Mauritius: Island Endemics Day Trip

Mauritius: Island Endemics Day Trip

We’ll set off early to take full advantage of the morning activity before the heat builds.. Our first endemic bird will most likely be Mauritius Grey White-eye. This species is found in almost all habitats on Mauritius and should be easy to find.

Mauritius is home to the endemic Pink Pigeon.

Most of the day will be spent in and around Black River Gorges National Park, where all of the endemics can be found. Our time here will be focused on four of the rarer and harder-to-find species. The most difficult of these is Mauritius Kestrel. Spending time at different viewpoints could provide an opportunity to see this species. Finding Mauritius Fody will also be seasonal, as it has a non-breeding plumage and becomes quite similar to the non-breeding Red Fody, which was introduced from Madagascar. They can be separated in the field; however, we will need to pay close attention to all non-breeding birds. Mauritius Olive White-eye usually requires us checking a few sites for it and is often first detected by its call.

Mauritius is home to two species of parakeet: the Rose-ringed Parakeet and the Echo Parakeet. Rose-ringed Parakeet is an introduced and highly invasive species, now widespread across the island, whereas Echo Parakeet is a rare endemic found nowhere else in the world and the focus of significant conservation efforts. These two species are very similar in appearance but differ in their calls and in the females’ plumage.

Echo Parakeet is a major target; the female’s black bill is a key identification feature.

Pink Pigeon will be next on the agenda and we should manage to see a few individuals, possibly at feeding stations.

Our last three endemics are normally easier to see than the others. Mauritius Bulbul is regularly observed, as is the desolata race of Mascarene Paradise Flycatcher (this may be split from the Réunion race). We will also listen for Mauritius Cuckooshrike, which is often seen calling from an elevated perch in the forest.

Time permitting, we can also scan mudflats for waders and other coastal species which will certainly increase the species list for the day. Mascarene Martin and Mascarene Swiftlet can also be seen around the island; the francicus race of the latter is endemic to Mauritius. There are also other endemic subspecies that we will do our best to see on the day.

Hopefully, by the end of the day, we will have all the endemic species in the bag! We will then proceed with hotel drop-offs and call it a day.