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The title of this post is a trick question as Trinidad and Tobago actually has two national birds, one for each of the country’s namesake islands. Trinidad is represented by the Scarlet Ibis , a beauty of a bird, resplendent in its crimson hue. I have been unable to dig up the story of how either bird became the emblems of the two islands, but both feature prominently on the coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago. the coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago. MORE
Such was the situation on Saturday morning in Trinidad when Mukesh Ramdass, who was guiding me for the day, suddenly pulled over and told me it was my lucky day. Mukesh informed me that this particular nest had been used previously and also let me know that hummingbird nests are often reused in Trinidad. There is much more to come from my amazing five days in Trinidad and Tobago so make sure to stop back soon for more. It is not every day that you get to see a hummingbird. MORE
Fortunately, I live in Trinidad and Tobago – a twin-island nation that boasts the second highest density of bird species in the world. Birding Trinidad and Tobago MORE
Over the past few years we have been rewilding our yard here in the suburbs of the island of Trinidad. Birds backyard birds Trinidad and TobagoThis post does not contain serious eye-candy nor riveting text. MORE
There were three profound questions my birding group discussed while we birded Trinidad and Tobago, back in December 2012: (1) How many Bananaquits could fit on a banana? (2) 3) What was the best guide to the birds of Trinidad and Tobago? My friend Ian had purchased Richard ffrench’s classic A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad & Tobago just before we left, the third edition, hot off the presses. Both Mike and Corey have visited Trinidad and Tobago. MORE
In my last post here , I spoke of a rather odd trend permeating the birdlife here in Trinidad & Tobago. Barred Antshrikes are common and widespread across both Trinidad and Tobago, in fact it is the only antshrike found on Tobago. Birding Trinidad and Tobago MORE
Of course, the birds in this post were all photographed at the Asa Wright Nature Center on Trinidad which, with Tobago, is as far into the Caribbean as you are likely to find them. My visit to Trinidad and Tobago was sponsored by the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development Company but the views expressed in the blog posts regarding the trip are my own. For more information about visiting Trinidad and Tobago a good place to start is the official tourism website. …. MORE
This was actually the place where the late Richard ffrench spent much of his time as a music teacher, amassing countless observations of birds that would later form the basis of one of the essential birding guides for Trinidad and Tobago. Birding Trinidad and Tobago waterbirds wetlands MORE
In the southeastern end of Trinidad, the Trinity Hills rises above the mostly flat interior of the island. This trio of hills stood out to a certain lost seaman over 500 years ago – who took it as a sign of the Holy Trinity and therefore coined the name La Isla de la Trinidad. MORE
Trinidad and Tobago has historically had seventeen species on record, sixteen on Trinidad and six on Tobago. Birds hummingbirds South America Trinidad and Tobago MORE
Birding Trinidad and TobagoJust under a fortnight ago, I saw a report on the local bird alert of a sighting of a group of approximately 20 Nacunda Nighthawks at a wetland not more than 20 minutes from where I live. MORE
Birding Birds courtship displays Pinnated Bittern Trinidad and TobagoI promise this will be the last article (for a while at least) on this wetland that’s so close to where I live. MORE
Tinidad and Tobago offers 480 bird species, including the endemic Trinidad Piping-Guan (at Morne Bleu), Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge with its veranda feeders and the colony of oilbirds nearby, Caroni and Nariva swamps, etc. The Species per Square Mile Approach. MORE
Life behind a screen for this birding guide involves delving into the extensive list of birds of Trinidad & Tobago , answering questions about the birds and possible itineraries and so on. The Masked Yellowthroat is a denizen of wetland habitat across the island of Trinidad. MORE
Birding Birds backyard birds lockdown Trinidad and TobagoWith any project or investment we’re involved in, the topic of beneficiaries always surfaces some way or the other. Who is going to benefit aside from the original investor? MORE
Here in Trinidad & Tobago we live up to our reputation of being a comfortable introduction to the world of Neotropical birding – we only have ten (out of a staggering three hundred) furnariids. Birds Birding Trinidad and Tobago MORE
