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. This is no ordinary bird; it’s a dazzling creature, a splash of color against the verdant backdrop of our mountain retreat.

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A Dazzling Dress Code

Imagine a bird dipped in a soft smoky blue mist. This is the base color of the Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, a medium-sized bird, about the size of a thrush. But wait, there’s more! The head and flanks are washed with a delicate lemon yellow, creating a striking contrast. And then there’s the crown jewel – a prominent crest that adds a touch of royalty.

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

The females are not left behind in style

If the males are the undisputed dandies of the species, sporting the full palette of colors, the females are not left behind in elegance. They share the same basic blue-gray body, but their plumage is slightly duller. Their tails are shorter and lack the intense black of the males, yet they still exude a subtle elegance.

A Life in the Cloud Forest

The Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher is a creature of the heights. Here, in our mountain retreat, you’ll find them flitting among the mossy branches of the cloud forest, at altitudes ranging from 1,850 meters up to the tree line. They are not solitary birds; they are often seen in small groups, their calls – a repeated « chee-chip » – echoing in the fresh mountain air.

A Diet Fit for Royalty

These birds are not picky. They are opportunistic predators, adept at both catching insects on the wing and gleaning fruit. Their sharp eyes spot insects in mid-air, which they then capture with acrobatic dives. But they also have a sweet beak, and when fruiting trees like mistletoe abound, they happily indulge in a delicious berry feast.

Building a Home in Paradise

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

A Sight to Behold

The Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher is a true gem of the Costa Rican mountains. With its magnificent plumage, graceful movements, and charming calls, it’s a bird that will leave a lasting impression. So, keep your eyes open while exploring the trails of our mountain retreat. You might just catch a glimpse of this dazzling avian aristocrat flitting through the trees, a testament to the beauty and biodiversity that Costa Rica has to offer.

Pour plus d’informations, veuillez consulter notre guide complet sur les oiseaux du Costa Rica.