High in the misty canopy of Costa Rica’s mountain forests, a flash of yellow catches your eye. It’s the Golden-crowned Flycatcher, a stunning resident gracing the upper branches of our cloud forest retreat. This aptly named bird is a true gem, and with a little patience, you might be lucky enough to spot one during your stay.
A Kingly Appearance
The Golden-crowned Flycatcher (Myiodynastes chrysocephalus) lives up to its name with a striking combination of colors. Imagine a bird roughly the size of a robin (around 8.2 inches) with a greenish-brown cloak draped over its back and dusky wings. But look closer, and you’ll see a flash of rusty edging along the wing coverts, hinting at a fiery personality beneath.
The head is where the true majesty lies. A crown of silvery-gray feathers sits proudly, adorned with a hidden treasure – a splash of sunshine yellow partially concealed beneath the gray. This regal touch is further accentuated by a broad, white stripe that runs above the eye, contrasting with a dark mask that stretches across the face. The underparts are a beautiful display of yellow, subtly streaked with olive on the breast and upper belly, completing the picture of a truly elegant bird.
A Life in the Clouds
The Golden-crowned Flycatcher is a creature of the high places. Its preferred habitat is the subtropical or tropical moist montane forests, specifically the cloud forests that cloak Costa Rica’s mountains. Here, amidst the dense foliage and shrouded in mist, the Golden-crowned Flycatcher makes its home.
A Master of the Hunt
This flycatcher is an expert hunter, perfectly adapted to its life in the treetops. With a keen eye and sharp beak, it spends its days perched high on branches, scanning the forest floor for unsuspecting prey. Insects, particularly large ones like grasshoppers and beetles, are its primary targets. Once spotted, the Golden-crowned Flycatcher takes flight with remarkable agility, using its strong wings to snatch its meal mid-air.
A Song of the Mountains
While perched, the Golden-crowned Flycatcher isn’t completely silent. Listen closely, and you might be rewarded with its distinctive call. A sharp “de-wit” or a two-toned “chew-di-wit” repeated every few seconds is its way of communicating with others of its kind.
A Spot of Golden Beauty
The Golden-crowned Flycatcher is a resident breeder in Costa Rica, but due to its preference for higher elevations, it’s unlikely to be seen in the Central Valley region. However, if your Costa Rican adventure takes you into the mountains, keep your eyes peeled for this feathered wonder flitting amongst the trees. With a bit of luck and a keen eye, you might just get a glimpse of this golden gem – a true treasure of the Costa Rican cloud forests.
Interested in learning more about the birds of Costa Rica? Stay tuned for our next blog post where we’ll explore another fascinating feathered resident of our beautiful country.
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
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