Field Guides Tour Report

BAHAMAS: BIRDS & BUTTERFLIES

Mar 21, 2011 to Mar 26, 2011Jesse Fagan

Voted "Bird of the trip" was Great Lizard-Cuckoo...a worthyrecipient of the title! (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

This trip always delivers. A fun bird list with a number ofregional Caribbean endemics and three Bahamianendemics, plus the endangered Kirtland's Warbler, andthrow in some sun and world-class beaches, freshseafood, and its short length...folks, we have a winner!This year was no exception.

We did quite well on Abaco Island where we quicklyfound all three Bahamian endemics (woodstar,yellowthroat, and swallow) on our first full-day ofbirding. The parrots were really cooperative as well! AYellow-throated Vireo was a nice surprise in MarshHarbour--it's a wintering bird that is uncommon to rare inthe Bahamas. Our chartered plane ride over to Eleutheragave us a great perspective on the layout of the islands;how thin and flat they really are! Once on Eleuthera wewasted no time in finding our first prize, the Great Lizard-Cuckoo. Great, indeed, it was the group's favorite. Thenext day we were deeply satisfied to find three Kirtland'sWarblers in short scrub/coppice near Governor's Harbour.

This is one of my favorite tours to lead. Thanks to all of you in the group for such a memorable time! Bird ON.

--Jesse aka Motmot

We have more information about this itinerary and future departures on our web page for Bahamas: Birds & Butterflies.

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)

(Anas discors) – A quick flyby pair near some freshwater ponds south of Governor's Harbour.

Podicipedidae (Grebes) (Podilymbus podiceps) – Several on the freshwater ponds south of Governor's Harbour.

Fregatidae (Frigatebirds) (Fregata magnificens) – Small numbers on both Abaco and Eleuthera.

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags) (Phalacrocorax auritus) – Our only ones were a group of ten on a large freshwater

pond south of Governor's Harbour.

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

BLUE-WINGED TEAL

PIED-BILLED GREBE

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD

DOUBLE-CRESTED CORMORANT

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Three years in a row we've have great looks at wintering Kirtland's Warblers!(Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

(Ardea herodias) – A pair south of Governor's Harbour. (Ardea alba) – Seen on both islands.

(Egretta caerulea) – Singles on both islands. (Butorides virescens) – One flew by while birding at Cherokee Sound, Abaco Island.

Cathartidae (New World Vultures) (Cathartes aura) – What do these vultures eat? We discussed the native mammal situation a few

times. Is this a recent expansion? Abaco Island only.

Pandionidae (Osprey) (Pandion haliaetus) – Both islands including one on Eleuthera with its lunch in tow.

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras) (Falco sparverius sparveroides) – The light-morph of this subspecies is quite pale

below. Seen well on Abaco Island where there was one near our hotel in Marsh Harbour. (Falco columbarius) – One perched near our hotel on Eleuthera.

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots) (Fulica americana) – A bunch in the freshwater pond south of Governor's Harbour.

Aramidae (Limpkin) (Aramus guarauna) [*]

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings) (Pluvialis squatarola) – A couple were around the sandy flats and coral banks in Govenor's

Harbour. (Charadrius semipalmatus) – Just one on Eleuthera.

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies) (Tringa semipalmata) – A Willet was seen on Eleuthera, but we couldn't confirm whether eastern or western,

which are both possibilities at this time of year.

(Arenaria interpres) – Seen on both islands, but much more common on Eleuthera. We had onegroup of at least 20 individuals on that island.

(Calidris alba) – A group of 25 or so at Crossing Rock on Abaco was a surprise. (Limnodromus griseus) – Good studies of three birds foraging in the sand at

Governor's Harbour.

GREAT BLUE HERONGREAT EGRETLITTLE BLUE HERONGREEN HERON

TURKEY VULTURE

OSPREY

AMERICAN KESTREL (CUBAN)

MERLIN

AMERICAN COOT

LIMPKIN

BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER

SEMIPALMATED PLOVER

WILLET

RUDDY TURNSTONE

SANDERLINGSHORT-BILLED DOWITCHER

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Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers) (Leucophaeus atricilla) – Common on both islands. Almost all the individuals are in breeding

plumage. (Larus delawarensis) – We had two flybys while birding the Abaco Inn.

(Larus fuscus) – Two breeding plumaged individuals were sitting on the posts inGovernor's Harbour. This is the second year in a row I have had this species at this site.

(Thalasseus maximus) – Fairly common on both islands. (Thalasseus sandvicensis) – On posts in Governor's Harbour. The subspecies is acuflavidus and a

recent split has taken place between Old and New World populations.

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves) (Columba livia) – On Abaco Island.

(Patagioenas leucocephala) – Seen well on Abaco Island, especially around Abaco Inn,but also in flight on Eleuthara, where it is less common.

(Streptopelia decaocto) – This is where the introduction to the New World began, inthe Bahamas. Common on Abaco.

