Our Appropriate National Bird
Faraaz Abdool speaks in defence of the Cocrico which has flourished alongside Tobago’s development. What better credentials for a national bird? Trinidad and Tobago is a unique and gifted nation. We are arguably the only country in the world with two national birds. Others have additional birds as national symbols, as do we, in the form of “the hummingbird”; 366 species of these glittering gems are scattered across the Americas, eighteen of which can be found on our islands. On our Coat of Arms, the Scarlet Ibis is prominently featured opposite the Rufous-vented Chachalaca, two national birds for two islands in one nation. As national birds, both creatures are supposed to enjoy a degree of protection and veneration. Yet one of these has drawn the ire of many; an issue which is as complex as our history. A pair of young Cocrico prepare for a night's rest on a secure branch. Photo by Faraaz Abdool Known worldwide as the Rufous-vented Chachalaca, we lear...