Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2026 is  “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” — shining the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!

Endemic Bird of the Day: Cuban Vireo

As one of Cuba’s endemic jewels, the Cuban Vireo is widely distributed throughout the island and is considered one of the most common species on the island. Its coloration is not very conspicuous, with mainly grayish olive green on the back, and pale yellowish underneath. Males and females look the same. Its eyes are large and dark, and appear to be larger because of the ring of light-colored feathers around the eye. For this reason, in some parts of Cuba it is known as “ojón” which translates to “big-eyed.” Because of the sound it makes when singing, it is also popularly known in Cuba as “juanchiví.”

The species favors wooded areas , but it can also be found in thickets. It inhabits all types of forests, natural, secondary, coffee and pine plantations. Usually flying short distances within the vegetation, where it roosts and forages mostly in the lower down in the vegetation (1-3m). Occasionally, it mixes in mixed flocks with other Cuban endemic species such as Yellow- headed and Oriente Warblers. It feeds mainly on insects, arachnids, fruits and small reptiles. 

Like other vireos, the nest is cup-shaped and the breeding season begins in March and ends in August. The species usually lays three white eggs with small brown or purplish spots. 

It is not globally threatened. To keep this “endemic jewel” shining for years to come, we need to make sure its habitats remain healthy and connected. You can plant native plants and berries in your garden to give them a safe place to eat and seek shelter. By spreading the word about the ojón’s funny “juanchiví” song and supporting local environmental organizations, you also help this big-eyed bird stay a common sight for everyone to enjoy for years to come! Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!

Thanks to Alieny González for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.

Colour in the Cuban Vireo

Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page.  Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest

Listen to the song of the Cuban Vireo

The song of the Cuban Vireo is a “chweee-ch-byuuu,” with an upslurred first note and a downslurred final note.

Enjoy these photos of the Cuban Vireo

Activity of the Day

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Do you know what the different parts of a bird are called? Knowing them can help you to learn how to describe and identify birds, as well as colour them in. Learn the names for the parts of a bird by checking out the diagram in this page.

Test your knowledge on today’s endemic bird by matching the correct names to the correct parts of a Cuban Vireo and completing this sheet.

Want to check your answers? You can see where all the words matched up to here.

Enjoy this video of a Cuban Vireo in the wild!

Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2026 is  “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” — shining the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!

Endemic Bird of the Day: Western Chat-Tanager

Way up in the misty mountains of Hispaniola lives a bird called the Western Chat-Tanager. Imagine a bird kind of like a Mockingbird, just a bit smaller and more mysterious! This shy little bird is part of the Caribbean endemic bird family, Calyptophilidae, from the Greek word Calyptophilus which means “loves to hide.” And do they take that seriously!

They live in broadleaf forests and dense thickets which no doubt helps them to stay hidden. Even scientists have a tough time finding them in these habitats! Our tip is to keep your eyesight low. Western Chat-Tanagers usually hang out in pairs, poking through fallen leaves looking for their next meal. They make a “chip-chip” sound while foraging. Their favorite foods are insects, small invertebrates and a little bit of fruit now and then.

How will you know you’re looking at the elusive Western Chat-Tanager and not the Eastern Chat-Tanager?! One big clue is that it has no white eyering, but it does have a small yellow patch between its eye and beak. The upperparts of the Western Chat-Tanager are dark brown. The breast and throat are white shading into the grey-brown belly and flanks. Its tail is long, rounded, and has a chestnut tint. On the other hand, the Eastern Chat-Tanager has dark brown upperparts and a white eye ring but no yellow face patch. Its tail is shorter and more squared off. 

During the breeding season, May to July, they build a large and unusual cup-shaped nest with an overhanging dome and a front entrance. They use small woody stems, vines, moss, and lichens for the outer part and line the inside with stems and pieces of leaves. Clutch size is 2 pale blue eggs with brown spots. 

Both parents help feed their chicks. The dad doesn’t bring food very often, but the mom shows up with food every 15 to 20 minutes when she’s not keeping the chicks warm. The mom also cleans up after the chicks by carrying away their faecal pellets (poop). Meanwhile, the dad watches nearby and sings often, usually from a perch within 10 meters of the nest.

