Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola

Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola. Photograph taken in the coastal region of Costa Rica, February 2016. Photograph and identification courtesy of Dr. Tom Bartol, Carlsbad, California.

Background and Identification

The Bananaquit, Coereba flaveola, is a member of the Thraupidae Family of Tanagers and Allies. They are small, energetic birds characterized by their distinctive coloration and behavior. Bananaquits have a wide geographical range and exhibit considerable variation depending on where they inhabit. Across their distribution, there are more than 41 recognized subspecies that differ in features such as the color of the throat (white, grey, or black), the presence or absence of a white spot on the wing, the length of the bill, and the extent of the yellow-color on their underparts. Wherever they inhabit, individuals will find Bananaquits clinging to the flowers from which they harvest nectar from. Nectar is the Bananaquit’s primary source of food, but small fruits, berries, and insects are a part of their diet as well. In Mexico, they are known as Reinita Mielera.

The Bananaquit is easily identified by its dark grey to black upper parts, bright yellow underparts, and conspicuous white stripe over the eye. They are small in stature, with a length of 10 cm (3.9 inches) to 11 cm (4.0 inches) and a mass of 6.4 g (0.23 oz) to 14.2 g (0.50 oz). Sexes look very similar, and all mature individuals have a distinctive curved bill. Juvenile individuals look similar to mature adults, but paler in color and dingier-looking.

Habitat and Geographical Range

Bananaquits are found in shrubby and semi-open areas or on the margins of forests in arid and humid locations. They thrive in various habitats, including tropical and subtropical forests, mangroves, gardens, and urban areas. This species is highly adaptable and is often seen in parks and near human habitation where flowering plants are abundant. The primary diet of Bananaquits includes nectar, limited amounts of seasonal berries and fruits, and a few insects. Their habitat preference and wide range (more detail below) make the Bananaquit a common sight in gardens where they can find a steady supply of nectar.

The Bananaquit is generally a resident bird and does not stray far. In most areas, they are sedentary and territorial throughout the year, but in dry areas local population shifts in response to flower abundance (more nectar, more Bananaquits). Geographically, they are found throughout the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America, extending as far south as northern Argentina. In Mexico, they are found in the coastal regions within the Atlantic Slope from central Veracruz to Oaxaca at elevations below 1,200 m (4,000 feet).

Common Misidentifications

Due to their size and feeding habits, Bananaquits can be mistaken for other small nectar-feeding birds.  Various species of hummingbirds (family Trochilidae) look similar to the bananaquit, but are usually smaller and have much brighter plumage. Hummingbirds also can hover in place, whereas Bananaquits do not. Lastly, hummingbirds have straight, needle-like bills compared to the curved shape of the Bananaquit. Another common misidentification is the Yellow Warbler, Steophaga petechia. These birds are similar in size and color but have a more uniform yellow coloration without the distinctive white eye stripe and dark upper parts of the Bananaquit.

Conservation Status

From a conservation perspective, the Bananaquit is currently considered to be of Least Concern with stable, widely distributed populations. Its adaptability to various habitats, including urban and suburban areas, has allowed it to maintain stable population numbers amongst growing cities. Conservation efforts that focus on habitat preservation and the promotion of bird-friendly gardening (such as planting native flowers) can help ensure that the Bananaquit continues to thrive across its wide range.