Every Endemic in the Lesser Antilles

Islands we will visit on this trip: Antigua, Barbados, Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, St. Lucia and St. Vincent, (plus optional extension to Trinidad & Tobago)

St Vincent Parrot; St Lucia Black Finch; Grenada Flycatcher; Purple-throated Carib; Forest Thrush; Lesser Antillean Tanager photos © Faraaz Abdool - Birding the Islands

We saw every single endemic - an unforgettable experience!…An inspirational trip!”

Terry Anderson: Kentucky, USA

Overview

When you add a lengthy list of highly threatened single-island endemics and near-endemics to a host of indigenous regional specialities, a birding trip through the 10 stunningly beautiful islands of the Lesser Antilles is sure to yield spectacular sightings and leave you with long-lasting memories. Add to this the opportunity to track down a large number of proposed and probable future splits, the possibility of enjoying encounters with cetaceans, marine turtles and pelagics while sailing across glistening turquoise waters and do all this while travelling to some of the most sought-after holiday destinations on the planet - and you have the recipe for a truly phenomenal birding trip!!

Should you wish to extend your tour and continue on to Trinidad & Tobago, the southernmost islands in the Caribbean region, you will have a golden opportunity to delight in the sights and sounds of an astonishing variety of South American species at the northern limit of their range.

Upcoming Tour Dates

2024

• October 14th - 27th: Fully booked.

• November 11th - 26th: Private Trip - fully booked.

2025

• January 6th - 19th: Fully booked. To be placed on the waitlist for this tour, please contact us here.

2026

• May 11th - 24th: There are currently 6 spaces available on this tour. To register your interest, please contact us here.

If you would like us to organise a private Every Endemics trip for you, or for you and a group of your birding friends, we offer this service through our ‘Build Your Own’ department. Please click here to complete and submit an enquiry form, and one of our Build Your Own team members will reply within 48hrs.  

Tour Price

From US$6368 per person - for detailed pricing please scroll to the bottom of this page.

This tour can be paired with our optional extension to Trinidad & Tobago. For a sample itinerary and pricing of the extensions, please click here.

Tour Leader & Field Guide

Our ‘Every Endemic in the Lesser Antilles’ tour is led by Barbados-born Ryan Chenery, owner and founder of Birding the Islands Ltd. Ryan is the author of the Birds of the Lesser Antilles HELM field guide (available to purchase in stores worldwide and online). He has over 2 decades’ worth of experience guiding birding clients through the Caribbean and South America and leads birding trips throughout the world both for our company and for several other international birding companies. Click here for a little bit more about Ryan.

Past Trip Reports

• February 2018: to download this trip report please click here

• April 2019: to download this trip report please click here

• June 2022 (private trip): to download this trip report please click here

• April 2023: coming soon!

Want to know what others have said about our tours? Click here.

Sample Daily Itinerary

 Day 1: BARBADOS

Greeted outside the arrivals hall of the Grantley Adams International Airport, you are escorted to your beachfront hotel, located on the scenic southern coast of the island. The prime location of this hotel ensures you’re able to get straight into some late afternoon birding.

A 5-minute drive sees us at one of the last remaining wetlands on this tiny island, popular with tourists the world over. This wetland is a hive of birding activity, and on our approach to the shallow pools, flitting amongst the dark green leaves of the Red Mangroves are a host of indigenous regional species, including: Antillean Crested Hummingbirds, Carib Grackles (soon to be Barbados Grackle), nominate subspecies of Yellow Warbler (“Golden Warbler”) and of course the endemic Barbados Bullfinch. There is also the possibility of views of Zenaida Dove, Masked Duck, Belted Kingfisher, secretive Sora and Black-crowned Night-Heron. Three species of egret also inhabit the mangroves - Little, Snowy, and Cattle Egret.

