Caribbean Birding Trail

Know the Caribbean, Bird by Bird

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You are here: Home / Trinidad and Tobago / Trinidad / Asa Wright Nature Centre

Asa Wright Nature Centre

  • About
  • The Birds
  • How to Get There
  • Where to Stay

The Asa Wright Nature Centre (AWNC) is a biodiversity hotspot located in the heart of the Arima Valley Forest and is known to be the first nature centre in the Caribbean. There is something for everyone at AWNC but with the vast number of bird species, it can easily be considered a birder’s paradise.

Asa Wright (Photo by Aly DeGraff)
Asa Wright (Photo by Alison Ollivierre)

AWNC has recorded over 180 bird species on site. On their verandah alone, one can spot around 40 species on an active morning. The site is also home to the Dunston Cave which is one of the most accessible sites for viewing the spectacular Oilbird! The site is located in a lush tropical forest habitat with a wide variety of bird species and in general a significant level of biodiversity that includes at least 23 bat species. Our camera traps have recorded at least two different Ocelots on several occasions together with Red-brocket Deer, Tamandua, Tayra, Prehensile-tailed Porcupine and Silky Anteater.

Water_Trinidad Asa Wright
Waterfall at Asa Wright (Photo by Kimberly Chu Foon)

Although many of the birds can be seen from the main house verandah, guests are encouraged to take tours along their trails which can highlight many of the forest species.

White-necked Jacobin (Photo by Aly DeGraff)
White-necked Jacobin (Photo by Alison Ollivierre)

The primary touring trail is known as the Discovery Trail but in total there are 8 trails on site which overnight guests can access freely. Highlights of the general tour include both White-bearded and Golden-headed Manakin Leks and perched, calling male Bearded Bellbirds. Visitors also have access to their natural clear water pool and can enjoy a great meal in the dining room.

Green Honeycreeper.
Green Honeycreeper (Photo by Caleb Walker)

Trinidad will give you a taste of what birding is like in South America, as it has several species that can also be found on the mainland. Trinidad was once a part of South America and still sits on the South American continental shelf, but it is commonly included as a Caribbean island.

In addition to up to 12 species of hummingbird regularly found on the property, including the dazzling Tufted Coquette, target birds include both Ornate and Black Hawk-Eagles; Oilbird, Collared, Green-backed and Guianan Trogons; Channel-billed Toucan and the endemic Trinidad Motmot, Bearded Bellbird, both Golden-headed and White-bearded Manakins, Turquoise and Bay-headed Tanagers.

It is quite possible to see up to 70 species within the grounds in a single day.

Purple Honeycreeper
Purple Honeycreeper (Photo by Caleb Walker)

The Asa Wright Nature Centre is located on the Arima Blanchisseuse Road at the 7 and 3/4 mile mark. To get there, you can take a left turn off the Churchill Roosevelt Highway onto Demerara Road. This road then leads into the Arima By-Pass and eventually the Arima Blanchisseuse Road. The driveway to the Centre is on the left side of the road. The resident entrance fee per person, for a day visit at the Centre is TT$50 for adults and TT$25 for children 12 years and under. The non-resident fee is US$20 for adults and US$10 for children 12 years and under.

Within the Centre grounds, there are 25 twin and single cabins plus another two bedrooms within the Main House and is a great place to spend a few days. Indeed to see all the amazing birds here, you will need to spend at least one night! There is, however, one restriction. The principal mission of the Centre is conservation and protecting the local environment. To be able to visit the Oilbird cave, one must spend a minimum of three nights. For more information about the lodging, visit their website.

Asa Wright Nature Centre

Trinidad & Tobago Sites

Asa Wright Nature Centre

Brasso Seco Paria Village

Kilgwyn Swamp

Little Tobago



Trinidad and Tobago Tour Operators

  • Avifauna Tours
  • Eureka Natural History Tours
  • Faraaz Abdool, Independent Guide
  • Nanan’s Caroni Bird Sanctuary Tour Operators and Bird Watching Expeditions
  • Nature Lovers
  • To and Fro Tours
  • Zee Birding Tours and Nature Hikes

Recommended Field Guides

Birds of Trinidad and Tobago by Martyn Kenefick, Robin Restall, and Floyd Hayes

A Guide to the Birds of Trinidad & Tobago by Richard ffrench

Want to know how you can be involved?

Do you know of a place that should be part of the Caribbean Birding Trail? Are you the owner of a lodge or hotel and want to attract eco-tourists? Are you a guide interested in the birdwatching market? Then, get involved with our project!

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