The British Virgin Islands are home to a diverse range of bird species, which have adapted to the island’s unique tropical climate and terrain.
The islands’ birdlife is a valuable resource, from attractively plumed songbirds, to large raptors and seabirds that dominate the skies and seascapes.
Birds, therefore, play a vital role in the island’s ecosystem, drawing tourists, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike to view and study these remarkable creatures.
This article will explore the most prominent birds found in the British Virgin Islands, where they can be spotted, and their role in the island’s thriving ecology.
1. Stilts And Avocets
Stilts and avocets are two distinct groups of birds belonging to the family Recurvirostridae. They range in length from 30-46 cm (12-18 inches) and weigh between 140 – 435 g (4.9 – 15.3 ounces).
Males usually have slightly larger bodies than females, with long thin legs, necks and bills.
Avocet bills curve upwards uniquely while stilt beaks remain straight most times.
These wading birds live mainly near shorelines or wetlands where they feed on aquatic invertebrates like brine shrimp, insects etc., occasionally supplementing their diet with seeds or small fish too.
Stilts also inhabit open fields in search of food sources such as earthworms or grasshoppers during the non-breeding season.
Both groups migrate over large distances for warmer weathers when it gets cold outside.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Charadrii |
| Family | Recurvirostridae Bonaparte, 1854 |
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2. Tanagers
The Tanagers are a beautiful and diverse family of birds native to the Neotropical region. They boast an impressive array of colors, including blues, greens, yellows and reds.
The most common type is the fruit-eating tanager that can be found in tropical forests across Latin America. With nearly 240 species worldwide, they represent almost 4% of all avian species.
These vibrant birds have adapted well to their environment due to their strong bills used for cracking open hard fruits as well as sharp claws for gripping branches while feeding or perching.
As with many other bird families there is natural variation among populations making each one unique in its own way; something that makes them even more special.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Emberizoidea |
| Family | Thraupidae Cabanis, 1847 |
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3. Northern Storm Petrels
Northern storm petrels are one of the smallest seabirds, inhabiting oceans all over the world.
They have a unique ability to hover over water and pick planktonic crustaceans and small fish from the surface.
Northern storm petrels belong to the genus Hydrobates in family Hydrobatidae, part of Procellariiformes order.
This species was once lumped with austral storm petrel but recent studies show that they weren’t related closely which led them being split into two distinct species now.
These birds can be identified by their dark grey upperparts and wings along with white underparts when seen from afar while feeding on ocean’s surface.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Hydrobatidae Mathews, 1912 |
| Genus | Hydrobates F. Boie, 1822 |
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4. Procellariidae
Procellariidae is a diverse family of seabirds belonging to the bird order Procellariiformes.
These birds are commonly referred to as tubenoses and include fulmarine petrels, gadfly petrels, diving petrels, prions, and shearwaters.
They range in size from the small storm-petrel which measures around 18cm long to the giant albatross which can reach up to 3 meters in length.
Generally found near oceans or coasts where they feed on fish as well as squid and other marine life depending on species.
Many procellariids will also nest inland during breeding season before returning back out at sea for most of their lives.
Their wings have specially adapted feathers that give them incredible gliding abilities allowing them literally fly with minimal effort over vast distances across oceanic regionsScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae Leach, 1820 |
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5. Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large wading birds which includes 36 species. These birds are traditionally divided into two subfamilies – the ibises and the spoonbills.
However, recent genetic analysis has shown that spoonbills actually belong to Old World ibis group, while New World ibises form an early offshoot from this lineage.
Threskiornithidse members have long curved beaks with serrated edges used for catching fish in shallow water or mudflats, as well as other aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans and mollusks.
They also feed on plant matter such as grains and seeds found close to wetlands areas where they live.
This diverse diet makes them important scavengers in their ecosystems, helping maintain healthy populations of native wildlife by controlling insect numbers and dispersing energy-rich seeds throughout wetland habitats.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Suborder | Ardei |
| Family | Threskiornithidae Richmond, 1917 |
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6. Smooth-Billed Ani
The Smooth-billed Ani is a species of bird in the cuckoo family, native to regions spanning from southern Florida and the Caribbean down through Central America, South America, and parts of Argentina.
They have even been introduced to Galapagos around 1960s where they may be impacting local wildlife due to their aggressive nature.
As its name suggests, these birds have smooth bills which are adapted for feeding on hard fruits or other items such as insects and lizards that it finds while scavenging around trees or ground level vegetation.
