According to the Society for the Conservation & Study of Caribbean Birds (S.C.S.C.B.) there are 770 species of Birds in the Caribbean region (excluding Trinidad & Tobago), of which 148 are endemic to the region, and at least 105 are found only on a single island.

St. Kitts & Nevis has recorded 197 different species, but there is no doubt that the actual number is far higher. The island of Guadeloupe is just a stone’s throw away to the South of us, and they have recorded in excess of 258 different birds as at the end of 2006, a full 5 years ago. Although we are smaller in size than Guadeloupe, our ecosystems are quite similar. The vast majority of their birds are migratory and there is virtually no reason why if they are spotted in Guadeloupe that they should not also be spotted here. Regretfully, St. Kitts has very few resident birders with only 2 known to be active! This does not contribute many boots on the ground or eyes to binoculars!

For some strange reason, St. Kitts & Nevis has not been visited by many bird enthusiasts when compared to neighboring islands. This is somewhat surprising, as St. Kitts has 9 different ponds all of which are a magnet for waders and other birds, and virtually all of them are easily accessible. Notwithstanding, many visitors are pleasantly surprised at the birdlife that is experienced in St. Kitts. The birds really are here! Indeed, Alan Vittery, a life long birder from the U.K. saw 87 birds during his two week vacation in November 2006. A visiting birding group from Puerto Rico, who were passing through on a cruise ship, saw almost 50 birds in one day in January 2011, including a Wood Duck, which was the first sighting for us. Additionally, over a period of just two days in October in both 2009 and 2010, the author spotted 62 and 67 different species respectively!

One complaint that is constantly heard is that it is difficult to obtain basic information on birding in St. Kitts or Nevis by any means, including the internet. The result of their complaints is this website! It was created by amateurs for amateurs!

Hopefully, it has enough basic information that both residents and visitors alike can find it useful.

Finally, it is fairly common for birders to create a trip report after visiting a new country or area. We would really appreciate if a copy of any trip reports written about visits to St. Kitts & Nevis be copied to us so we can keep a track of sightings and locations. Any help would be very much appreciated. Please use our contact form

Happy Birding!