High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the emerald embrace of the rainforest meets the crisp kiss of cloud forests, resides a vibrant splashes of color – the Black-Thighed Grosbeak. For birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts staying at Hotel Rivel, a sighting of this dazzling songbird is an unforgettable experience.

A Striking Songster

The Black-Thighed Grosbeak (Pheucticus tibialis) is a member of the Cardinalidae family, sharing a distant relation to our beloved Northern Cardinal. This medium-sized songbird, reaching about 8 inches in length, boasts a plumage that is both bold and beautiful.

The male Black-Thighed Grosbeak is a sight to behold. His head, rump, and underparts are a brilliant sunshine yellow, a stark contrast to his olive-edged black back, wings, thighs, and tail. This dramatic color scheme is further accentuated by a massive, triangular grey bill, perfect for cracking open the seeds that make up a large part of his diet.

Females, while lacking the vibrant yellow of the males, are no less striking. They sport a subdued olive-green body with yellowish tinges on the underparts and a hint of yellow on the rump. Both sexes display a prominent white wing bar, a useful field mark for identifying these birds in the wild.

A Life in the Cloud Forest

The Black-Thighed Grosbeak is a resident of the Costa Rican highlands, specifically the cloud forests that cloak the mountain slopes. Here, at Hotel Rivel, you’ll find them in the lush canopy, woodland edges, and even occasionally venturing into our gardens.

These grosbeaks are typically solitary or seen in pairs, flitting through the trees in search of food. Their diet consists mainly of seeds, but they may also supplement their meals with insects and fruit.

A Melodious Encounter

While their striking appearance is sure to grab your attention, the Black-Thighed Grosbeak also possesses a delightful song. Their vocalizations are a series of clear, whistled notes, often described as melodic and fluty.

Keep your ears peeled as you explore the trails around Hotel Rivel. You might just be rewarded with the enchanting melody of this hidden gem of the Costa Rican highlands.

Tips for Birdwatching Success

If you’re eager to spot a Black-Thighed Grosbeak during your stay at Hotel Rivel, here are some helpful tips:

• Head for the Heights: These birds favor higher elevations, so birding excursions in the cloud forest are your best bet.
• Listen Up: Their clear whistles are a great way to locate them before you see them.
• Scan the Canopy: Look for flashes of yellow amidst the green foliage.
• Be Patient: These grosbeaks are not as common as some other birds, so a little patience and persistence can go a long way.

With a little effort and a dash of birding know-how, you might just be lucky enough to encounter the Black-Thighed Grosbeak. This dazzling songster is sure to be a highlight of your nature adventure at Hotel Rivel.

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

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