PERCH: Hummingbirds of Trinidad + Tobago

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN

COPPER-RUMPED

                                                                                                                                                                 

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Female)

RUBY TOPAZ (Female)

 

 

                                                                                              

 

The valleys, mountains and slopes in regions of the Northern Ranges of Trinidad were considered sacred by the Indigenous people or Amerindians, who had lived on the island for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. They called the island "Iere" or "Irie", meaning "The Land of the Hummingbird". So it is. Trochiladae, the hummingbird family, contains roughly 350+ species of hummingbirds. Nineteen species of hummingbirds live on the islands of Trinidad and Tobago, with two species found only in Tobago. 

 

Hummingbirds held a special status among Indigenous people of the islands, as they were believed to embody the souls of their ancestors. Hummingbirds are also important emblems in the national identity of the island today. The coat of arms of the country includes images of three birds: the Scarlet Ibis, the Cocrico and two Hummingbirds. Hummingbirds can be found on logos for various significant national companies, like Caribbean Airlines, and on the insignias of the police service and various military departments.

 

The village of Acona

 

RUBY TOPAZ

 

 

The male RUBY TOPAZ appears drastically different depending on the angle and levels of light reflected on its iridescent plumage.

 This COPPER-RUMPED hummingbird frolics in light rain.

 BLACK-THROATED MANGO

 

Dr. Theodore Ferguson and his wife Gloria have created a hummingbird sanctuary at their home, a paradise nestled in the Maracus Valley. With nectar from tropical plants and strategically-placed nectar feeders, scores of winged jewels are well fed and thriving, much to the delight of photographers. I was captivated by the birds' energy and antics as they zipped around, displaying mesmerizing aerial maneuvers. As well as being an talented photographer, Dr. Ferguson is an expert on all things hummingbird. He wowed us with details of hummingbird morphology, physiology and aeronautic prowess and treated us to a video presentation featuring stunning close-ups images of the magical creatures. My family and I were thoroughly impressed.

Theodore and Gloria Ferguson, with painter Kenwyn Crichlow (right), at Yerettê (an indigenous word for hummingbird).

 

BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Male)

BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Female)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                         

WHITE-CHESTED EMERALD  

RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT    

 


 

                                                                                                                      

COPPER-RUMPED       

LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT with Copper-rumped Hummingbirds

I left Yerettê and that sacred landscape in awe, with a renewed spirit, inspiration and deeper appreciation for my ancestors. I also felt more empowered to do whatever I can to preserve the biodiversity of this beautiful country of my birth and the ecology of this new alien, adopted landscape I now call home.