The female Jamaican euphonia, an endemic species, feeds on the berry of the Jamaican cherry fig tree. - Text and Photos by Andrew Smith/Photography Editor

Jamaica is world-famous for its unique biodiversity, and hot spots abound where endemic species exist.

One such location is in the forests of the Bluefields Mountains in Westmoreland, home to many of Jamaica's endemic bird species. The area's biodiversity was made famous by the 19th-century British naturalist Philip Gosse, who published A Naturalist's Sojourn in Jamaica, based on two years of work in the island. Much of his observation was done in this location.

Continuing in this vein is Reliable Adventures Jamaica, a community-based ecotourism group that specialises in adventure and environmental tours.

Five-hour hike

The Gleaner spent five hours hiking and photographing on a three-kilometre circuit, ably assisted by guides Veda Tate and Deceita Turner-Grant, as well as owner, Wolde Kristos. During the excursion, we saw 27 bird species, although Kristos said up to 46 species could be observed.

On the heels of World Biodiversity Day, which was commemorated on May 22, The Gleaner shares with you a few of the fantastic fliers caught on camera.

andrew.smith@gleanerjm.com.

Left: The white-chinned thrush feeds on a frog. Right: The northern potoo, a nocturnal endemic subspecies, blends in with the tree bark.

The endemic Jamaica woodpecker in the forests of the Bluefields Mountains.

The loggerhead kingbird.

The Jamaican tody.