List of birds of Cuba

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The Cuban trogon is the national bird of Cuba. Cubaanse Trogon.jpg
The Cuban trogon is the national bird of Cuba.

This is a list of birds species recorded in the archipelago of Cuba, which consists of the main island of Cuba and over 1000 smaller cays and islands. The confirmed avifauna of Cuba included a total of 407 species as of May 2023 according to the Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba. [1] Of them, 25 are endemic, 15 have been introduced by humans, and 151 are noted as rare. Thirty-two endemic subspecies of more widespread species are noted. Two species are known to be extinct and two others possibly are. An additional 13 species are classed as hypothetical. Fifteen species are globally threatened.

Contents

This list is presented in the taxonomic sequence of the Check-list of North and Middle American Birds, 7th edition through the 63rd Supplement, published by the American Ornithological Society (AOS). [2] Common and scientific names are also those of the Check-list, except that the common names of families are from the Clements taxonomy because the AOS list does not include them. Additional accidental species have been added from different sources.

The following tags have been used to highlight several categories of occurrence.

Ducks, geese, and waterfowl

Order: Anseriformes    Family: Anatidae

Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.

Common nameBinomialStatus
White-faced whistling-duck Dendrocygna viduata(R)
Black-bellied whistling-duck Dendrocygna autumnalis(R)
West Indian whistling-duck Dendrocygna arboreavulnerable
Fulvous whistling-duck Dendrocygna bicolor
Snow goose Anser caerulescens(R)
Greater white-fronted goose Anser albifrons(R)
Brant Branta bernicla(R)
Canada goose Branta canadensis(R)
Tundra swan Cygnus columbianus(R)
Muscovy duck Cairina moschata(I)
Wood duck Aix sponsa
Blue-winged teal Spatula discors
Cinnamon teal Spatula cyanoptera(R)
Northern shoveler Spatula clypeata
Gadwall Mareca strepera(R)
Eurasian wigeon Mareca penelope(R)
American wigeon Mareca americana
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos(R)
American black duck Anas rubripes(H)
White-cheeked pintail Anas bahamensis
Northern pintail Anas acuta
Green-winged teal Anas crecca
Canvasback Aythya valisineria(R)
Redhead Aythya americana(R)
Ring-necked duck Aythya collaris
Greater scaup Aythya marila(H)
Lesser scaup Aythya affinis
Surf scoter Melanitta perspicillata(R)
White-winged scoter Melanitta deglandi(R)
Bufflehead Bucephala albeola(R)
Common goldeneye Bucephala clangula(H)
Hooded merganser Lophodytes cucullatus(R)
Common merganser Mergus merganser(R)
Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator
Masked duck Nomonyx dominicus
Ruddy duck Oxyura jamaicensis

Guineafowl

Order: Galliformes    Family: Numididae

Guineafowls are a group of African, seed-eating, ground-nesting birds that resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled gray plumage.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Helmeted guineafowl Numida meleagris(I)

New World quail

Order: Galliformes    Family: Odontophoridae

The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Northern bobwhite Colinus virginianus cubanensis(Es) near-threatened

Pheasants, grouse, and allies

Order: Galliformes    Family: Phasianidae

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls, and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Ring-necked pheasant Phasianus colchicus(I)

Flamingos

American flamingos American flamingos (Phoenicopterus ruber) Cu.jpg
American flamingos

Order: Phoenicopteriformes    Family: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside down.

Common nameBinomialStatus
American flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber

Grebes

Order: Podicipediformes    Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Least grebe Tachybaptus dominicus
Pied-billed grebe Podilymbus podiceps

Pigeons and doves

Key West quail-dove Key West quail-dove (Geotrygon chrysia).JPG
Key West quail-dove
Blue-headed quail-dove Blue-headed quail dove (Starnoenas cyanocephala).JPG
Blue-headed quail-dove