They usually form small flocks when out searching for food with males being slightly larger than females.
Overall this adaptable species is found in many habitats across its broad range but does best at low elevation open areas near water sources like marshes or swamps making them easier targets for human disturbance as well.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Crotophaga |
| Species | C. ani |
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7. Tyrant Flycatchers
Tyrant flycatchers are a family of birds found in North and South America, containing over 400 species. These birds come in an array of shapes and sizes, with vibrant plumage to match.
They�re the most diverse avian family across all countries they inhabit except for the United States and Canada.
Their diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small reptiles or amphibians where available.
The behavior varies between each bird; some prefer open areas while others like dense forests as their habitat � many even migrate regularly.
Tyrant Flycatchers have adapted well to human presence thanks to the abundance of food sources that often accompany it � such as backyards, parks etc..
All things considered these incredible creatures are truly amazing.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Parvorder | Tyrannida |
| Family | Tyrannidae Vigors, 1825 |
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8. Icterids
Icterids are a family of small to medium-sized, often colorful New World passerine birds. They have black as their predominant plumage color with yellow, orange or red adding vibrancy and life.
Their sizes range greatly in shape and behavior making them unique amongst other bird species.
The name Icterid comes from the Latin word ‘ictericus’ which means jaundiced ones – referring to the prominent yellow coloring found on some of these birds’ feathers.
These beautiful creatures can be seen flying around many different parts of South America where they live with their young for most part of the year before migrating northwards during fall season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Emberizoidea |
| Family | Icteridae Vigors, 1825 |
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9. Bicknell’s Thrush
Bicknell’s thrush is a medium-sized bird native to North America, specifically the coniferous mountain tops and disturbed habitats of the Northeast. At 17.5 cm (6.9 in) long, it weighs 28 g (0.99 oz).
It closely resembles the gray-cheeked thrush but has quite different breeding grounds; this makes them two distinct species.
Bicknell’s thrushes feed on insects, fruits and berries that they find among leaf litter or low vegetation during summer months then migrate south for wintering season when food becomes scarce in their northern homes..
Despite its beauty and rarity, unfortunately Bicknell’s Thrush is listed as endangered because of habitat loss due to deforestation caused by human activities over time such as agriculture land conversion and urbanization.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Catharus |
| Species | C. bicknelli |
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10. Austral Storm Petrels
Austral Storm Petrels are the smallest of seabirds, belonging to the family Oceanitidae and order Procellariiformes.
They have a cosmopolitan distribution across all oceans, with their flight being fluttering and sometimes bat-like in appearance.
These birds feed on planktonic crustaceans as well as small fish that they pick from the surface while hovering over it.
Their plumage is mostly dark grey or blackish brown above; underparts may be white or mottled gray.
The feet vary between species but usually have pale yellow webs and claws which help them move easily through water when searching for food.
Austral storm petrels often make nests on remote islands where these birds can breed safely without any disturbances from humans during their nesting season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Oceanitidae Forbes, 1881 |
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11. Mimid
Mimid birds are a diverse family of passerines found in the New World. They have an impressive vocal range and many species excel at mimicking other bird songs, as well as noises from their environment.
Mimids can be identified by their flat heads with short crest feathers, long tails, large eyes and strong legs for hopping between branches.
These birds typically inhabit open woodlands or scrubland areas where they feed on insects such as beetles, caterpillars and grasshoppers.
Some species also supplement their diet with fruits or grains when available. While most do not migrate far during winter months some may undertake longer migrations to warmer climates if necessary to survive cold weather spells.
The wide variety of sounds these talented singers produce make them one of nature’s great musical performers.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Muscicapoidea |
| Family | Mimidae Bonaparte, 1853 |
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12. Greater Antillean Grackle
The Greater Antillean grackle is a large, sociable bird found in the Caribbean. It inhabits heavily populated areas and its call has been described as “kling-kling” or “chinchilin” in the Dominican Republic, “ching ching” in the Cayman Islands and ‘Chango’ by Puerto Rico locals.
They are mostly black with green iridescence on their upperparts, wings and tail feathers.
These birds feed mainly of insects but also consume fruits from trees like guava and mangoes.
Their diet supplements can include breadcrumbs from picnic tables that they often frequent near human dwellings for food scraps left behind by humans which allow them to survive even during dry seasons when other sources of food become scarce.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. niger |
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13. Hispaniolan Mango
The Hispaniolan mango bird is a species of hummingbird native to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. It was first described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1766, under the binomial name Trochilus dominicus.