The conservation status of the Western Chat-Tanager  is considered to be Vulnerable by the IUCN, due to widespread clearing of forests particularly in Haiti. The Dominican Republic has several protected areas. One of these places is the Sierra de Bahoruco, a big mountain range where the Western Chat-Tanager can be found. That’s why it’s so important to support environmental groups that work hard to protect these wild places from pollution and deforestation so amazing birds like the Western Chat-Tanager can have a safe home to live and hide. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!

Thanks to Aliya Hosein and Holly Garrod for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.

Colour in the Western Chat-Tanager

Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page.  Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest

Listen to the song of the Western Chat-Tanager

The song of the Western Chat-Tanager is a loud, whistled “tsew, tsee-ew, tsee-ew, tsu, tsu, tsu.”

Enjoy these photos of the Western Chat-Tanager

Activity of the Day

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Can you find the words in our Western Chat-Tanager word search?  Read the text above all about this endemic bird to remind yourself of some of the interesting facts and information, as you look for all 15 hidden words!

Remember the words appear forwards and backwards, as are horizontal, vertical and diagonal! Need some help? Or want to check your answers? You can see where all the words were here.

Enjoy this video of a Western Chat-Tanager in the wild!

Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2026 is  “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” — shining the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!

Endemic Bird of the Day: Grand Cayman Bullfinch

Also known as the “Black Sparrow”, the Grand Cayman Bullfinch bears no resemblance to any other birds in its neighborhood. With a body size and shape typical to finches, the Grand Cayman Bullfinch is only around 5.5 inches long, entirely black) and sports a sleek white stripe along the borders of a closed wing. Females and immatures are duller, grayish olive with a darker head. The stubby, thick and strong bill tells us it’s a seed-eater who forages on fruits in different kinds of  habitats.   

With a distinctive look, and perhaps an even more distinctive insect-like call “chi-p and zee zee”, the endemic Grand Cayman Bullfinch has only recently been recognized as a full species. Up until July 2023, the Bullfinch found on Grand Cayman was considered a subspecies of the Cuban Bullfinch. The split marks exciting news for the islands, since the only other endemic and full species to inhabit Grand Cayman was the Grand Cayman Thrush, last seen in 1938—and now only found to adorn the local one cent copper coins. 

Despite relatively low detections, the Department of Environment (DoE) has in 2023 estimated the population of the Grand Cayman Bullfinch at around 2,500 birds; however, data is sparse so this number should be understood as a guide only. Historically found throughout the small island of Grand Cayman (76 square miles), the bullfinch has been pushed further and further east due to the rapid rate of development and general urbanization. Usually seen in small flocks and inhabiting primary forest as well as dry shrubland, pastures, and buttonwood, the species is found foraging at ground level as well as at the top of the canopy. 

Globular nests are built by both parents, usually using an intricate web woven of multiple materials such as grasses, roots, and vines. The nest entrance is found to the side whereby both parents come and go to feed their young after the successful hatching of their 2 – 4 whitish-green eggs with brown spots.   

Interestingly, the DoE recorded bullfinch detections west of Savannah during the 2025 population monitoring effort, which is uncommon in recent times due to the above-mentioned development encroachment of eastward habitat. IUCN Red List reclassification of this species to a Near Threatened species of Global Concern is likely to occur in the future given the bullfinch’s restricted range as a single island endemic.

Retaining wild and natural vegetation is a key first step to protecting this Bullfinch and avoiding the monotone short lawns and/or stone gardens which offer little to no value to it. Letting patches of grass and shrubbery stand tall and wild will provide seeds and fruits and tall trees will offer protection and nesting resources. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!

Thanks to Jane Haakonsson for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.

Colour in the Grand Cayman Bullfinch

Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page.  Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest

Listen to the song of the Grand Cayman Bullfinch

The song of the Grand Cayman Bullfinch is a buzzy trill dropping in pitch then rising again.

Enjoy these photos of the Grand Cayman Bullfinch

Activity of the Day

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Test your knowledge of where Caribbean endemic birds live with our ‘Fly away home’ Map Matching Activity!

