Naturalist Notes: Blooming Immortelles

Immortelles blooming   © Denise Etienne

Presently  in the northern range there are countless amounts of Immortelle trees in full bloom. Their bright orange flowers attract numerous species of birds including: hummingbirds, honeycreepers, orioles, one can even observe Parrots and Oropendolas feeding. This tree was especially grown to shade Cocoa and Coffee.

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Patience

It’s been over two weeks since I've hung my bird feeders and all that I have attracted thus far, is ants! To me this really reiterates that one needs to have a whole lot of patience when dealing with our avian friends. I’ll keep you posted, hopefully it won’t be long now.

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: In the Backyard

There is always something interesting happening in nature. Some people have this misconception that you have to be in the forest to see the wonders of nature, but really nature exists all around us! Just take a moment and look around, do you know how much cool stuff you can discover right in your own back yard?

Today I looked out my back door and there were Tropical Mockingbirds, Palm and Blue Tanagers, House Wrens, Yellow Orioles, and Bare-eyed Thrushes.

So next time you’re outdoors tune in to your surroundings, you would be surprise as to the amount of wildlife that exists.

__________________

Standing upright and tall

With strong arms wide open

In each and every direction

Teeming with life

And yet giving life to all

Who am I?

© 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: Turkey Vultures

I think one of the most underrated groups of birds is Vultures. They are so important to us and yet we often take them for granted. There are three species recorded for Trinidad—Turkey, Black and King (which is extremely rare, I am yet to see one!). These birds feed primarily on carrion (dead animals) some occasionally are also known to eat fruits. Their major role in the environment is to help clean up all the carcasses, without them one can only imagine the smell and sight which would exists.

In my previous notes I mentioned the resemblances between the Zone-tailed Hawk and the Turkey Vulture, today I will continue with the Turkey Vulture.

The Turkey Vulture is locally called Corbeau and is frequently observed throughout the island. In flight they are very unsteady, and often times you can see their distinctive dihedral (a V formation of the wings as they are held above their bodies). It is mainly brown-toned black in color with a red featherless head. It has a wingspan of over 5 feet and is just about 30 inches in length. The underside of the wing is two-toned in color, the upper half is dark and the lower half grayish. They have a heightened sense of smell and this is how they are able to find their food.

So the next time you see a Turkey Vulture do not turn up your nose, but smile and offer a  soft thank you to a creature that’s doing a very important job!

© Denise Etienne

Naturalist Notes: Zone-tailed Hawk

Lately I have been seeing quite a number of Zone-tailed hawks as I walk throughout Arima and Malabar. This species of raptor (bird of prey) is mainly black and is sometimes confused with the Turkey Vulture, because they share several similarities.

They both have a dihedral shape when they fly, which simply means they hold their wings above their bodies in a V formation. When viewing both in flight, the underpart of the wings are two toned in color, the upper half darker than the lower half. In addition, they are both unsteady flyers, rocking back and forth.

The main distinguishing feature I use in identifying them is their tail, the Zone-tailed has at least 2 white stripes on the tail, also the edge looks like it has been clipped with scissors — it appears almost squared, as opposed to the Turkey Vulture's tail which lacks the white stripes and is rounded at the edge.

A major difference between both birds is their diet, the Zone-tailed feeds live prey like mammals and birds, while the Turkey Vulture feeds on carrion.  It is also smaller in size than the Turkey Vulture. Once you are close enough to the Turkey Vulture you should be able to see their red featherless head, whereas the Zone-tailed head is covered with feathers.

An interesting fact is that sometimes you can find a Zone-tailed hawk flying amongst a group of Turkey Vultures, it is believe they do this to capture unsuspecting prey! So next time you see a Turkey Vulture look closer it might just be a Zone-tailed hawk.

© Denise Etienne

Blue and Yellow Macaw

Hello, thanks for bringing us back
For we were once under attack
Almost to the point of extinction
Now we are notable to distinction
Fruits and seeds we love to eat
Palms are definitely a tasty treat! 

                            ~ Denise Etienne

This poem and painting are featured in our book "Birds of Trinidad"

I will be taking two weeks off, be back soon.
Take care,
Denise

Poem by © Denise Etienne. Image: "Hello" watercolor, courtesy of © Beatrice Bork

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 

Naturalist Notes: Little Hermit Hummingbird

The Little Hermit Hummingbird is the smallest in the group of Hermits found in Trinidad, it’s not recorded in Tobago. It is about 4 inches in length, the upperparts are mainly bronze-green, and the underpants brownish in color.

This species is in same genus as the Green Hermit, hence they are similar in shape. Both have a long and decurved bill, with elongated central tail feathers. They are also known to form communal leks to attract the females.

Some of their favorite flowers are Shrimp plant, Lipstick plant and a variety of Gingers.

From my many years experience as a naturalist, of the three species of Hermits, the Little Hermit is the least frequently seen in the rainforest.

© Denise Etienne 

Naturalist Notes: Rufous-breasted Hermit Hummingbird

Of the three species of Hermit Hummingbirds found in Trinidad, the Rufous-breasted Hermit is medium in size, just about 5 inches in length. It is also the only Hermit found in Tobago.

This Hermit has a brown head, while the rest of the upperparts are mainly greenish, and the underpants mainly rufous in color. They also have a rounded tail with a white band on the edge, unlike the Green Hermit that has long central tail feathers.

One of their favorite flowering plants is Heliconias. They are well adapted to pollinating the flower because of their long and decurve bills.

Early one morning I took a walk out to the “Clear water pool” at the Asa Wright Nature Center, just over the water on the bank was a Fern plant. There, I got a glimpse of a female Rufous-breasted Hermit as she was constructing her nest on one of the hanging leaves, and I thought how lucky I was to see this little miracle of nature!

© 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

 

Naturalist notes: Trinidad and Tobago

Kiddies Carnival, Arima

Our beautiful Trinidad and Tobago is known to be the southern most Caribbean islands, situated just of the coast of Venezuela. There is such a wonderful blend of many different cultures existing in harmony, Africans, Indians, Chinese, and much more. 

Blue Waters Inn, Tobago

People travel from around the world to visit our twin islands. They come for many different reasons, some for Carnival—which is know to be the greatest show on earth, it absolutely takes your breath away, the spectacular costumes, the camaraderie, the music, and you must experience it at least once in your lifetime! Our fantastic beaches are also known to draw quite an extensive crowd, especially after the mayhem Carnival! Not to mention our countless variety of tasty dishes like Doubles, Roti, Shark and Bake, Callaloo soup, Pelau, Crab and Dumplings, and Pastelles, all this talk on food sure makes one hungry! Others are simply are attracted to our flora and fauna, where a great biodiversity exists. The recorded numbers of species are quite significant for such a relatively small region, over 100 mammals, 460 birds, 600 butterflies, 50 reptiles and 25 amphibians.

What ever the reason for visiting our lovely islands, I am sure people always take away warm and wonderful memories of this tiny piece of paradise.

© Denise Etienne