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

 

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

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: Snakes of Trinidad and Tobago II

Corals are the other group of venomous snakes found in Trinidad. They range from a few inches up to two feet in length and are the width of one of your fingers. Their colors are mainly red, black, white, (somewhat patriotic) or yellow.  It is always good to warn small children about these creatures, being so colorful they may be tempted to pick them up and play. These creatures are mostly found under logs and rocks. Their venom contain Neurotoxins which generally affects the nervous system, causing paralysis and death by suffocation.

© Denise Etienne

Haiku # 2

trees covered in white

the skies as gray as can be

me, wandering free

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: With a twist — Haiku

As you may know I love poetry. I have been writing mainly acrostic and free verse poems for quite a while. Last week I visited one of my mentors and we talked about poetry, specifically Haiku. It is a style of poetry that I’ve never really explored before. He sent me a Haiku book, which has now sparked an interest. As I understand, Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry, where the subject is inspired by nature. Traditionally it contains 17 syllables (in 3 lines e.g. 5-7-5). As in all things, traditions change over time.

Here is my first Hakiu:

blowing, falling snow

drifting freely in the wind

takes my breath away

© Denise Etienne

Snow scene...

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Snakes of Trinidad and Tobago I

There are just over forty species of snakes found in Trinidad and Tobago. Only four species of them are considered venomous, two Corals and two Pit vipers - none of these occur in Tobago. They are not the “evil” creatures that they are portrayed to be. I have encountered all four and I am still around. In fact, you should consider yourself extremely lucky if you were to ever cross paths with one of these secretive creatures, for they are seldom seen.

Our Pit vipers are mainly brown in color, with some variation of yellow, gray, green or black depending on the species.  They have distinctive triangular shaped heads. Along their body are diagonal stripes forming a unique diamond pattern. The Pit vipers that I have seen ranged from one foot, all the way up to eight feet in length! Their poison contain Hemotoxins, which affects the circulatory system destroying red blood cells, causing organ degeneration and tissue damage, if left untreated it can be fatal. The Fer-de-lance and the Bushmaster are the two Pit vipers recorded for Trinidad.

Next week, I'll cover the Corals. 

Be good!

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Winter in the US

This is not a sight you’d ever see in Trinidad. We have only two seasons—dry and rainy, basically six months of each. In the tropics our average temperature ranges between 72-88° Fahrenheit, so its almost difficult to explain what this "cold" really feels like.

I remember back in 1996 when I saw snow for the first time. The air was still, patiently waiting for something to happen, and down came these beautiful, white, feathery, delicate flakes falling from the sky—I was totally mesmerized!

Gray skies

Quietness in the air

Purity in white

Sparkling gems

Bundle of clothes

© Denise Etienne

2011

A new year...

With new hopes and dreams

Unspoken resolutions, buried deep with your heart

Forge onwards, for you are the only one able to make it a reality

Be good!

D