This vibrant and colourful bird has an olive-green upperparts with dusky wings and tail, while its head is white with a black mask on either side of its face.
Its belly is also bright yellow or golden in colour. The male can be identified easily as it has two elongated central feathers protruding from his crown that are tipped with iridescent copper-red tips.
These birds feed primarily on nectar but they will occasionally eat some insects too for protein intake.
They live mainly at low altitudes such as mountainside forests and shrublands, where there’s plenty flowering plants for them to feast upon.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Anthracothorax |
| Species | A. dominicus |
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14. Black-Capped Petrel
The Black-capped Petrel is a small seabird native to the West Indies. It has grey-brown back and wings, with a white nape and rump.
Its distinct feature is its black cap which extends to cover the eye in some individuals.
They have mainly white underparts apart from dark underwing markings as well.
These birds typically feed on crustaceans, fish eggs, squid or jellyfish plucked out of water while flying low over it with their relatively long wingspan aiding them in flight efficiency and speed.
Breeding season occurs around July-September during which they inhabit rocky cliff ledges near the shorelines for nesting purposes where they lay one egg at a time per nest.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Pterodroma |
| Species | P. hasitata |
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15. Black-Whiskered Vireo
The black-whiskered vireo is a small passerine bird, found in the southern United States, West Indies and northern South America.
It breeds mainly in open deciduous wooded areas but has been known to be an occasional vagrant to Costa Rica.
This species migrates partially north during its winter season from Greater Antilles up towards northern parts of South America.
The male can easily be identified by his distinctive black whiskers on either side of its face while females are generally duller with white streaks along their wings and back.
They make nests at mid tree levels usually out of twigs, grasses or strips of bark which they line with finer materials like feathers or fur for insulation purposes.
All in all these birds are delightful additions to any habitat where they inhabit.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. altiloquus |
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16. West Indian Whistling Duck
The West Indian whistling duck is a beautiful species of bird native to the Caribbean. This duck has an unmistakable call, as its name implies it can whistle.
It also has black bill and legs with grey-brown feathers that help camouflage it in its environment.
The primary breeding range of this species includes the Bahamas, Cuba, Cayman Islands, Antigua and Barbuda Jamaica, Hispaniola and Puerto Rico where they live mainly in shallow freshwater wetlands such as ponds or swamps.
Besides their distinctive whistles these birds are able to communicate through various other calls including grunts , honks and quacks.
They feed on aquatic plants but may occasionally eat small invertebrates like insects too.
Despite being hunted for food by humans these ducks still remain widespread throughout their habitats due to successful conservation efforts put into place over recent years making them a symbol of hope for many wildlife enthusiasts around the world today.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. arborea |
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17. Nightjars
Nightjars are fascinating nocturnal or crepuscular birds belonging to the Caprimulgidae family. These medium-sized birds have long wings, short legs and very small bills.
They can be found across many parts of the world in forests, grasslands and scrubland habitats.
Nightjars feed on insects such as moths, beetles, crickets and cicadas which they catch with their sharp eyesight during night time flights over open fields when hunting for food.
Their scientific name ‘Caprimulgidae’ is derived from an old folktale that claims these birds suck milk from goats.
In reality though, they are harmless creatures who pose no threat to livestock whatsoever.
Nightjars make a variety of different calls ranging from whistles to chirps all throughout the night – adding further mystery to this amazing species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes Ridgway, 1881 |
| Family | Caprimulgidae Vigors, 1825 |
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18. Bridled Tern
The Bridled Tern is a medium-sized seabird of the family Laridae, found in tropical oceans. It has an impressive wingspan of 77–81 cm and measures 30–32 cm in length – similar to that of the Common Tern.
Its scientific name originates from Ancient Greek; Onux meaning “claw” or “nail”, and Prion, which translates as “saw”. The specific anaethetus means ‘senseless’ or ‘stupid’.
These birds are elegant flyers with greyish brown upperparts and white underparts when they take off into flight, while their head appears black on top but turns to white below the eyes with a thin line between them.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Onychoprion |
| Species | O. anaethetus |
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19. Black-Faced Grassquit
The Black-faced grassquit is a small bird belonging to the tanager family, genetically related to Darwin’s finches. It breeds mainly in the West Indies and along certain parts of Colombia and Venezuela.
The Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus first formally described it back in 1766 as part of his twelfth edition work on species classification.
This type of bird has a black head with white spots around its eyes, grey wings and tail feathers; its body is brownish orange or yellow with darker shades towards the belly area.
Its diet consists mostly of seeds from grasses but may also include other insects for additional nutrition during breeding season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Melanospiza |
| Species | M. bicolor |
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20. Antillean Nighthawk
The Antillean nighthawk is an impressive nocturnal bird native to the Caribbean and Florida Keys.
It has a distinct colour scheme of dark brown, grey and white patterning on its upperparts and breast; long wings are black with a white bar visible in flight; tail dark with barring, while underparts are white with blackish-brown streaks.
Named after Cuban naturalist Juan Gundlach, these birds can be found near forest edges or open habitats like savannahs.
They feed primarily by hawking insects at night using their large eyes for good vision in low light conditions.
During breeding season they perform an aerial courtship display involving dives from altitude followed by steep climbs back up again as pairs circle each other doing tight circles around one another – truly spectacular.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Chordeiles |
| Species | C. gundlachii |
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21. Audubon’s Shearwater
Audubon’s shearwater is a type of seabird belonging to the petrel family. It has many different monikers, including Baillon’s shearwater, tropical shearwater, Bannerman’s shearwater, Mascarene shearwater and Persian Sheawater.
This species was first discovered by French naturalist F�lix Louis L’Herminier in 1836 and earned its scientific name (Puffinus lherminieri) in his honour.
These birds are found throughout tropical oceans across the world from Africa to Asia and even Hawaii.
They have dark brown back feathers with white bellies which help them blend into their environment for protection against predators.
Audubon�s Sheerwaters feed on small fish near ocean surfaces or dive deep underwater when necessary due to their strong wings allowing them excellent swimming capabilities through powerful winds at sea level as well as incredible endurance during long distance flights over vast areas of open water around islands or coastlines.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Puffinus |
| Species | P. lherminieri |
22. Pearly-Eyed Thrasher
The Pearly-eyed Thrush is a unique and beautiful bird native to the Caribbean islands. It has stunning pearly eyes, with white patches on its wings and tail.
This thrasher measures up to 28-30 cm in length, making it the largest species of Mimidae family found in this area.
With an isolated subspecies living on Bonaire island, these birds have adapted well to their environment over time.
They feed mainly on insects found around them, but will also eat fruits or berries when available for extra nourishment.
These birds are often seen singing together as part of group displays at dawn or dusk – one more reason why they are so special.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Margarops P.L. Sclater, 1859 |
| Species | M. fuscatus |
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23. Scaly-Naped Pigeon
The scaly-naped pigeon is a large bird belonging to the family Columbidae. It has slate grey plumage with maroon coloured feathers around its neck, giving it the common name of red-necked pigeon.
The species originates from throughout the Caribbean and can reach 14–16 inches in length.
Its scientific name is derived from its unique feature: small scales on its nape which form an attractive pattern when viewed up close.
This makes them easily distinguishable from other birds within their range as they are one of few that have this characteristic.
They feed mainly on fruit but also consume seeds, insects and even carrion depending on availability at any given time of year or location.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Patagioenas |
| Species | P. squamosa |
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24. Green-Throated Carib
The Green-throated Carib is a species of hummingbird found in Puerto Rico and most of the Lesser Antilles. It was described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
The bird has distinctive green throat feathers, with iridescent blue on its back and wings. Its tail feathers are blackish brown at the base and white towards the tip, forming two distinct bands across their length.
This beautiful creature usually feeds on nectar from flowers or small insects such as spiders, bees and ants that it catches while flying through foliage.
Despite being fairly common throughout its range, this delightful little bird faces some threats due to habitat loss caused by human activity like agriculture or development projects taking place in areas where they live naturally.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Eulampis |
| Species | E. holosericeus |
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25. Gray Kingbird
The Gray Kingbird is a species of tyrant flycatcher found in tall trees and shrubs, including the edges of savannas and marshes. It has gray feathers on its back with white underparts and blackish wings.
Its head is dark gray-brown or olive, while its tail is tipped with white. The Gray Kingbird builds flimsy cup nests from twigs in tree branches for their eggs to incubate safely until they hatch into chicks.
They feed mainly on insects such as moths, grasshoppers, beetles, crickets and caterpillars that can be caught midair when it swoops down from above like other kingbirds do.
