For all of you lucky spring breakers headed to the clear waters, white sands, and warm temperatures of the Caribbean, keep your eyes peeled for this vivacious black, white and yellow bird, sure to rival the colorful tropical sun with it’s brilliant plumage. And, for those of you who are braving the last few weeks of winter at home, I hope this Beak of the Week inspires a quick tropical getaway, or at the very least, a five minute mental retreat!
- A Bananaquit
Common Name: Bananaquit; Sugar Bird
Latin Name: Coereba flaveola
Range: Resident throughout the Caribbean and the West Indies (except Cuba, where it is considered a vagrant). Commonly sighted in parts of Central and South America, from southeastern Mexico to northeastern Argentina.
Habitat: Mainly tropical forests and gardens around fruits and nectar-producing flora.
Diet: Nectar, Fruit and Insects
Conservation Status: Least Concern
- A Bananaquit feeding on yellow flowers
Buzz! Buzz! Tweet! Tweet! Shrill!…
If birding by ear is not your strong suit, don’t count on the Bananaquit to carry a reliable tune! The forty-one recognized subspecies of this brightly colored bird have developed distinct vocalizations (and field markings) on account of a very wide range. Calls are highly variable and can include shrills, buzzes and very high-pitched notes.
Happy Vacation and Happy Birding!
Michelle
