High up in the lush canopy of the Costa Rican mountains, a vibrant burst of color catches your eye. It’s the Black-tailed Flycatcher, a captivating little bird with a personality as bold as its plumage. Here at our mountain retreat, nestled amidst the rainforest’s embrace, sightings of this lively resident are frequent treats.
A Tiny hunter with a Big Appetite
Though unassuming in size, the Black-tailed Flycatcher is a fierce predator. This passerine bird, belonging to the Tityridae family, is a master of the hunt. Perched on a low branch or flitting through the understory, it keeps a keen eye on its surroundings. With a sharp flick of its tail and a burst of agile movement, it snatches insects mid-air, never missing a beat.
A Blaze of Yellow and a Whisper of a Call
The Black-tailed Flycatcher is a sight to behold. Its upper body is a beautiful olive-green, contrasting with a bright yellow rump that flashes like a beacon as it flits about. The underparts are a pale gray, and true to its name, the tail is a sleek black. But this little bird isn’t all about good looks. It has a distinct vocalization, a dry “whit” call that pierces the rainforest soundscape. Listen closely, and you might be lucky enough to catch its song, a series of short, whistled notes.
Following the Forest’s Edge
While you might encounter the Black-tailed Flycatcher at our mountain retreat, it prefers slightly different habitats than some of its close relatives. Unlike the Whiskered Myiobius, which ventures deep into the rainforest’s heart, the Black-tailed Flycatcher is more at home on the forest’s edge. It thrives in secondary growth areas and often frequents areas near water sources. So, keep your eyes peeled as you explore the trails around the retreat, you might just spot this little hunter perched on a branch, keeping a watchful eye for its next flying meal.
A Social Butterfly (of the Bird Kind)
The Black-tailed Flycatcher isn’t always a solitary soul. While you might see it perched alone, it’s also quite social. It often joins mixed-species flocks, flitting about with a diverse group of birds as they forage through the understory. This behavior offers a layer of protection, with the collective vigilance of the flock helping to keep predators at bay.
A Resident to Admire
The Black-tailed Flycatcher is a permanent resident of Costa Rica, gracing the rainforests with its vibrant presence year-round. As you explore the verdant mountains around our retreat, keep an eye out for this little burst of color. With a bit of patience and a keen eye, you might just be rewarded with a glimpse of this fascinating avian acrobat.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
