Ruby-topaz Hummingbird

Ruby-topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus)

Ruby-topaz Hummingbird

Order : Apodiformes
The Apodiformes are made up of two distinct groups of aerial masters, the Swifts (Apodi) and Hummingbirds (Trochili). The Swifts being split into two families True Swifts (Apodidae) and Tree Swifts (Hemiprocnidae), The Hummingbirds are one family (Trochilidae). The feet in true Swifts are weak and they are unable to perch on wires or branches but cling to a vertical surface except when nesting. Swifts drink by swooping down at the surface of a body of water and take nesting materials and prey in full flight. Most courtship rituals take place on the wing and copulation is known to take place in full flight. Tree Swifts and Hummingbirds can perch, and some species can be highly territorial and will attack vastly larger birds such as Hawks, and even mammals such as Humans.

Family : Hummingbirds (Trochilidae)
Hummingbirds are only found in the Americas ranging from southern Canada and Alaska to Tierre del Fuego, including the West Indies. Some northern American species migrate thousands of kilometers south, an amazing feat for such small birds, and certain species are increasingly migrating to eastern North America due to the hanging of artificial feeders in gardens, surviving in temperatures as low as -20%C. They are capable of hovering in mid air and they are the only bird that can fly backwards. All are nectar eaters being attracted to brightly coloured flowers, mainly red, and most take insects. Some species have developed special bills adapted to specific flowers. Unlike other birds the Hummingbirds wings connect at the shoulder and they can achieve between 15 and 80 beats per second depending on the size of the bird, the larger the bird, the slower the beat. The Bee Hummingbird of Cuba and the Isle of Pines is the smallest living bird, measuring around 5.5 cm and weighing 2g.

Name : Ruby-topaz Hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus)
Length : 8 - 9 cm ( 3 - 3½ in )

A Hummingbird of open countryside, garden and cultivated areas, the Ruby-Topaz ranges from the Lesser Antilles and tropical northern South America south to Brazil. The male has green glossed dark brown upperparts the crown and nape are glossy red and the throat and breast are a brilliant gold, though these colours only show at specific angles. The tail is chestnut tipped with black. Females and immature irds are brownish above with grey below and a short black strip from chin to breast. The bill is short and straight. This species can be seen taking nectar from trees and bushes and flowers, or hunting for insects at the forest edge. The female lays two eggs in a tiny cup nest in the fork of a low branch.


#Ruby-topaz Hummingbird #Chrysolampis mosquitus #Hummingbirds #Trochilidae #Apodiformes #birds of the West Indies #Birds of Tobago #birds


Bird identification photos

Royal Turn

Royal Turn (Thalasseus maximus)

Royal Turn

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 kilometres in just a few days.

Name : Royal Turn (Thalasseus maximus)
Length : 45 - 50 cm ( 18 - 20 in )
Local Names : Sprat Bird, Gabby

The Royal Turn has two distinct races, Sterna maxima breeds on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of southern North America and Mexico, and throughout the West Indies. While Sterna albididorsalis breeds in coastal west Africa. The species nests in colonies on coasts and Islands the nest being a scrape on the ground where one or two eggs are laid. The male will offer the female fish as part of the courtship ritual. Like all white Turns it’s fiercely defensive of it’s nest and young. The Royal Turn’s diet consists of fish which it plunge dives to catch, usually diving directly as opposed to the ‘stepped hover’ preferred by the Arctic Turn. The Royal Turn is a large crested Turn with a heavy orange or yellow bill, grey upperparts and white underparts. It’s black cap turns grey in winter.


#Royal Turn Thalasseus maximus Gulls Turns Laridae Sterninae Sterna maxima Charadriiformes migrating birds seabirds Sea Birds birds birds of Tobago

Bird identification photos

Red-crowned Woodpecker

Red-crowned Woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus)

Red-crowned Woodpecker

Order : Piciformes
The order Piciformes consists of 6 families of largely arboreal birds. The Picidae (Woodpeckers and relatives over 200 species), the capitonidae (Barbets about 80 species), the Ramphastidae (Toucans about 42 species), the Galbulidae (Jacamars 18 species), the Bucconidae (Puffbirds, Nunbirds and Nunlets 33 species), and the Indicatoridae ( Honeyguides 17 species). All bar the Honeyguides are hole nesters, the Honeyguides being parasitic. In general they are insectivorous, and although the Toucan’s main diet is fruit the Toucan will also take insects, eggs and small birds.

