Entries Tagged 'Quick Guides' ↓

This is the first Quick Guide highlighting Trinidad and Tobago’s common savanna and grassland bird species. It will deal with those species that frequent open grass fields, pastures, savanna and other similar environments.

Red-breasted Blackbird (Local Name: Soldier Bird):

Red-breasted Blackbird (Sturnella militaris)

This stunning member of the blackbird family is common in wet pastures and grassy fields. Male birds sport a brilliant red breast while females are streaked with brown and cream. Not found in Tobago. Males can sometimes be seen displaying, during which the bird flies up into the air and glides back to the ground while singing.

Blue-black Grassquit (Local Names: Grassie or Johnny-jump-up):

Blue-black Grassquit (Volatinia jacarina)

The grassquit is a very common inhabitant of grasslands and open habitats where they feed on seeds. Male birds are very dark blue in colour while females are brown with heavy chest streaking. Males are often seen displaying from an exposed perch during which the grassquit “leaps” into the air while calling. Despite their similar appearance, diet and choice of habitat, Grassquits are not members of the finch family.

Striped Cuckoo:

Striped Cuckoo (Tapera naevia)

The call of the Striped Cuckoo is a familiar sound in open areas and is usually the first clue that this species is nearby. It is heavily streaked with brown and cream and has a shaggy brown crest which it raises when it calls. This is the only local cuckoo species that practices nest-parasitism for which the cuckoo family is infamous. It usually targets the nests of Spinetails.

Gray Kingbird:

Gray Kingbird (Tyrannus dominicensis)

This relative of the more commonly seen Tropical Kingbird can be identified by its larger bill and overall body size. It is gray in colour with darker upperparts.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher:

Fork-tailed Flycatcher (Tyrannus savana) Photograph © Fayard Mohammed

This graceful flycatcher is a common visitor to Trinidad and Tobago during the latter months of the year. The males are best known for their long tail feathers which can extend several inches from the body. Large flocks of these birds can be seen flying to their roosting sites in the late evening, often in mangrove swamps or isolated trees. They are very aggressive and will chase other bird species that happen to fly by.

Green-rumped Parrotlet (Local Name: Parakeet):

Green-rumped Parrotlet (Forpus passerinus)

This small member of the parrot family is common in many habitats in Trinidad and Tobago. Apparently unknown in Trinidad before 1916 which could indicate it was a recent arrival. Birds were then introduced to Tobago. Despite being commonly trapped for the pet trade, the local population does not appear to be in any danger as yet. Males and females are not easily distinguished from each other, both being generally green with blue feathers on the wing. A pair can sometimes be seen around a house searching for nesting sites, usually in pipe scaffolding or similar cavities.

Savanna Hawk:

Savannah Hawk (Buteogallus meridionalis)

The Savanna Hawk is a beautiful member of the raptor family that can often be seen in open cattle pastures and coconut estates, especially in areas such as Mayaro, Manzanilla, Icacos, Wallerfield and Piarco. Unlike most other hawks, the Savanna Hawk spends a lot of time on the ground in search of its prey which includes lizards and snakes. It is chestnut-brown with dark wings and can otherwise be identified by its upright posture and its long legs, which facilitates movement through the short grass. These hawks frequently perch on posts or tree stumps.

White winged Swallow:

White-winged Swallow (Tachycineta albiventer)

This small swallow is often seen flying swiftly low over savannas or waterways while hunting for their insect prey. It is white with an iridescent blue-green cap and upper back. Its name is derived from a patch of white feathers on its otherwise dark wings, visible when the bird is in flight. It nests in cavities and will take advantage of man-made structures such as pipe scaffolding in pavilions.

Yellow-headed Caracara:

Yellow-headed Caracara (Milvago chimachima)

While similar in appearance to hawks, Caracaras are actually members of the Falconidae, which includes kites and falcons. Unlike the other members of this family, caracaras have specialized in feeding on carrion. For this reason the yellow-headed caracara is able to inhabit a diverse range of habitats and can often be seen along roadways looking for road kill. They are often found in small groups and have a very loud screeching call. Adults have a creamy yellow-brown head and under-parts with dark brown wings that are crossed by a single pale bar. Immature birds are heavily streaked.

