Take a Dominica
Bird Watching Vacation!

• Yellow Warbler
• Broad-winged Hawk
• Blue-headed Hummingbird
• Ringed Kingfisher
• Scaly-breasted Thrasher
• Pearly-eyed Thrasher
• Green Heron
• Ruddy Quail-dove
• Blue-hooded Euphonia
• Mountain Whistler

The list also includes rare species such as the the Imperial Amazon Parrot (The "Sister" which also happens to be Dominica's national bird), Red-necked Amazon Parrot (The "Jaco"), and the Forest Thrush.

A bird watching vacation in Dominica will take you to interesting places like . . .

Syndicate Forest Located at the foot of the island's highest mountain, Morne Diablotin.

Early morning hours offer the best opportunity to see the exotic Amazonian parrots like the endangered Imperial Amazon Parrot (known locally as the Sisserou) or the Red-Necked Amazon Parrot (known locally as the Jaco) feeding in their natural habitat.

The Sisserou Parrot is found only in Dominica - it also gracefully adorns the National Flag. These birds can grow to the ripe old age of 70 or more. It is estimated that only 60 or so of these majestic birds remain in the wild.

Middleham Falls

Approximately an hour and a half walk from the village of Laudat.

On this tour you are likely to hear the varied and beautiful song of the Mountain Whistler, and observe the Purple-Throated Carib Hummingbird and the Antillean Crested Hummingbird feeding from flowers.

The Mangrove Cuckoo, the Green Heron, and the Smooth-Billed Ani can also be seen in the area.

Indian River

Take a row-boat tour up Dominica's most navigable river.

Lined with mangroves and verdant plant life, this is where you can spot Hummingbirds, Green and White Herons, Plumbeous Warbler, Common Moorhen, Bananaquit and the Cuckoo among others.

Cabrits National Park Located on the northwestern coast of Dominica. This is a particularly important wetland for migratory birds.

In the morning, especially during the spring, small flocks of White Egrets could be seen flying northward into this swamp, which is also an important foraging area.

This park has well maintained nature trails to hilltop view points and the ruins of Fort Shirley.

Even if you are only a novice bird watcher, this is the one bird watching tour you just can't afford to miss:

Fresh Water Lake

Located at the foot of Morne Macaque.

This is Dominica's largest lake; it is 2,500 ft. above sea level and the source of the Roseau River.

Popular parrots and birds like the Siffleur Montagne, Choueque, Forest Thrush, Hummingbirds, Kingfisher, Warblers, Herons, Plovers, Sandpipers, Terns, Zenida Dove, Red-Necked Pigeon, Wild Ducks, and the Great Blue Heron among others have been sighted at this scenic location.

See endangered Imperial (known locally as the Sisserou) to be found only in Dominica; or Red-Necked (known locally as Jaco), in the Avery. Other birds such as the Grey King Bird, Green Back Heron, Green-Throated Hummingbird, Yellow Warbler, Banana Quite, and the Smooth-Billed Ani can also be seen in and around the Botanical Gardens.

Bird watching tours can easily be arranged from your hotel. Your hosts will be more than happy to assist you in finding the tour you desire.

Costs for bird watching tours vary, depending on the level of difficulty and whether or not transportation needs to be provided.

It's usually best to wear a pair of comfortable hiking shoes, comfortable clothes, and don't forget your trusty binoculars. You can also pack a light lunch, if you choose - if not, you can always stop for lunch along the way.

Whether you are an avid bird watcher, or a novice, a bird watching vacation in Dominica promises to be a rewarding experience.