Deep within the humid forests of Costa Rica, hidden amongst the dense foliage, lives a rather elusive bird: the Zeledon’s Antbird. This nondescript antbird, named after the renowned Costa Rican ornithologist José Cástulo Zeledón, presents a fascinating challenge for birdwatchers seeking to add it to their life list.

Appearance and Identification:

The Zeledon’s Antbird is a rather large and chunky bird, with males sporting an entirely black plumage and females a dark brown coat. Their most striking feature is the pale blue skin around their eyes, visible on both sexes.

Identifying these birds primarily relies on their vocalizations. They have a loud and distinctive song, described as a series of even whistled notes, often repeated in quick succession. Additionally, they tend to move their tails slowly up and down, offering a visual clue to their presence.

Habitat and Behavior:

Zeledon’s Antbirds prefer the dark understory of lowland humid forests, typically found at elevations below 1,000 meters. Their range extends from Nicaragua to Panama, and they can also be spotted in the Chocó region of western Colombia and Ecuador.

These antbirds are not obligate ant-followers, unlike some of their relatives. However, they often take advantage of the commotion caused by army ant swarms, readily snatching up insects flushed out by the ants’ activity. They are also known to occasionally join mixed-species flocks as they forage through the forest.

Where to Find Zeledon’s Antbird in Costa Rica:

While not as widespread as some other Costa Rican birds, Zeledon’s Antbirds can be found in several locations throughout the country. Some of the best places to look for them include:

• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: This renowned cloud forest offers excellent opportunities to spot Zeledon’s Antbirds in the dense undergrowth.
• Corcovado National Park: This vast park on the Osa Peninsula provides another potential habitat for these elusive birds.
• La Selva Biological Station: Situated in the lowlands near Puerto Viejo, this research station offers a chance to encounter Zeledon’s Antbirds in a pristine rainforest environment.

Tips for Birdwatchers:

Due to their cryptic nature and preference for the forest understory, spotting Zeledon’s Antbirds requires patience and a keen ear. Here are some helpful tips:

• Focus on listening: Their loud and distinctive song is the best way to locate them.
• Pay attention to mixed-species flocks: These groups of birds often attract Zeledon’s Antbirds.
• Look for the tail movement: The slow, up-and-down motion of their tails can betray their presence.
• Seek the help of local guides: Experienced birding guides can significantly increase your chances of spotting this challenging bird.

By following these tips and exploring the appropriate habitats, dedicated birdwatchers can add the elusive Zeledon’s Antbird to their Costa Rican birding list, adding a touch of accomplishment to their rainforest adventure.

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

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