APPENDIX III
The Animals of St. Maarten

abbrevations:
SA= Saba
SE= St.Eustatius
SM= St.Maarten 
LA= Lesser Antilles
WI= West Indies
AM= America (American Continent + West Indies)
WO= world (America + other parts of the world)

Mammals

Sources:
Corbet, G.B and J.E.Hill (1991) A World List of Mammalian Species. Oxfort University Press.
Emmons, L.H. (1990) Neotropical Rainforest Mammals. The University of Chicago Press.
Husson, A.M. (1960) Zoogdieren van de Nederlandse Antillen. Natuurwetensch.Werkgr.Ned.Ant.
Knox Jones Jr., J. and C.J.Phillips (1970) Comments on the Systematics and Zoography of Bats in the Lesser Antilles. In: Stud. Fauna Cur. and other Carib. Isl. no.121.
Petersen, S.C., H.H.Genoways, and P.W.Freeman (1996) Notes on Bats from Montserrat (L.A.) with comments Concerning the Effects of Hurricane Hugo, Caribbean Journal of Science, vol.32, no 2.


scientific name, popular name and local name area of distribution habitat status and particular details
Brachyphylla cavernarum cavernarum St.Vincent Fruit-eating bat   WI (species and subspecies)     collected in 1959 in Grotte du Puit des Terres Basses on the French part of the Lowlands and later females with young were found in the same cave; in August 1996 about 300 individuals observed in a small cave at Billy Folly
Artibeus jamaicensis jamaicensis Jamaica Fruit-eating bat   AM (species and subspecies)   mature and secondary rainforests and deciduous forest   this bat can be found in hollow trees, under palm leaves, in caves or occasionally in buildings; is widespread and common in its range; collected in1946 in a barn at St.Peter; later also near Simpson Bay and in Grotte du Puit des Terres Basses (French); recently one caught by a cat (Boekhout, pers.comm.1996) in Billy Folly area
Myotis nigricans (nesopolus?) Little Black Bat   AM (species and subspecies)     only one old-dated record from SM: in 1946 one individual was found in an old building in Cul de Sac; this is probably an accidental one; it is not sure that this specimen belongs to the geographical race nesopolus
Tadarida brasiliensis antillularum Free-tailed Bat   AM for the species WI for the subspecies   dry or montane habitats on the fringes of the entire rainforest region   locally common and widespread in its range: roosts in tree holes, caves, rock crevices and under the roof of houses; collected in 1949 in the Bat Cave of Devil's Hole near Simpson Bay, but this cave doesn't exist any more
Molossus molossus debilis Mastiff Bat   AM for the species northern LA for the subspecies   rainforest and many types of drier habitats, and in towns and cities   common to uncommon in its range; roosts in tree holes, rotting trees, rock piles, and buildings; often found in in narrow, closed spaces under the roofs of houses; found in 1955 in the attic of schools and houses in Philipsburg
Noctilio leporinus Bulldog Bat  AM   coastal waters and bays   large bat; fish eater; recorded from SM  


Birds


Sources:
Voous, Prof.Dr.K.H. (1983) Birds of the Netherlands Antilles. De Walburg Pers.
Evans, P. (1990) Birds of the Eastern Caribbean. MacMillan Education Ltd.
Halewyn, R. van and R.L.Norton (1984) The Status and Conservation of Seabirds in the Caribbean. ICBP Technical Publication No.2.
ECNAMP 1980, Preliminary Data Atlas, Saint Martin/Sint Maarten
EcoVision (1996) The Ponds of Sint-Maarten, sustainable development and management.


