PUERTO RICAN WHIP-POOR-WILL Caprimulgus noctitherus (Wetmore) 



Order: CAPRIMULGIFORMES Family: CAPRIMULGIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Robin-sized night bird with long bristles about the 

 mouth. Variegated mottling of dark brown, black, gray. White band across throat. 

 White spots at end of tail feathers . 



Present distribution : Known to occur only in the Guanica Forest , near Guanica on the 

 south coast of Puerto Rico, also Susua Forest and the dry limestone hills north of Tallaboa 

 and Playa de Guayanilla, but south of Penuelas . 



Former distribution : Probably in suitable habitat pretty much over entire island . 



Status : Rediscovered recently after being considered extinct. It was recently rediscovered 

 by George B. Reynard. The threat to its limited habitat imposed by smelters and refineries 

 is a matter of great concern . 



Estimated numbers : Probably not more than 300 pairs in three areas . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Nests with two eggs and adults with two young have been 

 found. Breeding season May through July. 



Reasons for decline : Probably destruction of habitat and predation by mongoose . 



Protective measures already taken : Two of the forests where birds occur set aside as 

 reserves . 



Measures proposed : Thorough study of the distribution and ecology of the species 

 determine what its habitat requirements are, how much suitable habitat exists, and what 

 other limiting factors there are . Try to save some of the habitat in limestone hills near 

 Ponce that is threatened with industrial development. More rigid protection of common- 

 wealth forests especially from domestic herbivores (mainly goats) and excessive recrea- 

 tional development and pollution from expanding industry . 



Number in captivity : Probably none . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References : 



Biaggi, V . , Jr . University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez . 



Kepler, C. Administrative reports. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. 



Leopold, N. F. 1963. Checklist of birds of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. 



Bull. 168, Univ. Puerto Rico Agric . Exp. Sta. 

 Reynard, G. B . 1962. The rediscovery of the Puerto Rican Whip-poor-will. 



The Living Bird, First Annual of Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. 



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