Caroni Swamp/Bird Sanctuary

The Caroni Swamp is the largest mangrove wetland in Trinidad and Tobago where the Caroni River, the largest river in Trinidad, meets the Gulf of Paria. The large areas of mangrove trees are separated by waterways that can be navigated by small pirogues. The Swamp is known for many different species, including caimans, swamp boas, crabs of different types, herons and egrets, bur in particular the Scarlet Ibis, one of Trinidad’s National birds.

Most of the Ibises feed in Venezuela eleven miles away. Similar to flamingos and reseate spoonbills, the Ibis gets its rich colour from their diet of crab. The Caroni Swamp is a favourite with visitors to Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in the early evening when the flocks of Ibis are returning to roost in the mangroves.

It takes about three years for the Ibis to develop its full colour, remaining a dull grey through adolescence. Although officially protected as a bird sanctuary, the Scarlet Ibis population, like the manatee of the Nariva Swamp, has declined considerable since 1970 and continues to be at risk from poaching and pollution of the river and Gulf.

Address: Off the Uriah Bulter Highway

Town/City: Caroni

Region: Chaguanas

Site Type: Natural Heritage

Ownership: Public

Public Accessibility: Limited Access

Habitat: Mangroves & Swamps

Eco-System: Freshwater