More Puerto Rican Endemics

Everybody loves owls! The Puerto Rican Screech Owl is the only endemic owl on the the island. More often heard than seen, the male has a short, guttural trill heard typically in early morning or late evening. It is about the same size as the Eastern Screech Owl of North America, but it lacks the ear tufts, having a more rounded head.

The Yellow-shouldered Blackbird is also an endemic, though it does not have Puerto Rican in the name. It is a species of concern as much of its habitat has been converted to developments. Nest predation by snakes and mongoose are also an issue. Only a few pockets of them survive, totaling around 1200 birds.