Republic of Cuba
Cuba is an island country, comprising the island of Cuba (largest island), Isla de la Juventud, and 4,195 islands, islets and cays surrounding the main island. It is located where the northern Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and Atlantic Ocean meet. Cuba is located east of the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico), south of both Florida and the Bahamas, west of Hispaniola (Haiti/Dominican Republic), and north of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands. Havana is the largest city and capital with more than two million inhabitants. Cuba is the third-most populous country in the Caribbean after Haiti and the Dominican Republic, with almost 11 million people. It is the largest country in the Caribbean by area, covering 110,860 km2 (42,800 square miles) – only slightly smaller in land area (including all the offshore cays) than England.
Culturally, Cuba is considered part of Latin America. It has one of the world’s few planned economies, and its economy is dominated by tourism and the exports of skilled labor, sugar, tobacco, and coffee. Cuba has historically performed better than other countries in the region on several socioeconomic indicators, such as literacy, infant mortality and life expectancy; Cuba has a universal health care system which provides free medical treatment to all Cuban citizen.
Cuba is the principal island, surrounded by four smaller groups of islands: the Colorados Archipelago on the northwestern coast, the Sabana-Camagüey Archipelago on the north-central Atlantic coast, the Jardines de la Reina on the south-central coast and the Canarreos Archipelago on the southwestern coast. The main island consists mostly of flat to rolling plains apart from the Sierra Maestra mountains in the southeast, whose highest point is Pico Turquino at 6,476 feet. The second-largest island is Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth) in the Canarreos archipelago, with an area of 2,204 km2 (851 square miles).
Sierra Maestra and Turquino National Park – ©Óðinn CC BY-SA 2.5 CA via Wikimedia Commons
With the entire island south of the Tropic of Cancer, the local climate is tropical, moderated by northeasterly trade winds that blow year-round. The temperature is also shaped by the Caribbean current, which brings in warm water from the equator. This makes the climate of Cuba warmer than that of Hong Kong, which is at around the same latitude as Cuba but has a subtropical rather than a tropical climate. In general (with local variations), there is a drier season from November to April, and a rainier season from May to October. The average temperature is 21 °C in January and 27 °C in July. The warm temperatures of the Caribbean Sea and the fact that Cuba sits across the entrance to the Gulf of Mexico combine to make the country prone to frequent hurricanes. These are most common in September and October.
Cuba has six terrestrial eco-regions: Cuban moist forests, Cuban dry forests, Cuban pine forests, Cuban wetlands, Cuban cactus scrub, and Greater Antilles mangroves.
Birding Cuba
The native bee hummingbird or zunzuncito is the world’s smallest known bird. The Cuban trogon or tocororo is the national bird of Cuba and an endemic species. Other endemic species are the Cuban crocodile, Cuban hutia, Cuban solenodon, Cuban gar, Cuban boa, and Polymita picta. Mariposa Hedychium coronarium is the national flower.
Cuban crocodile Crocodylus rhombifer – ©Yelles CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The financial benefits of tourism have been widely embraced in the last 25 years, which has resulted in improved facilities for visitors and many of these are near to popular birding hotspots. Cubans are a warm and friendly people and visiting birders are unlikely to experience any problems. Crime, especially violent crime, is virtually unknown.
Cuba has a wide variety of habitats from coastal mangrove to montane cloud forest and including important man-made habitats such as rice fields. Four main mountain ranges dominate an otherwise lowland landscape of arid scrub, savanna, and forest, with extensive wetlands found on the Zapata peninsula and in the Cauto River delta. Forest can be divided into several different types including lowland and montane rain forest, cloud forest, and drier seasonal (deciduous) forest, which was once very widespread in the lowlands. Coniferous forest is restricted to the eastern and western ends of the island where it is the dominant vegetation type. Recent survey work has revealed that, as well as being significant for restricted-range birds, Cuban forests are extremely important wintering areas for Nearctic breeding species, equal to the richest sites that have been surveyed elsewhere in the Caribbean and Mexico.
