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Tinamidae (Tinamous)

LITTLE TINAMOU (Crypturellus soui)

The eerie tremolo this secretive deep forester dweller produces was heard during twilight periods on several days

Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)

BLACK-BELLIED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

Numerous at the waste water treatment facilities on Tobago

BLUE-WINGED TEAL (Spatula discors)

In good numbers at several sites on both islands

AMERICAN WIGEON (Mareca americana)

We were fortunate to add this unlikely species to our triplist. Remember the pair that flew around overhead, then eventually settled back down in the Caroni rice fields

WHITE-CHEEKED PINTAIL (Anas bahamensis)

A striking duck of the tropics

GREEN-WINGED TEAL (AMERICAN) (Anas crecca carolinensis)

A drake and a hen were in the Center Street Ponds on Tobago, not a species you expect to see in T&T

RING-NECKED DUCK (Aythya collaris)

We don't expect to see this species in T&T but three female types were in plain sight on Tobago

LESSER SCAUP (Aythya affinis)

This doesn't make it to T&T every winter; we were fortunate to catch up to a small flock at the Center Street Ponds on Tobago

Cracidae (Guans, Chachalacas, and Curassows)

RUFOUS-VENTED CHACHALACA (Ortalis ruficauda)

The individuals at Blue Waters Inn were remarkably tame

TRINIDAD PIPING-GUAN (Pipile pipile) [E]

A few participants stuck around for an extension targeting this critically endangered endemic and were rewarded with a magical morning with this massive arboreal species

Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)

AMERICAN FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus ruber)

This species has become a common resident of Caroni Swamp but only in the last few years. Their ridiculously long legs and even longer neck made for dramatic silhouettes as they passed overhead at dusk

Podicipedidae (Grebes)

LEAST GREBE (Tachybaptus dominicus)

Lots of juveniles in the waste water treatment ponds on Tobago

PIED-BILLED GREBE (Podilymbus podiceps)

We scoped a breeding pair with quite a few juveniles in the marsh before boarding the boat in Caroni

Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)

ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) [I]

Well suited for urban areas

PALE-VENTED PIGEON (Patagioenas cayennensis)

Fairly common on Tobago

SCALED PIGEON (Patagioenas speciosa)

Just fly by views while we scanned from the veranda at AWNC and a few heard in the forest

RUDDY GROUND DOVE (Columbina talpacoti)

Nearly an everyday bird and probably just overlooked on the days we missed it

WHITE-TIPPED DOVE (Leptotila verreauxi)

Both islands but easier to get looks on Tobago

GRAY-FRONTED DOVE (Leptotila rufaxilla)

This species typically occupies forest at higher elevation than the previous species on Trinidad

EARED DOVE (Zenaida auriculata)

Cousin to Mourning Dove and in yards on Tobago

Cuculidae (Cuckoos)

SMOOTH-BILLED ANI (Crotophaga ani)

Plenty of good looks at this goofy, gregarious species

STRIPED CUCKOO (Tapera naevia) [*]

We heard its distinctive whistle from quite a distance and heard it and heard it

SQUIRREL CUCKOO (Piaya cayana)

A couple vocalizations were noted during the main tour and then we had a dramatic fly by in front of us during the extension

MANGROVE CUCKOO (Coccyzus minor)

We were delighted when an individual came in shortly after we started birding on Tobago and gave us a prolonged view

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)

SHORT-TAILED NIGHTHAWK (Lurocalis semitorquatus)

Shortly after sunset, on several days, we watched their distinctive silhouettes from the veranda at AWNC

COMMON PAURAQUE (Nyctidromus albicollis)

We had to work a bit to find a cooperative one but eventually our persistence was handsomely rewarded -- what a marvelously cryptic species

WHITE-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Hydropsalis cayennensis)

We heard its extremely high-pitched whistle before getting killer looks at one sitting in the open

Nyctibiidae (Potoos)

COMMON POTOO (Nyctibius griseus)

Local knowledge is key. Lester knew right where to look for this cryptic species roosting in the mangroves in Caroni Swamp

Steatornithidae (Oilbird)

OILBIRD (Steatornis caripensis)

Getting down into Dunston Cave was a memorable adventure but what an unexpected treat to get to see that individual oddly roosting in the bamboo?! Thanks so much for sharing your discovery Mukesh!

