Welcome back, birding enthusiasts, to another feathered friend gracing our Costa Rican mountain retreat! Today, we turn our gaze to a vibrant gem flitting through the forest canopy – the Shining Honeycreeper.
True to its name, this little tanager is a spectacle. Males boast a dazzling plumage of iridescent sapphire blue, their bodies gleaming like polished stones. Black wings and throat patch add a touch of drama, while the star of the show – bright yellow legs – provide a pop of sunshine.
Females, though lacking the male’s flamboyant blue, are no less beautiful. Cloaked in verdant green, they sport a captivating blue stripe across their cheeks and subtle blue streaks adorning their breasts. Both sexes share a characteristic long, decurved beak – a nectar-sipping specialist!
While the Shining Honeycreeper might favor the upper reaches of the rainforest, keeping an eye out during your nature walks around our retreat might just reward you with a sighting. These sprightly birds also frequent forest edges and secondary growth, so don’t be surprised by a flash of blue darting between the trees.
Listen for their calls – a series of sharp, staccato chirps often punctuated by high-pitched pees. These vocalizations might help you locate these little jewels flitting amongst the leaves.
Shining Honeycreepers are more than just pretty faces; they play a vital role in the rainforest ecosystem. Their curved beaks are perfectly adapted for extracting nectar from flowers, acting as vital pollinators. But their diet isn’t restricted to sweet treats – they also relish a good helping of juicy fruits and the occasional insect.
While not shy, Shining Honeycreepers are rarely seen in large flocks. You’re more likely to encounter them in pairs or small family groups, flitting from branch to branch in a flurry of color.
These little tanagers are a joy to observe, a splash of color against the lush green backdrop of our mountain retreat. They’re a reminder of the vibrant tapestry of life that thrives in the Costa Rican rainforest.
Keep an eye out for the Shining Honeycreeper on your next visit!
Here are some additional interesting facts about the Shining Honeycreeper:
- They are closely related to the Purple Honeycreeper of South America. In fact, the two were once considered the same species!
- Their bright yellow legs are a key distinguishing feature from their Red-legged Honeycreeper cousins, also found in Costa Rica.
- The female builds a shallow cup nest, precariously balanced on a thin horizontal twig. They typically lay two eggs, though details about incubation and chick rearing remain elusive.
We hope you enjoyed learning about this dazzling resident of the Costa Rican rainforests. Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll delve into the life of another fascinating feathered local!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
