Ornithology in Trinidad During the Late 19th Century - A Retrospective View

Abstract

A review of the evidence in the earliest Journals published by the Trinidad Field Naturalists’ Club reveals the paucity of serious ornithological endeavour amongst the members of the Club at that time. Some interest was shown in a measure to protect local birds from the plume trade and at Club meetings specimens of spectacular birds were occasionally displayed. Oilbirds elicited some interest, but members seemed equally ready to eat them. Naturalists also enjoyed hunting expeditions, but with no ornithological purpose. Most of the early serious collecting was done by visiting scientists.