Apodidae (Swifts)

GRAY-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura cinereiventris)

The most common swift overhead at AWNC

BAND-RUMPED SWIFT (Chaetura spinicaudus)

Their more restricted and contrasting rump patch could be picked out in the mixed flocks with the previous species

SHORT-TAILED SWIFT (Chaetura brachyura)

The Chaetura of the lowland areas

LESSER SWALLOW-TAILED SWIFT (Panyptila cayennensis)

Only a couple of us saw this species at AWNC briefly but then we had a squadron pass overhead during the extension

FORK-TAILED PALM SWIFT (Tachornis squamata)

Outrageously thin everything -- a very distinctive silhouette

Trochilidae (Hummingbirds)

WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN (Florisuga mellivora)

The males were so eye-catching from the veranda

RUFOUS-BREASTED HERMIT (Glaucis hirsutus)

Seen on both islands but the one visiting the feeders on Tobago was definitely the most cooperative

GREEN HERMIT (Phaethornis guy)

A distinctive silhouette. One was an infrequent visitor to the feeders at the veranda but also at the Torch Ginger blossoms down the Discovery Trail

LITTLE HERMIT (Phaethornis longuemareus)

Not one to get mixed up in the chaos around the feeders but we saw this diminutive species in lots of other locations at blossoms

BROWN VIOLETEAR (Colibri delphinae)

Once an easily missed species on this tour, for whatever reason, it is now a conspicuous resident around the feeders at AWNC

RUBY-TOPAZ HUMMINGBIRD (Chrysolampis mosquitus)

THE bird of the tour and for good reason. The iridescence of the plumage on the males is outrageously brilliant

BLACK-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax nigricollis)

In good numbers around the veranda

GREEN-THROATED MANGO (Anthracothorax viridigula)

We saw quite a few in Caroni Swamp during the boat ride in but the lighting wasn't right to appreciate the iridescence

TUFTED COQUETTE (Lophornis ornatus)

So tiny! Females greatly outnumbered males around AWNC during our visit

LONG-BILLED STARTHROAT (Heliomaster longirostris)

A more reliable visitor to the feeders in the afternoons

WHITE-TAILED SABREWING (Campylopterus ensipennis)

This dramatic hummingbird is restricted to the island of Tobago and a few small areas in northeastern Venezuela

COPPER-RUMPED HUMMINGBIRD (Saucerottia tobaci)

It seemed like this species was the most numerous and widespread hummingbird in T&T. We encountered it in a wide variety of locations

WHITE-CHESTED EMERALD (Chrysuronia brevirostris)

A regular at the feeders

BLUE-CHINNED SAPPHIRE (Chlorestes notata)

Compared to my visits in the past, this species was much harder to come by. We had to look carefully to find them at the feeders

Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)

GRAY-COWLED WOOD-RAIL (Aramides cajaneus)

Lester managed to spot one for us on our way back out of Caroni Swamp

COMMON GALLINULE (Gallinula galeata)

Numerous in several locations

PURPLE GALLINULE (Porphyrio martinica)

Just a few over on Tobago

Aramidae (Limpkin)

LIMPKIN (Aramus guarauna)

We spotted a couple during our Nariva adventure

Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)

BLACK-NECKED STILT (Himantopus mexicanus)

We don't often catch up to this elegant shorebird on this tour so it was a pleasant surprise to see 38 roosting on that sandbar

Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)

SOUTHERN LAPWING (Vanellus chilensis)

Numerous

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

WATTLED JACANA (Jacana jacana)

I love those seemingly endless toes

Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)

WHIMBREL (Numenius phaeopus)

One of the last species we added to the tour; we saw several in the roadside canals on our way back to the airport on Tobago

SPOTTED SANDPIPER (Actitis macularius)

