High in the cloud-kissed mountains of Costa Rica, where the air thins and the emerald embrace of the rainforest gives way to a cooler, more open realm, lives a little songbird with a splash of sunshine in its wings. This is the Yellow-winged Vireo, a resident gracing the highlands of Costa Rica and western Panama with its vibrant presence.

A Bird of Distinction

Standing at a petite 11.5 cm tall, the Yellow-winged Vireo is a compact bundle of avian charm. Its olive-green upperparts blend seamlessly with the mossy mountainsides, offering natural camouflage. But a closer look reveals pops of color that set this vireo apart.

The most striking feature, as the name suggests, are the wings. Two bold yellow bars slash across the blackish wings, catching the sunlight like brushstrokes on a canvas. This flash of sunshine becomes even more captivating when the vireo takes flight, the yellow transforming into vibrant beacons against the verdant backdrop.

A Master of Disguise (Almost)

The vireo’s face is another canvas of intrigue. A pale yellow supercilium, like a delicately painted eyebrow, sits above an incomplete white eye ring, adding a touch of whimsy. The throat is a crisp white, separating the olive upperparts from the underbelly, which can vary in intensity. Sometimes a bright yellow washes across the belly, while other times it leans towards a paler, whitish hue. Regardless of the shade, a hint of yellow always peeks through, staying true to the bird’s name.

However, don’t let the yellow fool you. The Yellow-winged Vireo can easily be mistaken for a tyrannulet, another group of small insectivores. But a closer look reveals a key difference: the vireo’s bill. Unlike the slender bills of tyrannulets, the vireo has a thicker beak, hinting at its slightly different feeding habits. Additionally, the vireo adopts a more horizontal posture when perched, further distinguishing it from its look-alikes.

A Life in the Canopy

The Yellow-winged Vireo is a creature of the highlands, at home between 2000 meters and the timberline. It favors the lush canopy of mountain forests, flitting amongst the leaves in a tireless search for sustenance. While it primarily gleans insects and spiders from the foliage, it’s not uncommon to see it snatching up small fruits for a sweet treat.

A Social Butterfly (or Rather, Vireo)

The Yellow-winged Vireo isn’t always a solitary soul. While you might spot a lone bird foraging through the branches, it’s just as likely to encounter them in pairs or even joining mixed-species feeding flocks. Here, the vireo mingles with a vibrant cast of other forest dwellers, creating a symphony of feathers and flitting forms.

A Song of the Mountains

The Yellow-winged Vireo’s song is a melodic whisper in the mountain air. Imagine a series of short, slow phrases, each one delivered with a touch of squeaky charm. It’s a song that blends beautifully with the rustle of leaves and the distant trill of unseen creatures, adding another layer to the captivating soundscape of the Costa Rican highlands.

A Treasure of the Cloud Forest

The Yellow-winged Vireo is a special resident of Costa Rica’s mountain highlands. Its vibrant colors, intriguing habits, and delightful song make it a joy to encounter. So, if you find yourself venturing into the cooler embrace of Costa Rica’s cloud forests, keep your eyes peeled for this little flash of sunshine flitting amongst the leaves. You might just be rewarded with a glimpse of this avian gem.

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

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