This bird’s call consists of loud chirps which are often heard during mating season – making them an easily identifiable species within areas where they live.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Tyrannus |
| Species | T. dominicensis |
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26. Zenaida Dove
The Zenaida dove is a species of doves and pigeons found mainly in the Caribbean, but also parts of Mexico, Central America and South America.
With its distinct dark coloring, short rounded tail and an average length of 28-30 cm (11-12 inches), it stands out from other bird families.
It’s recognized as the national bird for Anguilla where locals refer to it as ‘turtle dove’. They are seen flying around open grasslands or roosting on tree branches close by populated areas.
These birds feed mostly on seeds that they pick off the ground while walking through fields.
The Zenaida Dove breeds all year round producing two broods during spring and summer months with both male and female taking turns incubating eggs over a span of 14 days before hatching into chicks.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. aurita |
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27. Caribbean Elaenia
The Caribbean elaenia is a species of small bird that can be found in the West Indies and parts of Central America.
It is part of the Tyrannidae family and inhabits tropical dry broadleaf forests, subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, as well as heavily degraded former forest areas.
In 1760, French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson provided an extensive description on this species which has helped us gain further knowledge about it today.
The Caribbean elaenia typically measures around 6-9 inches long with predominantly olive green feathers with yellowish edges to some wings and tails.
They have white throats but lack any distinctive markings on their chest unlike many other birds from its family.
This bird feeds primarily on insects such as grasshoppers collected from trees or bushes while also consuming fruit when available during certain times of year.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Elaenia |
| Species | E. martinica |
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28. Lesser Antillean Bullfinch
The Lesser Antillean Bullfinch is a species of bird found throughout the Caribbean islands. It has greenish-brown feathers, white cheeks and wings with black spots, and red-orange legs.
Its natural habitats include forests, mangroves and shrublands. This small finch feeds mainly on fruits but also eats insects such as caterpillars and moths in addition to nectar from flowers.
They are often seen foraging near flowering trees during the breeding season when they build nests made out of grasses or plant fibers lined with soft downy feathers for their young ones to rest in comfortably.
These birds have adapted well to human presence so can be easily spotted around gardens within cities where they come looking for food scraps left by people.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Loxigilla |
| Species | L. noctis |
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29. Bridled Quail-Dove
The Bridled Quail-Dove is a species of bird in the Columbidae family, found from Saint Lucia to Puerto Rico. It is monotypic, and it has been suggested that it forms a superspecies with Key West Quail-Doves.
Its mean weight varies between islands; generally being quite small at 93–128 g (3.3–4.5 oz).
They have distinctly barred heads and greyish white underparts with some dark barring on their backs, wings and tails – giving them an overall ‘bridled’ look for which they are named after.
In addition to this striking appearance they make deep cooing sounds whilst perched or hunting for food on the ground – particularly during breeding season when males compete against each other by singing different variations of their call simultaneously.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Geotrygon |
| Species | G. mystacea |
30. Stilt Sandpiper
The Stilt Sandpiper (Calidris himantopus) is a small shorebird with ancient Greek origins. It has grey-coloured feathers, and its scientific name is derived from the terms “strap foot” or “thong foot”.
This bird bears some resemblance to smaller calidrid sandpipers, also known as ‘stints’. Through recent DNA sequence information, it was found that this species of birds are closely related to other wading shorebirds such as curlews and godwits.
They can usually be seen along the edges of rivers and creeks in shallow waters where they feed on aquatic insects like beetles, flies, mayflies etc., which makes them an important part of their ecosystem’s food chain.
The stilt sandpiper population appears to have been stable over time but further research needs to be done in order for us to understand more about this unique species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. himantopus |
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31. Caribbean Martin
The Caribbean martin is a large swallow that can be found throughout the Caribbean, except on Cuba and Isla de la Juventud.
It has at various times been thought to be related to the purple martin but more recently it has been recognised as its own species – Progne dominicensis.
This species is closely related to both the Cuban martin (P. cryptoleuca) and South American martins (S. chirica).
The adult birds have predominantly white underparts with grey-brown upper parts and black wings.
Their tail feathers are forked in shape making them very distinctive when flying through their habitats of open woodlands, savannas or mangroves near bodies of water such as lakes or rivers where they feed mainly on insects like dragonflies or termites.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Progne |
| Species | P. dominicensis |
32. Ruddy Quail-Dove
The Ruddy Quail-Dove is a beautiful bird native to the West Indies, Central and South America. It has a reddish brown plumage with dark spots on the wings and neck that give it an attractive appearance.
