Definition

Noun 1. A small tropical bird of the honeycreeper family: A "banana quit" is any of several species of small, active birds found in tropical regions of the Americas. They are known for their curved bills adapted for feeding on nectar, though their diet also includes insects and fruit.

Usage

The term "banana quit" is used specifically in ornithology and birdwatching to refer to this group of birds. It is a countable noun. * The banana quit is a common sight in gardens throughout the Caribbean. * We spotted several banana quits feeding on the hibiscus flowers.

Advanced Usage

• The name "banana quit" is sometimes humorously associated with the bird's fondness for sweet foods, including ripe bananas.
• In scientific classification, banana quits belong to the genus (specifically ) or related genera within the family Thraupidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Bananaquit (noun): A common alternative spelling, written as one word.
• Sugar bird (noun): A regional common name for the banana quit, referring to its diet.
• Honeycreeper (noun): The broader family of birds to which the banana quit belongs.

Synonyms

• Coereba flaveola (noun): The primary scientific name for the most widespread species.
• Nectar feeder (noun): A descriptive term for its feeding habit, though this applies to many bird species.

Notes on Meaning

The term refers exclusively to the bird species. It is not used idiomatically or in phrasal verbs.

Noun

1. any of several honeycreepers