Naturalist Notes: Ruby Topaz Hummingbird

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 

 

Naturalist Notes: White-necked Jacobin Hummingbird

The White-necked Jacobin hummingbird is considered one of the more aggressive species in Trinidad. They are usually found at higher elevations in the forest, seldom seen in the lowlands. It is also observed in Tobago.

 This is a sexually dimorphic species. The males have immaculate white feathers on their nape, stomach and tail, while the rest of their body is bluish and greenish in color. The females look totally different, they are generally greenish in color with a speckled throat. She easily goes unnoticed. They are just about 4.5 inches in length.

 One of the amazing things I’ve observed about this species is that when they are sipping sugar solution from hummingbird feeders, the males hardly ever perch to feed! They mostly remain hovering in front of the feeder. I somehow believe this is their way of being readily agile to defend their territory from other species. So next time you happen to see a White-necked Jacobin look closer you might be surprised! 

© Denise Etienne 

Naturalist Notes: Copper-rumped Hummingbird

One of the most widespread species of hummingbird in Trinidad is the Copper-rumped. I have frequently seen this species around my home in Malabar, as well as in the forest.

They are mainly green in color, with a coppery  rump and this merits their name. Males and females are identical and just shy of 4 inches in length.

Like most hummingbirds the Copper-rumped is somewhat aggressive. They are known to defend their territory from creatures much large than themselves. I remember once removing a hummingbird feeder to refill it, and suddenly right in front of my face was Copper rumped  hummingbird ready to wrestle with me! 

This particular species has a distinctive tune, which normally includes 3 or 4 syllables. If you were to put words to their melody it would sound like “Hey baby girl, hey baby girl”, so next time you observe one, listen closely you might be surprised!

If you would like to attract this species to your home, think about planting Lantana Camara, Calliandra and Ixoras, which are some of their favorite flowers.

This species is also found in Tobago.

© Denise Etienne