BirD CheCklist

Guánica Biosphere reserve

Puerto rico

Wayne J. Arendt, John Faaborg, Miguel Canals, and Jerry Bauer

United States Department of Agriculture

Forest Service

Research & Development

Southern Research Station

Research Note SRS-23
The Authors:

Wayne J. Arendt, International Institute 

of Tropical Forestry, U.S. Department of 

Agriculture Forest Service, Sabana Field 

Research Station, HC 2 Box 6205, Luquillo, 

PR 00773, USA; John Faaborg, Division of 

Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, 

Columbia, MO 65211-7400, USA; 

Miguel Canals, DRNA—Bosque de Guánica, 

P.O. Box 1185, Guánica, PR 00653-1185, USA; 

and Jerry Bauer, International Institute 

of Tropical Forestry, U.S. Department of 

Agriculture Forest Service, Río Piedras, 

PR 00926, USA.

Cover Photos 

Large cover photograph by Jerry Bauer; 

small cover photographs by Mike Morel.

Product Disclaimer

The use of trade or firm names in this publication is for 

reader information and does not imply endorsement by the 

U.S. Department of Agriculture of any product or service.

April 2015

Southern Research Station

200 W.T. Weaver Blvd.

Asheville, NC 28804

www.srs.fs.usda.gov
Bird Checklist

Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

Puerto Rico

Wayne J. Arendt, John Faaborg, Miguel Canals, and Jerry Bauer

ABSTRACT

This research note compiles 43 years of research and monitoring 

data to produce the first comprehensive checklist of the dry 

forest avian community found within the Guánica Biosphere 

Reserve. We provide an overview of the reserve along with 

sighting locales, a list of 185 birds with their resident status and 

abundance, and a list of the available bird habitats. Photographs 

of habitats and some of the bird species are included. 

Keywords: Avian community, bird checklist, Guánica Biosphere 

Reserve, Puerto Rico.

Monument acknowledging the establishment of the Guánica 

Biosphere Reserve.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, International Institute of 

Tropical Forestry (USFS/IITF) funded the annual field work and the production 

of this research note in cooperation with the University of Missouri. For field 

assistance, we thank USFS/IITF biologists R. Díaz, M.R. Ford, M.R. Anderson, 

and J. Mercado; we also thank many undergraduate and graduate university 

field assistants for their help over the past 43 years. Our long-term Guánica bird 

research is conducted in cooperation with the University of Puerto Rico.
2 introduction Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

GUÁNICA COMMONWEALTH FOREST

Declared in 1919 under the administrative authority of Puerto 

Rico’s Insular Forest Service, the Guánica Commonwealth 

Forest (also known as Guánica State Forest, or Bosque Estatal 

de Guánica) is located in southwestern Puerto Rico (lat. 

17°58’25” N., long. 66°54’30” W.) about 160 km (100 miles) 

and a 2-hour drive from San Juan. Within its boundaries is one 

of the largest remaining tracts of subtropical dry coastal forest 

in the world. Forming part of Puerto Rico’s dry-forest region 

extending 120 km (75 miles) east of the southwestern corner 

of the island and about 10 km (6 miles) inland, dry cactus 

scrublands dominate the low-lying hills surrounding the forest. 

The forest, originally encompassing 2165 ha (5,348 acres), had 

expanded to 3889 ha (9,606 acres) by 1966. Between 1924 and 

1930, thousands of trees were planted in an effort to regenerate 

forest land that had earlier undergone degradation because 

of agricultural practices. Today, the forest comprises more 

than 4000 ha (9,880 acres) with 57 km (36 miles) of trails and 

old roads, along which visitors can enjoy Guánica’s natural 

environment and its unique plants and animals.

GUÁNICA BIOSPHERE RESERVE

The Guánica Commonwealth Forest was renamed the 

Guánica Biosphere Reserve (“La Reserva Internacional de 

Biósfera de Guánica”) in 1981 when it was designated as part 

of UNESCO’s (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and 

Cultural Organization) program on Man and the Biosphere 

(MAB). The Guánica Biosphere Reserve, administered by 

the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, 

constitutes one of nearly 500 international biosphere 

reserves located in 102 countries worldwide (c. 50 within 

the United States). It easily meets the criterion of biosphere 

reserves in general by “encompassing a mosaic of ecological 

systems,” i.e., combinations of terrestrial, coastal, and marine 

ecosystems. The reserve covers 4400 ha (10,868 acres) along 

an elevational gradient of 0 to 228 m (752 feet) above sea level, 

comprising diverse coastal habitats, including deciduous and 

semi-evergreen forests, wetlands, several mangrove cays, 

and 21 km (13 miles) of undeveloped coastline and marine 

estuaries. Some of these are within the boundaries of the 

adjacent Punta Ballena Reserve, which is also included in the 

Guánica Biosphere Reserve. The Guánica region is the driest 

in Puerto Rico. Annual rainfall extremes range from 30 to 

130 cm (9 to 51 inches), and multiannual drought periods are 

not uncommon. Only about 10 percent of Guánica’s annual 

precipitation falls during its four driest months from December 

to April. Some parts of the reserve receive only 15 cm 

(6 inches) per year. Mean annual rainfall is only 86 cm 

(c. 34 inches), with most rain occurring between May and 

November, the heaviest downpours commencing in August. 