Order: Columbiformes    Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Rock pigeon Columba livia(I)
Scaly-naped pigeon Patagioenas squamosa
White-crowned pigeon Patagioenas leucocephalanear-threatened
Plain pigeon Patagioenas inornatanear-threatened
Eurasian collared-dove Streptopelia decaocto(I)
Passenger pigeon Ectopistes migratoriusextinct
Common ground dove Columbina passerina
Blue-headed quail-dove Starnoenas cyanocephala(E) endangered
Ruddy quail-dove Geotrygon montana
Gray-fronted quail-dove Geotrygon caniceps(E) vulnerable
Key West quail-dove Geotrygon chrysia
White-winged dove Zenaida asiatica
Zenaida dove Zenaida aurita
Mourning dove Zenaida macroura

Cuckoos

Great lizard-cuckoo Great lizard-cuckoo (Saurothera merlini santamariae).JPG
Great lizard-cuckoo

Order: Cuculiformes    Family: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Smooth-billed ani Crotophaga ani
Yellow-billed cuckoo Coccyzus americanus
Mangrove cuckoo Coccyzus minor
Black-billed cuckoo Coccyzus erythropthalmus(R)
Great lizard-cuckoo Coccyzus merlini

Nightjars and allies

Order: Caprimulgiformes    Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Common nighthawk Chordeiles minor
Antillean nighthawk Chordeiles gundlachii
Chuck-will's-widow Antrostomus carolinensis
Greater Antillean nightjar Antrostomus cubanensisThe two subspecies in Cuba are considered a separate species, Cuban nightjar, by Navarro
Eastern whip-poor-will Antrostomus vociferus(R)

Potoos

Order: Nyctibiiformes    Family: Nyctibiidae

The potoos (sometimes called poor-me-ones) are large near passerine birds related to the nightjars and frogmouths. They are nocturnal insectivores which lack the bristles around the mouth found in the true nightjars.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Northern potoo Nyctibius jamaicensis(R)

Swifts

Order: Apodiformes    Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Black swift Cypseloides niger
White-collared swift Streptoprocne zonaris
Chimney swift Chaetura pelagica(R) near-threatened
Antillean palm-swift Tachornis phoenicobia iradii(Es)

Hummingbirds

Cuban emerald Cuban emerald (Chlorostilbon ricordii ricordii) male cr.jpg
Cuban emerald
Bee hummingbird Bee hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae) adult male non-breeding.jpg
Bee hummingbird

Order: Apodiformes    Family: Trochilidae

Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Ruby-throated hummingbird Archilochus colubris(R)
Bee hummingbird Mellisuga helenae(E) near-threatened
Bahama woodstar Nesophlox evelynae(R)
Cuban emerald Riccordia ricordii ricordii(Es)

Rails, gallinules, and coots

Order: Gruiformes    Family: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Zapata rail Cyanolimnas cerverai(E) Critically endangered
Spotted rail Pardirallus maculatus
King rail Rallus elegans ramsdeni(Es) Near-threatened
Clapper rail Rallus crepitans
Virginia rail Rallus limicola(R)
Sora Porzana carolina
Common gallinule Gallinula galeata
American coot Fulica americana
Purple gallinule Porphyrio martinica
Yellow-breasted crake Haplocrex flaviventer
Black rail Laterallus jamaicensis(R) Near-threatened

Limpkin

Limpkin Limpkin (Aramus guarauna pictus).JPG
Limpkin

Order: Gruiformes    Family: Aramidae

The limpkin resembles a large rail. It has drab-brown plumage and a grayer head and neck.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Limpkin Aramus guarauna

Cranes

Order: Gruiformes    Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged, and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched rather than retracted.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Sandhill crane Antigone canadensis nesiotes(Es)

Stilts and avocets

Black-necked stilts Black-necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus).JPG
Black-necked stilts

Order: Charadriiformes    Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Black-necked stilt Himantopus mexicanus
American avocet Recurvirostra americana

Oystercatchers

Order: Charadriiformes    Family: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.

