Birds of Jamaica

Black-billed Parrot

One of the most instantly recognisable birds of Jamaica, the Black-billed Parrot is the smallest of the amazon parrots.  Black-billed Parrots are a beautiful green, with occasional flecks of red across their wings or head. The smallest of the amazon parrots, Black-billed Parrots are about 27-29cm long.  Unfortunately, due to the trade of these parrots as well as deforestation and the loss of habitat due to hurricanes, there are not as many of the Black-billed Parrot as there once were.  The mating ritual of the Black-billed Parrot is quite unique.  The male Black-Billed Parrot initially charges at the female, swaying from side to side with quite a strange and awkward stiff legged motion.  It is quite a spectacle to behold, especially when as a result of this motion, the male Black-billed Parrot has to jump over the female on occasion.

Black-billed Streamertail

Black-billed Streamertail hummingbirds are known by multiple names. Other names include; Swallow-tails, Swallow-streamers, Streamer-tails, Scissor-tails and even Eastern Streamertails.  Black-billed Streamertail hummingbirds are different from Red-billed Streamertail hummingbirds, which are sometimes known as Western Streamertails.  The reason for these names is that Black-billed Streamertail hummingbirds are usually located in the East of Jamaica.  One of the most striking and beautiful birds of Jamaica, the Black-billed Streamertail hummingbird are commonly referred to as Doctor Birds or a Doctor Hummingbird. Their distinctive long tail feathers mean that even at just 9-10cm in length, you will know one you spot one of these gorgeous birds of Jamaica. Because of the beauty of the Streamertails , Green Castle named its most romantic cottage room after them.  The Hummingbird suite, perfect for honeymooners, weddings and vacations wanting incredible ocean views across the Caribbean sea.

Blue Mountain Vireo

The Blue Mountain Vireo is one of the more difficult birds of Jamaica to see. Its territories are usually focused around tropical or humid forests and can also be seen on plantations too.  Due to a significant reduction in suitable habitat in Jamaica, the Blue Mountain Vireo is considered as ‘near threatened’.  Often, expert bird guides on birding tours have to listen out for its bird call to locate one of the most secretive birds of Jamaica.  It is also possible to look out for their nests.  Blue Mountain Vireo nests are usually cup-shaped, nestling between the prongs of a twig or branch in trees.  Feeding on insects, seeds and fruit along the branches or in the foliage, the Blue Mountain Vireo is found only in Jamaica. Lieutenant W. Osburn provides his name to both the French and scientific names for this Jamaican bird.

Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo

Quite possibly the best name given to any of the birds of Jamaica.  The Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo is normally found in humid forests.  With a distinctive call, the Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo is often located by its call.  Unlike other cuckoos, the Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo builds its own nest in trees.  Whilst most birds of Jamaica eat purely insects or fruits, the Chestnut -bellied Cuckoo has a more varied diet.  Adding lizards, small rodents, bird chicks and eggs to  a diet of insects.  As well as the beautiful chestnut underbelly that gives its name to one of the eponymous birds of Jamaica, another striking feature are the white tips along its black tail with purple hues.

Crested Quail-Dove

Commonly found amongst leaf litter, the Crested Quail-Dove feeds on seeds and small fruits it locates on the ground. The strange moaning call of these birds of Jamaica helps identify this instantly recognisable endemic species.  Near threatened due to loss of habitation the Crested Quail-Dove has purple hues throughout the feathers on its wings.  Females and juveniles are slightly duller than the male and are browner in colour.

Jamaican Owl

One of the most unmistakable birds of Jamaica, the Jamaican Owl has jet black eyes, significant ear tufts and a brown body which provides perfect camouflage amongst the trees and canopies.  Green Castle is one of the only places that the Jamaican Owl can be spotted.  Much larger than any of the other endemic birds of Jamaica, the Jamaican Owl grows to just over 30cm in length.  Due to the Jamaican Owl hunting at dusk or dawn, it is best to take a night tour at Green Castle with one of our expert bird guides.  This gives you the best opportunity of seeing this magnificent creature.

Jamaican Becard

Under the forest canopies the Jamaican Becard is occasionally mistaken for a flycatcher as it snaps up insects or fruit.  Quite a large bird compared to the other birds of Jamaica discussed so far, the Jamaican Becard is approximately 18cm in length.  These birds can commonly be spotted on one of the many popular hiking trails at Green Castle eco park.  Nearly completely black the Jamaican Becard has a small which patch on its wings, which can only be seen whilst it is in flight.