Conservation
Cuba has developed a system of protected areas in a variety of habitats across the country. These have various designations and levels of protection – some 12% of the total land area falls within the 200 or so conservation units. The most important have international designations including six Ramsar sites and six Biosphere reserves. BirdLife recognises 28 Important Bird Areas (IBA) within the whole territory of Cuba, which is an Endemic Bird Area (EBA) in itself. However, much of Cuba’s native vegetation has been converted to cultivation and pasture for cattle over the past 200 years, with only 15-20% of land remaining in its natural state. Expansion of cacao, coffee and tobacco production remain serious threats to rain forest, while logging, charcoal production and slash-and-burn agriculture are destroying dry forest. Tourist facilities have sometimes been located inappropriately and extensions to rice and bean growing areas have impinged on important wetlands, including mangrove fringes.
Ciénaga de Zapata – ©Francisco Puertas CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Birds and Birding
Over 400 species have been recorded in Cuba with a high level of endemism (28 species) and a number of Caribbean specialties. Six of the endemic species are listed as ‘restricted range’ by BirdLife whilst a further 14 are designated Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened. A further 19 species under these criteria have been recorded from Cuba, such as the Piping Plover, which is a relatively uncommon winter visitor to the archipelago. Having said that, it is not too difficult to plan a birding trip to see the majority of the endemic birds, the exceptions being Cuban Kite (far to the east, largely inaccessible and almost extinct) and Zapata Rail (Critically Endangered and largely invisible). To find Cuban Martin, which is known to breed only in Cuba, and Antillean Nighthawk, both of which presumably winter somewhere in South America, you need to visit in summer, preferably from mid-March or even mid-April, respectively.
Fernandina’s flicker Colaptes fernandinae – ©Dubi Shapiro
Note that most birders will probably also want to avoid the summer (after May) and the hurricane season, which ends in late November, although the latter month can be excellent for passage migrants. Winter is excellent to see the largest numbers of individual Nearctic migrants, although a visit during either spring or autumn passage has the potential to ‘net’ more species. There are quite considerable distances to cover just to reach the four main sites starting from Havana – in general, there are more birds in the western half of the country, more of the endemics and more facilities for the tourist. A trip of nine or ten days is the minimum needed to ensure covering the main sites but even in this time you run the risk of missing out on some species, with two weeks being the ideal length of a trip and less taxing!
Download Christopher Sharpe’s Incredibly useful guide to finding Cuba’s endemics & other special birds HERE
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BR Cuchillas del Toa Biosphere Reserve
InformationSatellite ViewOriente - The last place that Ivory-billed Woodpecker and Cuban Kite were seen. Mountain and river birds. -
Cayo Coco
InformationSatellite ViewThis is a cay off the north coast of Cuba, now linked to the mainland by a causeway some 17 km long. The island has been developed as an all-inclusive beach tourism destination but large areas are still unspoilt and home to some interesting species. Of the endemics, there is Cuban Gnatcatcher and Oriente Warbler that you must see. In addition there are some interesting species found nowhere else in Cuba such as Bahama Mockingbird and Thick-billed Vireo. There is a race of Cuban Sparrow here as well as Gundlach’s Hawk and its position means that migrant falls are relatively common. -
Najasa, Camagüey
