Yucatan Woodpecker (Cozumel)

(Melanerpes pygmaeus pygmaeus)

Ecosystems:  tropical forest

Endemic subspecies and year-round resident

Status:  Least Concern

This relatively unstudied woodpecker is the most common woodpecker on Cozumel; similar to Golden-fronted Woodpecker, but smaller and with shorter bill (approx. half-width of head); note yellow around base of bill and red nape; listen for soft, rolling vocalizations.  Seen and heard especially in wooded areas and scrubby coastal areas such as El Cedral, Subdivisión Abandonados, Planta de Tratamiento de Agua, and San Gervasio. 

Rufous-browed Peppershrike (Cozumel)

(Cyclarhis gujanensis insularis)

Ecosystems:  tropical forest

Endemic species and year-round resident

Status:  Least Concern

The largest vireo on the island, it is heard often and seen regularly; easily recognized by its heavy bill, yellow undersides, and thick reddish eyebrow.  Song is distinctive and heard at considerable distance.  Common in forested areas and especially along forest edges such as at El Cedral, Subdivisión Abandonados, Planta de Tratamiento de Agua, and San Gervasio 

Black Catbird

(Melanoptila glabrirostris)

Ecosystems:  tropical forest, palm thickets

Endemic species and year-round resident

Status:  Near Threatened

The sole member of its genus, the Black Catbird is endemic to the Yucatan Peninsula; apparently separation of a Cozumel population appears unwarranted.  Characteristically glossy, uniform bluish black, a long tail and short wings; vocalizations are varied, but distinctly "flute-like".  Commonly found in the understorey of deciduous woodland edges.  Reported most areas of the island, but especially El Cedral, Subdivisión Abandonados, Planta de Tratamiento de Agua, and San Gervasio.

Yellow Warbler (Cozumel)

(Setophaga petechia rufivertex)

Ecosystems:  tropical forest, mangrove, palm thickets, urban

Endemic subspecies; year-round resident, winter and summer migrant

Status:  Least Concern

A subspecies of Petechia Group of Yellow Warbler (Golden), the Cozumel variety of the Yellow Warbler is distinguished from Yellow Warblers of the Northern Group by a well-defined a chestnut crown and chestnut streaking on the breast.  Vocalizations are a variant of the typical Yellow Warbler.  Regularly seen and heard in a variety of habitats from deciduous forest, to thickets, and coast scrub.  Reported from most sites on the island.

Bananaquit (Cozumel)

(Coereba flaveola caboti)

Ecosystems:  tropical forest, palm thickets, urban

Endemic subspecies and year-round resident

Status:  Least Concern

Frequently heard and seen along open, shrubby areas and forest edges, the Bananaquit is distinctive with its downcurved bill, bright yellow undersides, dark upperparts, white eyebrow, and white patch at the margin of the flight feathers; a yellow rump is visible in flight.  Songs are high-pitched and oscilating, similar to Yellow-faced Grassquit and some insects.  Found nearly everywhere, but especially around flowering trees.

Western Spindalis (Cozumel)

(Spindalis zena benedicti)

Ecosystems:  tropical forest, palm thickets

Endemic subspecies and year-round resident

Status:  Least Concern

Originally considered a tanager, the relationship to other songbirds is unclear.  Western Spindalis males are distinct with black and white-stripped heads, reddish-orange to yellow breasts, olive backs, and black and white wings; females are drab brown to olive gray with a white patch at the margin of the outer primaries; vocalizations are high and thin.  Feeds mostly on fruits and berries from low shrubs to high trees.  Frequently reported from Aguadas al Sureste, El Cedral, Planta de Tratamiento de Agua, Planetario de Cha'an Ka'an, and San Gervasio.