Jamaican Blackbird 

Unlike namesakes around the world, the Jamaican Blackbird is very different to other blackbird species.  It is one of a few birds of Jamaica that is on the endangered list.  Driven to this endangered classification through the destruction of its habitat, the Jamaican Blackbird feeds on insects and small invertebrates caught in bromeliads in trees. Jamaican blackbirds are found in Cockpit Country, John Crow Mountains, and Dolphin Head, which boast wet limestone forests, and the Port Royal Mountain, Hardwar Gap and, Blue Mountain Peak, which are montane forests.

Jamaican Crow

A more common name that may be familiar to bird watchers around the world the Jamaican Crow, is frequently spotted in forests and woodlands.  The Jamaican Crow is slightly smaller and less striking than other Caribbean crows.  With a diet of fruits and berries, the Jamaican Crow will also take eggs and chicks from smaller bird species nests.  Birds of Jamaica don’t come much more communal than the Jamaican Crow, with communal roosts often spotted in tall trees.

Jamaican Elaenia

The Jamaican Elaenia bird is often overlooked.  Not much is known about this species.  It is one of the more uncommon birds of Jamaica, but is commonly seen in bushland and around coffee plantations.  The Jamaican Elaenia is one of the endemic birds of Jamaica that can be seen on the Green Castle Estate.  Bird watching enthusiasts can enjoy seeing 27 of the 28 endemic birds of Jamaica, whilst on a guided tour or whilst hiking around the vast estate.  Keep your eyes peeled for the Jamaican Elaenia which stands at only 12-13m long.  Locally the Jamaican Elaenia is also known as the Sarah Bird.

Jamaican Euphonia

The Jamaican Euphonia bird is a small blue grey endemic species.  It is another Jamaican endemic that is spotted across the Green Castle eco park.  The Jamaican Euphonia is seen in open spaces with treelines, forests, gardens and orchards.   The bird call of the Jamaican Euphonia is easily recognisable.  It has been described like the sound of a motor whirring into action.  Take a listen below, what do you think?

Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo

The Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo is another of the endemic birds of Jamaica that can be difficult to spot outside of Green Castle Estate.  It is quite a secretive bird, and like the Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo it is often found deep in the fauna, located by its unique bird call.  Unsurprisingly given its name the Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo mainly feasts on small lizards, spiders and insects.  The Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo is much less seen that the Black-bellied Cuckoo.  It is recommended for bird watchers looking to get a perfect photo to utilise one of the expert bird guides at Green Castle Estate.

Jamaican Mango

Up close you get to see why this is regarded as one of the most delicate and beautiful birds of Jamaica.  Also known as Black Hummingbirds or Black Mango Hummingbirds, the Jamaican Mango has an iridescent blue body intermixed with a blackish plumage and an iridescent purple and magenta head. It is one of our favourite bird species, at Green Castle.  A regular daily visitor to the Green Castle gardens there is something so peaceful and relaxing watching the Jamaican Mango as it flies around sipping on the nectar from the flowers.  During mating season, a nesting female can also catch as many as 2000 insects a day!  One of the most popular birds of Jamaica with our guests from around the world the Jamaican Mango also gives its name to one of our superior cottage rooms.  Wake up to ocean views of the Caribbean Sea, before taking breakfast as you watch these gorgeous birds go about their day.  Truly a paradise.

Jamaican Pewee 

The Jamaican Pewee is a dainty little bird common across most of Jamaica. Frequently found at forest edges, the Jamaican Pewee diets on insects.   The breeding season for the Jamaican Pewee lasts from April to June.  It is best to book a stay at Green Castle between November and April to see a greater number of birds, particularly the migratories.  The weather at this time is gorgeous and provides vacationers with the best of both worlds, giving ample opportunity to bask in the tropical sun whilst also enjoying the best bird watching facilities in Jamaica.  Locally the Jamaican Pewee is known as Willie Pee.

