Ornithologists recognize 10 Bananaquit subspecies groups. The “Continental” group occurs from southeastern Mexico to northeastern Argentina, while the other nine groups are found on islands spread across the Caribbean Sea. The 10 subspecies groups differ in throat color, which can be white, gray, or black; the presence of a white wing spot; bill length; back color; and the amount of yellow in the underparts. Some islands, most notably St. Vincent and Grenada, are home to both typical yellow-breasted individuals as well as dark-morph birds that are all black with a slight greenish wash on the breast and rump.
Identification
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Tiny, active, warbler-like bird of tropical and subtropical forest edge, woodland, and gardens. Feeds on nectar and fruit, and in some areas visits bird feeders. Variable plumage across range, especially in the Caribbean, but always note small size and sharp, slightly decurved bill. Most populations have a bold white eyebrow and yellow underparts. Throat color varies from pale gray on mainland (Mexico to South America) to white on some island populations (including Cozumel) or sooty gray (Greater Antilles). Some birds in the Lesser Antilles are entirely black. Song is variable across range but usually high-pitched and scratchy.
Relative Size
About the same size as a Tropical Parula.
sparrow-sized or smallerMeasurements
- Both Sexes
- Length: 3.9-4.3 in (10-11 cm)
- Weight: 0.2-0.5 oz (6.4-14.2 g)
