As the twilight descends upon our mountain retreat, a chorus of nocturnal creatures awakens. Among them, the Buff-collared nightjar, a captivating yet elusive bird, takes center stage. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of this resident, allowing you to appreciate its beauty and the vital role it plays in Costa Rica’s ecosystem.

A Master of Camouflage:

The Buff-collared nightjar, also known as Ridgway’s whip-poor-will (Antrostomus ridgwayi), is a fairly large nightjar, typically ranging from 9 to 11 inches in length. Its plumage embodies the art of camouflage, with a blend of pale grays and browns that seamlessly blend into the forest at dusk. Despite its cryptic coloring, a distinguishing feature is the buff-colored collar adorning the back of its neck, giving it its namesake. This subtle detail might be your only glimpse during the day, as these nocturnal birds are most active after sunset.

Habitat & Distribution:

While primarily found in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua, the Buff-collared nightjar extends its range into the drier regions of northwestern Costa Rica. Here at our mountain retreat, nestled amidst scrubby woodlands and thorn forests, you have a good chance of encountering this fascinating creature.

A Hunter of the Night:

Unlike its daytime bird counterparts, the Buff-collared nightjar relies on exceptional eyesight and hearing to navigate the darkness. Perched on branches at forest edges or hunting from the ground, it becomes a silent predator. Keen eyes allow it to spot flying insects, its main source of food, while its large, wide mouth acts as a net to scoop them up mid-air.

Listen to the Song of the Night:

While spotting a Buff-collared nightjar can be challenging, its presence is undeniable thanks to its distinct call. The male’s song is a captivating performance, a rapid series of accelerating hollow clucks that builds to an emphatic “chee-aa.” This mesmerizing call echoes through the night, a serenade that can be heard from quite a distance.

A Vital Part of the Ecosystem:

The Buff-collared nightjar plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the forest ecosystem. By preying on large quantities of insects, it helps control their populations and prevents outbreaks. This, in turn, protects the vegetation upon which many other creatures depend.

Experiencing the Magic:

While a fleeting glimpse or a haunting call might be all you get during your stay, the Buff-collared nightjar adds a layer of mystery and wonder to the Costa Rican night. Our guided night walks offer the best chance of encountering this nocturnal marvel. Our experienced guides will share their knowledge of the forest and its inhabitants, allowing you to appreciate the beauty and ecological significance of the Buff-collared nightjar.

So, as you settle into the tranquility of our mountain retreat, keep your ears tuned for the enchanting call of the Buff-collared nightjar. This cryptic charmer might just become a highlight of your nocturnal adventures in Costa Rica.

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