Multiple sites

SOLITARY SANDPIPER (Tringa solitaria)

Good looks in the ditch at the Aripo Livestock Station

LESSER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa flavipes)

Both islands

WILLET (Tringa semipalmata)

A few were foraging on the receding tide at Orange Valley

GREATER YELLOWLEGS (Tringa melanoleuca)

Everything about a Greater is greater

RUDDY TURNSTONE (Arenaria interpres)

Underfoot and occasionally on the tables at Blue Waters Inn

STILT SANDPIPER (Calidris himantopus)

This is one of the more challenging shorebird species to come by on this tour but we found a roosting flock on a sandbar in Millennium Park

LEAST SANDPIPER (Calidris minutilla)

A few in the ditches at Aripo Livestock Station

SEMIPALMATED SANDPIPER (Calidris pusilla)

Good spotting Lester! There were at least two among the other shorebirds at Millennium Park

Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)

LAUGHING GULL (Leucophaeus atricilla)

Coastally on Tobago

BLACK SKIMMER (CINERASCENS) (Rynchops niger cinerascens)

Doing their thing at Orange Valley

ROYAL TERN (Thalasseus maximus)

Our only encounters were on Tobago

Phaethontidae (Tropicbirds)

RED-BILLED TROPICBIRD (Phaethon aethereus)

One of the most striking seabirds; we savored an incredible aerial show from the ridgetop on Little Tobago Island

Fregatidae (Frigatebirds)

MAGNIFICENT FRIGATEBIRD (Fregata magnificens)

Kleptoparasitic masters of the oceans

Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)

RED-FOOTED BOOBY (Sula sula)

Tan and white morph

BROWN BOOBY (Sula leucogaster)

Their dark bibs were a quick way to separate them from the previous species

Anhingidae (Anhingas)

ANHINGA (Anhinga anhinga)

Conspicuous on Tobago

Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)

NEOTROPIC CORMORANT (Nannopterum brasilianum)

Only on one day when we visited the west coast of Trinidad

Pelecanidae (Pelicans)

BROWN PELICAN (Pelecanus occidentalis)

Lots of looks while we were on Tobago

Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)

YELLOW-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nyctanassa violacea)

Good comparisons with the next species

BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax)

Lots of day roosting birds

LITTLE BLUE HERON (Egretta caerulea)

Plenty

TRICOLORED HERON (Egretta tricolor)

Next to the Scarlet Ibis, this was probably the next most numerous species coming into the communal roost in Caroni Swamp

SNOWY EGRET (Egretta thula)

Sightings on three days

STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata)

The expected Butorides on Trinidad

GREEN HERON (Butorides virescens)

The expected Butorides on Tobago but Martyn Kenefick noticed one on Trinidad for us at Nariva

WESTERN CATTLE EGRET (Bulbulcus ibis)

Numerous on Trinidad; Cattle Egret was just split into two in 2023. This one is found in Europe, Africa and the Americas. Eastern Cattle Egret is in Asia and Australia

GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba)

More days than not

GREAT BLUE HERON (Ardea herodias)

I was surprised it wasn't until we got on Tobago before we found this giant wader

COCOI HERON (Ardea cocoi)

I suspect the Ardea Lester spotted from Temple By The Sea was an immature of this species but we saw an adult Cocoi well during our boat trip into Caroni Swamp

Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)

SCARLET IBIS (Eudocimus ruber)

The thousands that kept pouring into the roost in Caroni Swamp made for an unforgettable last evening on Trinidad

Cathartidae (New World Vultures)

BLACK VULTURE (Coragyps atratus)

Wow -- clearly this species thrives on Trinidad

TURKEY VULTURE (Cathartes aura)

Less numerous than the previous species but still common

Pandionidae (Osprey)

OSPREY (Pandion haliaetus)

Both islands

Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)

PEARL KITE (Gampsonyx swainsonii)

A dedicated cruise around the Golden Grove area finally produced this spritely and handsome raptor

GRAY-HEADED KITE (Leptodon cayanensis)

We heard one in the Northern Range and those of us who were on the extension had one fly right over us at sunrise one morning

DOUBLE-TOOTHED KITE (Harpagus bidentatus)

Those of us who were the first arrivals to AWNC were lucky enough to see this species in the scope thanks to the keen eye of local guide Caleb

LONG-WINGED HARRIER (Circus buffoni)

A gorgeous individual was on the ground just off the road when we visited Nariva Swamp. What a great look!

