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Jamaica

Jamaican Tody Todus todus ©Dubi Shapiro Website

Jamaica is an island country in the Caribbean Sea and the West Indies. There are several small islands off Jamaica’s coast, most notably those in Portland Bight such as Pigeon Island, Salt Island, Dolphin Island, Long Island, Great Goat Island and Little Goat Island, and also Lime Cay located further east. Much further out, some 50–80 km off the south coast, lie the very small Morant Cays and Pedro Cays. At 10,990 km2 (240 square miles) it is the third-largest island (after Cuba and Hispaniola) of the Greater Antilles and the Caribbean. Jamaica lies about 145 km south of Cuba, 191 km west of Hispaniola (the island containing Haiti and the Dominican Republic), and 215 km southeast of the Cayman Islands. With close to three million people Jamaica is the third most populous Anglophone country in the Americas (after the United States and Canada), and the fourth most populous country in the Caribbean. Kingston is the country’s capital and largest city with around 660,000 inhabitants.

Most Jamaicans are of Sub-Saharan African ancestry, with significant European, East Asian (primarily Chinese), Indian, Lebanese, and mixed-race minorities. Because of a high rate of emigration for work, there is a large Jamaican diaspora, particularly in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The country has a global influence that belies its small size; it was the birthplace of the Rastafari religion and reggae music (and such associated genres as dub, ska, and dancehall); and it is internationally prominent in sports, including cricket and athletics, especially sprinting. Jamaica has sometimes been considered the world’s least populous cultural superpower. Its economy relies heavily on tourism.

Blue Mountains – ©Dario DeCasseres CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Mountains dominate the interior with the Don Figuerero, Santa Cruz, and May Day mountains in the west, the Dry Harbour Mountains in the centre, and the John Crow Mountains and Blue Mountains in the east, the latter containing Blue Mountain Peak, Jamaica’s tallest mountain at 7,400 feet. They are surrounded by a narrow coastal plain. Jamaica has two cities, the first being Kingston, the capital city and centre of business, located on the south coast and the second being Montego Bay, one of the best-known cities in the Caribbean for tourism, located on the north coast. Kingston Harbour is the seventh-largest natural harbour in the world, which contributed to the city being designated as the capital. Other towns of note include Portmore, Spanish Town, Savanna la Mar, Mandeville and the resort towns of Ocho Ríos, Port Antonio and Negril.

The climate in Jamaica is tropical, with hot and humid weather, although higher inland regions are more temperate. Some regions on the south coast, such as the Liguanea Plain and the Pedro Plains, are relatively dry rain-shadow areas. Jamaica has three terrestrial eco-regions, the Jamaican moist forests, Jamaican dry forests, and Greater Antilles mangroves. Parts of the west and southwest consist of large grasslands, with scattered stands of trees. In the forested areas, where there is heavy rainfall the forest also contain stands of bamboo, ferns, ebony, mahogany, and rosewood.

Hope Botanical Gardens – ©RoadTripWarrior CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Jamaica’s fauna, typical of the Caribbean, includes highly diversified wildlife with many endemic species. As with other oceanic islands, land mammals are mostly several species of bats of which at least three endemic species are found only in Cockpit Country, one of which is at-risk. Other species of bat include the fig-eating and hairy-tailed bats. The only non-bat native mammal extant in Jamaica is the Jamaican hutia, locally known as the coney. Introduced mammals such as wild boar and the small Asian mongoose are also common. The country is also home to about 50 species of reptiles, the largest of which is the American crocodile; however, it is only present within the Black River and a few other areas. Lizards such as anoles, iguanas and snakes such as racers and the Jamaican boa (the largest snake on the island), are common in areas such as the Cockpit Country. None of Jamaica’s eight species of native snakes is venomous. Many types of frogs are common on the island. Insects and other invertebrates are abundant, including the world’s largest centipede, the Amazonian giant centipede. Jamaica is the home to about 150 species of butterflies and moths, including 35 indigenous species and 22 subspecies. It is also the native home to the Jamaican swallowtail, the western hemisphere’s largest butterfly.

Birding Jamaica

Among the variety of terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems are dry and wet limestone forests, rainforest, riparian woodland, wetlands, caves, rivers, seagrass beds and coral reefs. The authorities have recognised the tremendous significance and potential of the environment and have designated some of the more ‘fertile’ areas as ‘protected’. Among the island’s protected areas are the Cockpit Country, Hellshire Hills, and Litchfield forest reserves. The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park covers roughly 780 km2 of a wilderness area which supports thousands of tree and fern species and rare animals. Despite its sometimes roguish image Jamaica is a beautiful, accessible and for the most part a safe birding country, with a range of locations as inebriating as Jamaican rum, and thirty great endemic birds.

