Endemics of The Bahamas

Islands we will visit on this trip: Abaco, Andros, New Providence and Great Inagua (plus Eleuthera extension)

Overview

Short but sweet, our Endemics of the Bahamas tour sees us travel to three paradise islands in search of all the Bahamian endemics, endemic subspecies (a number of which are likely future splits), near-endemics and a variety of regional specialities.

The vast expanses of native Caribbean Pine forest that dominate much of Abaco are home to a variety of species, including the endearing endangered endemic Bahama Warbler, the robust and relatively large (for a warbler) endemic Bahama Yellowthroat, and the Bahamaian subspecies of the Cuban Parrot (bahamensis), together with near-endemic Cuban Pewee (bahamensis) and near-endemic Cuban Emerald.

Having been extirpated from Abaco in the 1900s, the critically endangered Bahama Oriole is now confined to the Andros archipelago, which also provides reliable sites for a variety of other species of note, including the solitary and impressively long-tailed near-endemic Great Lizard-Cuckoo (bahamensis).

Throughout the trip, we will be on the lookout for the range-restricted endangered Bahama Swallow and endemic Bahama Woodstar, which is present throughout the island chain, except for on the Inagua Islands, where the Inagua Woodstar (awarded full species status in 2015) replaces its close relative as the endemic hummer. 

*Please note: The Kirtland’s Warbler (one of the rarest songbirds in North America) can be most reliably found overwintering on the island of Eleuthera, on winter trips, an extension to Eleuthera for this bird can be added to the main leg of the trip.

Upcoming Tour Dates

This tour can be added as an extension to our Caribbean tours, or taken as a private Build Your Own trip. Contact us here to find out more.

Tour Price

From USD$2950 per person - for full details of pricing, please scroll to the bottom of this page.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at Leonard H. Thompson International Airport in Marsh Harbour (Great Abaco Island), you are collected by pre-arranged transport and make the short 10-minute drive to your hotel.

After settling in, we enjoy a welcome dinner - a mix of local delicacies, such as cracked conch and lobster, and traditional Western fare, washed down with a local Kalik beer (should you wish) - overlooking the mangrove islands and tidal flats of the marls of Bustick Bight.

Day 2: ABACO

Today, we will focus our birding in the south of the island, where the large expanses of pine woodland provide perfect habitat for the Bahamas’ two endemic warblers: namely, the near-threatened endemic Bahama Warbler (in fact an estimated 95% of the population of this endemic species is now thought to be confined to Abaco) and endemic Bahama Yellowthroat.

These forests also harbour Abaco's remaining population of endemic Bahamian subspecies of Cuban Parrot (Bahamas), which is a highly likely future split. The population of this parrot on Abaco is the only one with the bizarre habit of nesting in cavities in the ground among the oddly sculpted limestone formations found on the island. Our best chance for views is as they head (rather raucously) for their roosts, although they can sometimes be spotted feeding in Gumbo Limbo trees earlier in the day.

Endangered endemic Bahama Swallows nest in dead trees from late March and can be seen flying overhead. Other likely specialties include Western Spindalis (Bahamas Green-backed) - subspecies townsendi found in the northern Bahamas, near-endemic Olive-capped Warbler, Bahama Mockingbird, Cuban Emerald, Red-tailed Hawk (solitudinis), American Kestrel (Cuban), along with a number of endemic subspecies including: La Sagra’s Flycatcher (lucaysiensis), Loggerhead Kingbird (Loggerhead) (bahamensis), Cuban Pewee (bahamensis), Thick-billed Vireo (crassirostris). From late April, insectivorous Antillean Nighthawks (vicinus) hunt in the skies above.

We will also makes stops at reliable sites for endemics subspecies such as West Indian Woodpecker (blakei), Red-legged Thrush (bahamensis), Greater Antillean Bullfinch (violacea), Bananaquit (bahamensis) - one of the most distinctive and a likely future split, and a variety of other regional specialties, including the attractive but uncommon Key West Quail-Dove, before returning to our accommodation to freshen up before another lovingly-prepared dinner.

Day 3: ABACO TO NEW PROVIDENCE

Following a breakfast of such local delicacies as Stew Fish or Chicken Souse, we target any remaining endemics not seen the previous day. We will also make stops at a variety of other habitats for a variety of herons and egrets, waterfowl (including the White-cheeked ‘Bahama’ Pintail, gulls and terns and in the winter months, there is also the possibility of endangered Piping Plover along with a variety of overwintering singbirds. We may also happen upon the rather robust Northern Curly-tailed Lizard (native to the Bahamas) while here.

In the afternoon, we will take a short return flight to Nassau to overnight, before heading to Andros in the morning.

Day 4: NEW PROVIDENCE TO ANDROS

Known affectionately as the ‘Big Yard’, the virtually untouched island of Andros is the largest in the Bahamas, and its diverse habitats shelter some absolute gems.

