Grenada

Grenada Dove Leptotila wellsi ©Anthony Jeremiah Website
Birding Grenada

Grenada is a Tri-island Caribbean island nation of tropical lush green vegetation. Its Eco-tourism opportunity is great, Bird Watching being no exception, always rewarding to the visitor who goes the extra mile to their visit. Grenada is located to the most Southern point in the Caribbean archipelago. Trinidad and Tobago to the South and St.Vincent and the Grenadines to the North as closest neighbours; its exact geographic location is 12 North and 21.45 West. Grenada as the main island with sister isles Carriacou and Petite Martinique having a total landmass of 133 square miles, inhabited by approximately 95,000 people of predominantly Afro-Caribbean heritage. It has a tropical climate of two seasons wet and dry with temperatures ranging between 24 C and 30 C on average. The island is volcanic in geological formation and it rich soils provide fertility for diverse vegetation thus creating a blend of natural and enhanced foliage to the benefit of a striving human and animal population. Many visitors to our shore are amazed at the greenery of the vegetation and the natural beauty of the landscape in general. Our wildlife opportunity is not as diverse as some other Caribbean islands, but we can provide you with a great and rewarding opportunity to see some unique plant and animal species. Bird Watching in particular is one such opportunity for both recreation and scientific purposes.

Bird Life in Grenada Grenada has recorded total of over 170 species of birds including numerous migratory species and many vagrants. The bird population comprises of terrestrial, wetland /shore and sea birds species. Some of the unique species to be found are specifically, the Grenada Dove Liptotilla wellsi and Hook billed kite Condroherux uncinatus mirus as endemics. Other Regional endemics are the Grenada flycatcher, Lesser Antillean Tanager, lesser Antillean Bullfinch and Yellow-bellied Elenia. In addition to these you can find many of the other birds as found on other Caribbean Islands. Also Because of our location being close to the South American main land we have the occasional migrants from the south such as Humming birds, hawks and many others in transit during migration. Some of the natural habitats for bird life include wetlands; lakes, grasslands/savannahs, Rain forest and numerous beaches and coastlines. The Grenadines islands to the North is a heaven for Sea Birds.

Birding in Grenada Birds can be seen almost everywhere on the island. You can start birding from the time you arrive at the airport, so be prepared to have your binoculars and field guide ready. Any place you choose to stay or traveling in a vehicle you can see birds. The island had a very diverse road network and getting around is generally easy. Road maps and guides to the island are always available at hotels and at the airport, if not help is available from the next person you meet. Wherever you choose to stay, you can travel around the island in a day and have a wonderful bird watching trip although (2) two to (3) three days will give the best experience. Most people on the island are not very enthusiastic about birds and the average person will provide only basic information on just the commonly seen species. Local bird guides are very few and generally not professional.

Bird watching is not yet seen as a viable eco-economic opportunity for many locals. However, Grenada is signatory to many international conventions in relation to natural resource management such as CITIED. UNCCD etc. and equally supported by local government agency with policy and legislation to this effect. But, the opportunity is now explored by knowledgeable persons like me tonydove200@yahoo.com One very rewarding experience for the avid bird watcher can be a visit to Mt.Hartman National Park. The early bird catches the worm so be prepared to be up early in the morning to start a day bird watching. I trust you will want to visit us some day, if so feel free like a bird to contact a guide at your convenience. A warm and hospitable atmosphere is awaiting your arrival. Grenada, Isle of Spice of the Caribbean

Top Sites
  • Mount Hartman Dove Sanctuary

    InformationSatellite View
    Mt. Hartman National Park and Bird sanctuary is one of the two habitats for the Grenada Dove, an endemic with a population of just under 200 and very much threatened with depleting habitat. A visiting experience would require fitness, proper equipment and keen eyes. Be prepared to wear protective clothing and tough boots for thorny vegetation at times.
Contributors
  • Anthony Jeremiah - Jerry

    Operating out of EcoGuide Expeditions - Mobile # 473-416-0191 | tonydove200@yahoo.com

Number of Species
  • Number of bird species: 177

    (As at September 2018)

    National Bird: Grenada Dove Leptotila wellsi

Endemics
  • Number of endemics: 1

    Grenada Dove Leptotila wellsi

    Endemic Subspecies: Grenada Hook-billed Kite Chondrohierax uncinatus mirus
    Shared only with St Vincent: Grenada Flycatcher Myiarchus nugator

Checklist
  • iGoTerra Checklist

    iGoTerra Checklist
    Fatbirder Associate iGoTerra offers the most comprehensive and up to date birds lists on the web
Useful Reading

