High in the canopy of our Costa Rican mountain retreat, a burst of orange flickers through the leaves. It’s the Blackburnian warbler, a dazzling songbird gracing our forests with its vibrant presence for a fleeting part of the year. While not native to Costa Rica, these tiny travelers visit our mountain cloud forests during their remarkable migrations.
For birders, a glimpse of the Blackburnian warbler is a treat. The male, in his breeding plumage, is a masterpiece of contrasting colors. His head is a tapestry of black and white, with a bold black cap and mask framing a bright white throat patch. But the true showstopper is the fiery orange that explodes across his face and breast, a blaze that seems to glow even in the dappled light of the forest.
Females and immature Blackburnian warblers are more subdued. They lack the male’s fiery breast, instead sporting a wash of yellow and the same distinctive black-and-white facial pattern. But even in these plumages, the Blackburnian’s elegance shines through.
These little acrobats flit through the highest branches of our tallest trees, flitting and hopping as they glean insects and their larvae from the leaves. Their thin, pointed bills probe every crevice, their sharp eyes missing nothing. Occasionally, they’ll hover for a moment, snatching an unsuspecting insect in mid-air before flitting off to the next branch.
While here in Costa Rica, the Blackburnian warbler is a solitary creature, focused on refueling for its long journey ahead. Their high-pitched, buzzy song, with its characteristic flourish at the end, is more a marker of territory than an invitation to companionship.
The Blackburnian warbler breeds in the eastern regions of North America, spending their summers amongst the coniferous and mixed forests. Come fall, they embark on an epic migration, journeying all the way to the mountains of northern South America, with Costa Rica serving as a crucial rest stop along the way.
Spotting a Blackburnian warbler in our mountain retreat is a privilege. Their vibrant colors and energetic movements make them a joy to watch. But their presence is also a reminder of the interconnectedness of the natural world. These tiny travelers bridge continents, carrying within them the stories of distant forests. So, the next time you’re exploring our mountain trails, keep your eyes peeled for a flash of fire in the trees. You might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the Blackburnian warbler, a magnificent visitor from afar.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
