Birds of the Dominican Republic and Haiti

Acknowledgments vii

Introduction 1

Map of Hispaniola 2

Elevational Map of Hispaniola 4

Plan of the Guide 5

Topography and Habitats of Hispaniola 8

Topographic Features 8

Major Habitats 9

Endemic Species and Subspecies 12

Avian Conservation on Hispaniola 14

Conservation Issues 14

National Protected Areas in the Dominican Republic 15

National Protected Areas in Haiti 16

Threatened and Endangered Species 17

Ornithological History of Hispaniola 18

Descriptive Parts of a Bird 19

PLATE SECTION 20

SPECIES ACCOUNTS 21

Geese and Ducks: Anatidae 21

Partridges and Guineafowl: Phasianidae 32

Bobwhites: Odontophoridae 33

Grebes: Podicipedidae 34

Shearwaters and Petrels: Procellariidae 35

Storm-Petrels: Hydrobatidae 38

Tropicbirds: Phaethontidae 39

Boobies: Sulidae 40

Pelicans: Pelecanidae 42

Cormorants: Phalacrocoracidae 43

Darters: Anhingidae 44

Frigatebirds: Fregatidae 45

Bitterns and Herons: Ardeidae 46

Ibises and Spoonbills: Threskiornithidae 54

Storks: Ciconiidae 56

American Vultures: Cathartidae 57

Flamingos: Phoenicopteridae 57

Osprey: Pandionidae 58

Kites, Hawks, and Allies: Accipitridae 59

Falcons: Falconidae 64

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots: Rallidae 66

Limpkin: Aramidae 71

Thick-knees: Burhinidae 72

Plovers: Charadriidae 73

Oystercatchers: Haematopodidae 78

Stilts: Recurvirostridae 78

Jacanas: Jacanidae 79

Sandpipers, Phalaropes, and Allies: Scolopacidae 80

Jaegers, Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers: Laridae 95

Pigeons and Doves: Columbidae 110

Parakeets and Parrots: Psittacidae 118

Cuckoos and Anis: Cuculidae 120

Barn Owls: Tytonidae 124

Typical Owls: Strigidae 125

Goatsuckers (Nightjars): Caprimulgidae 128

Potoos: Nyctibiidae 131

Swifts: Apodidae 132

Hummingbirds: Trochilidae 135

Trogons: Trogonidae 137

Todies: Todidae 138

Kingfishers: Alcedinidae 140

Woodpeckers and Allies: Picidae 141

Tyrant Flycatchers: Tyrannidae 143

Vireos: Vireonidae 148

Crows: Corvidae 153

Swallows: Hirundinidae 155

Kinglets: Regulidae 160

Gnatcatchers: Sylviidae 160

Thrushes: Turdidae 161

Mockingbirds, Thrashers, and Allies (Mimic Thrushes): Mimidae 165

Pipits: Motacillidae 167

Waxwings: Bombycillidae 168

Palmchat: Dulidae 168

Wood-Warblers: Parulidae 169

Bananaquit: Coerebidae 192

Tanagers: Thraupidae 193

Emberizine Sparrows and Allies: Emberizidae 200

Cardinaline Finches and Allies: Cardinalidae 205

Blackbirds and Allies: Icteridae 207

Fringilline and Cardueline Finches and Allies: Fringillidae 211

Old World Sparrows: Passeridae 214

Weavers: Ploceidae 215

Estrildid Finches: Estrildidae 216

Recent Additions to the Checklist 218

Appendix A: Birdwatching on Hispaniola 219

Appendix B: Checklist of Birds of Hispaniola 229

Selected References 239

Index of Local Names 243

Index of English and Scientific Names 250