High up in the misty canopy of Costa Rica’s mountain ranges resides a little-understood bird with a strikingly sharp beak – the Sharpbill. This unique resident adds another layer of wonder to the vibrant tapestry of life found in our secluded retreat.

While not as flashy as some of its brightly colored neighbors, the Sharpbill’s subtle beauty and intriguing habits make it a fascinating creature to encounter.

A Bird of Mystery

The Sharpbill is a solitary bird, often found perched high in the dense foliage of mature rainforests. Its patchy distribution stretches from Costa Rica down to southern Brazil, making it a true citizen of the Neotropics. Despite its presence, the Sharpbill remains relatively elusive, and scientists are still unraveling the secrets of its life cycle and behavior.

Spotting a Sharpbill

If you’re fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of this special bird during your stay at our mountain retreat, here’s what to look for:

• Size and Shape: Imagine a smallish bird, roughly 6.5 inches long, with a short, stout body and a longish tail.
• Coloration: Its upper parts are a muted olive-green, while the underparts are a pale yellowish white, boldly speckled with dark spots and bars.
• The Distinctive Bill: As the name suggests, the Sharpbill boasts a straight, pointed beak – ideal for its unique feeding style.
• A Hidden Crest: Look closely for a subtle splash of color – a small, erectile orange crest adorns the Sharpbill’s head, though it can be difficult to spot.

A Life in the Trees

Sharpbills are most at home high up in the rainforest canopy, venturing to the forest edge only occasionally. They’re acrobatic foragers, adept at flitting through the branches in search of food. Their diet consists mainly of fruit and a variety of invertebrates, which they glean from leaves and branches.

Another interesting aspect of Sharpbill behavior is their tendency to join mixed-species flocks. These temporary associations with other bird species might offer them increased vigilance against predators or help them locate food sources more efficiently.

Listen for the Whistle

While spotting a Sharpbill can be a challenge, their distinctive song can be a helpful clue to their presence. Listen for a long, descending whistle, a sound that carries through the mountain air and might just lead you to this intriguing resident of the cloud forest.

A Glimpse into the Unknown

The Sharpbill is a reminder that there’s still so much to discover in the natural world. Here, in the heart of the Costa Rican mountains, our retreat offers a unique opportunity to encounter this little-known bird and appreciate the beauty of a life lived amidst the mysteries of the rainforest.

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