Bananaquit

/ˌbænənəˈkwɪt/ noun

Definition

A small, colorful tropical bird found in Central and South America and the Caribbean, known for feeding on nectar and insects.

Etymology

From Spanish bananaquit or similar Romance language sources, blending banana (the fruit) + a diminutive or descriptive ending. The bird's name reflects its habitat and feeding habits.

Kelly Says

The bananaquit is one of the few birds that punctures flower nectar sacs from outside instead of entering from the flower's mouth—it literally invented its own way to rob flowers!

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