El Cedral Hotspot

This hotspot is located in a small pueblo that is the site of the oldest Mayan ruins on the island.  Walking the shaded streets, among beautifully decorated houses and well-maintained properties is truly delightful.  This is hotspot currently boasts the highest number of reported species in Cozumel.  Birds that are regularly observed at this hotspot are diverse, including songbirds, cuckoos, doves, hummingbirds, nightjars, parrots, swifts, woodpeckers, and birds of prey. Cozumel endemic species and subspecies that are frequently observed at this site include the Black Catbird, Cozumel Vireo, Cozumel Emerald, Western Spindallis (Cozumel I.), Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Cozumel I.), Rufous-browed Peppershrike (Cozumel I.), and Bananaquit (Cozumel I.).

Additional information on species and sighting frequencies can be found on the eBird Overview, Bar Chart, and Illustrated Checklist pages for this site.

Tips for Birding this Site

This is a spectacular area for birding year round, but the diversity of species is greater here (and around the island), during the winter months.  The hotspot can be birded by car or on foot, but you will have a much better cultural and birding experience as a walking tour.  The local inhabitants are accustomed to birders in their town and everyone that I have encountered has been very friendly.  Although I have indicated a possible route, you could follow just about any path through town and have a very successful (or maybe even better) bird outing.  Optional extensions to the west (POI #2) and south (POI #7) are also indicated.  The west fields (POI #2), compost area (POI #4), northeast field (POI #5), southeast fields (POI #6), and south fields (POI #7), are good places for migrants (Sept-Apr). The hummingbird feeders at the NW corner of town (POI #3) are typically abuzz with Cozumel Emerald, Green-breasted Mango, and Bananaquit, and the surrounding fields host warblers, grassquits, and Groove-billed Ani.

You can park your car in many out-of-the-way places around town, especially around the plaza (POI #1) and the SE fields (POI #6).  If walking, you will likely encounter a number of loose dogs, but I have never had a bad interaction with any of them.  Food, refreshments, and souvenirs can be found in several small restaurants and shops near the central plaza, which is also the site of the small Mayan ruins.