scientific name, popular name and local name area of distribution habitat status and particular details
Resident- and breeding birds
Falco sparverius caribaearum American Kestrel Killy-killy (local)   AM for the species WI for the subspecies   dry woodlands, not too dense   though fairly common in its range, it appears on the list of Appendex II of CITES; scarce in SM; probably too much shot;observed in August 1996 at the lower eastern slope of Sentry Hill; recent breeding reported from Billy Folly area (Boekhout, pers.comm. 1996)
Columba leucocephala White-crowned Pigeon WI   midlevel and lowland woodlands, fields and around towns   uncommon breeding resident in the Greater Antilles, St.Croix and nothern Lesser Antilles; is a casual visitor south of Antigua; may once have occurred throughout the Eastern Caribbean, however in many areas it has been hunted to near extinction; very scarce in SM, but still existing (Vliegen, pers.comm. 1996)
Columba squamosa Red-necked Pigeon Pigeon, Blue Pigeon (local) WI, Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Los Testigos and Los Frailes   rainforest, but also drier lowland woodland   commonly hunted in all islands and has probably become rare in many regions for that reason; interinsular flights suspected; according to Voous too eagerly hunted and nests robbed in SM and therefore scarce, but would be less hunted today (Vliegen and Boekhout, pers.comm. 1996)
Zenaida aurita aurita Zenaida Dove Dove, Mountain Dove (local) WI for the species LA for the subspecies   lowland dry woodland and adjacent open counrty, sometimes rainforest or along busy streets among buildings   according to Voous locally rather scarce in SM, where excessively shot and numbers reduced by predation by mongoose; today less hunted (Vliegen and Boekhout, pers.comm. 1996); occurs in lowlands and low hills; most numerous in arid scrub; observed in August 1996 near Oyster Pond
Columbigallina passerina nigrirostris Common Ground Dove Ground Dove (local)   AM for the species LA and Virgin Islands for the subspecies   lowland open country and woodland   common and widespread throughout the Eastern Caribbean, also in SM, where it occurs in xerophytic vegetation, along roadsides and in gardens; seen in August 1996
Sericotes holosericeus holosericeus Green-throated Carib Doctorbird (local)   LA and Virgin Islands (species and subspecies)   lowland dry woodland, gardens, cultivated areas, sometimes open areas in mountain regions   only species of endemic genus of the LA and Virgin Islands; common in its range; numbers have declined dramatically in SM after hurricane Luis, but the species is still present; there are some recent sight records (Vliegen, pers.comm.1996); over-sea flights recorded in the past
Orthorhyncus cristatus exilios Antillean Crested Hummingbird Docter bird (local)   LA, Virgin Islands and Tobago for the species LA and Virgin Islands for the subspecies   all habitats from sea level to the tops of the highest mountains   only species of endemic genus of LA, Virgin Islands and Tobago; one of the commonest birds of the Eastern Caribbean; appears on Appendix II of CITES; numbers have declined dramatically in SM after hurricane Luis, but the species is still present; there are some recent sight-records (Vliegen, pers.comm.1996); possibly makes also over-sea flights
Elaenia martinica riisii Caribbean Eleania Whistler, Cheery-cheer (local)  WI for the species SM, SE, Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao for the subspecies   all habitats, except dense rainforest   commonest of flycatchers in the region; common in SM, but more often heard than seen 
Tyrannus dominicensis dominicensis Grey Kingbird Chincherry (local)   WI (species and subspecies)   open land   conspicuous, migrating;numbers vary in SM, probably by the temporary presence of migrants from other parts of its range; in August 1996 observed at the S.top of Marigot Hill
Progne dominicensis Caribbean Martin Gale Bird (local)   WI   towns, open country and along sea-cliffs   mainly summer visitor; it spends the winter in S.America; some remain through the year; rather common in its range; in the past nesting recorded in SM in a cave at Mohay Bay; usually nests in small colonies
Margarops fuscatus fuscatus Pearly-eyed Thrasher Thrush (local)  WI for the species range of subspecies is not available   rainforest, but also secundary wooded vegetation and adjacent to tree plantations   genus endemic to WI; more often noticed by its call than seen; in August 1996 observed near Oyster Pond
Vireo antiloquus barbadensis Black-whiskered Vireo   WI for the species range of the subspecies is not available   most wooded habitats from sea level to mountain rainforest, but dry scrub woodland is preferred   widespread in the E.Caribbean, but uncommon in the Virgin Islands, SA and SM; birds from the northern part of its range are migratory and seem to winter in S.America; few sight records from SM
