Birds of Susúa State Forest

Puerto Rican Nightjar: Susúa's key species

Puerto Rican Nightjar is endemic, nocturnal, and protected as endangered under Regulation 6766, according to the DRNA sheet. DRNA explains that, as the forest recovered, the nightjar's habitat expanded and its population grew in the southwestern part of Susúa. Open GBIF records also show dozens of observations in the area.

You find the nightjar by its song at dusk and before dawn, not by sight. Because its activity falls outside regular hours, any night visit should be coordinated with DRNA. Do not use playback to attract it or shine lights directly on birds: it is an endangered species, and repeated disturbance affects it.

Quail-doves and understory birds

DRNA singles out Key West Quail-Dove and Ruddy Quail-Dove as major attractions, two doves that walk the forest floor. In GBIF records for the area, Key West Quail-Dove has more than one hundred observations, more than Ruddy.

Both are shy and best seen by walking quietly along shaded trails early in the morning. Key West shows a white stripe below the eye and metallic sheen; Ruddy is more uniformly chestnut. The low call of each is often the first clue, and it is worth recording it to confirm later.

Dry and moist forest endemics in one place

DRNA lists Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, Mangrove Cuckoo, Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Puerto Rican Owl, Turkey Vulture, and Scaly-naped Pigeon. In GBIF records, the most frequent species are Bananaquit, Puerto Rican Tody, Adelaide's Warbler, Turkey Vulture, Pearly-eyed Thrasher, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, and Puerto Rican Bullfinch.

The mix is what makes Susúa special: Adelaide's Warbler is typical of dry forest and Lesser Antillean Pewee leans toward moist forest, and both occur here. Records also include Puerto Rican Vireo, Puerto Rican Flycatcher, Puerto Rican Spindalis, Puerto Rican Oriole, and Puerto Rican Emerald.

Serpentine: why this forest is different

Susúa's lands were acquired in 1935 by the Puerto Rico Reconstruction Administration (PRRA). DRNA explains that the original vegetation was almost entirely cut for farming, grazing, timber, and fuel before designation, and that the forest recovered on its own through successive stages.

The forest combines volcanic and serpentine soils, which are nutrient-poor, and still has high plant endemism. DRNA notes that the shrub Calliandra locoensis is known only from this forest, and that the petate palm is abundant. Trees protected under Regulation 6766 include palo de rosa and higuero de sierra, both critically endangered, and cobana negra, listed as vulnerable. That distinctive vegetation supports insects and fruit that birds such as Adelaide's Warbler and Puerto Rican Bullfinch rely on.

Facilities and how to arrange a visit

DRNA describes a Visitor Center, an overnight recreation area with five shelters, grills, and restrooms, and some facilities accessible to people with disabilities. It also mentions a poisonous-plants trail that it considers ideal for birding. The forest receives about 1,413 mm (55.6 inches) of rain a year, and the mean temperature is 75 °F. Five rivers or tributaries rise within its boundaries, including the Río Loco and the Quebrada Peces, which marks the line between the two municipalities.

For hikes or educational, ecotourism, or research group visits, the DRNA sheet says to coordinate with the Land Use and Forest Permits Division, Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at (787) 999-2200. That sheet dates from 2007, so confirm hours, trail conditions, and facilities before going, especially for dawn or dusk outings.

Where is Susúa State Forest?

It lies between the municipalities of Yauco and Sabana Grande, in the foothills of the Cordillera Central in southwestern Puerto Rico. It covers 3,341 cuerdas and is managed by DRNA.

What birds are found in Susúa State Forest?

DRNA reports 44 species, including Puerto Rican Nightjar, Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, Puerto Rican Lizard-Cuckoo, Puerto Rican Owl, and Key West and Ruddy Quail-Doves. Open records add Adelaide's Warbler and Puerto Rican Bullfinch.

Can you find the Puerto Rican Nightjar at Susúa?

Yes, it is one of the forest's key species, and DRNA says its population grew in the southwestern part of the forest. It is detected by song at dusk or before dawn, so a night visit should be coordinated with DRNA.

Can you camp in Susúa State Forest?

The DRNA sheet describes an overnight recreation area with five shelters, grills, and restrooms. Because that information dates from 2007, confirm availability and permits with the Land Use and Forest Permits Division.

How is Susúa different from Guánica and Maricao?

Susúa is an ecotone: it combines a moist-to-dry climate transition with volcanic and serpentine soils. That is why it mixes dry-forest birds such as Adelaide's Warbler with moist-forest birds such as Lesser Antillean Pewee.

What is the best time to bird Susúa?

Early morning, when quail-doves walk the trails and Puerto Rican Tody, Puerto Rican Woodpecker, and Adelaide's Warbler are most active. The nightjar, by contrast, is heard at dusk and before dawn, so those outings should be coordinated with DRNA.

How do you tell Key West Quail-Dove from Ruddy Quail-Dove?

Key West Quail-Dove shows a white stripe below the eye and metallic sheen on the head and neck, while Ruddy Quail-Dove is a more uniform chestnut. Both walk the forest floor and are usually detected first by their low call.