Draw lines from the picture of each Caribbean endemic bird  to match each one with its home. You can find out more about Caribbean endemic birds by reading our posts each day or you can go back and find all the endemic birds that we have featured in previous years here.  You can also find out all about our Endemic Birds of the West Indies Colouring Book with even more birds to colour in!

Here is the Answer Key – don’t look until you have completed the activity!!!

Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2026 is  “Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter” — shining the spotlight on the power of citizen science, reminding us that you don’t need a lab coat or a PhD to contribute to science; you just need curiosity and a genuine love for nature and community. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!

Endemic Bird of the Day: Black-billed Streamertail

The Streamertail is a symbol of Jamaica’s national pride and our rich biodiversity. While the average Jamaican may not be able to easily differentiate the  Black-billed Streamertail from its more widespread compatriot, the Red-billed Streamertail, this striking bird still captures the eyes and hearts of Jamaicans and visitors alike.

It is primarily found in eastern Jamaica, particularly in the parishes of Portland, St. Thomas, and parts of St. Mary. It is closely related to the Red-billed Streamertail known locally as “Doctor Bird”, but the two are distinct species, separated by both geography and subtle differences in appearance and behavior.

Measuring about 22-24 cm in body length including their tail streamers—long, prominent trailing tail feathers for which the male Black-billed Streamertail is most famous for! These tail streamers, which curve and flutter behind it as it flies, produce a distinctive humming sound. Males are an iridescent emerald green with a black bill, while females lack the extravagant tail and have a duller greenish-brown appearance with a white belly. The females of both species are very similar and not always distinguishable in the field. Identity is usually assumed based on location.

Black-billed Streamertails are nectarivores (primarily feed on nectar). They feed on the flowers of native plants like heliconias, wild bananas, and mistletoe; in doing so, they play a critical role in pollination, transferring pollen from flower to flower. They also snack on small insects and spiders to get the protein they need to stay strong. These agile birds are fiercely territorial, often defending feeding sites from rivals and other nectar-feeding species.

During breeding season, females build tiny cup-shaped nests out of plant fibers, moss, and cobwebs, usually attaching them to tree branches or vines. They lay one or two tiny eggs, which they incubate alone, while males focus on displaying and defending their territories.

Although currently classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, the Black-billed Streamertail faces threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development. Conservation efforts, including habitat protection and responsible land management, are crucial to ensuring the survival of this extraordinary hummingbird.

A true gem of Jamaica’s forests, the Black-billed Streamertail is always a treat for nature lovers with its dazzling plumage and acrobatic flight, serving as a reminder of the island’s unique and fragile ecosystems. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!

Thanks to Justin Saunders for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.

Colour in the Black-billed Streamertail

Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page.  Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest

Listen to the call of the Black-billed Streamertail

The calls of the Black-billed Streamertail are a high pitched ‘twink–twink–twink’

Puzzle of the Day

Click on the images below to do the puzzles.  You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8,  or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!

Activity of the Day

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: During our 2026 celebration of Caribbean endemic birds we will be sharing a beautiful colouring page for every single bird we feature! These lovely pages were created for us by Arnaldo Toledo, who also created a coloured in version of each bird as inspiration. Get your colour pencils ready, and read these super helpful colouring in tips below. Then go ahead, download and print each bird, and get colouring! Enjoy!

These tips are also available in Spanish:

Discover the birds of the Caribbean with Origami, the Japanese art of paper folding, and learn how to fold a hummingbird out of paper with this video! All you need is a square sheet of paper – 24 x 24 cm is ideal. The video will show you step by step how to fold and create your hummingbird!

Enjoy this video of a Black-billed Streamertail in the wild! 

Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2025 is  “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities”—highlighting the crucial role bird-friendly cities and communities can have in addressing the decline in bird populations caused by threats like habitat loss, predation, and climate change. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!

Endemic Bird of the Day: St. Vincent Wren

The melodic song of the St. Vincent Wren (Troglodytes musicus) echoes across the island of St. Vincent, the only place in the world where this extraordinary bird is found. Formerly considered a subspecies of the widespread House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), it was officially recognized as a distinct species in 2024—one of seven wrens split from the complex that year. Its new name proudly reflects its status as one of  just three endemic bird species on the island.

