Appreciating and caring for Cayman’s birds will help ensure that future generations will be able to experience the beauty of the Cayman Islands’ local and migratory populations. It is important that we are able to recognise these beautiful creatures and appreciate when to become involved in their protection and care. The following information was sourced from “Birds of the Cayman Islands”, written by Patricia Bradley.
Bananaquit (Bananabird)
Coereba flaveola sharpie
Bananaquits are found throughout the Caribbean, but the bananaquit found in the Cayman Islands is a unique subspecies. It prefers to find its home in dry bushland, but forages and breeds in all habitats. This little bird is a frequent visitor to most gardens and eats mainly nectar from flowers, but it also takes insects and fruits from trees, including Logwood, Buttonwood, and Pop-nut. The bananaquit breeds throughout the year with peaks in spring and summer, constantly building round woven nests with an entrance at the side. It has two to three fledglings.
Yellow-faced Grassquit
Tiaris olivacea
This bird has rebounded well after being severely impacted by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. This low-level grass feeder is our smallest resident bird and is often seen at bird feeders. It lives in disturbed habitats including gardens, open grassy fields, roadsides and scrub bushland. The Grassquit resides in small flocks and likes to use empty bananaquit nests for roosting at night. The adult male has grayish olive green upperparts and a bright orange eyebrow and throat patch surrounded by a black patch on the breast. The female is much duller with a pale yellow eyebrow and throat with no black on the breast.
Protect Cayman’s Wildlife! Make your yard bird-friendly by putting out birdbaths, bird feeders, and building bird houses. For more information, to share your knowledge or if you would like to get involved with the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, please call 749-1121.
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