As you delve deeper into the mystical cloud forests of Costa Rica’s highlands, keep your ears tuned for a captivating melody. The Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, a resident songster of these lofty realms, might grace you with its enchanting presence.

A Shy Charmer

This little thrush, scientifically named Catharus gracilirostris, is more often heard than seen. A skulking master, it prefers the dense undergrowth of wet mountain oak forests and second-growth woodlands. But don’t let its timidity discourage you. The Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, unlike some of its relatives, is known to be relatively tame and even confiding. With a bit of patience and a keen eye, you might catch a glimpse of this feathered wonder flitting amongst the ferns or hopping on the forest floor.

A Distinctive Look

If fortune favors you, here’s what to look for: a small, overall gray bird with a slightly browner tinge on its back. A black cap adorns its head, and a dark eye adds a touch of definition. The bill, as the name suggests, is black, and the legs follow suit. Interestingly, unlike the Slaty-backed Nightingale-Thrush, the Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush boasts a completely dark eye, a helpful distinction for avid birders.

A Melodious Masterpiece

The true magic of the Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush unfolds when it breaks into song. Imagine a series of simple, flute-like notes, as pure as mountain streams. These melodious phrases are often repeated, creating a calming and almost ethereal soundscape. The song then takes a delightful turn, culminating in a jumbled trill that rises and falls before fading into a blurred whisper.

But the Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush isn’t a one-trick pony. Its repertoire also includes a high-pitched, descending “pseeeeew” call, as well as a thin, penetrating “sic” or “seeet.” Sometimes, you might even hear a short, nasal chattering reminiscent of a wren.

A Life in the Mountains

The Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush is a true highland specialist. You’ll find it thriving at elevations above 1350 meters, often venturing even into patches of scrubbery beyond the timberline. Here, it diligently searches for sustenance, turning the forest litter in true thrush fashion to find insects and spiders. A keen frugivore as well, it readily consumes a variety of small fruits that dot the mountain understory.

An Endemic Enchantment

The Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush holds a special place in Costa Rica’s avifauna. This captivating creature is endemic to the country, meaning it exists nowhere else on Earth. Encountering this little songbird is a true privilege, a chance to connect with a species that embodies the unique beauty of Costa Rica’s mountain cloud forests.

So, as you explore the verdant highlands of Costa Rica, keep your ears open and your eyes peeled. With a little luck, you might just be enchanted by the mesmerizing Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, a tiny ambassador of the mountain realm.

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

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