COMMON BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus anthracinus)

Good looks on multiple days

SAVANNA HAWK (Buteogallus meridionalis)

Such long legs make them adept in their preferred habitat

GREAT BLACK HAWK (Buteogallus urubitinga)

This bird can be missed easily on this tour but we were very lucky during our full day on Tobago, first with a pair in flight, then a perched adult, then a perched juvenile (good spotting Nick) and then another perched adult

WHITE HAWK (Pseudastur albicollis)

My favorites were the pair circling over us at our first stop on the Blanchisseuse Road

GRAY-LINED HAWK (Buteo nitidus)

This striking, little Buteo was overhead on several days

BROAD-WINGED HAWK (Buteo platypterus)

Seen at the far end of Tobago overhead a few times

SHORT-TAILED HAWK (Buteo brachyurus)

AWNC is a good location to spot this soaring raptor

ZONE-TAILED HAWK (Buteo albonotatus)

The Turkey Vulture mimic

Strigidae (Owls)

TROPICAL SCREECH-OWL (Megascops choliba)

Lester got us on a pair roosting together in Caroni Swamp

FERRUGINOUS PYGMY-OWL (Glaucidium brasilianum)

We heard this tiny owl multiple times but we didn't see one until the extension when one was calling at dawn directly over the parking lot, holding its perch long enough for good scope views

Trogonidae (Trogons)

GREEN-BACKED TROGON (Trogon viridis)

The larger of the two yellow-bellied trogons in T&T

GUIANAN TROGON (Trogon violaceus)

This yellow-bellied trogon had fine, white barring on the underside of the tail

COLLARED TROGON (Trogon collaris)

The red-bellied trogon found on both islands

Momotidae (Motmots)

TRINIDAD MOTMOT (Momotus bahamensis) [E]

It was heard most days on Trinidad but fantastic views didn't occur until we were on Tobago

Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)

RINGED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle torquata)

Multiple good looks at this massive kingfisher

BELTED KINGFISHER (Megaceryle alcyon)

We finally caught up to this migrant right before we got back to the airport on Tobago

AMERICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle aenea)

The smallest kingfisher in the Americas; we had a great look at a close bird in Nariva Swamp

GREEN KINGFISHER (Chloroceryle americana)

What a find! Great spotting by Lester with the spotlight on the way out of the swamp

Galbulidae (Jacamars)

RUFOUS-TAILED JACAMAR (Galbula ruficauda)

Known as the "King Hummingbird" in T&T, we had some wonderful encounters with this charismatic species

Ramphastidae (Toucans)

CHANNEL-BILLED TOUCAN (Ramphastos vitellinus)

More days than not for this comical species

Picidae (Woodpeckers)

RED-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Melanerpes rubricapillus)

Not found on Trinidad; we had good looks shortly after arrival on Tobago

RED-RUMPED WOODPECKER (Dryobates kirkii)

Wow - it was so cool when that individual flew right onto the snag in front of us during the boat ride in Caroni Swamp

CRIMSON-CRESTED WOODPECKER (Campephilus melanoleucos)

Tom spotted our only one on a snag as we were driving during the extension

LINEATED WOODPECKER (Dryocopus lineatus)

Cousin to the Pileated

CHESTNUT WOODPECKER (Celeus elegans)

Just a few people got on this handsome woodpecker as it flew across the Discovery Trail our first morning walk at AWNC

GOLDEN-OLIVE WOODPECKER (Colaptes rubiginosus)

More encounters on Tobago

Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)

YELLOW-HEADED CARACARA (Daptrius chimachima)

Plenty on Trinidad

BAT FALCON (Falco rufigularis)

For those who stuck around for the extension, this was literally the last bird we added to the list. It was teed up in the fog shortly after we departed from Grande Riviere

ORANGE-BREASTED FALCON (Falco deiroleucus)

Wow - talk about serendipity. We were not only in cell phone range when Dave Ramlal got the call from Martyn Kenefick that he was looking at an Orange-breasted Falcon, we were only ten minutes down the road. Savoring prolonged looks at that majestic predator was simply marvelous. They are few and far between throughout their normal range but this was the first confirmed sighting in T&T in more than three decades.

