12 Birds of Tobago

Faraaz Abdool brings you twelve of Tobago’s birds. Enjoy these stunning photos of island residents in their common habitats. All photos courtesy Faraaz Abdool; Trinidad Motmot by Joanne Husain

 

Tobago boasts some of the bird world’s most incredible representatives –  a mixture of South America and the Caribbean with seasonal migrants from as far as the Arctic Circle. Coincidental confluences of southward migration and the Atlantic hurricane season bring to Tobago some Europeans as well. Exciting rarities aside, let’s look at some of the island’s most familiar inhabitants. 

Although Red-billed Tropicbirds don’t quite look like grizzled seafarers, they spend most of their life at sea. Dainty and delicate, they touch land only to breed, preferring uninhabited and often inhospitable offshore islands for protection from predators.. Lacking sharp talons or even an aggressive personality, Red-billed Tropicbirds are extremely vulnerable to human activity on their nesting grounds such as Little Tobago.  

 

Red-billed Tropicbird, photo by Faraaz Abdool

Equipped with exceedingly long, straight bills to protect their faces from any antagonistic wasp or bee mounting a last-ditch attack before having their stinger methodically removed to be swallowed, the metallic looking Rufous-tailed Jacamar nests in tunnels and is thought to form monogamous bonds. 

Rufous-tailed Jacamar, photo by Faraaz Abdool

Widespread across Tobago, the Rufous-vented Chachalaca is known to most as the “cocrico” – a name that sounds like the  loudest call in  its extensive repertoire of sounds.

Rufous-vented Chacalaca, photo by Faraaz Abdool

The commonest hummingbird across most of our two islands, Copper-rumped Hummingbirds actually have a very unique bond with Tobago. Its scientific name, Amazilia tobaci reflects the island’s name, for it is where the species was first described.

Copper-rumped hummingbird, photo by Faraaz Abdool

Almost wiped out by Hurricane Flora in 1963, White-tailed Sabrewings are still listed as Near Threatened according to the IUCN Red List. Large and possessing a mystical beauty, this species on the rebound seems to vary between green and blue. Special feathers combine pigment with a crystalline structure to reflect the light.

White-tailed Sabrewings, photo by Faraaz Abdool

Endemic to Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinidad Motmot could easily be named after Tobago instead, as it is more common and seen on the smaller island.

Trinidad Motmot in Tobago, photo by Joanne Husain

Despite the powerful stature and impressive weaponry of the Great Black Hawk, they seem to prefer smaller prey, such as frogs, lizards and snakes.

Great Black Hawk, photo by Faraaz Abdool

Residents of Main Ridge Forest Reserve and adjoining forested areas, Blue-backed Manakins are high on the list of any birder. Dark undergrowth sets the stage for an unforgettable performance: several males gather together in a predetermined dancehall called a lek and “dance off” for the accepting nod of a female bird.

Blue-backed Manakin, photo by Faraaz Abdool

Male and female Barred Antshrikes are generally found together, both in and out of the breeding season, suggesting that these birds create deep and meaningful bonds  beyond basic procreation.

Barred Antshrike, photo by Faraaz Abdool

Magnificent Frigatebirds are in a constant predicament: they feed on fish, yet their feathers aren’t waterproof. Furthermore, the freshest fish are already in the bellies of hardworking boobies and tropicbirds. Spurred on by hunger, gangs of marauding Magnificent Frigatebirds harass the smaller seabirds, tugging at their feathers until they regurgitate their meals.

Magnificent Frigatebirds, photo by Faraaz Abdool

The ubiquitous Bananaquit is a unique and fascinating little bird, with a voice and personality full of sunshine.

Bananaquit,  photo by Faraaz Abdool

Many people who have visited both Trinidad and Tobago have remarked that the “blue jeans” on Tobago seem much more vibrant than those on Trinidad. Some ascribe it to the weather, others to the pervasive good vibes on Tobago. Either way, it is no trick of light or the imagination, for the Blue-grey Tanagers on Tobago are a separate subspecies that are indeed bluer and brighter than their Trinidadian kin.  What’s more is that this subspecies is unique to Tobago, and can be found nowhere else! 

 

Blue-grey Tanager, photo by Faraaz Abdool