High in the mountain forests of our Costa Rican retreat, a flash of emerald catches your eye. It’s the Black-throated Green Warbler, a tiny songbird that brings a touch of sunshine into the lush foliage. This vibrant visitor graces our mountain cloud forests during its migratory journey, and its presence is a delight for birdwatchers.
A Dazzling Distinction
The Black-throated Green Warbler (Setophaga virens) is a medium-sized warbler, typically measuring just 4.5 inches long. While many warblers are known for their dazzling plumage, the Black-throated Green Warbler offers a subtle elegance.
- Males: Look for a bird with a bright yellow face, contrasting with olive-green cheeks and crown. The star of the show is the namesake black throat and upper breast, which transitions to black streaks on the flanks.
- Females: Duller than the males, they lack the extensive black on the throat. However, they share the olive-green upperparts, yellow face markings, and white underparts with dark streaks.
A Life Amongst the Leaves
These active and agile birds are insectivores, flitting through the upper canopy in search of a tasty meal. Their short, pointed bills are perfect for gleaning small insects hidden amongst the leaves of tall trees.
During the breeding season further north, males become territorial and sing a distinctive song, sometimes described as “trees trees, I love trees!” Here in Costa Rica, you’ll likely encounter them during their migration between their breeding grounds in eastern North America and their wintering grounds in Central America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
A Bird of Many Forests
While the Black-throated Green Warbler frequents our mountain retreat, it’s adaptable to a variety of habitats. Their breeding grounds encompass coniferous and mixed forests, and even cypress swamps along the southeastern coast of the United States. During migration, they can be found in woodlands and edges, always seeking out areas with tall trees.
A Transient Treasure
Spotting a Black-throated Green Warbler at our Costa Rican retreat is a fleeting treat. These little bundles of sunshine grace us with their presence for a short while before continuing their migratory journey. But their vibrant beauty and lively presence leave a lasting impression, reminding us of the wonders that flit through our mountain forests.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Black-throated Green Warbler during your stay at our mountain retreat. You might just catch a glimpse of this dazzling songbird amongst the emerald embrace of the Costa Rican cloud forest!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
