![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/Masked-Cardinal.jpg?resize=740%2C555&ssl=1)
The twin-island postcolonial paradise of Trinidad & Tobago celebrates its 60th anniversary of independence today, and as much as I am vehemently anti-nationalist I figured I’d draw some attention to this fact. Partly due to the paucity of birding missions within the past fortnight, but more so because T&T is one of the few countries within which there are several birds bearing the national colours. Here are some of them:
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/Red-billed-Tropicbird-2.jpg?resize=740%2C740&ssl=1)
For those of you unfamiliar with the national colours of T&T, here is a Red-billed Tropicbird with all three.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/red-footed-booby-white-morph-1.jpg?resize=740%2C740&ssl=1)
It may be a bit more difficult to spot on a Red-footed Booby, in fact this only works with the (uncommon for here) white morph.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/scarlet-ibis-1166.jpg?resize=740%2C740&ssl=1)
To be honest, including the Scarlet Ibis here was a bit of a stretch – there is only a fleeting moment in their lives during transitioning from juvenile to adult plumage when they are white, red, and black.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/Jabiru-2.jpg?resize=740%2C924&ssl=1)
The base of the neck of an adult Jabiru seems to vary from pink to red. I was on the fence about including it here, but it is a difficult bird to say no to.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/roseate-tern-9801-.jpeg?resize=740%2C925&ssl=1)
Let this Roseate Tern represent all terns that (even for a brief period) share this coloration.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/Lineated-Woodpecker-1.jpg?resize=740%2C740&ssl=1)
By contrast, the Lineated Woodpecker is not only resident, but wears the same outfit all year.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/Crimson-crested-Woodpecker.jpg?resize=740%2C740&ssl=1)
So too does the Crimson-crested Woodpecker.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/Great-Antshrike-sq.jpg?resize=740%2C740&ssl=1)
A good eye-to-eye might be necessary to understand why this Great Antshrike is included on this list.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/Black-tailed-Tityra-male.jpeg?resize=740%2C740&ssl=1)
Not often encountered eye-level, the Black-tailed Tityra is a bird whose appearance is only eclipsed by its voice. If you’re into frogs, that is.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.10000birds.com/wp-content/uploads/Masked-Cardinal.jpg?resize=740%2C555&ssl=1)
Outmatching everyone here without much effort is the Masked Cardinal – this stunning bird is actually a member of the tanager family (unlike the tanagers belonging to the cardinal family) and is another resident species.
Note that for this entire article, I have steered well clear of criticizing the state of affairs in T&T – for anyone who knows me please feel free to send me your personalized congratulatory message for achieving this monumental feat. In lieu of my blither, feel free to take a moment to peruse this album by some friends of mine to get the gist of my sentiment if the title of this post wasn’t subtle enough of a hint. Lyrics included.
Together we aspire, Together we achieve!
Here in Mexico, they call the Masked Tityra “puerquito”, because it’s odd call supposedly sounds like a pig’s grunt. I suppose a frog’s call would be an improvement.