The doctor bird is a species of hummingbird found only in Jamaica. With its long, forked tail and vibrant green plumage, the doctor bird is one of the most recognizable birds in Jamaica and has become a national symbol.
Physical Description
The doctor bird, also known as the swallow-tailed hummingbird or scientific name Trochilus polytmus, is relatively large for a hummingbird, measuring 19-20 cm long (7.5-8 inches). The most distinguishing feature of the male doctor bird is its long, deeply forked tail, which can measure up to 10 cm (4 inches). The tail feathers are iridescent black.
The body of the male doctor bird is mostly a shimmering emerald green color. The throat is velvety black, and there is a small purple-black patch under the eye. The bill of the doctor bird is long, narrow and decurved. The female doctor bird lacks the long forked tail, instead having a slightly shorter square-tipped tail. The female’s plumage is not as vibrant, being more gray-green overall.
Habitat and Range
The doctor bird is endemic to the island of Jamaica. Its natural habitat is subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, especially along forest edges and clearings where flowering plants grow. The doctor bird can also be found in gardens and on plantations where nectar-producing flowers and small insects are abundant.
In terms of elevation, the doctor bird ranges from sea level up to about 1,500 m altitude. It is most common in eastern and central Jamaica. The Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains provide important habitat for doctor birds.
Diet
Like all hummingbirds, the doctor bird feeds on nectar from flowers. It favors flowers with long, tubular shapes that match its long, specialized bill. Some favorite nectar sources are heliconia, fuchsia, and hibiscus flowers. The doctor bird has also adapted to visit introduced ornamental plants.
To meet its high metabolism, the doctor bird supplements its diet with small insects like spiders, beetles, wasps, and aphids. The doctor bird hunts for insects among leaves and flowers using its excellent vision.
Unique Adaptations
The doctor bird has several unique adaptations that allow it to thrive in Jamaica:
- Forked tail for superior maneuverability and flight control in dense forests
- Long decurved bill to access nectar from specialized tropical flowers
- High speed wing beats up to 70 times per second
- Scaly feet with sharp claws to grip onto branches and flowers
- Extendable tongue with tube for drinking nectar
- Excellent color vision and ability to see ultraviolet light
Life Cycle and Reproduction
The breeding season for doctor birds is between January and June, coinciding with the drier months in Jamaica. During courtship, the male performs aerial displays, flying in loops and dives to impress the female.
The female doctor bird builds a small cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers, spider webs and lichens. The nest is only about 5 cm wide and 2.5 cm deep. It is well camouflaged, attached to a thin branch or vine, often over water.
The female lays two tiny white eggs. She incubates the eggs alone for 16 to 19 days before they hatch. The chicks are fed regurgitated nectar and insects by the female. After 20 to 26 days, the chicks are ready to leave the nest.
Conservation Status
The doctor bird has a conservation status of Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It remains relatively common and widespread throughout Jamaica. However, habitat loss from deforestation, urbanization and agriculture poses a threat to the future of the species. Fortunately, the doctor bird adapts fairly well to gardens and forest edges.
The Doctor Bird as a Cultural Symbol
The doctor bird has great cultural significance in Jamaica. It is the official National Bird of Jamaica and is featured on the country’s $1 coin. The doctor bird appears in folklore, stories, poems and songs.
There are several theories regarding the origin of its unusual name:
- Early colonists thought the black head and bill resembled a doctor’s black robe and beak mask used during the plague
- The Taino name for the bird was “god bird”
- The speedy wing movement sounds like a doctor’s drill
- The bird delivered medicines for indigenous healers
Whatever the origin, the doctor bird represents independence, resourcefulness, and pride for Jamaicans. Its industriousness and agility reflect the spirit of Jamaica. The vibrant doctor bird remains an iconic symbol of Jamaica’s natural heritage.
Conclusion
With its characteristic long, forked tail and iridescent green plumage, the doctor bird is aptly recognized as Jamaica’s national treasure. Found only on the island of Jamaica, this energetic hummingbird has unique adaptations allowing it to drink nectar from tropical flowers and evade predators with precision flying skills. Beyond its natural history, the doctor bird has cultural significance for Jamaicans as a symbol of pride, freedom and resilience. The distinctive doctor bird aptly reflects the spirit and heritage of Jamaica.
