Bare-eyed Thrush (Turdus nudigenis) Birds of Trinidad & Tobago

Bare-eyed Thrush (Turdus nudigenis) Birds of Trinidad & Tobago
Bare-eyed Thrush (Turdus nudigenis) Birds of Trinidad & Tobago
Bare-eyed Thrush (Turdus nudigenis) Birds of Trinidad & Tobago. A common resident on both Islands this delightful singer can be found in suburban areas as well as more natural habitats. A regular bird table visitor when one has a bird table, but in a garden with five cats it's not such a good idea.

Location : At home, Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies.
Photo : Samsung Pro815
Photographer : Robert Brent

See more Birds of Tobago

See more photos by Robert Brent  

#bare-eyed #thrush #turdus #nudigenis #birds #Tobago #Samsung #photographer #Trinidad

Brown-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus tyrannulus)

Brown-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
Brown-crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
The Brown-crested Flycatcher like all tyrant flycatchers is an entertaining bird to watch as they twist and flutter around catching flying insects on the wing. Nests are built in tree cavities, and this pair found a lovely nesting site right next to the waters edge.

Location : Kilgwyn Mangrove, Bon Accord, Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies.
Photo : Samsung Pro815
Photographer : Robert Brent

See more Birds of Tobago

See more photos by Robert Brent   

#brown #crested #flycatcher #myiarchus #tyrannulus #birds #Tobago #Samsung #photographer

Birds of Tobago : Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor)

Birds of Tobago : Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor)
Birds of Tobago : Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor)
Birds of Tobago : Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor). This is a fairly common resident throughout the West Indies but considered rare for Trinidad & Tobago according to Richard Ffrench. This lovely Cuckoo has a delightful low pitched guttural call that I find a beautiful sound. The Mangrove Cuckoo can be found in light forest and scrub at lower levels, generally not know at higher altitudes.

Location : Kilgwyn Mangrove, Bon Accord, Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies.
Photo : Samsung Pro815
Photographer : Robert Brent



See more Birds of Tobago

See more photos by Robert Brent  

#birds #Tobago #mangrove #cuckoo #coccyzus #minor #Samsung #photographer

Barred-Antshrike (Thamnophilus doliatus) A perched female

Barred-Antshrike (Thamnophilus doliatus) A perched female
Barred-Antshrike (Thamnophilus doliatus) A perched female
This is a very trusting Antshrike that is quite happy with being close to humans, well so long as you keep a respectful distance, usually seen in pairs, they will happily chatter and chuckle away as they feed, the constant calling keeping the pair aware of where each other is, it is normal for the male to lead, the female bird coming along not too far behind her mate, both share nest duties and bringing up the young.

Photography : Samsung Pro815 digital bridge camera
Location : Kilgwyn Mangrove woodland, Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies

See more Birds of Tobago

See more photos by Robert Brent 

#barred #antshrike #thamnophilus #doliatus #female #bird #Tobago #Samsung #Pro815 

Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) juvenile birds in grassland

Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) juvenile birds in grassland
Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) juvenile birds in grassland
Juvenile blue-black Grassquits start a mottled brown, females remain brown, while males turn black all over, the juvenile bird pictured resting on the bush is showing the first signs of such a change on his belly. These delightful seed eaters are common around Tobago, and a bird to make itself know with it's fairly loud calls and singing voice, frequently found in suburban areas, but as always, so much nicer to photograph them in more natural surroundings.


Photography : Samsung Pro815 digital bridge camera
Location : Kilgwyn Mangrove woodland, Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies

See more Birds of Tobago

See more photos by Robert Brent

#blue-black #grassquit #volatinia #jacarina #juvenile #birds #seed #eaters #Tobago #photo

Copper-rumped Hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci) feeding on wild sage

Copper-rumped Hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci) feeding on wild sage
Copper-rumped Hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci) feeding on wild sage
The copper-rumped Hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci) is a common hummingbird here in Tobago and can be found abundantly in suburban areas, but it is always nice when one captures them in the countryside, this hummingbird was visiting a patch of wild sage, it's beak tipped with bright yellow pollen from the dainty flowers


Photography : Samsung Pro815 digital bridge camera
Location : vacant field near Bon Accord (suburb), South West Tobago, West Indies

See more Birds of Tobago

See more photos by Robert Brent 

#copper-rumped #hummingbird #amazilia #tobaci #birds #Tobago #west #Indies #Samsung #Pro815

