Wildlife Around You
At Sabalo Lodge, wildlife is not something you search for — it finds you. Day and night, animals move freely between the jungle and the lodge. Some stay hidden, others appear just a few steps from your cabin or tent. These videos are real moments captured by our cameras and guests. No staging, no guarantees — just the jungle as it truly is.
Bananaquit - Bananaquit
A lively small bird recorded at Sabalo Lodge, Costa Rica, showing its characteristic curved bill and bright yellow belly as it moves among flowers and foliage.
<p><strong>Bananaquit (Coereba flaveola)</strong> is a small, active bird commonly found in the tropical Americas. It is easily recognized by its curved bill and bright yellow underparts contrasted with dark upperparts.</p><p><strong>Diet:</strong> The bananaquit primarily feeds on nectar, using its slender, curved bill to probe flowers. It also consumes small insects and fruits, making it an important pollinator in its ecosystem.</p><p><strong>Habits:</strong> This species is highly active and often seen flitting among flowers and foliage. It is known for its sharp, high-pitched calls and can be quite territorial, especially around feeding sites.</p><p><strong>Habitat:</strong> Bananaquits inhabit a variety of environments including gardens, forest edges, plantations, and scrublands. They are adaptable and often thrive in human-altered landscapes.</p><p><strong>Geographic distribution:</strong> The bananaquit is widespread across the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. Its range extends from Florida and the Bahamas through the West Indies to northern Brazil and Venezuela.</p><p><strong>Interesting facts:</strong> Despite its name, the bananaquit does not eat bananas but is named for its banana-yellow belly. It builds a distinctive dome-shaped nest with a side entrance, often suspended from tree branches or shrubs.</p><p><strong>Sources:</strong><br><ul><li><a href="https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bananaquit/overview">All About Birds - Cornell Lab</a></li><li><a href="https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22722465/131992669">IUCN Red List</a></li><li><a href="https://neotropical.birds.cornell.edu/Species-Account/nb/species/banqui1/overview">Neotropical Birds Online</a></li></ul></p>
Where: Sabalo Lodge, Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica
https://sabalolodge.com/en/animals/bananaquit-27