Common nameBinomialStatus
American oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus

Plovers and lapwings

Killdeer Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus ternominatus).JPG
Killdeer

Order: Charadriiformes    Family: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Black-bellied plover Pluvialis squatarola
American golden-plover Pluvialis dominica(R)
Killdeer Charadrius vociferus
Semipalmated plover Charadrius semipalmatus
Piping plover Charadrius melodusnear-threatened
Wilson's plover Charadrius wilsonia
Snowy plover Charadrius nivosusnear-threatened

Jacanas

Order: Charadriiformes    Family: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a group of waders which are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Northern jacana Jacana spinosa

Sandpipers and allies

Greater yellowlegs Greater yellowlegs (Tringa melanoleuca).JPG
Greater yellowlegs
Lesser yellowlegs Lesser yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes).JPG
Lesser yellowlegs
Least sandpiper Least sandpiper (Calidris minutilla) Cu.JPG
Least sandpiper

Order: Charadriiformes    Family: Scolopacidae

Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Upland sandpiper Bartramia longicauda(R)
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Long-billed curlew Numenius americanus(R)
Hudsonian godwit Limosa haemastica(R)
Marbled godwit Limosa fedoa(R)
Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres
Red knot Calidris canutusnear-threatened
Ruff Calidris pugnax(R)
Stilt sandpiper Calidris himantopus
Curlew sandpiper Calidris ferruginea(H)
Sanderling Calidris alba
Dunlin Calidris alpina(R)
Least sandpiper Calidris minutilla
White-rumped sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis
Buff-breasted sandpiper Calidris subruficollis(R) near-threatened
Pectoral sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusillanear-threatened
Western sandpiper Calidris mauri
Short-billed dowitcher Limnodromus griseus
Long-billed dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus
Wilson's snipe Gallinago delicata
Spotted sandpiper Actitis macularius
Solitary sandpiper Tringa solitaria
Lesser yellowlegs Tringa flavipes
Willet Tringa semipalmata
Greater yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca
Wilson's phalarope Phalaropus tricolor(R)
Red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus(R)
Red phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius(R)

Skuas and jaegers

Order: Charadriiformes    Family: Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants.

Common nameBinomialStatus
South polar skua Stercorarius maccormicki(R)
Pomarine jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus(R)
Parasitic jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus(R)
Long-tailed jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus(R)

Auks, murres, and puffins

Order: Charadriiformes    Family: Alcidae

Auks are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colors, their upright posture, and some of their habits.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Dovekie Alle alle(R)

Gulls, terns, and skimmers

Royal tern Royal tern (Thalasseus maximus maximus) juvenile winter plumage.jpg
Royal tern

Order: Charadriiformes    Family: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, kittiwakes, terns and skimmers. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with gray or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years. Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla(R)
Sabine's gull Xema sabini(R)
Bonaparte's gull Chroicocephalus philadelphia(R)
Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus(R)
Laughing gull Leucophaeus atricilla
Franklin's gull Leucophaeus pipixcan(R)
Ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis
Herring gull Larus argentatus
Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus(R)
Great black-backed gull Larus marinus(R)
Brown noddy Anous stolidus
Sooty tern Onychoprion fuscata
Bridled tern Onychoprion anaethetus
Least tern Sternula antillarum
Large-billed tern Phaetusa simplex(R)
Gull-billed tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia
Black tern Chlidonias niger(R)
Roseate tern Sterna dougallii(R)
Common tern Sterna hirundo
Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea(R)
Forster's tern Sterna forsteri
Royal tern Thalasseus maxima
Sandwich tern Thalasseus sandvicensis
Black skimmer Rynchops niger

Tropicbirds

Order: Phaethontiformes    Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.

Common nameBinomialStatus
White-tailed tropicbird Phaethon lepturus(R)
Red-billed tropicbird Phaethon aethereus(R)

Loons

Order: Gaviiformes    Family: Gaviidae

Loons, known as divers in Europe, are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. It is the size of a large duck or small goose, which it somewhat resemble when swimming, but is completely unrelated to these waterfowl.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Common loon Gavia immer(R)

Southern storm-petrels

Order: Procellariiformes    Family: Oceanitidae

The storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. Until 2018, this family's species were included with the other storm-petrels in family Hydrobatidae.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Wilson's storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus(R)

