High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the air is crisp and the emerald expanse stretches as far as the eye can see, resides a tiny bird with a fiery secret – the Flame-throated Warbler. Here, at our mountain retreat nestled amidst the Talamancan Range, you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this vibrant songbird flitting through the canopy.

Standing at a petite 4.7 inches tall, the Flame-throated Warbler is a marvel of contrasting colors. Its slate grey upperparts, almost black on the back, lores, and around the eye, create a sharp contrast with the vibrant burst of orange adorning its throat and breast. This fiery patch, reminiscent of a flickering flame (hence the name!), extends down to the upper belly, where it gives way to a clean white.

While the males boast a slightly more extensive black mask, the plumage of both sexes is quite similar. Juveniles, however, lack the fiery vibrancy of the adults. Their upper parts are a duller brown, and their underparts are washed in a muted tone, with only a faint hint of the fiery blaze to come.

Listen closely as you explore the mountain trails. The Flame-throated Warbler’s call is a sharp “chit,” a quick burst of sound that might pique your curiosity. But if you’re truly fortunate, you might be treated to their unique song – a buzzing melody that starts with a clear “pi pipipipi” before ending in a drawn-out “shwaaaa.” It’s an unforgettable sound, perfectly complementing this little bird’s fiery personality.

Habitat:

The Flame-throated Warbler is a resident breeder in the Talamancan montane forests, which is precisely where our retreat is located! They prefer the upper canopy, woodland edges, and clearings with trees, typically dwelling between 2,100 meters (6,900 feet) up to the timberline. During the wet season on the Caribbean slope, they might descend as low as 1,400 meters (4,600 feet).

Keep your eyes peeled!

While these little firecrackers can be challenging to spot due to their size and preference for the upper canopy, their vibrant plumage and unique song can give them away. With a little patience and a keen eye, you might just catch a glimpse of the Flame-throated Warbler flitting through the trees, a flash of fire against the emerald backdrop of the Costa Rican highlands.

Further Exploration:

If you’re interested in learning more about the Flame-throated Warbler or other avian residents of Costa Rica, be sure to chat with our on-site naturalists. They’ll be happy to share their knowledge and help you spot these feathered wonders during your stay at our mountain retreat.

So, come explore the cloud forests of Costa Rica with us! With a little luck, you might just encounter the dazzling Flame-throated Warbler, a fiery token amidst the cool mountain air.

For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica