High in the mountains of Costa Rica, where the air is crisp and the emerald embrace of the rainforest thins, resides a little-seen gem – the Nutting’s Flycatcher. This member of the tyrant flycatcher family might be challenging to spot, but its presence adds a melodic intrigue to your Costa Rican birding adventure at our mountain retreat.

A Master of Camouflage:

The Nutting’s Flycatcher, named after zoologist Charles Cleveland Nutting, dons a plumage that blends perfectly with its surroundings. Think olive brown on the upperparts, deepening to a darker shade on the head and crest. The underparts reveal a subtle wash of yellow on the belly, further veiled by a greyish breast. Even the tail feathers, though tipped with rufous, maintain an overall muted tone.

While these colors provide excellent camouflage amidst the leaves and branches, a flash of rufous on the wings and a slightly brighter overall appearance compared to similar flycatcher species might give you a fleeting glimpse.

Listen for the Tell-Tale Calls:

Since the Nutting’s Flycatcher is an expert at hiding in plain sight, your best bet for spotting it lies in its vocalizations. This little songbird boasts a distinct repertoire, with two main variations depending on the subspecies.

The form commonly found in Costa Rica, Nutting’s Flycatcher (Myiarchus nuttingi nuttingi), is known for its sharp “wheek” call and a bickering “kwidik-kwidik” sound.

The other subspecies, Ridgway’s Flycatcher (Myiarchus nuttingi inquietus), which tends to favor hedges and semi-open areas further south in Central America, has a different call set, featuring a “wh’beer” note and a rapid “dee-dee-dee-dee” sequence.

A Resident of Diverse Habitats:

The Nutting’s Flycatcher thrives in a surprising range of ecosystems. Here in the Costa Rican highlands, you might encounter it flitting between the trees of semi-arid desert scrub. But its range extends to tropical deciduous forests as well, making it a potential sighting throughout much of the country.

A Glimpse into the Hidden World:

While the Nutting’s Flycatcher might not be the most flamboyant bird you see on your Costa Rican retreat, its secretive nature and unique calls add a layer of intrigue to your wildlife encounters. Keep your ears tuned for its distinctive vocalizations, and with a little patience, you might just be rewarded with a glimpse of this charming inhabitant of the Costa Rican mountains.

Tips for Spotting the Nutting’s Flycatcher:

• Early mornings are prime birding time, as birds are more active.
• Focus on areas with trees and scrub, its preferred habitat.
• Pay attention to sounds, particularly the “wheek” or “wh’beer” calls.
• Bring binoculars for a better look if you spot it perched on a branch.

By following these tips and keeping your eyes peeled (and ears tuned!), you might just be lucky enough to add the Nutting’s Flycatcher to your Costa Rican birding list.

Happy Birding at our Mountain Retreat!

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

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