Jamaican Spindalis

Another of the birds of Jamaica which gives its names to one of the luxury cottage rooms at the Green Castle Hotel. Like the room the Jamaican Spindalis is beautiful and a real treat for the eyes.  Found across forests, woodlands and in bushy areas the Jamaican Spindalis most commonly eats fruits, berries and flowers, with the occasional insect. The Jamaican Spindalis is the largest species of the genus.  You will be able to recognise the Jamaican Spindalis by the plumage.  Males are brightly coloured, with a yellow / olive back gradually turning into an orange at the bottom.  Like some of the other birds of Jamaica we have mentioned, the call often is heard before the bird is spotted.  Once heard the expert bird guides can track the Jamaican Spindalis down to its territory, providing a gorgeous photo opportunity.

Jamaican Tody

One of the cottage rooms at Green Castle Hotel is named after the Jamaican Tody.  The Jamaican Tody is another of the unmistakable birds of Jamaica, with a rather bulbous green body and sensational red beak and chin. There are less Jamaican Tody birds than there once were due to it being a favoured meal of the Javan Mongoose.  The Javan Mongoose was brought over in 1870 to reduce the rat population which was savaging the sugar cane plantations.  It succeeded in its job but unfortunately to the detriment of the Jamaican Tody.  During the breeding season the Jamaican Tody is particularly vocal, however outside of the breeding season it is much quieter.  This beautiful bird is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand with an average length of 10cm.

Jamaican Vireo 

The Jamaican Vireo is one of the more commonly seen birds of Jamaica.  Found in forests and woodland, the Jamaican Vireo can be seen at the Blue Mountains, John Crow Mountains, Cockpit Country and Green Castle.  The Jamaican Vireo mainly eats small insects but has also been seen eating fruits as well.  With its large eyes the Jamaican Vireo is excellent at foraging through the undergrowth.  With an olive green plumage, the Jamaican Vireo blends well into its surroundings.  Another excellent technique for birding groups is to spot their nests.  These nests can be found in the fork of twigs or branches in bushes or tress and feature a hanging cup often camouflaged by moss.  The Jamaican Vireo also gives its names to one of the cottage rooms at Green Castle, where vacationers can stay in the middle of a natural paradise.  After a day spent birding what could be better than taking a dip in the pool, enjoying a rum punch or ice-cold red stripe beer as the sun goes down.

Jamaican Woodpecker

There aren’t many more birds of Jamaica that are more striking than the Jamaican Woodpecker.  The flame-red colours that adorn the top of the Jamaican Woodpecker are perhaps only surpassed by the intricate black and white pattern running along its back.  Contrasted by the white face, chances are when you see a flash of colour in the undergrowth, you may be lucky enough to just be about to spot the Jamaican Woodpecker.  Keep an ear out for the famous wood tapping sound that is synonymous with Woodpeckers worldwide.  The Jamaican Woodpecker is a regular visitor at Green Castle but can be found in a variety of habitats, from mountainous areas down to the lowlands.

Orangequit

A uniquely named bird, the Orangequit is a colourful additional to the endemic birds of Jamaica.  Populations have slightly declined due to habitat destruction but the Orangequit can still be found by bird watching tours in Jamaica.  The Orangequit feasts mainly on fruit seeds and nectar.  Due to its size, it is often prey for slightly larger birds, especially its young.  During the breeding season (April-June) male Orangequit birds will often group together and emit intense bird calls.

Red-billed Streamertail

Like the Black-billed Streamertail mentioned earlier, the Red-billed Streamertail is known by many other names.  Other names include; Swallow-tails, Swallow-streamers, Streamer-tails, Scissor-tails Doctor Bird and the Western Streamertail. Probably the most famous of the birds of Jamaica, the Red-billed Streamertail is the national bird of Jamaica.  The Red-billed Streamertail is unique amongst the birds of Jamaica, in that the Streamertail hummingbird is featured in Ian Fleming’s James Bond.  In ‘For Your Eyes Only’, the first line of the book starts ‘The most beautiful bird in Jamaica, and some say the most beautiful bird in the world, is the Streamer-tail or Doctor Humming-bird’.  A regular and daily visitor to the Green Castle gardens, there is not a more perfect occasion than simply relaxing on the terrace watching these beautiful birds of Jamaica, dart from flower to flower, or even up to the hummingbird feeders that hang across Green Castle Hotel.  Because of the beauty of the Streamertail hummingbirds, Green Castle named its most romantic cottage room after them.  The Hummingbird suite with its four-poster bed is perfect for guests wanting incredible views of the Caribbean Sea and Blue Mountains beyond and ideal for  honeymoons, weddings and vacations.

