Mielero Común
Bananaquit
Coereba flaveola
Song
Bananaquit
Appearance: The Bananaquit is a small bird, typically measuring about 10-12 cm (4-4.7 inches) in length. It has a distinctive appearance with a black or dark gray upper body and a bright yellow underbelly. The throat and chest are usually white or grayish. The bird has a short, curved bill, adapted for feeding on nectar. A prominent white or pale stripe runs above the eye, giving it a striking facial appearance.
Habitat: The Bananaquit is widespread across the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America, including Colombia. It thrives in a variety of environments, including tropical forests, gardens, plantations, and urban areas. It is particularly fond of areas with abundant flowering plants. In Colombia, it can be found from sea level up to highland regions.
Behavior: This bird is nectarivorous, the Bananaquit feeds on nectar from flowers using its specialized bill. It also consumes fruits, insects, and other small arthropods. It is known for its acrobatic feeding habits, often hanging upside down to access flowers. Bananaquits are not highly social but can be seen in loose groups, especially when feeding. They communicate with a series of high-pitched calls and songs.
Breeding: The Bananaquit builds a small, dome-shaped nest with a side entrance, often constructed from plant fibers. Nests are typically placed in shrubs or trees. The female lays 2 to 3 eggs per clutch, which she incubates for about 12-14 days. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks. In tropical regions like Colombia, they can breed year-round, though there may be peaks during certain seasons depending on food availability.
Conservation Status: The Bananaquit is classified as "Least Concern" by the IUCN.
Distribution
Caribbean Region: The Bananaquit is commonly found in the Caribbean coastal areas, where it inhabits mangroves, coastal forests, and gardens.
Andean Region: This bird is also prevalent in the Andean region of Colombia. It can be found at various elevations, from lowland areas to montane forests, adapting to different types of forested environments.
Pacific Region: In the Pacific region, the Bananaquit inhabits tropical rainforests and is often seen in gardens and plantations.
Orinoco Region: The species is present in the Orinoco basin, where it occupies savannas and gallery forests.
Amazon Region: Although less common in the dense Amazon rainforest, the Bananaquit can still be found in more open areas and forest edges within this region but not so common in the southern part of the Amazonas department.
The Bananaquit is a highly adaptable bird that thrives in a variety of habitats, from urban gardens to natural forests, across Colombia. It is known for its nectar-feeding habits and is often seen flitting around flowering plants.
Taxonomy
The Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves (Birds)
- Order: Passeriformes
- Family: Thraupidae
- Genus: Coereba flaveola
- Species: Coereba flaveola
Vocalization
The bananaquit is a small, colorful bird commonly found in the Caribbean, Central America, and parts of South America. Its vocalizations and behaviors serve several purposes:
Communication: Bananaquits use vocalizations to communicate with each other. Their calls can include a variety of chirps, whistles, and trills. These sounds help them maintain contact with other bananaquits, especially within dense foliage where visual contact might be limited.
Territorial Defense: Males often use vocalizations to establish and defend their territories. By singing or calling, they signal to other males that a particular area is occupied, helping to prevent conflicts and maintain spacing between individuals.
Mating and Courtship: During the breeding season, vocalizations play a crucial role in attracting mates. Males may use specific songs or calls to court females, demonstrating their fitness and suitability as a partner.
Alarm Calls: Bananaquits may produce specific calls to warn others of potential predators or dangers. These alarm calls help alert other bananaquits in the vicinity to be on guard or take evasive action.
