High in the misty mountains of Costa Rica, amidst the rustling leaves and dappled sunlight, resides an unassuming resident – the Mountain Elaenia (Elaenia frantzii). This small flycatcher, belonging to the tyrant flycatcher family, might not be the most vibrant bird you encounter at our retreat, but its subtle charm and fascinating habits make it a delightful addition to our mountain ecosystem.

Spotting a Mountain Elaenia

Standing at just around five inches tall, the Mountain Elaenia is a relatively inconspicuous bird. Its plumage is an olive-brown above, transitioning to a pale yellow on its underparts. Unlike its close relative, the Yellow-bellied Elaenia, it lacks a prominent crest, giving its head a rounder appearance. Look for a whitish eye-ring and prominent white edges on its wings to help you distinguish it from other flycatchers.

These birds prefer the quiet corners of our mountain retreat. You might find them perched on branches at the forest’s edge, in overgrown clearings, or even pastures with scattered trees. They tend to be fairly upright and still, occasionally sallying forth to snatch a berry or insect mid-flight. Their movements are often described as fluttery, adding to their endearingly unassuming character.

A Life in the Mountains

The Mountain Elaenia is a true highland specialist. They breed at elevations between 1,200 and 2,900 meters (3,900 and 9,500 feet), favoring the cool, damp embrace of wet mountain forests. Here, they build cup-shaped nests from moss, liverworts, and lichens, often tucked high up in a tree or bamboo stalk. The female takes the lead in nest construction and incubation, laying two cinnamon-blotched whitish eggs that hatch after roughly two weeks.

During winter months, the Mountain Elaenia descends to slightly lower elevations, around 600 meters (2,000 feet). They might also exhibit seasonal movements within their mountain range.

A Glimpse into the Mountain Ecosystem

While not the flashiest bird you might encounter, the Mountain Elaenia plays a vital role in the health of our mountain forests. As insectivores, they help control insect populations, keeping the ecosystem in balance. Their diet also includes berries, making them important seed dispersers, ensuring the regeneration of plant life.

So, the next time you’re exploring the hidden trails of our mountain retreat, keep an eye out for the Mountain Elaenia. This little bird’s quiet presence is a testament to the rich biodiversity that thrives in the heart of Costa Rica’s mountains.

Listen closely: You might even be lucky enough to hear their subtle vocalizations – a short, whistled “pee-pee-pee” or a dry, trilling chatter.

Birdwatching Tip: Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to spot Mountain Elaenias, as they tend to be more active during these periods.

We hope this blog post has piqued your interest in this fascinating mountain resident. Stay tuned for our next post, where we’ll explore another feathered wonder gracing the skies of Costa Rica!

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

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)