Species RecordsSatellite ViewAn area of open savannah and woodlands to the south-east of Camagüey city which encompasses the reserve at La Belen. There are 15 of the endemics to found here but it is the only place to find the Cuban Palm Crow and much the easiest place to see Giant Kingbird, Cuban Parakeet and the near-threatened Caribbean speciality, Plain Pigeon. -
Topes de Collantes
InformationSatellite ViewMountain birds. Endemic birds found here include Cuban Tody, Cuban Trogon and Cuban Emerald. -
Viñales Valley-La Güira
InformationSatellite ViewThis area to the west of Havana is largely pine-forested limestone hills interspersed with low-level agriculture. This is the place to find the Cuban Solitaire and now is also the easiest place to find Cuban Grassquit. Many other endemics are here and it is a good starting point for any birding trip to Cuba to get to grips with the commoner species. -
Zapata Swamp - Matanzas Province
InformationSatellite ViewA huge area (over half a million hectares) this is the largest wetland in the Caribbean. It has extensive cave lake systems with spectacular blue holes, flooded caves and important water resources. There is also critical habitat in the form of forest, flooded palm savannas, open waterand salinas, reefs and mangroves. It is simply the best birding in Cuba and the following endemics can be found there: Gundlach's Hawk, Zapata Rail, Grey-fronted Quail-dove, Blue-headed Quail-dove, Cuban Parakeet, Bare-legged Owl, Cuban Pygmy-owl, Cuban Nightjar, Bee Hummingbird, Cuban Trogon, Cuban Tody, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Fernandina's Flicker, Giant Kingbird, Cuban Vireo, Cuban Crow, Zapata Wren, Yellow-headed Warbler, Cuban Blackbird, Red-shouldered Blackbird, Cuban Sparrow, Cuban Grassquit.
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Andy Mitchell
Cuba Birding Tours -
Rafael Sánchez
Haban, Cuba | birdingcuba64@gmail.com
Cuba Birding -
Guy Kirwan
WikiSpecies -
Christopher Sharpe
The Curious Naturalist
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Number of bird species: 409
(As at March 2025)National Bird: Cuban Trogon Priotelus temnurus
Number of endemics: 30
Gundlachs Hawk Accipiter gundlachi
Cuban Black-Hawk Buteogallus gundlachii
Cuban Kite Chondrohierax wilsonii
Cuban Green Woodpecker Xiphidiopicus percussus
Fernandina's Flicker Colaptes fernandinae
Cuban Trogon Priotelus temnurus
Cuban Tody Todus multicolor
Cuban Parakeet Aratinga euops
Bee Hummingbird Mellisuga helenae
Bare-legged Owl Otus lawrencii
Cuban Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium siju,
Gray-fronted Quail-Dove Geotrygon caniceps
Blue-headed Quail-Dove Starnoenas cyanocephala
Cuban Nightjar Antrostomus cubanensis
Cuban Lizard-cuckoo Coccyzus merlini
Zapata Rail Cyanolimnas cerverai
Giant Kingbird Tyrannus cubensis
Cuban Vireo Vireo gundlachii
Cuban Solitaire Myadestes elisabeth
Zapata Wren Ferminia cerverai
Cuban Gnatcatcher Polioptila lembeyei
Zapata Sparrow Torreornis inexpectata
Yellow-headed Warbler Teretistris fernandinae
Oriente Warbler Teretistris fornsi
Cuban Grassquit Tiaris canora
Red-shouldered Blackbird Agelaius assimilis
Cuban Blackbird Dives atroviolacea
Cuban Bullfinch Pyrrhulagra nigra
Cuban Oriole Icterus melanopsis
Cuban Palm Crow Corvus minutus
Breeding Endemics
Cuban Martin Progne cryptoleuca
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Avibase
PDF ChecklistThis checklist includes all bird species found in Cuba , 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. -
Birds Caribbean
PDF Annotated ListNumber 1 - 2017 EDITION -
E-Bird
PDF ChecklistThis 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 ListThis is a list of birds species recorded in the archipelago of Cuba, which consists of the main island of Cuba and over 1000 smaller cays and islands. The confirmed avifauna of Cuba included a total of 407 species as of May 2023 according to the Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba.