Dendroica petechia bartholemica Yellow Warbler Goldfinch, Canary, Banana bird (local)  AM for the species N.LA for the subspecies   lowland dry scrub woodland and coastal mangrove swamp   common species in its range; in SM almost restricted to rhizophore mangrove and littoral vegetation of sea grape
Coereba flaveola bartholemica Bananaquit   AM for the species N.LA for the subspecies Yellowbreast (local)   all kinds of habitat   one of the commonest and widely distributed birds in the Caribbean; abundant in secondary vegetation, gardens and plantations; often very tame; in August'96 observed near Oyster Pond; common near houses in SM (Wilson, pers.comm.1996)
Loxigilla noctis ridgewayi Lesser Antillean Bullfinch Robin, Sparrow, Cheechee bird (local)  LA and Virgin Islands for the species northernmost arid islands for the subspecies   all habitats from sea level to mountain top; secondary vegetation, gardens along the forest edge and scrubbery are preferred  one of the commonest birds of the LA ; also common in SM; visits feeding places (Wilson, pers.comm. 1996)
Tiaris bicolor omissa Black-faced Grassquit Cheechee bird (local)   AM (species and subspecies)   open grassland, ticket, scrub and gardens, also waste ground along roadsides or field margins  abundant and widely distributed in its range; common in SM
Quiscalus lugubris guadeloupensis Caribbean or Lesser Antillean Crackle Blackbird (local) AM for the species LA for the subspecies   open grassland   roosts and nests colonially; first recorded in 1970-1971; all records from Marigot and some miles around (French side); introduced by man or on its own force; conspicious; often occurring in small flocks
Podilymbus podiceps antillarum Pied-billed Grebe AM for the species WI for the subspecies   shallow fresh water uncommon breeding bird in the Eastern Caribbean; has suffered from local hunting and loss of fresh water habitat; nesting recorded in Fresh Pond; apparently only present when water level in lagoons is high
Puffinus lherminieri lherminieri Audubon's Shearwater Wedrego (local)   WO for the species WI for the subspecies and sea cliffs   tropical seas; breeding habitat mainly small off-shore islets and breeding places at night only;   not easily seen from ashore, mostly far out at sea and visiting coastal water birds and eggs are exploited by man: its status is of special concern; recorded from SM; breeding suspected on Tintamarre Island, Pelican Key, and other isolated islets and keys off SM; not observed on Pelican Key in August 1996
Phaeton aethereus mesonauta Red-billed Tropicbird Tropic (local)   WO (species and subspecies)   tropical seas, sea-cliffs for breeding   Caribbean populations small, but probably stable; its conservation status needs to be monitored; breeding almost confined to the East Caribbean; different breeding sites known from SM: Pelican Key, Maho Bay, and probably also Mary's Point; other nesting sites are: seaward cliff of Point Blanche, Molly Beday and Hens and Chickens; estimated by Voous at much less than 20 breeding pairs; not observed in August 1996
Phaeton lepturus catesbyi White-tailed or Yellow-billed Tropicbird Tropic (local)   WO for the species WI for the subspecies   tropical seas; seacliffs for breeding   most numerous where its range does not overlap that of P.aetherius; Caribbean breeding populations decclined and are now 1/2 of what was estimated in the eighties: main reason is coastal development and loss of nesting sites; breeding recorded on SM in seacave east of Maho Bay; probably also at Mary's Point; estimated at 15 pairs at least; not observed in August 1996
Pelecanus occidentalis occidentalis Brown Pelican Pelican (local)   AM for the species WI for the subspecies   coastal seas; mangrove swamp for breeding   uncommon visitor to most of the LA; extremely sensitive to human disturbance of breeding sites; habitat loss and hunting also have played a part in its decline over the last couple of decades; its status is of special concern; in SM regularly seen all year round along coasts and bays; numbers of 50 birds may gather on dams in the Great Salt Pond; traditional breeding colony on Pelican Key, where nesting in low bushes; in August 1996 a group of 30 birds and 3 nests, each with 3 eggs was observed here (Boekhout pers.comm.); another breeding colony on Green Key consisted of 50 pairs in 1981; breeding activity also on Molly Beday
Nyctanassa violacea bancrofti Yellow-crowned Night Heron Heron, Nightheron (local)  AM (species and subspecies)   mangrove swamp and along coast   most common where there are extensive areas of mangrove swamp; rather scarce in SM; most certainly breeding
Butorides striatus virescens Green, Striated Heron or Green-backed Heron Gaulin, Little Gaulin, Pond Bird (local)  WO for the species AM for the subspecies   wide range of habitats, particularly swamps and along lakes, ponds and streams   one of the commonest herons in the E.Caribbean rather common in SM; most certainly breeding; recently observed in Fresh Pond
