Even amidst the lush greenery and vibrant hues of our mountain retreat, a splash of color can truly stand out. This week, we turn our binoculars to a resident who brings a touch of sunshine with it – the aptly named Yellow-winged Tanager.

A splash of color in the mountains

This little songbird, averaging around 7 inches in length, might appear rather unassuming at first glance. Its body is a cool, bluish-gray, with darker streaks on its back. But keep an eye out – a flash of bright yellow awaits! The Yellow-winged Tanager gets its name from the unmistakable patch of sunshine yellow that adorns its dusky green wings. This vibrant splash is a surefire way to identify this little feathered friend.

Look closer, and you might also notice a hint of pale lavender gracing the bird’s throat and breast. This subtle touch adds another layer of charm to their overall appearance. Interestingly, juvenile Yellow-winged Tanagers lack this lavender hue, sporting a simpler olive-green head and upper body instead.

A resident of forest edges and friendly visitor

The Yellow-winged Tanager is a neotropical bird, meaning its range stretches across Central and South America. Here in Costa Rica, you can find them throughout the lowlands and foothills on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. They’re particularly fond of forest edges and woodlands, but they’re also happy to explore semi-open areas, making our mountain retreat with its scattered trees quite attractive to them.

While not the most common visitor to our central areas, they are known to occasionally grace us with their presence, especially near fruiting trees. They’re primarily frugivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of various fruits and berries. So, if you happen to see a Yellow-winged Tanager perched on a branch, take a closer look – it might be enjoying a delicious mountain treat!

Finding your flash of sunshine

Yellow-winged Tanagers tend to favor the mid-to-upper levels of trees, so keep your eyes peeled when exploring the trails around our retreat. They’re not the shyest birds, and you might even see them perched on phone lines or wires, offering a quick glimpse of their vibrant wings.

Their calls are similar to those of the Blue-gray Tanager, another resident of our mountain haven. But with a little patience and a keen eye, you’ll be able to distinguish the Yellow-winged Tanager by its unique color scheme.

So, the next time you’re relaxing on your balcony or exploring the trails, keep an eye out for this little burst of sunshine. The Yellow-winged Tanager might just surprise you with its vibrant presence, adding another delightful touch to your Costa Rican birding experience.

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