Bird Watching in St. Lucia

Fauna and flora of St Lucia is very similar to that of Dominica, the Windwards chain of islands having been colonized by plants and animals originally from South and Central America, with some endemic species such as sisserou and jacquot. Thus the rainforests offer spectacular opportunities to watch various species of birds.

The national bird is the colourful St Lucian parrot (Amazona versicolor), which can be seen in the dense rain forest around Quillesse and Barre de l’Isle. Pathetically though, Tropical Storm Debbie blew over the hollow trees they nest in.

Thus most St Lucian parrots moved north, although they are increasing again in the Des Cartier Quillesse/Edmond region.

Other endemic birds are the St Lucia oriole (endangered), Semper’s warbler (believed extinct) and the St Lucia black finch (endangered). Several other species such as the white breasted thrasher are also rare and endangered.

In the north of the island birdwatching is good at Bois d’Orange swamp, Piton Flor Reserve and Grand Anse, in the west at Edmond Forest Reserve and in the south Eau Piquant Pond, also called Boriel’s. </