Temperatures fluctuate between 24 and 28 °C (75 to 82 °F), 

with an annual average of 25 °C (77 °F), and maximum 

temperatures of 39 °C (102 °F) in more exposed areas. Relative 

humidity varies between 65 and 80 percent. 

Considering its scant precipitation, high temperatures, soils 

with a gradual accumulation of organic matter, and the 

absence of permanent rivers, one might conclude that the 

reserve’s biota would be impoverished. On the contrary! The 

Guánica Biosphere Reserve hosts a diverse array of unique and 

highly adapted plants and animals. There are more than 

700 species of plants, of which 16 species are endemic 

(unique to Puerto Rico) and 48 species are endangered. 

Easily recognized and important trees include gumbo limbo 

(Bursera simaruba L. Sarg.), popularly known as the “tourist 

tree” because of its red and peeling bark, and “guayacán” 

(Guaiacum officinale L.), also known as lignum-vitae or 

“wood of life.” One guayacán in the Guánica dry forest is 

thought to be between 500 and 700 years old. 

Marine animals include hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) 

and leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) turtles, as well as 

manatees (Trichechus manatus). Unique terrestrial fauna 

include the endemic crested toad (Pelthophryne lemur) and 

six species of native bats. To date, 185 species of birds, the 

reserve’s dominant vertebrate taxon, have been recorded: 

97 permanent residents or summer breeders and visitors, 

and an almost equal number (88) of “wintering” or passage 

migrants and transients. Of Puerto Rico’s 17 species of 

endemic birds, all but 2, the Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona 

vittata) and elfin-woods warbler (Setophaga angelae), occur 

within the confines of the reserve. Thirteen introduced species, 

which is fewer than half (43 percent) of the island’s 30 or so 

introduced bird species, have been reported.

SUGGESTIONS FOR BIRDING 

IN THE RESERVE

Most people come to the reserve to see the birds living in its 

drought-adapted vegetation. Waterbirds can be seen along the 

coast and near two small lagoons, one located by the road to 

Gilligan’s Island and the other to the northeast of the parking 

lot at Tamarindo Beach at the end of the coastal road. Take 

Highway 333 south along the edge of the town of Guánica and 

Guánica Bay. This curvy road soon parallels the south coast 

for several miles and affords several good birding spots. At the 

top of the hill, about a mile past the Copamarina Hotel, a gravel 

road goes into the reserve. A gate impedes driving this route. 

This is the Ballena Trail shown on the map. The other entrance 

to the reserve, leading to the reserve headquarters, is from 

Highway 334. Take this route until you arrive at a yellow gate, 

INTRODUCTION
Guánica Biosphere Reserve introduction 3

commonly referred to as the Laguna gate. Although the reserve 

is open to birdwatchers from just before dawn to after dark, 

these gates limit access to its interior. Only the La Luna gate is 

open on a regular basis. Official visitors’ hours are 7 a.m. to 

5 p.m. on weekdays and 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Of 

course, the best time for birding is in the early morning. The 

endemic Puerto Rican nightjar (Antrostomus noctitherus) stops 

singing well before the gates open. To see the nightjar, walk the 

half mile or so uphill along the Ballena road where it intersects 

with Highway 333 along the reserve, or park at the La Luna 

entrance and walk into the forest. In either case, be sure not 

to block the gate. The nightjars often go through a burst of 

singing activity at dawn until about 6:30 a.m. and begin again 

in the evening at about the same hour. Getting to the La Luna 

entrance at about 6:00 a.m. and walking up the main road 

should just about guarantee sighting a singing nightjar. Plus, 

it is easy to bird along that road until the gate opens at 8 a.m. 

and then drive into the reserve. The reserve is open most of the 

year. It does close on Christmas and Three Kings Day (January 

6th). On those occasions, you can still walk into the reserve 

from either of the entrances and bird along the trails. Although 

the checklist incorporates all of the information that the authors 

and contributors could gather on the status and distribution of 

birds within the reserve, avian populations are fluid, especially 

in our changing global climate. We welcome any additional 

well-documented observations. Please send information 

regarding additional species sightings to Sergio A. Colón 

López (sergiocolon@yahoo.com). He and other members of 

the local committee representing the island’s ornithological 

society (SOPI, Inc.) will review and evaluate the new sightings 

for consideration of inclusion in the official Guánica Biosphere 

Bird Checklist. 

