St Lucia: Purple-Breasted Carib
Diamond Botanical Gardens are a great place to see the local tropical birds of St Lucia. One species really stood out – the stunning Purple-created Carib, an endemic Caribbean hummingbird. As the name suggests, the male Purple-breasted Carib has a vibrant purple throat and breast, contrasting with its metallic green upperparts. Its tail feathers are dark blue or black. The female lacks the iridescent purple throat and breast, instead having greenish plumage overall. This species is native to only a few Caribbean islands – Dominica, Saint Lucia, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. Like other hummingbirds, the Purple-breasted Carib feeds primarily on nectar from flowers, using its long, specialized bill to extract the sweet liquid. During the breeding season, which varies depending on the location, male Purple-breasted Caribs perform elaborate courtship displays to attract females.