Bubulcus ibis Cattle egret Cowbird (local)   WO   around grazing animals, roosting in mangrove swamp and coastal islets for breeding   invaders from Africa in the Caribbean; very irregular in numbers; in 1973 first recorded breeding in SM (at the French side); breeding also recorded along the Bush road at Fresh Pond; in August 1996 also observed at Fresh Pond
Anas bahamensis bahamensis Blue-winged Teal White-throat, White-cheek (local)   AM (species and subspecies)   inland bays and lagoons, salt ponds, fresh water pools and low places flooded after rain   casual visitor in the LA; Voous calls it a probably occasional breeding bird based on few definite records; recently several nests observed in mangrove trees at Fresh Pond, also observed at Little Bay Pond
Gallinula chloropus cercerus Common Gallinule, Moorhen   WO for the species WI for the subspecies   fresh water marshes, ponds and pools   common resident throughout the E. Caribbean; several records of nesting in Fresh Pond; sight records from Little Bay Cocconut Groove Lagoon and Salt Pond; recent sight records from Fresh Pond
Fulica americana caribaea American Coot   AM and Hawaï Islands for the species WI for the subspecies   fresh water pools and ponds   uncommon resident in the E.Carribean; have declined greatly in numbers due to loss of habitat and over-hunting breeding recorded at Fresh Pond; also observed in Salt Pond; recently observed in Fresh Pond
Haematopus palliatus palliatus American Oystercatcher Whelk-cracker (local)  WO (species and subspecies)   rocky coasts, reef walls, sand beaches and dunes   absent in the LA, except in SM; probably breeding bird here; different records from coasts and rocky keys; some birds may be winter visitors
Himantopus himantopus mexicanus Black-winged Stilt Flamingo (local)   WO for the species AM for the subspecies   quiet lagoons and muddy shores of shallow inland bays and salt pans   breeding in the N.W.I.; observed in all months of the year; apart from breeding bird, may be migrant or winter visitor; nests found in Orient Bay Ponds (French)
Charadrius wilsonia cinnamominus Thick-billed or Wilson's Plover Pond Bird (local)  AM (species and subspecies)   muddy shores of quit lagoons behind mangroves, walls of coal shingle, sand flats, pebbles and coal debris, stone dams  common resident breeder in the E.Car. and Virgin Islands; in SM rather common; mainly breeding summer visitor; in winter migrants; recorded from Burgeaux Bay
Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus Snowy Plover Pond bird (local)  WO for the species AM for the subspecies   shores and dams of salt pans, and mud flats of dried up lagoons   breeds in the LA only on SM; uncommon; probably mainly breeding summer visitor; recorded from Orient Bay and Simpsom Bay
Catoptrophorus semipalmatus semipalmatus Willet  AM (species and subspecies)   lagoons, saliñas, shallow waters and mud flats behind mangroves   Possible breeder in SM; numerous records suggests breeding; in some years not uncommon
Larus atricilla Laughing Gull Laughing bird, Davy (local)   AM   temperate and warm coasts   breeds throughout the E.Caribbean in small colonies; mainly breeding summer visitor in SM; breeding colony on Pelican Key, where ca 100 pairs were present in 1959; in August 1996 ca 90 birds counted here, among them many young ones; may breed on other islets as well; flocks of 50-200 non-breeding and young birds gather in quit lagoons, such as Fresh Pond and Fish Pond; very scarce winter visitor
Sterna dougallii dougallii Roseate Tern   WO for the species AM for the subspecies   temperate and tropical coasts   some 20-25 breeding colonies in the WI, mainly restricted to the Eastern Caribbean counting a few breeding pairs each; this is a species of special concern with regards to conservation priority; breeding colony of 10 pairs on Castle Rock, Baie de L'Embouchure and another with at least 14 nests on rocky islands near Green Key, some miles north of Castle Rock; also observed in Philipsburg; sometimes passage migrant
Sterna anaethetus recognita (=S.a.melanoptera in Halewyn en Norton) Bridled Tern Egg bird (local)   WO for the species WI for the subspecies   offshore zone   rather common breeder in the Caribbean; almost certainly nesting at Pelican Key where originally confused with Sooty Tern; in 1959 150 birds present there together with an igual number of Sooty Terns; definitely found nesting among colony of Roseate Terns on Castle Rock; in August 1996 probably observed on Molly Beday in fairly large numbers
Sterna fuscata fuscata Sooty Tern Egg bird (local)   WO for the species AM for the subspecies   oceans; seacliffs and remote islets for breeding   most numerous breeding seabird species in the Caribbean, but egg collecting is a serious threat; different Caribbean populations have declined; its status needs to be monitored; no definite breeding records from SM, but young found once long ago; may breed on Pelican Key; ca 150 birds present there in 1959