Ruddy-breasted Seedeater (Local Name: Robin):

Ruddy-breasted Seedeater (Sporophila minuta)

The Ruddy-breasted Seedeater was formerly an extremely common resident of grasslands in Trinidad and Tobago. Unfortunately the “Robin” is valued as a cage-bird because of its singing ability. Constant pressure by bird-catchers has almost driven this bird to extinction in Trinidad & Tobago and only a few scattered populations remain. Despite being illegal, many bird owners still keep “Robins”.

Other local finches, including the Gray Seedeater (Picoplat) and Chestnut-bellied Seed Finch (Bullfinch), have not been so lucky and all local populations of these species have been wiped out. Occasionally birds are seen in the wild but these are usually escaped cage-birds or birds that have been rescued from bird-smugglers and released by the Forestry Division. Unfortunately as these birds are likely to all be males, no breeding population can be established. While it is legal to keep both the “Bullfinch” and “Picoplat” in cages, large numbers of these birds are illegally smuggled into the country via the south-western peninsular and these birds account for almost all finches currently being kept in Trinidad and Tobago.

This is the second Quick Guide highlighting Trinidad and Tobago’s common wetland bird species. Like the first guide, it will deal with those species that frequent open marsh and river environments. Mangrove dwelling species will be dealt with separately. The species listed below can also be found in habitats that mimic their traditional wetland habitat such as temporarily flooded fields and artificial ponds (including rice fields).

Masked Yellowthroat (Local Name: Manicou Bird)

Masked Yellowthroat (Geothlypis aequinoctialis)

The Masked Yellowthroat is a small active bird that frequents grass fields and marshlands. It is one of our three resident Wood Warblers. Both the male and female are yellowish-green in colour but male birds have a black mask. They spend most of their time skulking in the vegetation but males will occasionally appear on an exposed perch to sing. The song of the Masked Yellowthroat is a musical series of notes. It is not found on Tobago.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (Local names: Wi-chi-chi)

Black-bellied Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis)

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are our commonest resident duck species and are found in marshes on both islands. They can be identified by their black bellies and brown upperparts and their bright red bills. Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are partially nocturnal and can often be he ard calling as they fly overhead at night. These ducks are frequently hunted but have been the subject of breeding and reintroduction programmes at the Pointe a Pierre Wildfowl Trust.

Blue-winged Teal

Blue-winged Teal (Anas discors) - Photograph © Tarran Maharaj

The Blue-winged Teal is by far the commonest of Trinidad and Tobago’s migrant ducks. They breed in considerable numbers in North America but migrate south during the northern winter and are present between September and May. At this time, the drakes are in their drabber non-breeding plumage but they can be distinguished from the females by a faint white crescent between its eye and beak. They have light blue patches on their wings that are visible when in flight. Blue-winged Teal are found in mangrove swamps, marshes and even on the coast. They are commonly hunted during the open season.

Pinnated Bittern

Pinnated Bittern (Botaurus pinnatus)

The Pinnated Bittern is a large cryptically coloured bird that favours reed beds and wet pastures in Trinidad. It is not found on Tobago. It will often raise its neck with its bill pointed towards the sky when alarmed (as seen in the photograph above). This offers the bittern some protection from predators as this posture helps the bird to blend in with the reed and grass environment. As a result, the Pinnated Bittern is easily overlooked or mistaken for a stick or clump of dry leaves.

Limpkin (Local name: Craow)

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) - Photograph © Dave Smith

The Limpkin is a resident of freshwater marshes in Trinidad. It is generally dark brown with white markings on its neck. In shape, it resembles an Ibis but has a relatively straight bill which is used to crack open the snails on which it feeds. When feeding, a Limpkin will pick-up a snail and take it somewhere nearby where the ground is firm. Placing the snail on the ground, it will strike the snail’s shell repeatedly until it is able to extract the flesh inside. The loud mournful call of this bird is often heard at night and gives rise to its local name of Craow.

Cattle Egret

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

The Cattle Egret is Trinidad and Tobago’s commonest egret. They are usually seen in pastures and savannas but less often in water like other egrets. Cattle Egrets frequently follow cattle and other large animals in order to feed on the insects that are disturb by the animals. They will also follow ploughs and lawnmowers for the same reason. Cattle Egrets were originally found only in Africa and Asia but some managed to make the journey across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World and were first reported in Guiana and Suriname in 1877. By 1951 they had spread to Trinidad and by the 1960’s they had arrived in Tobago.

