Trinidad and Tobago Birding Tour: An Introduction to Neotropical Birding

For their small size of less than 2,000 square miles (~5,100 square kilometers), the tiny isles of Trinidad and Tobago host a staggeringly high diversity of bird species, with more than 500 species recorded. Situated just seven miles (11 km) north of Venezuela and the South American mainland, the biodiversity of the twin isles is comprised of a blend of both Amazonian and West Indies wildlife, which makes this a unique birdwatching destination.

The beautiful near-endemic White-tailed Sabrewing is a major target on this tour (photo Fraser Bell).

Our tour starts on Tobago, which has a distinctly more Caribbean flavor and is even more picturesque than its larger neighbor, with lush, forested heights sloping gently into beautiful tropical beaches, surrounded by diverse coral reefs. Here we will seek species that are not found on Trinidad, which include the localized White-tailed Sabrewing, found only here or on the Paria Peninsula in Venezuela. Despite its name, the endemic Trinidad Motmot is much more abundant on Tobago, as is Rufous-tailed Jacamar. After taking a glass-bottom boat trip to Little Tobago Island to get up close with some spectacular seabirds which nest on the island, such as beautiful Red-billed Tropicbirds. We then bird our way across Tobago, exploring its wetlands and forests for specials such as Blue-backed Manakin and Venezuelan Flycatcher.

The endemic Trinidad Motmot is wonderfully common on Tobago.

After four nights on Tobago we transfer to Trinidad, famous for its vibrant mix of cultures, excellent tropical weather, and great hospitality. During our time on Trinidad, we stay at the Asa Wright Nature Centre, a world-leading conservation-focused ecolodge. Asa Wright is well known among birdwatchers – its extensive grounds wind through pristine rainforest which boast Bearded Bellbird and the most accessible Oilbird roost in the world, while relaxed birdwatching from the veranda allows close viewing of charismatic and colorful species, such as Blue Dacnis and Tufted Coquette.

We will explore Trinidad’s wetlands, savannah, forests, and coastline, using Asa Wright as our comfortable base, while we seek specials such as Black Hawk-Eagle, Masked Cardinal, Lilac-tailed Parrotlet, and Red-bellied Macaw. During a scenic boat cruise, we’ll witness the breath-taking spectacle of thousands of Scarlet Ibis as they return to roost. After five nights at Asa Wright, we will end the tour with two nights in the northeast, where we target Trinidad’s one true endemic, the Trinidad Piping Guan. A species once widespread across Trinidad, it is now red-listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as Critically Endangered and clings on in the remote forests of Trinidad’s mountainous northern range.

Watching the Scarlet Ibis returning to roost in the Caroni Swamp is such a memorable experience (photo Fraser Bell).

This is a relatively easy tour, in which we hope to become accustomed to many neotropical bird families at leisure, with great photographic opportunities of many spectacularly colorful species. Additionally, we should find the two endemics without too much trouble. This birding trip has been designed so that we have time to enjoy the wonderful birds of the islands at a steady pace, taking advantage of the relaxing Caribbean culture.

We offer other great tours to the Caribbean region including Cuba, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica, as well as birding tours to Guyana or Colombia. These destinations may be combined with Trinidad and Tobago to give a more complete exploration of the region! Please do not hesitate to ask any questions.