Sterna albifrons antillarum Least Tern Spratt gull (local)   WO (species and subspecies)   temperate and tropical sea coasts, wide rivers and arid often alkaline plains   breeding in the WI, but mainly concentrated in the LA; its status needs to be monitored; common along the coast of SM; nest on coral shingle and sand flats; at least 4 or 5 colonies of 5-10 pairs each known, but doubtless more are unrecorded; in autumn birds may be migrants of elsewhere
Anous stolidus stolidus Common or Brown Noddy Blackbird, Catbird (local)   WO for the species WI for the subspecies   oceans and coastal waters   second most numerous seabird nesting throughout the E.Caribbean; experiences egg collecting; nests in a variety of habitats, but disturbance may drive these birds to less suitable nesting habitats; colonies of 30-50 pairs each on rock ledges of Point Blanche and in crevices of Pelican Key, probably also on Molly Beday; in August 1996 seen on and around Molly Beday
scientific name, popular name and local name area of distribution habitat status and particular details
Migrants, visitors and non-breeding Seabirds
Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier, Marsh Hawk   WO     casual or accidental visitor in the E. Caribbean; few records from SM; appears on list of Appendix II of CITES
Buteo jamaicensis Red-tailed Hawk Chicken Hawk (local)   AM   wide range of habitats, particularly mountaneous ones   considered a chicken thief, but probably unbased; too much shot in SM and now apparently extinct as a breeding bird; may be an occasional winter visitor; not observed in August 1996
Falco columbarius Merlin   WO   during migration any habitat from sea level to mountain top   regular passage migrant and winter visitor in the Virgin Islands and N.LA; further south only a casual visitor; appears on list of Appendix II of CITES; usually hunts over open lagoons after plovers and other small waders; recorded in SM
Falco peregrinus Peregrine Falcon   WO   during migration any habitat, including rainforest   regular, though rare winter visitor throughout the E.Caribbean; appears on list of Appendix I of CITES; recorded in SM
Pandion haliaetus Osprey Fish Hawk (local)   WO   all kinds of sea coasts, lagoons and inland bays   numbers have declined, but still a rare thougt regular winter visitor; species of Appendix II list of CITES; recorded from SM; apparently observed all year round
Sula leucogaster Brown Booby Booby (local)   WO   tropical seas; flat rocky islands and atolls, steep outlying rocks and cays as breeding places   commonest booby in the WI, but breeding colonies have declined considerable; its status needs to be monitored; regular, though scarce visitor along all coasts of SM; suspected nesting on keys off SM and half-way St.Barts, but these small rocky islands may be roosting places mainly; in 1972 ca 100 birds on Table Rock; largest nr. recorded at sea 5-10
Phalacrocorax spec. Cormorant only one record from SM
Fregata magnificens Magnificent Frigatebird Hurricane bird (local)   WO   along tropical coasts and bays; mangrove swamp for breeding and steep rocks for roosting   common appearance throughout the WI , but few known breeding sites; breeding colonies should be fully protected; would breed on pelican Key and Molly Beday; in August 1996 8 birds seen sitting on and flying over Molly Beday
Nycticorax nycticorax Black-crowned Night Heron   WO   lagoons and other waters, bordered by trees or shrub   mainly nocturnal; casual visitor to most of the LA; recorded from French SM
Egretta caerulea Little Blue Heron Water Gaulin (local)   AM   almost any habitat from damp pasture at sea level to montane swamp or stream; fresh or brackish water is preferred  commonly observed in the E. Caribbean; recorded in SM in all seasons of the year; solitary or in small loose parties
Egretta tricolor Tricolored or Louisiana Heron   AM   mangrove fringed lagoons   casual visitor in the LA; generally wary and shy ; recorded from SM, solitary and in small parties
Egretta refuscens Reddish Egret   AM   saline lagoons, inland bays and reef walls   outside breeding season throughout the WI, but uncommon; caual visitor or straggler in SM
Egretta thula Snowy Egret Egret (local)   AM   shallow water; mangrove swamp or shrubland for breeding   for the most LA a rare, but regular migrant or winter visitor; recorded in all seasons of the year in SM; largest number recorded 30 in Fish Pond; recently observed in Fresh Pond and Little Bay Pond
Egretta alba Great White Egret   WO   extensive lagoons and quiet bays in the shelter of mangroves   in most of the LA uncommun though regular visitor; few records from SM; recently observed in Fresh Pond and Little Bay Pond
Ardea herodias Great Blue Heron Blue Heron (local)  AM   extensive lagoons, sometimes small mountain lakes   regular autumn and winter visitor to the E.Caribbean, also in SM, usually solitary
