Here at our Costa Rican mountain retreat, nature’s orchestra plays a constant melody. From the raucous calls of toucans to the delicate whispers of hummingbirds, every day brings a new avian encounter. Today, we turn our focus to a resident songbird, the vibrantly colored Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush (Catharus aurantiirostris).

A Tropical Thrush

The Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush belongs to the Turdidae family, which also includes robins and bluebirds. Measuring a petite 14 cm (5.5 inches) in length, this thrush is a sight to behold. As its name suggests, the most striking feature is the bright orange bill, a vibrant splash against its brown or grey plumage. This fiery beak is complemented by matching orange legs and eye rings, making this thrush a beacon in the dappled sunlight of the rainforest understory.

Northern and Southern Variations

Interestingly, the Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush exhibits slight variations in appearance depending on its location. Birds found in the northern regions of Costa Rica, like the mountains where our retreat is nestled, sport a brown back and cap, contrasting with a whitish chest and belly. Their southern counterparts, however, have a distinctive grey crown and darker chest and flanks.

A Life on the Forest Floor

While some thrushes spend much of their time perched in trees, the Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush is a true denizen of the forest floor. Here, amongst the fallen leaves and decaying logs, it tirelessly searches for its sustenance. Insects, particularly beetles and worms, make up the bulk of its diet. It also supplements its meals with fruit, adding a touch of sweetness to its insectivorous lifestyle.

A Song Less Ordinary

Unlike its melodious thrush cousins, the Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush’s song is a less classically beautiful affair. Described as a “nasal, slurred whaaaaa,” it’s certainly unique. However, this doesn’t make it any less interesting! This distinctive call, often delivered from a hidden perch in the undergrowth, is a sure way to identify this thrush as you explore the rainforest.

A Common Yet Elusive Sight

The good news for birdwatchers is that the Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush is a fairly common resident in Costa Rica. You might encounter it in a variety of habitats, including subtropical and tropical dry forests, moist lowland and montane forests, and even heavily degraded former forests. However, its preference for the dense understory can make it a bit challenging to spot. Keep your ears tuned for its unusual call, and with a little patience, you might just catch a glimpse of this vibrant thrush flitting amongst the forest floor debris.

See it for Yourself at our Mountain Retreat

The next time you visit our Costa Rican mountain retreat, take some time to explore the rainforest trails. With a little luck, you might just encounter the Orange-billed Nightingale-Thrush, a flash of orange amidst the emerald embrace of the rainforest.

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

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)