Did you know that the smallest bird in Trinidad is about the size of your baby finger? It is called the Tufted Coquette Hummingbird and it measures only two and three-quarter inches in length. Often times it can be confuse with a large bee! This species is not found in Tobago.
The male Tufted Coquette merits their name, for he is incredibly striking. He has quite a distinguished crest and tufts projecting out from the sides of his neck, which are chestnut in color. To me, he is reminiscent of a Carnival King with his ornamental head piece! The female lacks all the accessories, but nonetheless she is a sight to behold.
Vervine, Lantana Camara and Pigeon Peas are some of their favorite flowering plants. Their minuscule beaks are perfectly well adapted to reach inside the tiny flowers. So if you are interested in having these species visit your yard or garden, try cultivating some of these plants you never know who may stop by!
I am yet to discover one of their nests, which is supposed to be tiny and cup-shaped, constructed of spider webs, lichens, mosses, and fibers from plants. I would imagine that the eggs may look like peas in a pod!
People are always awestruck when they observe a Hummingbird. Perhaps because they are so minute, swift, or precise? Or is it that fact they can hover right in front of you? Maybe it’s their immaculate feathers? What ever the reason, I know it is one bird that can definitely turn quite a few heads!
The role of the Tufted Coquette and other Hummingbirds in nature are primarily pollinating agents. They also help to control the insect population by ingesting them.
© Denise Etienne
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