HOW TO USE YOUR CHECKLIST

Birds are arranged in the taxonomic order established by the 

American Ornithologists’ Union (AOU). That is, birds such 

as pelicans, ducks, hawks, swallows, sparrows, and such, 

are grouped with their closest relatives. The codes used are 

fairly standard in the bird literature. Symbols are defined on 

the following page and are straightforward; however, the red 

E denotes “endemics,” i.e., birds found only in Puerto Rico, 

and birds with photos (located in the back) are indicated with 

thumbnails. The fourth column heading on the main list 

(ALPHA CODE) is the standard 4-letter alpha code abbreviation 

for each species’ English common name adopted by the AOU. 

Some alpha codes are not included in the AOU registry.

ABUNDANCE CODES

l Rare Rarely detected

l Uncommon Present, but not certain to be always detected

l Common Certain to be detected in suitable habitat

? Abundance unknown

STATUS CODES

RB Resident, breeding proved

R(B) Resident, breeding not proved but likely

RN Non-breeding resident

SVB Summer visitor, known to breed

SV(B) Summer visitor, breeding not proved but likely

SVN Non-breeding summer visitor

WV Non-breeding northern winter visitor

PM Passage migrant

AT Accidental visitor or transient

I Introduced, feral

SEASON CODES

(based on avian annual cycles)

Spring March, April, May 

 (peak northward migration season)

Summer June, July, August

Fall September, October, November 

 (peak southward migration season)

Winter December, January, February

HABITAT CODES (refer to pages 22–23 for habitat photos) 

C Coast (includes beach, intertidal zone, and offshore

D Disturbed (developed and manicured landscapes)

L Lowland forest (coastal shrub up to 50 m elevation [165 feet])

M Mangroves (trees on tidal flats and along shorelines)

O Open (grasslands with scattered trees)

U Upland forest (evergreen and deciduous vegetation associations 

above 50 m elevation [165 feet])

W Wetlands

Sighting Locales

Copa1 Copamarina Hotel

Gillig2 Gilligan’s Island

Tamar3 Tamarindo Beach

Gorda4 Caña Gorda, Guánica Bay

Meseta5 Meseta Trail, Guánica dry forest

SYMBOL

E Endemic birds
4 Bird checklist Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Anatidae

