general question

[Sue-S]

Please can anyone tell me what a bananacrit and a carib jackal is?

[Steve Wooler]

Hi Sue

I assume you're puzzled by Andrew Poole's post the other day where he referred to these.

The bananacrit is almost certainly the bananaquit - often called the Sugarbird by locals. Guess why? These lovely little birds have black feathers with white streaks and a bright yellow chest and rump. Although one of the most common birds on the island, they are one of my favourites. They can become so tame that they will feed off your table while you're sitting there.

The "carib jackal" is another thing altogether. I can't think what they might be. Sorry!

[Andrew Poole]

Hi Steve, Hi Sue.

A Carib Jackal i was let to believe, was the "Blackbird" like bird (male) Jet black with bright yellow eyes.
every morning the staff left platesof scrambled egg around the edge of the restaurant to stop them pinching the food off the guests plates! as they went up for a second cup of tea!
It didn't work!

Apologise's if this isn't the correct name for them!

i think i may have meant a Carib Grackle

[Steve Wooler]

Aah!!! As soon as you gave the description I knew which one you meant. Often known as blackbird, it is the Carib Grackle (don't know why it didn't twig. Duh!!!)

[Andrew Poole]

Here's what to look out for! http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/johnfirth/bph27.html and http://www.arthurgrosset.com/sabirds/bananaquit.html

I'm dead jealous that you're off to Tobago and i get stuck with Alpes D'Heuz