Bird of Paradise Island: The fascinating history of Little Tobago

Nestled just 3 kilometres off the eastern coast of Tobago lies the enchanting islet known as Bird of Paradise Island, more formally called Little Tobago. Measuring a modest 2.6 square kilometres, with its highest point rising to 155 metres above sea level, this small island carries with it a rich history and an enduring legacy in global ornithology. Renowned as the only location outside of New Guinea where the magnificent Greater Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea apoda) once lived freely, Little Tobago has earned its poetic title as the “Bird of Paradise Island” in the Caribbean.

Today, this serene island is a protected bird sanctuary, a haven for numerous native and migratory species. But to understand its name and significance, one must journey back to the early 20th century, when one man’s vision led to an unprecedented ecological experiment.

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The origin of the name: Birds from the Gods

The name “Bird of Paradise” originates from the Malay phrase “manuq dewata”, meaning “Birds of the Gods”. Portuguese traders in Southeast Asia adopted this phrase, which later evolved into “manucodiata”.

When Spanish explorers encountered the dazzling plumage of these birds in New Guinea in 1522, they believed them to be otherworldly beings, floating without wings or feet — mythical visitors from Paradise itself. Of the 42 known species of birds-of-paradise, 37 are native to New Guinea and its surrounding islands.

Ironically, while New Guinea is the original home of these celestial creatures, it is a tiny island in the Caribbean — Little Tobago — that is affectionately dubbed Bird of Paradise Island. This distinction stems from a remarkable conservation effort initiated in the early 1900s by a British aristocrat and cocoa plantation owner.

Sir William Ingram’s bold experiment

In 1909, Sir William Ingram, a prominent Englishman with cocoa estates in Trinidad, envisioned a unique project: to introduce the endangered Greater Bird of Paradise to the Caribbean. Recognising the threats faced by these birds in their native habitats — especially hunting for their ornate feathers used in ceremonial costumes — Ingram sought to create a sanctuary far from poachers and exploitation.

With the help of Mr Wilfred Frost, 24 male and 24 female Greater Birds of Paradise were imported and released on Little Tobago. Two more females were later added to the fledgling population. The island’s lush vegetation and relatively predator-free environment made it an ideal setting for their new home.

This initiative was not just ecologically ambitious, but also symbolically powerful, the vibrant display of the birds’ plumes against the tropical backdrop created an almost mythical landscape, befitting the name “Bird of Paradise Island”.

A gift to the nation

Following Sir William Ingram’s death, his heirs made a momentous decision. On May 28, 1928, a legal deed was executed transferring ownership of Little Tobago to the Government and People of Trinidad and Tobago. The deed stipulated that the island was to remain a bird sanctuary in perpetuity.

In 1929, Little Tobago was officially declared a protected natural sanctuary. Its biodiversity, both in flora and fauna, was now under legal protection, and all visits to the island were regulated, allowed only for scientific and eco-tourism purposes and strictly guided.

The gesture by the Ingram family was deeply significant. It not only preserved a unique ecosystem but also bolstered the young nation’s environmental legacy. To this day, Little Tobago is regarded as a symbol of conservation and a pioneering model of wildlife relocation.

An island sanctuary of rich biodiversity

While the population of the Greater Bird of Paradise sadly dwindled and eventually disappeared, with the last confirmed sighting reported in 1981 — Little Tobago remains a thriving sanctuary for other species. The island’s diverse flora includes dense forest, fruit-bearing trees, and palms, especially the silver thatched palm — which offer food and shelter to a variety of animals.

Fruit-bearing plants such as banana and papaya were originally cultivated to ensure a steady food supply for the birds-of-paradise, and today these resources support a wide array of wildlife. The island is also home to numerous invertebrates and reptiles, including scorpions, centipedes, snakes, and lizards, as well as mammals such as bats.

Birdlife continues to flourish here. According to environmental researchers, Little Tobago hosts:

Red-billed Tropicbirds
Hummingbirds
Motmots
Yellow-tailed Orioles
Bare-eyed Thrushes
Wrens
Gulls
Pigeons
Feral fowls
Boobies

This avian diversity makes Little Tobago one of the Caribbean’s top birdwatching destinations, drawing ecologists, ornithologists, and eco-tourists from around the world.

The disappearance of the greater bird of Paradise

The greater bird-of-Paradise (Paradisaea apoda) is the species featured on the $100 note of the Trinidad and Tobago currency, as well as on the 5-cent coin.

Despite the initial success of Sir William Ingram’s relocation initiative, the population of birds-of-paradise on Little Tobago did not endure beyond the mid-20th century. A number of contributing factors led to their extinction on the island. Among the most notable was the devastating hurricane of 1963, which disrupted nesting grounds and damaged the island’s vegetation, significantly affecting food sources and shelter.

Moreover, the small founding population, lack of genetic diversity, and ecological pressures eventually made it unsustainable. By 1981, no more sightings were recorded. Nevertheless, Little Tobago retains the name “Bird of Paradise Island” in honour of the noble conservation effort and the historical presence of these magnificent birds.

Little Tobago today: A legacy of conservation

Today, Bird of Paradise Island is a symbol of both ecological ambition and enduring natural beauty. It remains a living classroom for environmental education and biodiversity research. Visitors can explore the island on guided tours, which include hiking trails, breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea, and opportunities for birdwatching in one of the region’s most pristine settings.

In addition to its natural value, the island also serves as a cultural and historical emblem for Trinidad and Tobago, a story of international conservation ahead of its time. Its legacy underscores the importance of wildlife sanctuaries, biodiversity protection, and ecological foresight.

Why the name still matters

Though the birds-of-paradise are no longer residents of Little Tobago, the name “Bird of Paradise Island” continues to resonate. It is a tribute to nature’s splendour, human effort, and the possibilities of global conservation.

From a search and visibility standpoint, “Bird of Paradise Island” is more than a poetic name; it is a powerful brand for eco-tourism in the Caribbean. For travellers seeking nature, tranquillity, and history all in one location, Little Tobago offers an unmatched experience.

Final thoughts

The history of Bird of Paradise Island is a remarkable tale of ecological vision and international significance. As the only place outside New Guinea where the Greater Bird of Paradise ever lived in the wild, Little Tobago holds a unique place in both Caribbean and global natural heritage. While the paradise birds may be gone, their legacy continues to inspire conservation, tourism, and a deeper appreciation for the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.

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