Mangrove Cuckoo

Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor)

Mangrove 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 : Mangrove Cuckoo (Coccyzus minor)
Length : 23 - 18 cm ( 11 - 12 in )
Local Names : Rain Bird, Crow Bird, Coffin Bird

A true cuckoo, the Mangrove cuckoo, although not a shy bird, is relatively inconspicuous and far more likely to reveal it’s presence by a long guttural ga-ga-ga-ga-ga-ga-gau-gau-go, a beautiful call that cannot be mistaken. However, due to it’s preference of thicker vegetation, the Mangrove can be difficult to locate. As it’s name suggests it’s a bird of Mangrove swamp and dry scrub woodland but it can also be seen in areas of secondary vegetation. Unlike some species of cuckoo, the Mangrove cuckoo is not parasitic, and lays ( 2 - 3 ) light bluish green eggs in it’s own nest, which is usually built in thick vegetation or trees at low or moderate elevations above the ground. Distinguished from the similar Yellow-billed cuckoo by a black stripe that goes through the eye to the ear covets. The throat and breast vary from whitish to rich ochraceaous, the posterior under parts always being ochraceaous. The bill is curved with a yellow or orange lower mandible and dark upper mandible, the tail broadens towards the end then tapers at the tip. The underside of the tail is black with contrasting white spots. It’s diet consist of insects, spiders and even small lizards.

#Mangrove Cuckoo #Coccyzus minor #Rain Bird #Crow Bird #Coffin Bird #Cuckoos #Cuculidae #Cuculiformes #forest birds #wetland birds #birds #birds of Tobago

Bird identification photos

Magnificent Frigatebird

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)

Magnificent Frigatebird

Order : Pelecaniformes
A diverse group of aquatic birds that fall into three suborders; Pelicani (Pelicans, Darters, Cormorants and Boobies) Fregatae ( Frigate birds ) and Phaethones ( Tropic birds). All are fairly large birds and all have webbed feet. Each suborder then having specialized adaptations for the different ways of life, the Frigatebird never alighting on water while the Anhinga swims underwater for extended periods of time.

Family : Frigatebirds (Fregatidae)
There are only five species in the order Fregatidae, and only one genera Fregata, as all are very closely related. They are large all black, or black and white birds, with long wings and forked tails. The males having coloured inflatable throat patches. They are incapable of swimming and do not walk. They are also incapable of taking off from a flat surface. The are essentially aerial birds, spending all day on the wing and only landing to roost or breed on cliff edges or in trees. Frigatebirds often steal fish, their main diet, from other sea birds or from each other in flight, using their speed, manoeuvrability and size to force there victim to drop their catch, which the Frigatebird then plummets to retrieve. Their long bill is adapted to snatching fish or small sea turtles near the surface of the water.

Name : Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
Length : 95 - 110 cm ( 37 - 43 in )
Local Names : Man o’ War Bird

Nesting in low trees on remote undisturbed Islands, the Frigatebird lays one white egg and both parents attend to the nest. The Orange - red inflatable patch is used by the male to attract it’s mate. Egg laying occurs usually between October to December, but because of the slow growth of the young, colonies may be occupied throughout most of the year. With it’s large wingspan (in excess of 2 meters or 7 feet ) the Frigatebird is easy to identify either gliding high above the Island, or swooping low to snatch fish from the surface of the water. The Frigatebird can often be seen at close quarters around the Island when fishermen bring in their catch, joining Seagulls in a mad rush to grab the scraps thrown back into the sea, usually in groups of between 12 to 50 individuals.


#Magnificent Frigatebird Fregata magnificens Man o’ War Bird Frigatebirds Fregatae Fregatidae Pelecaniformes aquatic birds seabirds sea bird Birds of the West Indies Caribbean birds birds birds of Tobago


Bird identification photos

Lesser Yellowlegs

Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)

Lesser Yellowlegs

Order : Charadriiformes
This is a diverse order which includes about 350 species of birds in all parts of the world. Most Chardriiformes 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 : Sandpipers (Scolopacidae)
Predominantly birds of arctic regions, the Scolopacidae is a large family of waders or shorebirds, the majority of which eat small invertebrates picked out from mud, soil or sand. Different bill lengths mean that different species can feed in the same habitat without competing with each other. They are usually found in groups on or near the beach. For the most part they are silent in winter and on migration.

Name : Lesser Yellowlegs (Tringa flavipes)
Length : 23 - 25 cm ( 9 - 10 in )

The Lesser-yellowlegs is a medium sized shorebird with long yellow legs, long thin dark bill, grey brown plumage above and white below. The birds forage in shallow water for insects, small fish and crustaceans, sometimes stirring up the water with their bill. The Lesser-yellowlegs nests in clearings near ponds in boreal forest region from Alaska to Quebec, migrating to the Gulf coast of North America, the West Indies, and South America mainly from July to November, but some individuals may be seen at any time of year.


