Puerto Rico Birding Tours
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Originally inhabited by the indigenous Taino people and discovered by the European nation of Spain in 1493, Puerto Rico has an incredible and rich history full of struggles and beauty. Today the island is an unincorporated territory of the United States, granting natives US citizenship but not the ability to vote in presidential elections and other privileges a typical US state might have. Perhaps we will see some changes in the coming years, however, as a US territory, travel here for folks from the mainland is a simple and short journey. The road system, infrastructure, and ease of travel makes Puerto Rico an ideal birding location for a week’s worth of birding adventures. Although Puerto Rico is the smallest of the Greater Antilles islands, it is still larger than both Rhode Island and Delaware at 3,515 square miles (9,104 square kilometers). With a population of 3.2 million people, Puerto Rico ranks 31st in the list of most populous states and territories in the US and welcomes more than 3 million tourists annually. Puerto Rico, the Island of Enchantment, certainly earns its name and is well worth the visit.
Puerto Rico boasts an impressive bird list with 388 species recorded, second only to Cuba in the Greater Antilles. Out of these 388 species, 17 of them are Puerto Rican endemic with many others considered highly desirable Caribbean specials. Some of the top highlights and targets of the region include Puerto Rican Tanager, the sole member of the monotypic Nesospingidae family, making it highly desirable for all birders and listers, the Critically Endangered (IUCN) endemic Puerto Rican Amazon, and the Endangered (IUCN) endemics of Puerto Rican Nightjar, Elfin Woods Warbler, and Yellow-shouldered Blackbird. Of course, there are many other beautiful Caribbean species to see on this enchanted paradise. We will circle the entire island on this seven-day tour searching for all 17 endemics and other specials including Plain Pigeon, Puerto Rican Tody, and Adelaide’s Warbler.