|
The "Doctor Bird" - Jamaica's National Bird |
Land of Wood and Water
The third largest island in the Caribbean, Jamaica is a lush, mountainous nation of 2.5 million people. The island itself is nearly 150 miles long and 50 miles wide, with dramatic mountain ranges, windswept rocky shores, white sand beaches, and tropical rain forests.
Although it is best known for its pristine beaches and famous resorts, Jamaica is also the birthplace of reggae music, made famous by native son Bob Marley. Other popular West Indian music genres such as Soca, Marengue, Dancehall, and Calypso thrive in Jamaica, especially around Carnival time.
Jamaica boasts a culinary tradition as diverse as the people that make up its population. The island is famous for such dishes as jerk chicken, rice and peas, curry goat, pepperpot soup, and many others.
Jamaica is also a birder's paradise. The island is home to 29 endemic species (including the Red-billed Streamertail found on this page) and another 20 or so endemic sub-species. More endemic bird species occur in Jamaica than on any other Caribbean island or most other oceanic islands in the world. The island's diverse landscape encompasses a variety of habitats and elevations, making birding both a challenge and a rewarding way to see the island.
<bgsound src="http://home.earthlink.net/~
rkbatchelder/jamaica/jammin.mid" loop="1">
email me
add as friend
Comments for Rasta_Rob about Jamaica