Snowy Egret

Snowy Egret (Egretta thula)

The Snowy Egret is a beautiful resident of Trinidad and Tobago wetlands. They have prominent yellow toes that contrast prominently with their black legs. Similarly, they have a contrasting yellow patch of skin (lore) around their eyes and at the base of their black bill. While feeding, snowy egrets will shuffle one foot in the water in order to disturb the small fish and invertebrates that it feeds on.

Great Egret

Great Egret (Ardea alba)

The Great Egret is the largest of our white egrets. It frequents the same area as the smaller Snowy Egret and both will sometimes associate in mixed flocks when feeding. Great Egrets are easily distinguishable by their size. They have yellow bills and black legs.

Tricoloured Heron

Tricolored Heron (Egretta tricolor)

The Tricoloured Heron is an attractive member of the Heron and Egret family. They are most commonly seen in brackish water wetlands but will feed in freshwater marshes as well. They are also commonly seen feeding along the coast. Birds are slate blue with a contrasting white underside. Tricoloured Herons are very active when feeding, frantically chasing prey in shallow water.

Little Blue Heron

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea) - Immature

The Little Blue Heron was already mentioned in our previous guide on wetland birds, but it should be noted that immature birds can be mistaken for one of the mentioned white egrets. Immature Little Blue Herons can be identified by their dark heavy bill which is tipped with black. Depending on the age of the bird there can be varying amounts of slate blue appearing in the immature bird’s plumage.

The wetlands of Trinidad and Tobago are inhabited by several bird species, many of which are easy to observe. This summary will highlight those common species that frequent wetlands, specifically open marsh and river environments. Mangrove dwelling species will be dealt with separately. The species listed below can also be found in habitats that mimic their traditional wetland habitat such as temporarily flooded fields and artificial ponds (including rice fields).

Striated Heron (Local name: Chuck)

Striated Heron (Butorides striata)

This is the commonest of the non-white herons in Trinidad. It is often seen quietly waiting to ambush its fish and insect prey from the water’s edge or atop submerged vegetation. Some birds at the Pointe a Pierre Wildfowl Trust have even learnt to use bird feed as bait for attracting fish within striking range. The Striated Heron is closely related to the Green-backed Heron and some consider the two birds to be the same species (con-specific). While common in Trinidad, the Striated Heron is replaced by the Green-backed Heron in Tobago.

Little Blue Heron (Local name: Gaulin)

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)

Another common member of the Heron family is the sombre looking Little Blue Heron. It is dark slate blue in colour with a slight rufous tint on its head and neck. Unlike the Striated Heron, the Little Blue Heron usually does not perch on vegetation to ambush prey, preferring to slowly stalk its food in shallow water. Immature birds can be mistaken for one of the white plumaged egrets but they will usually be dis-coloured with patches of grey.

Yellow-chinned Spinetail

Yellow-chinned Spinetail (Certhiaxis cinnamomeus)

This active little bird is a common sight in marshes and other wetland environments. Its rattling call is a familiar wetland sound. The Yellow-chinned Spinetail is easily identified by its cinnamon upperparts and creamy white underparts. True to its name, it has a yellow spot just below the base of its bill. The Spinetail builds a large nest which is a favourite target for brood parasites like the Striped Cuckoo.

Yellow-hooded Blackbird (Local name: Yellow head)

Yellow-hooded Blackbird (Chrysomus icterocephalus): Male (left) and female (right)

Another common resident of our marshlands, the yellow-headed Blackbird is related to the well known Carib Grackle (See Garden Birds of Trinidad 1). Adult males are unmistakable with their contrasting yellow heads and black bodies. Females and immature birds have less contrasting yellow markings. They often assemble in large flocks, both when feeding and at roost.

Purple Gallinule: (Local name: Waterman)

Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio martinica)

The Purple Gallinule is one of the more colourful birds to be found in Trinidad and Tobago. Resembling a small chicken, its plumage is a mixture of dark blue with greenish blue wings. It has a prominent red bill with a yellow tip. Despite being commonly hunted, it remains an abundant species in Trinidad, though less so in Tobago. It is considered to be a pest by some farmers because of its preference for grain and other vegetable crops.

