Puerto Rico is a veritable garden of Eden for plant and animal life. While over 100 bird species can be found there, only a handful are actually native to Puerto Rico. In this article we look at the beautiful and unique birds in Puerto Rico.
18 Birds in Puerto Rico
While some species get re-classified and are debated over, not counting two species of hawk there are about 18 bird species endemic to Puerto Rico. Endemic means that the species is only found in that region and no other place in the world.
1. Puerto Rican Vireo
Scientific Name: Vireo latimeri
The Puerto Rican vireo lives in the woodlands of Puerto Rico, including shade coffee plantations and mangrove swamps. It sings constantly and it has earned the name “bien-te-veo” (see you well) from the locals because of its call.
They eat insects, which they browse for near the forest floor. Some even eat lizards!
2. Puerto Rican Emerald
Scientific Name: Riccordia maugaeus
Look for this tiny green hummingbird anywhere across the island of Puerto Rico. Males have an entirely green body, while females have off-white under parts. Males have a black tail while females’ tail feathers are white at the tip, and they also have a white spot behind their eye.
You’re most likely to catch a glimpse of it in the mountainous north of the island, or in the south along the coast. They are commonly found around red flowers, especially ones shaped like long tubes. They also supplement their nectar intake with small flies and spiders.
3. Puerto Rican Flycatcher
