High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the emerald embrace of the rainforest meets the crisp kiss of cloud forests, thrives a songster of subtle beauty, the Buff-throated Saltator. This captivating bird, with its melodious calls and distinct plumage, is a delightful resident you might encounter during your stay at our mountain retreat.

A Seed-Eating Serenade

Classified as a tanager (Thraupidae family), the Buff-throated Saltator is a seed specialist. Their stout, conical beaks are perfectly adapted for cracking open the toughest seeds, making them frequent visitors to fruiting trees and flowering shrubs. But these feathered foragers are far from silent diners. The males, with their slate-grey heads and olive-green backs, are renowned for their melodious duets. Listen closely, and you might be charmed by their warbled “cheery cheery” calls, often answered with a sweet “cheery to you.”

A Patch of Buff and a Flash of White

While the Buff-throated Saltator may not boast the most vibrant plumage, its coloring is a study in subtle elegance. The namesake feature is a patch of buff on the throat, bordered by a striking black mustache-like stripe. This patch adds a touch of warmth to their otherwise cool-toned body. The head is a handsome slate-grey, adorned with a crisp white eyebrow that extends like a question mark above their eye. Their upperparts are a soft olive green, transitioning to a light grey on the underparts, which deepens to a warm buff on the lower belly.

A Forest Favorite

The Buff-throated Saltator prefers the embrace of the humid lowlands. They are most commonly spotted in forest edges, second-growth woodlands, and even plantations. While not the shyest of birds, they tend to forage quietly amongst the leaves, making their presence known primarily through their melodic calls. Keen birders can look for them perched on branches, meticulously cracking open seeds or enjoying the bounty of a fruiting tree.

Spotting a Buff-throated Saltator at the Retreat

While sightings are not guaranteed, the mountain rainforests surrounding our retreat offer the perfect habitat for the Buff-throated Saltator. Keep your ears tuned for their delightful calls during your nature walks, and with a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of this charming songster flitting amongst the leaves.

Beyond the Blog

Our knowledgeable naturalists are eager to share their passion for Costa Rican birds with our guests. They can help you identify bird calls, point out hidden avian gems, and offer insights into the fascinating world of these feathered residents. So, pack your binoculars, hone your listening skills, and get ready to be serenaded by the Buff-throated Saltator, a true melody maker of the Costa Rican mountains.

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

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