Following our productive, yet relaxing visit to the wetland, we freshen up back at the hotel, before enjoying a sunset stroll along the beach to the popular nearby fishing village of Oistins for a freshly caught evening meal. With such local delicacies as pickled seacat (octopus), breadfruit coucou and flying fish awaiting our palates, the tone is set for what promises to be as equally delectable a trip for our taste buds as the myriad colourful bird species will be for our eyes. Please note: a wide range of other meats such as chicken, beef, pork, as well as vegetarian options are also available at Oistins.

Day 2: ST. LUCIA

This morning we take our short flight to St. Lucia. Upon arrival, our van meets us at the airport, from where we embark on our journey through the wilds of the island. Our tour begins along the east coast, in an area close to Dennery - one of the most popular fishing villages on the island. The dense thickets of semi-arid woodland associated with this part of the island represent ideal habitat for one of the rarest birds we will see on this entire trip - the White-breasted Thrasher. This near-endemic is found only on St. Lucia and one other island. Its population is thought to number fewer than 700 pairs in the wild (and is decreasing).

As we travel further inland, semi-arid woodland is gradually replaced by lush rainforest. Following a lunch break at the restaurant with the best view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Soufriere, and the majestic 2400+ ft twin peaks of Les Pitons, we enter St.Lucia’s showpiece natural attraction - Des Cartiers Rainforest. Meandering along the network of easily navigable forest trails lined with a staggering array of flora, ranging from giant Tree Ferns to tiny bromeliads, we delight in the sights and sounds of a host of regional forest-dwelling species and threatened endemics, amongst them, and perhaps most coveted of all: St. Lucia's national bird, the magnificent St. Lucia Parrot. 

After our time in Des Cartiers with such endemic gems as St. Lucia Oriole and St. Lucia Black Finch, as well as indigenous regional stunners like Rufous-throated Solitaire and Green-throated Carib, we make our way towards Vieux Fort to explore the nearby Aupicon Wetland. This important site is populated by Pied-billed Grebe and such regional specialities as the Caribbean race of American Coot and Black-bellied Whistling-Duck as well as a wide variety of over-wintering waterfowl and waders from North America.

After making the short drive back to our elegantly decorated cottages and villas nestled on a historic 60-acre former sugar plantation and secluded natural history site, we enjoy a delicious al fresco home-cooked dinner surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Day 3: ST. LUCIA

We wake early the next morning to bird a generous swathe of St. Lucia’s northern mountain range. We drive up a long steady incline to the quaint hilltop village of Bouton, from where we set out on a slow-paced walk along a well worn path, lined on one side with an extensive orchard and on the other with dense rainforest. In this idyllic setting, we target such treasures as St. Lucia Warbler, St. Lucia Pewee, and (in the skies above) Lesser Antillean Swift.

A short distance away in savanna fringed with pockets of woodland is the “land of the nightjar”. Patience is rewarded with views of the remarkable St. Lucia Nightjar atop some of its favored perches. As late afternoon approaches, we make for one of St. Lucia’s loftiest vantage points. Here we can gain an appreciation for the relatively short distances between Lesser Antillean islands, as both Martinique to the north, and St. Vincent to the south are both clearly visible. Such stunning scenery is enhanced by the presence of Red-billed Tropicbirds battling buffeting, swirling winds to return to their colony on the cliffside below us.

Day 4: MARTINIQUE

This morning, we board our vessel bound for Martinique. En route, we will scan the surface of the sea for Brown as well as Red-footed Booby and the skies above for Magnificent Frigatebirds, and a variety of species of terns and gulls. Sightings of turtles, dolphins, and flying fish are also distinct possibilities.

Upon arrival, we are collected by pre-arranged transport and make our way to select sites deep in the heart of the ancient Carbet Mountains. The island's endemic species - the Martinique Oriole - is our prime target, but this small French Overseas Territory is also home to other gems such as the near-endemic Blue-headed Hummingbird, the Lesser Antillean Flycatcher, as well as the entertaining Gray Trembler (another near-endemic).

