Deep within the emerald embrace of Costa Rica’s rainforests, a symphony of vibrant life unfolds. Among the chorus of exotic birds, the Chestnut-backed Antbird (Poliocrania exsul) plays a subtle yet captivating role. This blog post delves into the world of this fascinating feathered friend, offering tips on identification, habitat, and behavior.

A Distinctive Appearance:

• Size and Build: The Chestnut-backed Antbird is a medium-sized songbird, measuring around 14 centimeters (5.5 inches) in length. It possesses a stocky build with a short tail.
• Coloration: The male boasts a striking contrast of colors. His head, neck, and breast are a deep, almost blackish gray, while his back, wings, and tail are a rich chestnut brown. The female, on the other hand, exhibits a more subdued palette with a brownish-black head and neck that transitions to a warmer brown on the rest of her body.
• The Telltale Sign: Both sexes share a unique characteristic – a patch of pale blue bare skin around each eye. This distinctive feature adds a touch of vibrancy to their otherwise understated appearance.

Habitat and Habits:

• Forest Dwellers: The Chestnut-backed Antbird is primarily found in the dense understory of humid forests. They favor edges, stream banks, and clearings, often flitting amongst the foliage in pairs.
• Foraging Frenzy: True to their name, these birds are insectivores, spending their days actively foraging for ants and other small invertebrates. Their short, powerful legs and sharp beaks are perfectly adapted for navigating the forest floor and extracting prey from hidden crevices.
• A Songful Serenade: The Chestnut-backed Antbird’s song is a melodic sequence of two or three whistles, with the final note dropping in pitch. This distinctive call often serves as the best clue to their presence within the dense rainforest foliage.

Where to Find Them:

The Chestnut-backed Antbird is a widespread resident throughout Costa Rica. While it can be spotted in various locations, some of the best areas for observation include:

• Corcovado National Park: This pristine rainforest offers excellent opportunities to encounter these birds, particularly in the lowland areas.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest: The lush vegetation and diverse insect life of this cloud forest make it another prime habitat for the Chestnut-backed Antbird.
• Central Valley Region: Even within the bustling Central Valley, birders can find these birds in pockets of mature forest and second growth.

Tips for Birdwatchers:

• Patience is Key: As the Chestnut-backed Antbird prefers the understory, spotting them requires patience and keen observation.
• Listen for the Song: Their distinctive call is often the easiest way to locate them within the dense foliage.
• Focus on Edges and Clearings: These areas offer better visibility, increasing your chances of observing their foraging behavior.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can enhance your chances of encountering the Chestnut-backed Antbird, adding a delightful discovery to your Costa Rican birding adventure. So, venture into the heart of the rainforest, listen closely, and allow yourself to be captivated by this understated yet charming denizen of the Costa Rican wild.

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

This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)