Journal of Caribbean Ornithology (JCO) continues to publish peer-reviewed research promoting understanding of Caribbean birds and ecosystems, providing important conservation insights. In this annual summary, JCO staff is proud to highlight the outstanding work of Caribbean researchers.
Volume 37 features a wide range of research, including population dynamics, habitat use, bird behavior, and monitoring methods. Of the 13 articles, four focus on nocturne or elusive species, providing valuable information for conservation plans. This issue reflects the deep relationship between JCOs with the Caribbean bird science and conservation communities, as reflected in two. At Memoam A tribute to two respected ornithologists, Virginia Sants D. Angelo and Orlando Galido, who passed away this year. Additionally, Stephen Latta offers another article in “recent ornithological literature” and three insightful book reviews.
We are deeply grateful for our dedicated team of editors, reviewers, copy editors, translators, proofreaders and production specialists. We also extend our thanks to the 77 authors who commissioned the JCO to share open access research. With the support of non-profit partner Birdscaribbean, JCO continues to work on developing early career researchers, publishing content in three languages, and maintaining open access archives dating back to its first volume in 1988. Join us to maintain this important resource –Become a JCO supporter today!
Research articles and notes
Christopher C. Limer, Nicasio Vina Davila, John D. Lloyd, Eve Aubrey, Carmen Placencia Leon, Yasitt Segovia Vega, Freddie Rodriguez Santana, Jose Ramon Fuentes, Alejandro Rounes Sosa
The elusive bignel thrush breeds in narrow corridors along the eastern US and Canada, and is primarily covered with large Hispaniola forests. However, other islands, including Cuba, also play an important role in mosaics of their wintering habitat. In this paper, Chris Rimmer and colleagues present the findings of a long-term study of Bignel thrush in Cuba that began in the late 1990s. Their research maps species distribution, assesses its status in Cuba, and provides valuable insight into how to protect this vulnerable migratory bird throughout the year cycle.
Leanne A. Grieves, Quinlan M. Mann, Michael J. Morel, James S. Quinn
National parks and wildlife shelters play an important role in conserving native birds, especially endemic and endangered species. Puerto Rican Nightjar, once thought to have been extinct from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, now thrives in a network of forests in southern and southeastern Puerto Rico. In this research note, Grieves and colleagues document the first confirmed sightings of Puerto Rican Night Jarr within the Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Revuge. Their findings highlight the importance of protected areas for species recovery and the need for further investigation to assess the population status and habitat use of the Knightjaal.
Seriocha Amaro-Valdés
Some broad species have not been studied much, such as the elusive stigian owl. This owl has a fragmented distribution in Central and South America and the Western Caribbean. Cuban subspecies, As. Sig Apalives in Isla de La Juventud, a special municipality south of mainland Cuba, but is rarely observed. In this research note, Amaro-Valdés shares new insights into the species, including explanations of their nests, eggs, diet and distribution. These observations provide valuable knowledge in the life history and ecology of this mystical neotropical owl.
Luis A. Ramos Vazuquez, Najira Arocho Harnandez, Cielo Figuerola Harnandez, Jose L. Herrera Guilardo, Eduardo A. Bentosa Fels, Ana M. Roman, Silmarie Padron
Just off Puerto Rico’s west coast is Zeocho Island, a small, deserted island managed as a national wildlife sanctuary. The island, home to several seabird species, also housed invasive mammals that prey on breeding birds. After extensive eradication efforts, DeSecheo was released from invasive mammals in 2017 and allowed seabird populations to recover. In this article, Ramos-Vázquez and his team report the first evidence from Shearwaters of Audubon, nesting on the island, showing hopeful signs of the future of the species in the region.
Maintenance Report
Howard P. Nelson, David N. Ewart, Mark Halm, Daniel J. Levin, Jennifer Mortensen, Holly Robertson, Bonnie Rusk, Lisa Sorenson, Anne M. Haynes Sotton, Adrian Tossas, Amy Upglen, George E.