Migrant shorebirds - Sanderlings (Calidris alba) in Trinidad & Tobago

Migrant shorebirds - Sanderlings (Calidris alba) in Trinidad & Tobago
Migrant shorebirds - Sanderlings (Calidris alba) in Trinidad & Tobago
Migrant shorebirds I find to be delightful, really enjoy photographing them and just being around them. Shorebirds such as the Sanderling generally work their way down the East coast of America, those that land up in Tobago mostly make the flight in  single leg, some however stop over in the Lesser Antilles.  Sanderlings are often seen in small groups here and quite a large number appear to move with loose flocks of various other shorebirds such as Ruddy Turnstones, Black bellied plovers and of course other Sandpipers.

Photography : Samsung Pro815 digital bridge camera
Location : Pigeon point beach, South Western Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago West Indies

See more Birds of Tobago

See more photos by Robert Brent

#sanderlings #shorebirds #migrant #birds #photos #calidris #alba #Samsung #photography #West #Indies

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Hawks of the Caribbean

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Hawks of the Caribbean
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Hawks of the Caribbean
From breeding grounds in Northern America to wintering grounds in Southern Chile & Argentina the Osprey is a magnificent migrant Hawk that lives off fish caught in might talons, the bird plunge diving often from great heights. This respected bird of prey can remain in Tobago for a season or two and there are usually a handful of Osprey to be seen year round.
Samsung Pro 815
Location: A water inlet at Atlantic facing Petit trou beach, South Eastern Tobago, Trinidad & Toabgo

See more Birds of Tobago

See more photos by Robert Brent

#osprey #pandion #haliaetus #hawk #bird #prey #photos #Tobago #Trinidad

Ruddy Turnstone ( Arenaria interpres ) migrant shorebirds

Ruddy Turnstone ( Arenaria interpres ) migrant shorebirds
Ruddy Turnstone ( Arenaria interpres ) migrant shorebirds
Ruddy Turnstone ( Arenaria interpres ) migrant shorebirds. So nice to have shorebird migrants through the winter months, it really brings the beaches to life and each time I see them I consider their long journeys both behind them, and ahead of them. The Ruddy Turnstone winters in the Northern most regions of Alaska & Canada on small Islands towards the Arctic, though there are some that, for whatever reason known only to them, remain in the Caribbean year round.

Location: Little Rockly bay, Tobago
Samsung Pro815 digital bridge camera

See more Birds of Tobago

See more photos by Robert Brent

#ruddy #turnstone #arenaria #interpres #migrant #shorebirds #photos

Little Blue Heron - Egratta caerulea

Little Blue Heron - Egratta caerulea
Little Blue Heron - Egratta caerulea
Resident Little Blue herons can be seen all year round here, best sighting are more likely during October to December when Northern birds migrate to warmer climates.

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

All photos by +Robert Brent

See more photos by Robert Brent  

#heron #little #blue #birds #Tobago

Tropical bird photography Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota)

Tropical bird photography Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota)
Tropical bird photography Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus momota)
The Blue Crowned Motmot known locally as 'King of the woods' ranges from South to Central America, Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago. Most birds will have a tick or two at the top of the breast where they simply can not reach to remove said ticks completely. Usually picked up in the nest which is a burrow in the side of a steep bank.

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

All photos by +Robert Brent

See more photos by Robert Brent 

#blue #crowned #motmot #momotus #momota #birds #Tobago

Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima) in Tobago

Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima) in Tobago
Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima) in Tobago
Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima) is not on any official list or guide for Tobago however this South American bird of prey has been breeding here for over five years, preferring tall palm trees to both roost and nest in, the Caracara can often be found around cattle (happy to relieve ticks from them) and known to take carrion.

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

All photos by +Robert Brent

See more photos by Robert Brent 

#yellow #headed #caracara #milvago #chimachima #Tobago #bird #prey #South #American

Photo of Cattle Egret in flight (Bubulcus ibis)

Photo of Cattle Egret in flight (Bubulcus ibis)
Photo of Cattle Egret in flight (Bubulcus ibis)
Photo of Cattle Egret in flight (Bubulcus ibis). A common sight around Tobago, the Cattle Egret was first recorded in Trinidad & Tobago as late as the 1950's. Roosting and nesting is communal with at times hundreds of birds gathering each evening, preferring open branches over water. This photo is of an adult Cattle Egret in mating plumage.

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

All photos by +Robert Brent

See more photos by Robert Brent 

#photo #cattle #egret #bubulcus #ibis #Trinidad #Tobago #birds #flight

Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) of Trinidad & Tobago

Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) of Trinidad & Tobago
Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda) of Trinidad & Tobago
The Rufous-tailed Jacamar is one of the few aerial insectivores with a long thin bill, most flycatchers having short flat bills. They are territorial in light woodland areas moving in small family groups. They catch large flying insects including butterflies and dragonflies and strip the wings off said insects before eating them at their perch.

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

All photos by +Robert Brent

See more photos by Robert Brent 

#rufous #tailed #jacamar #galbula #ruficauda #birds #Tobago #Trinidad

Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) in flight

Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) in flight
Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) in flight
The Southern Lapwing is quite the character, eggs are laid on the bare ground and the birds protect their nesting area aggressively. Not only will they take on birds of prey but the odd strange little photographer as well. Member of the plover family they can be seen here all year round.

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

All photos by +Robert Brent

See more photos by Robert Brent 

#Southern #Lapwing #plovers #vanellus #chilensis #birds #Tobago

Blue-grey Tanager & Tropical Mockingbird

Blue-grey Tanager & Tropical Mockingbird
Blue-grey Tanager & Tropical Mockingbird
Two birds with one shot. Well it is a small Island 26 miles long by 8 miles wide, so one can expect to share the odd branch here and there. Both birds common in suburban areas and light woodland. Bird photography from Tobago, Trinidad & Tobago, West Indies.

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

All photos by +Robert Brent 

See more photos by Robert Brent

#birds #tropical #Tanagers #Mockingbirds #photography #Tobago #Trinidad

White-fringed Antwren (Formicivora grissa)

White-fringed Antwren (Formicivora grissa)
White-fringed Antwren (Formicivora grissa)
These beautiful antwrens are best found in light woodland tending not to enter suburban areas as frequently as other small passerines. Males are black all over while as this beauty shows females have light plumage from lower face to under belly,

Black-throated Mango Hummingbird (Anthracothoras nigricollis)

Black-throated Mango Hummingbird (Anthracothoras nigricollis)
Black-throated Mango Hummingbird (Anthracothoras nigricollis)
A migrant hummingbird that spends most of it's time on the mainland of South America the Black-throated Mango is a regular visitor to suburban gardens and one several hummingbirds one is likely to encounter within hotel grounds.

Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis)

Northern Waterthrush Parkesia noveboracensis
Northern Waterthrush (Parkesia noveboracensis)
This new world warbler is a regular wintering migrant found around woodland streams and small wetlands (we don't have large ones). Unlike many of the sandpipers and plovers that are known to frequent roadside drains the Northern Waterthrush prefers the quietude of woodland ecosystems.
I have observed these warblers over the years, they tend to return to the same water source during the day, most regularly in the late afternoon where they take an evening bath before roosting for the night. It would be interesting to know if anyone has observed similar behavior in other migration stop over points or at summer or winter grounds.

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

All photos by +Robert Brent 

Yellow-crowned Night Heron in meditation?

photo of a Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
There are times as a wildlife photographer when you fear that you may disturb something beautiful. This juvenile night heron stood motionless facing the setting sun as if in meditation, standing straight with the under parts of it's wings turned upwards to the last rays of the day.
He is not alone in this practice, I have noticed many species with the same aim, and first understood the practice observing hummingbirds. During late afternoon birds position themselves to expose hard to reach areas to direct sunlight to remove parasites. The heat soon has parasites moving for cooler areas. This makes them easier for the bird to scratch or peck off. For most it is an active practice, but this guy remained motionless, and I left him quietly to his contemplations.

See details of the Yellow-crowned Night Heron

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

All photos by +Robert Brent  

Ruby-topaz Hummingbird

ruby-topaz hummingbird
ruby-topaz hummingbird
This perky ruby-topaz hummingbird stood his territory while several others squabbled above without leaving his perch. Hummingbirds are very territorial and I have even witnessed them chasing off large birds of prey fearlessly!

