Jamaica, known for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, but it is also an outstanding destination for birders. With 28 recognized endemic bird species Jamaica offers a rich and diverse birding experience. The island's varied habitats—from rainforests and wetlands to coastal areas and mountainous regions—support a wide range of bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations in the Caribbean. Among the star attractions are the Jamaican Tody and Jamaican Owl, both endemic to the island. Birders can also spot the Red-billed Streamertail, locally known as "Doctorbird" (Jamaica’s national bird) and the striking Yellow-billed Parrot, which thrives in Jamaica’s rainforests. The island’s diverse ecosystems provide ample opportunities to see wintering species which we enjoy in the United States and Canada during the breeding season. With its rich biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant birdlife, Jamaica is a must-visit destination for birders looking to add many endemic species to their list.
Jamaican Tody - Gavin McKinnon
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Jamaican Owl - Gavin McKinnon
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Tour Information
Dates: November 20-26, 2025
Start/End City: Kingston (KIN)
Cost: $5195 CAD | $3545 USD
Leader: Gavin McKinnon + local guide
Start/End City: Kingston (KIN)
Cost: $5195 CAD | $3545 USD
Leader: Gavin McKinnon + local guide
Itinerary
November 20: Arrive in Kingston
We will arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport outside of Kingston, the energetic capital of the nation, and arrive the hotel for dinner and check-in.
November 21: Hellshire Hills and transfer to Blue Mountains
We will set out early in the morning to explore the arid scrubland in the south of the island, taking advantage of the lower temperatures and increased bird activity. Since 1999, this desert wilderness—which at first look could appear to be a fairly unfriendly and desolate place—has been legally protected, and for good cause. This vast area in the center of the Hellshire Hills serves as the final stronghold and natural habitat for the unique Jamaican Iguana, a remnant of a species that is now severely endangered (and once thought to be extinct) due to human activity.
Here, we'll come across several important and mostly range-restricted targets, such the Yellow-shouldered Grassquit, Jamaican Vireo, and Jamaican Mango. It is also one of just two locations on the island where the Bahama Mockingbird can be found, and other target species in the region include the endemic subspecies of Greater Antillean Bullfinch (ruficollis) and Stolid Flycatcher (stolidus).
Before seeing the capital's large Botanical Gardens, we have lunch at a nearby restaurant . The sounds of one (or, if we're lucky, both) of the island's rare and endemic Amazonas may be heard among the towering palms, floral bushes, and winding walkways of this location. There are many Yellow-billed Amaons here, but if you search in their favorite spots, you can notice the occasional Black-billed Amazon. Other targets here include the loud and ostentatious Jamaican Woodpecker, the tiny near-endemic Vervain Hummingbird (often hilariously perched on a spire of the tallest palm!), and roosting Northern Potoos.
After the botanical gardens, we head on north into the unmatched Blue Mountains, where we will spend the following three nights. We check in to our lodge and have dinner there. Following dinner, we'll venture outside with our torches to search for nocturnal species including Chuck-will's widow, and, of course, the charismatic Jamaican Owl.
November 22-23: Birding in the Blue Mountains
The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park's Important Bird Area, which was recently named a World Heritage Site, is a true birder's paradise. The quality of birding and the close proximity to numerous rare species are just astonishing! Our birding will focus on the well-known Hardwar Gap bird highway, which runs almost halfway up the majestic Blue summit Peak, even though the highest summit is 2256 meters. Here, we'll focus on the endangered Jamaican Blackbird and the cunning Crested Quail-Dove. The Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo, Blue Mountain Vireo , Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo (referred to as the "old man bird" in the area), and the endearing Jamaican Tody (which frequently provides some especially memorable encounters) are some additional species to keep an eye out for today. You will also get the greatest views of Jamaica's national bird, the magnificent Red-billed Streamertail, which is endmeic to the island.
We eat breakfast this morning before moving on to explore the nearby cloud forest. The Rufous-throated Solitaire's unique song melody could help us locate this species, while the White-chinned and White-eyed Thrush, endemic "cousins," should offer attractive appearances. Along with the endemic Arrowhead Warbler, Jamaican Oriole, and Jamaican Euphonia, abnd Jamaican Spindalis is clearly identifiable in its abundance due to its incredibly magnificent and genuinely distinctive coloring.
Depending on how well our birding goes, we might get to see the distinctive way of life of the rural Blue Mountain Coffee farmers and, of course, taste what are considered to be some of the world's most flavourful and rich coffees. We want to spend some time taking in the peace and quiet before returning to our lodge for a hearty home-style dinner.
November 24: Trasnfer to coast, birding Ecclesdown Road
Today, we head northeast via the picturesque Buff Bay River Valley and along the north shore to the well-known Ecclesdown Road. We stop a along the route at a small local restaurant for lunch and visit a few birding spots.
Targeting the jet black Jamaican Crow and the scarce Black-billed Streamertail, which is now only seen in the island's far east and fiercely protects its territory from Red-billed relative intrusions, will be the main focus of this afternoon's birding! The native Orangequit should also offer great views, and other potential species include the Jamaican Becard, Jamaican Pewee, Sad Flycatcher, and Ring-tailed Pigeon.Away from the busy bustle of Kingston and the crowded beaches and resorts on the island's popular western side, the isolated coastal town where your lodging is situated offers a taste of Jamaican life.