Black-billed Amazon Amazona agilis – ©Dubi Shapiro

The total number of recorded species is approximately 330, many of which are winter migrants from North America, 100 plus local breeding birds, of which 30 are endemics. Finding the endemics can be dead easy – the Red-billed Streamertail is present in virtually every flower-laden garden – to very difficult – the Jamaican Blackbird feeds exclusively on the creatures living in bromeliads. But with reasonable luck all can be found in a few days, visiting half-a-dozen easily accessible sites.

Good local guides are available – but try to make arrangements ahead of your visit – local transport is available at reasonable cost (from a 4-seater car up to a 25-seater bus) and a wide range of accommodation choices can be provided.

A few suggestions: Roads are not always well signposted and driving habits may be different to what you are used to, so if possible use a driver.

Be prepared for sun, rain, and high humidity – hats, sun block, light rain gear and a change of shirt are recommended.

In general – and especially out of the city – people, though initially reserved, will respond positively to your friendliness. Don’t be shy to ask for directions, but be prepared for some vague answers with distances often given in chains!

Local food and drink can be one excellent facet of your adventure, but take it easy especially with the ‘Jerked’ pork and chicken which is very, very hot!

Because of the weather birding can be done all year, but bear in mind that May and October are the rainy months and June to August are the hottest so the most comfortable time is likely to be December to April.

Top Sites

  • Black River Morass - wetland

    Satellite View
    This is a large wetland containing a variety of habitats. The northern part is probably the best place to find the endangered West Indian Whistling Duck. The southern area is open riverine country with herons, bitterns, rails and some friendly crocodiles.

  • Blue Mountains

    Satellite View
    Drive north out of Kingston up,up,up, through Newcastle and Hardwar Gap, and stop on the roadside almost anywhere. Look for all three hummingbirds, Blue Mountain and Jamaican Vireos, various Flycatchers, Todies, Orioles, Stripe-headed Tanagers and many more. This is prime Blue Mountain coffee territory, and much of the limited accommodation is connected with coffee interests. A comfortable and attractive base is Forres Park Guest House at Mavis Bank, one hour's drive from Kingston's airport.

  • Castleton Botanical Gardens

    Satellite View
    One hour's drive out of Kingston on the Junction Road. About 20 acres of open rolling country with a variety of exotic trees that attract an interesting range of birds.

  • Cockpit Country - Barbecue Bottom/ Burnt Hill road

    Satellite View
    This fabled area contains some of the richest birding in the island, but it is mostly trackless and inaccessible. The Barbecue Bottom road is the best area close to the Cockpit Country that can be reached by car. Look for both Parrots, Jamaican Blackbirds, Crested and Ruddy Quail Doves and both Chestnut-bellied and Jamaican Lizard Cuckoos. The choice of lodging is limited- beach hotels and villas on the north coast or rustic but clean and friendly, B&B's in Albert Town, which is a useful base for any foray into the Cockpit area.

  • Hope Botanical Gardens - Kingston

    Satellite View
    A possible site to visit en route from Kingston to the Blue Mountains. A flock of about 40 Yellow-Billed Parrots live in the Gardens and are easily seen; plus warblers and water birds in the ponds.

  • John Crow Mountains (Ecclesdown)

    Satellite View
    The Eastern face of the John Crow Mountains are best accessed from the narrow but good road through Ecclesdown. Look for Black-billed Streamertails, both Amazon parrots [Yellow-billed and Black-billed] Jamaican Blackbird, Jamaican Crow, Crested Quail-Dove, Arrow-marked Warbler etc. etc.

  • Marshall's Pen - near Mandeville

    Satellite View
    One of the best-documented and oldest birding sites in Jamaica, home of Robert and Ann Sutton - two of the country's premier birders - and the oldest active banding centre in Jamaica. Robert birded this area all his life and knew every nest and roost on it. He recorded over 100 species there. Since his tragic murder some years ago his widow, Ann Haynes-Sutton has continued there work. Accommodation is available on site and there are alternatives in Mandeville.