1

Cygnus columbianus

Tundra Swan (16 Dec. 2010) Copa1

Cisne de Tundra

TUSW l l D C

2 

Anas strepera

Gadwall (18 Dec. 2012) Copa1

Pato Gris

GADW l l W

3

Anas americana

American Wigeon (7 Jan. 2012) Gillig2

Pato Cabeciblanco

AMWI l l W

4

Anas discors

Blue-winged Teal

Pato Zarcel

BWTE l l l l l W M

5 Anas bahamensis

White-cheeked Pintail

Pato Quijada Colorada

WHIP l l l l l W M

6 Anas acuta

Northern Pintail

Pato Pescuecilargo

NOPI l l l W M

7

Aythya affinis

Lesser Scaup

Pato Pechiblanco Menor

LESC l l l l W M

8

Bucephala albeola

Bufflehead

Pato Pinto

BUFF l l l l W M C

9

Oxyura jamaicensis

Ruddy Duck

Pato Chorizo

RUDU l l l l l W M

Numididae

10

Numida meleagris

Helmeted Guineafowl

Guinea Torcaz

HEGU l I l l l l O D

Phasianidae

11

Gallus gallus

Red Junglefowl

Gallo Silvestre

REJU l I l l l l D

Podicipedidae

12

Podilymbus podiceps

Pied-billed Grebe

Pato Zaramago

PBGR l l l l l W M C

Phoenicopteridae

13

Phoenicopterus ruber

American Flamingo

Flamenco

AMFL l l l W M C

Procellariidae

14

Puffinus lherminieri

Audubon’s Shearwater

 (1 sighting, 11 Jul. 1990) Tamar3

Pampero de Audubon

l ? l ? ? C
Guánica Biosphere Reserve Bird checklist 5

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Phaethontidae

15

Phaethon lepturus

White-tailed Tropicbird

Chirre Coliblanco

WTTR l l l l l C

16

Phaethon aethereus

Red-billed Tropicbird

Chirre Piquirrojo

RBTR l l l l l C

Fregatidae

17

Fregata magnificens

Magnificent Frigatebird

Tijereta

MAFR l l l l l M C

Sulidae

18

Sula leucogaster

Brown Booby

Boba Parda

BRBO l l l l l C

19

Sula sula

Red-footed Booby

Boba Patirroja

RFBO l ? ? ? ? C

Pelecanidae

20

Pelecanus occidentalis

Brown Pelican

Pelícano Pardo

BRPE l l l l l M C

Ardeidae

21

Ixobrychus exilis

Least Bittern

Martinetito

LEBI l l l l l W M C

22

Ardea herodias

Great Blue Heron

Garzón Cenizo

GBHE l l l l l W M C

23

Ardea alba

Great Egret

Garza Real

GREG l l l l l W M C

24

Egretta thula

Snowy Egret

Garza Blanca

SNEG l l l l l W M C

25

Egretta caerulea

Little Blue Heron

Garza Azul

LBHE l l l l l W M C

26

Egretta tricolor

Tricolored Heron

Garza Pechiblanca

TRHE l l l l l W M C

27

Egretta rufescens

Reddish Egret (1 sighting, 20 Apr. 1992)

Garza Rojiza

REEG l l ? ? ? W

28

Bubulcus ibis

Cattle Egret

Garza de Ganado

CAEG l l l l l O D W M C
6 Bird checklist Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

29

Butorides virescens 

Green Heron

Martinete

GRHE l l l l l W M C

30

Nycticorax nycticorax

Black-crowned Night-Heron

Yaboa Real

BCNH l l l l l W M C

31

Nyctanassa violacea

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Yaboa Común

YCNH l l l l l W M C

Threskiornithidae

32

Plegadis falcinellus

Glossy Ibis

Ibis Lustroso

GLIB l l l l l W M C

Cathartidae

33

Cathartes aura

Turkey Vulture

Aura Tiñosa

TUVU l l l l l ALL 

(fly over)

Pandionidae

34

Pandion haliaetus

Osprey

Águila Pescadora

OSPR l l l l l W M C

Accipitridae

35

Accipiter striatus

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Falcón de Sierra

 SSHA l l L U

36

Buteo jamaicensis

Red-tailed Hawk

Guaraguao Colirrojo

RTHA l l l l l l All

Rallidae

37

Rallus longirostris

Clapper Rail

Pollo de Mangle

CLRA l l l l l W M

38

Gallinula galeata

Common Gallinule

Gallareta Común

COGA l l l l l W M

39

Fulica americana

American Coot

Gallinazo Americano

AMCO l l l l l l W M

Recurvirostridae

40

Himantopus mexicanus

Black-necked Stilt

Viuda

BNST l l l l l W M C

Haematopodidae

41

Haematopus palliatus

American Oystercatcher

Ostrero Americano

AMOY l l l l l W M C
Guánica Biosphere Reserve Bird checklist 7

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Charadriidae

42

Pluvialis squatarola

Black-bellied Plover

Playero Cabezón

BBPL l l l l l l W M C

43

Charadrius nivosus

Snowy Plover

Playero Blanco

SNPL l l l l l l W M C

44

Charadrius wilsonia

Wilson’s Plover

Playero Marítimo

WIPL l l l l l W M C

45

Charadrius semipalmatus

Semipalmated Plover

Playero Acollarado

SEPL l l l l l l W M C

46

Charadrius vociferus

Killdeer

Playero Sabanero

KILL l l l l l l W M C

Scolopacidae

47

Actitis macularius

Spotted Sandpiper

Playero Coleador

SPSA l l l l l l W M C

48

Tringa solitaria

Solitary Sandpiper

Playero Solitario

SOSA l l l l l l W M C

49

Tringa melanoleuca

Greater Yellowlegs

Playero Guineilla Grande

GRYE l l l l l l W M C

50

Tringa nebularia

Common Greenshank 

 (1 sighting, 26 Dec. 2009) Gorda4

Archibebe Claro

COMG l ? ? ? l W M C

51

Tringa semipalmata

Willet

Playero Aliblanco

WILL l l l l l W M C

52

Tringa flavipes

Lesser Yellowlegs

Playero Guineilla Pequeño

LEYE l l l l l l W M C

53

Numenius phaeopus

Whimbrel

Playero Picocorvo

WHIM l l l l l W M C

54

Limosa haemastica

Hudsonian Godwit

Barga Aliblanca

HUGO l ? ? l ? W M C

55

Arenaria interpres

Ruddy Turnstone

Playero Turco

RUTU l l l l l l W M C

56

Calidris alba

Sanderling

Playero Arenero

SAND l l l l l l W M C
8 Bird checklist Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