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus)

Seen on both islands but our best and longest view was a bird soaring over the Center Street ponds on Tobago

Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)

BLUE-HEADED PARROT (Pionus menstruus)

Our only encounter with this distinctive parrot was a single bird calling and flying in circles overhead as we were birding the Brasso Seco valley

YELLOW-CROWNED PARROT (Amazona ochrocephala)

Remember that immature bird that walked out the palm frond while were were birding from the bus in Nariva Swamp

ORANGE-WINGED PARROT (Amazona amazonica)

Common and conspicuous

GREEN-RUMPED PARROTLET (Forpus passerinus)

What a treat when those tiny parrots zipped in and clung to the wires directly over us in Golden Grove

RED-BELLIED MACAW (Orthopsittaca manilatus) [*]

This petite macaw is tough to catch up to. We missed it on the main part of the tour but during the extension we located a flock by their raucous calls. Unfortunately we never found a position where could view them back in the palms

BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (Ara ararauna)

Gorgeous! This species is recovering nicely in Trinidad thanks to reintroduction efforts

Thamnophilidae (Typical Antbirds)

GREAT ANTSHRIKE (Taraba major)

Seen along the Blanchisseuse Road

BLACK-CRESTED ANTSHRIKE (Sakesphorus canadensis)

Heard more than seen but we caught up to a splashy male in the Aripo Savannah

BARRED ANTSHRIKE (Thamnophilus doliatus)

Remember that male that almost joined us on the veranda?!

PLAIN ANTVIREO (Dysithamnus mentalis)

We came across this indistinct forest dweller at the end of our hike up in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve

WHITE-FLANKED ANTWREN (Myrmotherula axillaris)

A skulker

NORTHERN WHITE-FRINGED ANTWREN (Formicivora intermedia)

Another skulker; this one over on Tobago

SILVERED ANTBIRD (Sclateria naevia)

Speaking of skulkers, it was tough to get a clear view of this species low in the mangroves

WHITE-BELLIED ANTBIRD (Myrmeciza longipes)

We saw a female with an insect in her bill so I suspect we were near a nest or a recently fledged juvenile

Formicariidae (Antthrushes)

BLACK-FACED ANTTHRUSH (Formicarius analis)

I love their loud, distinct song. Some of us good looks at this secretive ground dweller

Furnariidae (Ovenbirds and Woodcreepers)

PLAIN-BROWN WOODCREEPER (Dendrocincla fuliginosa)

Heard during the main tour and seen during the extension

COCOA WOODCREEPER (Xiphorhynchus susurrans)

More heard than seen

STRAIGHT-BILLED WOODCREEPER (Dendroplex picus)

Only in the mangroves of Caroni Swamp

STREAKED XENOPS (Xenops rutilans)

Almost missed this one but Lester pulled one out of us at the end of our last walk during the extension

YELLOW-CHINNED SPINETAIL (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)

So cooperative in Aripo Livestock Station

PALE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis albescens)

The sneezy song that reminds me of a Willow Flycatcher. It took us a while to spot that individual that was so close to the bus

STRIPE-BREASTED SPINETAIL (Synallaxis cinnamomea)

"Keep going." We saw this one on both islands

Pipridae (Manakins)

BLUE-BACKED MANAKIN (Chiroxiphia pareola)

They made us work to get a view of this one but our persistence was eventually rewarded on Tobago

WHITE-BEARDED MANAKIN (Manacus manacus)

I was pleased we circled back to the lek for a better show

GOLDEN-HEADED MANAKIN (Ceratopipra erythrocephala)