(Zenaida aurita) – A difficult one to find. We had several singing in the pine forest on Abaco. Wemanaged to draw one into view. The white trailing-edge in the wing was quite obvious. The song, however, is verysimilar to Mourning Dove.

(Zenaida macroura) – Surprisingly, just one on Eleuthera Island. (Columbina passerina) – Common on both islands.

Psittacidae (Parrots) (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis) – Nice looks in Abaco Island NP as well as at

Bahama Palms Shore.

Cuculidae (Cuckoos) (Coccyzus minor) – Good looks at one skulky individual in the taller coppice on Eleuthera.

(Coccyzus merlini) – By far the bird of the trip. It's arge and in charge, and we had severalindividuals, but the first was memorable. It didn't want to leave us alone! Only found on Abaco and Andros in theBahamas.

(Crotophaga ani) – Pretty common on Abaco.

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) (Calliphlox evelynae) – Seen well (at least a number of females) on Abaco, but males seem

more common on Eleuthera. [E] (Chlorostilbon ricordii) – Common on Abaco Island. One was around the hotel in Marsh Harbour.

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers) (Megaceryle alcyon) – A couple seen on Eleuthera. A winter visitor to the Bahamas.

Picidae (Woodpeckers) (Melanerpes superciliaris) – Great looks at several sites on Abaco.

(Sphyrapicus varius) – This was a good year for this wintering visitor. We had atleast 6 different individuals. Their resin wells were quite evident throughout Abaco Island.

(Picoides villosus piger) – Seen well in the pine forest on Abaco Island.

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers) (Contopus caribaeus) – We had several on Abaco, but a surprise (and first for Jesse) was one on

Eleuthera where it is uncommon. (Myiarchus sagrae) – Fairly common on both islands.

(Tyrannus caudifasciatus bahamensis) – Resident in the Bahamas, it is common on theisland of Abaco. The subspecies here is quite distinctive, the only one that shows cinnamon edging to the uppertailcoverts.

Vireonidae (Vireos)

LAUGHING GULL

RING-BILLED GULLLESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL

ROYAL TERNSANDWICH TERN

ROCK PIGEONWHITE-CROWNED PIGEON

EURASIAN COLLARED-DOVE

ZENAIDA DOVE

MOURNING DOVECOMMON GROUND-DOVE

CUBAN PARROT (BAHAMAS)

MANGROVE CUCKOOGREAT LIZARD-CUCKOO

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI

BAHAMA WOODSTAR

CUBAN EMERALD

BELTED KINGFISHER

WEST INDIAN WOODPECKERYELLOW-BELLIED SAPSUCKER

HAIRY WOODPECKER

CUBAN PEWEE

LA SAGRA'S FLYCATCHERLOGGERHEAD KINGBIRD

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The lovely Red-legged Thrush (Photo by guide Jesse Fagan)

(Vireo griseus) – At least two in the taller coppice behind our hotel on Eleuthera. (Vireo crassirostris crassirostris) – One of the most common passerines on

both islands. (Vireo flavifrons) – Listed as rare to uncommon for the Bahamas, we had our first at

Abaco Inn, and two more on Eleuthera near the hotel.

Hirundinidae (Swallows) (Tachycineta cyaneoviridis) – A number in the pine clearings (along the power cables) on Abaco

Island. [E] (Hirundo rustica) – Just one on Abaco Island.

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers) (Polioptila caerulea) – Several males in breeding plumage and already in song on

Abaco Island.

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies) (Turdus plumbeus plumbeus) – This sharp looking Turdus was seen a number

of times on Abaco Island.

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers) (Dumetella carolinensis) – A common wintering resident on both islands.

(Mimus polyglottos) –This species is common on both islands prefering moreopen areas and settlements to the next species.

(Mimus gundlachii) – Onboth islands, but sticks to the taller pine forest orcoppice.

Parulidae (New World Warblers) (Parula americana) – Several on

both islands. (Dendroica petechia) – The ones

we saw in town or away from the mangroves weremost likely wintering birds.

(Dendroica petechiagundlachi) – The birds we saw at Cherokee Sound inthe mangroves (a male-female pair) were most likelythe resident Golden-types.

(Dendroica magnolia) – Rareto uncommon in the Bahamas, Jesse spotted one in themixed-flock behind our hotel on Eleuthera.

(Dendroica tigrina) – A nice looking warbler to have so common on both islands . (Dendroica coronata coronata) – Singles on Abaco Island.

(Dendroica dominica dominica) – One wintering bird wasseen on Eleuthera.

(Dendroica dominica flavescens) – The resident subspecies is fairlycommon in the pine forest on Abaco. It sure looks different. Hopefully, a split to come.

(Dendroica pityophila) – Common in the pine forest of Abaco. Only found on Abaco andGrand Bahama in the Bahamas.