  • Mockingbird Hill Hotel Gardens

    Satellite View
    Undoubtedly one of the best birding sites in Jamaica… a stay at the hotel just for its sumptuous breakfasts and wonderful dinners is highly recommended but the gardens have hosted all but a few endemic species and sub-species. In a few days even the Fatbirder managed more than a dozen endemics - most from the restaurant!

  • Royal Palm Reserve - near Negril

    Satellite View
    A managed but little-visited wetland on the Negril/ Savannah-la-Mar road, with a good selection of birds in an attractive setting. Boardwalk and viewing tower to add to one's convenience. The Great Morass in Negril, Jamaica is a large nature preserve for birds and animals. It is located off of the land side of Norman Manley Boulevard, stretching along for 7 miles parallel to Long Bay and Bloody Bay. The morass lies on the coastal flood plain of the Black River and attracts over 300 animal species including birds, butterflies and reptiles.

  • San San

    Satellite View
    This small preserve behind the police station turns up may of the same species as Ecclesdown. It is much smaller and has a few open areas where houses give breaks in the forest. Great for Ring-tailed Dove, Sad Flycatcher, Jamaican Peewee etc.

  • Yallahs Salt Ponds

    Satellite View
    25 miles east of Kingston on the coast road - strictly shorebirds and some migrant warblers. No lodging nearby, but can be a worthwhile stop on the drive between Kingston and the Port Antonio area.
Contributors
Number of Species

  • Number of bird species: 330

    (As at March 2025)

    National Bird: Red-billed Streamertail (Doctor Bird) Troclilus polytmus

Endemics

  • Number of endemics: 30

    Jamaican Woodpecker Melanerpes radiolatus
    Jamaican Tody Todus todus
    Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo Hyetornis pluvialis
    Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo Saurothera vetula
    Yellow-billed Amazon Amazona collaria
    Black-billed Amazon Amazona agilis
    Jamaican Parakeet Eupsittula nana
    Jamaican Mango Anthracothorax mango
    Black-billed Streamertail Trochilus polytmus
    Red-billed Streamertail Trochilus scitulus
    Jamaican Owl Pseudoscops grammicus
    Ring-tailed Pigeon Columba caribaea
    Crested Quail-Dove Geotrygon versicolor
    Jamaican Spindalis Spindalis nigricephela
    Jamaican Pewee Contopus pallidus
    Jamaican Large Elaenia Elaenia fallax
    Jamaican Small Elaenia Elaenia cotta
    Sad Flycatcher Myiarchus barbirostris
    Rufous-tailed Flycatcher Myiarchus validus
    Jamaican Becard Pachyramphus niger
    Jamaican Vireo Vireo modestus
    Blue Mountain Vireo Vireo osburni
    Jamaican Crow Corvus jamaicensis
    White-chinned Thrush Turdus aurantius
    White-eyed Thrush Turdus jamaicensis
    Arrowhead Warbler Dendroica pharetra
    Jamaican Euphonia Euphonia jamaica
    Yellow-shouldered Grassquit Loxipasser anoxanthus
    Orangequit Euneornis campestris
    Jamaican Blackbird Nesopsar nigerrimus
Checklist

  • Avibase

    PDF Checklist
    This checklist includes all bird species found in Jamaica , based on the best information available at this time. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. I am pleased to offer these checklists as a service to birdwatchers. If you find any error, please do not hesitate to report them.

  • E-Bird

    PDF Checklist
    This checklist is generated with data from eBird (ebird.org), a global database of bird sightings from birders like you. If you enjoy this checklist, please consider contributing your sightings to eBird. It is 100% free to take part, and your observations will help support birders, researchers, and conservationists worldwide.

  • Wikipedia

    Annotated List
    This is a list of the bird species recorded in Jamaica. The avifauna of Jamaica included a total of 332 species as of July 2022, according to Bird Checklists of the World. Of them, 28 are endemic, 19 have been introduced by humans, and 159 are rare or accidental.
Useful Reading

  • A Birdwatcher’s Guide to Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico & the Caymans

    | By Guy Kirwan, Arturo Kirkconnell & Mike Flieg | Prion | 2010 | Paperback | 198 pages, Line illustrations, maps | ISBN: 9781871104127 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • A Photographic Guide to Birds of Jamaica and the West Indies

    | By G Michael Flieg & Allan Sander | New Holland Publishers | 2006 | Paperback | 144 pages, 300 colour photos | Out of Print | ISBN: 9781845375911 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Jamaica

    | By Audrey Downer, Ann Haynes Sutton, Robert Sutton & YJ Rey-Millet | Christopher Helm | 2009 | Paperback | 304 pages, colour photos, maps | ISBN: 9781408107430 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • Birds of the West Indies

    | By Allan R Keith, Herbert A Raffaele, James W Wiley, Janis Raffaele & Orlando H Garrido | Helm | 2020 | Edition 2 | 288 pages, 129 plates with colour illustrations; b/w illustrations, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 781472979506 Buy this book from NHBS.com

