The hummingbird is the national bird of the country of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago is a dual-island Caribbean nation located just northeast of Venezuela. The islands have a total land area of 1,980 square miles and a population of around 1.3 million people. The capital and largest city is Port of Spain which is located on the island of Trinidad.
Quick Facts About Trinidad and Tobago
- Official Name: Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
- Location: Caribbean Sea, northeast of Venezuela
- Capital: Port of Spain
- Population: 1,389,858 (2016)
- Official Language: English
- Major Religions: Protestantism, Roman Catholicism, Islam, Hinduism
- Government: Unitary parliamentary constitutional republic
- President: Paula-Mae Weekes
- Prime Minister: Keith Rowley
- Currency: Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD)
- National Bird: Ruby-topaz hummingbird
Trinidad and Tobago gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1962 and became a republic in 1976. The economy is primarily industrial with major exports being oil, petrochemicals, natural gas, cement, and agricultural products like sugar, cocoa, and citrus fruits.
The Ruby-Topaz Hummingbird
The ruby-topaz hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus) was designated as the official national bird of Trinidad and Tobago in 1962. This small hummingbird is endemic to the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago.
The ruby-topaz hummingbird gets its name from the male’s bright red crown and orange-red throat. The rest of the body is mostly green with a bluish tail. Females lack the red and orange colors and are overall greenish-gray in plumage. These tiny birds measure only around 2.5-3 inches in length and weigh just 2-3 grams.
Ruby-topaz hummingbirds are found across both islands of Trinidad and Tobago in a range of habitat types from forests to plantations to parks and gardens. They feed mainly on nectar from flowers using their long, slender bills. Some favorite nectar sources are heliconia, ginger lily, and banana quit. They also eat small insects as a source of protein.
The species stays year-round on the islands, building small cup nests on branches and laying two white eggs. The female alone incubates the eggs. Hummingbird nests are about the size of a walnut, made of soft plant down held together by spiderwebs.
Why the Hummingbird Became the National Bird
There are a few key reasons why the ruby-topaz hummingbird was chosen as the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago in 1962:
- It is native and endemic to the islands, not found naturally anywhere else in the world.
- Its small size and beauty represent the essence of island life.
- Hummingbirds have an appeal due to their diminutive size, iridescent colors, and ability to hover in place.
- The species is associated with flowers and nectar which connect to the agricultural economy.
The government established national birds and other national symbols as Trinidad and Tobago transitioned to independence from Great Britain. Choosing a native species like the hummingbird helped establish a unique cultural identity.
Other National Symbols of Trinidad and Tobago
In addition to the ruby-topaz hummingbird as the national bird, Trinidad and Tobago have designated several other species and objects as national symbols:
- National Flower: Chaconia (Warszewiczia coccinea)
- National Tree: Poui (Tabebuia heterophylla)
- National Fruit: Soursop (Annona muricata)
- National Instrument: Steelpan
The chaconia, also called wild poinsettia, has stunning bright red bracts. The poui is a common tropical tree on the islands with abundant pink-yellow flowers. Soursop is a tropical fruit with a sweet pulp used for drinks and ice cream. The steelpan percussion instrument was invented in Trinidad and Tobago.
Other Birds Found in Trinidad and Tobago
While the ruby-topaz hummingbird is the sole national bird, Trinidad and Tobago are home to over 400 species of birds due to their tropical habitat and location along migration routes. Some other birds visitors may spot include:
- Scarlet ibis – vivid red plumage
- Channel-billed toucan – large colorful bill
- Red-capped cardinal – red head and throat
- Bananaquit – active little songbird
- Carib grackle – shiny black plumage
- Rufous-tailed jacamar – iridescent green body
- White-tailed sabrewing – another hummingbird species
- Bare-eyed pigeon – named for bare skin around eyes
From waterbirds like herons and egrets to parrots, tanagers, and flycatchers, avid birdwatchers will find plenty of species to observe. Many visitors come specifically to catch sight of the national bird hummingbird in its native habitat.
Conclusion
The ruby-topaz hummingbird’s designation as the official national bird of Trinidad and Tobago reflects the country’s biological diversity and culture. This tiny, beautiful hummingbird species is endemic to the islands and an iconic symbol of the independent Caribbean nation. Along with other national symbols like the chaconia flower and steelpan, the hummingbird represents Trinidad and Tobago’s national identity and pride.
