THE BIRDS OF NEVIS

Introduction by Bruce Horwith and Kevel Lindsay. Bird Descriptions by Paul Hilder

 

The islands of the Lesser Antilles have a particularly distinct avifauna, including seven endemic genera (Birdlife International, 1998): Collectively, these islands support 25 endemic bird species and an additional 11 subspecies.

Some of the latter are expected to be elevated to species status after additional research, and at least 23 of these taxa are likely vulnerable or known to be highly endangered (C. Hunter, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, pers. comm.).

 

In addition to supporting these restricted range species, the Eastern Caribbean is known to serve as an important link in the seasonal migrations of numerous birds. Several species of thrushes, vireos, cuckoos and warblers migrate through the Eastern Caribbean in large numbers as do numerous shorebirds.  This migration period overlaps the late summer-autumn tropical storm season, and migrants forced to land are completely dependent upon habitat provided by these Lesser Antillean islands.   Research during the past decade has increased the number of bird species in the recorded literature for Nevis from less than 100 ( Hilder, 1989) to 116 species (Steadman et al. 1997) The fieldwork sponsored under the St. Kitts and Nevis Biodiversity Project in 1997-98, and coordinated by Hugh McGuinness, led to several new sightings. In Nevis they were: Pied-bill Grebe, American Wigeon, Purple Gallinule, Magnolia Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, and Summer Tanager.

Click here for a complete Check List of Nevis Birds    courtesy of Jim Johnson at 'Walk Nevis' (97Kb PDF)

 

The Eastern Caribbean also provides critical stopover sites for numerous migratory shorebirds. Several species migrate along the Trans-Atlantic route between their breeding grounds in the temperate zones to over wintering areas in Central and South America, but many birds actually over winter in the Caribbean rather than travelling further south (C. Hunter, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, pers. comm.)

 

Biodiversity Implications

The major threat to the birds of St. Kitts and Nevis is deterioration and conversion of habitat, although the most critical sites differ for each of three groups: land birds, shorebirds and water birds. A key to protecting the country’s fauna is to ensure that at least some representatives of each of the vegetation types are preserved. In addition to this broad recommendation, special attention should be directed to protecting: freshwater springs and the wetter ghauts, particularly on Nevis.

 

The moist forests provide extremely valuable habitat for land birds and face limited development however. Although there are no quantitative data, historical records and the observations of long-time residents all point to significant declines in the populations of shorebirds and waterfowl found in the country. Although the value of the ponds and wetlands that support these fauna is well documented (e.g., CCA and IRF, 1991; Brown, 1989), development pressures con­tinue to threaten such critical coastal habitats.

 

In Nevis, the wetlands fare much better, al­though in recent years those near to Charlestown, have been severely impacted by the growth and development of the town. Fortunately for these wetlands, mitigating steps can still be taken for their protection.

Neither economists nor ecologists pretend that they can reasonably quantify all of the direct and indirect benefits that result from healthy functioning wetlands but most responsible people in both disciplines acknowl­edge that these values exist and that there may be a steep price to pay if these ecosystems are destroyed.

 

The most important seabird nesting sites for Nevis are:

Booby Island: Eight species of seabirds nest on this 126-foot high, cone-shaped islet in the channel between St. Kitts and Nevis. During 1997, 400 - 600 nesting pairs were observed. In order of abundance, these are sooty tern, bridled tern, laughing gull, roseate tern, brown noddy. Approximately half the roseate tern population, designated as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, nests in the West Indies; Booby Is­land supported 15 pairs in 1997 and 2 pairs in 1998. The nesting season varies for each species, with most birds arriving from April to May and leaving from August to October. Fortunately, the island does not seem to have mongoose, rats or other introduced predators.

Ponds and Beaches. In addition to their importance for shorebirds, ponds and beaches support several species of seabirds, most notably the endan­gered least tern.

 

WHERE TO SEE BIRDS ON NEVIS

Although not a large island, Nevis can boast a wide variety of habitats, each with its characteristic birds:

Wetlands: There are a number of small wetland areas - ponds and swamps - where birds such as herons, gallinules and some waders can be found. The most extensive wetland area is the Bogs; others are to be found at Nelson Spring, behind Hurricane Hill beach, near Nisbet Hotel and behind the beach at White Bay. There is a small seasonal pond just East of Newcastle which is very good for migrant waders, especially in September.

Beaches: Waders and seabirds can be seen here - perhaps the best for birds is the beach at White Bay.

Rainforest. Above about 1500 feet, Nevis is covered in luxuriant for­est. Birds to look out for here include the Bridled Quail Dove, Trembler, Purple-throated Carib and migrant warblers. The easiest way to see the rainforest is to walk the trail to the Source.

Dry country: A lot of the lowland areas of Nevis are quite dry, and (‘cusha’) predominates. Not many birds choose to live in these areas - exceptions include the American Kestrel and Caribbean Elaenia.

Inhabited areas. Some birds, such as the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, Carib Grackle, Bananaquit and Zenaida Dove, thrive around human habitation. To watch birds you don’t even need to leave home - just look out of the window!

 

Click on the links below to see examples of Nevis's...

 

[Sea Birds] [Shore Birds] [Land Birds]