57

Calidris pusilla

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Playero Gracioso

SESA l l l l l l W M C

58

Calidris mauri

Western Sandpiper

Playero Occidental

WESA l l l l l l W M C

59

Calidris minutilla

Least Sandpiper

Playero Menudillo

LESA l l l l l W M C

60

Calidris melanotos

Pectoral Sandpiper

Playero Pectoral

PESA l l l l l l W M C

61

Calidris himantopus

Stilt Sandpiper

Playero Patilargo

STSA l l l l l l W M C

62

Limnodromus griseus

Short-billed Dowitcher

Chorlo Pico Corto

 SBDO l l l l l l W M C

63

Phalaropus fulicarius

Red Phalarope (1 sighting “fall”)

Falaropo Rojo

REPH l ? ? l ? W

Laridae

64

Leucophaeus atricilla

Laughing Gull

Gaviota Gallega

LAGU l l l l l C

65

Anous stolidus

Brown Noddy 

 (1 sighting, 9 Nov. 2009) Meseta5

Cervera Parda

 BRNO l ? ? l ? L C

66

Onychoprion fuscatus

Sooty Tern

Charrán Oscuro

SOTE l l l l l l C

67

Sternula antillarum

Least Tern

Charrán Pequeño

LETE l l l l l l C

68

Chlidonias niger

Black Tern

Charrán Cenizo

BLTE l l M C

69

Sterna dougallii

Roseate Tern

Palometa

 ROST l l l l l l C

70

Sterna hirundo

Common Tern

Charrán Común

COTE l l l l l l l C

71

Sterna paradisaea

Arctic Tern

Charrán Ártico

ARTE l l l l l W C
Guánica Biosphere Reserve Bird checklist 9

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

72

Thalasseus maximus

Royal Tern

Charrán Real

ROYT l l l l l l l C

73

Thalasseus sandvicensis

Sandwich Tern

Charrán de Pico Agudo

SATE l l l l l l C

74

Rynchops niger

Black Skimmer

Rayador Americano

BLSK l l l l l l l W C

Columbidae

75

Columba livia

Rock Pigeon

Paloma Doméstica

ROPI l I l l l l D

76

Patagioenas squamosa

Scaly-naped Pigeon

Paloma Turca

SNPI l l l l l U L

77

Patagioenas leucocephala

White-crowned Pigeon

Paloma Cabeciblanca

WCPI l l l l l M C

78

Streptopelia decaocto

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Tórtola Turca

EUCD l I l l l l O D

79

Zenaida asiatica

White-winged Dove

Tórtola Aliblanca

WWDO l l l l l U L O D

80

Zenaida aurita

Zenaida Dove

Tórtola Cardosantera

ZEND l l l l l U L O D C

81

Zenaida macroura

Mourning Dove

Tórtola Rabilarga

MODO l l l l l O D

82

Columbina passerina

Common Ground-Dove

Rolita

COGD l l l l l U L O D C

83

Geotrygon chrysia

Key West Quail-Dove

Paloma Perdiz Áurea

KWQD l l l l l U L

84

Geotrygon mystacea

Bridled Quail-Dove

Paloma Perdiz de Martinica

BRQD l l l U L

85

Geotrygon montana

Ruddy Quail-Dove

Perdiz Rojiza

RUQD l l l l l U L

86

Starnoenas cyanocephala

Blue-headed Quail-Dove 

 (Sep. 1998; 1 sighting following

 Hurricane Georges)

Cabeciazul

BHQD l ? ? l ? U
10 Bird checklist Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Cuculidae

87

Coccyzus americanus

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Pájaro Bobo Piquiamarillo

YBCU l l l l l l l U L O D M

88

Coccyzus minor

Mangrove Cuckoo

Pájaro Bobo Menor

MACU l l l l l U L O D M

89

Coccyzus vieilloti

Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo E

Pájaro Bobo Mayor

PRLC l l l l l U L

90

Crotophaga ani

Smooth-billed Ani

Judío

SBAN l l l l l L O D

Strigidae

91

Megascops nudipes

Puerto Rican Screech-Owl E

Múcarito de Puerto Rico

PRSO l l l l l U L

92

Asio flammeus

Short-eared Owl

Múcaro Real

 SEOW l l l l l O

Caprimulgidae

93

Chordeiles minor

Common Nighthawk

Querequequé Migratorio

CONI l l l All 

(fly over)

94

Chordeiles gundlachii

Antillean Nighthawk

Querequequé Antillano

 ANNI l l l l l All 

(fly over)

95

Antrostomus carolinensis

Chuck-will’s-widow

Guabairo Mayor

CWWI l l l l l U L W M

96

Antrostomus noctitherus

Puerto Rican Nightjar E

Guabairo de Puerto Rico

PRNI l l l l l U

Apodidae

97

Cypseloides niger

Black Swift

Vencejo Negro

BLSW l l l l All

(fly over)

