If there is a ruler to the roost in the area, it is the Tropical Mockingbird - sometimes seen in pairs but often alone, other birds typically stay a safe distance from it. It is one of my many alarms at night should something happen in the yard as well - they usually nest within the yard, and their warning is distinct on a clear night.
They can often be seen on the ground foraging insects. They have no trouble with mixing some fruit into their diet, either, and are regulars at the feeding area.
To get an idea of how fearless these birds are: Last year, there was a cat that was watching the suspended feeding tray (much as a cat would do); in the blink of an eye two tropical mockingbirds attacked it and knocked it out - I thought they had killed it. The cat lay there for about 15 minutes, got up, and was dazed so much that it ran into a few bricks on the second attack.
Because of this, I think that the mockingbird actually keeps the place safe for the other birds - and if it comes at the cost of a few bananas a day, it is well worth it. The actions of the tanagers around the mockingbird are always amusing; they will take turns attracting the wrath of the mockingbird until it is so driven to distraction that it gives chase to one - leaving the feeding tray to the other tanagers.
It may rule the roost, but the feeder belongs to the tanagers.
Wikipedia reference: Tropical Mockingbird
More of My Pictures: here.
Other Pictures: here.
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