CUBA - Carribean specialties

CUBA

Cuba is a fascinating country rich in nature, history, culture and much more!

It is the largest island on the Caribbean with a territory of 110 thousand sq km (43 thousand square miles), including more than 4000 islands.

It has very different looking habitats - from the high mountains on the east side to the beautiful Vinales on the west side, vast lowlands, a few wetlands, forests, savanna like grasslands and endless beautiful sandy beaches.

Despite the variety of habitats, most of which are well preserved, the number of species recorded is relatively small at 371 so far in Cuba. However, quantity does not always reflect quality and here in Cuba quality abounds. Of them 155 breeds on the island and we will see 150 to 160 species approximately.

Amongst them there are 26 endemic species and we will target all of them except the impossible and nearly mythical Cuban Kite and Zapata Rail.

Some are scattered through the island, some are widespread.

Cuba is a home to the smallest bird in the world - the Bee Hummingbird at only 6 cm long. The Cuban Tody is another one, slightly bigger, but again a real beauty and it can be seen all over the country.

The same can be said for the national bird - the Cuban Trogon.

The two endemic and beautiful quail-dove however are rare and need early starts and being in the right location in order to see them.

The most difficult species are found in the vast Zapata peninsula, wrongly called wetland. Although large parts of it are wet, there are also dry grasslands and forests. Here is found the most difficult endemic possible to be seen - the elusive Zapata Wren.

We will be staying in state owned hotels and good quality sea resorts as well as in private houses. This is the only way to feel, enjoy and understand the current life in Cuba.

Get the full itinerary writing to us at:

info@ornitholidays.com

Birding in a Nature Paradise rich on Endemisms