Welcome to Trinidad and Tobago, where the beautiful blue birds soar through the sky. Trinidad and Tobago is home to a variety of native and migratory birds, including two species of bluebirds: the Blue-backed Manakin and the Bananaquit.
These birds are a common sight in the tropical forests and gardens of the two islands, often seen in pairs or small flocks. With their bright blue feathers and cheerful calls, these birds are sure to brighten up any outdoor space.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these two species of bluebirds in Trinidad and Tobago, and discuss why they are so beloved by locals and visitors alike.
1. Blue-gray Tanager
The blue-gray tanager is a species of songbird native to South America, belonging to the tanager family, Thraupidae. Its range stretches from Mexico to northeast Bolivia and northern Brazil and covers all of the Amazon Basin apart from the very south.
In addition, it has been introduced to Lima, the capital city of Peru. On the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, this bird is known as the blue jean. It is a medium-sized bird, with blue-gray plumage and a yellow bill.
Its diet consists of insects, fruit, and nectar, which it forages for in the canopy of trees. It is most commonly seen in pairs or small flocks and is known to form mixed-species feeding flocks with other species of tanagers and woodcreepers.
It is a shy and skulking species, but its loud, melodious song carries far and can often be heard in the forest.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Thraupis |
| Species | T. episcopus |
2. Blue-backed Manakin
Source: Wikipedia
The blue-backed manakin is a small passerine bird native to tropical South America. It is found from Colombia and Tobago down to southeastern Brazil, primarily in deciduous forests but not in evergreen rainforests.
This species is about 13 centimeters in length, making it a small, plump bird. It is a typically green bird, with a bright blue patch on its back.
This patch is unique to this species and is used to identify it. The blue-backed manakin can be found in both lowland and montane forests, usually near rivers. It is a skulking species, so it is not easily seen in its natural environment.
This species feeds mainly on fruit and insects and is known to join mixed-species foraging flocks. It is a social species and is often found in small flocks. The blue-backed manakin is a monogamous species, and pairs stay together for several breeding seasons.
The male is the more brightly colored of the pair and has a courtship display that it uses to attract a mate. During the display, the male performs aerial flips and produces a loud call. The nest is a cup-shaped structure, which is usually placed in a tree or bush.
The female lays two to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The chicks fledge at around three weeks old. Overall, the blue-backed manakin is a species that is unique to tropical South America. It is a small, plump bird, with a bright blue patch on its back.
It is usually found in deciduous forests but is not found in evergreen rainforests. This species is known to join mixed-species foraging flocks, and is a monogamous species, with the male performing an elaborate courtship display.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pipridae |
| Genus | Chiroxiphia |
| Species | C. pareola |
3. Snowy Egret
The snowy egret is a small white heron found in various parts of the world. Its genus name is derived from the Provençal French term for a small egret, aigrette, which itself is a diminutive of aigron, meaning ‘heron’.
Interestingly, the species name thula is not derived from the snowy egret itself, but from the black-necked swan. This misidentification was made by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782.
This could be due to the similar body shape and size of the two birds, or the fact that the snowy egret can sometimes be found in the same habitats as the black-necked swan. Despite this misidentification, the species’ name has stuck and is still used today.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. thula |
4. Blue-black Grassquit
Source: Wikipedia
The blue-black grassquit (Volatinia) is a small species of Neotropical bird belonging to the tanager family, Thraupidae. It is a passerine bird, which means that it has three toes pointing forward and one toe pointing backward.
It is usually found in open and semi-open habitats, such as savannas and grasslands. The blue-black grassquit is the only member of the genus Volatinia and has an overall dark blue-black plumage.
The male has a bright yellow patch on its throat and breast, while the female has a duller yellowish-brown patch. This species feeds mainly on grass and weed seeds, but also on small insects, fruits, and nectar.
