The Ruby Topaz hummingbird is found in both Trinidad and Tobago. In Trinidad, they are often observed in rural areas, and are also known to make their way to higher elevations in the forest when food is scarce.
While visiting Tobago a few years ago, we stayed at a place called Adventure Farms, owned and run by a wonderful couple Ean and Marion Mackay. We saw over twelve male Ruby Topaz hummingbirds vying for a few feeders, it was just amazing! Normally just seeing one of these extraordinary males takes my breath away, so imagine seeing this many, I was literally gasping….
The males are quite distinctive and very flamboyant. He has an iridescent ruby head and nape, with a golden-orange throat and breast. Sometimes he appears black, but once the sunlight hits him, he’s in full glory, indeed quite spectacular! The female Ruby Topaz, like most hummingbirds, is not as colorful as their male counterparts. She is mainly bronze green and gray. They are just 3.5 inches in length.
© Denise Etienne
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