Bananaquit

Bananaquit, Yellow Bird, Sugar Bird, Sikybird (Eng.) Reinita com, Ciquita,(Sp.) Coereba flaveola (Sci.), Common resident throughout the West Indies, Southern Mexico south to southern Brazil and northeast Argentina.

Photo Father Alejandro Sanchez. Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer, EYNF/LEF

General Information

Class; Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Fringillidae, Genus: Coerebidae, Species:.C. flaveola. The Bananaquit is a common resident throughout the West Indies, and the Caribbean mainland from Southern Mexico south to southern Brazil and northeast Argentina. The only listed member of the genus Coerebidae. The name Bananquit is said to derive from the birds attachment to ripe, sugary bananas that have fallen from the stalk. The alternate common name “Sikyé-bird” is derived from association with the sikyé-fig: Fr Cr sucrier “sugar” + CarA Fr figue “banana.”

Description

The Bananaquit is a small bird, 4to 5 inches (10 to 12 centimeters) long. It is identified by a black back, down-curved bill, white eyebrow stripe, white wing spot, and yellow breast, belly and rump. Its throat can vary from white to black. The extended wing of the Bananaquit shows white at the base of the primary feathers, and a yellow spot on the leading edge of the wing.

Habits

Bananaquits build a globular nest of grasses, leaves and plant fibers located from 5 to 30 feet above ground. The entrance is located facing downward in the lower part of the nest. Several nests may be built, with some used only as sleeping quarters. The nests may be built near a wasp nest to provide protection against predators. Different nests may be used on different nights for roosting, with one to several birds sharing a sleeping nest. Breeding peaks from March to June. As with many tropical bird species, breeding is directly related to rainy seasons. Two to four whitish eggs with brown flecks and a reddish tint hatch in about 12 to 13 days. Young leave the nest in 15 to 18 days. Like most bird species, the Bananaquit has a preen (uropygial) gland on its back at the base of the tail. This gland produces al mixture of waxes and oils that the bird uses to coat its feathers. This coating keeps the feathers flexible, resilient, and water resistant, and provides some protection against parasites and bacteria.

Habitat

The Bananaquit is most numerous in settled districts and secondary growth forests. Adapts well to human activity. Lives in borders of open country, plantations and forests.

Where to look for this animal in the EYNF

In forested areas and clearings along the El Portal Nature Trail; obtaining nectar from flowers near the Palo Colorado Visitor Center.