Northern storm-petrels

Order: Procellariiformes    Family: Hydrobatidae

Though the members of this family are similar in many respects to the southern storm-petrels, including their general appearance and habits, there are enough genetic differences to warrant their placement in a separate family.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Leach's storm-petrel Hydrobates leucorhous(R)
Band-rumped storm-petrel Hydrobates castro(R)

Shearwaters and petrels

Order: Procellariiformes    Family: Procellariidae

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Black-capped petrel Pterodroma hasitata(R)
Cory's shearwater Calonectris diomedea(R)
Sooty shearwater Ardenna griseus(R) near-threatened
Great shearwater Ardenna gravis(R)
Audubon's shearwater Puffinus lherminieri(R)

Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes    Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Wood stork Mycteria americana(R)

Frigatebirds

Order: Suliformes    Family: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white, or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Magnificent frigatebird Fregata magnificens

Boobies and gannets

Order: Suliformes    Family: Sulidae

The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Masked booby Sula dactylatra(R)
Brown booby Sula leucogaster
Red-footed booby Sula sula(R)
Northern gannet Morus bassanus(R)

Anhingas

Order: Suliformes    Family: Anhingidae

Anhingas are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape, and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Anhinga Anhinga anhinga

Cormorants and shags

Neotropic cormorant Neotropic cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus).JPG
Neotropic cormorant

Order: Suliformes    Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage coloration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white, and a few being colorful.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Double-crested cormorant Nannopterum auritum
Neotropic cormorant Nannopterum brasilianum

Pelicans

American white pelican American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) in flight.JPG
American white pelican
Brown pelican Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) in flight non-breeding plumage.JPG
Brown pelican

Order: Pelecaniformes    Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.

Common nameBinomialStatus
American white pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis

Herons, egrets, and bitterns

Order: Pelecaniformes    Family: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons, and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills.

Common nameBinomialStatus
American bittern Botaurus lentiginosus
Least bittern Ixobrychus exilis
Great blue heron Ardea herodias
Great egret Ardea alba
Snowy egret Egretta thula
Little blue heron Egretta caerulea
Tricolored heron Egretta tricolor
Reddish egret Egretta rufescensNear-threatened
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis
Green heron Butorides virescens
Black-crowned night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Yellow-crowned night-heron Nyctanassa violacea

Ibises and spoonbills

Order: Pelecaniformes    Family: Threskiornithidae

Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.

Common nameBinomialStatus
White ibis Eudocimus albus
Scarlet ibis Eudocimus ruber(R)
Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus
White-faced ibis Plegadis chihi(R)
Roseate spoonbill Platalea ajaja

New World vultures

Turkey vulture Turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) in flight.JPG
Turkey vulture

Order: Cathartiformes    Family: Cathartidae The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carrion.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Black vulture Coragyps atratus(R)
Turkey vulture Cathartes aura

Osprey

Order: Accipitriformes    Family: Pandionidae

The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Hawks, eagles, and kites

Cuban black hawk Cuban black hawk (Buteogallus gundlachii).jpg
Cuban black hawk

Order: Accipitriformes    Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Cuban kite Chondrohierax wilsonii(E)
Swallow-tailed kite Elanoides forficatus
Northern harrier Circus hudsonius
Sharp-shinned hawk Accipiter striatus fringilloides(Es)
Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii(R)
Gundlach's hawk Accipiter gundlachi(E) endangered
Bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus(R)
Mississippi kite Ictinia mississippiensis
Snail kite Rostrhamus sociabilis
Cuban black hawk Buteogallus gundlachii(E) Near-threatened
Broad-winged hawk Buteo platypterus cubanensis(Es)
Short-tailed hawk Buteo brachyurus(R)
Swainson's hawk Buteo swainsoni(R)
Red-tailed hawk Buteo jamaicensis

Barn-owls

Order: Strigiformes    Family: Tytonidae

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Barn owl Tyto alba

Owls

Cuban pygmy-owl Cuban pygmy-owl (Glaucidium siju siju).JPG
Cuban pygmy-owl

Order: Strigiformes    Family: Strigidae

The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Bare-legged owl Margarobyas lawrencii(E)
Cuban pygmy-owl Glaucidium siju(E)
Burrowing owl Athene cunicularia
Long-eared owl Asio otus(R)
Stygian owl Asio stygius suguapa(Es)
Short-eared owl Asio flammeus

