Cueva de las Maravillas National Park

Birds

Cueva de las Maravillas National Park is also home to a variety of remarkable bird species, making it a prime location for birdwatching. The park’s mix of forested areas and coastal influences provides habitats for endemic and migratory birds.

Hispaniolan Parrot
This vibrant green parrot, with flashes of red on its wings, is a social and intelligent bird known for its loud calls. It thrives in forested areas, feeding on fruits, seeds, and flowers.

Palmchat
As the national bird of the Dominican Republic, the palmchat is a highly social bird that builds large, communal nests in palm trees. It has olive-brown plumage and is known for its distinctive chattering sounds.

Hispaniolan Woodpecker
This striking bird has a black-and-yellow barred body with a bright red crown. It is an energetic forager, using its strong beak to drill into trees in search of insects.

Antillean Mango Hummingbird
A dazzling hummingbird with iridescent green plumage, the Antillean mango is commonly seen darting among flowers, feeding on nectar with its long, curved bill.

Greater Antillean Grackle
Recognizable by its glossy black feathers and yellow eyes, this intelligent bird is often seen in groups, scavenging for food and displaying playful behaviors.

Black-crowned Palm-Tanager
A small, active songbird, this species is commonly found flitting through the canopy. Its subtle gray and olive coloration helps it blend into the foliage while searching for insects and fruit.

White-necked Crow
One of the only crow species found in the Caribbean, the white-necked crow is highly intelligent and has a variety of vocalizations. It is known for its problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Hispaniolan Trogon
With its iridescent green back, bright red belly, and striking yellow beak, the Hispaniolan trogon is one of the most colorful birds in the park. It is the national bird of Haiti and thrives in forested habitats.

Bridled Quail-Dove
This elusive, ground-dwelling dove is known for its soft, cooing calls. It has a distinctive white stripe running from its beak to behind its eye, giving it a masked appearance.

Red-legged Thrush
With its sleek gray plumage, bright red legs, and striking eye ring, this thrush is a common sight in the park. It has a melodious song and forages for insects and fruits along the forest floor.

Cueva de las Maravillas National Park offers a stunning combination of rich wildlife and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Cueva de las Maravillas National Park, located in the Dominican Republic, is known for its stunning limestone caves filled with ancient Taino petroglyphs and pictographs. Beyond its cultural significance, the park is home to a variety of fascinating wildlife, including reptiles, mammals, and amphibians.

Hispaniolan Solenodon
This small, nocturnal mammal is one of the most unique species in the park. It has an elongated snout and a venomous bite, a rare trait among mammals. The solenodon is an ancient species that has survived for millions of years with minimal evolutionary change.

Hispaniolan Hutia
A rodent-like mammal native to the island, the hutia is an agile climber and is known for its strong incisors. It primarily feeds on fruits, leaves, and bark and is an essential part of the ecosystem.

Rhinoceros Iguana
This large, robust iguana gets its name from the horn-like structures on its head. It is primarily herbivorous but may also consume insects and small animals. The species thrives in rocky, dry environments and is an important part of the park’s biodiversity.

Green Anole
A small, agile lizard, the green anole is known for its ability to change color from bright green to brown, depending on its surroundings. It is an excellent climber and is often seen basking in the sun on tree branches or rocks.

Hispaniolan Boa
As one of the largest snakes in the Caribbean, the Hispaniolan boa can grow up to 13 feet long. It is a non-venomous constrictor that feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It plays a crucial role in controlling rodent populations.

West Indian Manatee
Though not a permanent resident of the park, the nearby coastal waters sometimes provide a habitat for the West Indian manatee. These gentle, slow-moving herbivores are often found in warm, shallow waters and feed primarily on seagrass.

Hispaniolan Curly-tailed Lizard
This medium-sized lizard is named for its distinctive curled tail, which it raises when threatened. It is a common sight in the park, often seen darting across open spaces in search of insects and small prey.

Leatherback Sea Turtle
Occasionally, the coastal areas near the park serve as nesting sites for leatherback sea turtles. These ancient reptiles are the largest species of sea turtle, recognized by their soft, leathery shells rather than hard plates.

Hispaniolan Masked Curassow
This ground-dwelling bird, though rare, is sometimes spotted in the park. It is a large, turkey-like species with striking black plumage and a white-tipped tail. It primarily feeds on fruits and seeds.

Bachata Skink
This elusive skink is a small, sleek reptile that is well adapted to life among rocks and leaf litter. It is known for its rapid movements and ability to shed its tail when escaping predators.