Ruddy Turnstone and Sanderling migrating South

ruddy turnstone and sanderling migrating South
Ruddy Turnstone and Sanderling migrating South
Many shorebirds migrate in small groups of various species, or mingle in groups at stop over beaches throughout their journey. Here a Ruddy Turnstone and Sanderling were my intended targets, I had no knowledge of the bee until I saw the photo on the PC.

Osprey & Magnificent Frigatebird in flight

Osprey & Magnificent Frigatebird in flight
Osprey & Magnificent Frigatebird in flight
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) are regular migrant visitors to Tobago with young remaining here for up to three years. With an Island that is 26 miles long by 8 miles wide it is not unusual to find several species of birds sharing the same air space, here a Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens) glides a safe distance above the bird of prey. Photo added to the Osprey guide

See details of the Osprey & Magnificent Frigatebird

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

All photos by +Robert Brent 

Smooth-billed Ani juvenile guarded by female adults

Smooth-billed Ani juvenile guarded by female adults
Smooth-billed Ani juvenile guarded by female adults
A young smooth-billed Ani is guarded by two female adults as other members of the group search for food. The Smooth-billed Ani build a communal nest where females lay eggs on top of each other in one large nest. Obviously only a few eggs at the top of the nest hatch into young birds. Nesting duties and parental duties are undertaken by all members of the group which usually number around 12 birds. Smooth-billed Anis are members of the Cuckoo family (Cuculidae), and are restricted to the tropical Americas.

See details of the Smooth-billed Ani

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

All photos by +Robert Brent 

Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) new born chicks

Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) new born chicks
Common Pauraque (Nyctidromus albicollis) new born chicks
The Common Pauraque nests on the ground relying on its mottled colouration to avoid detection. Should danger approach the female will fly a short distance feigning a damaged wing to draw predators away from the nesting chicks.

See details of the Common Pauraque

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest  

Red-crowned Woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus) Feeding

Red-crowned Woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus) feeding
Red-crowned Woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus) Feeding
An easy to identify as there are no other birds like the Red-crowned Woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus), being a frequent suburban bird most know him well. In woodlands, their preferred habitat, they are still common and fairly easy to track down by their unique call and bright plumage. Caaptured this one as he moved through Kilgwyn Mangrove.

See details of the Red-crowned Woodpecker

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest  

Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus)

Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus) birds of the West Indies
Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus)
Tropical Mockingbird head shot added to the Tropical Mockingbird description page. I have noticed that unlike most species where bird plumage is near identical, the Tropical Mockingbirds here can very colouration from quite pale to strongly contrasting such as this bird shown. 

See details of the Tropical Mockingbird

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest 

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)
A perched Tropical Kingbird, photo taken in Kilgwyn Mangrove. Fairly common throughout Tobago, can be mistaken for other bright yellow flycatchers such as the lesser Kiskadee (which is larger with pale yellow breast)

See details of the Tropical Kingbird

See more Birds of Tobago

Follow +Birds Of Tobago on Google+

Follow Birds of Tobago on Pinterest

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Order : Ciconiiformes
Ciconiiformes compromise five to six families of large, long legged wading birds with long bills. They primarily occupy fresh or shallow saline water where they feed on fish, crabs, crustaceans, insects and carrion. Most nest in trees, though some nest in swamps or on the ground. the young are altricial (born bare and blind and dependent on parents for food) Most species are colonial, but the use of sound is limited or uncommon, the birds relying more on displays and rituals. Most are strong, often elegant flyers.

Family : Herons (Ardeidae)
The family Ardeidae is made up of Herons, Egrets and Bitterns where Egrets are considered simply as white Herons with decorative plumes and not a biologically separate group. Herons fly with their necks retracted not outstretched like some other members of the Ciconiiformes order. Typically Herons feed in shallow waters or marshes taking fish, frogs, crabs, and even small birds or mammals. They are widely distributed around the world but are most common in the tropics. The nest is made of twigs, usually placed in trees near water, and usually grouped in colonies called Heronries. Herons are sub divided into three groups. Typical Herons which include the genus Egratta, feed during the day. Night Herons, which are usually shorter legged and thick billed, are more active at dusk and during the night, and Tiger Herons which are six species of the more primitive Herons.

