Cienaga de Zapata National Park

Birds

Ciénaga de Zapata National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 200 bird species, including numerous endemics and migratory species. The diverse wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats provide refuge for a stunning array of birds.

Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus)
As Cuba’s national bird, the Cuban trogon is a strikingly colorful species with red, blue, and white plumage, reflecting the Cuban flag. It is commonly found in forested areas and feeds on fruits and insects.

Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae)
The smallest bird in the world, this tiny hummingbird is only about 2 inches long. Males display vibrant iridescent plumage and are often seen hovering around flowers in search of nectar.

Zapata Wren (Ferminia cerverai)
Endemic to the Zapata Swamp, this rare wren is one of Cuba’s most elusive birds. It has a distinctive song and thrives in dense wetland vegetation.

Zapata Sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata)
Another endemic species, this sparrow has adapted specifically to the park’s marshlands. It is distinguished by its yellowish and brown plumage, which provides excellent camouflage.

Pink Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
Large flocks of these elegant, bright pink birds can be seen wading in the shallow waters of the park. They filter-feed on shrimp and algae, which contribute to their vibrant coloration.

Great Lizard Cuckoo (Coccyzus merlini)
This large, long-tailed cuckoo is an agile hunter that feeds on lizards, insects, and small vertebrates. It is known for its loud and distinctive calls.

Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala)
With its bright green feathers and white forehead, this parrot is a common sight in the park. It forms strong family bonds and is often seen in pairs or small flocks.

Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa)
Recognizable by its long toes and yellow facial shield, the Northern jacana can walk effortlessly on floating vegetation. It is often found in shallow wetland areas searching for insects and small invertebrates.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A skilled fish hunter, the osprey is frequently seen soaring over the park’s waterways, diving dramatically to catch fish with its sharp talons. It is a migratory species that winters in Cuba.

Fernandina’s Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae)
One of Cuba’s rarest woodpeckers, this striking black-and-yellow bird is found in forested areas of the park. It excavates nests in dead trees and feeds on insects, especially ants and beetles.

Ciénaga de Zapata National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and birdwatchers.

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Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, located in Cuba, is the largest wetland in the Caribbean and a biodiversity hotspot. The park is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including reptiles, amphibians, and mammals adapted to its swampy and forested environments.

Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer)
This rare and endangered species is found almost exclusively in the Zapata Swamp. It is a medium-sized crocodile with a powerful bite, known for its agility on both land and water. Unlike other crocodiles, it has the ability to leap from the water to catch prey.

West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)
A gentle giant of the waterways, the West Indian manatee can be found in the park’s mangroves and coastal areas. These slow-moving herbivores are often seen grazing on seagrass beds and are protected due to their vulnerable status.

Zapata Water Rat (Mesocapromys angelcabrerai)
An endemic rodent found only in the Zapata Swamp, this semi-aquatic species is nocturnal and highly elusive. It has adapted to its marshy environment and is considered one of the rarest mammals in Cuba.

Zapata Rail (Cyanolimnas cerverai)
A mysterious and rarely seen bird-like rail, this species is one of the least studied in the world. It is endemic to the park and thrives in dense marsh vegetation, making sightings extremely rare.

Cuban Boa (Chilabothrus angulifer)
This large non-venomous snake is one of the top predators in the park. It preys on small mammals, birds, and amphibians, using its powerful constriction to subdue prey. It plays a key role in maintaining ecological balance.

Cuban Hutia (Capromys pilorides)
A large rodent that is common throughout Cuba, the Cuban hutia is an excellent climber and feeds on fruits, leaves, and small animals. It is often seen in the park’s dry forests and mangroves.

Cuban False Chameleon (Chamaeleolis chamaeleonides)
Despite its name, this lizard is not a true chameleon, but it shares some similar traits, such as the ability to change colors slightly. It is a slow-moving species that camouflages well among tree branches.

Zapata Frog (Eleutherodactylus symingtoni)
An endemic frog species of the Zapata region, this amphibian is known for its adaptability to both dry and wet environments. It is small, with cryptic coloration that helps it blend into leaf litter.

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
These sea turtles nest along the park’s coastal areas and are frequently seen in the surrounding waters. They play a crucial role in maintaining the health of seagrass beds and coral reefs.

Cuban Gar (Atractosteus tristoechus)
A prehistoric fish found in the freshwater habitats of the park, the Cuban gar is an important species in the ecosystem. It has a long, torpedo-shaped body covered in thick scales, and it is a formidable predator in the water.

Birds

Ciénaga de Zapata National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 200 bird species, including numerous endemics and migratory species. The diverse wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats provide refuge for a stunning array of birds.

Cuban Trogon (Priotelus temnurus)
As Cuba’s national bird, the Cuban trogon is a strikingly colorful species with red, blue, and white plumage, reflecting the Cuban flag. It is commonly found in forested areas and feeds on fruits and insects.

Bee Hummingbird (Mellisuga helenae)
The smallest bird in the world, this tiny hummingbird is only about 2 inches long. Males display vibrant iridescent plumage and are often seen hovering around flowers in search of nectar.

Zapata Wren (Ferminia cerverai)
Endemic to the Zapata Swamp, this rare wren is one of Cuba’s most elusive birds. It has a distinctive song and thrives in dense wetland vegetation.

Zapata Sparrow (Torreornis inexpectata)
Another endemic species, this sparrow has adapted specifically to the park’s marshlands. It is distinguished by its yellowish and brown plumage, which provides excellent camouflage.

Pink Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
Large flocks of these elegant, bright pink birds can be seen wading in the shallow waters of the park. They filter-feed on shrimp and algae, which contribute to their vibrant coloration.

Great Lizard Cuckoo (Coccyzus merlini)
This large, long-tailed cuckoo is an agile hunter that feeds on lizards, insects, and small vertebrates. It is known for its loud and distinctive calls.

Cuban Parrot (Amazona leucocephala)
With its bright green feathers and white forehead, this parrot is a common sight in the park. It forms strong family bonds and is often seen in pairs or small flocks.

Northern Jacana (Jacana spinosa)
Recognizable by its long toes and yellow facial shield, the Northern jacana can walk effortlessly on floating vegetation. It is often found in shallow wetland areas searching for insects and small invertebrates.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A skilled fish hunter, the osprey is frequently seen soaring over the park’s waterways, diving dramatically to catch fish with its sharp talons. It is a migratory species that winters in Cuba.

Fernandina’s Flicker (Colaptes fernandinae)
One of Cuba’s rarest woodpeckers, this striking black-and-yellow bird is found in forested areas of the park. It excavates nests in dead trees and feeds on insects, especially ants and beetles.

Ciénaga de Zapata National Park is a treasure trove of biodiversity, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and birdwatchers.