Trogons

Cuban trogon Cuban trogon (Priotelus temnurus).JPG
Cuban trogon

Order: Trogoniformes    Family: Trogonidae

The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colorful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Cuban trogon Priotelus temnurus(E)

Todies

Cuban tody Cuban tody (Todus multicolor).JPG
Cuban tody

Order: Coraciiformes    Family: Todidae

Todies are a group of small near passerine forest species endemic to the Caribbean. These birds have colorful plumage and resemble small kingfishers, but have flattened bills with serrated edges. They eat small prey such as insects and lizards.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Cuban tody Todus multicolor(E)

Kingfishers

Order: Coraciiformes    Family: Alcedinidae

Water kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Belted kingfisher Megaceryle alcyon

Woodpeckers

Cuban green woodpecker Cuban green woodpecker (Xiphidiopicus percussus percussus) female.JPG
Cuban green woodpecker
Northern flicker Northern flicker (Colaptes auratus chrysocaulosus) female.JPG
Northern flicker

Order: Piciformes    Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.

Common nameBinomialStatus
West Indian woodpecker Melanerpes superciliaris
Yellow-bellied sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius
Cuban green woodpecker Xiphidiopicus percussus(E)
Northern flicker Colaptes auratus chrysocaulosus(Es)
Fernandina's flicker Colaptes fernandinae(E) vulnerable
Ivory-billed woodpecker Campephilus principalis bairdii(Es) (R) critically endangered (possibly extinct)
Pileated woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus(LC) (A)

Falcons and caracaras

American kestrel, male red morph American kestrel (Falco sparverius sparveroides) male red morph.JPG
American kestrel, male red morph
American kestrel, female white morph American kestrel (Falco sparverius sparveroides) female white morph.JPG
American kestrel, female white morph

Order: Falconiformes    Family: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Crested caracara Caracara plancus
American kestrel Falco sparverius sparveroides(Es)
Merlin Falco columbarius
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus

New World and African parrots

Cuban parakeet Cuban Parakeet (Aratinga euops) -in tree-6-4c.jpg
Cuban parakeet

Order: Psittaciformes    Family: Psittacidae

Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Cuban macaw Ara tricolorextinct
Red-and-green macaw Ara chloropterus(I)
Blue-and-yellow macaw Ara ararauna(I)
Cuban parakeet Psittacara euops(E) vulnerable
Cuban parrot Amazona leucocephalanear-threatened

Tyrant flycatchers

Cuban pewee Cuban pewee (Contopus caribaeus caribaeus).JPG
Cuban pewee
Loggerhead kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus -Parque Nacional La Guira, Pinar del Rio Province, Cuba-8 (2).jpg
Loggerhead kingbird
Giant kingbird Giant Kingbird 2495229727.jpg
Giant kingbird

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Tyrannidae

Tyrant flycatchers are passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, have plain coloring. As the name implies, most are insectivorous.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Great crested flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus(R)
La Sagra's flycatcher Myiarchus sagrae
Tropical kingbird Tyrannus melancholicus(R)
Cassin's kingbird Tyrannus vociferans(R)
Western kingbird Tyrannus verticalis(R)
Eastern kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus
Gray kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis
Loggerhead kingbird Tyrannus caudifasciatus caudifasciatus(Es)
Giant kingbird Tyrannus cubensis(E) endangered
Scissor-tailed flycatcher Tyrannus forficatus(R)
Fork-tailed flycatcher Tyrannus savana(R)
Western wood-pewee Contopus sordidulus(R)
Eastern wood-pewee Contopus virens
Cuban pewee Contopus caribaeus
Yellow-bellied flycatcher Empidonax flaviventris(R)
Acadian flycatcher Empidonax virescens
Alder flycatcher Empidonax alnorum(R)
Willow flycatcher Empidonax traillii
Least flycatcher Empidonax minimus(R)
Eastern phoebe Sayornis phoebe(R)
Vermilion flycatcher Pyrocephalus rubinus(R)

Vireos, shrike-babblers, and erpornis

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Vireonidae

The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are typically greenish in color and resemble New World warblers apart from their heavier bills.

