High in the canopy of our mountain retreat, a burst of sunshine flits between the leaves. It’s the Yellow-backed Oriole, a dazzling songbird that graces the Costa Rican highlands with its presence. This blog post is dedicated to this electrifying resident, a common sight for our guests venturing into the vibrant tapestry of the cloud forest.

A Beacon of Yellow:

The Yellow-backed Oriole lives up to its name. Adults are a spectacle of contrasting colors. Males, and surprisingly, females too, boast a plumage that’s predominantly a brilliant yellow. Imagine a lemon sliced open and brought to life – that’s the intensity of their color. This sunshine hue blankets their back, underparts, and even stretches up their neck.

Black as Night Accents:

But the yellow isn’t the whole story. A sharp contrast comes from the jet black that paints their wings, tail, shoulders, face, and throat. This striking combination creates a stunning visual – a burst of sunshine framed by darkness. It’s a color palette that’s both elegant and eye-catching.

A Songster of the Mountains:

The Yellow-backed Oriole isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s a treat for the ears as well. These birds are gifted vocalists, filling the mountain air with their clear, whistling song. Think of a Spot-breasted Oriole’s melody, but with a dash of Costa Rican flair. In the southern parts of the country, the song takes on a slightly different character, becoming muddier and warbled. No matter the location, their music adds a layer of vibrancy to the mountain atmosphere.

A Family Affair:

Unlike some bird species where the sexes differ greatly in appearance, the Yellow-backed Oriole is sexually monomorphic. This means both males and females share the same dazzling yellow and black plumage. However, eagle-eyed observers might notice a slight difference. The yellow on the females can have a greenish tinge, a subtle hint that sets them apart.

An Agile Insectivore:

These orioles are insectivores, flitting acrobatically through the branches in search of their next meal. Their sharp beaks are perfectly adapted for snatching beetles, caterpillars, and other unsuspecting insects. They’re a vital part of the rainforest ecosystem, keeping insect populations in check.

Finding Your Flash of Sunshine:

The Yellow-backed Oriole is a common resident in the mountain forests of Costa Rica, making them a frequent visitor to our mountain retreat. Keep your eyes peeled for a splash of yellow high in the trees, and you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this dazzling songbird. Listen closely, and you might even be treated to their beautiful melody echoing through the mountains.

So, the next time you’re at our retreat, take a moment to appreciate the vibrant tapestry of life around you. With a little patience and a keen eye, you might just be rewarded with an encounter with the unforgettable Yellow-backed Oriole.

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

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