Many moons ago, when I used to work in the (supposedly) booming petrochemical industry in Trinidad, most of my time was actually spent birding. Golden-crowned Warbler is one of the three resident warbler species on Trinidad. Birding Trinidad and Tobago MORE
Seven hours in total, reaching halfway up the second highest peak on Trinidad, El Tucuche. Trinidad Lancehead , or Fer-de-lance. This small tanager is widely distributed across Trinidad albeit much less common than the very similar White-lined Tanager. MORE
Birding climate change Trinidad and TobagoI know many of us seek birds as an escape from dreary, depressing news that seems to permeate almost everything of late. MORE
Trinidad’s cloud forests typically aren’t birded much. Our first birds for the trip were vocalizing Trinidad Euphonias and an inquisitive Rufous-breasted Hermit. Although this species is found on both Trinidad and Tobago, visibly distinct races occur on each island. MORE
This sleepy fishing village on the north coast of Trinidad should ring a bell – it boasts the densest nesting population of Leatherback Turtles in the entire western hemisphere. First we saw one Trinidad Piping Guan , as predicted – in the open, preening after the rains. MORE
Birding Birds Trinidad and Tobago xenopsOver a decade ago I stumbled upon the first edition of the field guide to the birds of T&T and marveled at the astounding diversity within its pages. MORE
Starting with the smallest – our tiny Guianan Trogon (formerly Violaceous) can often be heard within almost any forested area on Trinidad. It could be due to it being our only trogon that can be found on both Trinidad and Tobago. MORE
However the Red-breasted Blackbird ended up with its appellation doesn’t matter as much as how great a bird it is, well worth a trip to Trinidad and Tobago to see. It was on the island of Trinidad, at the Aripo Agricultural Research Station, where all of these photographs were taken. If you are in Trinidad and are a birder you should definitely make a stop. For more information about visiting Trinidad and Tobago a good place to start is the official tourism website. …. MORE
A few days ago I was out birding at a nearby wetland in southern Trinidad with a close friend of mine. Birds leucism leucistic Limpkins Trinidad and Tobago MORE
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago may share equal billing in the dichotomous nation’s name, but Trinidad boasts the lion’s share of the land mass, population, and hummingbirds. Visitors to Trinidad can scarcely help encountering stunning hummers just about everywhere. If you feel the same way, this is just one more reason you simply have to visit Trinidad. Birds Caribbean features hummingbirds South America trinidad MORE
Hidden away in that boatyard is an amazingly good spot to buy roti, which rivaled doubles as my favorite food that I sampled while in Trinidad and Tobago. This happened in Trinidad and Guyana in the urban areas to make it easier and faster to eat the items, as the individuals’ hands would not get as dirty. In Trinidad and Tobago, various wrapped “roti” are served, including chicken, conch, beef, and vegetable. Reptiles Lizards Trinidad and Tobago MORE
Trinidad Colorado is located just a few miles north of the Colorado – New Mexico border, and home to the Trinidad Reservoir. Jeanne and I parked the 5th wheel in the Trinidad Lake Campground, and found it to be perhaps the nicest campground we had ever been in. The Trinidad Lake CG had power at each site, beautiful restrooms, complete with showers, and a laundry facility. Trinidad Colorado MORE
Birding Birds backyard birds Trinidad and TobagoI’ve always birded from home for as long as I can remember. I remember seeing a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl sitting on our fencepost just after sunset when I was not even ten. MORE
Several tour companies and birders seeking to investigate birding in the country with the second highest bird species density in the world indicated that it may be futile to pursue a birding trip to Trinidad & Tobago given the closure of a single (and undeniably significant) lodge. MORE
For the fifth year in a row, I was assigned the prolific and well-known Aripo Livestock Station at the foothills of Trinidad’s Northern Range. Both White-bearded and Golden-headed Manakins were calling consistently, as well as Violaceous and Trinidad Euphonias. MORE
It was a dreary morning, with Trinidad under watch for an incoming tropical wave. We are lucky here in Trinidad to experience migrants from both the south and the north – after we saw the elaenia we enjoyed fleeting views of a male American Redstart. Birding Trinidad and Tobago MORE