Determining which conservation issues to prioritize is an important first step towards protecting species in the Caribbean, especially those endemic threatened birds, facing multiple interconnected threats, including habitat loss, invasive species and climate change. In 2022, the Endemic and Threatened Species Working Group (ETSWG) conducted a survey to assess conservation priorities for Caribbean birds and assess the local capacity to address these challenges. In this conservation report, ETSWG members share important findings and outline recommendations from studies to enhance bird conservation efforts in the Caribbean.
Perspective and opinion
Puerto Rican royal family (Todas Mexicanus): What’s the name?
Thomas W. Shelley, Jose Gonzalez Diaz, Felisa Colaz Torres, Raul A. Perez Rivera, Justin Proctor, Herbert Raffaele, Adrien Tossas
Endemic species are symbols of national pride, even among those with little connection to nature, and inspire gratitude and conservation efforts. Puerto Rican King – The small, vibrant, charismatic birds spread across the Todie family, found only in the Caribbean. However, its scientific name is misleading and geographically inaccurate. How did this Puerto Rican endemic disease end with a name that refers to Mexico? And can this misnomer affect the national pride and conservation efforts? In this perspective and opinion article, Shelley and her colleagues unravel the history behind this taxonomic mix, discussing its potential meaning and solutions that could set the record straight.
New hypotheses regarding the identity of the blue partridge of goth (Zenaida? Plumbea) From Jamaica
Katherine Levy and Susan Koenig
Historical misidentification and taxonomic mysteries can last for centuries, shaping understandings of the species past and present. One such enigma is the blue partridge from Gossereportedly observed in Jamaica in the 1700s and later described in the 1800s by the naturalist Ph Gosse. The species remains an open issue since then, as no sightings have been confirmed. Was it a creative bird now or a misconception of an existing species? In this perspective and opinion, Levy and Koenig revisited this bird puzzle, examining 18th century illustrations and historical records to shed new light on Jamaican’s mystical “blue partridge” identity.
Special Issue 37: Proceedings of the 24th International Conference of Birds Caribbean
JCO We are proud to present the comprehensive quantities of conference procedures from Birdscaribbean’s 2024 International Conference. It will be held in Santo Domingo and co-hosted by the Birds Caribbean and Grupo Jaragua, and co-hosted by the conference’s united researchers, parents and bird lovers under the theme of “From mangroves to mountains: protecting bird treasures.”
Over 300 delegates from 31 countries, who have strengthened their networks for conserving Caribbean birds, gave engaging presentations over five days of pre- and post-conference workshops and field trips. The meeting minutes, available as a special issue of Volume 37, serve as a permanent reference, featuring over 170 pages of donations from keynoters, workshops, roundtables, symposiums, oral and poster presentations. Fully bilingual (English and Spanish), this issue highlights the latest advances in ornithology and conservation throughout the region.
Book reviews
Book authors: Martín Acosta, Lourdes Mugica, Karen Aguilar
Book Review: Stephen C. Latta
Cuban Bird Field Guide, 2nd Edition
Book authors: Arturo Kirkconnell and Orlando H. Garrido
Book Review: Stephen C. Latta
Cuban bird field guide (2nd edition) can be purchased directly Amazon.
Guide to Caribbean aliens and invasive animals
Book author: Arne Witt, Mike Picker, Kirsty Swinnerton
Book Review: Stephen C. Latta
Recent Ornithological Literature from the Caribbean (ROL)
Curated and annotated by Steve Latta, this annual compilation highlights the most important ornithological articles published in other journals. Recent Ornithological Literature (ROL) The section serves as a valuable resource for researchers, parents and bird lovers by summarizing important research into birdlife in the Caribbean. This collection makes the latest scientific findings more accessible to those who work to protect and understand the diversity of birds in their area.
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Zoya Buckmaia – Lead copy editor for Journal of Caribbean Ornithology.
Stefan Gleissberg – Management and production editor for the Journal of Caribbean Ornithology
Journal of Caribbean Ornithology They rely on donations to provide free open access to publications. Your support will give voice to Caribbean ornithologists and their important research, helping to make conservation knowledge accessible to everyone. Join us to maintain this important resource –Become a JCO supporter today!
