High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the air thins and the emerald embrace of the cloud forest chills you with a refreshing touch, resides a true avian aristocrat – the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher. This is not your average bird; it’s a dazzling creature, a splash of color against the verdant backdrop of our mountain retreat.

A Dazzling Dress Code

Imagine a bird dipped in soft, smoky-blue mist. That’s the base color of the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher, a medium-sized bird about the size of a thrush. But wait, there’s more! The head and flanks are awash in a gentle wash of lime-yellow, creating a striking contrast. And then there’s the crown jewel – a prominent crest that adds a touch of regality.

But the most remarkable feature, the one that gives this bird its name, is the tail. It’s long, oh so long, exceeding the length of the body itself. This elegant appendage is a stark black, making the bird instantly recognizable as it flits through the mountain forests.

Females Don’t Miss Out on Style

While the males are the undisputed dandies of the species, sporting the full color palette, the females are no slouches in the fashion department either. They share the same basic blue-gray body, but their plumage is slightly duller. Their tails are shorter and lack the intense black of the males, but they still exude a quiet elegance.

A Life in the Cloud Forest

The Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher is a creature of the high places. Here at our mountain retreat, you’ll find them flitting through the mossy branches of the cloud forest, at elevations ranging from 1,850 meters all the way up to the timberline. They’re not solitary birds; you’ll often see them in small flocks, their calls – a repeated “chee-chip” – echoing through the cool mountain air.

A Diet Fit for Royalty

These birds are not picky eaters. They’re opportunistic foragers, adept at both flycatching and fruit-gleaning. Their sharp eyes spot insects in mid-air, which they then snatch with acrobatic swoops. But they also have a sweet tooth, and when fruiting trees like mistletoe are abundant, they’ll happily indulge in a delicious berry feast.

Building a Home in Paradise

When breeding season arrives, the Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher puts its artistry to another use. The pair constructs a beautiful cup-shaped nest, meticulously woven from lichen. This nest can be found anywhere from 2 to 18 meters above the ground, tucked away safely in the branches of a towering tree. Sometimes, these nests are built in loose colonies, creating a mini-community high up in the canopy.

A Sight to Behold

The Long-tailed Silky-Flycatcher is a true gem of the Costa Rican mountains. With its stunning plumage, graceful movements, and charming calls, it’s a bird that will leave a lasting impression. So, keep your eyes peeled as you explore the trails of our mountain retreat. You might just catch a glimpse of this dazzling avian aristocrat flitting through the trees, a testament to the beauty and biodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer.

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