Name : Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
Length : 51 - 55 cm ( 22 - 28 in )
Local Names : Night Gaulin, Crab catcher

The Yellow-crowned night Heron is mainly grey with a black head, yellow eyes and white cap which turns buff yellow during breeding season, the sexes being similar. Juveniles are brown flaked with grey or white. The nest is a platform of sticks usually in Mangrove trees, where 2 - 4 pale bluish - green eggs are laid. Both parents rearing the young. The birds often remain quite motionless while waiting for their prey of crab, fish, frogs, crustaceans and insects and can be active during the day, though typically are most active around dusk. While incubating the young, both parents can readily be found at the nest during the day, hunting more at night. The species ranges from eastern North America throughout the West Indies to northern South America, some birds migrating to warmer climates during winter months.


#Yellow-crowned Night Heron #Nyctanassa violacea #Herons #Ardeidae #Ciconiiformes #birds of the West Indies #birds of Tobago #birds


Bird identification images
Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) Birds of Tobago

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) juvenile
Juvenile

Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) bird
Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea)



Yellow-brested Flycatcher

Yellow-brested Flycatcher (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
Yellow-brested Flycatcher (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
Yellow-brested Flycatcher

Order : Passeriformes
Also known as Passerines or perching birds. Any member of the largest avian order which includes more than 5,700 species, more than half of all living birds. Passerines are true perching birds with four toed feet, three toes facing forward and one larger toe facing backwards.

Family : Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae)
Any of about 429 species of Passerines which occur throughout North and South America but are mainly tropical in distribution. Most are insectivorous, often taking their prey in flight, but certain species feed mainly on berries or fruit. Most are fairly plain and none have the complex vocal capabilities of the song birds.


Name : Yellow-brested Flycatcher (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
Length : 12 - 13 cm ( 4½ - 5 in )

This is a rare flycatcher that breeds in Tobago. It’s a bird of Mangrove woodland where it builds an intricately woven hanging nest attached to a thin branch or vine. The nest is globular with a narrow slightly downward facing entrance made entirely of dried grass or similar materials, usually around 2.4 m to 7.2 m ( 8 - 24 ft) above the ground. An insectivorous bird, the Yellow-brested flycatcher has, as it’s name suggests, yellow - orange underparts, green - brown upperparts with streaks of black and white on the wings. The tail is brown below, and black above. It has a surprisingly loud ‘chee’ or ‘tee-dee’ call for it’s size.



#Yellow-brested Flycatcher #Tolmomyias flaviventris #Tyrant Flycatchers #Tyrannidae #flycatcher #Passeriformes #tropical birds #birds of Tobago #birds

Bird identification images

Yellow-brested Flycatcher (Tolmomyias flaviventris) Birds of Tobago

Yellow-brested Flycatcher (Tolmomyias flaviventris) tropical birds



Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)
Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)
Yellow-billed Cuckoo

Order : Cuculiformes
Cuculiformes are group of birds made up of two distinct families, the Turacos (Musophagidae) made of 20 species found only in Africa, and Cuckoos (Cuculidae) containing around 127 species from around the world. The Cuckoos are an ancient group with no living near relatives, even the turacos are quite distinct with no intermediate connecting species. Cuckoos display a large variation on breeding habits as some are brood parasites, others make regular nests while others make communal nests.

Family : Cuckoos (Cuculidae)
Cuckoos, as a group, tend to be forest birds often preferring dense thickets and are more likely to be heard than seen. While Cuckoos are found on every continent except Antarctica, subfamilies are restricted to one hemisphere or the other, for example the crotphafinae is wholly new world and the musophagidae containing 20 species are found only in Africa. Many species are brood parasites. Four genera inhabit the West Indies, all tend to be sluggish and difficult to locate, but quite tame. Most cuckoos are solitary, often furtive birds being inconspicuous even when relatively common, and apart from the communal nesting Ani they do not form flocks or even small groups.

Name : Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus)
Length : 28 - 30 cm ( 11 - 12 in )
Local Names : Rain Bird, Rain Crow, Coffin Bird

Similar to the Mangrove Cuckoo the Yellow-billed Cuckoo can be distinguished by it’s lack of any ochraceous buff on the underparts, the lack of any black around the eye, and a more obvious yellow lower mandible. It’s voice is higher pitched and less guttural, and the call ends in a rather deliberate cow-cow-cow-cow. It occupies similar habitat to that of the Mangrove Cuckoo, preferring lowland dry scrub woodland. It’s diet also consists of insects, spiders and small lizards.