  • The Birds of the West Indies

    | By Guy M Kirwan, Anthony Levesque, Mark W Oberle & Christopher J Sharpe | Lynx Edicions | 2019 | 400 pages, 1600+ colour illustrations, 650+ colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9788416728176 Buy this book from NHBS.com
Reserves

Abbreviations Key

  • BS Mount Hartman Dove Sanctuary

    WebpageSatellite View
    Near scenic Woburn Bay and Secret Harbor lies the protected dry cactus scrub ecosystem supporting the endangered endemic Grenada Dove (only found in Grenada - Lepotila wellsi). The savanna-like flat grassland areas were previously used for grazing livestock and agricultural products. The dove is currently considered one of the most endangered birds in the world; less than 100 of the species remain. Conservation of the dove, ecological research, and education are the primary management objectives of the National Park.
  • NP Grand Etang

    InformationSatellite View
    A series of trails have been developed which are well worth the effort for the beautiful forest and views, but can be muddy and slippery after rain…
  • NP Levera

    InformationSatellite View
    Established in 1992, this 450-acre park holds an unbeaten reputation as Grenada’s most scenic and spectacular coastal area. Its picture-perfect beach is quite popular on weekends, and its pond is one of the most important wildlife habitats on the island. Unfortunately, the government made a failed attempt at developing a luxury resort here, and ownership of some of the land is currently (2018) in flux.
  • NR La Sagesse Nature Centre

    InformationSatellite View
    This quiet mangrove estuary along the southern coast is one of the best bird-watching locales on Grenada. The area contains some 22 hectares, representative of the dry coastal belt with dry evergreen woodland and cactus scrub. In addition to the estuary, La Sagesse includes three fine beaches edged with palm trees, a very good coral reef for snorkeling, a pristine example of dry thorn scrub and cactus woodland, and a salt pond. The pond attracts an abundance of different species.
  • NR Lake Antoine

    InformationSatellite View
    The lake's perimeter trail, a beautiful walk in itself, is another of Grenada's excellent attractions for bird watchers. From the top of a hill you'll have a fine overview of this perfectly shaped crater. Assuming the access path is in decent shape, take the track down and walk the perimeter of the shallow crater lake, which covers 16 acres. Among the species frequently sighted are the Snail Kite, the Fulvous Whistling Duck, Large- Billed Seed Finch, Gray Kingbird, and Limpkin.
Trip Reports
  • 2016 [01 January] - Wilton Farrelly - Lesser Antilles Cruise

    PDF Report
    ...Birding was worked around family time and activities. Indeed cruises are not great for birding in that ships arrive in the centre of towns and birding sites are rarely close by. However I had pre-booked local bird guides in St Lucia and Grenada...
  • 2017 [06 June] - Mark Van Beirs - Lesser Antilles & Trinidad

    PDF Report
    Antigua, Barbuda, Montserrat, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Santa Lucia, Saint Vincent, Barbados and Grenada were the ten islands we visited on our recent Lesser Antilles tour. Some are independent countries in their own right, while others are Overseas Territories...
Places to Stay
  • Grenada Hotels

    Accommodation
    A useful list of hotels and guest houses.
  • MoonFish Beach Houses

    Accommodation
    MoonFish is an ideal base for birdwatching and nature walks being close to Levera National Park (walking distance) and Lake Antoine National Park (10 minute drive), as well as Telescope and the abandoned airfield at Pearls (20 minute drive). Grenada boasts between 150-170 species of birds to discover, 70% of which are neotropical migrants - especially the water birds and seabirds
  • Treetops Villa Guest House

    Accommodation
    From our veranda, birders can watch Magnificent Frigate Birds hovering above and hawks soaring at eye level, taking advantage of the stiff sea breezes. Treetops Villa Guest House is in a secluded woodland setting close to numerous forest hiking trails. We are a 25-minute drive from Levera National Park.
Other Links
  • Caribbean Birding Trail

    Website
    Located at the southern end of the Lesser Antilles chain of islands, Grenada is a tri-island state comprised of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Grenada is considered the mainland as it is the biggest geographically of the three islands and holds the largest population of around 90,000. It is 312 sq km and has 121 km of coastline.
  • Grenada - Ecological Attractions

    Website
    Grenada has in recent years begun to protect some of its most remarkable natural assets through a system of national parks and protected areas. Ranging from the magnificent Grand Etang Forest Reserve to the tranquil intimacy of La Sagesse estuary, these areas hold considerable attraction for hikers and birdwatchers as well as for those who simply want to become better acquainted with the peerless natural beauty of the island.

Fatbirder - linking birders worldwide... Wildlife Travellers see our sister site: WAND

Skip to content