That head is like a beacon

Cotingidae (Cotingas)

BEARDED BELLBIRD (Procnias averano)

Bong!!! Amazing that they can produce such a loud, startling sound

Tityridae (Tityras and Allies)

WHITE-WINGED BECARD (Pachyramphus polychopterus)

I am not sure why it took until the extension to catch up to this one

Tyrannidae (Tyrant Flycatchers)

OCHRE-BELLIED FLYCATCHER (Mionectes oleagineus)

Likes the fruit from Trema trees

SLATY-CAPPED FLYCATCHER (Leptopogon superciliaris)

We found one near our first jacamars up in the Northern Range

SHORT-TAILED PYGMY-TYRANT (Myiornis ecaudatus)

Wow - what a treat for those of us on the extension -- so tiny!. Their insect-like trill song gave a pair away as we were trying to find an angle to see the Red-bellied Macaws in Arena Forest

YELLOW-OLIVE FLATBILL (Tolmomyias sulphurescens)

These small flycatchers mostly stayed high in the forest

OCHRE-LORED FLATBILL (Tolmomyias flaviventris)

Used to be called Yellow-breasted Flycatcher

SOUTHERN BEARDLESS-TYRANNULET (Camptostoma obsoletum)

A conspicuous part of the dawn chorus around the cabins at AWNC

FOREST ELAENIA (Myiopagis gaimardii)

Good scope views next to a Piratic Flycatcher

YELLOW-BELLIED ELAENIA (Elaenia flavogaster)

Heard and seen well at multiple sites

EULER'S FLYCATCHER (Lathrotriccus euleri)

I was surprised we didn't catch up to one until the Arena Forest during the extension

OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHER (Contopus cooperi)

Teed up in a snag as they are wont to do while we were scoping the Orange-breasted Falcon

NORTHERN TROPICAL PEWEE (Contopus bogotensis)

Perching low, roadside, just downslope from the Orange-breasted Falcon

FUSCOUS FLYCATCHER (Cnemotriccus fuscatus)

Up in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve

NORTHERN SCRUB-FLYCATCHER (Sublegatus arenarum)

This one has a distinctive diminutive bill. It came in nicely at the edge of the mangroves in Nariva Swamp

WHITE-HEADED MARSH TYRANT (Arundinicola leucocephala)

Very distinctive males

PIED WATER-TYRANT (Fluvicola pica)

Multiple sites

VENEZUELAN FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus venezuelensis)

This Myiarchus has a pretty limited range and looks a lot like so many others in the genus. The vocalization is the key to ID, and that is all we detected of this flycatcher up in the Main Ridge Forest Reserve on Tobago

BROWN-CRESTED FLYCATCHER (Myiarchus tyrannulus)

Good looks in the Aripo Savannah

GREAT KISKADEE (Pitangus sulphuratus)

Widespread

STREAKED FLYCATCHER (Myiodynastes maculatus)

Only on the extension; it was chasing off a flock of Smooth-billed Anis

PIRATIC FLYCATCHER (Legatus leucophaius)

Just one sighting after lunch in the Northern Range

SULPHURY FLYCATCHER (Tyrannopsis sulphurea)

Those on the extension got a great look at this flycatcher while we were enjoying our lunch

TROPICAL KINGBIRD (Tyrannus melancholicus)

TKs were widespread

GRAY KINGBIRD (Tyrannus dominicensis)

Excellent looks on Tobago

Vireonidae (Vireos, Shrike-Babblers, and Erpornis)

RUFOUS-BROWED PEPPERSHRIKE (NORTHERN) (Cyclarhis gujanensis flavipectus)

More easily heard than seen

SCRUB GREENLET (TOBAGO) (Hylophilus flavipes insularis)

Incessant vocalizations

GOLDEN-FRONTED GREENLET (Pachysylvia aurantiifrons saturata)

Trinidad only

CHIVI VIREO (Vireo chivi)

We heard this one on several occasions. It was recently split from Red-eyed Vireo and difficult to separate

Hirundinidae (Swallows)

