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Birding FAQs  |  Birding by Season
Say hello to cuckoos, kiskadees, swifts and swallows

  • No Bermuda birding trip would be complete without a life list. So print out this handy reference, grab your binoculars and get ready to check off our 360 recorded bird species, one at a time
Q: I am only here for a few days and want to go birding. Where do you recommend?

A: The best individual bird site is arguably Spittal Pond, which you can visit by yourself or take a scheduled tour with a Park Ranger on Fridays. Check with the Parks Department by calling +1 441 236 4201.

Q: Can anyone take me out birding when I visit Bermuda?

A: This might be possible with enough notice, but most of the birders on the island have full-time jobs. E-mail the Bermuda Audubon Society to find out more at info@audubon.bm 

Q: I have not travelled outside of continental North America to bird. Will there be different species for me when I visit?

A: Yes, many unique species will make your trip memorable. The abundant European goldfinch and the great kiskadee are quite easy to spot.

Among the most fascinating is the Bermuda petrel or cahow. It is a nocturnal breeding species, so sightings are rare. Birders report more and more sightings of this endangered species from land looking off-shore.

Q: Which field guides cover Bermuda's birds?

A: Most of the North American field guides cover many of the birds commonly seen here. Some helpful and handy guides include:

  • A Birdwatching Guide to Bermuda (Andrew Dobson, Arlequin Press, 2002)
  • The Birds of Bermuda (Eric Amos, J. R., 1991)
  • A Field Guide to the Birds: A Completely New Guide to All the Birds of Eastern and Central North America, 4th edition (Roger Tory Peterson, Peterson Field Guides, 1998)

Q: Are there any endemic animals?

A: Yes. The Bermuda petrel or cahow. The resident white-eyed vireo is an endemic sub-species. The Bermuda skink or rock lizard is a scarce endemic reptile.

Q: Are there any poisonous animals or plants?

A: There are no snakes, poisonous or otherwise, on our island, but watch out for:

  • Portuguese man-of-war (especially in winter and spring on the beaches)
  • Fire coral (if you go snorkelling)
  • Poison ivy (if you stray from footpaths)

Q: Do I have to be an Audubon member to visit nature reserves?

A: No. Nor is there any charge to visit nature reserves belonging to the Bermuda Audubon Society or any other organisations. But to protect the fauna and flora, some reserves restrict some access.