The little bird in this painting is a favorite bird from the Caribbean Islands. She is known as the Bananaquit. In Puerto Rico the bird is called the “renita” or little queen. These small birds can be seen even in the city. I have a special fondness for this bird, since I grew up on the island of Puerto Rico. I loved seeing them fly around my yard. Their favorite place to stop was the banana flower to get a sip of nectar.

 

The architecture in the city of old San Juan provides the perfect perch for this “little queen” before she flits off. The ornate lamp gives the bird a sense of regalness. The flowering tree matches her yellow chest.