Common nameBinomialStatus
White-eyed vireo Vireo griseus
Thick-billed vireo Vireo crassirostrisvulnerable
Cuban vireo Vireo gundlachii(E)
Yellow-throated vireo Vireo flavifrons
Blue-headed vireo Vireo solitarius(R)
Philadelphia vireo Vireo philadelphicus(R)
Warbling vireo Vireo gilvus(R)
Red-eyed vireo Vireo olivaceus
Black-whiskered vireo Vireo altiloquus

Crows, jays, and magpies

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Corvidae

The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.

Common nameBinomialStatus
House crow Corvus splendens(R)
Cuban palm crow Corvus minutus
Cuban crow Corvus nasicus

Swallows

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Hirundinidae

The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Bank swallow Riparia riparia
Tree swallow Tachycineta bicolor
Bahama swallow Tachycineta cyaneoviridis(R)
Northern rough-winged swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis
Purple martin Progne subis
Cuban martin Progne cryptoleuca
Caribbean martin Progne dominicensis(R)
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica
Cliff swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
Cave swallow Petrochelidon fulva cavicola(Es)

Kinglets

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Regulidae

The kinglets, also called crests, are a small group of birds often included in the Old World warblers, but frequently given family status because they also resemble the titmice.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Ruby-crowned kinglet Corthylio calendula(R)

Waxwings

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Bombycillidae

The waxwings are a group of passerine birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Cedar waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum

Gnatcatchers

Cuban gnatcatcher Cuban gnatcatcher (Polioptila lembeyei).JPG
Cuban gnatcatcher

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Polioptilidae

These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their build and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers and gnatwrens are mainly soft bluish gray in color and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. They are birds of fairly open woodland or scrub, which nest in bushes or trees.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Cuban gnatcatcher Polioptila lembeyei(E)
Blue-gray gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea

Wrens

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Troglodytidae

The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Zapata wren Ferminia cerverai(E) endangered
House wren Troglodytes aedon(R)
Marsh wren Cistothorus palustris(H)

Mockingbirds and thrashers

Gray catbird Gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis).JPG
Gray catbird
Northern mockingbird Northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos orpheus) Cu.JPG
Northern mockingbird

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Mimidae

The mimids are a family of passerine birds that includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalizations, especially their ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. Their coloring tends towards dull-grays and browns.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Gray catbird Dumetella carolinensis
Brown thrasher Toxostoma rufum(R)
Bahama mockingbird Mimus gundlachii(R)
Northern mockingbird Mimus polyglottos

Starlings

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.

Common nameBinomialStatus
European starling Sturnus vulgaris(I) (R)
Common myna Acridotheres tristis(I) (R)

Thrushes and allies

Red-legged thrush Red-legged thrush (Turdus plumbeus rubripes).JPG
Red-legged thrush

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft-plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Eastern bluebird Sialia sialis(R)
Cuban solitaire Myadestes elisabeth(E) near-threatened
Veery Catharus fuscescens(R)
Gray-cheeked thrush Catharus minimus
Bicknell's thrush Catharus bicknellivulnerable
Swainson's thrush Catharus ustulatus
Hermit thrush Catharus guttatus(R)
Wood thrush Hylocichla mustelina(R)
American robin Turdus migratorius(R)
Red-legged thrush Turdus plumbeus

Old World flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Muscicapidae

Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Northern wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe(R)

Waxbills and allies

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Estrildidae

The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in build and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colors and patterns.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Scaly-breasted munia Lonchura punctulata(I)
Tricolored munia Lonchura malacca(I)
Chestnut munia Lonchura atricapilla(I) (R)

Old World sparrows

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Passeridae

Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or gray birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.

Common nameBinomialStatus
House sparrow Passer domesticus(I)

Wagtails and pipits

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Motacillidae

Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender ground-feeding insectivores of open country.

Common nameBinomialStatus
White wagtail Motacilla alba(R)
American pipit Anthus rubescens(R)

Finches, euphonias, and allies

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Fringillidae

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.