Common Gallinule

Common Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus)

Another member of the Gallinule family, the Common Gallinule seems to prefer the clearer waterways to the dense vegetation habitat of the Purple Gallinule. It is dark gray with a prominent red frontal shield. Often seen swimming, alarmed birds will sometimes run along the surface of the water and take flight.

Wattled Jacana: (Local name: Tek-Teky or Spur-wing)

Wattled Jacana (Jacana jacana): Adult (left) and immature (right)

The widespread Wattled Jacana is found throughout Trinidad and Tobago (although it is less common in Tobago). It is a common inhabitant of open marsh where it can be seen walking on submerged vegetation, assisted by its long toes. Its call is a noisy rattle which has given rise to one of its local names – “Tek Teky”. Adult birds are black with rufous wings, the outer feathers of which are yellow while immature birds have cream under-parts and a dark stripe behind the eye. There is a small spur on the bend of the wing. Wattled Jacanas get their name from their red facial wattles.

Southern Lapwing

Southern Lapwing (Vanellus chilenis) - Photograph © Dave Smith

This excitable member of the Plover family is often seen in dry marshland or savannas. It is easily identified by its relatively large size and bold black chest. It is even easier to identify by its raucous call which is uttered when alarmed or in flight, even at night. Despite its widespread distribution on both islands, the Southern Lapwing is a relatively recent arrival, first recorded on Trinidad in 1961 and on Tobago in 1974. It is the national bird of Uruguay.

White-headed Marsh Tyrant: Local Name: Nun

White-headed Marsh Tyrant (Arundinicola leucocephala): Male (left) and female (right) - Photograph © Dave Smith

This handsome wetland resident is easily identified by its white head and dark body. The coloration in male birds is very contrasting while females and immature birds have more extensive white markings throughout the body. They are often observed hunting small insects from an exposed perch (referred to as “hawking”).

Pied Water Tyrant: Local Name: Washerwoman

Pied Water Tyrant (Fluvicola pica)

Often found in the same habitat as the previous species, the Pied Water Tyrant is identified by its white plumage which contrasts sharply with black wings and black cap. In my experience it is a more active hunter than the White-headed Marsh Tyrant, often searching for invertebrate prey in low vegetation rather than hawking from a perch.

Several of Trinidad’s common butterfly species can be found in open gardens and scrubland. They have fewer environmental requirements than other specialised species and this allow them to thrive almost anywhere flowering plants are found. Many common butterflies have acquired local names, some as colourful as the butterflies they represent.

Scarlet Peacock (Anartia amathea amathea)

Scarlet Peacock (Anartia amathea)

The Scarlet Peacock is perhaps the commonest of Trinidad’s butterflies and is easily identified by its bold red markings and white spots. It can be seen in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from open wasteland to forest edges. The females, while larger, are paler than the males. This butterfly also goes by the name of Red Anartia and by the local name of “Coolie”.

White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae jatrophae)

White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae jatrophae)

A close relative to the Scarlet Peacock, the White Peacock can be found in similar environments. Additionally, it can be seen in marshland where Scarlet Peacocks tend to be relatively less common. They are pale white with brown markings and have several black spots distributed over the wing. The White Peacock is known locally as the “Biscuit”.

Mangrove Buckeye (Junonia genoveva genoveva)

Mangrove Buckeye (Junonia genoveva)

The Mangrove or Caribbean Buckeye is an attractive inhabitant of open areas, forest edges and mangroves. It is generally brown in colour with shades of orange. A striking feature of this butterfly is the large eyespot on the upper side of its wing. This has led to its local name of “Donkey’s Eye”.

White Crescent (Janatella leucodesma)

White Crescent (Janatella leucodesma)

The White Crescent is often seen flying in open areas seeking both flowers and sunlight. Bold white and black markings allow for this butterfly to be easily identified in flight. It is also know by the local name of “Handkerchief”.

Ruby-spotted Swallowtail (Heraclides anchisiades idaeus)

Ruby-spotted Swallowtail (Heraclides anchisiades idaeus)

This large butterfly is commonly seen feeding at the flowers of Hibiscus and Ixora. Due to its rapid movement in flight, it is difficult to appreciate the jet black wings and large pink spot on the lower wing. Occasionally one might be found resting with its wings held open (as pictured).