The blue-black grassquit builds a cup-shaped nest out of grass, twigs, and feathers, typically placed in a low shrub or tree. This species is quite common in its range and is not considered to be threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Volatinia |
| Species | V. jacarina |
5. Blue-and-yellow Macaw
The blue-and-yellow macaw is a species of large South American parrot that is famous for its bright and vibrant colors. Its body is mostly blue on the top, and light yellow/orange on the underside, with shades of green across the head.
It is part of a larger group of birds referred to as the neotropical parrots, more specifically the macaws. This species of parrot is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, making it a popular pet among bird enthusiasts.
The blue-and-yellow macaw is native to South American countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina, but can also be found in Central America and Mexico. It is typically found in the tropical forests and jungles of these regions.
These birds are some of the largest parrots in the world, with a wingspan of up to 90 cm and a body length of up to 75 cm. The blue-and-yellow macaw is an important species to the environment and is listed as a vulnerable species due to the loss of its habitat and poaching.
It is also threatened by the pet trade, as this species is considered a desirable pet due to its intelligence and beauty. Conservation efforts are being made to protect the blue-and-yellow macaw and its habitat.
These efforts include establishing protected areas, banning the trade of wild-caught birds, and raising awareness about the importance of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Ara |
| Species | A. ararauna |
6. Agami Heron
The Agami Heron is a species of heron typically found in Central and South America. It is a medium-sized bird, averaging around 64 cm in length, and is characterized by its greyish-brown plumage with a chestnut-colored belly.
It is also known as the Chestnut-Bellied Heron and is the only member of its genus, Agamia. The Agami Heron is a resident breeding bird, meaning that it lives in the same area year-round and breeds in that same area.
It can be found in Central America, ranging from Mexico to Panama, and further south to Peru and Brazil. It is usually found near bodies of water such as rivers, lakes, and swamps, as well as in mangrove forests and other wetlands.
The Agami Heron is a solitary bird, typically seen alone or in small groups of two or three. It is an opportunistic feeder, preying on fish, amphibians, insects, and other small creatures. Its diet varies with the season and availability of food.
The Agami Heron is an aggressive hunter, using its long neck and sharp bill to capture its prey. The Agami Heron is a shy bird that is not often seen in the wild. It is usually active during dawn and dusk when it is most likely to be seen hunting for food.
It nests in trees, usually near water, and typically lays three to five eggs. The Agami Heron is a vulnerable species, and its population is in decline due to habitat destruction and other human activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Agamia |
| Species | A. agami |
7. Blue-tailed Emerald
Source: Wikipedia
The blue-tailed emerald is a type of hummingbird that is part of the Trochilini tribe of the Trochilinae subfamily. It is native to parts of South America, from Colombia to the Guianas and Trinidad, down to northern Bolivia and central Brazil.
It is found in both tropical and subtropical climates, and its habitat is east of the Andes mountain range. The blue-tailed emerald has a distinctive deep blue tail, which is the source of its name.
It is also known for its small size, weighing only 3-4 grams and measuring between 3-4 inches in length. It is a solitary bird, preferring to feed alone and not mix with other hummingbirds.
Its diet consists of nectar from flowers, as well as small insects. The blue-tailed emerald is one of the most colorful and vibrant hummingbirds in the world. Its bright feathers serve as a warning to other birds that this bird is not to be messed with.
The blue-tailed emerald is also known for its incredibly fast and acrobatic flying, which it uses to catch small insects in mid-air. The blue-tailed emerald is a beautiful hummingbird that is native to parts of South America.
It is a small and vibrant bird, and its bright feathers serve as a warning to other birds. It feeds mainly on flowers and small insects and is known for its incredibly fast and acrobatic flying.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Chlorostilbon |
| Species | C. mellisugus |
8. Boat-billed Heron
Source: Wikipedia
The Boat-billed Heron, also known as the Boatbill, is a member of the heron family that stands out for its unique appearance. It is the only bird species belonging to the genus Cochlearius, and it was formerly classified in its own family, the Cochleariidae.
