May 1: First for Barbados and the Region

May 1st in Barbados has a history of producing birds that defy expectation. In past years it delivered mega-rarities like Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus) in 2000, Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea), and Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) in 2001, just to mention a few. May 1st, 2026, added to this record with a mega-rarity that turned out to be the first record for Barbados and the West Indies. ( Read more about the phenomenal sightings around May 1st here )

The Sighting

Undertail view of the Red-footed Falcon, photograph by Michael St. John

On that morning, the sharp eyes of birder Michael St. John, while birding in St. Lucy, caught sight of a falcon he believed to be a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). In his eBird posting, he noted that the bird “flew overhead fairly fast and continued towards the southeast.” Fortunately, he managed to capture several photographs as it passed by. The images revealed a raptor with the classic falcon silhouette—slender wings, an elongated tail, and a reddish-colored undertail. These features quickly cast doubt on the Peregrine identification and instead suggested two mega-rare possibilities, both species that winter in Africa: the Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) and the Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus).

Underparts view of the Red-footed Falcon, photograph by Michael St. John

On May 4th, Michael updated his eBird record after consulting with experts. Renowned raptor specialist Dick Forsman reviewed the photographs and a short video clip, noting: “It appears to have moulted its underwing coverts partially, which is not normal for a second-calendar-year bird. However, these are clearly dark, contrasting with the retained pale and barred juvenile feathers, identifying it as a Red-footed Falcon.”

The identification was settled, highlighting a first record for Barbados, bird species number 295 (Clements 2025), the West Indies, and only the second record for the Western Hemisphere (New York Times 2004).

About the Falcon

The Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus) is about 11–13 inches (28–34 cm) in length, with a wingspan of 25–30 inches (65–75 cm). Males are smooth blue-grey, accented by vivid red legs and undertail coverts, which give the species its name. Females are more patterned, with a warm orange head, pale face marked by a dark eye stripe, and grey wings. Juveniles resemble females but are browner overall, with streaked underparts. It breeds across eastern Europe and west-central Asia, often nesting in colonies that reuse old corvid nests, especially those of rooks. A long-distance migrant, it travels thousands of miles to winter in southern Africa, with countries like South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana hosting large numbers. Occasionally, individuals wander far outside their normal range, with rare records even in North America and now Barbados. It is listed as Vulnerable due to habitat loss, hunting, and reduced nesting opportunities.

Barbados continues to prove why it is considered a true vagrant trap—a birding box of crackerjacks. Come birding with us, and you’ll discover that you never quite know what surprises the island skies will deliver.