Common nameBinomialStatus
House finch Haemorhous mexicanus(I) (VR)
American goldfinch Spinus tristis(R)

Longspurs and snow buntings

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Calcariidae

The Calcariidae are a group of passerine birds that had been traditionally grouped with the New World sparrows, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Lapland longspur Calcarius lapponicus(R)

New World sparrows

Zapata sparrow Zapata sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata varonai).JPG
Zapata sparrow

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Passerellidae

Until 2017, these species were considered part of the family Emberizidae. Most of the species are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many of these have distinctive head patterns.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Grasshopper sparrow Ammodramus savannarum
Lark sparrow Chondestes grammacus(R)
Chipping sparrow Spizella passerina(R)
Clay-colored sparrow Spizella pallida(R)
Dark-eyed junco Junco hyemalis(R)
White-crowned sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys
Harris's sparrow Zonotrichia querula(R)
White-throated sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis(R)
Savannah sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis
Song sparrow Melospiza melodia(R)
Lincoln's sparrow Melospiza lincolnii(R)
Zapata sparrow Torreornis inexpectata(E) endangered
Green-tailed towhee Pipilo chlorurus(R)

Spindalises

Western spindalis Western spindalis (Spindalis zena pretrei) male.JPG
Western spindalis

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Spindalidae

The members of this small family are native to the Greater Antilles. They were formerly classified as tanagers (family Thraupidae) but were placed in their own family in 2017.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Western spindalis Spindalis zena pretrei(Es)

Cuban warblers

Oriente warbler Oriente warbler (Teretistris fornsi).JPG
Oriente warbler

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Teretistridae

These two species were formerly placed in the New World warblers (Parulidae) but were moved to their own family in 2017.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Yellow-headed warbler Teretistris fernandinae(E)
Oriente warbler Teretistris fornsi(E)

Yellow-breasted chat

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Icteriidae

This species was historically placed in the New World warblers, but nonetheless most authorities were unsure if it belonged there. It was moved to its own family in 2017.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Yellow-breasted chat Icteria virens(R)

Troupials and allies

Tawny-shouldered blackbird Agelaius humeralis, Holguin, Cuba.jpg
Tawny-shouldered blackbird
Cuban blackbird Dives atroviolaceus -Havana, Cuba-8.jpg
Cuban blackbird
Greater Antillean grackle Greater antillean grackle (Quiscalus niger gundlachii).JPG
Greater Antillean grackle
Shiny cowbird Shiny cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis) male Cu.JPG
Shiny cowbird

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Icteridae

The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as the predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Yellow-headed blackbird Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus(R)
Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus
Eastern meadowlark Sturnella magna hippocrepis(Es)
Cuban oriole Icterus melanopsis(E)
Orchard oriole Icterus spurius
Hooded oriole Icterus cucullatus(R)
Yellow-tailed oriole Icterus mesomelas(H)
Altamira oriole Icterus gularis(R)
Baltimore oriole Icterus galbula
Red winged blackbird Agealaius phoeniceus
Red-shouldered blackbird Agelaius assimilis(E)
Tawny-shouldered blackbird Agelaius humeralis
Shiny cowbird Molothrus bonariensis
Brown-headed cowbird Molothrus ater(R)
Cuban blackbird Ptiloxena atroviolacea(E)
Rusty blackbird Euphagus carolinus(H)
Boat-tailed grackle Quiscalus major(R)
Great-tailed grackle Quiscalus mexicanus(R)
Greater Antillean grackle Quiscalus niger

New World warblers

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Parulidae

Yellow warbler Mangrove Warbler (Setophaga petechia gundlachi) male, Cuba.jpg
Yellow warbler
Black-throated blue warbler Black-throated blue warbler (Setophaga caerulescens) male Cu.JPG
Black-throated blue warbler
Prairie warbler Prairie warbler (Setophaga discolor paludicola) male Cu.JPG
Prairie warbler

