Hummingbirds are some of the most spectacular birds, capturing attention with their energetic flight and iridescent plumage. Of the over 300 different hummingbird species in the world, Trinidad and Tobago are home to around 16-18 species. The islands’ location along a key migration route means that both resident and visiting hummingbird species can be found at different times of the year. But what is the most commonly seen and widespread hummingbird species across Trinidad and Tobago?
The Copper-rumped Hummingbird
The copper-rumped hummingbird (Amazilia tobaci) is considered the most common and widespread hummingbird in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a resident species found across both islands all year round. Some key facts about the copper-rumped hummingbird:
- Recognizable by its green back, white underside, and coppery-colored rump (from which it gets its name). Males have a violet-blue throat.
- Main habitat is forest and woodland edges, plantations, parks and gardens.
- Nests are tiny cups of plant down and spider webs, attached to low branches or vines.
- Feeds on nectar from flowers as well as small insects.
- Common at feeders in urban areas.
- Widespread and generally common across the islands up to elevations of 2100m.
The copper-rumped hummingbird can be found across a wide range of habitats in Trinidad and Tobago. Though more numerous in the lowlands, it also occurs in montane forests and elfin woodlands at higher elevations. It is a bold and adaptable species, equally at home in pristine wilderness and backyard gardens. This broad habitat tolerance, resident status, and accessibility make the copper-rumped humming the most widespread and frequently encountered hummingbird across Trinidad and Tobago.
Identification and Appearance
When observing hummingbirds in Trinidad and Tobago, the copper-rumped hummingbird is distinguishable by its small size (7-9 cm long), green upperparts, white underparts and its namesake coppery-cinnamon colored rump. Some key identification features include:
- Males have a violet-blue throat (gorget).
- Females and juveniles have white throats and fine dark streaking on their underside.
- Straight dark bill.
- White tips on the outer tail feathers.
- Legs are reddish-brown.
The coppery rump patch only becomes iridescent in certain lights. When perched, the white-tipped tail may bob up and down. In flight, the rapid wingbeats produce a buzzing or humming sound. Males are slightly larger than females. Juveniles resemble adult females but with buffy edges to some feathers.
Habits and Behavior
The copper-rumped hummingbird displays some typical hummingbird behaviors:
- Feeding – Nectar from flowers makes up the main diet. The long bill and tongue allows the bird to drink nectar at an average of 13 licks per second. Small insects are also caught in flight or picked off vegetation.
- Aggressive defense of feeding territories – Males will actively chase other males or even larger intruders from their preferred nectar sources.
- Vocalizations – Sharp squeaks or chip notes are made in flight or when perched.
- Energetic flight – Wings can beat up to 70 times per second, allowing the hummingbird to hover in place or fly backwards.
- Traplining behavior – Individual birds move between a regular circuit of flowers each day.
Though solitary for much of the year, mating displays by males are elaborate. Males establish lekking territories clustered together and execute dive displays to attract potential mates. Once paired, the female alone builds the tiny nest out of downy plant fibers and spider silk. She raises the chicks on her own. Up to 3 broods may be raised in a season.
Status and Threats
The copper-rumped hummingbird remains a widespread and common species across its range in Trinidad and Tobago. However, some threats to its population status include:
- Habitat loss from development, logging and agriculture
- Pesticide use reducing insect food sources
- Competition for nectar resources with introduced honeybees
- Climate change impacts
Ongoing monitoring is needed to detect any population declines. Providing nectar feeders and native plants that provide food sources in gardens and parks can help supplement any habitat losses. Reducing pesticide usage will also ensure plenty of insect prey is available.
Comparison to Other Regional Hummingbirds
While the copper-rumped hummingbird is the most common and widespread in Trinidad and Tobago, other hummingbird species occur. How does it compare to these other hummingbirds?
White-necked Jacobin
- Larger than the copper-rumped at 12 cm long
- Distinctive white front neck and breast band
- Iridescent blue crown and upper back
- Occurs up to 1200m elevation
- More restricted to lower montane forests
Tufted Coquette
- One of the smallest regional hummingbirds at just 6 cm long
- Yellow undersides and rump, dark green upperparts
- Long wispy head plumes
- Found at higher elevations in montane forests and elfin woodland
- Rare and threatened due to habitat loss
Ruby-topaz Hummingbird
- Medium-small and compact at 8 cm long
- Males have glittering crimson-red crowns
- Yellower undersides than copper-rumped
- Occurs across a variety of wooded habitats
- Less common than the copper-rumped
The table below summarizes some of the key traits and habitat differences between the copper-rumped hummingbird and some other regional species:
| Species | Size | Identification | Distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper-rumped Hummingbird | 7-9cm | Green above, white below with coppery rump. Males have violet-blue throats. | Common and widespread across a variety habitats and elevations. |
| White-necked Jacobin | 12cm | White neck and breast band, blue crown. | Lower montane forest up to 1200m. |
| Tufted Coquette | 6cm | Yellow undersides, wispy head plumes. | Higher elevation elfin woodlands. |
| Ruby-topaz Hummingbird | 8cm | Males have crimson crowns. | Variety of wooded habitats. |
Conclusion
In summary, the copper-rumped hummingbird is considered the most common and frequently encountered hummingbird species across the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. While other regional hummingbirds occupy narrower niches, the copper-rumped hummingbird thrives across a wide range of habitats and elevations. Its small size, recognizable plumage, bold behavior and accessibility make this species the definitive hummingbird of Trinidad and Tobago. Maintaining habitat connectivity and providing nectar sources will help ensure the copper-rumped hummingbird remains a vibrant part of the islands’ avifauna.