In our effort to ensure that in addition to every endemic, we also target every endemic and near-endemic subspecies in the Lesser Antilles, after lunch we travel to the dry northeast for an audience with the White-breasted Thrasher unique to Martinique. Unlike the thrasher seen on our previous island, this bird is smaller and black plumage is replaced by brown. The number of potential splits in the Lesser Antillean region is mind-boggling and we’ll do our best to ensure you get your eyes on each and every one!

The lively capital of Fort-de-France is our setting for dinner, where we will enjoy local creole cooking set to a backdrop of ship masts swaying in the harbour.

Day 5: DOMINICA

The following morning we take a short flight to Dominica - an island regarded by many as the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean". Brimming with waterfalls and boasting a river for every day of the year, untamed and rugged Dominica is a naturalist’s dream, and offers a snapshot into what many of the more developed islands of the region would have resembled in years gone by.

Following lunch at our scenic clifftop accommodation, we make the short drive into rich primary forest where we embark on a quest for such highly coveted residents as Purple-throated Carib, Lesser Antillean Saltator, Brown Trembler, and one of Dominica's two species of endemic Amazona parrot - the charismatic "Jaco" or Red-necked Parrot. As daylight fades our attention shifts to the verges and roadside edges where the endemic subspecies of Red-legged Thrush forages amongst leaf litter.

Arriving back at our hotel - a candlelit dinner atop the clifftop awaits.

Day 6: DOMINICA

Anticipation will be ripe, as this morning brings with it a phenomenal opportunity for views of the largest and rarest of the Amazona parrots: the undisputed monarch of these forests - the Imperial Parrot. We drive to a secluded site deep within montane forest where the “Sisserou” (as it is known by locals) is known to roost. Before setting out on a hunt for fruiting trees, the birds on occasion preen and stretch their impressive wings, and in so doing allow one to truly appreciate the large size of this bird and unique feathering. There is something very sobering in the knowledge that you are watching some of the last remaining individuals of one of the rarest species on the planet - in one of their last expanses of natural habitat.

Although the Sisserou is undoubtedly the showpiece, this largely unspoiled region of the island is also home to a staggering array of other beautiful species. One sighting of the dazzling colours of the Lesser Antillean Euphonia can leave you in little doubt that you are in the tropics. With this and other treasures all around us, we spend the remainder of the morning exploring forest trails in search of other species local to the area, such as Lesser Antillean Flycatcher and Ruddy Quail-Dove, all the while being treated to the cacophony of calls for which such forests alone are reserved.  

Day 7: GUADELOUPE

Our morning boat ride across to Guadeloupe may provide us with sightings of cetaceans including Short-finned Pilot Whales, and Fraser’s, Spotted and Common Dolphin. There is also an outside chance of spotting a member of Dominica’s resident Sperm Whale population and, depending on the time of year, migrating Humpback Whales. We are also likely to encounter a selection of pelagic species.

Guadeloupe is a remarkable island, with vast stretches of primary rainforest and montane forest coursing through it’s heart. Our arrival sees us collected by pre-arranged transport and taken to our small, locally-owned hotel - ideally located close to both the airport and our prime birding locations on the island.

A leisurely afternoon of lounging by the pool or strolling the hotel grounds and nearby beach follows. Should you prefer, you can join the guide on a short jaunt to a nearby wetland where Glossy Ibis, Little Egret, Common Gallinule, Least Tern and several others are possible.

Dinner tonight is enjoyed in a bistro-style restaurant where the cuisine on offer is simply superb!

Day 8: GUADELOUPE

A pre-dawn start this morning is crucial as we head deep into the Basse Terre region for an encounter with two typically highly secretive species rarely seen on other islands, but where on Guadeloupe the early bird truly does catch the worm! Upon arrival, one can hardly believe one’s eyes as at the first hint of dawn, first Forest Thrush and then Bridled Quail Dove begin emerging from the forest edge and moving cautiously amongst the picnic tables in a popular riverside park. Overhead, the leaves of towering mahogany and chestnut trees begin to stir as the near-endemic subspecies of Brown Trembler begins an entertaining display that will continue periodically throughout the day, and overwintering North American warblers such as American Redstart and Prothonotary Warbler begin a frenzied search for prey.

