (Turdus plumbeus ardosiaceus) – A sharp looking bird. Seen well several times.
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) (Mimus polyglottos) – Everyday!
Dulidae (Palmchat) (Dulus dominicus) – This special bird (monotypic family) is found only on Hispaniola. However, it is pretty
common on the island and its large stick "apartment" complexes are a common site. In fact, the Ridgway's Hawk wasnesting on top of one of them! [E]
Parulidae (New World Warblers) (Parula americana) – Several at the botanic gardens.
BELTED KINGFISHER
ANTILLEAN PICULET
HISPANIOLAN WOODPECKER
GREATER ANTILLEAN ELAENIA
HISPANIOLAN PEWEE
STOLID FLYCATCHER
GRAY KINGBIRDLOGGERHEAD KINGBIRD (HISPANIOLAN)
FLAT-BILLED VIREO
BLACK-WHISKERED VIREO
PALM CROW
WHITE-NECKED CROW
CARIBBEAN MARTIN
GOLDEN SWALLOW
RUFOUS-THROATED SOLITAIRE (RUFOUS-THROATED)
BICKNELL'S THRUSH
LA SELLE THRUSH
RED-LEGGED THRUSH (EASTERN)
NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
PALMCHAT
NORTHERN PARULA
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(Dendroica petechia) – Just one or two. (Dendroica tigrina) – Two adult males were seen at Aceitillar.
(Dendroica caerulescens) – Nice to have such a good looking bird be fairlycommon. Lots of females above El Aguacate, but males at Aceitillar.
(Dendroica coronata coronata) – Three were at Aceitillar. Uncommonwintering bird on the island.
(Dendroica pinus chrysoleuca) – In the pines at Aceitillar. Look and sound like mainland PineWarblers.
(Dendroica discolor) – Two were in the botanic gardens. (Dendroica palmarum) – Singles on a couple of days. These were all "Western" types, the subspecies
"palmarum." (Mniotilta varia) – Singles over several days.
(Setophaga ruticilla) – Nice looks at flashy males at the botanic gardens and in the Bahoruco. (Seiurus aurocapilla) – Two were along the path in the botanic gardens.
(Parkesia noveboracensis) – Two responsive birds along the stream in the botanicgardens. They were ready for breeding grounds!
(Geothlypis trichas trichas) – Singles on two days. (Microligea palustris) – Numerous above El Aguacate and at Aceitillar. [E] (Xenoligea montana) – This is the tough one, but we had awesome looks at a pair above
El Aguacate. [E]
Coerebidae (Bananaquit) (Coereba flaveola bananivora) – Numerous; though the island Bananaquits are an
interesting study in island endemism and isolation. They all look and sound a little different.
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) (Phaenicophilus palmarum) – The next four species (all in Thraupidae) are all
endemic to Hispaniola. The palm-tanager is fairly common in a variety of habitats. [E] (Calyptophilus tertius) – Can be difficult to show people, despite hearing a bunch above
El Aguacate. We lucked out with several birds that were perched in the open and singing. Must be a timing thing b/c inlate April they are much more skulky. [E]
(Calyptophilus frugivorus) – Wow. Fantastic looks and photos at this rare and localspecies. Thumbs way up! [E]
(Spindalis dominicensis) – Seen over several days. Fairly common on the island. [E]
Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) (Tiaris olivaceus) – A pair on our last day of birding.
(Tiaris bicolor) – Confusion as to what species was seen as we were descending in thevehicles towards El Aguacate. Initially ID'd as this species, anyways, and we will probably never know for sure. Therewas talk of Cuban Grassquit, but that species has not been recorded on the island. Unfortunately, not seen by the guides.
(Loxigilla violacea) – Finally caught up with this species at Aceitillar and lateragain at Kate's Camp.
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) (Quiscalus niger) – Nearly everyday.
(Molothrus bonariensis) – Just a single bird at Oviedo Lagoon. (Icterus dominicensis) – Thankfully we had a distant, but decent look at this species while
pumping gas near Barahona, b/c we never saw it again!
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies) (Euphonia musica) – A pair seen during our day of birding at El Aguacate.
(Loxia megaplaga) – Seen in flight a couple of times, but eventually a pair was scoped ina pine tree at Aceitillar. We had them again and could see the white wing-bars of this White-winged Crossbill-type. [E]
(Spinus dominicensis) – Yes! A pair came swooping in at the last moment while ending our day of
YELLOW WARBLERCAPE MAY WARBLERBLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER
YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (MYRTLE)
PINE WARBLER
PRAIRIE WARBLERPALM WARBLER
BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERAMERICAN REDSTARTOVENBIRDNORTHERN WATERTHRUSH
COMMON YELLOWTHROATGREEN-TAILED WARBLERWHITE-WINGED WARBLER
BANANAQUIT (HISPANIOLA)
BLACK-CROWNED PALM-TANAGER
WESTERN CHAT-TANAGER
EASTERN CHAT-TANAGER
HISPANIOLAN SPINDALIS
YELLOW-FACED GRASSQUITBLACK-FACED GRASSQUIT
GREATER ANTILLEAN BULLFINCH
GREATER ANTILLEAN GRACKLESHINY COWBIRDHISPANIOLAN ORIOLE
ANTILLEAN EUPHONIAHISPANIOLAN CROSSBILL
ANTILLEAN SISKIN
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birding at Aceitillar. Sometimes guides like to plan it this way. ;-) [E]
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) (Passer domesticus) – Santo Domingo. [I]
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies) (Ploceus cucullatus) – A number seen in the botanic gardens in Santo Domingo where Kate had
not had them before. [I]
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Totals for the tour: 117 bird taxa and 0 mammal taxa
HOUSE SPARROW
VILLAGE WEAVER
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