Here at Hotel Rivel, nature’s symphony surrounds you. From the melodic calls of the toucan to the rhythmic drumming of the woodpecker, Costa Rica’s avian residents fill the air with a chorus unlike any other. Today, we turn our spotlight to a familiar sight in the Costa Rican mountains – the Brown Jay.
A Chocolate-Feathered Charmer
Aptly named, the Brown Jay is a sight to behold. Imagine a bird dipped in rich, dark chocolate, with a hint of pale grey peeking through on its underbelly. This handsome fellow boasts a long tail and a sturdy black beak, perfect for cracking open seeds and nuts.
Look closer, and you might spot subtle variations depending on where you are in Costa Rica. Northern Brown Jays tend to be a more uniform dark brown, while their southern counterparts sport a bright white belly and tail tips. No matter the region, both populations share a distinctive feature – bright yellow eyes in juveniles, a feature that fades to a more subdued brown in adults.
A Vocal Communicator
The Brown Jay is far from shy. Their presence is often announced by their loud, clear calls, a series of “kleer, kleer, kleer” notes that echo through the forest. These vocalizations are a form of communication within the flock, keeping members in touch and potentially serving as warnings of danger.
A Cooperative Crew
Brown Jays are highly social birds, rarely venturing out alone. They form close-knit flocks, working together to find food and defend their territory. This cooperative spirit extends to their nesting habits. Brown Jays are known for their unique breeding system, where several females may lay eggs in a single nest built by the entire group. The chicks are then fed by all the adults, ensuring a higher survival rate for the offspring.
A Forager’s Feast
These adaptable birds are not picky eaters. Their diet consists of a diverse menu, including insects, lizards, fruits, and seeds. They’re particularly fond of nectar, making them frequent visitors to flowering trees and shrubs. You might even spot them at our hotel feeders, snatching a quick snack before flitting off on their next adventure.
A Costa Rican Gem
The Brown Jay is a ubiquitous and vital part of the Costa Rican ecosystem. Their intelligence, social behavior, and vibrant presence make them a true pleasure to observe. Whether you catch a glimpse of them flitting through the trees or hear their boisterous calls echoing in the distance, the Brown Jay adds another layer of wonder to your Costa Rican experience.
Keep an eye out for these fascinating feathered friends during your stay at Hotel Rivel. They’re sure to add a touch of Costa Rican charm to your nature retreat!
For more information, please view our comprehensive guide about the birds of Costa Rica
This post is also available in: Français (French) Español (Spanish)