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Greater Antilles (Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic) - Bird Families

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Greater Antilles (Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic) - Bird Families 2025

26 Mar 2025 - 06 Apr 2025 (12 days)

USD9,150 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Local Leader

Tour price (Per person): EUR8,808 * GBP7,306 * CAD13,162

Single Supplement: EUR645 * GBP535 * CAD964

On this epic multi-island adventure, we will explore the three islands of the Caribbean that collectively host the greatest number of single-island endemics including all 28 endemics in Jamaica, 33 endemics in the Dominican Republic, and 18 endemics in Puerto Rico. Included among these are representatives from six endemic bird families including the Palmchat (Dulidae), Hispaniolan Palm-tanagers (Phaenicophilidae), Todies (Todidae), Puerto Rican Tanager (Nesospingidae), Chat-tanagers (Calyptophilidae) and Spindalises (Spindalidae) and we will endeavour see at least one representative of each of these families together with as many of the Greater Antillean and wider Caribbean endemics as possible.

Our efforts begin on Jamaica where we will be exploring the island’s great variety of habitats, from the evergreen forests of the Blue Mountains to the ultramarine waters of these rich seas. Just a few of the highlight species include the Jamaican Owl, Jamaican Mango, Jamaican Becard, Jamaican Tody, Crested Quail-Dove and both Red-billed and Black-billed Streamertails. Our lodgings are perfectly located to allow us to stay in the same place for the entire tour! Not only are our lodgings very comfortable, but they are also right in the middle of the specific, endemic-laden forest we intend to bird.

From there, we continue to the Dominican Republic which is perhaps best known for its luxurious beaches as well as the outstanding food and vibrant culture. This island also has much to offer both the avid birder and general naturalist alike. Because of the amazing biodiversity sustained on the island, Hispaniola ranks highest in the world as a priority for bird protection and this is where we will be spending the majority of our time! Our birding tour provides the opportunity to see nearly all the island’s 32 endemic bird species, plus a host of other Greater Antillean specialities. We accomplish this by thoroughly exploring the island’s variety of habitats, from the evergreen and Pine forests of the Sierra de Bahoruco to the dry forests of the coast.

Finally, we visit Puerto Rico, a rugged and mountainous island containing a wide variety of bird-rich habitats. Host to 17 endemics and numerous Greater Antillean and Caribbean restricted species, Puerto Rico has surprisingly been forgotten amongst its more illustrious neighbours -Jamaica and Hispaniola. While the many endemics and near-endemics are the priority, the island also plays host to several wintering North American passerines. From the capital, San Juan, we will work our way through the major habitats, offering us an excellent chance to see almost all the island’s endemics.

Top Birds

Palmchat, Ridgway’s Hawk, West Indian Whistling Duck, Ashy-faced and Jamaican Owls, Puerto Rico Screech Owl, Ring-tailed, Scaly-naped and Plain Pigeons, Crested Quail-Dove, Least Poorwill, Hispaniolan and Puerto Rican Nightjars, Hispaniolan and Jamaican Amazons, Hispaniolan Parakeet, Hispaniolan Lizard, Puerto Rican Lizard and Jamaican Lizard Cuckoos, Hispaniolan Trogon, Jamaican, Broad-billed, Puerto Rican and Narrow-billed Todies, Hispaniolan, Puerto Rican and Jamaican Woodpeckers, Antillean Piculet, Hispaniolan Palm and Jamaican Crows, White-necked Crow, Antillean Palm Swift, Hispaniolan, Puerto Rican and Jamaican Orioles, Golden Swallow, Hispaniolan and Lesser Antillean Pewees, La Selle Thrush, Green-throated Carib, Antillean Crested Hummingbird, Puerto Rican and Hispaniolan Emeralds, Antillean, Green and Jamaican Mangos, Red-billed and Black-billed Streamertails, Eastern and Western Chat-Tanager, Hispaniolan, Puerto Rican and Jamaican Spindalis, Hispaniolan Crossbill, Antillean Siskin, Orangequit, Jamaican Elaenia, Jamaican Pewee, Jamaican Becard, Blue Mountain and Puerto Rican Vireos, Jamaican and Antillean Euphonias, Jamaican and Yellow-shouldered Blackbirds, Puerto Rican Flycatcher, Elfin Wood and Adelaide's Warblers, Greater Antillean Grackle, Puerto Rican Bullfinch, Puerto Rican Tanager, Loggerhead Kingbird, Shiny Cowbird, Northern Mockingbird.

Habitats Covered

Evergreen and endemic pine forest, dry forest, botanical gardens, mangroves, shoreline

Expected Climate

Hot and humid throughout, cooler in mountains.

Max Group Size

7 with 1 Rockjumper Tour leader and local leaders

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

Fast pace, several long days.

Accommodation

Comfortable to basic, varied cuisines

Ease of Birding

Moderdate

Number of Species Expected

300+

Other Attractions

Great scenery & beaches, friendly people, good food

Photographic Opportunities

Good to excellent

What our clients say about us

Robert Williams
PM, Dominican Republic 2018

Rob Williams and Caesar were excellent, and so was the birding and group dynamics.

Lev Frid
NP, Dominican Republic 2021

Lev Frid was outstanding. He is knowledgeable, capable, hard working, friendly, easy going and a super human being. I had a blast with him and can’t find enough positive adjectives to describe him.

Adam Walleyn
GB & DB - Dominican Republic 2019

Our Rockjumper guide for all three tours, Adam Walleyn, was an excellent birder and attentive to all participants. We have travelled with Adam previously and continue to enjoy his expertise and passion for nature. Adam's leadership was a major factor in our booking the three tours.

Forrest Rowland
KT, Dominican Republic 2018

This was my first tour with Forrest Rowland and he was wonderful. Forrest was most solicitous of my needs, and unlike many leaders, he waited until I had caught up before playing a tape to call birds in. He was an excellent communicator, always apprising us of upcoming plans, and kept the tour running on schedule. Last but not least, he is an awesome birder!

Robert Wilcox
MF, Dominican Republic 2023

This was my first international birding trip. Despite picking one of the harder places to bird, and a bad case of motion-sickness from the plane and car rides, I greatly enjoyed the experience. The Rockjumper and local guides were knowledgeable and friendly, the food was good, and when the birds showed themselves they were excellent. Our leader, Bobby, said we got some of the best views of some of the birds hes ever got. I would definitely travel with Bobby and Rockjumper again.

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