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A Birdwatchers' Guide to Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico and 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 -
Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba, Volume 4
| By Nils Navarro Pacheco | Ediciones Nuevos Mundos | 2021 | Edition 4 | Paperback| 69 Pages | ISBN: 9798591460341 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of Cuba
| By Orlando Garrido & Arturo Kirkconnell | Helm | 2024 | Edition 2 | Paperback | 246 pages, plates with colour illustrations; colour photos, colour distribution maps, colour maps | ISBN: 781399421928 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of Cuba - A Photographic Guide
| By Arturo Kirkconnell, Patricia E Bradley & Yves-Jacques Rey-Millet | Helm | 2020 | Paperback | 384 pages, 600 colour photos, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9781472918390 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Cuba Birds
| (A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species) | By James R Kavanagh & Raymond Leung | Waterford Press | 2016 | Unbound | 12 pages, colour illustrations, 1 colour map | ISBN: 9781583559819 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Endemic Birds of Cuba
| By Nils Navarro | Ediciones Nuevos Mundos | 2015 | Paperback | 168 pages | colour photos | colour illustrations | colour distribution maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780990941910 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Birds of Cuba - An Annotated Checklist
| By Arturo Kirkconnell, Guy M Kirwan, Orlando H Garrido, Andy Mitchell & James W Wiley | British Ornithologists' Club | 2020 | Paperback | 472 pages | 32 plates with colour photos | ISBN: 9780952288671 | £44.99p | ISBN: 9780952288671 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
Birds of the West Indies
AndroidThis 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!
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BirdLife
WebpageDataZone
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National Museum of Natural History of Cuba
InformationIt contains unique pieces, such as fish preserved personally by Poey in the first half of the 19th century, the smallest bird in the world, a stuffed specimen of an extinct species of pigeon, and 18 endemic Cuban birds that are part of the country's largest collection.
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Birding Havana
WebsiteBirding Havana aims to deepen and broaden the work of environmental awareness and education among the Cuban population, especially among the youngest, through the practice of birdwatching. -
Birds of Cuba
WebsiteInformation, images and range maps on the birds seen in Cuba, including sub-species, vagrants, introduced birds and possibilities -
Centro Nacional de Areas Protegidas (Birdlife Cuba)
Facebook PageEl Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas de Cuba (SNAP) está constituido por las áreas naturales, terrestres y marinas más importantes del país. Su funcionamiento es supervisado a través de una Junta Coordinadora, integrada por las principales entidades decisoras, de regulación y control y está estructurado en subsistemas provinciales, de forma descentralizada, en el cual las áreas protegidas como unidad básica de gestión, son administradas por diferentes instituciones. - Also see the Facebook page -
The Cuban Birders Club
The Cuban Birders Club works to raise awareness about the importance of protecting birds and their habitats.
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BR Sierra del Rosario
InformationSatellite ViewSierra del Rosario is mountain range in the Pinar del Río Province of Cuba. It is located in the western part of the Guaniguanico Range, in the north-central part of the province, between the municipalities of La Palma, Los Palacios and Consolación del. Fauna includes five species of bat and, numerous birds (notably the Bee hummingbird). -
NP Alejandro de Humboldt
InformationSatellite ViewAlejandro de Humboldt National Park contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of terrestrial biological diversity in the entire insular Caribbean. The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for of its size, altitude range, complex lithology, landform diversity, and wealth of endemic flora and fauna. Fauna present in the park includes various species of parrots, lizards, hummingbirds, the endangered Cuban solenodon (endemic), hutia and snails. -