Ring-tailed Pigeon

Whilst in most parts of the world, Pigeons are fairly commonplace, in Jamaica the Ring-tailed Pigeon is one of the most vulnerable birds of Jamaica.  Due to a mixture of illegal hunting, illegal trade and habitat loss, numbers of the Ring-tailed Pigeon are on the decline, despite protection.  Unlike most of the other birds of Jamaica we have discussed in this list so far, Ring-tailed Pigeons are exclusively herbivores, eating, only fruits and seeds.  One of the most unique facts regarding the Ring-tailed Pigeon is its relationship with the Jamaican sweetwood tree.  Both the Ring-tailed Pigeon and the Jamaican sweetwood tree have a relationship known as mutualism.  Effectively mutualism involves both species adopting a relationship based on co-dependency.  The Jamaican sweetwood tree provides sustenance for the Ring-tailed Pigeon, and the bird disperses the seeds of this tree.

Rufous-tailed Flycatcher

 The Rufous-tailed Flycatcher is one of the more distinctive birds of Jamaica.  With a rusty brown set of feathers, that descend down to its tail, the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher goes through the full spectrum of browns from a warm chestnut colour to a darker brown border.  Measuring up to 25cm in length the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher is one of the larger endemic birds of Jamaica.  Although affected by destruction of its habitat, the Rufous-tailed Flycatcher appears to have adapted well, and is still a common sight for bird watchers in Jamaica.

Sad Flycatcher

As birds names go, the Sad Flycatcher bird can be considered somewhat unlucky.  You may be expecting a morose looking bird, or even a bird which appears to have a sad song.   This is not really the case.  When first described by P.H.Gosse the scientific name Mylobius tristis was given, with Tristis meaning sad in Latin.  As if that name wasn’t bad enough, the Sad Flycatcher is known locally as Little Tom Fool.   The name appears to derive from the Sad Flycatcher often returning to the same spot, which made it an easy target to be hunted via slingshot.  As birds of Jamaica go, it is safe to say the Sad Flycatcher does not have the best of luck.  With a yellow breast the Sad Flycatcher is a gorgeous member of the endemic birds of Jamaica, and one that should be included on every birding tour.

White-chinned Thrush

Whilst you may be expecting an exotic bird with a prominent white chin, this is not the case with the White-chinned Thrush.  Although the chin is whiteish in colour, it is not a definite feature of the bird.  With a colourful beak the White-chinned Thrush forages on the ground, and in the scrub, for lizards, small mice, worms, slugs and the wide variety of snails in Jamaica. These birds of Jamaica are commonplace across the Island and can be seen all over.

White-eyed Thrush

These birds of Jamaica are well named.  With a very obvious and striking set of white eyes the White-eyed Thrush is quite a common site on bird tours in Green Castle and in mountainous areas such as the Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains.  During breeding season, the White-eyed Thrush moves to higher elevations in the forests and mountains.  With the species moving lower out of breeding season.

Yellow-billed Parrot

The Yellow-billed Parrot is also known as the Red-throated Amazon or Jamaican Amazon.  One of the most colourful birds of Jamaica, the Yellow-billed Parrot is the larger of the two endemic parrots in Jamaica.  Traditionally found in pairs or flocks the Yellow-billed Parrot is native to Jamaica but is now classed as an endangered species due to the destruction of its habitat and illegal trade.  The Yellow-billed Parrot has a unique call and it is by the call that the expert bird guides often are able to locate one of the most beautiful birds of Jamaica.  These are a true spectacle to behold, thanks to ecotourism and sustainability efforts it is hoped these beautiful birds can be saved from extinction.  Green Castle is proud to be supporting eco tourism with its private 1600 acre/ 6.5km2 private estate which is a natural paradise and haven for an incredible array of animals and birds.

Yellow-shouldered Grassquit

The final endemic bird on our list is the Yellow-shouldered Grassquit.  This is another of the birds of Jamaica which can be seen at the Green Castle Hotel and eco park.  One of the wonderful facts about these beautiful birds of Jamaica, comes in the dome-shaped nests they build amongst the vegetation.  The wings on a Yellow-shouldered Grassquit give this beautiful bird its name.  With an all-black head providing a delightful contrast to its yellow wings, this small bird in stature, at only 11-12 cm long has adorned many photos of bird watchers around the world.