High in the Costa Rican mountains, amidst the emerald embrace of the cloud forests, flits a vibrant spark of life. The Slate-throated Redstart, a captivating songbird, graces our highland retreat with its presence, adding a touch of fire to the lush tapestry of nature.

While not as flamboyantly colored as its close relative, the Painted Redstart, the Slate-throated Redstart holds its own charm. This long-tailed warbler, measuring a petite 4.7 inches, boasts a plumage that is both elegant and striking. Its head pops with a deep, rufous coloration that extends down to its back, creating a dramatic contrast with the slate-grey throat that gives the bird its name.

But the true star of the show is undoubtedly the underbelly. Here, in the heart of Costa Rica, the Slate-throated Redstart displays a vibrant yellow breast and belly, a sunny splash against the cool tones of its upper body. This sunshine yellow extends to the vent and the tips of its tail, adding a touch of whimsy to its overall look.

Listen closely as you explore the mountain trails, for the Slate-throated Redstart is not one to shy away from sharing its melodious song. Its vocal repertoire is a delightful medley of sweet notes, sometimes rising and falling in pitch, or ending with a flourish. It’s a song that perfectly complements the serenity of the cloud forest, a light melody woven into the symphony of nature.

While the Slate-throated Redstart can occasionally be spotted in the lowlands, it is a true citizen of the highlands. It favors the cool embrace of evergreen and pine-oak forests, particularly enjoying the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. You might also catch a glimpse of it flitting through the cloud forests of the Andes, its bright colors a welcome sight amidst the mystical mist.

The Slate-throated Redstart is an active little bird, flitting from branch to branch in search of insects. It forages primarily at lower and middle levels of the forest canopy, but don’t be surprised to see it dart down to the forest floor in pursuit of a particularly tempting morsel.

Often seen in pairs, the Slate-throated Redstart is a social creature. It frequently joins mixed-species feeding flocks, flitting amongst a kaleidoscope of other birds as they work together to comb the forest for sustenance.

Here at our Costa Rican retreat, nestled amidst the mountains, we are fortunate to have the Slate-throated Redstart as a regular visitor. Its vibrant plumage and delightful song are a constant source of joy for our guests. So, keep your eyes peeled as you explore the hidden trails, and you might just be rewarded with a sighting of this fiery gem of the cloud forest.

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