NP Caguanes National Park
InformationSatellite ViewThe ecosystem consists of more than 200 species, 24 of them endemic.[2] 112 species of birds nest in the marsh and coastal area. A large population of mariposa bats is present in the Tres Dolinas cave. A decline in migratory aquatic birds (spoonbills, flamingos, pelicans) nesting in the marshes was registered here. -
NP Desembarco del Granma
InformationSatellite ViewThe area, which is situated in and around Cabo Cruz in south-west Cuba, includes spectacular terraces and cliffs, as well as some of the most pristine and impressive coastal cliffs bordering the western Atlantic. -
NP Topes de Collantes
InformationSatellite ViewAmong Topes de Collantes' natural allure are flora and fauna equally as beautiful, including more than 40 species of orchids, 100 species of ferns, and the national flower of Cuba, the mariposa (butterfly lily). Plantain and banana trees grow wild here, as do begonias, ginger, jasmine, eucalyptus, and magnolias. Pine trees as tall as 140 feet provide adequate shade for approximately 40 species of coffee to grow. The trees are also home to various species of bird, including the Cuban ivory-billed woodpecker, the Cartacuba, the tocororo, and an assortment of hummingbirds. -
NP Zapata Swamp
InformationSatellite ViewZapata Swamp is located on the Zapata Peninsula in the southern Matanzas province of Cuba. It is located less than 150 kilometres (93 mi) southeast of Havana. It is located on the Zapata Peninsula in the southern Matanzas province of Cuba, less than 150 kilometres (93 miles) southeast of Havana. Within the Zapata Swamp are over 900 autochthonous plant species, 175 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles and over 1000 species of invertebrates. Some of the most notable are local endemics to Cuba; for birds, it includes the Zapata wren, Zapata rail, and the Zapata sparrow. The Zapata Swamp is also a particular habitat of the Bee hummingbird, the smallest bird species on the planet. The Zapata Swamp is also visited by 65 species of birds during their migration pattern from North America through the Caribbean to South America. Zapata is also known for the local endemic Cuban crocodile Crocodylus rhombifer which are restricted to the Zapata Swamp . -
NR Guanaroca
InformationSatellite ViewGuanaroca Nature Reserve is the region’s sole natural protected area, and it is easy to see why! Within the reserve is Laguna Guanaroca, a shimmering saline lake formed by the River Arimao. An astounding density of wildlife aggregates here, including a resident colony of more than 2,000 flamingos. -
National Parks
InformationSatellite ViewCuba has an extensive network of protected areas and there are 274 listed on the website including all 15 national parks.
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Alvaro's Adventures
Local Tour OperatorLed by Arturo Kirkconnell Sr., THE expert on Cuba's birds. Arturo wrote the most recent field guide to the country. And Mollee Brown of Life List A Birding Podcast, and the Birding Co-Op. -
Authentic Cuba Travel
Tour OperatorAdd to your bird watching life-list 21 endemic Cuban bird species! -
Big Planet Adventures
Tour OperatorThe Best Cuba Bird Watching Tour for Twitchers -
BirdQuest
Tour OperatorCUBA – The endemic-rich island that likes to be different -
Birding Ecotours
Tour OperatorThe tour starts in Cuba’s famous Zapata Swamp, one of the richest single sites throughout the West Indies, and continues across much of the western two-thirds of this island – which is widely regarded as the last bastion of communism in the world but is now gradually becoming slightly more liberalized. We will have good chances of finding all of Cuba’s endemics with the exception of the near-mythical Zapata Rail, whose voice is still not definitely known, and the extremely rare Cuban Kite, which is restricted to the extreme east of the island and requires a trip of near-expedition proportions for any chance of seeing it….. -
BirdsCaribbean
Tour OperatorBirding Tours of Cuba in 2025 with BirdsCaribbean -
Caribbean Conservation Trust
Tour OperatorAccording to BirdLife International, which has designated 28 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) in Cuba, “Over 370 bird species have been recorded in Cuba, including 27 which are endemic to the island and 29 considered globally threatened. -
Chino Zapata