Dirce Beauty (Colobura dirce dirce)

Dirce Beauty (Colobura dirce)

The Zebra is most often encountered resting on a tree trunk in a characteristic head down position. The underside of its wing has a cryptic pattern which provides a measure of camouflage. When open, the upper side of its wings reveal a very different pattern, consisting of a creamy yellow band crossing its otherwise plain brown wing. It is fond of ripe fruit. It goes by several names including the Zebra, White Admiral and the Mosaic.

Malachite (Siproeta stelenes)

Malachite (Siproeta stelenes)

This large butterfly has a stunning green and dark brown pattern on its wings. It feeds both on the nectar of flowers and the juices of ripe fruit. It is more likely to be seen in well vegetated areas than in open land.

Variable Cracker (Hamadryas feronia farinulenta)

Variable Cracker (Hamadryas feronia farinulenta)

The Cracker is often found resting on tree trunks with its wings opened, where its white and grey mottled colouring serves as camouflage. It gets its name from the snapping sound that it makes when in flight, usually when in the presence of another Cracker. This often occurs when the butterflies congregate to feed at ripe fruit.

Banded Banner (Pyrrhogyra neaerea neaerea)

Banded Banner (Pyrrhogyra neaerea)

The Banded Banner is a common inhabitant of well vegetated areas. It is often difficult to observe as it is quite wary and often rests on the underside of leaves. It is black with white blotches. It is also known as the “Pyrrhogyra”.

People in Trinidad routinely come into contact with several of our common birds but few actually take the time to learn more about them. The birds listed here are all well suited to life in residential and urban areas in addition to their natural habitat. Many are generalists, meaning that they can survive on a variety of foods (their diet) and live in a range of habitats, which allows them to thrive despite our modifications to the environment. This close association with humans has also led to these birds having common or vernacular names (NOTE: Tobago’s common birds will be treated with separately).

Great Kiskadee (Local names: Kiskadee)

Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)

While it is probably the best known bird in Trinidad, it is perhaps surprising that the Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) is not normally found in Tobago. It is easily identified thanks to its black and white streaked face, bold yellow under-parts and brown back. They are also well known thanks to their loud vocalizations and fearless behaviour. The Kiskadee’s diet is extremely varied and includes large insects, fish, small reptiles, fruit and cooked foods. They are not fond of mangoes but will readily accept ripe bananas at birdfeeders. Additionally they are very aggressive and these two factors (diet and behaviour) are largely responsible for their widespread distribution in cultivated lands and residential areas. They are less common in heavily forested areas.

Tropical Kingbird (Local name: Kiskadee)

Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus)

Often mistaken for a Kiskadee because of its yellow belly, the Tropical Kingbird (Tyrannus melancholicus) can easily be distinguished by the lack of black and white facial markings as found on the Kiskadee. Primarily an insect eater, it is often seen perched on suitable vantage points (like electricity wires or branches) from which it chases after flying insects. They regularly chase after and attack hawks and other large birds which wander too close to its territory. Its call is an excited trill, usually accompanied by rapid wing flapping

Blue-grey Tanager and Palm Tanager (Local names: Blue Jean and Palmiste)

Blue-grey Tanager (Thraupis episcopus)

Both of these tanagers (tan-a-jers) are very closely related and shall be dealt with as a group. The Blue-grey Tanager (Thraupis episcopus) or Blue Jean is a lovely shade of light blue with darker blue wings. There is a patch of violet on the wing which is visible when seen in good light conditions.

The other tanager is the Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum) or Palmiste.

Palm Tanager (Thraupis palmarum)

This bird is a combination of different shades of olive/dark green, very beautiful on its own when viewed up close. The name of ‘Palmiste’ comes from their habit of frequenting palm trees as they search for insects. It is also often seen around houses as they favour nesting under roof eaves. Both birds have similar diets of fruit and some insects and are found in forests, swamp and scrubland. They also have identical voices consisting of a series of twittering and chirps and live in identical habitats. So similar are the two that the birds may sometimes hybridize. They will accept any ripe soft fruit.

