Small Birds on Bonaire: the Small Five

Do you want to know which birds you can encounter on Bonaire, or have you spotted a small bird on Bonaire that you’d like to learn more about? Below you will find the “Small Five” of Bonaire. Their small size might make them a bit inconspicuous, but their beautiful colors more than make up for it!

Are you a bird enthusiast like us? Join our birdwatching tours and let’s wing it together! Please check out our other tours as well.

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1. Green hummingbird (Chlorostilbon mellisugus)

There are two species of hummingbirds on Bonaire, one red and one green. For convenience, they are often referred to by their color. The green hummingbird (locally known as blenchi in Papiamentu) has a much more appealing name than its official one: blue-tailed emerald. The green hummingbird is an incredibly tiny bird, the smallest on Bonaire. They measure only 8 centimeters (3 inches) in length, including their two-centimeter-long beak. They weigh less than a sugar cube! As the name suggests, the hummingbirds are green, although the females have a grayish belly. In males, the iridescent parts sometimes shimmer spectacularly in the sunlight.

During early morning walks, we encounter the hummingbird frequently, especially during the rainy season when many plants are in bloom. The hummingbirds constantly flit from flower to flower. At each flower, they hover in the air to lick the nectar with their long tongue. If the nectar is deeply hidden within the flower, the bird may pierce a hole at the bottom of the flower to access the nectar.

During the dry season, hummingbirds can be found more frequently in the evergreen gardens of Bonaire. They are not easily frightened and allow people to approach them calmly. However, they are quite territorial and will drive away other hummingbirds with loud chirping if they come too close! If there are no hummingbirds near your accommodation, you can book a photography tour with us!

2. Red hummingbird (Chrysolampis mosquitus)

The official name of the red hummingbird is also quite difficult to remember: the Ruby-topaz hummingbird (locally known as dòrnasol in Papiamentu). The red hummingbird is slightly larger than the green hummingbird: 10 centimeters (4 inches). It’s a reddish-brown bird, but in the case of males, their heads turn bright red in the sunlight. The yellow throat spot also glows brightly. The female has a grayish-green body but retains the characteristic red color on the underside of its tail.

The red hummingbird is less commonly seen, because it is a bit more shy and doesn’t often show up in gardens. Besides nectar, hummingbirds also eat small insects, as they require proteins as well. Young hummingbirds grow up in small cup-shaped nests and are fed (in addition to nectar) with plenty of insects to support their growth.

Hummingbirds are excellent fliers, beating their wings dozens of times per second and even capable of flying backward. Flying consumes a lot of energy, which explains their sugar-rich diet.

Haven’t had your fill of hummingbirds yet? Then check out our photoblog about The Hummingbirds of Bonaire!

3. Saffron Finch (Sicalis flaveola)

Saffron finches (locally known as Saffraanvink in Papiamentu) are bright yellow birds that brighten up many gardens with their presence. The male has a saffron-colored cap on its head. They often come in pairs and happily chatter together. Occasionally, the male sings a rolling whistling concert. They mainly feed on seeds and can crack seeds and pits with their typical finch beaks.

The saffron finch is not native to Bonaire. This bird appeared in Kralendijk in the 1990s and has now conquered the entire island. It is suspected that they escaped from captivity and thus colonized the region.

4. American Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia)

A yellow bird that does belong on Bonaire is the yellow warbler (locally known as para di misa in Papiamentu). This insect-eater can be recognized by its long, pointed beak. The male, like the saffron finch, has a reddish-brown cap, but it also has vertical brown stripes on its chest.

The yellow warbler has a beautiful song but spends its days mainly searching for food in the bushes. It thoroughly inspects twigs one by one and is hardly distracted by humans. This is one of the least shy birds on the island.

Yellow warblers are remarkably territorial. Therefore, they are often seen near car mirrors, where they fiercely flutter and peck at their own reflections for minutes on end. It is an interesting and amusing behavior to observe. After a while, we do chase them away from the mirror because this behavior is, of course, a waste of energy.

Another small bird on Bonaire that exhibits this behavior is the black-faced grassquit (also known as masked finch, Tiaris bicolor), a small black bird. The male is black with an olive-green back, while the female is gray in color. These adorable birds are featured in the garden birds of Bonaire.

5. Ground dove (Columbina passerina)

The Ground Dove (locally known as totolika in Papiamentu) has a fitting name. This small dove is always found on the ground. It is a beautiful bird, about the size of a sparrow. The little doves are brown with black stripes on their flanks. The male appears to have luminescent purple scales on its head, which is stunning to see!

Ground doves are not shy and are frequently seen on sandy roadsides and pathways, where they search for food. During our Tours on Bonaire, we often come across them. They are true foragers and seem reluctant to fly. If a ground dove is sitting on the path during a hike, it flutters up only to land a few meters away on the path again. This pattern may repeat several times before the bird realizes that this strategy doesn’t work. Eventually, it flies off the path and into the bushes.

The most visible bird on Bonaire is the bananaquit (Barika hel in Papiamentu). This small yellow bird is featured in the garden birds of Bonaire.

A Tour with HopiBonaire

On a tour with HopiBonaire, you explore Bonaire’s highligts, but also the most remote and beautiful spots on Bonaire. Plus, you will be out with just your own group, creating an intimate and personal experience at your own pace.

All our tours can be customized to your preferences. Ready to join us on an adventure? Check out our tours.

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