Turquino National Park

Birds

The highland forests and coastal regions of Turquino National Park provide ideal habitats for a wide variety of bird species. Some of these birds are endemic to Cuba and can only be found in the park’s unique ecosystems.

Cuban Trogon
Also known as the Tocororo, this colorful bird is Cuba’s national bird. Its vibrant red, white, and blue plumage reflects the colors of the Cuban flag. It prefers dense forests and is known for its distinctive call.

Bee Hummingbird
The smallest bird in the world, the bee hummingbird measures just over two inches in length. Males have iridescent red and blue plumage, and they are often seen hovering near flowers while feeding on nectar.

Cuban Parrot
This bright green parrot with a red throat is commonly found in Turquino’s forests. It is highly social and often seen in small flocks, feeding on fruits and seeds.

Blue-Headed Quail-Dove
A rare and elusive bird, this quail-dove is known for its striking blue head and metallic plumage. It prefers dense undergrowth, where it forages for seeds and small invertebrates.

Cuban Pygmy Owl
One of the smallest owls in the world, the Cuban pygmy owl is an active daytime hunter. It preys on insects, lizards, and small birds, often perching in trees before swooping down on its prey.

Great Lizard Cuckoo
This large, agile bird is known for its ability to chase down lizards, its primary prey. It has a long tail, a curved beak, and striking red eye markings.

Fernandina’s Flicker
A rare woodpecker species, Fernandina’s flicker is easily identified by its yellow plumage with black streaks. It nests in tree cavities and is often heard before it is seen, thanks to its loud drumming sounds.

Cuban Black Hawk
This raptor is commonly seen soaring over the park’s forests and coastal areas. It is a skilled hunter that preys on small mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Zapata Wren
Although primarily associated with Cuba’s Zapata Swamp, this rare wren has been observed in wetland areas near Turquino National Park. It is known for its melodious song and secretive nature.

Cuban Emerald
A dazzling green hummingbird, the Cuban emerald is a common sight in the park’s forests. It hovers near flowers, feeding on nectar while displaying its shimmering iridescent feathers.

Turquino National Park, located in the Sierra Maestra mountain range of Cuba, is home to a diverse array of wildlife, thriving in its tropical forests and rugged landscapes. This protected area is best known for its rich biodiversity, including unique mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that have adapted to the park’s mountainous terrain.

Cuban Hutia
This large rodent, native to Cuba, is one of the most commonly seen mammals in the park. It has a stout body covered in coarse brown fur and is known for its climbing ability, often found foraging in trees or on the ground.

West Indian Manatee
Occasionally spotted in the coastal waters near the park, the West Indian manatee is a gentle, slow-moving marine mammal. It is an herbivore, grazing on seagrasses and aquatic vegetation in shallow coastal areas.

Desmarest’s Hutia
Another species of hutia found in the park, this rodent is larger than the Cuban hutia and has a more robust build. It is primarily nocturnal and feeds on leaves, bark, and fruit.

Cuban Solenodon
This rare, nocturnal mammal is a living fossil, resembling ancient insectivores. It has an elongated snout and a toxic bite, using venom to subdue its prey, which consists mainly of insects and small vertebrates.

Cuban Boa
One of the largest snakes in the Caribbean, the Cuban boa can grow up to 15 feet long. It is a constrictor that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, often hunting at night.

Cuban False Chameleon
This small, slow-moving lizard is known for its cryptic coloration and ability to blend into tree bark. Unlike true chameleons, it cannot change colors dramatically but relies on its camouflage to avoid predators.

Monte Iberia Dwarf Frog
One of the world’s smallest frogs, this tiny amphibian measures less than half an inch in length. It is endemic to Cuba and found in moist forest leaf litter, where it is highly sensitive to environmental changes.

Cuban Crocodile
Although primarily found in Cuba’s Zapata Swamp, this critically endangered crocodile has been reported in wetland areas near Turquino National Park. It is a highly intelligent and aggressive predator.

Cuban Tree Frog
A large, adaptable amphibian, the Cuban tree frog is known for its ability to thrive in various habitats. It has powerful suction-cup-like toe pads, allowing it to climb trees and even buildings.

Cuban Green Anole
This small, vibrant green lizard is commonly seen basking on tree trunks and foliage. It is known for its dewlap, a brightly colored throat fan that it uses to communicate and attract mates.