Puerto Rico: Island Endemics
Many North American nesting birds spend the winter in tropical regions in the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico. Although the island measures only 35 miles north to south and 100 miles east to west—about two-thirds the size of Connecticut—over 350 species have been recorded there. It also features 17 endemic species (more than the entire Lower 48!) along with twenty-five species endemic to the West Indies. Enjoy a winter getaway to warm tropical breezes among great bird species, including Elfin-woods Warbler, Puerto Rican Tody, and the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot.
Itinerary
Day 1
We’ll aim to arrive in the early afternoon, with free time to explore the city and adjust to the tropical weather before our birding adventures begin.
Night: San Juan
Meals: D
Day 2
Today we’ll drive from San Juan into the karst region, making stops to look for Puerto Rican endemics plus many Caribbean specialties. Karst, a landscape characterized by eroded limestone, covers more than one-third of the island. Originating as a marine environment nearly 140 million years ago, the region contains formations known as haystack hills, which are found nowhere else in the United States. The karst topography is also home to the most extensive forest canopy on the island.
The karst region is a prime habitat for most of the native and endemic species of wildlife, including 30 federally listed threatened and endangered species. More than 75 species of neotropical migratory birds use the karst as a wintering habitat.
Night: Manatí
Meals: B
Day 3
Rio Abajo State Forest is the home of the most successful population of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. Because El Yunque National Forest in eastern Puerto Rico’s highlands was the last place the parrots survived in the wild, biologists had long believed the parrots should be reintroduced there. But after years of failed attempts to establish a healthy population at El Yunque, they decided to try another site. Parrots disappeared from Rio Abajo in the 1920s following the loss of primary forests, but today the area supports suitably dense second-growth woodlands. The birds have successfully established nests in the region, with breeding confirmed every year since release. Many continue to settle around the aviary cages, creating a flock of captive and wild birds. The sight of wild parrots wheeling through the forest and the sound of their clown horn squawks stimulate captive birds to lay eggs.
On the walk in Rio Abajo, we’ll be looking for quail-doves along the road, plus any endemics we may have missed on the first day. Then, we’ll drive along the northwestern coast on the way to the subtropical dry forest on the southwestern side of the island. After dinner, we’ll head out and search for the endemic Puerto Rican Nightjar. Presumed extinct, it was rediscovered in 1961 and has been listed as endangered since 1962.
Night: Parguera
Meals: B
Day 4
Today we’ll explore the Maricao State Forest, looking for Elfin-woods Warbler and Puerto Rican Tanager. Then we’ll drive to the south coast with birding stops along the way.
The Elfin-woods Warbler was discovered in 1968 by Cameron and Angela Kepler while they were conducting observations on Puerto Rican Parrot and Puerto Rican Tody. On May 18, 1971, a specimen was captured in El Yunque National Forest. A year later, Kepler and Parkes described and named the species, making it the most recent Setophaga warbler to be discovered. It’s also the first species described in the Caribbean since 1927 and the first Puerto Rican species described in the 20th century. The species name, angelae, is a tribute to Angela Kepler.
The Puerto Rican Tanager—which isn’t really a tanager—is now an endemic family, Nesospingidae, of which it is the sole member, making it a unique endemic bird indeed! We plan to arrive back at our hotel in the afternoon, hopefully after finding the very local and endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird.
Night: Parguera
Meals: B
Day 5
Today, we’ll explore Laguna Cartagena National Wildlife Refuge, searching for West Indian Whistling-Duck. This refuge offers unique scenery that mixes wetland with dry forest and is one of the oldest geological formations in the Caribbean. The roads toward the lagoon are a mosaic of habitats. We’ll search for species like doves, swallows, grassquits, and some established exotic finches. In the background, you’ll see the ancient Sierra Bermeja, home to the endangered Puerto Rican Nightjar and a unique flora with high endemism.
Night: Near El Yunque
Meals: B
Day 6
After breakfast, we’ll head to the far east end of the island, in search of Antillean Crested Hummingbird and Green-throated Carib, found primarily in the Lesser Antilles. The northeast corner of Puerto Rico is at the end of their range. If there’s time, we may take a daytrip ferry to Vieques, one of the smaller islands of the territory.
Today will be the final chance to enjoy many Puerto Rican specialties!
Night: Near El Yunque
Meals: BD
Day 7
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to the airport to return home, bidding farewell to the tropical experience.
Meals: B
Tour Leader
Matt Bell
EcoTravel Frequently Asked Questions
Why travel with EcoTravel?
We’re proud to offer small group travel in support of conservation, both locally and across the globe! By traveling with EcoTravel, you’re supporting environmental education and habitat management everywhere we go. When traveling internationally, we strive to use local companies who know the best places to visit, providing an intimate experience with the culture and wildlife.
What's included in the cost of the trip?
Most everything. Most every travel expense is included in one up-front price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, birding/sightseeing with experienced guides, meals as specified in the itinerary, airport transfers, services of local guides, and more.
Most meals are included on EcoTravel journeys. All breakfasts are included, and some dinners. Occasional lunches in special locations may also be included. Although some dinners may not be included, suggestions for dining options will be offered by your tour leader. Many EcoTravel guests choose to dine together to share in new friendships and discoveries, but the choice is yours. Dining is a delightful and integral part of the EcoTravel experience – and that is why we select restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit. Most included meals offer limited choice menus, and some may be from a set menu or buffet. All appropriate gratuities for included meals are included.
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Almost all of our trips are kept to single digits! We believe that small groups give a better experience to everyone. Day Trips and certain overnights may include up to 14 participants, with two guides.
Many of our trips run with just 4-6 participants!
What level of birder do I need to be?
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How far in advance can I / should I book?
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Can EcoTravel help make arrangements for pre-tour and post-tour hotel nights?
Absolutely! Many guests choose to extend their stay and we’re happy to help. As a service, EcoTravel will make hotel reservations before and/or after your journey at select pre-/post-stay hotels offered for that tour. Rooms are reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of any EcoTravel journey, so there’s no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost will be added to your tour cost.
Arranging hotel accommodations in the city where your journey begins for the night preceding your EcoTravel itinerary not only gives you more time to explore on your own, allows your group to become better acclimated to time changes before your journey begins and helps to relieve stress from potential travel delays – important factors to consider! Guests wishing to spend more time in cities where our journeys end can extend their stay – a great way to make your vacation last a little longer.
Are transfers included to and from my pre-tour and post-tour hotels?
Complimentary transfers are included from the airport to your pre-stay hotel for the start of your journey and from your post-stay hotel to your departure airport.
Please Note:Transfers are included for EcoTravel-approved pre- and post-stay hotels. Non-EcoTravel hotel transfers must be approved prior to leaving on your tour.
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