Bananaquits (Coereba flaveola) are known as Bakbatitri (Suriname) or Suikerdiefje (Nederland). They are common widespread little birds who are not afraid of other bigger birds (tanagers or flycatchers) They favor nectar from blossoming flowers or the juice from berries. The fearless ones even treat themselves on sugar directly from (coffee) tables. Luckily for us, Kabalebo's bananaquits are either well-behaved birds or they haven't discovered the sugar pot (yet!) The Bananaquit is a small active bird, who usually forages alone or in pairs. For years I have been observing and photographing these tiny agile buddies. Even though I see them on a daily basis, they are still fascinating (just like all the other birds) for me. On many occasions I saw them building nests, but none of them were actually used for nesting. It seems that these birds also make dummy nests as a distraction (smart little fellows) Luckily I was finally rewarded with a real nest. The Bananaquit is an ingenious architect; a handful of dry grass/cotton between 2 branches with side-entrance (so the eggs/chicks are well protected against the sun/rain) The nest was right next to the lodge stairs, so it was easy for me to take notes (after every 2 days): The next day, 22.11.14, they both flew out of the nest. It was indeed a short but educational observation.
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