RSSPuerto Rico’s rainforests boast up to 284 species of birds, and is ranked second in the Caribbean for its bird watching facilities. Following are some of the reserves and species of birds found on the island.
El Yunque Rain Forest
Home of the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot, this 28,000-acre nature reserve and its adjacent fields boast a vast array of species, including Elfin Woods Warbler, Puerto Rican Tanager, Rudy-Quall-Dove, Canary-Winged Parakeet, Chuck-Will's Widow, Sharp-Shinned Hawk, Broad-Winged Hawk, and Antillean Euphonia.
Cabezas de San Juan Nature Reserve
Located in the eastern town of Fajardo, the pathways within this natural ecosystem are excellent sites to find Yellow Warblers, Clapper Rails, Mockingbirds, Kestrels and Laughing Gulls, among other species.
Guánica State Forest
Along its 12 major hiking trails, this subtropical dry forest –on the southwestern coast– offers the perfect environment for viewing Great Egrets, Tricolor Herons, Glossy Ibises, Mangrove Cuckoos, Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoos, Puerto Rican Todies and Puerto Rican Nightjars.
Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge
Also on the southwestern coast, this refuge features over 170 bird species, including varieties of Grebes, Tropic Birds, Boobies, Pelicans, Frigate Birds, Herons, Bitterns, Ibises, Falcons, Ducks, Plovers, Vireos and Weaver Finches, among many others.
Panoramic Route
The central mountain region--besides boasting spectacular scenery--is also a great site to view several bird species, including the Red Tail Hawk, Puerto Rican Screech Owl, Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo, Royal Tern, Zenalda Dove, Scarlet Tanager, Great Yellowlegs, and others.
