In the high mountains of Costa Rica, where the air thins and the emerald embrace of the cloud forest refreshes you with a vivifying touch, resides a true avian aristocrat: the Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher. It is not just any bird; it is a dazzling creature, a brushstroke of color against the emerald green backdrop of our mountain retreat.

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A Dazzling Attire

Imagine a bird immersed in a soft bluish-gray mist. That is the base color of the Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, a medium-sized bird, about the size of a blackbird. But wait, there’s more! The head and flanks are bathed in a delicate wash of lemon yellow, creating a striking contrast. And then there’s the crowning jewel: a prominent crest that adds a touch of royalty.

But the most notable feature, the one that gives this bird its name, is the tail. It is long, oh yes, very long, even surpassing the length of the body. This elegant appendage is a deep black, making the bird instantly recognizable as it glides through the mountain forests.

The Females Don’t Fall Behind in Style

While the males are the undisputed dandies of the species, sporting the full palette of colors, the females don’t fall behind in elegance. They share the same bluish-gray base body, but their plumage is slightly more muted. Their tails are shorter and lack the deep black of the males, yet they still exude a discreet elegance.

A Life in the Cloud Forest

The Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher is a creature of the heights. Here, in our mountain retreat, you will find them flitting among the mossy branches of the cloud forest, at altitudes ranging from 1,850 meters to the forest boundary. They are not solitary birds; they are often seen in small flocks, their songs (a repeated «chi-chip») resonating in the fresh mountain air.

A Diet Fit for Royalty

These birds are not picky. They are opportunistic predators, skilled at both catching insects in flight and gathering fruits. Their keen eyes spot insects in the air, which they then capture with acrobatic beaks. But they also have a taste for the sweet, and when fruit trees like mistletoe abound, they delight in a delicious feast of berries.

Building a Home in Paradise

When breeding season arrives, the Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher puts its artistic talent to another use. The pair builds a beautiful cup-shaped nest, meticulously woven with lichens. This nest can be found between 2 and 18 meters above the ground, safely hidden in the branches of an imposing tree. Sometimes, these nests are built in scattered colonies, creating a mini community high in the canopy.

A Spectacle to Behold

The Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher is a true jewel of the Costa Rican mountains. With its magnificent plumage, graceful movements, and enchanting songs, it is a bird that will leave a lasting impression. So keep your eyes wide open as you explore the trails of our mountain retreat. You might catch a glimpse of this dazzling avian aristocrat flying among the trees, a testament to the beauty and biodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer.

Para obtener más información, consulte nuestra guía completa sobre las aves de Costa Rica.