Birds of Cambalache State Forest

Access and facilities

The visitor area is on PR-682 near the PR-22 expressway, which makes Cambalache a practical stop on a north-coast trip. DNER lists a camping area, gazebos, grills, a trail for people with disabilities, seven kilometers of trails for hiking and mountain biking, restrooms, the Cambalache Forest Nursery, and the forest manager's office.

Opening hours published by different sources do not agree, so confirm with DNER before going, especially if you plan to arrive at dawn. For camping, group hikes, or educational visits, DNER asks visitors to coordinate with its Land Use and Forest Permits Division.

A forest that protects water

DNER highlights that Cambalache protects the karst ecosystem, with its caves, sinkholes, and steep limestone hills, and also one of the country's largest groundwater supplies. According to the fact sheet, practically every coastal municipality from Dorado to Hatillo draws on those aquifers.

Its life zone is subtropical moist forest, with average rainfall of 60 inches and a temperature of 78 °F. More than 150 trees and large shrubs in 44 families have been identified, at least 15 endemic, including the palma de lluvia and maga. For birds, the mosaic of hills, valleys, and trail edges creates many spots where fruit and insects concentrate.

Cambalache's 12 endemics

DNER names these twelve: Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, Puerto Rican Tody, Green Mango, Puerto Rican Bullfinch, Puerto Rican Vireo, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Adelaide's Warbler, Puerto Rican Spindalis, Puerto Rican Owl, Puerto Rican Emerald, Puerto Rican Flycatcher, and Puerto Rican Oriole. The sheet calls them 'twelve of the 17 endemic birds'; Puerto Rico now recognizes 19 endemics after recent taxonomic changes.

The Puerto Rican Oriole (Calandria) is black with yellow shoulders, rump, and belly, and often moves near palms. The Green Mango is large and glittering green and more typical of the mountains, so its presence in a low northern forest deserves a good look. Puerto Rican Bullfinch, Puerto Rican Vireo, and Adelaide's Warbler are best detected by voice.

The Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo: the star species

The Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo is common on the island but hard to see: it moves slowly inside the foliage and sits still for long stretches. A Cambalache birding guide notes it is often found near the picnic pavilions and recreation zone. It is large, with a very long white-tipped tail, cinnamon belly, and pale throat.

Watch for slow movement on mid-level branches and listen for its call, a series of guttural notes that speeds up. Other species the same guide mentions for the forest include Scaly-naped Pigeon, Key West Quail-Dove, Mangrove Cuckoo, and Black-whiskered Vireo. The quail-dove walks the forest floor, so walk slowly and quietly to avoid flushing it.

Best season and how to walk it

The 11 migrants DNER reports arrive mostly in fall and winter, so from October to March the list grows with northern warblers. Endemics are resident and can be seen year-round; their song is often more intense in spring. In any month, early morning is best, and midday heat cuts activity.

The birding guide describes a perimeter loop of about 3.5 km and several trails crossing the interior. Because trails are also used for mountain biking, stay alert and yield. A two- to three-hour visit covers the recreation area, part of the loop, and a couple of shaded sinkholes.

Protected wildlife and rehabilitation

DNER identifies the Puerto Rican boa and the native red fruit bat (Stenoderma rufum) at Cambalache, both protected under Regulation No. 6766, along with endangered plants such as matabuey and cobana negra. Watch without touching, stay on trails, and do not collect plants.

The forest is also tied to wildlife rehabilitation: in July 2019 DNER released rehabilitated birds there, including a Puerto Rican Owl, three Puerto Rican Woodpeckers, a Red-tailed Hawk, and four American Kestrels. If you find an injured bird, do not take it to the forest yourself; contact the Ranger Corps Wildlife Division at 787-724-5700.

What birds are in Cambalache forest?

DNER reports 45 bird species at Cambalache, 34 resident and 11 migratory. It names 12 endemics: Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, Tody, Green Mango, Bullfinch, Vireo, Woodpecker, Adelaide's Warbler, Spindalis, Owl, Emerald, Flycatcher, and Oriole.

Where is Cambalache State Forest?

On the north coast between Arecibo and Barceloneta, divided into seven areas. The visitor area is on PR-682, near the PR-22 expressway.

Where can I see the Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo?

It is a common but secretive endemic in forests and thickets island-wide. At Cambalache, a birding guide says it is often found near the picnic pavilions and recreation zone; watch for slow movement on mid-level branches and listen for its guttural call.

Can you mountain bike at Cambalache?

Yes. DNER lists seven kilometers of trails for hiking and mountain biking, plus a trail for people with disabilities. If you are birding, watch for cyclists and yield on curves.

What should I do if I find an injured bird near Cambalache?

Do not take it to the forest yourself. Contact the DNER Ranger Corps Wildlife Division at 787-724-5700; DNER has released rehabilitated birds at Cambalache, such as an owl and woodpeckers in 2019.

When is the best time to bird Cambalache?

Early morning, any month. From October to March, migrant warblers join the 34 resident species DNER reports; confirm opening hours before going because published sources disagree.