Birding Birds breeding Trinidad and TobagoAs the boreal migrants head north, breeding season for the residents and austral migrants is beginning to pick up. MORE
Three corrupt police officers in Trinidad and Tobago robbed a couple of Venezuelan wildlife smugglers and were subsequently arrested themselves. Over 1,000 animals were rescued, including 500 bull finches and 300 picoplats, The rescued wildlife also included monkeys, parrots, macaws and other species from Venezuela. There was also over 400 lbs of "wild meat" (I don't want to know what that could be!). MORE
If you are a birder and you visit Trinidad and Tobago you must go to the Caroni Swamp. If you visit Trinidad and Tobago you must visit Caroni Swamp. Just south of Port of Spain on the west coast of Trinidad, the Caroni Swamp is easily accessible and well serviced by tour companies that will take you out into the mangroves safely and efficiently. For more information about visiting Trinidad and Tobago a good place to start is the official tourism website. …. MORE
For the purpose of this post being of a reasonable length, I’m only going to touch on members of the Tyrannidae family of New World Flycatchers which can be found in the cocoa estates of Trinidad and Tobago. Birding Birds Trinidad and Tobago Tyrant Flycatchers MORE
Out of the approximately 26 species of snipes worldwide, two have been recorded on Trinidad. On Trinidad it took me some more time until I saw my first snipe. Birding Birds Common Snipe snipe south american snipe Trinidad and Tobago Wilson's Snipe MORE
Sightings in Trinidad have been sporadic, 38 to be exact since the formation of the T&T Bird Status and Distribution Committee. Birding backyard birds Trinidad and Tobago TwitchingJust over a week ago I received an urgent phone call from a long-time friend and fellow birder. MORE
Birding in Trinidad and Tobago has been likened to an introductory chapter in the book of birding in the Neotropics. Birds Birding Trinidad and TobagoAnd for good reason. MORE
It had been some months since we had been in the hills of Trinidad’s Northern Range, and let it be known that all forests are very different. Birding Birds Trinidad and TobagoI’m writing this post primarily because I am currently dreaming of the subject. MORE
One of the first things most people think of when they think of Trinidad – perhaps after steel drums and calypso – is rum. I’ve never been to the Caribbean, but I suspect many visitors to Trinidad welcome the end a long day of birding the island’s mountains, beaches, and lush rainforests with a tot of rum – or two. The Scarlet Ibis is one of two national birds of the Republic Trinidad and Tobago , the other being the Rufous-vented Chachalaca. MORE
Turns out that the Streak-headed Woodcreeper was a formerly uncommon resident of Trinidad, its range gradually increasing to cover semi-degraded and altered habitat. Four of those are resident on Trinidad, and one is found only on Tobago. Birds Birding Trinidad and Tobago MORE
The southwest peninsula of Trinidad is unfortunately rarely birded by visiting birders. Birding Trinidad and TobagoMost tourists historically spent their time at the northern end of the island and although it may seem like a small place – getting around can be a bit tricky. MORE
These intrepid travelers have captivated the very essence of my being, years ago when I used to work on an industrial port on the west coast of Trinidad I noticed each year these alien looking birds would appear, stick around for a while and then depart. Birding shorebirds Trinidad and Tobag MORE
Trinidad Related Topics 10,000 Birds
JANUARY 20, 2021
Starting with the smallest – our tiny Guianan Trogon (formerly Violaceous) can often be heard within almost any forested area on Trinidad. It could be due to it being our only trogon that can be found on both Trinidad and Tobago.
10,000 Birds
AUGUST 25, 2012
The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago may share equal billing in the dichotomous nation’s name, but Trinidad boasts the lion’s share of the land mass, population, and hummingbirds. Visitors to Trinidad can scarcely help encountering stunning hummers just about everywhere. If you feel the same way, this is just one more reason you simply have to visit Trinidad. Birds Caribbean features hummingbirds South America trinidad
10,000 Birds
JUNE 8, 2018
One of the first things most people think of when they think of Trinidad – perhaps after steel drums and calypso – is rum. I’ve never been to the Caribbean, but I suspect many visitors to Trinidad welcome the end a long day of birding the island’s mountains, beaches, and lush rainforests with a tot of rum – or two. The Scarlet Ibis is one of two national birds of the Republic Trinidad and Tobago , the other being the Rufous-vented Chachalaca.
