The Caribbean islands are home to a diverse array of hummingbird species. With over 320 recorded species, the Caribbean boasts some of the most spectacular and colorful hummingbirds in the world. When planning a hummingbird-viewing vacation in the Caribbean, the island you choose can greatly impact your chances of seeing these remarkable birds. But what Caribbean island has the best hummingbird diversity and viewing opportunities? Here we examine several top contenders based on number of species, endemism, abundance, and accessibility for tourists. We’ll look at islands like Dominica, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, and more to help identify the ideal destination for Caribbean hummingbird enthusiasts.
Factors in Evaluating Caribbean Hummingbird Habitats
When evaluating the quality of a Caribbean island for hummingbird watching, several key factors come into play:
Number of Species – The total number of hummingbird species regularly found breeding on each island. The more species, the greater the diversity and viewing opportunities.
Endemism – The number of endemic hummingbird species (those found nowhere else) can indicate important, unique island habitats. Islands with higher endemism rates tend to be hummingbird hotspots.
Abundance – How plentiful and easily spotted hummingbirds are on various islands based on food availability, habitat intactness, and other factors. Higher abundances make sightings more likely.
Accessibility – How convenient it is for tourists to access prime hummingbird habitat on each island. Well-developed tourism infrastructure improves accessibility.
Conservation Status – Whether stable habitat exists to support hummingbird populations long-term. Heavily developed islands with substantial habitat loss are less ideal.
Keeping these factors in mind, below we examine some of the top contending Caribbean islands for hummingbird diversity and viewing opportunities.
Dominica
The small Windward island nation of Dominica rises from the Caribbean Sea thanks to its rugged, forest-covered volcanic mountains. With over 60% of the island protected as national park land, Dominica provides some of the healthiest and most intact hummingbird habitat in the Caribbean. Features that make Dominica a top hummingbird destination include:
Species Count: 9 regular species, including 2 endemic species found only on Dominica – the Dominican green-throated Carib and the striking Blue-headed Hummingbird.
Abundance: Very high, thanks to abundant natural food sources and protected habitat. Seeing over 1,000 hummingbirds in a day is not uncommon.
Accessibility: Quite good, with ample eco-tourism activities available island-wide focused on hummingbird viewing. Various lodges cater specifically to birders.
Conservation Status: Excellent, with stable populations. Dominica places strong emphasis on habitat conservation.
Some top birding sites include:
– Morne Diablotin National Park – Dominica’s largest protected area, home to hundreds of hummingbirds along with parrots, tanagers, and the rare Imperial Amazon.
– Syndicate Nature Trail – A short trail through montane rainforest bursting with hummingbirds feasting on feeders and wildflowers.
– Middleham Falls Trail – Follows a river with excellent birding opportunities, over 20 species possible.
Key Species: Dominican green-throated Carib, Blue-headed Hummingbird, Purple-throated Carib
Jamaica
The large island of Jamaica is best known for its beaches, but it also offers good opportunities for seeing Caribbean hummingbirds. Features of note:
Species Count: 4 regular species, including 2 endemics found only in Jamaica – the Jamaican mango and black-billed streamertail.
Abundance: Moderate. Habitat loss has reduced populations, but they can still be readily spotted in intact areas.
Accessibility: Very good. Jamaica has ample tourism infrastructure and accessible protected areas for birding.
Conservation Status: Fair. Habitat loss is an issue, but key reserves protect populations.
Top sites include:
– Blue Mountains & John Crow Mountains – Rugged peaks with montane forest harboring hummingbirds like the streamertail.
– Ecclesdown Road – Productive birding trail through wet limestone forest, 14 species possible.
– Hope Botanical Gardens – Lovely gardens with feeders attracting mangos, black-bills, and others.
Key Species: Jamaican mango, black-billed streamertail, Vervain hummingbird
Puerto Rico
The heavily populated island of Puerto Rico may not seem a likely hummingbird hotspot, but intact forest reserves in the central mountains provide surprisingly good habitat, including:
Species Count: 4 regular species, with 1 endemic – the Puerto Rican emerald found only in Puerto Rico’s central mountains.
Abundance: Moderate to low. Forest disturbance has reduced populations, but they still persist.
Accessibility: Mixed. Prime habitat is limited to rugged interior reserves requiring more effort to access.
Conservation Status: Threatened. Lowland development has taken a toll, but montane reserves provide hope.
Prime spots include:
– Maricao State Forest – One of the island’s best birding areas, find Puerto Rican emeralds here.
– El Yunque National Forest – Tropical rainforest with various trails to explore, possible hummingbird sightings.
– Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge – Arid forest habitat with a small wetland area that attracts birds.
Key Species: Puerto Rican emerald, Antillean mango, Green mango
Trinidad & Tobago
The southern Caribbean islands of Trinidad & Tobago sit just off the coast of Venezuela, and benefit from proximity to South America’s biodiversity. Key features include:
Species Count: 10 regular species, no endemics. Asnon-island nations, Trinidad & Tobago lack endemic birds but offer diversity.
Abundance: High. Lush forest and gardens provide plentiful nectar.
Accessibility: Excellent, with well-developed tourism amenities and infrastructure.
Conservation Status: Relatively stable, but habitat loss is increasing. Protected areas provide refuge.
Prime birding sites:
– Asa Wright Nature Center – Famous lodge with feeders attracting 14 species of hummingbird alone!
– Caroni Swamp – Mangroves and marshes with thriving birdlife. Take a boat tour.
– Aripo Savannas – Unique grassland habitat hosting specialties like the rufous-shafted woodstar.
Key Species: Tufted coquette, copper-rumped hummingbird, rufous-breasted hermit
Comparative Summary
| Island | # Species | Endemics | Abundance | Accessibility | Conservation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominica | 9 | 2 | Very High | Good | Excellent |
| Jamaica | 4 | 2 | Moderate | Very Good | Fair |
| Puerto Rico | 4 | 1 | Moderate/Low | Mixed | Threatened |
| Trinidad & Tobago | 10 | 0 | High | Excellent | Stable |
Conclusion
Based on species diversity, endemism, abundance, accessibility, and habitat integrity, the clear winner when it comes to the best Caribbean island for hummingbird enthusiasts is Dominica. With nearly double the number of species as other contenders, two endemic species found nowhere else, famously high abundances, and excellent eco-tourism infrastructure, Dominica provides an unparalleled destination for observing these remarkable birds in their native Caribbean habitats. From scenic mountain trails to lush botanical gardens, Dominica offers prime hummingbird viewing accessible to any birder or nature lover visiting the Caribbean.
