The Carib Grackle is found in the Caribbean and parts of South America bordering the Caribbean. The subspecies found on St. Martin is only found in the northern Lesser Antilles. It’s one of the endemic birds that we are sure to see on Saturday’s bird walk.
It is interesting to note, however, that this bird was first officially recorded on St. Martin in 1973. It is one of a number of birds that are common now and native to the region that were not recorded during bird surveys in the early and mid 20th century. It is possible that they were here, but in smaller numbers and weren’t noticed, but it would be impossible to know. Perhaps extensive sugar cane cultivation during the 18th and 19th centuries made the island temporarily inhospitable to them and it took a while for them to return. It is also possible that they weren’t here before and have been gradually expanding their range to include St. Martin.
