High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the air hangs crisp and cool, a flash of reddish-brown catches your eye. It’s the Ruddy Treerunner, a captivating little bird flitting through the mossy branches of the cloud forest. Here at our mountain retreat, nestled amidst this verdant tapestry, these feathered residents are a constant source of delight.

The Ruddy Treerunner, with its scientific name Margarornis rubiginosus, is a member of the Furnariidae family, closely related to ovenbirds. But unlike its oven-building cousins, the Ruddy Treerunner is a true explorer of the upper canopy.

A Rusty Robin with a Touch of Elegance

Standing at a petite 15-16 centimeters (around 6 inches) tall, the Ruddy Treerunner is a compact bird with a surprising amount of personality. Its most striking feature is undoubtedly its plumage. Adults boast a rich, rusty brown upper body, with a hint of reddish chestnut on the wings and tail. This rusty hue is offset beautifully by a creamy white eyebrow and eyering, adding a touch of elegance to its otherwise earthy tones.

The sexes are remarkably similar, so differentiating between them can be a challenge for the untrained eye. But their calls provide a helpful clue. The Ruddy Treerunner’s voice is a sharp “tsit,” often followed by a delightful twittering trill, a melody that echoes through the mountain air.

A Master of the Mossy Labyrinth

Unlike woodcreepers, who use their stiff tails for support as they scale vertical trunks, the Ruddy Treerunner relies on its nimble feet and claws to navigate the intricate world of the upper branches. It expertly hops and creeps along limbs, its soft tail feathers trailing behind.

The Ruddy Treerunner’s preferred habitat is the mossy cloud forest, where it spends its days foraging for a delicious insect feast. It gleans spiders, their eggs, and larvae from the nooks and crannies of bromeliads, mosses, and other epiphytes that adorn the towering trees.

These birds are territorial and can be quite vocal, particularly during the breeding season. They build large, enclosed, oval nests high up in the canopy, often tucked under the protective cover of a thick branch. The nest itself is a marvel of camouflage, crafted from mosses and epiphytes, with a downward-pointing entrance tunnel for added security.

A Birding Adventure Awaits

If you’re an avid birder or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, the Ruddy Treerunner is a Costa Rican treasure waiting to be discovered. Here at our mountain retreat, with its prime location within the cloud forest, you’ll have ample opportunities to spot this vibrant bird flitting amongst the emerald foliage.

So, keep your eyes peeled and your ears tuned! With a little patience and a dash of birding knowledge, you might just find yourself captivated by the charm of the Ruddy Treerunner.

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