#Lesser Yellowlegs #Tringa flavipes #Sandpipers #Scolopacidae #Charadriiformes #North American birds #South American Birds #migrants #birds of the West Indies #Caribbean #birds #birds of Tobago


Bird identification photos

Laughing Gull

Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla)

Laughing Gull

Order : Charadriiformes
This is a diverse order which includes about 350 species of birds in all parts of the world. Most Chardriiformes 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 : Gulls and Turns (Laridae)
The Laridae family compromises two distinct subfamilies Lari (Gulls) and Sterninae (Turns). Gulls account for over 40 species, and are heavily built web footed scavengers that take insects, molluscs, crustaceans, fish and garbage from beaches and shorelines, worms and grubs from fields, and some will even take eggs and chicks of other birds including their own. Turns account for about 40 species of slender water birds that often form large breeding colonies nesting on the ground on remote Islands sometimes numbering millions of individuals. Many Terns are long distance migrants covering thousands of kilometers in just a few days.

Name : Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla)
Length : 40 - 45 cm (16 - 18 in )
Local Names : Sea Gull, Laughing Bird

The Laughing Gull is a medium sized Gull of North and South America, and is the only Gull nesting in the Caribbean. The Northernmost populations migrate further south in winter, and has occurred as a very rare vagrant in Western Europe. It has a black head during breeding season which turns mottled grey during winter, otherwise it’s white with grey upperparts and wings and a red bill. The Laughing Gulls name is derived from it’s raucous call. Laughing Gulls breed in coastal marshes or similar habitat, the nest, made largely from grasses, is constructed on the ground. 3 - 4 greenish eggs are laid and incubation takes about 3 weeks. Laughing Gulls are omnivorous, and will feed from fish taken from the sea surface, or scavenge along the shore for offal.


 #Laughing Gull #Larus atricilla #Sea Gull #Laughing Bird #Gulls # Lari #Laridae #Charadriiformes #migrant birds #North American birds #South American birds #birds #birds of Tobago


Bird identification photos

House Wren

House Wren

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


Family : Wrens (Troglodytidae)
A new world family compromising about 59 species of which only one (Troglodytes troglodytes) has spread to old world regions where it is simply known as the Wren. Wrens are generally small, inconspicuous birds except for their comparatively loud songs. They are insectivorous, with short wings and often upturned tails.


Name : House Wren (Trogloytes aedon)
Length : 12 - 13 cm ( 4½ in )

As it’s name suggests this little Wren is often found around houses and gardens in search of insects and spiders which form it’s main diet. The nest is built in tree holes and crevices or similar man made structures, lined with soft materials where the female lays up to 6 eggs, though the nest may be parasited by the Shiny Cowbird, norally at the expense of the House Wrens own eggs or chicks. The House Wren ranges from Canada to Tierre del Fuego, usually inhabiting suburban areas, woodland and forest edges, especially where thick undergrowth is present.


#House Wren #Trogloytes aedon #Wrens #Troglodytidae #Passeriformes #perching birds #songbirds #birds #birds of Tobago

Bird identification photos

Gray Kingbird

Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis)

Gray Kingbird

Order : Passeriformes
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.

Family : Tyrant Flycatchers (Tyrannidae)
Also known as Passerine’s or pearching bird’s. Any member of the largest avian order which includes more than 5,700 species, more than half of all living birds. Passerine’s are true perching birds with four toed feet, three toes facing forward and one larger toe facing backwards.

Name : Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis)
Length : 23 - 24 cm ( 9 - 9½ in )
Local Names : Rain Bird, Chinchary

One of the largest and most common Tyrant flycatchers in the West Indies the Gray Kingbird ranges from Southern North America and the West Indies to Northern South America Wintering in part in Northern South America. The plumage is gray above, with white underparts with a black stripe from the base of the bill to the ear covets. The bill is black with a hooked tip. It is a bird of open countryside and suburban areas where it perches on exposed branches or wires, and can readily be seen taking frequent sallies catching large insects in flight. It’s call is a harsh ‘pitirre’. Breeding occurs during March and July and shortly after many birds migrate to Northern South America.




#Gray Kingbird #Grey Kingbird #Tyrannus dominicensis #flycatcher #Rain Bird #Chinchary #Tyrant Flycatchers #Tyrannidae #Passeriformes #North America #West Indies #South America #migrant birds #birds #birds of Tobago


Bird identification photos

Green-rumped Parrotlet

Green-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus)

Green-rumped Parrotlet

Order : Psittaciformes
Commonly referred to as Parrots, the Psittaciformes are a group of about 300 species of brightly coloured, noisy tropical birds which include Budgerigars, Macaws, Amazons, Parakeets and cockatoos. They have a characteristic curved beak and a generally erect stance, the four toes being split evenly with two facing forwards and two backwards, with one toe always being longer. Most inhabit forests although some are grassland birds and most feed on plant material.

Family : Parrots (Psittacidae)
The Parrot family extends across most of the warmer parts of the world including India, south east Asia, and west Africa, with the largest numbers of the species in Australasia, South and Central America. Many species can imitate human speech and other sounds and many have been exploited as pets encouraging an often illegal trade in the birds and threatening many species with extinction. The smaller species tend to feed on grass seeds, fruit and berries while the larger species tend to feed on fruits, nuts, bulbs and roots from the ground.