Platalea ajaja Roseate Spoonbill   AM   coastal swamps and mangroves   accidental occurrence in the Virgin Islands and N.LA; one record from SM at Simpson Bay Lagoon
Phoenicopterus ruber Greater or Caribbean Flamingo   WO   saline habitats   breeding colonies have been decimated for centuries by man in search of eggs, young and adults for food; some breeding colonies are protected; casual visitor or straggler in SM
Anas americana American Wigeon, Baldpate  AM   fresh water pools, flooded plains and deep lagoons  casual winter visitor in the WI; once recorded from SM
Anas acuta Northern Pintail  WO   fresh water pools   casual winter visitor; one record from SM 
Anas discors Blue-winged Teal   AM   fresh water pools and shallow lagoons behind mangroves on rains and shooting pressure; largest number recorded 60 at Guana Bay; one  common passage migrant and winter visitor in the E.Caribbean; of irregular occurence in SM, apparently depending
Porzana porzana Spotted Crake  Europe   ? European species in America  record from SM, the only one of this
Porzana carolina Sora Rail  AM   fresh water pools, manchioneel tickets and mangroves  winter visitor in the E.Caribbean; observed in Fresh Pond and Great Bay
Charadrius semipalmatus Semipalmated Plover Pond Bird, Ring Neck (local) AM   muddy shores of quit lagoons, walls of coral shingle, flats of sand, pebbles or coral debris and stone walls separating salt pans not so common in the LA; recorded in SM in all months of the year; largest number seen 60 at Flamingo Pond
Charadrius vociferus Killdeer Soldier bird, Pond bird (local)  AM   warm and tropical coastal and inland arid habitats   besides SM, rare transient migrant in the E.Caribbean; numerous records from SM
Charadrius collaris Collared Plover  AM   sand flats and savannahs, sand banks and gravel bars in rivers  rare vagrant in the LA; recorded from SM
Pluvialis dominica Lesser Golden Plover   WO   tundras; mud flats and shores with fresh water, brackish lagoons, flat flooded country  regular passage migrant throughout the E.Caribbean; records from Castle Rock, SM
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover, Black-bellied Plover Soldier Bird (local)  WO   arid tundras; mud flats and shores, lagoons, salt pans, open grasslands and tidal pools   some birds remain in the tropics throughout the year; recorded in SM in all months of the year; largest number seen 50-100 in flocks
Calidris alba Sanderling  WO   arid tundras; sand beaches, saline mud flats  passage migrant and winter visitor in SM
Calidris pusilla Semipalmated Sandpiper Pond Bird (local)  AM   tundras; muddy shores of lagoons, flooded plains and rain pools visitor, recorded in SM in all months of the year
Calidris mauri Western Sandpiper Pond Bird (local)  AM   tundras; muddy and sandy shores and salt pans   apparently most numerous in the migration periods
Calidris minutilla Least Sandpiper Pond Bird (local)  AM   same and fresh water pools   visitor, recorded in all months of the year, often mixed with other waders
Calidris fuscicollis White-rumped Sandpiper Pond Bird (local)  AM   same   passage migrant; different reords from SM
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper Pond Bird (local)  WO   same   same
Micropalama himantopus Stilt sandpiper Pond Bird (local)  AM   same   passage migrant and winter visitor, usually in pairs or flocks up to 70 birds
Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe Snipe (local)   WO   dense marsh vegetation, shore of fresh water pools, flats and flooded grassland, mud shores behind mangroves  same; not uncommon
Limnodromus griseus Short-billed Dowitcher Pond Bird, Lesser Snipe (local)  AM   boggy tundras; saline lagoons and mud flats   same; uncommon, in small numbers
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel Curlew (local)   WO   bogs and marshy tundras; saline lagoons and mud flats, salt pans, sand beaches and reef walls  passage migrant; most observations of Fish and Fresh Pond
Tringa melanoleuca Greater Yellowlegs Pond Bird (local)  AM   tundras; along salt and fresh water   visitor; recorded throughout the year; largest number recorded 25
Tringa flavipes Lesser Yellowlegs Pond Bird (local)  AM   same   visitor; one of the commonest transient waders; largest number recorded 40
Tringa solitaria Solitary Sandpiper Pond Bird (local)   AM   swampy forests; along edges of fresh water pools and protected shallow waters behind Mangroves  passage migrant and winter visitor; few records from SM
Actitis macularis Spotted Sandpiper Tip-up, Dipper, Weather bird (local)  AM   all kinds of fresh water habitats   adundant transient and winter visitor in the WI; recorded in SM
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Pond Bird (local)   WO   all kinds of rocky coasts   usually seen in autumn or spring, migrating in the E.Caribbean; numerous records from SM; common on rocky coasts and muddy shores of lagoons; largest number seen 50-100