Local Tour OperatorChino is a biologist, a naturalist and native of the Zapata Swamp with 40 years of experience as a natural history guide specializing in birds. He has published several articles relating to endangered species in the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology and in Ciencias Biológicas de la Universidad de la Habana; a journal of the University of Havana. He has been guiding for more than 40 years for thousands of ornithologists and scientists who have visited Cuba... -
Cuba Welcome
Local Tour OperatorBird Watching Tour in Cuba - 8 days - Cuba`s birds include 22 endemic species to the island as well as several Greater Antillean endemics mixed with some North American and seasonal migration species. -
Eagle-Eye Tours
Tour OperatorWonderful and easy birding, with lots of endemics and range-restricted species -
Ernesto Reyes
Local Tour OperatorIf you are a nature and bird enthusiastic, and that taking photographs in our warm and enchanting Cuba sounds like an exciting experience to you, then you have come to the right place… -
HeatherLea
Tour OperatorIsolated from western countries for more than 50 years, Cuba is now a delightful and charming birdwatching destination. In fact, it is one of the most important and rewarding Caribbean birding destinations! -
Natural Selections Tours
Tour OperatorJoin us on this 10-day birding exploration of Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean. -
NatureTrek
Tour OperatorTour Code: CUB01A 12-day birdwatching tour concentrating on the endemic species of this vibrant and colourful Caribbean island. -
Real Cuba
Tour OperatorCuba Beyond the Beaches Birding in Eastern Cuba takes you to two of the most prolific areas for birds in this part of the island. Our daily outings take you to varied habitat ensuring that you have the chance to add to your life list, see birds which are new to you, or visit with summer friends. Our knowledgeable ornithologist will add to your understanding of the birds of this part of the island -
Responsible Travel
Tour OperatorOur Cuba birdwatching tour takes you to a selection of Cuba’s pristine protected natural areas that are known as the best places for observing the endemic bird species of Cub... -
Rockjumper Birding Tours
Tour OperatorWhat with 28 endemics and a further 23 Caribbean specials, Cuba is an essential addition to any serious twitcher -
WINGS
Tour OperatorCuba, the largest of the Greater Antilles with over 42,000 square miles, lies as close as only 93 miles south of Florida.... -
Whitehawk Birding & Conservation
Tour OperatorCuba is home to the Cuban Trogon, Zapata Wren, Blue-headed Quail-Dove and the smallest bird in the world, the Bee Hummingbird. -
Wildside Nature Tours
Tour OperatorHighlights of CUBA: Cultural Immersion & Endemic Birding
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2017 [02 February] - Chris Sharpe
PDF Report...We were immediately assaulted by Cuban endemics: Cuban Trogon, Cuban Green Woodpecker, Tawny-shouldered Blackbird and Cuban Tody. However, we had to focus on our target birds, and went straight to a pig farm to look for Cuban Grassquit.... -
2017 [03 March] - Forrest Rowland
PDF Report...we stepped off the bus to our first of many Cuban Trogons, Cuban Green Woodpeckers, Loggerhead Kingbird, LaSagre’s Flycatchers, Red-legged Honeycreepers, and Greater Antillean Grackles... -
2017 [12 December] - Christopher J Sharpe
PDF Report...After a short rest, our afternoon visit to Soplillar began with a stroll between flooded fields, where we had lovely views of three Fernandina's Flickers, another Northern Flicker (atop a utility pole) and a further four Great Lizard Cuckoos. Cuban Parrots and Parakeets showed extremely well, both flying over and perched up obligingly in the saturated colours produced by the low sun. A distant Northern Jacana was spotted across the wet pastureland... -
2018 [03 March] - Bob Behrstock
PDF ReportOur permits to visit Cuba were predicated upon us censusing birds and sharing the data with the scientific community, deemed a type of humanitarian project by the U.S. government. This is happening — largely through eBird, which has the power to instantly reach biologists (and birders) throughout the Americas... -
2018 [03 March] - Woody Wheeler
PDF ReportCustoms went relatively smoothly and we soon met Gustavo, a friendly engaging man who was our main guide for the Cuban journey - Mostly an Annotated list -
