First Cuban Record of an
American Pipit
Anthus rubescens

The bird was first spotted by Joan! As soon as she saw it, Joan called out “American Pipit,” but others did not believe her. They said, “Sparrow” and “Palm Warbler.” But, Joan was insistent: “American Pipit. American Pipit!”

Finally, everyone agreed. Why the identification problem? Simple—there was no previous record of one in Cuba. Photos were sent to the leading Cuban ornithologist (and one of the authors of the Cuban field guide) who confirmed it was a first.