Here, we also enjoy an audience with a most curious endemic indeed. The movements of the Guadeloupe Woodpecker are somewhat unconventional, with birds often seen dangling upside down while clinging to slender swinging branches and plucking ants from clusters of berries! Odd? Yes. But it certainly offers fabulous looks! Other species of note include the endemic subspecies of Yellow Warbler and the Lesser Antillean endemic Scaly-breasted Thrasher,

Having spent the morning taking part in some relaxed forest birding beside crystal clear streams punctuated with crayfish and shoals of river trout, we make for a reliable site for the delightful Lesser Antillean Pewee and the near-endemic Plumbeous Warbler. As is in keeping with the sedate nature of the birding on this, the larger of the two French Territories in the Lesser Antilles, we access this site via a clearly demarcated footpath lining the forest edge - and here revel in the sights of two of the smallest near endemics in the region.

The afternoon is ours to relax and enjoy some cocktails on our verandas before taking a relaxing dip in the pool. Antillean Crested Hummingbirds flit amongst the tubular red flowers of Antigua Heath, while in the palms overhead, Tropical Mockingbirds and Grey Kingbirds play out an almost continuous melody of song.

Day 9: MONTSERRAT

From Guadeloupe, we travel to an island fondly known as “The Other Emerald Isle”. With its historic ties to Ireland, the beautiful and peaceful island of Montserrat is a botanists dream. With plant life fuelled by incredibly rich volcanic soil, Montserrat’s vast swathes of forest reveal flowering plants and towering emergents not seen on many other islands. We approach from the southwest, and from the deck of our boat, gaze in astonishment at the still smouldering Soufriere Hills stratovolcano. As the volcano is still classed as active, no human habitation is found along this coast or the majority of the south of the island, and indeed we can see why - huge lava flows the obvious reason for the abandoned villages that line this coast. We sail north along the west coast, enjoying views of Red-billed Tropicbirds and Royal Terns pursuing flying fish, and make port at a tiny fishing village.

From here we set off in pre-arranged transport to the lush forested foothills of the island, where deep in primary forest and amongst brilliant flowering heliconias we find Montserrat’s endemic: the appropriately fiery-chested Montserrat Oriole. Having spent the day exploring this truly magical forest and getting to know more of it’s inhabitants - from Montserrat Racers and Montserrat Anoles to Scaly-naped Pigeons, Pearly-eyed Thrashers and the endemic subspecies of Forest Thrush - we make for our accommodation - offering a spectacular view of the surrounding ocean.

ANTIGUA

Upon arrival in Antigua, we make our way to our locally-owned country Inn, set amid lush sprawling grounds just outside of the capital city of St. Johns, where a delicious meal awaits us. Antiguans boast that they can visit a different beach every day of the year and still not see them all. This large number of beaches ensures that Antigua is an island more popular with sun-seekers than bird-watchers.

However, although not home to any endemics, this island does offer the opportunity to see a few species unlikely to be seen on any of the other Lesser Antilles - the impressively coiffured White-crowned Pigeon, and White-winged Dove - and there is often time to explore a vast wetland for up-close views of several overwintering herons (including Little Blue, Tricolored and Yellow-crowned), waders (including Black-necked Stilt, Greater and Lesser Yellowlegs and Wilson’s Plover) and waterfowl (including White-cheeked Pintail and West Indian Whistling Duck).

Day 10: BARBUDA

From Antigua, we embark on a day trip to the smaller sister of this twin-island state. After spending a relaxed 90 minutes gliding across some of the most beautiful waters in the Caribbean Sea, we step onto the sands of Barbuda. Our main target here is the diminutive Barbuda Warbler. This charming warbler is perfectly at home in the dry scrublands of one of the Lesser Antilles’ driest islands, and shares the habitat with Common Ground Doves, Caribbean Elaenias, Black-faced Grassquits, iguanas, and bizarrely, herds of feral donkeys!