This lively wren is recognized by its rufous-brown upperparts and whitish underparts, distinct dark barring on its wings and tail, a pale eyebrow stripe and face, and warm cinnamon hues on the breast, sides, and undertail—sometimes accented by small brown speckles. Its buzzy call “chih-chih-chih-chih” call and sweet, musical song “chih-chih-twee-twee-deedle-di-di-di” make it a beloved symbol of the island’s natural charm.

Highly adaptable, the St. Vincent Wren inhabits a range of environments—from montane evergreen forests and brushy woodlands to agricultural areas and even towns, where it often nests in the eaves of buildings. It plays an important ecological role by feasting on a variety of invertebrates such as spiders, cockroaches, and worms, helping to control insect populations.

The species is thought to lay two whitish-brown eggs per clutch, though little is known about its breeding habits. Rather than constructing elaborate nests, it uses dried grasses, straw, and even scraps of paper to line cavities in trees, caves, tunnels, or man-made structures—a testament to its resourcefulness and adaptability.

Despite its resilience, the St. Vincent Wren faces growing threats from habitat loss due to deforestation, urban expansion, and conversion of forest to pasture for agriculture. Climate change—including more intense storms and prolonged droughts—may also impact its survival and breeding success. Protecting this unique bird will require ongoing research to better understand its ecology and population status, along with community engagement. Simple actions like preserving roof nests and planting native vegetation can make a meaningful difference in ensuring the St. Vincent Wren continues to sing for generations to come.

Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!

Thanks to Jodelia Simmons for the text and Arnaldo Toledo for the lovely illustration.

Colour in the St. Vincent Wren

Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page.  Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest

Listen to the song of the St. Vincent Wren

The song of the St. Vincent Wren is made up of clear trills and loud chatters.

Puzzle of the Day

Click on the images below to do the puzzles.  You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8,  or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!

Activity of the Day

FOR KIDS : The St. Vincent Wrens can be found in forests but also urban areas. In fact this is true of many species of wrens in the Caribbean and beyond, meaning they are often common ‘backyard birds’. You can make your garden,  or schoolyard safe for all of our backyard birds by building bird-friendly shelters like the birdhouse in our “Home Tweet Home” crafting activity. Together we can help create cities and communities where people and birds can thrive together!

For this activity you will need: 

• One empty 1L cardboard juice or milk container (clean and dry)
• Popsicle sticks (about 20–24)
• Acrylic paints
• Paint brushes
• Glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors
• Hole punch (handheld)
• A small stick (6–7” long) for a perch
• Twine for hanging
• A circular object, big enough, to trace an entrance hole for the birds

You can find full step-by-step instructions here. You will need a parent or trusted adult to help you with this activity.

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a St. Vincent Wren in the wild! 

Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2025 is  “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities”—highlighting the crucial role bird-friendly cities and communities can have in addressing the decline in bird populations caused by threats like habitat loss, predation, and climate change. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!

Endemic Bird of the Day: Plumbeous Warbler

The Plumbeous Warbler is a magnificent little warbler, weighing in a just ten grams, about the weight of a ballpoint pen! Adults are dark gray above and lighter below, with two crisp wing bars, a white eyebrow, and a pale half-crescent beneath the eye. Juveniles are similar but show a greenish wash to the gray plumage and buffy to yellowish underparts, facial markings, and wingbars.

While its plumage may be modest, the Plumbeous Warbler more than makes up for it with its lovely and varied song. Throughout the day, you can hear their melodic “pa-pi-a” or “de-de-diu.” During the midday, it switches to a soft, whisper-like version of its song. When aggravated, it lets out a long, rolling rattle.

Endemic to Guadeloupe and Dominica, this warbler inhabits a wide variety of forest types—from sea level to elevations over 1,200m. In Guadeloupe, it is particularly abundant in swamp forests.

Within these habitats, the Plumbeous Warbler roams the undergrowth, searching for wriggly, crunchy, and sometimes gooey insects, and the occasional juicy berry. Its breeding season runs from March to August, with a peak in May. Nests are constructed in forked branches of shrubs or small trees using leaves and rootlets. A typical clutch contains 2–3 eggs.