Name : Green-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus)
Length : 13 cm ( 5 in )
Local Names : Parakeet, Lovebirds

A gregarious species, the Green-rumped Parrotlet is usually seen in groups of between 10 - 20 birds often congregating to roost. This small Parrot is green all over with a pale pink beak, the males having a blue wing patch. They nest in holes, often using man mad structures such as roof-eaves, hollow bricks and open pipes. It feeds mainly on grass seeds, but will take other seeds and can be known to damage garden plants and cultivated crops such as sorrel.


#Green-rumped Parrotlet Forpus passerinus Parakeet Lovebirds Parrots Psittacidae Psittaciformes gregarious birds birds of Tobago


Bird identification pictures

Green-backed Heron

Green-backed Heron (Butorides striatus)

Green-backed Heron or Green 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 altrical (born bare and blind and dependant 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 : Green-backed Heron (Butorides striatus) or Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Length : 40 - 48 cm (16 - 19 in )
Local Names : Gaulin, Crabier

Some believe the Green Heron (Butorides virescens) and the Straited Heron or Mangrove Heron (Butorides striatus) of Africa and Asia to be a single species the Green-backed Heron, and will be treated as such here. The upperparts are slate grey with a blue green tinge, the crown is black, the neck is chestnut with a white line down the front, the legs are yellow. In the Americas they range from the Pacific coast of Canada and North America to Central America and the West Indies. The nest is a platform of sticks often in trees or shrubs usually near water in small wetlands, usually as individuals or in small groups not exceeding 5 or 6 pairs. Both parents incubate and care for the young. The Green Heron waits motionless by the waters edge or perched on low lying mangrove roots waiting to ambush their prey which consists of fish, frogs, crabs and aquatic insects.


#Green-backed Heron #Butorides striatus #Green Heron #Butorides virescens #Herons #Ardeidae #Ciconiiformes #Gaulin #Crabier #birds #birds of Tobago


Bird identification pictures

Great Egret

Great Egret (Egretta alba)

Great Egret

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 altrical (born bare and blind and dependant 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 : Great Egret (Egretta alba)
Length : 85 - 107 cm ( 34 - 42 in )
Local Names : Gaulin

Also know as Great white Egret, common Egret and White Heron ( all Egretta alba). Though it should not be confused with the Great white Heron (Ardea occidentalis) which is a white morph of the Great Blue Heron found in Florida. The Great Egret is distinctive from other similar species by it’s long yellow bill and black legs, and it’s neck is retracted during flight. It is a wading bird found in most tropical and warmer temperate parts of the world, although it is very local in southern Europe and Asia. It is partially migratory, with some individuals moving south from areas with cold winters. Although generally a very successful species it is threatened with extinction in New Zealand, and at the turn of the 19th century was heavily hunted in for it’s decorative white plumes. Today, as with all wetland birds, it’s existence is threatened by extensive habitat loss. The Great Egret feeds in shallow waters and comparatively dry areas spearing fish, frogs or insects with it’s long sharp bill. It will often wait motionless for prey, or slowly stork it’s prey. The species breeds colonially in trees or other swamp vegetation, building a large nest of twigs or reeds in which 2 - 5 pale blue eggs are laid.



#Great Egret Egretta alba Egrets Herons Ardeidae Ciconiiformes wading birds big birds tall birds bird birds of Tobago



Bird identification pictures

Great Blue Heron

Great Blue heron (Ardea herodias)

Great Blue Heron

Order : Ciconiiformes
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.

Family : Herons (Ardeidae)
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 altrical (born bare and blind and dependant 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.

Name : Great Blue heron (Ardea herodias)

Length : 106 - 132 cm ( 42 - 52 in )
Local Names : Grey Gaulin, Arsnicker

The largest Heron in North American the Great Blue Heron is common all over North and Central America, the West Indies and the Galapagos, it closely resembles it’s European counterpart the Grey Heron (Ardes cinerea) except for having rufus to cinnamon thighs. The Great Blue stands four feet high and has a seven foot wingspan. They have a long yellow bill, blue grey wings and back and a white head with black cap and adults can sport a long black plume. It flies with strong deliberate wing beats, it’s neck held in an S-shape, it’s long legs trailing behind. Northern individuals winter in the South and West Indies. The Great Blue feeds in shallow waters or at the waters edge and spears fish or frogs with it’s long, sharp bill. It’s varied diet also includes insects, snakes, turtles, rodents and can include small birds. It may also alight in suburban areas and raid backyard ponds. The species usually breed in colonies in trees close to lakes or other wetlands, often with other species of Herons. It’s builds a bulky stick nest where the female lays 3 to 5 pale blue eggs. Both parents feeding the young by regurgitating food.




#Great Blue heron #Ardea herodias  #Herons #Ardeidae #Ciconiiformes #Grey Gaulin #Arsnicker #birds #birds of Tobago



Bird identification pictures