High in the canopy of the Costa Rican rainforest, a flicker of movement catches your eye. A flash of rufous dives between the leaves, alighting on a branch for a fleeting moment. This is the Rufous Mourner, a captivating resident of the mountain forests you call home during your retreat at our Costa Rican sanctuary.

Despite its name, the Rufous Mourner isn’t known for mournful melodies. Instead, these little enigmas are more likely to surprise you with a sharp “pee-hah” call, especially when encountering something unexpected.

A Change of Identity

For many years, the Rufous Mourner was classified as a cotinga, a group of birds known for their vibrant plumage and elaborate displays. However, recent anatomical studies have revealed a surprising twist. The Rufous Mourner is actually a member of the tyrant flycatcher family, closely related to familiar birds like the Myiarchus flycatchers. This hidden lineage adds another layer of intrigue to this already fascinating creature.

A Master of Disguise

The Rufous Mourner’s plumage is a marvel of simplicity and effectiveness. Its entire body is bathed in a rich, rusty hue, with only a hint of paler coloration around the eyes. This uniform coloring makes it a master of camouflage amidst the verdant foliage of the rainforest canopy.

However, don’t let its subtle appearance fool you. The Rufous Mourner is an agile hunter, adept at sallying forth from its perch to snatch insects, caterpillars, and even small fruits in mid-air. Its sharp eyes and quick reflexes ensure a successful hunt most of the time.

A Family Bird

The Rufous Mourner is a social bird, often seen in pairs or small family groups as they forage through the forest canopy. They may also join mixed-species feeding flocks, working together with other birds to locate and exploit food sources.

Finding Your Rufous Mourner

While the Rufous Mourner isn’t the most common bird in Costa Rica, it’s a delightful sight for those fortunate enough to encounter it. If you keep your eyes peeled during your hikes through the mountain forests surrounding our retreat, you might just catch a glimpse of this rusty wonder flitting through the trees.

Tips for spotting a Rufous Mourner:

• Listen for the call: The loud “pee-hah” call is a good indicator of the Rufous Mourner’s presence.
• Look up! These birds favor the upper levels of the rainforest canopy.
• Patience is key: The Rufous Mourner can be quite still for long periods, so be patient and scan the branches carefully.
• Join a guided bird watching tour: Our experienced naturalists can help you identify the Rufous Mourner and other fascinating rainforest birds.

By following these tips and keeping your eyes peeled, you might just be rewarded with a sighting of this remarkable bird. The Rufous Mourner is a testament to the hidden wonders that await discovery in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica. So, the next time you’re exploring the mountains around our retreat, remember to look up – you might just be surprised by a flash of rust in the emerald embrace of the rainforest.

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

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