Hummingbirds on the Southern Caribbean Island of Tobago

The two islands Trinidad and Tobago lie close to the South American mainland, and consequently can boast more bird species than the rest of the Caribbean. Trinidad, closer to Venezuela and larger than Tobago, is home to nearly twice as many species as its sister island, but birders will not be disappointed with Tobago.

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago was a Spanish colony until 1802, when it was ceded to Great Britain. Independence was obtained in 1962, and the country became a republic in 1976. Petroleum reserves on Trinidad are key to the republic’s economy, although eco-tourism is a significant factor on Tobago. Trinidad is much larger than Tobago, nearly 2,000 square miles compared with Tobago’s 116. Trinidad lies less than 10 miles from Venezuela, and holds more than 95 percent of the country’s population.

The dominant size of Trinidad, together with its proximity to Venezuela, are responsible for the island’s more impressive bird list. Some 450 species have been documented on the two islands, with more than 400 observed on Trinidad and more than 200 on Tobago. Considering that Tobago is only about 26 miles by 6 miles, the number of bird species here is remarkable. Its smaller land mass also makes Tobago an easy island to bird during a short stay, such as a one-day cruise stop.

The Island of Tobago

Tobago is a hilly, heavily treed island of volcanic rock and limestone, with a central mountainous spine that includes 1,804-foot Pigeon Peak, the island’s highest point. Tobago has a well-deserved reputation for eco-tourism, and is home to tropical rainforests, waterfalls and a surprising variety of habitat for such a small island. Two tiny islands, Little Tobago and St. Giles Island, lie offshore of the northeastern part of Tobago, and both are key nesting colonies for sea birds.

The centerpiece to Tobago’s eco-reputation is the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, a tropical rainforest that lies along the island’s central mountain spine. The reserve was designated by the British Parliament in April, 1776, and is the oldest such protected area in the Western hemisphere. Nearly half of Tobago’s bird species can be found in the forest.

The Hummingbirds of Tobago

An amazing seventeen species of hummingbirds have been documented on the two islands. Eight have been recorded on Tobago, only six of which are regularly present. North American birders, accustomed to relatively unimaginative hummingbird names, will appreciate these:

• Rufous-breasted Hermit
• White-tailed Sabrewing
• Ruby Topaz
• Black-throated Mango
• White-necked Jacobin
• Copper-rumped Hummingbird

The Rufous-breasted Hermit

The Rufous-breasted Hermit (Glaucis hirsuta) is a large hummingbird (5 inches) that is found on both islands. Mostly brown with little iridescence, like other hermits, the Rufous-breasted has a long decurved bill, white-tipped tail feathers and a yellow lower mandible. This common bird is fond of heliconia, and attracted to artificial sugar-water feeders. Insects are also an important part of the bird’s diet.

White-tailed Sabrewing

Although Trinidad and Tobago lie below the Caribbean’s ‘Hurricane Belt’, Hurricane Flora struck Tobago with particular ferocity in September, 1963, exacting significant damage to the tropical rainforest. The loss of much of this forest, home of the Sabrewing, nearly resulted in the bird’s extinction.

Since then, both the trees and the Sabrewing are continuing to recover, and, though uncommon, the bird can be found fairly easily in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve. The White-tailed Sabrewing (Campylopterus ensipennis) can be seen feeding at bromeliads or snatching insects, and often perches high. The patient birder will spot the flying bird, and follow it to a perch. The Sabrewing is mostly green, with a slightly decurved bill, a dark violet throat and diagnostic white undertail, clearly visible at rest.

Ruby Topaz

One of the smallest hummingbirds on Tobago, at about 3.5 inches, the Ruby Topaz (Chrysolampis mosquitus) is relatively large-headed. The male is unmistakable, with an orange throat and ruby crown and nape. The Topaz breeds on both islands, but typically spends the September-December months on the mainland.

Black-throated Mango

Like the Topaz, the Black-throated Mango (Anthracothorax nigricollis) is largely absent from Trinidad and Tobago from September through December, but otherwise is commonly found on both islands. The Mango is mid-sized, at about four inches, has a slightly decurved long bill, and a squared tail. Although the adult male’s throat and breast are fully black, even the female and both juveniles show a wide black stripe from throat to breast.

White-necked Jacobin

The mid-sized White-necked Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora) is common to both islands. The name refers to a white band across the male’s nape, which is missing on the female. Both sexes show a white belly, nearly straight bill and rounded tail. The male is much more striking and unmistakable, with his indigo head and throat and white tail feathers, which are often fanned.

Copper-rumped Hummingbird

The small Copper-rumped Hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci) is the most common hummingbird on both islands, and a ready visitor to gardens and artificial feeders. This is an aggressive hummer with little difference between male and female. Face, throat and belly are bright green, the short bill is straight, tail slightly forked, with dark blue wings and tail and copper shoulders, mantle and rump. The Tobago bird (A. t. tobaci) has rufous upper tail coverts and is larger than the Trinidad bird (A. t. erythronotus).

Where to find Tobago’s Hummingbirds

All six of Tobago’s hummingbirds can be recorded in just two locations. The White-tailed Sabrewing is found in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve, and the other five at Adventure Farm & Nature Reserve.

In the reserve, a green sign (‘Forestry Section Gilpin Trace Bird Viewing’) 3.5 kilometers before Tohut leads to a trail where Sabrewings are seen.

Adventure Farm is off the road to Plymouth, on Armos Vale. Fruit and sugar-water feeders draw many terrific birds, including the other five species of hummingbirds.