High in the canopy of Costa Rica’s misty mountains, a master of disguise hides in plain sight. The Ocellated Poorwill (Nyctiphrynus ocellatus) is a captivating nightjar, a group closely related to nighthawks, that thrives in the hidden world of the rainforest after dark.

While you won’t find this bird basking in the morning sun, spotting one during your twilight adventures at our Costa Rican retreat is a distinct possibility. So, let’s delve into the fascinating world of the Ocellated Poorwill, a creature that embodies the secretive magic of the Costa Rican night.

A Cryptic Costume:

The Ocellated Poorwill’s name itself hints at its remarkable camouflage abilities. “Ocellated” refers to eye-like spots, and these are precisely what this bird utilizes to blend seamlessly into the dappled light and shadows of the rainforest. The brown morph, the most common in Costa Rica, boasts dark grayish-brown feathers adorned with tiny black speckles. These spots, particularly those on the belly, bear an uncanny resemblance to eyes, effectively breaking up the bird’s outline and making it practically invisible when perched on a branch.

There’s also a rufous morph, a beautiful variation where the brown is replaced by a rich, reddish hue. But no matter the color scheme, the Ocellated Poorwill possesses an impressive talent for vanishing into thin air, a skill crucial for a nocturnal predator.

A Nocturnal Hunter:

As dusk descends and the forest awakens with the symphony of nocturnal creatures, the Ocellated Poorwill emerges from its roost. With large, black eyes perfectly adapted for low-light vision, it takes flight on silent wings in search of prey. Their diet consists primarily of insects, particularly moths, beetles, and flying termites. Their wide gape and long rictal bristles – hair-like structures around the beak – help them snatch prey mid-air with impressive agility.

A Song in the Night:

While their visual camouflage is remarkable, the Ocellated Poorwill’s song is equally intriguing. Listen closely during your nighttime explorations, and you might be rewarded with a haunting, single note – a long, wavering “PEEur” that resonates through the rainforest. This melancholic call, sometimes described as sounding like a plucked string, is the male’s way of attracting a mate and defending his territory.

A Glimpse into the Rainforest Night:

The Ocellated Poorwill is a reminder that Costa Rica’s magic extends far beyond the vibrant flora and fauna of the daytime. By venturing out after dark, you enter a hidden realm teeming with life, and the Ocellated Poorwill, with its cryptic beauty and otherworldly calls, is a captivating ambassador to this nocturnal world.

So, keep your eyes peeled (and ears tuned) during your twilight walks at our retreat. You might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of this master of disguise, a fleeting vision in the rainforest night.

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