Its size ranges from 19–28 cm in length. The dove builds its nest either on shrubs or sometimes directly on the ground, laying two buff-colored eggs as part of their breeding cycle.
In recent years, there have been sightings of this species as far north as Florida and Texas proving just how resilient these birds are.
They feed mainly upon fruits found in woodland areas but also consume small invertebrates at times too.
All in all, this stunningly colored creature makes for an amazing addition to any environment they inhabit.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Geotrygon |
| Species | G. montana |
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33. Yellow-Throated Vireo
The Yellow-throated Vireo is a small songbird found in North America. It has an olive head and upperparts with a yellow throat and white belly, along with dark wings and tail feathers.
The vireo’s scientific name comes from the Latin words “flavus” meaning yellow, and “frons” meaning forehead – alluding to its distinctive colouring.
These birds feed mainly on insects which they catch by hovering over vegetation or flying out to seize them midair.
During breeding season males are known for their loud singing as they defend their territories against rival suitors.
Nonbreeding individuals may congregate in large flocks while migrating southward during autumn months, making quite a spectacle of themselves.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. flavifrons |
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34. Northern Waterthrush
The northern waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis) is a small species of migratory New World warbler that breeds in Canada and the northern United States, including Alaska.
During winter it can be found across Central America, as well as parts of South America such as Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. It’s a rare vagrant to other regions within South America.
This ground-feeding bird has bright yellow or olive brown upperparts with white streaks down its back along with dark spots on its chestnut coloured throat and breast.
Its belly ranges from light greyish-white to creamy white depending on age; older birds tend towards the latter colouration while juveniles are lighter in tone.
This hardy little creature is able to brave both cold climates during breeding season and also tropical areas when migrating further south for winter months.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Parkesia |
| Species | P. noveboracensis |
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35. Flamingos
Flamingos are a type of water bird that belong to the Phoenicopteriformes group. They are known for their distinctive pink coloring and long, thin legs.
Flamingos are closely related to grebes and are part of the Mirandornithes clade. These birds are well-documented in the fossil record, with some of their extinct relatives dating back millions of years.
In fact, the first known member of the Phoenicopteridae family was a bird called Elornis. Flamingos are known for their unique feeding habits, which involve using their beaks to filter food from the water.
They are also social creatures that typically live in large groups called colonies.
Overall, flamingos are fascinating creatures with a long history on our planet.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Mirandornithes |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes Fürbringer, 1888 |
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36. Puerto Rican Flycatcher
The Puerto Rican flycatcher, a member of the Tyrant flycatcher family, is only found in the Puerto Rican archipelago. It belongs to the Myiarchus genus and is one of its 22 species.
This species is unique to the Puerto Rican region and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
With its small size and agile movements, this bird catches insects on the fly, hence its name ‘flycatcher.’ In Puerto Rico, these birds populate deciduous forests and wooded areas.
This species’ numbers have been on a steady decline. Threats to their habitat include urbanization and farming, leading to their classification as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Conservation efforts are underway to save this bird species from extinction.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Tyrannidae |
| Genus | Myiarchus |
| Species | M. antillarum |
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37. Puerto Rican Owl
The Puerto Rican owl, also known as the múcaro común, is a mid-sized typical owl belonging to the subfamily Striginae.
It is an endemic species found in Puerto Rico, and was also previously found in the Virgin Islands.
The bird was described by the French zoologist François Marie Daudin in 1800.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Gymnasio Bonaparte, 1854 |
| Species | G. nudipes |
38. Worm-Eating Warbler
The worm-eating warbler is a small bird found in the Eastern United States. It migrates to southern Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America during winters.
This bird is the only species in the genus Helmitheros, although Swainson’s warbler was previously included in this genus as well.
As the name suggests, the worm-eating warbler feeds mainly on worms, but also consumes other insects.
It has a distinctive appearance with a plain olive-brown back and a buff-colored underside with dark stripes.
The worm-eating warbler prefers to breed in deciduous forests and can be heard singing a high-pitched trill throughout the breeding season.
Despite being a migratory species, the worm-eating warbler faces threats such as habitat loss and fragmentation. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this unique bird.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Helmitheros Rafinesque, 1819 |
| Species | H. vermivorum |
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