Barbuda is also home to the largest Magnificent Frigatebird colony in the entire Caribbean. These giants are most commonly seen soaring high above the waves, carefully scanning the waters for food floating on or close to the surface, so it is a wonderful treat to board a dinghy that takes us across a shallow lagoon absolutely teeming with marine life (as evidenced by the hundreds of jellyfish of every shape and size floating beneath us and clearly visible from our bough) and moors us literally within touching distance of nests, chicks and adults. We spend half an hour in the presence of these incredible birds, observing their behaviour and watching as squadrons of adults manipulate their impressive 6-foot wingspan to return with food to perch beside their young. 

Driving around the island one cannot help but be struck by the spectacular and unspoiled natural beauty of Barbuda. This “postcard perfect” land offers a window into how many other islands in the chain now dominated by popular beachside condos and villas would have once looked. The water is a glistening turquoise blue, and the colours of the sands effortlessly blend between brilliant whites and varying shades of pink. With some of the most untouched beaches in the Caribbean literally on either side of us, what better way to spend the rest of the day than to head to a charming “Robinson Crusoe-esque” beach bar to enjoy an absolutely delicious meal of Maxine’s mahi mahi, and follow it up with a relaxing swim in sparkling turquoise waters and a stroll along an idyllic white sand beach. We are in full tropical holiday mode. This truly is a case of birding in paradise! 

On our return leg across the sun-kissed seas to Antigua, we may have the opportunity for more memorable dolphin and whale encounters.

Day 11: ST. VINCENT

Our flight from Antigua to St. Vincent sees us travel south along the island chain. As the number of miles travelled steadily rises, so too does the number of bird species seen.

After arrival at our elegant family-run hotel, the afternoon is ours to take part in some light “hotel-ground birding” where targets will include the fascinating endemic subspecies of Bananaquit, Spectacled Thrush, Eared Dove, Tropical Mockingbird, and Yellow-bellied Elaenia. This can be followed by a swim in the pool, a cocktail at the beach bar, or if you’re feeling adventurous why not descend the flight of steps onto the beach and go for a dip in the Caribbean Sea (don’t forget to pack your snorkel!).

At dinner tonight, we will delve into some truly delicious “Vincy” food before retiring to our rooms in anticipation of what is undoubtedly one of the higlights of the trip in the morning.

Day 12: ST. VINCENT

An early start (with our pre-packed breakfast in hand) is warranted, as it allows us the perfect opportunity for an audience with the island’s national bird - the St. Vincent Parrot. And what a spectacle they provide, as they leave their roosts and commute from one fruiting tree to another, every flit of their wings a mesmeric golden flash against the unbroken dark green backdrop of the island's dense forests. A magnificent sight!

We follow up our time with St. Vincent’s large and vulnerable endemic with an audience with her minute and endangered endemic - the smartly attired Whistling Warbler. Rather like a curious monocled 19th century gentleman, the male Whistling Warbler will often flit out to fleetingly peer down upon you with a cocked head and quizzical stare, as though he were contemplating the motives behind your entry into his forest abode, before rapidly darting away again.

The lush forests of St. Vincent will also provide us with the opportunity to see a number of species hitherto unseen on other islands, with the endemic subspecies of Lesser Antillean Thrush, recently split St. Vincent Tanager , and always impressive Common Black Hawk being but a few.

On our return journey from another rewarding day of birding, we gaze out the window at the changing topography of this varied and rugged land. Densely forested mountain peaks give way to sparsely vegetated plateaus and eventually grasslands and coastal flora, at which point we arrive at our locally-owned beachfront hotel, where we enjoy a candlelit dinner on the shores of the Caribbean Sea.