(Dendroica pinus achrustera) – Common in the pine forest of Abaco. (Dendroica kirtlandii) – We had at least three individuals (2 males) in the short scrub south of

Governor's Harbour on Eleuthera Island. This is the third year in a row that the FGI tour has found this rare winteringspecies. Not too bad!

(Dendroica discolor) – Common wintering warbler on both islands. (Dendroica palmarum) – Ditto, see previous species.

WHITE-EYED VIREOTHICK-BILLED VIREO (THICK-BILLED)

YELLOW-THROATED VIREO

BAHAMA SWALLOW

BARN SWALLOW

BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER

RED-LEGGED THRUSH (WESTERN)

GRAY CATBIRDNORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD

BAHAMA MOCKINGBIRD

NORTHERN PARULA

YELLOW WARBLER

YELLOW WARBLER (GOLDEN)

MAGNOLIA WARBLER

CAPE MAY WARBLERYELLOW-RUMPED WARBLER (MYRTLE)YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (YELLOW-LORED)

YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER (BAHAMAS)

OLIVE-CAPPED WARBLER

PINE WARBLERKIRTLAND'S WARBLER

PRAIRIE WARBLERPALM WARBLER

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(Mniotilta varia) – Just a couple on both islands. (Setophaga ruticilla) – Several striking males were seen on both islands.

(Helmitheros vermivorum) – One was spotted in a mixed-species flock in the tallercoppice behind our hotel on Eleuthera. A good bird.

(Seiurus aurocapilla) – Singles on both islands. (Parkesia noveboracensis) – One was heard (and seen by a few) while birding the taller

scrub at Sandy Point. (Geothlypis trichas) – Singles on both islands.

(Geothlypis rostrata) – We had our first in the pine forest of Abaco NP. This species ismore yellow below than migrants and the border to the black mask is often golden or yellowish gray. The song,however, is quite similar. It's the call that is very different! [E]

Coerebidae (Bananaquit) (Coereba flaveola bahamensis) – Larger and paler than mainland or other island

populations. Indeed, this is the Bahamas Bananaquit. Fairly common on both islands.

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies) (Spindalis zena townsendi) – This subspecies is very dark on the

back and has alot of white in the wing. Seen well on Abaco Island. They liked the gumbo limbo fruit.

Emberizidae (Buntings, Sparrows and Allies) (Tiaris bicolor) – Fairly common on both islands.

(Loxigilla violacea) – The males are really nice looking. Seen well on bothislands.

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies) (Passerina cyanea) – Just a few on Eleuthera Island.

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies) (Agelaius phoeniceus) – A couple were seen around Cherokee Sound on Abaco Island.

(Icterus galbula) – One nice male was seen perched in the open behind the hotel on Eleuthera.Jesse had another on his run on Abaco Island.

Passeridae (Old World Sparrows) (Passer domesticus) – Yep, seen on both islands!

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

Butterfly list compiled from 2009 - 2011. There are three columns for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 tours.

+ = observed

0 = not observed

Polydamas Swallowtail + / + / +

Schaus's Swallowtail + / 0 / 0

Little Yellow + / + / +

Dainty Sulphur + / 0 / 0

Cloudless Sulphur + / 0 / +

Barred Yellow + / + / +

Atala + / + / +

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLERAMERICAN REDSTARTWORM-EATING WARBLER

OVENBIRDNORTHERN WATERTHRUSH

COMMON YELLOWTHROATBAHAMA YELLOWTHROAT

BANANAQUIT (BAHAMAS)

WESTERN SPINDALIS (NORTHERN BAHAMAS)

BLACK-FACED GRASSQUITGREATER ANTILLEAN BULLFINCH

INDIGO BUNTING

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDBALTIMORE ORIOLE

HOUSE SPARROW

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Gray Ministreak + / 0 / 0

Cassius Blue + / + / 0

Eastern Pygmy Blue + / 0 / 0

Gulf Fritillary + / + / +

Mexican Fritillary + / 0 / +

Julia + / + / +

Tropical Buckeye + / 0 / 0

Common Buckeye + / 0 / 0

White Peacock 0 / + / +

Ruddy Daggerwing 0 / + / +

Zestos Skipper + / 0 / +

Long-tailed Skipper + / + / +

Hammock Skipper + / + / 0

Mangrove Skipper 0 / 0 / +

Dorantes Longtail + / 0 / 0

Mercurial Skipper 0 / + / 0

Florida Duskywing 0 / + / +

Common Sootywing + / 0 / 0

Clouded Skipper + / 0 / 0

Three-spotted Skipper (?) 0 / + / 0

Twin-spot Skipper (?) 0 / + / 0

Ocala Skipper + / 0 / 0

Monk Skipper + / 0 / 0

2009 = 24 species

2010 = 15 species

2011 = 14 species

TOTAL SPECIES = 30

Totals for the tour: 82 bird taxa and 0 mammal taxa

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