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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