Day 13: GRENADA

Today sees us take a 25-minute flight to Grenada. From the air this small and densely populated island might seem an odd destination on a birding trip, however, by virtue of our making for one of the last remaining vestiges of suitable habitat in the south of the island, we are soon provided with the opportunity to see the rarest species of the entire trip - the Grenada Dove. Latest counts estimate the surviving number of Grenada Doves to be under 100 birds. However, with the help of a trusted local guide, we will be treated to a sight few people have had, or will ever have a chance to see in their lifetime.

After visiting the last stronghold of this delicate, unassuming dove, we explore the dry woodland that represents it’s natural habitat and here enjoy sightings of some more of this tiny island's other inhabitants, including: the endemic Grenada Tanager, near-endemic Grenada Flycatcher, and endemic subspecies of Rufous-breasted Hermit. We even climb a well located observation tower to scan the skies for the local race of Hook-billed Kite.

Our lodgings for the night will be a vibrantly coloured and newly refurbished resort. Standing on our verandas looking out across the moonlit sea that for two weeks we have journeyed across, we watch as waves gently lap against the shore and reflect on our travels. What a perfect setting to draw to a close our journey through the remarkable islands of the Lesser Antilles.

Day 14

Waking at our coastal accommodation, you have the option of taking a walk down to the seaside for one last dip in the placid, sparkling turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea before your homeward journey later today. After this, we enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast followed by a stroll to a nearby patch of woodland known as a favoured haunt of the endemic subspecies of Antillean House Wren (the last of 4 subspecies we will have targeted on this trip; all of which are probable future splits!) 

A taxi ride of less than 5 minutes then sees us at the airport departure gates.

For those of you leaving the tour at this point, Birding the Islands bid you a fond farewell and a safe homeward journey.

For those of you wishing to continue the island adventure by joining us on our Optional Extension to Trinidad & Tobago, we will catch a flight to the larger of this twin-island nation, also known as the "South American Island of the Caribbean".

“Fun and Successful!”

Steven Kornfeld: Oregon, USA

Pricing

2024

Tour Price: USD$6368 per person (based on double occupancy rates and a maximum number of clients per tour). Single Supplement, i.e. if you would prefer to have a single room for the duration of your tour, there is an additional charge of: USD$810.

2025

Tour Price: USD$6450 per person (based on double occupancy rates and a maximum number of clients per tour). Single Supplement, i.e. if you would prefer to have a single room for the duration of your tour, there is an additional charge of: USD$810.

Included in Price: All scheduled and stated flights between islands and internal boat charges between islands; local taxes; airport departure taxes; all accommodations; pre-arranged food; bottled water with meals and on birding outings; transport to and from destinations on all islands; park admission fees; local guide fees; and hotel and restaurant service charges.

Not Included in Price: Your international flights; any regional flights after the tour has finished - should you wish to return home from a different island to that on which the tour finishes; extra charges incurred for overweight or additional pieces of luggage on international or regional flights; travel insurance; gratuities; VAT; laundering services; drinks.

Tour Info

Number of Species that will possibly be seen on tour: 256

Number of Endemics (including Endemic Subspecies) likely to be seen on tour: 98

Group Size: Maximum of 10 clients plus the Birding the Islands Tour Leader (plus additional guide if the group is at the maximum number of participants)

Terrain and Pace: We cover a diverse range of terrain on this trip. Trails are primarily well maintained and relatively level. Any light to moderate ascents are conducted at a slow, steady pace with plenty of opportunities to rest along the way. There are a couple of steeper sections of path on two of the islands, and walking poles are recommended if you would usually use these for walking off-road.

Please note that the above itinerary and pricing is subject to change.

“Ryan Chenery is a terrific trip organizer and leader. He thinks of everything and is very accommodating to participants’ needs and wants. This is a great way to see the endemics of the Lesser Antilles.”

Patty O’Neill: Massachusetts, USA

and now for a taste of the islands…