Trinidad & Tobago Dec. 2016
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The tropicbird and booby nesting colony at Little Tobago Island served as a lovely vista from which we enjoyed some truly spectacular seabirds. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
The South American islands of Trinidad and Tobago have long held a strong place in the imagination of birders everywhere - this is a fine place to relax and enjoy some wonderful scenery and a diverse array of birds while staying in comfortable accommodations. We relished a fantastic run of weather on this tour with no rain that really impacted our birding and cool, comfortable temperatures during our stay at the Asa Wright Nature Centre. During the tour, we saw the full suite of marquee species like Bearded Bellbird, Oilbird, Tufted Coquette, 3 species of Manakins, 3 species of trogons, Trinidad Motmot, White-tailed Sabrewing, and Red-billed Tropicbird, though the rare and elusive Trinidad Piping-Guan went unseen this time. In addition, we had some unexpected finds along the way including Lesser Scaup, Cory's Shearwater, Glossy Ibis, and two Franklin's Gulls.
Our time on Trinidad took us from the cool heights of the Northern Range to the steamy lowlands at Nariva Swamp and Waterloo. We focused on the Blanchisseuse Road for two days, finding many forest species scattered throughout some interesting mixed flocks. Our time at the famed Asa Wright Nature Centre was split between the veranda, the gardens, and the trails, including a descent to the cave of the Oilbirds for some awesome views of these mysterious beasts. The nightbirding at Waller Field was fun too, with good views of two species of nightjars and a Common Potoo. On our final evening on Trinidad before leaving for Tobago, we took a boat ride into the mangroves of Caroni Swamp to see the incredible spectacle of Scarlet Ibis returning to roost, waves of incredible flame red against a sea of green.
Transitioning to the island of Tobago, things took on a more Caribbean feel as we birded the freshwater wetlands at the southwestern corner of the island. Rare migrants like Lesser Scaup and Glossy Ibis were perhaps eclipsed by the dramatic flashes of color given off by male Ruby-topaz Hummingbirds at the Tobago Plantations. Our base of operations for 3 days on Tobago was the beach resort of the Blue Waters Inn. From here we journeyed up into the forest of the Main Ridge in the center of the island to find Blue-backed Manakins, Red-legged Honeycreepers, White-tailed Sabrewing, and much more. We also cruised offshore in a glass-bottomed boat with our local guide Zolani in order to hike up to the top of Little Tobago Island to scan the marvelous seabird colony here. Magnificent Frigatebirds gave chase to fish-laded Red-billed Tropicbirds while Red-footed and Brown Boobies zoomed around below.
This was a remarkably fun group to travel with, full of different stories and experiences that all helped to enhance our time together. Thanks for helping to make this such a great tour, and I hope to see you out in the field again soon.
Good birding,
Tom
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant

During our scan of the shoreline at Orange Valley, we watched this Magnificent Frigatebird drop and then catch a small fish in mid-air. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Tinamidae (Tinamous)
LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui) [*]
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Anas discors)
LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis)
Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)
RUFOUS-VENTED CHACHALACA (Ortalis ruficauda)
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)
Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)
CORY'S SHEARWATER (Calonectris diomedea)

A superb view of a perched male Tufted Coquette always ranks among the tour highlights. Photo by participant François Grenon.
Phaethontidae (Tropicbirds)
RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD (Phaethon aethereus)
Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)
MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
BROWN BOOBY (Sula leucogaster)
RED-FOOTED BOOBY (Sula sula)
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax brasilianus)
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)

A rare Lesser Scaup (left) joined a Least Grebe at the Bon Accord ponds on Tobago. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
PINNATED BITTERN (Botaurus pinnatus)
GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)
COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)
SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)
LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)
TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis)
GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)

Mahase spotted this striking Cocoi Heron as we were driving along near the mouth of the Nariva River on Trinidad. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)
YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)
Cathartidae (New World Vultures)
BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)
TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)
Pandionidae (Osprey)
OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)

Our time at the Asa Wright Nature Centre was highlighted by lots of brightly colored tanagers. This Bay-headed Tanager ate fruit at the edge of the car park while we scanned for raptors. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BLACK HAWK-EAGLE (Spizaetus tyrannus)
LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni)
COMMON BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus anthracinus)
SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)
GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)
WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis)
GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)
BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)
SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)
ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus)