  • 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
Birding Aps

  • Birds of the West Indies

    Android
    This bilingual, mobile field guide for the West Indies includes all 415 bird species of Puerto Rico and the northeastern Lesser Antilles: Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Saint Martin (Sint Maarten), Antigua and Barbuda, Montserrat, Sint Eustatius, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Barthélemy (St. Barts), and Saba.

  • Birds of the West Indies

    Apple iOS |
    Explore the vibrant Caribbean islands with Birds of the West Indies – your pocket guide to Caribbean birdwatching!

Organisations

  • BirdLife Jamaica

    Facebook Page
    Birdlife Jamaica is a non-profit organization committed to the conservation of Jamaica's birds and their habitats.

  • The Jamaica Environment Trust’s (JET)

    Website
    The Jamaica Environment Trust’s (JET) conservation initiatives have included education for fishers, community partnerships to monitor sea turtle nesting, management of the Pedro Bank fish sanctuary and a marine mammal programme.
Reserves

Abbreviations Key

  • IBA Paradise Park

    WebpageSatellite View
    You will not find this exquisite park in most of the guide books because it is primarily a cattle and dairy farm that has been owned and operated by the same family for over a hundred years…

  • NP Blue Mountains

    InformationSatellite View
    The park is globally known for its biodiversity. This park is the last of two known habitats of the giant swallowtail butterfly (Papilio homerus), the largest butterfly in the Western Hemisphere and also the habitat for the endangered Jamaican blackbird (Neospar nigerrimus), a refuge for the Jamaican boa (Epicrates subflavus) and the Jamaican hutia (Geocapromys brownii).

  • Portland Bight Protected Area

    InformationSatellite View
    it also serves protect to protect vulnerable and endemic species. The site has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports significant populations of Jamaican birds.

  • WS Font Hill

    InformationSatellite View
    The Fonthill Wildlife Sanctuary includes a coastal mangrove preserve to protect the locally endangered American crocodile. They are best viewed early in the morning and a warden is available to accompany visitors to their favorite sunning spots. Birds are plentiful here…

  • Wetland of International Importance

    WebpageSatellite View
    Jamaica currently has four sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 37,847 hectares.
Sightings, News & Forums
Guides & Tour Operators

  • Arrowhead Birding Tours

    Local Tour Operator
    So you want to go birding in Jamaica? Join lead guide Ricardo Miller and the Arrowhead Birding Team as we take you to some of the most exotic birding locations in Jamaica.

  • Attractions Link

    Local Tour Operator
    See more of Jamaica, its people, lush vegitation and over three hundred (300) bird species, to include 29 endemic species, when you purchase one of our affordable and aspiring birding vacations or multiday birding tours.

  • Barrett Adventures

    Local Guiding
    ...There are dozens of good spots for viewing our endangered yellow-billed parrots...

  • BirdFinders

    Tour Operator
    Jamaica is home to 28 endemics, most of which are very easy to see.

  • BirdQuest

    Tour Operator
    JAMAICA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC & PUERTO RICO – A feast of Caribbean endemic families and species

  • Birding Ecotours

    Tour Operator
    Among the Greater Antilles, Jamaica offers some of the best birding, with all its endemics possible on our short but highly rewarding Jamaica birding tours. No other island can offer you the remarkable amount of 28 endemic species, 19 endemic subspecies, and 18 Caribbean specials in such a short time and without great effort.

  • Birding Jamaica with Wendy Lee

    Local Guiding
    Whether you are stopping for a one-day cruise visit or staying longer on Jamaica’s north coast, there are several birding options available.

  • FieldGuides

    Tour Operator
    A quick adventure in search of Jamaica's 28 endemics and numerous regional specialties while based at Goblin Hill.

  • HeatherLea

    Tour Operator
    Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico

  • Highland Estate

    Local Guiding
    The avifauna of Jamaica include a total of 324 species, 28 species are endemic to the island.

