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| Male Cuban Martin |
On August 27, 2025, while the air in Barbados was filled with the sounds of CARIFESTA XV, thanks to the electrifying performance by the Cuban group Rumba Allstars, a different kind of cultural exchange was taking place in the skies. Without any fanfare, a rare and unexpected visitor arrived on the island: a Cuban Martin (Progne cryptoleuca). This iconic bird, a species endemic to Cuba, was spotted at Spring Hall, St. Lucy, mingling with a flock of its more familiar Caribbean Martin (Progne dominicensis) cousins. While they share a similar shape and behavior, a closer look reveals the distinct features of this special guest. Unlike our local Caribbean Martins, the males of the Cuban Martin species are completely glossy blue-black, with subtle hints of white on their lower underparts. The females and juveniles, on the other hand, are much less iridescent, with a muted gray-brown breast and flanks contrasting with their white underparts.
This sighting is a fantastic reminder of the incredible biodiversity of the Caribbean region.
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