2019 [01 January] - Dodie Logue
PDF ReportWe had very good luck with endemics, seeing Cuban Parakeet,Cuban Trogon and Cuban Tody. We also saw some West Indianendemics, such as Palm Crow, Plain Pigeon, Giant Kingbird and awonderfully active Great lizard-Cuckoo. We spent the morningwalking on park roads of the area, surrounded by mature trees andMango Orchards. There were numerous migrant warblers in thetrees, including Cape May, Black-throated Blue, Black-throatedGreen, and Yellow-throated. We were hot and tired when weloaded up the bus to head back around noon. -
2020 [02 February] - Paul Lynch
PDF Report...On the route through the Cuban section I picked up White-crowned Pigeon, White-winged Dove, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk, West Indian Woodpecker, lots of Antillean Palm Warbler Palm Swift and both morphs of American Kestrel. The pale form was the most common with only a few dark birds seen during the trip... -
2021 [01 January] - David Blair
PDF ReportThe main birds in the hotel were Cuban Emerald our first endemic, Cuban (crescent-eyed) Pewee, Yellow-fronted Vireo, Black-throated Blue Warbler, Palm Warbler, Ovenbird, Blackburnian Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler, Antillean Palm Swift and Northern Mockingbird... -
2022 [03 March] - Mike Clarke
PDF ReportThe birding it has to be said was excellent! With 25 endemics and 28 near endemics as well as plenty of wintering North American waders and passerines there was never a shortage of something to look at! We saw all the possible 23 Cuban endemics (Cuban Kite and Zapata Rail being near mythical species) and all the 25 reasonably expected near endemics (Antillean Nighthawks not being in yet and Caribbean Martin and Bahama Swallow being rarely recorded). Additionally we saw 20 species of American wood-warbler & allies in our trip total of 161. -
2023 [02 February] - Leo Garrigues
PDF Report...The favourite bird of the trip was the Bee Hummingbird (the smallest bird in the world), but we had many more highlights like three species of Quail-Doves; the Blue-headed, Grey-fronted and Key West Quail-Dove, great views of Cuban Tody multiple times... -
2023 [03 March] - Yousif Attia
ReportCuba is the largest island in the West Indies and boasts an array of unique avifauna found nowhere else on earth (not to mention the smallest bird in the world... -
2023 [04 April] - Eduardo Ormaeche - Costa Rica: Complete Tour
PDF ReportThis was a dream trip for those who were setting foot in Central America for the first time, with birds such as the most-wanted and representative Resplendent Quetzal, Snowcap, Sunbittern, Sungrebe, Roseate Spoonbill, Jabiru, Scarlet and Great-green Macaws, Yellow-throated and Keel-billed Toucan, Turquoise-browed, Lesson’s and Keel-billed Motmots, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, Crested, Spectacled, Striped and Black-and-white Owls, American Dipper, Baird’s, Gartered, Black-headed and Black-throated Trogons, American Pygmy Kingfisher, Yellow-breasted Crake, Pinnated and Least Bitterns, White Hawk, Black Hawk-Eagle and Ornate Hawk-Eagle. -
2024 [02 February] - David M Gascoigne
Report...We moved on to our next stop, where our target bird was Giant Kingbird (Tyrannus cubensis)... -
2024 [03 March] - Eric Shaw
PDF Report...We had fantastic views of almost all endemic and near-endemic birds... -
2024 [04 April] - Sue Bryan
Report...Our driver, Ricardo took us to several other areas that were dominated by Black-whiskered Vireos and Western Spindalis but the light for photography was awful. It was very humid and sapping our energy levels.... -
2024 [11 November] - Thierry Quelennec
PDF ReportThis trip report is not covering all the island of Cuba but only on a small area in 1/3 south west part around Playa Larga in the north of Bay of pigs, located east of Ciénaga de Zapata National Park.
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Casa Particulares
WebsiteThe alternative to staying in hotels is private guest houses or casa particulares -
Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca Resort - Holguin Province
AccommodationOnly a few meters from one of the most beautiful beaches of fine and white sand to the eastern part of the island, stands Club Amigo Atlantico - Guardalavaca Complex surrounded by impressive cliffs and exotic vegetation
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Birding Cuba
WebsiteNotes, pictures, etc