WHITE-WINGED SWALLOW (Tachycineta albiventer)

Gorgeous

GRAY-BREASTED MARTIN (Progne chalybea)

By the hundreds

SOUTHERN ROUGH-WINGED SWALLOW (Stelgidopteryx ruficollis)

The most widespread swallow

Polioptilidae (Gnatcatchers)

LONG-BILLED GNATWREN (Ramphocaenus melanurus)

Charismatic vine dwellers

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

HOUSE WREN (Troglodytes aedon)

Each morning from the veranda

RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus rutilus)

This is the subspecies on Trinidad

RUFOUS-BREASTED WREN (Pheugopedius rutilus tobagensis)

This is the subspecies on Tobago

Mimidae (Mockingbirds and Thrashers)

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (Mimus gilvus)

Most days

Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)

COCOA THRUSH (Turdus fumigatus)

Fairly common but heard more than seen

YELLOW-LEGGED THRUSH (Turdus flavipes xanthoscelus)

In the montane forest on Tobago

WHITE-NECKED THRUSH (GRAY-FLANKED) (Turdus albicollis phaeopygoides)

We came across a few on the trails at AWNC

SPECTACLED THRUSH (Turdus nudigenis)

I was surprised that they weren't attending the fruit feeders at AWNC but we saw lots of them at Morne La Croix

Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)

TRINIDAD EUPHONIA (Euphonia trinitatis)

We dipped on this one during the main tour but it was the first species we picked up with a little more time on the extension

VIOLACEOUS EUPHONIA (Euphonia violacea)

Beautiful and just beyond reach from the veranda on several days

Icteridae (Troupials and Allies)

RED-BREASTED MEADOWLARK (Leistes militaris)

It took awhile but eventually Martyn Kenefick spotted one out in the pasture for us to scope

CRESTED OROPENDOLA (Psarocolius decumanus)

Entertaining visually and even more so vocally

YELLOW-RUMPED CACIQUE (Cacicus cela)

It was interesting to see a nesting colony

YELLOW ORIOLE (Icterus nigrogularis)

Brilliant

SHINY COWBIRD (Molothrus bonariensis)

Here and there

GIANT COWBIRD (Molothrus oryzivorus)

At the Yellow-rumped Cacique colony

CARIB GRACKLE (Quiscalus lugubris)

Many

YELLOW-HOODED BLACKBIRD (Chrysomus icterocephalus)

Only when we visited the marsh areas of Nariva

Parulidae (New World Warblers)

NORTHERN WATERTHRUSH (Parkesia noveboracensis)

Their sharp chip notes were conspicuous in multiple locations

BLACK-AND-WHITE WARBLER (Mniotilta varia)

A female foraging among a mixed flock in the Northern Range, just after seeing the Orange-breasted Falcon, was a rare occurrence in Trinidad

PROTHONOTARY WARBLER (Protonotaria citrea)

This was another write-in on the checklist. It looked internally lit it was so bright

AMERICAN REDSTART (Setophaga ruticilla)

We had a few more sightings on Tobago than Trinidad

TROPICAL PARULA (Setophaga pitiayumi)

A pair came down nicely during the extension

YELLOW WARBLER (Setophaga petechia)

Just a few

GOLDEN-CROWNED WARBLER (Basileuterus culicivorus)

In the Northern Range

Cardinalidae (Cardinals and Allies)

HEPATIC TANAGER (Piranga flava)

Originally IDed as a Summer Tanager, a male held his perch high in the canopy along the Blanchisseuse Road, then was joined briefly by a female before they both moved off. This resident is not typically found on this tour.

RED-CROWNED ANT-TANAGER (Habia rubica)

We came across a small flock along the entrance road on our way out one morning

Thraupidae (Tanagers and Allies)

MASKED CARDINAL (Paroaria nigrogenis)

A stunning species we saw well in Caroni Swamp

WHITE-SHOULDERED TANAGER (Loriotus luctuosus flaviventris)

We don't always catch up to this species so it was exciting to see it well down by the Eckleberry House at AWNC

WHITE-LINED TANAGER (Tachyphonus rufus)

Regular visitor to the feeders at AWNC; the "white-line" really only appearing in flight

SILVER-BEAKED TANAGER (Ramphocelus carbo magnirostris)

What a mandible!

BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (BLUE-GRAY) (Thraupis episcopus nesophila)

Scattered sightings on Trinidad

BLUE-GRAY TANAGER (BLUE-GRAY) (Thraupis episcopus berlepschi)

This is the slightly brighter/bluer subspecies over on Tobago

PALM TANAGER (Thraupis palmarum)

All over the place

SPECKLED TANAGER (Ixothraupis guttata)

Just a few at elevation in the Northern Range; we had to crane our necks to see this one

TURQUOISE TANAGER (Tangara mexicana)

One of my favorites -- serious eye-candy. I love their buttery bellies

BAY-HEADED TANAGER (Tangara gyrola)

Several times this colorful species came into the Trema tree just off the veranda

BLUE DACNIS (Dacnis cayana)

A real beauty

PURPLE HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes caeruleus)

Swarms on the fruit platforms

RED-LEGGED HONEYCREEPER (Cyanerpes cyaneus)

Only fleeting looks in the canopy as we worked our way up the road to the Main Ridge Forest Reserve

GREEN HONEYCREEPER (Chlorophanes spiza)

The word green is too simple, it just doesn't do justice to the spectacular males

BICOLORED CONEBILL (Conirostrum bicolor)

Easy to come by in mangroves

SAFFRON FINCH (Sicalis flaveola)

Only a couple encounters

BLUE-BLACK GRASSQUIT (Volatinia jacarina)

Johnny Jump Up

BANANAQUIT (Coereba flaveola)

Ubiquitous

BLACK-FACED GRASSQUIT (Melanospiza bicolor)

On Tobago, on our approach to the Center Street ponds

SOOTY GRASSQUIT (Asemospiza fuliginosa)

A few uncooperative birds were in the valley after lunch near Brasso Seco

OLIVE-GRAY SALTATOR (Saltator olivascens)

Our best look was from the bus as that bird popped up before we entered the parking area for the Lord Hanuman statue

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MAMMALS

PALLAS'S LONG-TONGUED BAT (Glossophaga soricina)

These were the ones visiting the sugar water feeders at dusk

WHITE-LINED SAC-WINGED BAT SP. (Saccopteryx sp.)

One or more species in this complex were the diurnal trail patrollers and on the the underside of that trunk in Caroni Swamp

SILKY ANTEATER (Cyclopes didactylus)

Just a furry ball roosting in the mangroves of Caroni Swamp

RED-TAILED SQUIRREL (Sciurus granatensis)

Most sightings were around the Blue Waters Inn

RED-RUMPED AGOUTI (Dasyprocta agouti)

The odd rodent skulking at the forest edge a few times

SMALL INDIAN MONGOOSE (Herpestes auropunctatus)

A few of us saw quick flashes across the road

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HERPS

GREEN IGUANA (Iguana iguana)

OCELLATED GECKO (Sphaerodactylus argus) [E]

This was the colorful little ones on Little Tobago

GIANT AMEIVA (Ameiva ameiva)

One fell victim to a Pearl Kite

GOLDEN TEGU (Tupinambis teguixin)

Below the veranda

TREE BOA (Corallus ruschenbergerii)

great looks at Asa Wright and Caroni Swamp

SPECTACLED CAIMAN (Caiman crocodilus)

On our boat ride out of Caroni Swamp

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Other Creatures of Interest

TRINIDAD CHEVRON (Psalmopoeus cambridgei) [E]

This was the spectacular tarantula we saw on the tree trunk during our evening walks

BRAZILIAN WANDERING SPIDER, SP. (Phoneutria, sp.)

There are a bunch of species in this complex and I am not sure which one we saw on the leaf during the night walk. It is one of the most venomous spiders on Earth

CANE TOAD (Rhinella marina)

A few

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Totals for the tour: 230 bird taxa and 6 mammal taxa