10,000 Birds
DECEMBER 9, 2013
The title of this post is a trick question as Trinidad and Tobago actually has two national birds, one for each of the country’s namesake islands. Trinidad is represented by the Scarlet Ibis , a beauty of a bird, resplendent in its crimson hue. I have been unable to dig up the story of how either bird became the emblems of the two islands, but both feature prominently on the coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago. the coat of arms of Trinidad and Tobago.
Critter News
MAY 16, 2009
Three corrupt police officers in Trinidad and Tobago robbed a couple of Venezuelan wildlife smugglers and were subsequently arrested themselves. Over 1,000 animals were rescued, including 500 bull finches and 300 picoplats, The rescued wildlife also included monkeys, parrots, macaws and other species from Venezuela. There was also over 400 lbs of "wild meat" (I don't want to know what that could be!).
10,000 Birds
NOVEMBER 5, 2013
There were three profound questions my birding group discussed while we birded Trinidad and Tobago, back in December 2012: (1) How many Bananaquits could fit on a banana? (2) 3) What was the best guide to the birds of Trinidad and Tobago? My friend Ian had purchased Richard ffrench’s classic A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad & Tobago just before we left, the third edition, hot off the presses. Both Mike and Corey have visited Trinidad and Tobago.
10,000 Birds
JULY 27, 2013
However the Red-breasted Blackbird ended up with its appellation doesn’t matter as much as how great a bird it is, well worth a trip to Trinidad and Tobago to see. It was on the island of Trinidad, at the Aripo Agricultural Research Station, where all of these photographs were taken. If you are in Trinidad and are a birder you should definitely make a stop. For more information about visiting Trinidad and Tobago a good place to start is the official tourism website. ….
10,000 Birds
AUGUST 18, 2021
Over the past few years we have been rewilding our yard here in the suburbs of the island of Trinidad. Birds backyard birds Trinidad and TobagoThis post does not contain serious eye-candy nor riveting text.
10,000 Birds
MAY 26, 2021
Life behind a screen for this birding guide involves delving into the extensive list of birds of Trinidad & Tobago , answering questions about the birds and possible itineraries and so on. The Masked Yellowthroat is a denizen of wetland habitat across the island of Trinidad.
10,000 Birds
MARCH 3, 2021
Several tour companies and birders seeking to investigate birding in the country with the second highest bird species density in the world indicated that it may be futile to pursue a birding trip to Trinidad & Tobago given the closure of a single (and undeniably significant) lodge.
10,000 Birds
SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
For the purpose of this post being of a reasonable length, I’m only going to touch on members of the Tyrannidae family of New World Flycatchers which can be found in the cocoa estates of Trinidad and Tobago. Birding Birds Trinidad and Tobago Tyrant Flycatchers
10,000 Birds
JUNE 9, 2021
In my last post here , I spoke of a rather odd trend permeating the birdlife here in Trinidad & Tobago. Barred Antshrikes are common and widespread across both Trinidad and Tobago, in fact it is the only antshrike found on Tobago. Birding Trinidad and Tobago
10,000 Birds
SEPTEMBER 29, 2021
A few days ago I was out birding at a nearby wetland in southern Trinidad with a close friend of mine. Birds leucism leucistic Limpkins Trinidad and Tobago
10,000 Birds
MARCH 31, 2021
Here in Trinidad & Tobago we live up to our reputation of being a comfortable introduction to the world of Neotropical birding – we only have ten (out of a staggering three hundred) furnariids. Birds Birding Trinidad and Tobago
10,000 Birds
JANUARY 6, 2021
For the fifth year in a row, I was assigned the prolific and well-known Aripo Livestock Station at the foothills of Trinidad’s Northern Range. Both White-bearded and Golden-headed Manakins were calling consistently, as well as Violaceous and Trinidad Euphonias.