Larus delawarensis Ring-billed gull  AM   seas and coasts   winter visitor; different records
Larus fuscus Lesser black-backed gull  WO   seas and coasts   casual winter visitor; in Fresh pond and Great Bay
Larus argentatus Herring gull  WO   seas and coasts   occasional winter visitor; few sight records from SM
Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern  WO   coasts, harbours, lagoons, fresh water ponds  passage migrant; one record from SM
Sterna maxima Royal Tern Sea gull (local)   WO WO   warm and tropical coasts   may be seen at any time of the year throughout the E.Caribbean, however breeding colonies are few and small here; its status needs to be monitored recorded in all months of the year in SM, solitary or in flocks up to 25
Sterna sandwicensis Sandwich Tern   WO   coasts and bays   some breeding sites in the Caribbean were abandoned in this century; needs protection; mainly summer visitor; recorded from SM; probably seen on Molly Beday in August 1996
Sterna hirundo Common Tern   WO   coastal seas, harbours, inland bays, saliñas, salt pans   passage migrant and winter visitor; different records from SM; its status needs to be monitored
Coccyzus americanus Yellow-billed Cuckoo   AM   lowland dry scrub woodland   relatively uncommon passage migrant or winter vistor in most of the LA; only recorded in 1974 in SM
Coccyzus minor Mangrove Cuckoo  AM   mangrove and dry scrub woodland  distributed in low densities in the E. Caribbean; casual visitor in SM 
Caprimulgus carolinensis Chuck-will's-widow Owl (local)  AM   dry forests   winter visitor; few records from SM
Chordeiles minor Common Nighthawk AM   ?   ocasional winter visitor; few records from SM
Ceryle alcyon Belted Kingfisher  AM   bays and seashores, lowland rivers, lakes and lagoons  passage migrant and winter visitor in the Caribbean; not uncommon in SM;
Sphyrapicus varius Yellow-bellied Sapsucker  AM   boreal and mountain forests   occasional winter visitor; one sight record from SM
Muscivora tyrannus Fork-tailed Flycatcher  AM   ?   casual visitor from S.America; one record from SM
Hirundo rustica Barn Swallow Christmas bird (local)  WO   lowland open country, roadsides   common passage migrant and winter visitor in the E.Caribbean; many records from SM
Mniotilta varia Black-and -white Warbler   AM   deciduous and coniferous woodlands   regular passage migrant and winter visitor in the E.Caribbean; different sight records from SM
Parula americana Northern Parula Warbler   AM   swampy woodlands   regular and fairly common passage migrant and winter visitor in the E.Caribbean; not uncommon in SM, but numbers varying each year
Dendroica discolor Prairie Warbler  AM   bush and scrub   uncommon wintervisitor, probably not present each year in SM
Dendroica tigrina Cape May Warbler  AM   spruce forests   winter visitor ; one record from SM
Dendroica striata Blackpoll warber   AM   dwarfed, spruce and fir forests xerophytic scrub and cactus vegetation, plantations and gardens  passage migrant; once recorded from SM in small numbers
Setophaga ruticila American Redstart   AM   open, mainly deciduous forests   regular passaage migrant and winter visitor in the E.Caribbean; rather numerous in some years, almost absent in others
Seiurus aurocapillus Ovenbird   AM   dry woodland, shrubbery and swamp edge   winter visitor; one record from SM
Seiurus noveboracensis Northern waterthrush  AM   wooded swamps; shores of all kinds of fresh waters  regular passage migrant and winter in SM
Seiurus motacilla Louisiana Watertrush  AM   fresh water habitats   uncommon winter resident in the WI; one record from SM
Oporornis agilis Connecticut Warbler  AM   dense underbrush in open swampy forests  passage migrant; one record from SM
Piranga olivacea Scarlet Tanager  AM   woodlands   accidental in the E.Caribbean; few records from SM
Dolichonyx oryzivorus Bobolink  AM   open fields, roadsides, mangroves  passage migrant; few records from SM


Amphibians and Reptiles

Sources:
Barkau Maylan, A. (1983) Marine Turtles of the Leeward Islands, Lesser Antilles. In: Atoll Research Bulletin no.278.
Brongersma, L.D. (1959) Some snakes from the Lesser Antilles. In : Stud.Fauna Cur. and other Carib.Isl., no.37.
Jaarverslag CARMABI & STINAPA 1992. Conserveringsstatus van de Antillenleguaan.
Lazell, J. (1972) The Anoles of the Lesser Antilles. In: Bul.of the Mus.of Com.Zoo. vol.143 no.1
Powell, R., R.J.Passaro and R.W.Henderson (1992) Noteworthy Herpetological Records from Saint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles in:
Car.J.of S.vol.28 no.3-4
Schwartz, A. (1967) Frogs of the genus Eleutherodactylus in the Lesser Antilles. In: Stud.Fauna Cur. and other Car.Isl., XXIV, no.91.
Schwartz, A. and R.W.Henderson (1991) Amphibians and Reptiles of the West Indies. University of Florida Press.
Schwartz, A. and R.Thomas (1975) A Checklist of West Indian Amphibians and Reptiles. Carnegie Museum of Natural history.
Sutty, L.(1993) Fauna of the Caribbean. The Last Survivors.The MacMillan Press Ltd.