Green and Striated Herons come into contact in this island nation, especially on Tobago. This adult bird, intermediate in appearance between Green and Striated, almost certainly represents a hybrid individual. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
MANGROVE RAIL (ATLANTIC) (Rallus longirostris pelodramus)
GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus) [*]
PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinicus)
COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)
Aramidae (Limpkin)
LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACK-BELLIED PLOVER (Pluvialis squatarola)
SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)
WILSON'S PLOVER (Charadrius wilsonia)
SEMIPALMATED PLOVER (Charadrius semipalmatus)

These flaming ribbons are actually Scarlet Ibis flying across Caroni Swamp (photo taken at low shutter speed). Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)
RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)
LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)
SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla)
WESTERN SANDPIPER (Calidris mauri)
SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)
SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)
GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)
WILLET (Tringa semipalmata)
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)

While we did see one Trinidad Motmot on the island of Trinidad, most of our sightings were around the northeast corner of Tobago where they are quite common. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
FRANKLIN'S GULL (Leucophaeus pipixcan)
LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (GRAELLSII) (Larus fuscus graellsii)
SOOTY/ BRIDLED TERN (Onychoprion fuscatus/ anaethetus)
COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo)
ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
BLACK SKIMMER (CINERASCENS) (Rynchops niger cinerascens)
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]
PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)
SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)
RUDDY GROUND-DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)

The muddy bill on this Mangrove Rail shows off the intertidal feeding substrate of this skulker. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)
GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)
EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
GREATER ANI (Crotophaga major)
SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)
STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia)
SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)
Strigidae (Owls)
TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba) [*]
FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)
MOTTLED OWL (Ciccaba virgata)
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)

A bouquet of Red-legged Honeycreepers awaited us at the Main Ridge on Tobago. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)
WHITE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis cayennensis)
Nyctibiidae (Potoos)
COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)
Steatornithidae (Oilbird)
OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis)
Apodidae (Swifts)
CHESTNUT-COLLARED SWIFT (Streptoprocne rutila)
SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)
BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)
GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)

Short-tailed Swifts were common in the lowlands of Trinidad. This is one well-named bird! Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)
FORK-TAILED PALM-SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)
Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)
WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)
RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)
GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)
LITTLE HERMIT (Phaethornis longuemareus)
RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysolampis mosquitus)
BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)
TUFTED COQUETTE (Lophornis ornatus)
LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)
BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes notata)

This male Ruby-topaz Hummingbird was one of several that flashed their jewels at us at Tobago Plantations. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
WHITE-TAILED SABREWING (Campylopterus ensipennis)
WHITE-CHESTED EMERALD (Amazilia brevirostris)
COPPER-RUMPED HUMMINGBIRD (Amazilia tobaci)
Trogonidae (Trogons)
GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)
GUIANAN TROGON (Trogon violaceus)
COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)
Momotidae (Motmots)
TRINIDAD MOTMOT (Momotus bahamensis) [E]
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)
BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)

Participant Dixie Mills captured the light on this Copper-rumped Hummingbird just right to showcase its iridescent splendor.
GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)
Galbulidae (Jacamars)
RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)
Ramphastidae (Toucans)
CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)
RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Veniliornis kirkii)
GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)
CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)

Our adventures in the mangroves of western Trinidad led us to hear and eventually see several Straight-billed Woodcreepers. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
CRESTED CARACARA (Caracara cheriway)
YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Milvago chimachima)
MERLIN (Falco columbarius)
APLOMADO FALCON (Falco femoralis)
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
LILAC-TAILED PARROTLET (Touit batavicus)
BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)
ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)
GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus passerinus)
RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus)

When we stopped at the Aripo Livestock Station in the lowlands of Trinidad, we enjoyed a flyby of this strikingly long-legged Savanna Hawk. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)
GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)
BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)
BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)
PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)
WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)
WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora grisea)
WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes)
Formicariidae (Antthrushes)
BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis)

Nest-building was just getting underway for the beautiful Yellow-rumped Caciques of Trinidad's Northern Range. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)
GRAY-THROATED LEAFTOSSER (Sclerurus albigularis)
OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER (Sittasomus griseicapillus)
PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)
COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)
STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)
STREAK-HEADED WOODCREEPER (Lepidocolaptes souleyetii)
STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)
YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)
PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)
STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinnamomea)

