Yes, you can see hummingbirds in the Caribbean! Hummingbirds are found throughout the Caribbean islands. There are over a dozen different species that inhabit the region. While some species are restricted to just one island, others can be found scattered across multiple islands. The specific species that you might encounter depends on which island you are visiting.
Common hummingbird species in the Caribbean
Some of the most widespread and commonly seen hummingbird species in the Caribbean include:
- Antillean Crested Hummingbird – Found on multiple islands including Puerto Rico, Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique
- Green-throated Carib – Native to islands including St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Grenada, Barbados, and Trinidad
- Purple-throated Carib – Occurs on islands like Dominica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique
- Green-breasted Mango – Lives on southern islands including Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent
- Caribbean Emerald – Common on Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel
In addition to these widespread species, there are also dozens of hummingbird species that are endemic just to single islands in the Caribbean. For example, Cuba has several hummingbirds found nowhere else, including the Bee Hummingbird, the world’s smallest bird. Some other islands with endemic hummers include Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Dominica.
Best islands for seeing hummingbirds
While hummingbirds can be found across all the major islands, some destinations stand out as particularly excellent for observing these fast-flying nectar feeders. Here are some top spots:
- Dominica – Has the highest diversity of hummingbird species, including several endemics. At least 9 species are present.
- Jamaica – Home to 2 endemic species along with several others. The Red-billed Streamertail is easily observed.
- Puerto Rico – Hosts 4 common hummingbird species, including the abundant Antillean Crested.
- St. Lucia – The island’s forests and gardens attract the widespread Green-throated Carib.
- Trinidad – South America’s only hummingbird, the Copper-rumped Hummingbird, is found here alongside other Caribbean species.
These islands offer some of the best opportunities to see a diversity of hummingbird species, including colorful endemics. Since many hummers are drawn to nectar feeders, staying at a hotel or villa with feeders can increase sightings.
When to see hummingbirds
Hummingbirds can be seen year-round across most of the Caribbean islands. However, there are some times of year that are better than others for observing their activity:
- February to May – Peak breeding season when male hummers are active and colorful as they court females.
- April to August – Many broad-billed species breed in this period.
- July to October – Flowers like heliconias that attract hummers bloom during the rainy season.
- November to January – Resident hummingbird populations are supplemented by migrants from North America.
Having nectar feeders available is especially important in the winter when flowering plants are less abundant. Providing a consistent food source will maintain hummingbird populations all year.
Where to see hummingbirds
Hummingbirds occupy a variety of habitats across the Caribbean islands. Here are some of the best places to look for them:
- Forests – Both montane and tropical forests contain flowering plants that attract hummers.
- Gardens – Ornamental plantings around hotels and private homes are magnets for hummingbirds.
- Plantations – Former sugar cane and cocoa plantations often still have gardens attractive to hummers.
- Parks & Reserves – Protected natural areas preserve habitat for native hummingbird species.
- Feeders – Supplemental nectar feeders where hummingbirds regularly come to drink.
In most cases, looking for brightly colored tubular flowers is a good way to find where hummingbirds frequent. Places with the most flowers and food resources will have the highest hummingbird traffic.
Hummingbird behavior in the Caribbean
Watching hummingbirds in the Caribbean provides opportunities to observe some fascinating behaviors:
- Feeding – Hummers use their specialized beaks and tongues to drink nectar while hovering in front of flowers.
- Courting – Males perform dramatic display dives and vertical ascents to impress females.
- Chasing – Aggressive males will actively chase rivals or females away from their territories.
- Bathing – Look for hummers bathing by fluttering gently in water droplets and sprays.
- Nesting – Females build tiny cup nests out of plant down anchored to branches.
Caribbean hummingbirds are very active and observing them can be mesmerizing. Bring binoculars to better watch their behaviors and identify subtle differences between species.
Photographing hummingbirds
The colorful hummingbirds of the Caribbean make incredible photographic subjects. Here are some tips for capturing great shots:
- Use a fast shutter speed (1/1000 sec minimum) to freeze their rapidly beating wings.
- Set your camera to continuous shooting mode to rattle off multiple frames.
- Get on the bird’s level and have a clean background like a plain wall.
- Add natural perches around feeders rather than relying just on the feeder ports.
- Sit quietly and wait for hummers to get comfortable with your presence.
- Use flash to fill in shadows and bring out the iridescent colors.
Patience and persistence are required to get close-up, well-lit photographs showcasing the colors and details of Caribbean hummingbirds.
Responsible hummingbird viewing
When observing hummingbirds in the Caribbean, be respectful and minimize disturbance to their natural behaviors. Here are some viewing guidelines:
- Watch from a distance if approaching feeders or flowering plants.
- Avoid making loud noises or sudden movements.
- Be conscious of vegetation and don’t trample sensitive plants.
- Photograph hummers without using flash whenever possible.
- Maintain clean, pest-free feeders to protect bird health.
Following these simple principles will allow you to enjoy hummingbirds without negatively impacting them or their habitat.
Unique aspects of Caribbean hummingbirds
There are some traits that set Caribbean hummingbirds apart from their mainland relatives:
- Small sizes – Caribbean islands host several of the world’s smallest hummingbird species.
- Endemism – Over a dozen species unique to single islands.
- Long bills – Adaptation to access nectar from long tropical flowers.
- Specialized pollinators – Co-evolved with native plants that depend on hummers.
- Iridescence – Tropical light brings out dazzling color changing plumages.
- Aggression – Fiercely protective of island food resources.
These characteristics make the hummingbirds of the Caribbean exceptionally interesting to observe and study in the wild.
Importance of conservation
Protecting habitat is vital for preserving Caribbean hummingbirds. Here are some conservation needs:
- Stop deforestation which eliminates essential forest flowers.
- Control invasive species that threaten native nectar plants.
- Ban pesticides which poison birds and insects they depend on.
- Protect endemic species restricted to single islands.
- Educate locals on excluding hummingbirds from game hunting.
- Promote ecotourism focused on respecting hummingbirds.
Visitors who wish to continue enjoying Caribbean hummingbirds can support organizations doing critical conservation work in the region.
Conclusion
With over a dozen species found across scenic islands, the Caribbean is a premier destination to observe hummingbirds. Their diversity, beauty and intriguing behaviors make hummers a highlight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts visiting the islands. Seeing these energetic jewels buzzing about colorful tropical flowers is a unique treat. By traveling in the right season, looking in the right habitats and practicing responsible viewing, you’ll have an excellent chance of encountering hummingbirds on a Caribbean vacation.