Sybesma, J. (K.Lind Eckert, ed.) (1992) Sea Turtle Recovery Action Plan for the Neth.Antilles. CEP Technical Report no.11, UNEP. Caribbean Environmental Programm

        

scientific name, popular name and local name area of distribution  habitat status and particular details
Amphibians   
Eleutherodactylus johnstonei Piping Frog LA, introduced in Jamaica   mesic forests, including rainforest, also cut-over fields, yards, gardens and adjacent to sugarcane fields very common in its range; occurs from sea level to elevations of at least 854 m; can be encountered in almost any terrestrial situation which offers concealment and some moisture; makes a weak 2-note call, which was heard in August 1996 at night in different parts of the island; also observed in a garden at Billy Folly; possibly introduced in SM by man
Osteopilus septentrionalis   WI   ?   introduced in the LA from the Greater Antilles by man; collected for the first time in SM in 1987 at Belle Plane (French ); regularly encountered in the Low Lands (N.A.); in August 1996 seen at night in a garden at Billy Folly
Reptiles         
Ameiva pleei Ground Lizard   LA: SM, Anguilla, St.Barts and their satellites   dry scrub and woodland, shores, and garbage dumps   diurnal; ubiquitous in habits; prey for Falco sparverius; in August 1996 seen at different locations
Mabuya mabouya mabouya Skink   AM (species and subspecies)   primarily xerophlic, but at times more mesic situations   feeds on insects; often around houses; exceptionally 'tame'; considered rare in most of the Caribbean islands; not seen in August 1996
Anolis wattsi pogus Tree Lizard   LA for the species SM for the subspecies extinct in Anguilla, formerly possibly occurring in St.Barts   xeric scrub, wooded ravines, mesic forest including rainforest, plantations, beaches, stone walls, buildings   has a clumped occurrence in SM; probably owes much of its present abundance in the areas where it survives directly to man: stone walls seem surely to be its preferred habitat; estimated range with habitable pockets (about 16) in SM at 22 square kilometers; in 1992 a population was found at the N.shore of Great salt Pond at sea level; in August 1996 observed at the E.slope of Sentry Hill and the N.slope of Billy Folly Hill
Anolis gingivinus Tree Lizard   LA: SM, Anguilla, St.Barts and their satellites   mesophilic to xerophilic; coastal shrub, dry woodland, plantations and gardens   diurnal, ubiquitous in habits, abundant and infradispersed throughout the land areas; preys upon young and adult Anolis wattsi pogus and itself prey for Margarops fuscatus; in August 1996 observed at many locations among others Bèlair and Almond Groove
Iguana iguana Green Iguana, Common Iguana   AM   all kind of habitats from xeric to mesic   occurred formerly in SM sympatric with Iguana delicatissima, but original population seems to be exterminated due to extensive hunting by humans; however there are different sight records from the area near the airport (Klein, Schrijver and Vliegen, pers.comm.1996); it is nearby sure that these iguanas escaped from a crate at Flamingo Pond; appears on Appendix II list of CITES
Hemidactylus mabouia Common Gecko, Mabouya  WO   buildings, open rocky areas   active at night; introduced from Africa; frequently encountered in houses
Sphaerodactylus macrolepis parvus   WI for the species LA: SM, Anguilla, St.Barts and some of their satellites for the subspecies mesophilic to xerophilic, sometimes buildings   under boulders and dry leafs; active at night, sometimes at dusk or even diurnal; on map in Schwartz and Henderson (1991) in Lowlands only; not observed in August 1996
Sphaerodactylus sputator   LA: islands of theAnguilla- bank and St.Kitts-bank   mesophilic   recorded on the slope of a hill near the sea; on map in Schwartz and Henderson (1991) in Lowlands, at the French side and on Pelican Key; not observed in August 1996
Alsophis rijersmai Grass-snake (local-Vliegen)   LA: SM, Anguilla and St. Kitts   mesophilic; rainforest, along forest edge, rock-strewn areas at forest edge or in forest, gardens and heavily disturbed areas   diurnal; not uncommon in mongoose- free Anguilla and St.Barts; supposed to be exterminated in SM due to to mongoose predation, but 5 snakes were caught at Mary's Fancy in 1992; also observed on Flagstaf Hill in 1996 (Ecovision); in the past recorded from Cul de Sac
Chelonia midas Green turtle appears on list of Appendix I   WO.   oceans; shallow water with sea grass beds; large open beaches for nesting   endangered; numbers have declined very much because of exploitation by humans; of CITES; few nesting reords from SM; up to recently this turtle has been regularly encountered in the sea around SM (Vliegen, pers. comm.1996)
Eretmochylys imbricata Hawksbill   WO   tropical oceans, coral reefs and rocky coasts; small quit beaches for nesting   highly endangered; numbers have declined worldwide; appears on list of Appendix I of CITES; not very abundant in SM; only a few nesting records
Caretta caretta Loggerhead   WO   tropical and subtropical oceans; subtropical continental beaches   appears on list of Appendix I of CITES; present in the sea around SM, but rarely encountered; not any report of nesting
Dermochelys coriacea Leatherback   WO   tropical, temperate and sub- arctic seas and oceans, nesting in tropical areas only lives in open sea; appears on list of Appendix I of CITES; rarely encountered in the sea around SM; nesting extremely uncommon in the past, but recorded from Maho Beach and the beach of Simpson Bay in 1997 (Wilson, pers.comm.)