Cocrico in Tobago: Clarifying the Bird's Identity

There is no bird called "cocrico" in Tobago or anywhere. The likely intended species is the Rufous-vented Chachalaca (Ortalis ruficauda), locally known as "cocrico" in Trinidad (not Tobago).

Correct Species: Rufous-vented Chachalaca

• Local name: "Cocrico" (Trinidad), "Guacharaca" (Venezuela/Colombia).
• Range: Trinidad (common), NE Venezuela, N Colombia. Not Tobago.
• Habitat: Forest edges, secondary growth, plantations.
• Call: Loud, raucous cha-cha-lac-a chorus at dawn/dusk.
• Status: Trinidad's national bird (with Scarlet Ibis).

Tobago's Actual Avifauna Highlights

• White-tailed Sabrewing (endemic hummingbird, Main Ridge).
• Trinidad Motmot (near-endemic).
• Red-billed Tropicbird (Little Tobago colony).
• Blue-backed Manakin (lek displays).
• Rufous-breasted Hermit, Copper-rumped Hummingbird – common.

Why the Confusion?

• Trinidad & Tobago often treated as single unit for birding.
• Field guides list "Cocrico – Trinidad only" but casual readers miss the distinction.
• No chachalaca species naturally occurs on Tobago (deep water channel barrier).

Birding in Tobago

Visit Main Ridge Forest Reserve (oldest protected rainforest in Western Hemisphere, 1776). Guides: Newton George, William Murphy. Best dry season (Jan–May).