Endemic Bird Scavenger Hunt: Puerto Rico Map

Prepare the map and cards

Draw or print a simplified outline of Puerto Rico. Divide the island into three ecological bands: humid interior and eastern mountains, northern karst, and southern and southwestern dry coastal forest. Prepare five cards with the common name, scientific name, and a habitat clue for each bird.

Each card should include an elevation clue when available. For example: the Elfin-woods Warbler is associated with montane wet forest, cloud forest, and elfin woodland, with a reported elevation of 600 to 900 m. The Nightjar is associated with subtropical dry limestone forest, coastal dry forest, and scrub, with a reported elevation of 0 to 640 m.

Clues by ecological region

Humid mountains: the Puerto Rican Amazon has a subspecies in eastern Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean National Forest, and a population established in Río Abajo State Forest, in the west-central part of the island. The Elfin-woods Warbler has been documented in middle and higher elevation humid forests of the Cordillera Central, Sierra de Cayey, and Sierra de Luquillo, with its existence restricted to Sierra de Luquillo and Maricao. The Tody occupies forests, woodlands, karst, and shade coffee plantations, from coastal lowlands into the mountains.

Karst and northern forests: the Amazon is also associated with karst forest. The Puerto Rican Woodpecker uses dry and moist forest, mangrove, plantations, parks, and gardens. The Tody also appears in karst and shade coffee plantations.

Southern and southwestern dry coastal forest: the Nightjar ranges in coastal and lower montane forests of southern and southwestern Puerto Rico, from Cabo Rojo to Guayama, and is more abundant in the upland forest in and around the Guánica Biosphere Reserve. The Woodpecker also uses dry forest and mangrove.

Observation and recording procedure

Before going out, review the map and write a hypothesis for each bird: in which region would you expect to find it, and why? During a quiet walk, move slowly, stop every few minutes, and listen. Do not chase birds or use recordings to attract them. Note time, place, forest type, and approximate elevation if known.

Record only what you observe or hear with certainty. If unsure, write 'possible' and describe the behavior. Back home, compare your notes with the map and adjust the locations. This comparison between hypothesis and evidence is the heart of the activity.

Student research questions

1. Why is the Elfin-woods Warbler associated with elevations of 600 to 900 m and not the coast? 2. What is the difference between the Nightjar's dry limestone forest and the Warbler's montane wet forest? 3. Why does the Puerto Rican Amazon have populations in the east and west-central parts of the island? 4. Which habitats do the Tody and the Woodpecker share? 5. What questions remain unanswered about the distribution of these birds?

These questions do not have a single correct answer. The goal is for students to cite the source, distinguish between documented habitat and personal observation, and explain their map decisions.

Can I use this map to know exactly where to see each bird?

No. The map is an educational tool based on documented habitat and distribution. It does not guarantee observations or replace a field trip with a local guide.

Why does the Puerto Rican Amazon appear in two regions?

The nominate subspecies is distributed in eastern Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean National Forest, and a population established from released birds lives in Río Abajo State Forest, in the west-central part of the island.

What elevation is reported for the Nightjar?

The trait catalog reports 0 to 640 m. The bird source indicates that at Guánica Forest, nests are more frequent above 100 m elevation.

Do the Tody and the Woodpecker share habitats?

Yes. Both use forest, karst, and plantations. The Woodpecker also uses mangrove and dry forest; the Tody also uses shade coffee plantations.

Can I add other endemic birds to the map?

Yes, if you use documented sources for their habitat and distribution. This guide is limited to five species with clear evidence in the available sources.