Tropical Mockingbird (Local name: Day clean)

Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus)

The Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus)is a relatively recent arrival to Trinidad and Tobago. It was first seen in the early 1900’s in north Trinidad but has since spread throughout the island. It is grey in colour and is often seen running along the ground where it regularly stops and briefly spreads its wings. It has been suggested that this flashing helps to flush its insects prey. They also feed on fruit and will accept ripe bananas at birdfeeders. They are very aggressive.

Bananaquit (Local name: Sucrier (often mispronounced as sik-ee-aye))

Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)

The Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) is an active little bird, frequently seen amongst flowers in a garden feeding on nectar. Because they have short bills they will often resort to piercing the base of flowers to access their otherwise unreachable nectaries. They have yellow undersides, a black back and a gray throat. Like some other birds, Bananaquits that live at higher altitudes are more brightly coloured than their lowland kin. Their call is a musical warble and there is much variation between the sounds of birds from different areas of the country. They are known to build a second nest for sleeping. Bananaquits will come to feed on any ripe fruit, sugar or even a shallow bowl of water to bathe in.

Yellow Oriole (Local name: Plantain bird)

Yellow Oriole (Icterus nigrogularis)

The yellow oriole (Icterus nigrogularis) is handsome golden-yellow and black bird that is hard to miss. They feed on a range of soft fruits, insects and kitchen scraps (I have even seen a pair eating leftovers from a discarded KFC box) and are very fond of over-ripe bananas and mangoes at the birdfeeder. They inhabit a range of environments and like to build their hanging nests near water.

Carib Grackle (Local names: Blackbird or Boat-tail)

Carib Grackle (Quiscalus lugubris)

The well known Blackbird (Quiscalus lugubris) is often seen in small groups feeding near houses where they eat household scraps or feed on insects. The males are glossy black while females are a duller brown. In courtship, males raise their tails and sing, trying to attract the attention of a female. Their other local name of “Boat tail” comes from their habit of holding their tail in a deep “V” shape, when flying. Bread or rice will attract them.

Spectacled Thrush – formerly Bare-eyed Thrush (Local names: Big eye grieve)

Spectacled Thrush (Turdus nudigenis) - formerly Bare-eyed Thrush

The Spectacled Trush (Turdus nudigenis) is a drab brown bird with a bright orange eye-ring. Individual birds have a lot of character and can become rather tame. A bird in my yard would religiously bathe every evening before going to its nest. They are quite interesting to observe and are often seen feeding on soft dirt where they hop about and then suddenly dive to the ground, usually emerging with an earthworm. They have a cat like call, often made in the late evening from a favourite perch. Will take fruit from feeders.

House Wren (Local names: House Bird or God Bird)

House Wren (Troglodytes musculus) - Photography by Tarran Maharaj

The House Wren (Troglodytes musculus) gets its name from its habit of nesting in buildngs. It is also known by the local name of “God bird” by some because it may be seen in old churches. An insect eater, it dutifully searches gardens and fields for food, often in pairs, with the two birds calling regularly to maintain contact. Its nest is frequently parasitized by the Shiny Cowbird and it is not uncommon for one to see a house wren feeding a much larger cowbird fledgling. Its call is a lovely musical warble.

Ruddy Ground-Dove

Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti) - Photography by Tarran Maharaj

This is the common brown dove often seen nervously feeding on the ground. Males have a rich reddish brown colour with a lighter grey head. The smaller females are duller in colour. Birds commonly fall prey to cats and other predators while on the ground and when not feeding may often perch in small trees and call. Their voice is a soft cooing. Ruddy Ground-Doves (Columbina talpacoti) build very fragile nests in dense vegetation throughout the year. They may visit birdfeeders to feed on grains and bread.

Smooth-billed Ani (Local names: Merle Corbeau)

Smooth-billed Ani (Crotophaga ani)

While they are locally know as “Merle Corbeau”, these birds have no relation to the New World Vultures and are in fact a member if the New World Cuckoo family. Smooth-billed Anis (Crotophaga ani) are black birds are almost always found in groups and these family birds even nest in a single large communal nest. Their most striking feature is the unusual raised keel of their bills as well as a “mew”ing call. Feeding on insects and other invertebrates the feeding groups will slowly work their way through the vegetation searching for prey.