Trochilidae

98

Anthracothorax dominicus

Antillean Mango

Zumbador Dorado

ANMA l l l l l U L O D M C

99

Anthracothorax viridis

Green Mango E

Zumbador Verde

GRMA l l l l l U L O D

100

Eulampis holosericeus

Green-throated carib 

 (1 netted, 3 Jan. 2003)

Zumbador Pechiazul

GTCA l l U
Guánica Biosphere Reserve Bird checklist 11

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

101

Orthorhyncus cristatus

Antillean Crested Hummingbird

Zumbador Crestado

ACHU l l l l l U L O D

102

Chlorostilbon maugaeus

Puerto Rican Emerald E

Zumbadorcito de Puerto Rico

 PREM l l l l l U L O D M C

103

Archilochus colubris

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Zumbadorcito Gorgirrojo

RTHU l l U L

Todidae

104

Todus mexicanus

Puerto Rican Tody E

San Pedrito

PRTO l l l l l U L

Alcedinidae

105

Megaceryle alcyon

Belted Kingfisher

Martín Pescador

BEKI l l l l l l W M C

Picidae

106

Melanerpes portoricensis

Puerto Rican Woodpecker E

Carpintero de Puerto Rico

PRWO l l l l l All

107

Sphyrapicus varius

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Carpintero Pechiamarillo

YBSA l l l l U L

Falconidae

108

Falco sparverius 

American Kestrel

Falcón Común

AMKE l l l l l l U L O D W

109

Falco columbarius

Merlin

Falcón Migratorio

MERL l l l l l All

110

Falco peregrinus

Peregrine Falcon

Falcón Peregrino

PEFA l l l l l All

Psittacidae

111

Brotogeris versicolurus

White-winged Parakeet

Perico Aliblanco

WWPA l I l l l l O D

Tyrannidae

112

Elaenia martinica

Caribbean Elaenia

Juí Blanco

CAEL l l l l l U L M C

113

Contopus latirostris portoricensis

Puerto Rican Pewee

Bobito de Puerto Rico

PRPE l l l l l U L M

114

Myiarchus antillarum

Puerto Rican Flycatcher E

Juí de Puerto Rico

PRFL l l l l l U L M C
12 Bird checklist Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

115

Tyrannus dominicensis

Gray Kingbird

Pitirre

GRAK l l l l l A l l

116

Tyrannus caudifasciatus

Loggerhead Kingbird

Clérigo

LOKI l l l l l L O D

Vireonidae

117

Vireo griseus

White-eyed Vireo 

 (1 sighting, 1 Mar. 2009)

Vireo Ojiblanco

WEVI l l ? ? ? U L

118

Vireo latimeri

Puerto Rican Vireo E

Bien-te-veo

PRVI l l l l l U L

119

Vireo olivaceus

Red-eyed Vireo

Julián Chivi Ojirojo

REVI l l l U L

120

Vireo altiloquus

Black-whiskered Vireo

Julián Chiví

BWVI l l l l l U L O D

Hirundinidae

121

Progne dominicensis

Caribbean Martin

Golondrina de Iglesias

CAMA l l l l l All 

(fly over)

122

Tachycineta bicolor

Tree Swallow

Golondrina Bicolor

TRES l l l l l l All 

(fly over)

123

Riparia riparia

Bank Swallow

Golondrina Parda

BANS l l l l All

(fly over)

124

Petrochelidon fulva

Cave Swallow

Golondrina de Cuevas

CASW l l l l l All 

(fly over)

125

Hirundo rustica 

Barn Swallow

Golondrina Horquillada

BARS l l l l l l All 

(fly over)

Turdidae

126

Catharus minimus

Gray-cheeked Thrush

Zorzal Carigris

GCTH l l l U L M

127

Catharus bicknelli

Bicknell’s Thrush 

 (2 netted, 20 years apart)