The New World warblers are a group of small, often colorful, passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapilla
Worm-eating warbler Helmitheros vermivorum
Louisiana waterthrush Parkesia motacilla
Northern waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis
Bachman's warbler Vermivora bachmaniicritically endangered (possibly extinct)
Golden-winged warbler Vermivora chrysoptera(R) Near-threatened
Blue-winged warbler Vermivora cyanoptera(R)
Black-and-white warbler Mniotilta varia
Prothonotary warbler Protonotaria citrea
Swainson's warbler Limnothlypis swainsonii
Tennessee warbler Leiothlypis peregrina
Orange-crowned warbler Leiothlypis celata(R)
Nashville warbler Leiothlypis ruficapilla(R)
Virginia's warbler Leiothlypis virginiae(R)
Connecticut warbler Oporornis agilis(R)
Mourning warbler Geothlypis philadelphia(R)
Kentucky warbler Geothlypis formosa(R)
Common yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas
Hooded warbler Setophaga citrina
American redstart Setophaga ruticilla
Kirtland's warbler Setophaga kirtlandii(R) near-threatened
Cape May warbler Setophaga tigrina
Cerulean warbler Setophaga cerulea(R) Vulnerable
Northern parula Setophaga americana
Magnolia warbler Setophaga magnolia
Bay-breasted warbler Setophaga castanea(R)
Blackburnian warbler Setophaga fusca(R)
Yellow warbler Setophaga petechia
Chestnut-sided warbler Setophaga pensylvanica
Blackpoll warbler Setophaga striata
Black-throated blue warbler Setophaga caerulescens
Palm warbler Setophaga palmarum
Olive-capped warbler Setophaga pityophila
Pine warbler Setophaga pinus(R)
Yellow-rumped warbler Setophaga coronata
Yellow-throated warbler Setophaga dominica
Prairie warbler Setophaga discolor
Black-throated gray warbler Setophaga nigrescens(R)
Townsend's warbler Setophaga townsendi(R)
Black-throated green warbler Setophaga virens
Canada warbler Cardellina canadensis
Wilson's warbler Cardellina pusilla(R)

Cardinals and allies

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Cardinalidae

The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Summer tanager Piranga rubra
Scarlet tanager Piranga olivacea
Western tanager Piranga ludoviciana(R)
Black-headed grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus
Rose-breasted grosbeak Pheucticus melanocephalus(R)
Blue grosbeak Passerina caerulea
Lazuli bunting Passerina amoena(R)
Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea
Painted bunting Passerina cirisnear-threatened
Dickcissel Spiza americana(R)

Tanagers and allies

Cuban bullfinch Cuban bullfinch (Melopyrrha nigra nigra).JPG
Cuban bullfinch
Cuban grassquit Tiaris canorus -Canberra Walk In Aviary, Australia-8a.jpg
Cuban grassquit

Order: Passeriformes    Family: Thraupidae

The tanagers are a large group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World, mainly in the tropics. Many species are brightly colored. As a family they are omnivorous, but individual species specialize in eating fruits, seeds, insects, or other types of food. Most have short, rounded wings.

Common nameBinomialStatus
Saffron finch Sicalis flaveola(R)
Blue-black grassquit Volatinia jacarina(R)
Red-legged honeycreeper Cyanerpes cyaneus
Bananaquit Coereba flaveola(R)
Yellow-faced grassquit Tiaris olivaceus
Cuban bullfinch Melopyrrha nigra(Es)
Cuban grassquit Phonipara canora(E)
Black-faced grassquit Melanospiza bicolor(R)

References

  1. 1 2 Navarro, Nils (2021). Annotated Checklist of the Birds of Cuba (4 ed.). Ediciones Nuevos Mundos. Retrieved September 2, 2021.
  2. Chesser, R. T., S. M. Billerman, K. J. Burns, C. Cicero, J. L. Dunn, B. E. Hernández-Baños, R. A. Jiménez, A. W. Kratter, N. A. Mason, P. C. Rasmussen, J. V. Remsen, Jr., D. F. Stotz, and K. Winker. 2022. Check-list of North American Birds (online). American Ornithological Society. (July 29, 2022). "Check-list of North and Middle American Birds". American Ornithological Society. Retrieved July 7, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)

See also