High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the emerald green rainforest meets the sapphire blue sky, a flash of pink and black might catch your eye. It’s the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, a breathtaking bird known for its acrobatic aerial displays and, of course, its impossibly long, forked tail. While not as common a resident in our mountain retreat as some of our feathered friends, these stunning summer visitors are sure to leave a lasting impression if you’re lucky enough to spot them.

A Flash of Elegance

Imagine a sleek, gray bird with a sharp, black beak. Now, picture this bird with bold black wings edged in crisp white and a belly washed in a delicate salmon pink. The true showstopper, however, is the tail. The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher boasts a tail that’s longer than its entire body, deeply forked like a swallow’s but with pointed, rigid tips. Males sport the longest tails, making them even more dazzling in flight.

Masters of the Mid-Air Circus

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher isn’t just beautiful, it’s a marvel of aerial agility. Perched prominently on fence lines, power lines, or even the occasional treetop, it scans the skies for flying insects, its keen eyes never missing a beat. Once it spots prey, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher launches itself into a breathtaking display. With its long tail acting as a rudder, it twists, turns, and dives with incredible precision, snapping up insects mid-air. The wide spread of the tail during these maneuvers is thought to help with quick changes in direction and maintaining balance during acrobatic pursuits.

A Touch of Texas in the Tropics

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher is actually a summer visitor to Costa Rica, migrating south from its breeding grounds in the southern Great Plains of the United States and northern Mexico. During their stay, they prefer open areas with scattered trees and shrubs, making sightings in our mountain clearings a possibility. If you’re fortunate enough to see a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher here, keep your binoculars handy and watch in awe as this aerial artist puts on a show.

A Symbol of Resilience

The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher faces some challenges. While classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN, its populations are thought to be decreasing. Habitat loss due to agricultural development is a major threat. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these magnificent birds and their ecosystems.

So, as you explore the mountain trails of our Costa Rican retreat, keep your eyes peeled for a flash of pink and black in the sky. With a bit of luck, you might just witness the dazzling aerial performance of the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, a true testament to the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

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

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