1st Time Authors Appreciation Programme

  

Last month Trinidad and Tobago National Library and Information System Authority (NALIS) held their Third annual First Time Authors Appreciation Programme which I attended. There were 58 new books written, including our “Birds of Trinidad” a collaboration  with my friend Beatrice Bork. It was interesting to see the wide range of topics printed. The Librarian who critiqued the books said ours was “magnificently done”, I felt honored to have our work on display. All of the Authors received a wonderful plaque. 


Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes:New Adventure

This morning the manager and I took a short walk to explore the environment of our new work place, Amanecer~Retreat and Spa. This is a new hotel situated in the 

Lopinot Valley, surrounded by lush rainforest. Originally it was a cocoa and coffee plantation, to date there are numerous other fruit trees.

As we ventured up the quiet road looking at the flora, I decided to imitate the call of the Ferruginous Pygmy Owl to see who or what we would attract. Suddenly the forest became alive with sounds, we heard the Violaceous Euphonia (which is locally called Semp) Rufous-breasted Wren, Golden-headed Manakin and Orange-winged Parrots were squawking as they flew overhead. A family of Golden-fronted Greenlets was peeping at us, luckily we were able to see them. In the distance ahead we caught a glimpse of the Long-billed Gnatwren as he hurriedly disappeared into the bamboo. We also saw quite a few species of butterflies, including the Red Rim, Red Anartia and Blue Transparent, which is really cool because you can literally see though his wings! Amongst all that we saw on our short stroll today, for me the pinnacle was the view of a peaceful, trickling stream of crystal clear water. I hope to keep you posted of more discoveries as time goes along.

Denise Etienne

The Bird Whisperer

Naturalist Notes: Bananaquit

Bananaquit ~ © Watercolor by BeatriceBork

Boisterous
Ambitious
Notorious
Adventurous
Nosy
Acrobatic
Quick
Ubiquitous
Intriguing
Thief's

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Blue-headed Parrot

In keeping with the Parrot theme, Blue-headed Parrots are fairly common throughout the forest in Trinidad. It is not recorded in Tobago.

Like most of the other Parrots it is generally green, but the head, neck and upper breast is blue in color. It is just about 10 inches in length.

This is definitely a gregarious species, in the past I have occasionally seen flocks of up to 50 or so flying over the Arima valley. They eat fruits and seeds, one of their favorite fruits are Hog Plums.

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Yellow-crowned Parrots

Sorry I’m a bit late with this week’s topic…

My brother-in-law recently acquired a pair of these gorgeous Yellow-crowned Parrots.This species is certainly not one you’d see very often, for it is not common in Trinidad. 

The Yellow-crowned Parrot is aptly named, because it has a conspicuous yellow crown. It is mainly green. As you can see in the pictures,  the curve in the wing is blood red in color. It also has a noticeable whitish eye ring. They eat fruits and nuts, but they were enjoying some hot pepper seeds!

Photo and content © Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Black Vulture

The Black Vulture is relatively smaller than the Turkey Vulture. It is mainly black, except for the wing tips (fingers) which are whitish in color and very distinctive, especially in flight. Their heads are also featherless and black in color.

Besides feeding on carrion and occasional fruits, they are sometimes known to attack live prey, particularly newborns like the hatchlings of Leatherback turtles as they emerge from the sand. This species is more often observed in large groups.

 © Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: White-Chested Emerald Hummingbird

One of the most aggressive species of hummingbird I have encountered while birding in the rainforest is the White-Chested Emerald. They intensely defend their territory by chasing away other birds, even people at times. They are indeed fierce! It is not recorded in Tobago.

This is a monomorphic species, which means the sexes are similar in appearance. They are just about 3.75 inches in length. Their upperparts are mainly green fading into a bronze rump and tail, (from the back it looks very similar to the Copper-rumped hummingbird, but lacks their distinct blue tail). The underparts are white with greenish sides. This species is quite vocal with no particular tune.

So folks, this wraps-up the 17 hummingbirds of Trinidad. I hope you all enjoyed, please feel free to ask any questions!

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Long-billed Starthroat Hummingbird

I have seen the Long-billed Starthroat hummingbird mostly in forested areas in Trinidad. It is not recorded in Tobago.

This infrequent species is just about 4.5 inches in length. The sexes are generally bronze-green in color on the upperside and grayish on the underside, both have white moustachial streaks. The males have a distinctive turquoise crown with a reddish throat, while the females have a greenish crown with a black throat. When identifying this species I particularly look for a white jagged streak on the back, this is not usually noted in the field guides. 