  • Jamaica Birding Tours (RAJ)

    Local Tour Operator
    Jamaica is home to 31 endemic bird species, more than any other island in the Caribbean, and Reliable Adventures Jamaica (RAJ Tours) helps you see the best endemic birding sites!

  • Naturalist Journeys

    Tour Operator
    Despite its sometimes roguish image, Jamaica is a beautiful, accessible, and safe birding country, with a range of locations that are almost as intoxicating as the island’s rum.

  • NatureTrek

    Tour Operator
    A hugely rewarding, yet relaxing, 9-day birdwatching holiday to the tropical Caribbean island of Jamaica.

  • Rockjumper Birding Tours

    Tour Operator
    Best known as a tropical paradise, Jamaica is also blessed with 30 mouth-watering endemics. Our tour explores habitats from evergreen mountain forests to beaches and ultramarine coastal waters in our quest to notch up all of Jamaica’s endemics, while simultaneously soaking up the unique atmosphere of the island.

  • Sarus Tours

    Tour Operator
    Endemics in the forests and hummingbirds in the gardens. This is an Anytime trip for two or more people at a time of your choosing.

  • Tropical Birding Tours

    Tour Operator
    Jamaica is a small island (smaller even than the US state of Connecticut), with 29 endemic bird species all of its own.

  • WINGS

    Tour Operator
    This tour is limited to six participants with one leader and 12 with two leaders.

  • Wildside Nature Tours

    Tour Operator
    ...28 endemics plus a few endemic subspecies...

  • William Suarez Birding Tours

    Tour Operator
    The Jamaica Birding Tour! A birdwatching excursion to an amazing island in the Caribbean, where the scenery is stunning and most of the endemic birds are still present! J

  • birdsbybijs

    Tour Operator
    Jamaica: Endemic Birds and Caribbean Paradise
Trip Reports

  • 2015 [02 February] - Clayton Burne

    PDF Report
    Vervain Hummingbirds were equally common, allowing for much better scoped views. A flock of Olive-throated Parakeet (soon to be split, probably as another endemic - Jamaican Parakeet), perched in a nearby fruiting tree, pairs of Orangequits foraged close by, and a single White-chinned Thrush finally took to sitting on an exposed perch so we could all see it.

  • 2015 [03 March] - Eric Hynes with Dwayne Swaby

    Report
    ...Both Black-billed and Yellow-billed parrots were joined by Olive-throated Parakeets, White-crowned Pigeons, Ring-tailed Pigeons, and Jamaican Crows at our breakfast stop at the base of Ecclesdown Road. While walking up we spotted the Black-billed subspecies of Streamertail, White-eyed Thrush, Ruddy Quail-Dove, and our best look at Black-billed Parrot. A foraging Jamaican Blackbird barely above our heads trumped the fine look we had the day before.

  • 2016 [03 March] - Eric Hynes

    Report
    We completed the clean sweep of all 27 endemics and tallied a number of the regional endemics as well. We enjoyed comfortable accommodations, easy transportation, quality food, agreeable weather, and excellent camaraderie. There is no such thing as the perfect tour, but a lot of things fell into place nicely for us on this run. Our local guide, Dwayne Swaby, performed admirably for us and showed us all a good time. Thanks again to the wonderful staff at Green Castle Estate...

  • 2016 [03 March] - Megan Edwards Crewe

    Report
    ...Our time in the field was spent largely in the island's less trammelled (and more forested) northeast, principally in the John Crow and Blue Mountains. With the exception of our first soggy day and a half, we had delightful weather -- including a few days warm enough to make our lodge's pool seem awfully inviting! And we found plenty to watch and enjoy during our six days of birding. The endemics cooperated wonderfully -- with one notable exception (we're talking to you, Crested Quail-Dove!!) everybody saw all of them very well....

  • 2017 [02 February] - Chris Sharpe

    PDF Report
    ...a Sad Flycatcher landed in a nearby bush, and Jamaican Spindalis and Jamaican Orioles came in to join it. After wehad taken our fill, it was time for breakfast and our introductory talk by the estate owner and our local guide, Dwayne Swaby. Once this was over, we took a stroll down the Waterfall Trail with Dwayne. More showy endemics awaited, starting with Red-billed Streamertails: six males, as well as a female, on the nest! Rufous-tailed Flycatchers, Orangequits and White-chinned Thrushes were next, together with a suite of birds bearing the epithet “Jamaican”: Vireo, Becard, Elaenia, Woodpecker and Tody....