Although it is still relatively common in the main islands of its range, the ecology and habits of this species remain poorly studied. A small population persists on Marie-Galante, a small island south of the “mainland” Guadeloupe, but the bird may have disappeared from Terre-de-Haut, an even smaller offshore island in the Les Saintes archipelago of Guadeloupe.

The Plumbeous Warbler is protected under Guadeloupe’s 1989 ministerial decree. Though classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN at both regional and international levels, recent monitoring reveals a cause for concern: a 42% decline in population size between 2014 and 2024, as shown by our Breeding Bird Survey in Guadeloupe.

Confined to forested areas, the Plumbeous Warbler is mainly threatened by the destruction of its habitat from development and human activities. Better protection and restoration of forested areas—especially efforts to strengthen the ecological corridor (Green Network) between Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre——would go a long way in securing the future of this beautiful endemic warbler. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!

Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Anthony Levesque for the text!

Colour in the Plumbeous Warbler

Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest

Listen to the song & call of the Plumbeous Warbler

The song of the Plumbeous Warbler is made up of whistles notes, the first three are given at the same pitch. They have a dry, rattling call.

Puzzle of the Day

Click on the images below to do the puzzles.  You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8,  or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!

Activity of the Day

FOR KIDS : The Plumbeous Warbler loves to feed on insects! In fact insects are an important delicacy for many types of birds. For our dazzling hummingbirds, our captivating todies, swooping swifts and swallows, darting flycatchers, pewees and potoos, drilling woodpeckers, and of course, our warblers —insects are an essential protein source.

we’ve compiled our top six activities into an activity book for you to enjoy! Our theme is “Protect Insects, Protect Birds,” and these activities have been purposely created to help children learn about insects.

Our “Incredible Insects” activity book is available for download directly from Flipsnack in both English and Spanish or download the PDFs. 

Incredible Insects booklet as a PDF download

Insectos Increíbles

Insectos Increíbles- descargar el folleto en PDF

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a Plumbeous Warbler in the wild! 

Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2025 is  “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities”—highlighting the crucial role bird-friendly cities and communities can have in addressing the decline in bird populations caused by threats like habitat loss, predation, and climate change. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!

Endemic Bird of the Day: St. Lucia Oriole

Locally known as Kawouge, the Saint Lucia Oriole is one of the island’s most striking endemic birds. The name Karwouge was likely derived from the French term “Carouge“, which is used as a name for New World blackbirds.

I remember seeing this oriole for the first time when I was about five years old, feeding on a ripe pawpaw near my family home. It was a sight to to behold! My grandmother told me its name: Kawouge. What she may not have known—and what I later discovered as an adult working with the Forestry Department—is that this bird lives only in Saint Lucia.

With bold shiny-black plumage and bright orange-yellow belly, shoulders, and rump, the male Saint Lucia Oriole is unmistakable. Females are similar but duller in color, and immatures sport a more muted yellow-green overall. The pointed dark bill, with a grayish-blue base, completes the bird’s distinctive look. There is simply no other bird like it on the island.

The Saint Lucia Oriole primarily inhabits rainforests, but can also be found in dry forests, coastal scrub, and even near towns—provided there are enough large trees. It has a varied diet, including insects, spiders, fruits, and nectar.

Breeding takes place from April to June. The female weaves a tidy hanging nest from grasses and plant fibers, often suspending it from large leaves such as banana, balizier, coconut, or palm. She lays up to three speckled eggs and incubates them herself. Like many songbirds, both parents work hard to feed and protect their young until they fledge.

Sadly, the Saint Lucia Oriole is under serious threat and is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Several factors are suspected to contribute to its decline, though more research is needed. One major concern is brood parasitism by the Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis), an invasive species that lays its eggs in other birds’ nests, tricking them into raising cowbird chicks. As cowbirds thrive in cleared, human-altered areas, their impact is expected to grow.