10,000 Birds
APRIL 14, 2021
Trinidad’s cloud forests typically aren’t birded much. Our first birds for the trip were vocalizing Trinidad Euphonias and an inquisitive Rufous-breasted Hermit. Although this species is found on both Trinidad and Tobago, visibly distinct races occur on each island.
10,000 Birds
SEPTEMBER 30, 2020
It was a dreary morning, with Trinidad under watch for an incoming tropical wave. We are lucky here in Trinidad to experience migrants from both the south and the north – after we saw the elaenia we enjoyed fleeting views of a male American Redstart. Birding Trinidad and Tobago
10,000 Birds
MARCH 17, 2021
The southwest peninsula of Trinidad is unfortunately rarely birded by visiting birders. Birding Trinidad and TobagoMost tourists historically spent their time at the northern end of the island and although it may seem like a small place – getting around can be a bit tricky.
10,000 Birds
FEBRUARY 17, 2021
Turns out that the Streak-headed Woodcreeper was a formerly uncommon resident of Trinidad, its range gradually increasing to cover semi-degraded and altered habitat. Four of those are resident on Trinidad, and one is found only on Tobago. Birds Birding Trinidad and Tobago
10,000 Birds
OCTOBER 14, 2020
Out of the approximately 26 species of snipes worldwide, two have been recorded on Trinidad. On Trinidad it took me some more time until I saw my first snipe. Birding Birds Common Snipe snipe south american snipe Trinidad and Tobago Wilson's Snipe
10,000 Birds
JULY 7, 2021
Birding Birds backyard birds lockdown Trinidad and TobagoWith any project or investment we’re involved in, the topic of beneficiaries always surfaces some way or the other. Who is going to benefit aside from the original investor?
10,000 Birds
MAY 13, 2020
This sleepy fishing village on the north coast of Trinidad should ring a bell – it boasts the densest nesting population of Leatherback Turtles in the entire western hemisphere. First we saw one Trinidad Piping Guan , as predicted – in the open, preening after the rains.
10,000 Birds
DECEMBER 23, 2020
Seven hours in total, reaching halfway up the second highest peak on Trinidad, El Tucuche. Trinidad Lancehead , or Fer-de-lance. This small tanager is widely distributed across Trinidad albeit much less common than the very similar White-lined Tanager.
10,000 Birds
NOVEMBER 25, 2020
It had been some months since we had been in the hills of Trinidad’s Northern Range, and let it be known that all forests are very different. Birding Birds Trinidad and TobagoI’m writing this post primarily because I am currently dreaming of the subject.
10,000 Birds
APRIL 28, 2021
Birding Birds breeding Trinidad and TobagoAs the boreal migrants head north, breeding season for the residents and austral migrants is beginning to pick up.
10,000 Birds
MAY 12, 2021
Birding climate change Trinidad and TobagoI know many of us seek birds as an escape from dreary, depressing news that seems to permeate almost everything of late.
10,000 Birds
JUNE 24, 2020
Birding in Trinidad and Tobago has been likened to an introductory chapter in the book of birding in the Neotropics. Birds Birding Trinidad and TobagoAnd for good reason.
10,000 Birds
FEBRUARY 5, 2020
Trinidad and Tobago has historically had seventeen species on record, sixteen on Trinidad and six on Tobago. Birds hummingbirds South America Trinidad and Tobago
10,000 Birds
SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
Birding Birds courtship displays Pinnated Bittern Trinidad and TobagoI promise this will be the last article (for a while at least) on this wetland that’s so close to where I live.
10,000 Birds
MAY 27, 2020
Fortunately, I live in Trinidad and Tobago – a twin-island nation that boasts the second highest density of bird species in the world. Birding Trinidad and Tobago
10,000 Birds
MARCH 18, 2020
Many moons ago, when I used to work in the (supposedly) booming petrochemical industry in Trinidad, most of my time was actually spent birding. Golden-crowned Warbler is one of the three resident warbler species on Trinidad. Birding Trinidad and Tobago
10,000 Birds
DECEMBER 5, 2019
Tinidad and Tobago offers 480 bird species, including the endemic Trinidad Piping-Guan (at Morne Bleu), Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge with its veranda feeders and the colony of oilbirds nearby, Caroni and Nariva swamps, etc. The Species per Square Mile Approach.