Zorzal de Bicknell

BITH l l l l U L M

128

Catharus ustulatus

Swainson’s Thrush

Zorzal de Swainson

SWTH l l U L

129

Turdus plumbeus

Red-legged Thrush

Zorzal de Patas Coloradas

RLTH l l l l l U L O D M C
Guánica Biosphere Reserve Bird checklist 13

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Mimidae

130

Mimus polyglottos

Northern Mockingbird

Ruiseñor

NOMO l l l l l U L O D M C

131

Margarops fuscatus

Pearly-eyed Thrasher

Zorzal Pardo

PETH l l l l l All

Parulidae

132

Seiurus aurocapilla

Ovenbird

Pizpita Dorada

OVEN l l l l l U L M C

133

Helmitheros vermivorum

Worm-eating Warbler

Reinita Gusanera

WEWA l l l l l U L M

134

Parkesia motacilla

Louisiana Waterthrush

Pizpita de Río

LOWA l l l l l U L M

135

Parkesia noveboracensis

Northern Waterthrush

Pizpita de Mangle

NOWA l l l l W M C

136

Vermivora chrysoptera

Golden-winged Warbler

Reinita Alidorada

GWWA l l l l U L M

137

Vermivora cyanoptera

Blue-winged Warbler

Reinita Aliazul

BWWA l l l l U L W M C

138

Mniotilta varia

Black-and-white Warbler

Reinita Trepadora

BAWW l l l l U L O D M C

139

Protonotaria citrea

Prothonotary Warbler

Reinita Protonotaria

PROW l l l l U L O D M C

140

Limnothlypis swainsonii

Swainson’s Warbler

Reinita de Swainson

SWWA l l l l l U L M

141

Geothlypis formosa 

Kentucky Warbler

Reinita de Kentucky

KEWA l l l l U L M

142

Geothlypis trichas 

Common Yellowthroat

Reinita Picatierra

COYE l l l l L O D M C

143

Setophaga citrina

Hooded Warbler

Reinita Encapuchada

HOWA l l l l U L M

144

Setophaga ruticilla

American Redstart

Candelita

AMRE l l l l U L O D M C
14 Bird checklist Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

145

Setophaga tigrina

Cape May Warbler

Reinita Tigre

CMWA l l l l U L O D M

146

Setophaga americana

Northern Parula

Reinita Pechidorada

NOPA l l l l U L O M C

147

Setophaga magnolia

Magnolia Warbler

Reinita Manchada

MAWA l l l l U L O M

148

Setophaga castanea

Bay-breasted Warbler

Reinita Castaña

BBWA l l L M

149

Setophaga fusca

Blackburnian Warbler

Reinita de Fuego

BLBW l l l l U L M

150

Setophaga petechia

Yellow Warbler

Canario de Mangle

YWAR l l l l l l O D M C

151

Setophaga pensylvanica

Chestnut-sided Warbler

Reinita Flanquicastaña

CSWA l l l l U L M

152

Setophaga striata

Blackpoll Warbler

Reinita Rayada

BLPW l l l l U L M

153

Setophaga caerulescens

Black-throated Blue Warbler

Reinita Azul

BTBW l l l l U L M

154

Setophaga palmarum

Palm Warbler

Reinita Palmera

PAWA l l l l O D M C

155

Setophaga coronata

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Reinita Coronada

YRWA l l l l U L M

156

Setophaga dominica

Yellow-throated Warbler

Reinita Gargantiamarilla

YTWA l l l l M C

157

Setophaga discolor

Prairie Warbler

Reinita Galana

PRAW l l l l U L O D M C

158

Setophaga adelaidae

Adelaide’s Warbler E

Reinita Mariposera

ADWA l l l l l U L O D

159

Setophaga virens

Black-throated Green Warbler

Reinita Verdosa

BTNW l l l l U L M

160

Cardellina pusilla

Wilson’s Warbler

Reinita Gorrinegra

WIWA l l l l U L M
Guánica Biosphere Reserve Bird checklist 15

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Incertae Sedis

161

Coereba flaveola

Bananaquit

Reinita Común

BANA l l l l l A l l

Thraupidae

162

Nesospingus speculiferus

Puerto Rican Tanager E

Llorosa

PRTA l l l l l U L

163

Spindalis portoricensis

Puerto Rican Spindalis E

Reina Mora

PRSP l l l l l U L

Emberizidae

164

Tiaris olivaceus

Yellow-faced Grassquit

Gorrión Barba Amarilla

YFGR l l l l l O D

165

Tiaris bicolor

Black-faced Grassquit

Gorrión Negro

BFGR l l l l l A l l

166

Loxigilla portoricensis

Puerto Rican Bullfinch E

Comeñame de Puerto Rico

PUEB l l l l l U L

Cardinalidae

167

Piranga rubra

Summer Tanager

Piranga Roja

SUTA l l l U

168

Pheucticus ludovicianus

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Piquigrueso Rosado

RBGR l l l l U L O D

169

Passerina caerulea

Blue Grosbeak

Picogrueso Azul

BLGR l l l l L O D

170

Passerina cyanea

Indigo Bunting

Gorrión Azul

INBU l l l l U L O D

Icteridae

171

Agelaius xanthomus

Yellow-shouldered Blackbird E

Mariquita de Puerto Rico

YSBL l l l l L M C

172

Quiscalus niger

Greater Antillean Grackle

Mozambique, Chango

GAGR l l l l l O D M C

173

Molothrus bonariensis

Shiny Cowbird

Tordo Lustroso

SHCO l l l l l A l l

174

Icterus portoricensis

Puerto Rican Oriole E

Calandria

PROR l l l l l U L O D
16 Bird checklist Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

Bird

Alpha

Code Status Code

Abundance 

Code habitat

Family

Bird No.