Another possible threat comes from the Bare-eyed Thrush (Turdus nudigenis), which may harass orioles, especially during nesting. There’s also concern that orioles living near banana plantations—where they often forage—may be exposed to pesticides through contaminated food or water. However, the actual effects of cowbirds, thrushes, or agrochemicals remain poorly understood due to a lack of detailed studies.

What is clear is that protecting forest habitats and maintaining healthy forest edges is essential. These buffer zones help limit contact between orioles and cowbirds by preserving ecological separation.

With continued habitat protection and research, there is hope that the Saint Lucia Oriole will remain a cherished part of the island’s unique natural heritage for generations to come. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!

Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Adams Toussaint for the text!

Colour in the St. Lucia Oriole

Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest

Listen to the song of the St. Lucia Oriole

The song of the St. Lucia Oriole is a rapid jumble of whistles and squeaks

Puzzle of the Day

Click on the image below to do the puzzle.  You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8,  or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!

Activity of the Day

FOR KIDS :The female Saint Lucia Oriole is an expert weaver. She builds strong, hidden nests by carefully twisting and weaving natural materials like grass, vines, and palm fibers. These nests hang securely from tree branches, keeping her eggs safe and dry. Today, you’ll practice your own weaving skills—just like a mother oriole!

Nest Like The Best! And complete our St. Lucia Oriole weaving activity. 

For this you will need:

• 1 sheet of construction paper or cardboard
• Assorted ribbons, yarn, fabric strips, colored paper, etc.
• Scissors
• Tape or stapler
• Ruler and pencil (optional)

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a St. Lucia Oriole in the wild! 

Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2025 is  “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities”—highlighting the crucial role bird-friendly cities and communities can have in addressing the decline in bird populations caused by threats like habitat loss, predation, and climate change. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!

Endemic Bird of the Day: Cuban Palm-Crow

The Cuban Palm-Crow  is barely two years old—as a species, that is! Until 2023, it was considered the same bird as the Hispaniolan Palm-Crow. But thanks to key differences in their calls, displays, egg appearance, and preferred habitats, scientists officially split them, giving the Caribbean two unique endemic crows to celebrate—and conserve.

This crow sticks to lowland habitats—open areas dotted with palm groves and tall trees. Unlike its Hispaniolan cousin, it’s not found in pine forests. Sadly, it’s now very rare and only occurs in scattered pockets of western and central Cuba. With such a limited range and growing threats to its habitat, the Cuban Palm-Crow is listed as Endangered in Cuba’s national Red Data Book.

At a glance, it looks like your classic crow: glossy black plumage with a subtle purple-blue sheen. But here’s the kicker—it shares its home with another nearly identical species, the Cuban Crow, making field ID tricky even for seasoned birders. Fortunately, their calls are distinct: the Cuban Palm-Crow gives a nasal “craaa, craaa,” while the Cuban Crow sounds more like a parrot. Still want more clues? The Palm-Crow has longer nasal bristles that cover its nostrils, and its bill shape differs slightly too—the bill’s commissure (where upper and lower mandible meets) extends below the eye in the Cuban Crow, while in the Cuban Palm-Crow, it only reaches the front of the face. Sharp-eyed birders, take note!

Diet-wise, the Cuban Palm-Crow isn’t picky. With a short, sturdy bill, it feeds on fruits, insects, and other invertebrates, foraging both in trees and on the ground—sometimes even along roadsides. It’s often seen in pairs or small groups, but gatherings of up to 20 birds aren’t uncommon.

There’s still a lot we don’t know about its natural history, especially its breeding behavior. What we do know: it builds a typical crow nest—a stick platform lined with soft materials—usually in tree branches or nestled under palm fronds (yep, that’s where the name comes from!). Breeding takes place from March through July, with clutches of 3–4 pale green, speckled eggs. Though likely solitary nesters, small groups have been spotted mobbing predators to defend nests.

Crows have long been saddled with spooky reputations in Western culture, but it’s time to flip the script. In the Caribbean, crows like the Cuban Palm-Crow are not omens of bad luck, they’re indicators of healthy forests. And with half of our Caribbean crow species now threatened, protecting them is more urgent than ever. So next time you see a crow calling from a palm grove, take it as a good sign—you’ve found a patch of forest worth protecting. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!

Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Daniela Ventura for the text!

Colour in the Cuban Palm-Crow

Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest

Listen to the calls of the Cuban Palm-Crow

The call of the Cuban Palm-Crow is nasal “raaah“.

Puzzle of the Day

Click on the image below to do the puzzle.  You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8,  or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!

Activity of the Day

FOR KIDS : In the story, “The Crow and the Pitcher,” a thirsty crow finds a pitcher with a little water at the bottom. The crow can’t reach the water but doesn’t give up. It drops pebbles into the pitcher and slowly, the water rises, and the crow is able to drink! Clever, right?

Did you know this story isn’t just a fable? Scientists have discovered that crows, like the Cuban Palm-Crow, are really smart. They use tools, solve puzzles, and even plan ahead!

In  The Clever Crow Challenge  you  will recreate the crow’s clever experiment to understand why dropping pebbles into the pitcher caused the water to rise.

You will need:

• 1 tall, clear container (a plastic water bottle or glass vase works well)
• Water
• Bottle cap
• Small pebbles or marbles (at least 20–30)
• Measuring cup
• Marker or tape (to mark water levels)

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a Cuban Palm-Crow in the wild! 

Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2025 is  “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities”—highlighting the crucial role bird-friendly cities and communities can have in addressing the decline in bird populations caused by threats like habitat loss, predation, and climate change. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!

Endemic Bird of the Day: Jamaican Pewee

Pewuee! Pewuee!  Pewuee! Wee-oh! Pee-wee! 

What’s that plaintive sound echoing through the trees!? Those are the beautiful notes of the Jamaican Pewee—Jamaica’s very own flycatcher, affectionately known as simply the Pewee. While its song is sometimes described as sad or mournful, listen closely and you’ll hear soft, exhaled notes that speak more of peaceful rest than sorrow. 

A plain-looking yet remarkable bird, the Jamaican Pewee is small and dark olive-brown with paler buffy-gray underparts, faint buff wing bars, and no eye-ring. Despite its understated appearance, it’s not easily confused with the other resident flycatchers on the island. The Pewee often perches alertly, with a slightly peaked head, flicking its wings and tail as it scans for its next meal. 

This aerial hunter thrives in humid montane and lowland forests, especially in areas with plenty of shade and tall trees. Watch for it perched on an exposed mid-level branch, sitting motionless before darting out to snatch flying insects—beetles, moths, flies, and anything else that dares to buzz past—right out of the air. With sharp eyes and quick reflexes, it returns to its perch to repeat the ambush. How cool is that?

Jamaican Pewees breed from April to June and may nest twice per year. Their cup-shaped nests, built from woven plant fibers, grasses and Spanish moss, are typically placed in tree forks.

Though currently listed as a species of Least Concern, the Jamaican Pewee’s population is declining due to the ongoing habitat destruction in Jamaica. Protecting this species means preserving its forest home, supporting reforestation with native trees, and controlling invasive species. Reducing pesticide use and creating bird-friendly spaces by planting native trees—even in towns and urban parks—can also make a difference. Public education, research, and strong environmental policies that protect natural areas are key to ensuring this soulful songbird continues to thrive.

So next time you find yourself wandering through Jamaica’s lush forests, listen closely—hearing the Jamaican Pewee just might help you spot it. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!

Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Michelle Roberts for the text!

Colour in the Jamaican Pewee

Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest

Listen to the song of the Jamaican Pewee

The song of the Jamaican Pewee includes  a plaintive “uh-weee-oo” with the ‘weee’ syllable being upslurred.  An upslurred  “wee-wee” call with the second note louded, and a slightly rough, whistled “weeah.”

Puzzle of the Day

Click on the image below to do the puzzle.  You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8,  or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!

Activity of the Day

FOR KIDS : Can you find the words in our Jamaican Pewee word search?  Read the text above all about this endemic bird to remind yourself of some of the interesting facts and information, as you look for all 15 hidden words!

Remember the words appear forwards and backwards, as are horizontal, vertical and diagonal! Need some help? Or want to check your answers? You can see where all the words were here.

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of a Jamaican Pewee in the wild! 