November 25: Birding Ecclesdown Road and transfer to Kingston
This morning, after picking up any crucial targets not seen the previous afternoon, we make our way back towards the bustling capital of Kingston, where we have lunch and then the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. We then enjoy a farewell dinner.
November 26: Depart Kingston
Following breakfast, we will say goodbye transfer to the airport for flights home.
We will arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport outside of Kingston, the energetic capital of the nation, and arrive the hotel for dinner and check-in.
November 21: Hellshire Hills and transfer to Blue Mountains
We will set out early in the morning to explore the arid scrubland in the south of the island, taking advantage of the lower temperatures and increased bird activity. Since 1999, this desert wilderness—which at first look could appear to be a fairly unfriendly and desolate place—has been legally protected, and for good cause. This vast area in the center of the Hellshire Hills serves as the final stronghold and natural habitat for the unique Jamaican Iguana, a remnant of a species that is now severely endangered (and once thought to be extinct) due to human activity.
Here, we'll come across several important and mostly range-restricted targets, such the Yellow-shouldered Grassquit, Jamaican Vireo, and Jamaican Mango. It is also one of just two locations on the island where the Bahama Mockingbird can be found, and other target species in the region include the endemic subspecies of Greater Antillean Bullfinch (ruficollis) and Stolid Flycatcher (stolidus).
Before seeing the capital's large Botanical Gardens, we have lunch at a nearby restaurant . The sounds of one (or, if we're lucky, both) of the island's rare and endemic Amazonas may be heard among the towering palms, floral bushes, and winding walkways of this location. There are many Yellow-billed Amaons here, but if you search in their favorite spots, you can notice the occasional Black-billed Amazon. Other targets here include the loud and ostentatious Jamaican Woodpecker, the tiny near-endemic Vervain Hummingbird (often hilariously perched on a spire of the tallest palm!), and roosting Northern Potoos.
After the botanical gardens, we head on north into the unmatched Blue Mountains, where we will spend the following three nights. We check in to our lodge and have dinner there. Following dinner, we'll venture outside with our torches to search for nocturnal species including Chuck-will's widow, and, of course, the charismatic Jamaican Owl.
November 22-23: Birding in the Blue Mountains
The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park's Important Bird Area, which was recently named a World Heritage Site, is a true birder's paradise. The quality of birding and the close proximity to numerous rare species are just astonishing! Our birding will focus on the well-known Hardwar Gap bird highway, which runs almost halfway up the majestic Blue summit Peak, even though the highest summit is 2256 meters. Here, we'll focus on the endangered Jamaican Blackbird and the cunning Crested Quail-Dove. The Jamaican Lizard-Cuckoo, Blue Mountain Vireo , Rufous-tailed Flycatcher, Chestnut-bellied Cuckoo (referred to as the "old man bird" in the area), and the endearing Jamaican Tody (which frequently provides some especially memorable encounters) are some additional species to keep an eye out for today. You will also get the greatest views of Jamaica's national bird, the magnificent Red-billed Streamertail, which is endmeic to the island.
We eat breakfast this morning before moving on to explore the nearby cloud forest. The Rufous-throated Solitaire's unique song melody could help us locate this species, while the White-chinned and White-eyed Thrush, endemic "cousins," should offer attractive appearances. Along with the endemic Arrowhead Warbler, Jamaican Oriole, and Jamaican Euphonia, abnd Jamaican Spindalis is clearly identifiable in its abundance due to its incredibly magnificent and genuinely distinctive coloring.
Depending on how well our birding goes, we might get to see the distinctive way of life of the rural Blue Mountain Coffee farmers and, of course, taste what are considered to be some of the world's most flavourful and rich coffees. We want to spend some time taking in the peace and quiet before returning to our lodge for a hearty home-style dinner.
November 24: Trasnfer to coast, birding Ecclesdown Road
Today, we head northeast via the picturesque Buff Bay River Valley and along the north shore to the well-known Ecclesdown Road. We stop a along the route at a small local restaurant for lunch and visit a few birding spots.
Targeting the jet black Jamaican Crow and the scarce Black-billed Streamertail, which is now only seen in the island's far east and fiercely protects its territory from Red-billed relative intrusions, will be the main focus of this afternoon's birding! The native Orangequit should also offer great views, and other potential species include the Jamaican Becard, Jamaican Pewee, Sad Flycatcher, and Ring-tailed Pigeon.Away from the busy bustle of Kingston and the crowded beaches and resorts on the island's popular western side, the isolated coastal town where your lodging is situated offers a taste of Jamaican life.
November 25: Birding Ecclesdown Road and transfer to Kingston
This morning, after picking up any crucial targets not seen the previous afternoon, we make our way back towards the bustling capital of Kingston, where we have lunch and then the remainder of the afternoon at leisure. We then enjoy a farewell dinner.
November 26: Depart Kingston
Following breakfast, we will say goodbye transfer to the airport for flights home.
