Jamaica Birding

Jamaica is one of the hotbeds of avian endemism in the West Indies, with at least 28 species found nowhere else. Add to those a host of regional specialties and numerous wintering wood-warblers and you’ve got an irresistible birding destination close to the United States. It doesn’t hurt that we’ll be based primarily from a single hotel on a lush tropical island with fabulous food, vibrant culture, and world-renowned music! In just a week, we stand a good chance of encountering all of Jamaica’s endemics, from the fabulous Streamertails to the taxonomically curious Orangequit.

Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean at 146 miles long and 51 miles at its widest point. But don’t worry; we won’t be racing around the whole island. Instead, we’ll spend our time at the safe northeastern end of the island, birding at a leisurely pace. Our goal is not to see every species in Jamaica but to see every species that you can only find in Jamaica (this includes the 19 endemic subspecies). We won’t be pressing to reach every corner of the island or chancing any risky sites to find a species easily seen somewhere else.