#Yellow-billed Cuckoo #Coccyzus americanus #Cuckoos #Cuculidae #birds of the West Indies #birds of Trinidad & Tobago #birds of Tobago #birds


Bird identification images




White-tipped Dove

White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)
White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)
White-tipped Dove

Order : Columbiformes
Made up of three families in two suborders; Columbae (pigeons, Doves, Dodoes, Solitaires) and Pterocletes (Sand grouse) where the extinct Dodoes and Solitares make up the family Raphidae, and Pigeons and Doves the family Columbidae. The names Pigeon and Dove are interchangeable having no biological distinction.

Family : Doves (Columbidae)
Made up of about 285 similar species of bird, the Pigeon family is widely dispersed, being absent only from the Arctic, Antarctic and some Oceanic Islands. Pigeons are unique in that they produce a secretion similar to mammalian milk for their young, and in their ability to suck water in a continuous draft by muscular contractions whereas other birds take a sip of water, then tip back the head to swallow.

Name : White-tipped Dove (Leptotila verreauxi)
Length : 27 cm ( 11 in )
Local Names : Mountain Dove

The White-tipped Dove is grey-brown above, white below and has a white band at the tip of the tail. It’s most distinguishing feature being a blue eye band. It inhabits woodland, open scrubland and suburban areas where it will normally walk around looking for seeds on the ground usually alone or with it’s mate. The White-tipped Dove will usually take to flight at the approach of danger, the wings beating quite audibly against each other for the first few flaps, which often raises the alarm for other birds in the vicinity.


#White-tipped Dove Leptotila verreauxi Mountain Dove Doves Columbidae Columbae Columbiformes birds of Tobago birds



Bird identification images







White-lined Tanager

White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus)
White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus)
White-lined Tanager

Order : Passeriformes
Also known as Passerines or perching birds. Any member of the largest avian order which includes more than 5,700 species, more than half of all living birds. Passerines are true perching birds with four toed feet, three toes facing forward and one larger toe facing backwards.

Family : Tanagers (Thraupidae)
The Tanagers are a large group of over 200 species of songbirds of new world forests and gardens mainly in the tropics. Many are brightly coloured. They range in size from 10 - 20 cm ( 4 - 8 in ), and most are arboreal, living in trees, undergrowth and shrub. The diet consists mainly of fruit, though some species eat insects.

Name : White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus)
Length : 18 cm ( 7½ in )
Local Names : Parson

The white-lined Tanager inhabits suburban areas and light woodland and forest edges where it feeds on fruit, nectar and insects. The male is a glossy black all over with a small patch of white on the underwing covets which are best observed when the bird is in flight, and has a partially white lower mandible. The female is entirely rufus brown. The pair are usually seen together. The nest is a large cup of leaves, usually situated in thick vegetation.


#White-lined Tanager Tachyphonus rufus Tanagers Thraupidae Passeriformes birds of the West Indies birds of Trinidad & Tobago birds of Tobago birds


Bird identification images

White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus) female Birds of Toabgo
White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus) female

White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus) birds of the West Indies

White-lined Tanager (Tachyphonus rufus) birds of Trinidad & Tobago



White-cheeked Pintail

White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis)
White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis)
White-cheeked Pintail

Order : Anseriformes
Aquatic or marine birds commonly referred to as waterfowl or wildfowl forming two major families Anatidae ( Ducks, Geese and Swans) and Anhimidae (Screamers). The Anatidae account for about 142 species, the Anhimidae 3 species. Anseriformes breed globally except on Antarctica, and numbers of different species can range from a handful to millions, some migrating thousands of kilometers, others endemic to one small Island. Anseriforme diets are also varied and include grass, marine vegetation, fish and even plankton.

Family : Ducks (Anatidae)
The Anatidae family compromise Ducks and similar waterfowl adapted to swimming, floating on the waters surface and shallow diving. They have webbed feet and flattened bills to a greater or lesser extent. Their feathers are water repellent due to special oils. While there are various migratory vagrants traveling throughout the West Indies only about 12 species are recorded regularly.

