| #ffffff;" /> | | | | Moving away from the opportunities for birdwatching |
| The Caribbean is known for its wildlife, and naturally | | | | that Cuba offers, the wildlife of the island is equally |
| Cuba is no exception. However, if you don’t | | | | impressive, though sadly in many cases the animals |
| know what you’re looking for, you can miss | | | | of Cuba are equally endangered. |
| an awful lot – especially with the | | | | Cuban Hutia |
| world’s smallest humming bird, and a frog | | | | The Cuban Hutia is the largest endemic land animal |
| smaller than a penny are endemic to the island! | | | | that Cuba has to offer, growing on average to be |
| Here’s a guide to the animals of Cuba that | | | | around 60 centimetres in length. If you’re |
| you should look out for on your visit to the island. | | | | looking to catch a sight of one of these during your |
| Firstly, birdwatching in Cuba is reason to visit in itself, | | | | Cuban travel, you’re best off looking around |
| and the Caribbean’s avian life is both graceful | | | | the forests and rocky areas of the island, where you |
| and colourful. Here are some of the more memorable | | | | may spy the animal going about its daily business. |
| birds you might see amidst Cuba’s wildlife: | | | | It’s an omnivore and eats a combination of |
| The Cuban Trogan | | | | fruits, small reptiles, small mammals and leaves. |
| Known as Cuba’s national bird, because it | | | | Cuban Solenodon |
| shares the same colours as the Cuban flag – | | | | This insectivore was, like the Cuban Kite, once |
| blue, red and white. Found in forests near streams, it | | | | thought to be extinct, but has now been |
| is notable for its dark green head and wings, bright | | | | ‘upgraded’ to endangered status. You |
| red belly and white chest. They feed on insects, | | | | are unlikely to spy this sample of Cuba’s |
| fruits and by hovering on flowers. | | | | wildlife by chance, as it is largely nocturnal, and |
| Bee Hummingbird | | | | spends its days hiding in trees and under rocks, |
| The world’s smallest bird is endemic to the | | | | mainly in forests and thick shrub habitats. |
| island, and a highlight of Cuba’s birdwatching | | | | Cuban Boa |
| scene. Growing to a maximum length of 2.25 inches, | | | | Listed as near threatened, those with a fear of |
| it’s typically found in valleys, gardens and | | | | snakes shouldn’t worry about running into |
| forests but has been labelled as | | | | one of these by chance! Also known as the Cuban |
| ‘threatened’ since 2000 due to a loss | | | | Tree boa, thanks to the amount of time it spends up |
| of its natural habitats. | | | | in trees, those looking to see one in the wildlife of |
| Cuban Finch | | | | Cuba are best of searching in woodland and rocky |
| Another small species, the Cuban Finch is 3 and a half | | | | habitats. |
| inches of impressive energy! Nesting in shrubs, it is | | | | Cuban Treefrog |
| best known for its beautiful yellow head, which males | | | | Also up in the trees (unsurprisingly) is the Cuban |
| can fluff up to attract mates! | | | | Treefrog. If you’re hoping to catch sight of |
| Cuban Parakeet | | | | one amongst the Cuban wildlife, you will need to be |
| The Cuban Parakeet, once a common sight for those | | | | around at night, when it is active. It’s |
| birdwatching in Cuba has now become something of | | | | carnivorous, and will eat pretty much anything it can |
| a rarity thanks to destruction of habitat and trapping, | | | | catch, but even though it’s the largest |
| as it was regarded as a crop pest. | | | | species of treefrog in North America, that |
| Those birdwatching in Cuba will likely find it in | | | | doesn’t extend to humans! |
| grasslands with palms, woodland edges and in | | | | Monte Iberia Dwarf Eleuth |
| undisturbed forests. You should be able to spot it | | | | The text for its name in this article actually takes up |
| easily enough – it is bright green with red | | | | more space than the frog itself! Growing to just |
| spots on the head, neck and breast with red on the | | | | 0.8mm long, you could fit 2-3 of these endangered |
| bend of the wing, and a white band of flesh around | | | | frogs on a single penny piece. It’s small size |
| the eyes. | | | | and endangered status isn’t the only reason |
| Cuban Kite | | | | you’re unlikely to spy one on holiday – |
| In a distressingly familiar theme, the beautiful Cuba | | | | they’re also nocturnal, finding cover in the |
| Kite is classified as ‘critically | | | | daytime. |
| endangered’ due to habitat loss. In fact, it | | | | The animals of Cuba are simply breathtaking, and the |
| was thought extinct until 3 Cuban Kites were found | | | | endangered nature of many of the creatures means |
| on the east of the island. | | | | that seeing some of the species is likely a once in a |
| The bird of prey lives in heavily forested land, and is | | | | lifetime experience. |
| thought to feed mainly on snails. | | | | |