What is the Jamaican Doctor bird?
swallow tail humming bird
The doctor bird or swallow tail humming bird (Trochilus Polytmus), is one of the most outstanding of the 320 species of hummingbirds. It lives only in Jamaica. These birds’ beautiful feathers have no counterpart in the entire bird population and they produce iridescent colours characterstic only of that family.
Why is it called the doctor bird?
The origin of the name ‘Doctor-bird’ is somewhat unsettled. It has been said that the name was given because the erect black crest and tails resemble the top hat and long tail coats doctors used to wear in the old days.
Why is the Doctor bird important to Jamaica?
The Tainos, the first inhabitants of Jamaica, called the doctor bird the ‘God’ bird, because they considered it to be the reincarnation of dead souls. The species is aptly named as a result of its ability to fly backwards, producing a humming sound from the rapid fluttering of their wings.
Why is the red-billed streamer tailed hummingbird special?
Because they are scalloped and fluted on the inside, the streamers produce a whirring, humming sound when fluttered during flight. The Red-billed streamertail is also known to bathe quite regularly, taking both sunbaths and water baths.
Why is the Doctor Bird the national bird of Jamaica?
The Jamaican doctor bird, or swallow tail humming bird is Jamaica’s national bird because it lives ONLY in Jamaica .
Does the Doctor Bird only live in Jamaica?
The doctor bird or swallow tail humming bird (Trochilus Polytmus), is one of the most outstanding of the 320 species of hummingbirds. It lives only in Jamaica. These birds’ beautiful feathers have no counterpart in the entire bird population and they produce iridescent colours characterstic only of that family.
What is the national bird and tree of Jamaica?
The capital of Jamaica is Kingston and home to the Bob Marley Museum. Jamaica has six national symbols namely the Jamaican National Flag, Coat Of Arms, national fruit (Ackee), national bird (The Doctor Bird), national tree (Blue Mahoe) and the national flower (Lignum Vitae).