  • 2017 [03 March] - Forrest Rowland

    PDF Report
    Jamaica is as about unique a destination as can be imagined. In the middle of the Caribbean, this small island developed a culture unlike any other, cuisine unlike any other, and vibrant, beautiful avifauna unlike any other. As a guide, it’s pretty dreamy as well. Great accommodations, great food, and outstanding local bird guides that are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, making it a delight for everyone involved!

  • 2017 [03 March] - Jesse Fagan

    Report
    This was my first trip to Jamaica, and I was blown away. Not literally, like in a hurricane of the sort that sometimes hit the island, but by the diversity (and uniqueness) of the avifauna/endemics, the jerk pork, and the beautiful people. Island birding doesn't get much better than this! Green Castle Estate was also the perfect base for us. I want to thank all our local support, including the staff at GCE, but, of course, to our steady driver, Raymond, who did a wonderful job. It was also great working with our talented local guide, Dwayne Swaby, who did an excellent job. Thanks to all.There were a lot of bird highlights to this trip. Maggie and Raven (of course, Raven!) thought the Jamaican Crow with its bizarre call and active behavior was a hit. I agree. Our Jamaican Owl experience was hard to beat. Which did you prefer? The bird we found along the entrance road (after working hard to find one for several nights) or the pair we ran into in Cockpit Country on a day roost?! There are two endemic parrots to Jamaica, and Roger enjoyed those perched Yellow-billed in the scope. Brian liked the Black-billed. Either way, you can't go wrong. Dean loved the Stolid Flycatcher interaction we had at Green Castle Estate. Finally, Susan enjoyed watching the Orangequit feeding on the palm fruits. However, there was one clear favorite in the group: Crested Quail-Dove!

  • 2017 [03 March] - Sam Woods

    PDF Report
    amaica boasts an extraordinarily high list of endemics, indeed the highest of any island in the West Indies, currently standing at 28. These are squeezed onto an island roughly equal in size to the small US state of Connecticut.

  • 2017 [04 April] - Mark Van Beirs

    PDF Report
    The Jamaica section of our Greater Antilles tour started at Kingston airport in the middle of a hot March day. From here we drove along the big lagoon and through infamous Kingston towards the hilly centre of the island, picking up Brown Pelican, Magnificent Frigatebird, Turkey Vulture, Laughing Gull, Royal Tern, Northern Mockingbird and Greater Antillean Grackle on the way.

  • 2017 [11 November] - Jesse Fagan

    Report
    Annotated list

  • 2018 [01 January] - Charlie Hesse

    PDF Report
    It’s not just number of endemics either. The list boasts some absolute corkers with birds like Jamaican Tody, the long-tailed Streamertail hummingbird and Jamaican Owl being perennial favourites.

  • 2018 [03 March] - Michiel de Boer - Dominican Republic & Jamaica

    Report
    For some time I wanted to visit these Islands in the Caribbean. Jamaica because of the Streamertails and Dominican Republic (DR) for the Trogon, the monotypic Palmchat and both Islands for the Todies. The annoying fact that there are no direct flights between J and DR has put me off going there in earlier years.

  • 2018 [03 March] - Rich Lindie

    PDF Report
    ...Kicking things off in real style, one of the first birds we encountered was an obliging Jamaican Oriole, while a supporting cast that included male Orangequits, a pair of Jamaican Woodpeckers and a Black-faced Grassquit was also much enjoyed...

  • 2019 [02 February] - Stefan Schlick

    PDF Report
    Portland Audubon’s 2019 Jamaica trip ended up being a great trip, but there had been some early adversity. First we struggled to get enough participants, but eventually had 6 (which was perfect!). Then the weather forecast for the flight out of Portland on the 9th looked horrible, with a winter storm arriving in the little hours. Nevertheless, we all got out well and made it to Kingston without any issues.

  • 2019 [04 April] - Mark Van Beirs

    PDF Report
    Birds that made a lasting impression in Jamaica included Masked Duck, Least Bittern, Jamaican Owl, the exquisite Red-billed Streamertail, Vervain Hummingbird, Jamaican Tody, Rufous-throated Solitaire and Arrowhead Warbler.

  • 2019 [08 August] - Jim Holmes - Cruise Ship Birding from Montego Bay

    Report
    My family and I went on a Carnival cruise that departed from New Orleans (Aug 11 - 18, 2019). We stopped in Montego Bay Jamaica on Aug 14. The information below would be useful for those arriving via cruise ship who wish to bird around the Montego Bay area.