This species can be found in mangrove swamps throughout Mexico, South America and all the way down to Peru and Brazil. The Boatbill is typically a shy bird that stays close to the water’s edge, where it finds food such as fish, insects, and other aquatic creatures.
Its distinctive bill is ideal for catching prey, and it is capable of capturing and eating prey that is larger than itself. Its small wings make it a capable flier, but it is not as proficient in flight as other herons.
The Boatbill’s plumage is usually shades of gray and black, and it has a characteristic tuft of feathers on its head.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Cochlearius |
| Species | C. cochlearius |
9. Greyish Saltator
Source: Wikipedia
The Amazonian Grey Saltator is a type of bird found in South America. It belongs to the family of tanagers, known as Thraupidae. This species of bird is characterized by a bluish-grey coloration and is quite widespread in subtropical and tropical areas.
It typically lives in semi-open habitats such as woodlands and savannas. The Amazonian Grey Saltator has a medium-sized body with a long, slender tail. Its wings are broad and rounded, and its beak is short and stout.
Its head and wings are darker than its body, while its underside is a pale greyish-white. The bird’s head and chest are adorned with a black mask, while its face has a faint yellowish tinge. The Amazonian Grey Saltator feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
It also consumes a variety of fruits and other plant matter. During the breeding season, it may form monogamous pairs. The female builds a nest in trees or shrubs, where she lays her eggs.
The eggs are incubated by both parents, and the young fledge after about two weeks. The Amazonian Grey Saltator is a fairly common bird, although its population is declining due to habitat loss.
It is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This species is considered to be relatively resilient, but it is important to ensure its habitats are protected in order to prevent further population declines.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Saltator |
| Species | S. coerulescens |
10. Blue-headed Parrot
The blue-headed parrot is a medium-sized bird native to the Neotropical forests of Central and South America. It is easily recognizable by its blue head and neck, and green body.
The parrot typically measures 27 cm in length and has red under tail coverts, which are the feathers that cover the bases of the tail feathers.
This species of parrot is also known as the blue-headed Pionus, which is derived from the Latin word for “peacock”.Blue-headed parrots are primarily found in humid tropical forests, and can usually be found in the upper canopies of forests in small groups of up to 10 individuals.
They can also be seen in areas of human habitation, such as parks and gardens, where they are attracted to the abundance of food sources. The parrots are omnivorous and feed on a variety of fruits, nuts, berries, and seeds.
They also eat some insects and small vertebrates. Blue-headed parrots are generally quiet birds but do make occasional vocalizations. They are social and gregarious birds and are often seen in pairs or small flocks.
They are also very active and enjoy playing games and exploring their environment. The blue-headed parrot is considered to be a hardy species and can live for up to 25 years in captivity.
However, due to habitat destruction and the pet trade, their numbers have been declining in recent years. As such, this species is currently listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Pionus |
| Species | P. menstruus |
11. White-necked Jacobin
The white-necked jacobin is a species of hummingbird that is widely distributed throughout Central and South America. It is found in Mexico, Central America, northern South America, Brazil, Peru, Bolivia, and Trinidad & Tobago.
The species is medium-sized compared to other hummingbirds, with a length of around 10 cm and a wingspan of about 17 cm. It is easily identified by its distinctive white neck and upper chest plumage, which contrasts starkly with its otherwise green body.
Other common names for the white-necked jacobin include great Jacobin and collared hummingbird. The white-necked jacobin is a very active bird, spending much of its time in flight. Its diet consists mainly of small insects and nectar from flowers.
It can be found in a variety of habitats, from humid rainforests to dry scrubland. It is a relatively common species, although its population is believed to be declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
The white-necked jacobin is a popular bird among birdwatchers, as it is relatively easy to spot and identify. It is also a popular subject of photography, as its bright colors and acrobatic flight make it a beautiful subject to capture on film.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Florisuga |
| Species | F. mellivora |
12. Blue Ground-Dove
The blue ground dove is a species of small tropical dove native to the New World. It is found in a large range spanning from southeastern Mexico to northwestern Peru, northern Argentina, and Trinidad in the Caribbean.
