Hotel Rivel’s mountainous paradise is teeming with vibrant birdlife, each species a unique melody and flash of color woven into the rainforest tapestry. Today, we set our sights on a denizen of the dense undergrowth, the Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager (Habia atrimaxillaris). This little songbird, with its surprising pops of orange and contrasting grays, is a true Costa Rican gem.

A Dazzling Dimorph:

The Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager is a treat for birdwatchers with its distinct sexual dimorphism. Males are the stars of the show, sporting a sleek, sooty-gray plumage with a hint of red on their upperparts. Their defining feature is a bright, salmon-orange throat that bleeds down to their chest, a splash of color that’s hard to miss. Atop their heads lies a hidden crown of orange-red feathers, rarely on display but adding another layer of fiery intrigue.

Females, while lacking the male’s vibrancy, are no less beautiful. They share the same gray upperparts, but their underparts are a more muted, buffy-orange, creating a softer contrast. Both sexes have a characteristic black “mask” that extends across their faces, giving them their namesake.

A Life Lived Low:

Unlike some of their tanager cousins that frequent the rainforest canopy, Black-cheeked Ant-Tanagers are creatures of the understory. They prefer the dense foliage and sheltered areas close to the forest floor, making them a bit more challenging to spot for the untrained eye. However, their presence is often announced by their vocalizations – a series of harsh scolding notes that serve as a call between individuals within a flock.

A Threatened Jewel:

These captivating tanagers are found only on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula and the adjoining eastern shore of the Golfo Dulce. Sadly, their population is classified as Endangered by the IUCN. Habitat loss due to deforestation is the primary culprit behind their decline. Here at Hotel Rivel, we are committed to sustainable practices and environmental conservation efforts, ensuring that future guests can continue to marvel at the Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager and the irreplaceable rainforest ecosystem it calls home.

Tips for Spotting a Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager:

• Keep your eyes peeled for movement: Since they dwell in the undergrowth, look for flashes of color or movement amongst the leaves on the forest floor.
• Listen for their calls: Their scolding vocalizations can be a good indicator of their presence.
• Join a guided nature walk: Our experienced naturalists at Hotel Rivel are adept at spotting these elusive birds and can significantly increase your chances of seeing one.

By protecting this threatened species and its habitat, we safeguard the splendor of Costa Rica’s biodiversity. So, on your next adventure retreat at Hotel Rivel, keep an eye out for the Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager – a dazzling jewel hidden within the rainforest’s emerald embrace.

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

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