Their straight bill is reminiscent of a sword because it’s so long!

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Brown Violetear Hummingbird

The Brown Violetear hummingbird spends most of its time in the mountainous rainforests of Trinidad. It is not recorded for Tobago.

This species is just about 4.75 inches in length.  It is mainly seen feeding in the canopy on Immortelle flowers and occasional epiphytes, though I have also seen them on hummingbird feeders. The sexes are very similar in appearance, mostly brown above and gray below with a violet patch on the ear-coverts, and a sparkling green and blue throat stripe.

I have observed this species several times during the months of December through March at the Asa Wright Nature Center, which is just about 1200 ft, other times of the year it is found at higher elevations over 2500ft.

 © Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Blue-tailed Emerald Hummingbird

The Blue-tailed Emerald is yet another species that is not found in the rainforest and is considered somewhat uncommon. It spends most of its time in semi-open savannah and scrub areas. It is not recorded in Tobago.

This species is just about 3 inches in length. The sexes are similar, both are overall green in color with white thigh feathers and a forked blue tail. The female also has a blackish ear-patch.

This species is one that I am yet to see in person, according to its description it is very similar to the Blue-chinned Sapphire, which is my favorite hummingbird.

© Denise Etienne 

Naturalist Notes: White-tailed Goldenthroat Hummingbird

In keeping with hummingbird species that are hardly ever found in the rainforest, and somewhat uncommon, the White-tailed Goldenthroat is a perfect example. It mostly frequents marshy savannahs or open grassy areas near water. It is not recorded for Tobago.

This species is just about 4 inches in length, both sexes are mainly green in color with a slightly decurved bill and facial streaks (above and below their eyes). The male streaks are white, with a sparkling green throat and white outer tail feathers. The female streaks and stomach is rufous in color. This particular species is one that I am yet to see in person.

 

© Denise Etienne 

Naturalist Notes: Green-throated Mango Hummingbird

The Green-throated Mango Hummingbird is usually found in mangrove swamps especially in Caroni. I have spent most of my birding years in the rainforest habitat of Trinidad, making occasional trips to other habitats on the island. Hence, I have only gotten mere glimpses of this species.

It is just about 5 inches in length. The male Green-throated mango is overall green in color, with a black line on his chest, and a purple tail.  The female of this species is very similar to the Black-throated Mango, I read it’s hard to tell them apart.

This is one species that I have hardly ever seen perched. 

© Denise Etienne 

Naturalist Notes: Black-throated Mango Hummingbird

The Black-throated Mango Hummingbird can be found in both Trinidad and Tobago. It is just about 4.5 inches in length. It is a dimorphic species, where the appearance of the sexes varies. The male has bright green upperparts, his throat and chest are black, bordered with blue-green, and has a purple tail. The female has bronze-green upperparts, while her throat and chest white with a prominent black central stripe, and has a reddish tail.

This species is fairly common on both islands. Frequently seen feeding on flowers of Immortelle, Poui, and Hibiscus.  In the rainy season especially I have observed them hawking for insects, in particular rain flies (a.k.a. termites).

Also, just a note, the female Black-throated Mango Hummingbird is exquisitely painted by Beatrice Bork, and is the Cover girl for our book “Birds of Trinidad”.

© Denise Etienne 

Our book “Birds of Trinidad”

 

For the last few years I have been collaborating with an extremely talented artist, Beatrice Bork. We have been working on compiling a book, with both her watercolor paintings and my poetry. Beatrice first came to Trinidad via the Don Eckelberry Award for her achievements in bird art. 

I am happy to announce that the book is finally completed!  We both feel a great sense of accomplishment. To all those who have been supportive, thank you!

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of our book please click here

D

Naturalist Notes: Blue-chinned Sapphire Hummingbird

My favorite hummingbird is the Blue-chinned Sapphire. To me they seem unlike most hummingbirds, in that this species is extremely timid.  In all my years as a naturalist I have never observed them chasing off, or aggressively defending their territory from others. In fact, they are the ones often bullied and harassed, this may explain why they hardly ever hang around.

This remarkable species has a sparkling blue-chinned, which seems even more metallic in the sunlight. The males throat and chest is shimmering green, both sexes have white thigh feathers. The Blue-chinned Sapphire can sometimes be confused with the Copper-rumped hummingbird, but lacks the coppery color.

Whenever I see a Blue-chinned Sapphire it always puts a smile on my face.

© Denise Etienne 

Naturalist Notes: Tufted Coquette Hummingbird

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