As a resident breeder, the blue ground dove is known to inhabit the same area throughout the year. The dove typically prefers lowland and foothill habitats and is often seen in open woodlands and scrublands.
The diet of the blue ground dove consists of seeds, grains, berries, and small insects. It is known to forage on the ground, typically in pairs or small groups. The blue ground dove is a pale grayish-brown color, with a white belly and blackish flight feathers.
The male has an area of blueish-gray color on the hind neck. The blue ground dove is a relatively common species and is listed as of least concern on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Claravis |
| Species | C. pretiosa |
13. Purple Honeycreeper
The purple honeycreeper is a small bird native to the Neotropical region, which includes parts of the Americas and is part of the tanager family Thraupidae.
This species is found in tropical parts of South America, from Colombia and Venezuela to Brazil, and on both the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. It is believed that a few of these birds may have been introduced to Tobago, as they are not typically found in this area.
The purple honeycreeper is a brightly colored bird, with a black head, deep purple breast and back, and yellow wings and tail. Its call is a loud, sharp whistle, which is used to communicate with other birds.
Its diet consists mainly of nectar, fruits, and insects, which it obtains from flowers and trees. The purple honeycreeper is an important part of the ecosystems in the regions it inhabits, as it helps to pollinate flowers and disperse seeds.
It is also an important food source for various species of birds of prey. Unfortunately, its population numbers are declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitats in order to ensure its long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Cyanerpes |
| Species | C. caeruleus |
14. Red-legged Honeycreeper
The red-legged honeycreeper is a species of small songbird in the Tanager family. This species is found in the tropical regions of the New World, from southern Mexico to Peru, Bolivia, and central Brazil.
There have also been reports of it being found in Trinidad and Tobago, and in Cuba, although its presence on the latter may be due to human introduction.
It is also rarely found in the southern part of Texas. This species is found in moist tropical forests, secondary forests, savannas, mangroves, and open woodlands. They feed on insects, fruit, and nectar, and their diet can vary depending on the season and availability of food.
They are among the most colorful of all songbirds, with a bright yellow head, orange-red legs, and a greenish-blue body. The red-legged honeycreeper is quite vocal and is known for its chattering calls and melodious songs.
They usually travel in pairs or small flocks and often join mixed-species flocks with other species of birds.
Their nests are usually cup-shaped and made from plant matter and are placed in trees or shrubs. The red-legged honeycreeper is a fairly common species, but it is threatened in some parts of its range.
The main threats to this species come from deforestation and habitat degradation, as well as from the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are aiming to protect and restore the species’ natural habitats, as well as to raise awareness about the threats posed to this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
| Genus | Cyanerpes |
| Species | C. cyaneus |
15. Tropical Parula
Source: ebirds.org
The tropical parula is a type of small New World warbler, which is a type of bird. It is found in many parts of the Americas, ranging from southernmost Texas and northwest Mexico, all the way down to Central America and northern Argentina.
It is also found in Trinidad and Tobago. Despite its large range, the tropical parula is common and widespread throughout its habitat, making it not considered a threatened species by the IUCN.
This species is able to survive in a variety of habitats, such as forests, woodlands, and other open areas. Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it finds in shrubs, trees, and other vegetation.
It is usually seen in pairs or in small flocks and is an active and agile flyer. Its song is a series of clear, high-pitched notes, which it sings in the mornings and evenings.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. pitiayumi |
Conclusion
Bluebirds are a common and much-loved sight in Trinidad and Tobago. These beautiful birds can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests and gardens to wetlands and coastal areas.
With their vibrant colors, melodious songs, and friendly personalities, bluebirds are a beloved part of Trinidad and Tobago’s natural beauty.