  • 2022 [03 March] - Steve Shunk

    PDF Report
    : Springtime in Jamaica treated us well, with mostly gorgeous weather and lots of endemic birds. We also enjoyed many butterflies and four endemic lizards as we birded from the desert-like Hellshire Hills to the lush, cloud-enshrouded Blue Mountains. Perhaps more important than just finding the endemic birds, all participants enjoyed good looks at most of the endemics, and most were widespread on our route, giving us ample opportunity for study.

  • 2022 [12 December] - : Ricardo Miller a

    PDF Report
    ...we all walked the grounds and up the street which yielded nice looks at twenty-four species, including our first Vervain Hummingbird, a male, perched on a wire beside a vacant lot and both Black-faced and Yellowfaced Grassquits...

  • 2023 [12 December] - Adam Walleyn

    PDF Report
    ...unique excitement that awaits the birder knowing they are soon going to be putting their binoculars on a bunch of lifers! Gorgeous Jamaican Spindalis greeted us, quickly followed by Orangequit, White-chinned Thrush and the magnificent Black-billed Streamertail.../

  • 2024 [02 February] - Bobby Wilcox

    PDF Report
    One by one we began picking off Jamaican endemics like Black-billed Streamertails picking fights (in other words, often)...

  • 2024 [02 February] - Steve Shunk

    PDF Report
    ...Some of the Jamaican endemics showed in impressive numbers: 20 Jamaican Todies, 30 Jamaican Woodpeckers, 43 Jamaican Spindalises, 84 Ring-tailed Pigeons, and 100 Orangequits, to name a few...

  • 2024 [03 March] - Doug Gochfeld

    Report
    ...We also found several Stolid Flycatchers (a regional specialty), and got our first taste of several other Jamaican endemics, including Jamaica vireo, mango, and oriole..

  • 2024 [03 March] - Luis Gonzalez

    PDF Report
    Jamaica decided to take up this challenge in spades by being the second smallest of the main islands, yet somehow being home of 28 endemics, a couple of potential splits and some sought-after rarities that are not easy anywhere in their range.

  • 2024 [03 March] - Pat Lueders

    PDF Report
    ...enjoy the breathtaking Hellshire Hills, Blue Mountains, and coastal areas. Our expert Jamacian guide, Ricardo Miller, was adept at hearing and finding the birds, combining an excellent sense of humor...

  • 2024 [04 April] - Eustace Barnes

    PDF Report
    ...This included 28 endemics in Jamaica...
Places to Stay

  • Great Huts

    Accommodation
    Great Huts is Paradise on the Edge – where nature, heritage, artistry, comfort and spirituality converge – a beachfront eco-resort set in a jungle landscape, perched on cliffs that overlook the Eastern Caribbean. Our all-price-range accommodations welcome everyone from travelers of independent mind to couples who want everything taken care of for them. Artists and romantics find warmth, executives find much needed balance. Everyone finds inspiration.

  • Mocking Bird Hill Hotel

    Accommodation

  • Strawberry Hill

    Accommodation
    Strawberry Hill is a modern-day classic - a mountainside retreat with harmonious proportions on a former tea estate. Designed by Ann Hodges, its 12 airy cottages are based on 19th century buildings. It`s the perfect choice for guests who value luxury, privacy, romance and verdant beauty…
Other Links

  • Birdwatching in Jamaica

    Website
    Jamaica is one of the most beautiful islands in the world! The bird life there is extremely varied and interesting. With approximately 200 native species that include a whopping 25 endemic species, Jamaica has much to offer the bird watcher!

  • Cockpit Country

    Website
    Windsor Research Centre (WRC) created this website to share information about a globally unique landscape located in the heart of Jamaica. We hope your enjoy your virtual tour of what, in reality, is a rugged and inaccessible part of the island. It is these very characteristics which define Cockpit Country and give it such special importance to Jamaica and the World.

  • Jamaica Parrot Project

    Website
    The Jamaica Parrot Project was established in 1995 by BirdLife Jamaica (formerly Gosse Bird Club) with the assistance of the Environmental Foundation of Jamaica and Wildlife Preservation Trust International (Philadelphia, PA). The project represented the first systematic study of Jamaica's two endemic Amazona parrots -- the Black-billed Parrot (Amazona agilis) and the Yellow-billed Parrot (A. collaria).

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