Naturalist Notes: Golden-olive Woodpecker

Golden Olive Woodpecker 

There are 5 species of woodpeckers in Trinidad. Pictured above is the Golden-olive which is one of the smaller woodpeckers, and is found on both islands. Most male woodpeckers  have a red malar stripe (from the base of the bill to the side of the neck) while the the female lacks this trait. This species primarily feed on insects, but will occasionally take fruits.  

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Hummingbirds

Hummingbirds are like dashing dynamic jewels. Fierce, petite, and full of character! They are known to be extremely territorial and sometimes very aggressive. Some species are widespread throughout the island, whilst others have specific ranges. Their diet consists of nectar or sugar solution, insects and small invertebrates. Hummingbirds are the masters of hovering, with great control and accuracy. Did you know that they are the only birds able to fly backwards?  They have long and slender beaks - some straight and others curved. The name hummingbird originates from the distinctive “hum” made by their rapid wing beats.  Depending on the species it can be anywhere from 15-80 times per second, now that is awfully fast!

Interestingly, hummingbirds are found only in the New World: North, South, and Central America; and the Caribbean islands. There are just over 300 species recorded, the majority exists mainly in Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Many years ago Trinidad was called “Iere” which means land of the hummingbird. There are 17 species of hummingbirds, and over the next few weeks I’ll be writing more about them, stayed tuned!

Beautiful jewels

Hovering and displaying

Sipping on nectar

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist notes: Ferruginous Pygmy-owl

 Ferruginous Pygmy-owl - Glaucidium brasilianum

The Ferruginous Pygmy-owl is Trinidad’s smallest owl. It measures merely six inches in length. It can often be heard calling in the early morning or late evening. They feed primarily on birds and lizards.

In this photo you can clearly see the nictitating membrane, which is a transparent third eyelid that can be drawn across the eye for added protection when taking down prey. It also helps to moisten the eye while maintaining visibility.


This is an excellent bird to mimic when birding in the forest, as it can attract a number of other species of birds teaming up to chase this predator away.

© Denise Etienne

White necked Jacobin Hummingbird

Watercolor painting © Beatrice Bork

   Whilst on the wing

    Hovering over sixty beats a second    

    I glance for food
    Taking both nectar and insects
    Even sugar solution sometimes

    Nimble and swift am I
    Eventually sitting for a moment
    Checking out my surroundings
    Keen to defend my territory
    Even against my own kind
    Diving and displaying my immaculate feathers

    Justly, I am a site to behold
    Attracting most of the attention
    Certainly, the birders grasp at my magnificence
    Once this beautiful island was named after us
    By their fore fathers
    It was called “Iere”, Land of the  Hummingbirds
    Nowadays it is known as Trinidad, and we are still being revered 

     © Denise Etienne

 This is a sneak preview of our collaborative effort on our book which features the Birds of Trinidad and Tobago, as well as poetry.