The immature Franklin's Gull at right was one of two that we saw in Orange Valley. The species is a rare but regular visitor to these islands. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)
SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)
FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)
YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)
OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)
SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)
YELLOW-BREASTED FLYCATCHER (Tolmomyias flaviventris)
EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)
OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)

The true stars of our time in Tobago's highlands were the male Blue-backed Manakins at the fruiting tree at the Main Ridge Visitor Center. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus cinereus)
FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)
PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)
WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)
BRIGHT-RUMPED ATTILA (Attila spadiceus) [*]
VENEZUELAN FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus venezuelensis) [*]
BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)
GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)
BOAT-BILLED FLYCATCHER (Megarynchus pitangua)
STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)
SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)
TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)
GRAY KINGBIRD (Tyrannus dominicensis)

François spotted this Aplomado Falcon from the backseat of the van as we headed toward Nariva Swamp. Fortunately, we were able to back up and enjoy excellent views at close range through the scope. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Cotingidae (Cotingas)
BEARDED BELLBIRD (Procnias averano)
Pipridae (Manakins)
BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola)
WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)
GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)
Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)
BLACK-TAILED TITYRA (Tityra cayana)
Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)
RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (NORTHERN) (Cyclarhis gujanensis flavipectus)
SCRUB GREENLET (Hylophilus flavipes insularis)

Seeing a male Bearded Bellbird well was thrilling, but hearing its remarkable vocalizations was unforgettable. Photo by participant François Grenon.
GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET (Pachysylvia aurantiifrons saturata)
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)
GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)
WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)
Troglodytidae (Wrens)
HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)
RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus)
Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)
LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes xanthoscelus)
COCOA THRUSH (Turdus fumigatus)

We enjoyed magnificent studies of mixed flocks of swifts above Asa Wright Nature Centre on several occasions. The shape and color of this Chestnut-collared Swift was remarkably obvious in good light. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
SPECTACLED THRUSH (Turdus nudigenis)
WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (GRAY-FLANKED) (Turdus albicollis phaeopygoides)
Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)
Parulidae (New World Warblers)
NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)
AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)
TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)
YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)
GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)
Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)
MASKED CARDINAL (Paroaria nigrogenis)
WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)
SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo magnirostris)

Bizarre Four-eyed Fish swarmed around the marina at Orange Valley. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (BLUE-GRAY) (Thraupis episcopus nesophila)
BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (BLUE-GRAY) (Thraupis episcopus berlepschi)
PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)
SPECKLED TANAGER (Tangara guttata)
TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)
BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)
BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)
PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)
RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)
GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)
BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor)

A snazzy male Black-crested Antshrike showed off for us in mangroves near the mouth of the Nariva River. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)
BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)
BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)
SOOTY GRASSQUIT (Tiaris fuliginosus)
BLACK-FACED GRASSQUIT (Tiaris bicolor)
GRAYISH SALTATOR (Saltator coerulescens)
Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)
HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)
RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)
Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)
RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Sturnella militaris)
CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris)
YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)

Participant François Grenon shared this pleasing image of an adult Purple Gallinule.
SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)
GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)
YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis)
YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)
CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
TRINIDAD EUPHONIA (Euphonia trinitatis)
VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea)
PALLAS'S LONG-TONGUED BAT (Glossophaga soricina)
GREATER WHITE-LINED BAT (Saccopteryx bilineata)
SILKY ANTEATER (Cyclopes didactylus)
RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)
RED-RUMPED AGOUTI (Dasyprocta agouti)

It's easy to hear a Black-faced Antthrush whistling on Trinidad, but it's another thing entirely to see one of these "gallitos," or little roosters. We did well to find this lovely individual walking along the forest floor. Photo by guide Tom Johnson.
Herps
GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana)
GIANT AMEIVA (Ameiva ameiva)
GOLDEN TEGU (Tupinambis teguixin)
BOA CONSTRICTOR (Boa constrictor)
TREE BOA (Corallus ruschenbergerii)
SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus)
CANE TOAD (Rhinella marina)
Totals for the tour: 226 bird taxa and 5 mammal taxa