High in the misty canopy of Costa Rica’s mountain retreats, a flash of brown darts between the emerald leaves. It’s the Brown-billed Scythebill (Campylorhamphus pusillus), a fascinating little bird with a talent for navigating the vertical world.

For those seeking avian encounters during their stay at our Costa Rican retreat, the Brown-billed Scythebill is a delightful resident of the cloud forest. Here’s a closer look at this unique climber:

Appearance:

• Mostly warm brown with a streaked head and breast, resembling a miniature woodpecker.
• The defining feature: a long, dramatically decurved bill. This impressive tool is perfectly adapted for probing crevices and extracting hidden insects.
• Brown eyes and a short tail complete their picture.

Behavior:

• Like other woodcreepers, the Brown-billed Scythebill is a champion climber. It hitches its way up tree trunks and branches, using its strong legs and tail for support.
• Watch for them foraging for insects in the company of mixed-species flocks, flitting amongst the leaves with surprising agility.
• Their song is a distinctive whistled series, often described as “stuttering” compared to other scythebill species.

Habitat:

• Primarily found in the lush cloud forests of Costa Rica, at elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 meters.
• They favor dense vegetation and tall trees, where their climbing skills provide an advantage.
• While primarily a mountain dweller, the Brown-billed Scythebill’s range extends to lower-lying forests in some areas, including the foothills near the retreat.

Spotting Tips:

• Keep an eye out for a small brown bird with a distinctive bill as you explore the forest trails.
• Listen for their whistled song echoing through the trees.
• They often forage alongside mixed-species flocks, so following these groups can lead you to a Brown-billed Scythebill sighting.

Fun Facts:

• The Brown-billed Scythebill is actually a complex of three subspecies, with slight variations in plumage depending on location.
• Their long, decurved bill is perfectly suited for reaching into tight spaces and extracting insects that other birds might miss.
• Despite their small size, these birds are quite acrobatic, often hanging upside down as they explore the undersides of branches.

Encountering the Brown-billed Scythebill at the Retreat:

The cloud forest surrounding our Costa Rican retreat provides the perfect habitat for the Brown-billed Scythebill. With a little patience and a keen eye, you might just spot one of these fascinating climbers flitting through the trees.

So, keep your binoculars handy and listen for their unique song. With a bit of luck, you’ll be adding the Brown-billed Scythebill to your Costa Rican birding list during your stay at our mountain retreat.

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