Celebrate the Caribbean Endemic Bird Festival (CEBF) with us! Our theme in 2025 is  “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities”—highlighting the crucial role bird-friendly cities and communities can have in addressing the decline in bird populations caused by threats like habitat loss, predation, and climate change. Have fun learning about a new endemic bird every day. We have colouring pages, puzzles, activities, and more. Download for free and enjoy learning about and celebrating nature!

Endemic Bird of the Day: Puerto Rican Euphonia

The Puerto Rican Euphonia is a triple threat: dazzling plumage, a melodious voice, and undeniable charm! Endemic to Puerto Rico, it’s affectionately known by locals as Canario del País or simply Eufonia. If you’re lucky, you might catch this lively little bird flitting through the canopy in places like El Yunque National Forest, Luquillo Experimental Forest, and the Carite, Maricao, and Guánica State Forests.

Adult males are striking, with a vivid orange-yellow forehead and a sky-blue cap that extends from the crown to the nape. The rest of the upperparts are a rich violet-blue, offset by a bright yellow rump and upper tail coverts. Their underparts start with a yellow throat that deepens to an orange-yellow on the breast and belly. Females, while more subdued, are equally beautiful—olive-green overall with a sky-blue cap with a sky blue helmet and yellowish forehead patch. Their yellow throats gradually deepen to a muted olive-yellow on the remaining underparts. 

You’ll find these fashionable birds in a range of habitats, including mountain forests, lowland dry forests, and even shade-coffee plantations. They’ve been recorded in the Tabonuco, Palo Colorado, Palm, and Elfin (Dwarf) forests. Although usually high in the canopy, Puerto Rican Euphonias often come lower to forage along forest edges and in clearings—especially wherever mistletoe (Loranthaceae) grows, one of their favorite foods. They also snack on other small fruits like Yerba Capitana and Capulín (Muntingia calabura). Energetic and vocal, they hop busily through the trees, calling out with sharp “chit-it” notes and a cheerful “wheeee.” Their song is a rapid mix of squeaky, tinkling, and whistled notes.

Though much remains to be learned about their breeding behavior, we do know that Puerto Rican Euphonias nest year-round, with activity peaking from March to June. They build dome-shaped nests 3–20 meters above the ground, tucked into forks of branches or nestled near epiphytes. The nests are crafted from moss, lichen, and bark, bound with spider silk and lined with banana leaves and soft bark fibers. Clutch size ranges from 2 to 4 white eggs speckled with mauve or reddish-brown.

This species faces ongoing threats from deforestation, and hurricanes—bringing strong winds and tree fall—can also limit fruit availability. Supporting local environmental efforts to remove invasive species and restore native trees is key to making forests more resilient. With continued conservation, the Puerto Rican Euphonia and other forest birds can continue to thrive across the island. Learn more about this species, including its range, photos, and calls here. Great news! If you’re in the Caribbean, thanks to BirdsCaribbean, you have free access to Birds of the World and you can find out even more in the full species account of this bird!

Thanks to Arnaldo Toledo for the illustration and Dimaris Colón for the text!

Colour in the Puerto Rican Euphonia

Download our West Indies Endemic Bird colouring page. Use the photos below as your guide, or you can look up pictures of the bird online or in a bird field guide if you have one. Share your coloured-in page with us by posting it online and tagging us @BirdsCaribbean #CEBFfromthenest

Listen to the song of the Puerto Rican Euphonia

The song of the Puerto Rican Euphonia  is  mixture of whistles and tinkling, and squeaky notes.

Puzzle of the Day

Click on the image below to do the puzzle.  You can make the puzzle as easy or as hard as you like – for example, 6, 8,  or 12 pieces for young children, all the way up to 1,024 pieces for those that are up for a challenge!

Activity of the Day

FOR KIDS : Puerto Rican Euphonias love to feed on small fruits, especially mistletoe berries!

Can you help this hungry Puerto Rican Euphonia find its way through our maze to to grab some tasty mistletoe?

You can find the correct route here.

FOR KIDS AND ADULTS : Enjoy this video of Puerto Rican Euphonia in the wild!