Jamaica's endemic bird species

JAMAICA ENDEMIC BIRD SPECIES

Jamaica is the third largest island in the West Indies after Cuba and Hispaniola. It was first sighted in 1494 by Christopher Columbus.
The island is in the Caribbean Sea, and is about 235 kilometres long and from 35 to 82 kilometres wide. The national capital is Kingston.

The island interior consists mainly of mountains and plateaus, and almost half of the surface is more than 300 metres above sea-level. But in the east, the Blue Mountains rise to 2,256 metres of elevation, with the highest point of the island, the Blue Mountain Peak. Coastal plains encircle the island, with the largest alluvial plains located in the south.

The climate is tropical, with hot and humid weather, but more temperate in the higher inland areas. The island sometimes suffers storm damage because it is located in the hurricane belt of the Atlantic Ocean.

In order to preserve the potential of the environment, several areas are now protected.
The animal life is typical of the Caribbean with highly diversified wildlife and numerous endemic species including 28 bird species. The island is home of hummingbirds, and the Red-billed Streamertail, locally known as “doctor bird” is Jamaica’s National Symbol. However, many beautiful and exotic birds can be found on the island.
The other wildlife includes bats, and introduced wild boars and Asian Mongoose. But reptiles such as crocodiles, lizards, iguanas and snakes are common in some areas, as well freshwater turtles and treefrogs.

Despite being a small nation, the culture of Jamaica has strong global presence. Among numerous musical genres, the internationally known reggae musician Bob Marley was also Jamaican. The reggae was first created in Jamaica in the late 1960s, speaking about life ups and downs. This music became popular around the world.

Christopher Columbus considered Jamaica to be “the fairest isle that eyes have beheld”. Today, the travellers still regard this island as one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean.

Text by Nicole Bouglouan

Sources:

Encyclopaedia Britannica – Jamaica

Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia

Facts About Jamaica

The Doctor Bird

Species list:

Sources: Avibase (Lepage Denis)

Arrowhead Warbler - Setophaga pharetra - Paruline de la Jamaïque

Black-billed Amazon - Amazona agilis - Amazone verte

Blue Mountain Vireo - Vireo osburni - Viréo d’Osburn

Crested Quail-Dove - Geotrygon versicolor - Colombe versicolore