After touching down, a short drive sees us at our locally-owned accommodation for the evening, the tranquility of which we will be able to enjoy after a morning’s birding. Here, we drop off our luggage before heading out to a reliable site for critically endangered endemic Bahama Oriole, and threatened endemic Bahama Woodstar with its glittering violet gorget (male). Other species of note include West Indian Whistling-Duck, Great Lizard Cuckoo (bahamensis), and Clapper Rail (Caribbean) (coryi), together with a variety of herons, shorebirds, and possibly the eye-catching Roseate Spoonbill.

The geological history of Andros is fascinating, and the vast expanse of underwater cave systems and blue holes created by the steady erosion of the limestone bedrock are quite astounding! These spectacular calcite cathedrals of stalactites and stalagmites are akin to time capsules of thousands of years of natural history, home to a variety of what some consider to be ‘living fossils’ - unique invertebrates and cave fish not found anywhere else in the world. The surrounding rich coppice and pineland forests are home to a variety of wildlife. Take the ‘leap of faith’ (or simply descend the few steps to the water’s edge to enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool blue waters.

Andros is also home to the largest endemic terrestrial vertebrate in the Bahamas - an eye-catching iguana with unusual nesting habits. The endangered Andros Rock Iguana is the only iguana in the world that deposits her eggs in termite mounds, then sits and guards her nest. While this species is in decline, it is possible that we may spot an individual while here. Another possible endemic reptile is the Bahamian Brown Racer, which can sometimes be found slinking through the grounds of our hotel.

Andros is also home to the third largest barrier reef in the world, and the snorkelling here is exquisite!

Day 5: NEW PROVIDENCE

After a 15-minute flight, we arrive back in Nassau, and we have some time to bird a couple of productive sites for Caribbean specialties not yet seen on the trip, such as Cuban Grassquit and Caribbean Dove (both introduced), Western Spindalis (Bahamas Black-backed) - nominate subspecies found in south and central Bahamas as well as Turks & Caicos, before returning to the airport for our connecting flight to Great Inagua.

We board our flight bound for this unspoiled and largely uninhabited island - the southernmost in the Bahamaian archipeligo, and fondly known as the ‘birdwatching capital of the Bahamas’! Upon arrival, we are collected by pre-arranged transport and taken to our accommodation for the final three nights of Bahamian birding.

Day 6: GREAT INAGUA

This morning we make our way to the only RAMSAR designated Wetland of Importance in the Bahamas - a permanent lake, peppered with tiny islets, a saline lagoon, extensive saltmarshes, dense mangroves, and brackish marsh. It is an important area for breeding, passage and wintering for numerous species of waterbirds, and the undoubted highlight is its breeding colony of over 40,000 American Flamingos - the largest in the world and truly a sight to behold!

Large numbers of shorebirds can be found foraging in the wetlands and beaches, including the endangered Snowy Plover. The site supports several species of rare and endangered endemic reptiles and birds, and other species possible include Brown Pelican, Tricolored Heron, Snowy and Reddish Egrets, Double-crested and Neotropic Cormorants, Roseate Spoonbill, Sora, White-cheeked Pintail, Western Spindalis, American Kestrel and Burrowing Owl.

The remainder of the day is focused on finding our primary target - the recently promoted endemic Inagua Woodstar - found only on the Inaguas. Other species we will be on the lookout for include the Inagua race of the Cuban Parrot, and Burrowing Owl, which can be found around town.

Day 7: DEPARTURE

Following an early breakfast, we board our pre-arranged transport and bid a fond farewell to this special island and its multitude of colour. Arriving into Lyden Pindling International around midday, we connect with our homeward (or onward) flights.

For those pairing this trip with either our Every Endemic in the Lesser Antilles or Endemics of the Greater Antilles tours, this afternoon we head to the respective first island before the epic multi-island birding adventures continue in the morning!

Pricing

2024

Tour Price: USD$2950 per person (based on Double Occupancy Rates and maximum number of clients per tour). Single Supplement, i.e. if you would prefer to have a single room for the duration of your tour, there is an additional charge of: USD$490.

2025

Tour Price: TBC

Included in Price: All scheduled and stated flights between islands and internal boat charges between islands; local taxes; airport departure taxes; all accommodations; pre-arranged food; bottled water with meals and on birding outings; transport to and from birding destinations on all islands as stated in your final itinerary; park admission fees; local guide fees; gratuities; and hotel and restaurant service charges.

Not Included in Price: Your international flights; any regional flights before the tour starts, or after the tour has finished; extra charges incurred for overweight or additional pieces of luggage on international or regional flights/boats; VAT; travel insurance; laundering services; drinks.

Tour Info

Number of Species that will possibly be seen on tour: c.100

Number of Endemics (including Endemic Subspecies) likely to be seen on tour: c.16-20

Group Size: Maximum of 7 participants plus a Birding the Islands guide

Terrain and Pace: Trails are primarily well maintained and relatively level. Any light to moderate ascents are conducted at a slow, steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest along the way. Walking poles are recommended if you would usually use these for walking off-road.

Please note that the above itinerary and pricing is subject to change.