√

Scientific name

Common Name

Nombre común

RBR(B)RNSVBSV(B)SVNWVPMATI

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

175

Icterus icterus

Venezuelan Troupial

Turpial Venezolano

VETR l l l l l U L O D M C

176

Icterus galbula

Baltimore Oriole

Calandria del Norte

BAOR l l l l l U L O D

Fringillidae

177

Euphonia musica

Antillean Euphonia

Canario del País

ANEU l l l l l U L

Passeridae

178

Passer domesticus

House Sparrow

Gorrión Doméstico

 HOSP l I l l l l O D

Ploceidae

179

Euplectes franciscanus

Orange Bishop

Obispo Colorado

ORBI l I l l l l O D

Estrildidae

180

Estrilda melpoda

Orange-cheeked Waxbill

Veterano

OCHW l I l l l l O D

181

Estrilda troglodytes

Black-rumped Waxbill

Veterano Orejicolorado

BRUW l I l l l l O D

182

Euodice malabarica

Indian Silverbill

Gorrión Picoplata

INSI l I l l l l O D

183

Spermestes cucullata

Bronze Mannikin

Diablito

BRMA l I l l l l O D

184

Lonchura punctulata

Scaly-breasted Munia

Gorrión Canela

NUMA l I l l l l O D

Viduidae

185

Vidua macroura

Pin-tailed Whydah

Viuda Colicinta

PTWH l I l l l l O D
Guánica Biosphere Reserve Bird photos 17

5 White-cheeked Pintail 15 White-tailed Tropicbird

41 American Oystercatcher 42 Black-bellied Plover 44 Wilson’s Plover

40 Black-necked Stilt

64 Laughing Gull 73 Sandwich Tern 76 Scaly-naped Pigeon

77 White-crowned Pigeon 80 Zenaida Dove

Bird Photos

Each caption includes the species’ checklist number and the common name for easy reference. (Bird photographs by Mike Morel)

82 Common Ground-Dove
18 BirD PhOtOs Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

83 Key West Quail-Dove 85 Ruddy Quail-Dove 88 Mangrove Cuckoo

89 Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo E 90 Smooth-billed Ani 91 Puerto Rican Screech-Owl E

92 Short-eared Owl 94 Antillean Nighthawk

96 Puerto Rican Nightjar E

BirD PhOtOs

98 Antillean Mango

male female

male female
Guánica Biosphere Reserve BirD PhOtOs 19

105 Belted Kingfi sher 106 Puerto Rican Woodpecker E

112 Caribbean Elaenia 113 Puerto Rican Pewee 114 Puerto Rican Flycatcher E

115 Gray Kingbird

102 Puerto Rican Emerald E 104 Puerto Rican Tody E

BirD PhOtOs

108 American Kestrel

118 Puerto Rican Vireo E 124 Cave Swallow

male female
20 BirD PhOtOs Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

129 Red-legged Thrush 131 Pearly-eyed Thrasher

144 American Redstart 158 Adelaide’s Warbler E

162 Puerto Rican Tanager E 163 Puerto Rican Spindalis E 166 Puerto Rican Bullfi nch E

BirD PhOtOs

male female
Guánica Biosphere Reserve BirD PhOtOs 21

171 Yellow-shouldered Blackbird E 173 Shiny Cowbird

175 Venezuelan Troupial 177 Antillean Euphonia

BirD PhOtOs

male female

male female
22 Bird habitats Guánica Biosphere Reserve 

Upland Forest Lowland Forest

Open Disturbed

Bird habitats

Habitat photos follow a gradual elevational and vegetation gradient from interior upland forest down to the coast. (Habitat photographs by Jerry Bauer)
Guánica Biosphere Reserve Bird habitats 23

Wetlands Mangrove

Coast

Bird habitats
notes
notes
notes
Arendt, W. J.; Faaborg, J.; Canals, M.; and Bauer, J. 2015. Bird checklist, 

Guánica Biosphere Reserve, Puerto Rico. Research Note SRS-23. 

Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern 

Research Station. 23 p.

This research note compiles 43 years of research and monitoring data to 

produce the first comprehensive checklist of the dry forest avian community 

found within the Guánica Biosphere Reserve. We provide an overview of the 

reserve along with sighting locales, a list of 185 birds with their resident status 

and abundance, and a list of the available bird habitats. Photographs of habitats 

and some of the bird species are included. 

Keywords: Avian community, bird checklist, Guánica Biosphere Reserve, 

Puerto Rico.

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