Family : Woodpeckers (Picidae)
Woodpeckers have a near world wide distribution with the notable exceptions of Australia and New Guinea. They are generally resident birds woodland birds most spending their entire lives in trees, a few feeding on the ground. Most feed mainly on insects, but fruits and berries are also taken, and some species regularly feed on sap from certain trees (Sapsuckers). Known for the drumming sounds emitted against tree trunks or even metal poles, this unusual behaviour is attributed to several different factors including the excavation of the nest, marking territory, and, to a lesser extent, searching for food. Most tend to be solitary birds being seen alone or in pairs.

Name : Red-crowned Woodpecker (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
Length : 17 cm ( 7 in )

The Red-crowned Woodpecker is one of the few common birds of Tobago not found in Trinidad. The upperparts and wings are barred black and white, the underparts are olive brown, while the crown and nape are red, often to a greater degree in males. The nest is dug in Palm trees, usually dead or decaying ones, and occassionally in telephone poles. Both parents attending to nesting duties. It feeds mainly on insects and grub taken from amoung trees, but will take ripe fruits, especially paw paw. It inhabits lowland open countryside, woodland and suburban areas.



#Red-crowned Woodpecker #Melanerpes rubricapillus #Woodpeckers #Picidae #Piciformes #arboreal birds #endemic birds of Tobago #birds #birds of Tobago



Bird identification photos

Palm Tanager

Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum)

Palm Tanager

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. 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 : Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum)
Length : 17cm ( 7 in )

Closely related to the Blue-grey Tanager, the Palm Tanager is a dull olive green all over with yellowish wing coverts and dark primaries. It is a bird of cultivated land and suburban areas, though tends to feed at higher levels, often in Palm trees foraging among the palm leaves for insects, or taking berries and fruits from other trees. The nest is usually built in Palm trees, but may also be placed under the eaves of houses.



#Palm Tanager #Thraupis palmarum #Tanagers #Thraupidae #Passeriformes #perching birds #songbirds #arboreal birds #birds #birds of Tobago #birds of Trinidad & Tobago


Bird identification photos

Osprey

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

Osprey

Order : Falconiformes
Falconiformes are seldom abundant but may be common or widespread. The 290 species occur around the world except in Antarctica and some Oceanic Islands. None are nocturnal, and all have hooked beaks used for tearing flesh from prey held in their strong feet, the primary means of killing their prey except for Vultures that feed on carrion. Their sight and hearing are highly developed, but their sense of smell is either poor or non existent. The wings are usually long and broad. Falconiformes are usually monogamous and have exceptionally long lives, most have low reproduction rates.

Family : Ospreys (Pandiondae)
The Osprey differs in several respects from other diumal birds of prey and is treated as the only member of the family Pandiondae.

Name : Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Length : 53cm - 63 cm ( 21 - 25 in )
Local Names : Fish Hawk

This is a medium large raptor which is a specialist fish eater with near world wide distribution. It is Brown above, white below with a white head often streaked with brown. The Osprey has special adaptations suited to it’s main prey of fish with closable nostrils to keep water out when diving, a reversible outer toe, and backward facing scale on the talons which act as barbs when catching fish. It’s grip is so strong that some Ospreys have been known to drown when they have caught prey that was heavier than expected. The Osprey locates it’s prey from the air, often hovering before diving feet first into the water to seize a fish. As it returns to the air the fish is usually turned head forward to reduce drag and will often pause in mid flight and ruffle it’s feathers to shake off excessive water. The raptor finds a suitably quite perch, normally quite high in a tree, where it may take several hours to eat it’s catch. Ospreys breed by freshwater lakes and sometimes on coastal brackish waters. The nest is a large heap of sticks built in trees, rocky outcrops or on man made structures such as telephone poles, where the female lays 2 - 4 eggs. Both parents raise the young, and usually mate for life. European Osprey migrate to Africa, USA and Canada Osprey migrate to southern North America, Throughout the Caribbean and South America. Autralasian Ospreys tend not to migrate.


#Osprey #Pandion haliaetus #Fish Hawk #Ospreys #Pandiondae #Falconiformes #migrant birds #birds of prey #birds #birds of Tobago



Bird identification photos

Orange-winged Parrot

Orange-winged Parrot (Amazona amazonica)

Orange-winged Parrot

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 : Orange-winged Parrot (Amazona amazonica)
Length : 32 cm ( 13 in )

This Amazon Parrot is green with orange in the wings and tail. The forehead and lores are blue with yellow on the crown and cheeks. It is a forest bird that nests in tree holes, often in palm trees, feeding mainly on fruits, seeds and flowers, either as individuals or pairs, or in groups of up to 20 or so. Sometimes considered a pest, a group of Parrots can cause damage to cocoa crops. Like most Parrots they are captured and sold as pets, though they are not known to be a great talker.


#Orange-winged Parrot #Amazona amazonica #Parrots #Psittacidae #Psittaciformes #Birds of the West Indies #birds #birds of Tobago



Bird identification photos

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