Name :White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis)
Length 38 - 51 cm ( 15 - 20 in )
Local Names : Summer Duck, White-head

The White-cheeked Pintail is one of three races of dabbling Duck, restricted to the Caribbean, Galapagos Islands and South America. Dabbling Ducks are so named because it’s members mainly feed on vegetable matter by upending on the water surface as opposed to diving. They tend to be strong flyers (the Northern species being highly migratory) and their legs are placed centrally resulting in better land mobility. The Pintail occurs in waters with a degree of senility such as brackish estuaries and Mangrove swamp. The nest is built on the ground under Mangrove roots or in vegetation near the water. The sexes are similar in colour, brown with white cheeks, and a red base to the blue - grey bill. The Drake has a low squeaky call while the female quacks.


#White-cheeked Pintail #Anas bahamensis #Ducks #Anatidae #Anseriformes #waterfowl #wildfowl #migrant birds #mangrove birds #dabbling ducks #birds of Tobago #birds


Bird identification images

White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis) Birds of Tobago

White-cheeked Pintail (Anas bahamensis) waterfowl wildfowl







Whimbrel

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
Whimbrel

Order : Gruiformes
Traditionally there were about 12 wading and terrestrial bird families that did not seem to belong to any other order and were classified together as Gruiformes. These include the Buzzards, Cranes, Crakes, Rails and Buttonquails. Recent DNA analysis however shows that they are more closely related to each other than to any other bird and the order has remained surprisingly intact.

Family : Rails (Rallidae)
Consisting of about 134 species in 33 genera the Rallidae family has, in some circles, been alleviated to that of ordinal status (Ralliformes). Most members inhabit damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers with reedbeds being a favoured habitat. Most nest in dense vegetation and are generally shy, secretive birds. Island species often become flightless, preferring to run or swim from danger than taking to wing, and most are more likely to be heard than seen. Numbers are threatened due to the introduction of terrestrial predators such as cats and rats.

Name : Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
Length : 37 - 45 cm ( 14 - 18 in )

The Whibrel is a widespread wader breeding across much of sub arctic North America, Europe and Asia. It’s a migratory species, wintering in Africa, South America, including the Caribbean and southern North America, south Asia and Australasia. It is patterned grey brown above, underparts turning white on the belly, the long bill being decurved. The species feeds by probing soft mud for small invertebrates and by picking small crab and similar prey off the surface. Berries forming an important part of their diet prior to migration. The nest is a bare scrape on tundra or arctic moorland where 3 - 5 eggs are laid. Adults are very defensive of the nest even attacking humans who venture too close.


#Whimbrel #Numenius phaeopus #Rails #Rallidae #Gruiformes #wading birds #migrating birds #birds of Trinidad & Tobago #birds of Tobago #birds


Bird identification images

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) Birds of Tobago

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) wetland birds

Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) Mangrove forest birds



Wattled Jacana

Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)
Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)
Wattled Jacana

Order : Charadriiforme
This is a diverse order which includes about 350 species of birds in all parts of the world. Most Charadriiformes are strong flyers, some species performing the most extensive migration of any birds. Most live near water and eat invertebrates or other similar small animals and most nest on the ground. the order is split into 3 main suborders; Charadrii (about 200 species including Sandpipers, Plovers and Lapwings ), Lari ( about 92 species including Gulls, Turns, Skimmers and Jaegers), and Alcidae ( about 21 species including Auks, Guillemots and Puffins)

Family : Jacanas (Jacanidae)
Found throughout tropics world-wide, the Jacanas are a group of tropical waders distinguished by their huge feet and unique straight claws that distribute their weight to enable them to walk on floating vegetation in shallow waters, their preferred habitat. In most species it is the male Jacana that incubates the eggs and cares for the young, the female being polyandrous, may leave the brood in search of a new mate.

Name : Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana)
Length : 25 cm ( 10 in )
Local Names : Lily- Trotter, Spurwing

With a black head, neck, and underparts, reddish brown wings and lower back, and a red bare wattled forehead and yellow bill, long legs and straight long claws, the Wattled Jacana is easy to identify. The Jacana is rare in Tobago simply for lack of suitable habitat, the Jacana preferring lily covered shallow water with reed beds surrounding the water or within close proximity. They feed on aquatic insects and invertebrates picked from the floating vegetation or from the water surface. It nests on a floating platform of lily leaves. True to all Jacana’s the female is slightly larger than the male, otherwise they appear identical.


#Wattled Jacana #Jacana jacana #Lily trotter #Jacanas #Jacanidae #Charadriiforme #tropical birds #birds of Tobago #Birds


Bird identification images
Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) Birds of Tobago

Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana) lily trotter birds