10,000 Birds
APRIL 29, 2020
Sightings in Trinidad have been sporadic, 38 to be exact since the formation of the T&T Bird Status and Distribution Committee. Birding backyard birds Trinidad and Tobago TwitchingJust over a week ago I received an urgent phone call from a long-time friend and fellow birder.
10,000 Birds
FEBRUARY 19, 2020
This was actually the place where the late Richard ffrench spent much of his time as a music teacher, amassing countless observations of birds that would later form the basis of one of the essential birding guides for Trinidad and Tobago. Birding Trinidad and Tobago waterbirds wetlands
10,000 Birds
APRIL 1, 2020
Birding Birds backyard birds Trinidad and TobagoI’ve always birded from home for as long as I can remember. I remember seeing a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl sitting on our fencepost just after sunset when I was not even ten.
10,000 Birds
AUGUST 19, 2020
These intrepid travelers have captivated the very essence of my being, years ago when I used to work on an industrial port on the west coast of Trinidad I noticed each year these alien looking birds would appear, stick around for a while and then depart. Birding shorebirds Trinidad and Tobag
10,000 Birds
AUGUST 5, 2020
Birding Trinidad and TobagoJust under a fortnight ago, I saw a report on the local bird alert of a sighting of a group of approximately 20 Nacunda Nighthawks at a wetland not more than 20 minutes from where I live.
10,000 Birds
JUNE 10, 2020
Birding Birds Trinidad and Tobago xenopsOver a decade ago I stumbled upon the first edition of the field guide to the birds of T&T and marveled at the astounding diversity within its pages.
10,000 Birds
JULY 22, 2013
Such was the situation on Saturday morning in Trinidad when Mukesh Ramdass, who was guiding me for the day, suddenly pulled over and told me it was my lucky day. Mukesh informed me that this particular nest had been used previously and also let me know that hummingbird nests are often reused in Trinidad. There is much more to come from my amazing five days in Trinidad and Tobago so make sure to stop back soon for more. It is not every day that you get to see a hummingbird.
10,000 Birds
AUGUST 24, 2013
If you are a birder and you visit Trinidad and Tobago you must go to the Caroni Swamp. If you visit Trinidad and Tobago you must visit Caroni Swamp. Just south of Port of Spain on the west coast of Trinidad, the Caroni Swamp is easily accessible and well serviced by tour companies that will take you out into the mangroves safely and efficiently. For more information about visiting Trinidad and Tobago a good place to start is the official tourism website. ….
10,000 Birds
AUGUST 5, 2013
Hidden away in that boatyard is an amazingly good spot to buy roti, which rivaled doubles as my favorite food that I sampled while in Trinidad and Tobago. This happened in Trinidad and Guyana in the urban areas to make it easier and faster to eat the items, as the individuals’ hands would not get as dirty. In Trinidad and Tobago, various wrapped “roti” are served, including chicken, conch, beef, and vegetable. Reptiles Lizards Trinidad and Tobago
10,000 Birds
AUGUST 2, 2013
Of course, the birds in this post were all photographed at the Asa Wright Nature Center on Trinidad which, with Tobago, is as far into the Caribbean as you are likely to find them. My visit to Trinidad and Tobago was sponsored by the Trinidad and Tobago Tourism Development Company but the views expressed in the blog posts regarding the trip are my own. For more information about visiting Trinidad and Tobago a good place to start is the official tourism website. ….
10,000 Birds
OCTOBER 10, 2018
Trinidad Colorado is located just a few miles north of the Colorado – New Mexico border, and home to the Trinidad Reservoir. Jeanne and I parked the 5th wheel in the Trinidad Lake Campground, and found it to be perhaps the nicest campground we had ever been in. The Trinidad Lake CG had power at each site, beautiful restrooms, complete with showers, and a laundry facility. Trinidad Colorado
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