High up in the canopy of the Costa Rican rainforest, a flash of bright yellow might catch your eye. This isn’t a flower basking in the dappled sunlight, but the aptly named Yellow Tyrannulet, a tiny songbird with a vibrant personality.
The yellow tyrannulet, classified as Capsiempis flaveola, might be small, but it packs a punch in the cuteness department. At just 10.5-11.4 cm long and weighing a mere 8 grams, this little bird is a true featherweight. Its slender build and short bill give it an almost delicate appearance, perhaps resembling a miniature vireo or warbler to the untrained eye.
But don’t let its size fool you! The yellow tyrannulet is a master of its leafy domain. Its upperparts are a beautiful olive-green, providing excellent camouflage amongst the rainforest foliage. The star of the show, however, is the unmistakable sunshine yellow that blankets its underparts. This vibrant hue makes it a standout amongst the more muted tones of the rainforest understory.
Adding a touch of charm are the whitish or pale yellow supercilia, like delicate eyebrows framing the bird’s eyes. The wings and tail are a dusky brown, subtly edged with yellow feathers, and boast two distinct yellowish wing bars. Interestingly, there’s little difference in plumage between the sexes, though young birds tend to be browner above and a paler shade of yellow below.
A Melodious Duet
The yellow tyrannulet isn’t just a pretty face, it’s also a talented vocalist. Its call is a simple yet charming “pewik,” but where it truly shines is in its duetted song. This synchronized performance consists of a rhythmic “pee-tic-keek” that echoes through the forest, a delightful melody that is sure to capture your attention.
It’s important to note that there’s some geographical variation in both the appearance and vocalizations of the yellow tyrannulet. So, the birds you encounter here at our Costa Rican retreat might have slightly different features or songs compared to their cousins in other parts of the country. This local variation adds another layer of intrigue to this fascinating little creature.
A Life Amongst the Leaves
The yellow tyrannulet is a true rainforest dweller, preferring the upper reaches of the forest canopy. Here, it flits amongst the branches and tangles of vines, a master of acrobatics as it hunts for its favorite food: insects. With a keen eye and a lightning-fast beak, the yellow tyrannulet gleans insects from the leaves and undergrowth, playing a vital role in keeping the rainforest ecosystem healthy.
While you might not see them every day, due to their preference for the higher canopy, keep your eyes peeled during your explorations of the retreat. With a little patience and a good dose of luck, you might just catch a glimpse of this vibrant songbird flitting amongst the leaves, a tiny burst of sunshine amidst the emerald embrace of the Costa Rican rainforest.
Interested in learning more about the birds of Costa Rica? Stay tuned for our next blog post where we’ll explore another feathered friend!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)