by Ave Yarrum

Created on: June 10, 2009   Last Updated: June 13, 2009

El Yunque National Forest on Puerto Rico

What would make you choose Puerto Rico as a birding adventure? The El Yunque Rain Forest which is the crescent-shaped part of this 28,000 acres, is the section of lush forest and green covered mountain tops with views of the Atlantic Ocean. This is the home of the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot.

Birdwatching will offer you many chances to explore places you would not ordinarily consider. In this Rain Forest where it does rain four times a day, the atmosphere is Nature at her finest. Orchids grow on trees, the cocqui frog chirps and the native Tody fly around watching for its dinner of insects. The always hungry little bird travels in pairs and chirps all the while.

The little Tody is known as the "San Pedrito" to the native Puerto Ricans. These birds look much like the hummingbird, but the body is a bit bigger and it is really related to the the same class as kingfishers. They enjoy the rain forest and share it with 50 other species of birds, 11 species of bats and flowers and trees.

You are thinking, that's it? If I can only find 50 species of birds is it worth the trip? Of course, the trip is up to you, but more is not always better. The endangered Puerto Rican Parrot is one of the 10 most endangered species. The parrot is a glorious site and is native to the Island. As a birdwatcher, you have this opportunity which in time will no longer exist. Document and photograph for all posterity.

The PR Parrot is about 11"-12" inches in length and displays a bright, tropical green body with blue primary wings. His flesh colored peak and feet contrast his red forehead. He really enjoys being in the Upper Luquillo Mountains.

In 1971, a new species was found in the rain Forest. The Elfin Woods Warbler loves the thick, rich vines of the forest canopy and of the mountains. He is an insect eater, which seems like the perfect diet in this environment.

The Puerto Rican Lizard Cuckoo is native here and lives in the forest thickets where his dinner is easy to catch. As his name implies, he eats lizards and he also eats spiders. The ecosystem of the rain forest is a natural balance.

You should have a field guide of Puerto Rican birds with you along with your binoculars and camera. Journal your finds, it is the best way to remember what you've seen.

Many people come from San Juan, about one hour away. Then they will use #191 to guide them into the Visitor centers where they can ask questions and obtain maps. Hiking this part of

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